Bits and Pieces of Roxie

More Fun in the Philippines #3

2012-01-24T12:33:00.004+14:00

My take on the It's more fun in the Philippines campaign of the Department of Tourism. This picture was taken at Balay Negrense in Silay City.

More Fun in the Philippines #2

2012-01-23T15:53:00.004+14:00

My take on the It's more fun in the Philippines campaign of the Department of Tourism. This picture was taken at Nogas Island, Anini-y, Antique.

More Fun in the Philippines #1

2012-01-23T15:48:00.005+14:00

My take on the It's more fun in the Philippines campaign of the Department of Tourism. This picture was taken at the Sira-an Hot Springs Resort in Anini-y, Antique.

Eclipse of the Heart

2011-12-28T13:22:00.004+14:00

Here's our picture of the December 10, 2011 total lunar eclipse. It's a first time for our little boy and it fascinated him.

I remember when I was young, lunar eclipse used to be a big thing. I grew up in a house where the doors were closed at seven in the evening. I could not see the sky from my bedroom window. The towering kaimito tree with its flourishing greens covered my view. So when we hear in the news that there will be a lunar eclipse, we had a reason to stay out late at night. And all for a moon that is partially hidden behind a shadow? I did not quite get it. I wish my parents were more creative and told me exaggerated stories about the dragon eating the moon or something, it would have been more interesting. Being outside the house after seven was more interesting for me. Seeing everything glisten in the moonbeam, my neighbors looking up the sky as if waiting for something spectacular to happen, children my age running about chasing one another, it was a sight to behold.

False Positive

2011-12-27T13:14:00.003+14:00

My Christmas came with the good news that I was going to have a permanent job in an office by the following week. It was not only good news; it was great news. After six months of sabbatical, my husband felt that I needed to find work already so we can move on with our lives financially. I was happy about the news but I did not let it get the better of me and at the back of my mind, I was still worrying about all the other commitments that I started during my sabbatical. I kind of find it hard to just forget about all of them. I have been enjoying the lot. And I can't believe I was putting them all aside and making them my back-up plan.

Then, yesterday, right when I was already processing my entry requirements, they called me in to take back the good news. They said they still had to request for my position to be funded and all. There and then, I felt nothing; not even the least disappointment. It must have been my guardian angel's hands over my shoulder that got me through the whole situation without having to feel pain or even self-pity.

The news, I know it broke my husband's heart and it got him worrying again as to how we will survive the following months. But I have faith and I refuse to be a victim in this situation. We WILL get through this. I know.

Cat Series: TGIFriday

2011-11-18T19:09:00.001+14:00

What If God Answered His Prayer?

2011-11-03T01:49:00.004+14:00

I asked my son to include my intentions (to find a job within the week) in his prayer before bedtime. Instead, he asked God to give me a job next year. When I asked him why, he told me that he likes having me at home. Now if only we're not heading towards difficult times, I would have liked that too.

Support Juan Time

2011-09-30T13:14:00.004+14:00

From the Philippine Star Editorial - About Time

Tardiness is not just an act of discourtesy but also inefficient time management.

The Department of Science and Technology will launch today Project Juan Time, which aims to synchronize all time pieces with the Philippine Standard Time (PST) and therefore adopting one time (or as the project suggests, Juan Time) within the country. The new time campaign seeks to reinstill the value of time among Filipinos by breaking free from the common habit of always being late for appointments.

From the DOST Press Release:

“PST, the country’s official time, sets only one common time in the archipelago’s more than 7,100 islands,” DOST Sec. Mario Montejo says. “Juan Time reminds Filipinos that keeping to the PST avoids the difficulties of having confusing, unsynchronized time.”

“With Juan Time, Filipino time will come to mean ‘on time’ and no longer late,” Montejo added.

Support Juan Time and be punctual in all your appointments!

Dengue-rous!

2011-09-09T13:35:00.003+14:00

Hold on tight, you know it's a little bit denguerous

It's got what it takes to make you meet your end

The mouth of a lover that hit like heat

You know it's a little bit denguerous!

Kadyos Rice

2011-09-06T14:35:00.004+14:00

Here is something definitely Ilonggo: kadyos rice! Cook rice with kadyos and some salt. Serve hot and enjoy!

Buriring Time Again!

2011-08-16T02:28:00.008+14:00

Every year, we get this treat in a microwaveable container from my husband's relatives in Cadiz. It's buriring time again! A variety of blowfish that is edible only at a certain time of year. Cadiznon usually cook these little fishes with santol pulp, iba or libas leaves. Sour, creamy soup stock that's what you'll get when it's cooked.

How to know if what you're eating is poisonous or not, my hubby's family follow only two rules:
1. Buy from a trusted source
2. If there isn't any news of death, then it must be edible.

Enjoy!

Am Ma's Treasures: Cross-stitched Place Mats

2011-08-15T02:23:00.002+14:00

So you won't forget what day is today

Am Ma's Treasures: Lincoln Stockings

2011-08-15T02:12:00.006+14:00

Stockings made of the famous English fine mercerised lisle.

The Laughing Cow

2011-08-14T22:01:00.006+14:00

TV commercials have a nasty way of getting into kids' minds. Call it want creation, a way of feeding children with new ideas and products that they just have to have! Else, you end up with a lengthy argument on why the purchase of product so and so should be deferred or denied. The latest object of discussion in our household is whether to buy or not to buy this new cheese product advertised on TV- The Laughing Cow Milky Cheese Spread.

In this round of kid vs. mom, the kid wins! (but just because mom... and dad.... and everyone else wanted to try the product too!).

Pilipinas, Tara Na! v.1

2011-08-14T14:38:00.009+14:00

They've released the version 1 of Pilipinas, Tara Na!, the updated version of the promotional song and music video entitled "Wow Philippines, Byahe Tayo". The original was launched in 2003 by the Department of Tourism as part of its campaign to encourage domestic tourism and spread the word about the country's beautiful destinations. Byahe Tayo featured 21 artists including big names in the Philippine music industry like Ms. Lea Salonga and Ms. Sharon Cuneta. The updated versions (they will release 3) are being put together by Prescriptions PR (also the team behind the original) and Smart Communications to feature 57 Pinoy music artists and entertainment personalities.

Roxie Says:
Version 1 retains most of the interesting lyrics of the original and incorporated new attractions as well. It brings to light local industries such as weaving and wood carving. It also showcases local products like abaca from Bicol, pearls from Sulu and delicacies from all over the country. I tried to watch it a couple of times. I wanted to check if the Version 1 had the same effect on me as the original. I'm very familiar with the original even in my sleep as it has accompanied me in all of my trips top and from Bacolod via the Ocean Jet Fastcrafts (if I hadn't know better, I'd say it was Ocean Jet's official jingle too!). The impact on me of Version 1 is not quite the same as the original. There were this elements in the original that leaves me this sense of Pinoy pride and yearning for all the things that I still need to experience in my country everytime I watched it: the forcefulness of Kiko Magalona's brand of rap, Jolina, Janno, Ogie and the Apo's rapport with the camera, April Boy's masa appeal and the zooming out on world class talent Ms. Lea Salonga. I also liked that at one glance you get to see all the artists who collaborated for the projects in the last few frames of the video. It was like a show of force and commitment which I find very captivating. But that's just me.

Nonetheless, I am happy that they are making these new versions. It just shows how effective the original was! The voices of new talents and performing artists will make the song more contemporary and more appealing to today's listener and revitalize the agency's campaign. I hope that the two other versions will have more elements not seen in the original and V1!

Check out the original version and tell me what you think of the new one!

Kong Kee Restaurant, Iloilo

2011-05-18T12:14:00.008+14:00

The hubby and I had a "spur of the moment"" date yesterday. I asked him if he wanted to join me in doing some window shopping aka passing the time. He willfully indulged my whim and met me outside the office after I got off from work. Healthwise, it had been an exhausting afternoon. Our friendly neighbor decided the floor in her office is not clean enough and that it needs some waxing on a weekday! And as you know, aircon + heavy duty floorwax on a hot summer afternoon does not really sound so well. The strong smell of the wax permeated into adjacent rooms and flooded the hallways. It was hurting our noses and inducing headache for some. It's that terrible that I had wished they'd applied rugby on the floors so we'd all get high and not mind the smell at all.

Anyways, the smell of fresher air outside of the building, made me feel better. More so the fact that my better half was outside the office waiting to take me out on a date! We walked a few blocks from the office and made it to Kong Kee Restaurant. I've always passed by this side of town but I've never had a chance to really stop and give the resto a second look. And now that I did, I noticed that they actually renovated the place! The ceiling fans were still there, the red table cloths on plastic tables, the monoblock chairs and the counter with the owner sitting by the cash register. But the place now looked, well, cleaner with new tilework, chandeliers and Chinese decorations on the walls. The servedoras looked neat in their uniforms too.

During our visit, we ordered maki soup and siopao. Maki is a thickened soup with similar consistency to the egg drop soup. I'm not really fond of this kind of soup but after tasting Kong Kee's rendition of the dish, it made me (and the hubby) want to go home and cook some more of it! It's a very refreshing soup, a recommended during cold rainy days, because of its soothing taste brought about by the subtle combination of ginger, soy sauce and garlic. There was nothing spectacular about the Kong Kee siopao but pairing it with maki was snack heaven! Just the kind of thing needed for me to get over the poison that I had to deal with earlier in the day.

If you happen to do business near the Muelle Looney area, drop by Kong Kee Restaurant at J.M. Basa Street (a block away from the Freedom Grandstand) and get a taste of some of the local Chinese flavors!

Damires Hills, Janiuay, Iloilo

2011-05-11T12:23:00.012+14:00

My 6-year old son loved his trip to Damires Hills with his cousins a few weeks back that he could't stop talking about it. "It's easy going there," he says. "You pass by Cabatuan and when you reach the plaza, you turn right. Then you pass by Bridge Bolo and Bride Damires. The entrance fee is P50.00 and you pay P55.00 for a swim in the pool. There huts available for rent but I don't know the rates. Construction is on-going for more picnic huts. There aren't any other recreational activities available but it's okay by me; I'm more than happy to dip in the pool. The pool is small. Uncle Wilson scolded me when I hopped my way to the middle portion of the pool; I just wanted to if I can manage a swim in the deeper par

t of the pool. So I just stayed in the shallow part together with my cousins and played with out water guns. Uncle Wilson brought Jollibee spaghetti and chicken meals for everyone so that's what we ate for lunch. I wish we can go there too."

Boz's vivid description of Damires Hills enticed the weekend getawayers in Miki and me that we decided to give the place a try last Sunday. Despite the gloomy weather with Typhoon Bebeng inching upward to Luzon, we heeded to Boz's request.

True to Boz's instruction, we made it to Cabatuan. He skipped the part the we had to reach Janiuay plaza and turn right when we see the Janiuay District Hospital. We wasn't quite accurate with the two bridges too, bridge Bolo turned out to be the Jibolo Bridge and bridge Damires was the bridge leading to Brgy. Damires. Nonetheless, we give him credit for remembering landmarks even at his very your age.

The resort was packed during our visit. It's a good thing I called the resort a day prior to the trip to reserve a picnic hut. They placed us near the pool with an umbrella-type cogon hut which seats around four people. We weren't so happy about it as we were expecting one of the bigger cottage with bench-type seats and a hammock. We asked if we could transfer if one of their reservations didn't come through, but our request never got served (even with the Gumamela cottage remaining empty for the whole duration of our trip, hmp!).

Boz, like any other kid, spent most of his time in the pool. The rest of us, roamed around to take pictures and inspected the place. There were plants growing everywhere: short and stout papayas, bananas and tropical plants that reminded me of my childhood. There's a canteen that served short orders and snacks. For lunch, they have a selection of lutong bahay dishes. Set meals were impressively delightful and reasonably priced. One can get a set lunch (rice, viand and drinks) for as low as P80.00. For entertainment, they have videoke for those who want to just belt it out and long strolls to other parts of the resort which were yet under construction.

After the photo ops and the mandatory dip in the pool for Boz's sake, there's nothing much left to do but doze off and just enjoy some peace and quiet before heading back to the city.

All in all, Boz enjoyed the trip. And I'm glad we went there too. I hope though that they will have more outdoor activities to do in the resort to make the trip more fun and exciting. I'm thinking zipline, horseback riding and rock climbing perhaps?

Check out some snapshots I took during our trip here.

Today can be Different

2011-03-14T15:19:00.001+14:00

Today can be Different a photo by roxieyap on Flickr.

The days that passed have been difficult,
But today
Today can be different.

Ash Wednesday

2011-03-10T05:01:00.001+14:00

Ash Wednesday - 02.jpg a photo by The Catholic Sun on Flickr.

Apart from its religious significance, Ash Wednesday reminds me of the 17 sons of Colonel Aureliano Buendia who went to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. The mysteriously unremovable ash cross from their foreheads marked them as the Colonel's sons; eventually all of them were assassinated by the Colonel's enemies.

Join the SM Night Run!

2010-08-27T17:15:00.006+14:00

Burn those calories away and participate in the 1st Iloilo Night Run. Invite friends and family to be part of the event!

Roberto's Siopao - Long Live the Queen!

2010-08-24T01:56:00.007+14:00

When you are in Iloilo, drop by Roberto's...

Roberto's Queen Siopao only available during paydays. The elusive queen is packed with chinese sausage, chicken pork adobo and egg. Loyal Queen patrons look forward to its bi-monthly appearance to celebrate just about anything worth the indulgence.

Your friendly Roberto's cashier. He's not his usual jovial self in this pic, but not to scare anybody, he was missing a tooth or two so he decided to put on a straight face for this photo op.

The B Team

2010-08-16T00:07:00.003+14:00

I brought my camera to the office and got my officemates to sit and pose for this team pics. One of us was absent so expect another pics in the near future when the gang is complete.

Three Sisters

2010-08-15T19:07:00.004+14:00

Mommy, Mama Popsy and Mama Nonette. Picture taken during our trip to Dumaguete City.

digiscrap resources: shabby princess designs

Happy Birthday Am Ma!

2010-08-15T15:17:00.004+14:00

It's my MIL's Birthday and I baked her a vanilla chiffon cake with custard filling and meringue icing. The cake turned out okay, despite the brown-out and the calories I burned beating those eggwhites until stiff (or was it my muscles that stiffened in the process?).

Happy birthday, Ma!

digiscrap resources: paper by melita blake ; graphics by ali sarah

Sunday Reflection 01

2010-07-25T16:52:00.001+14:00

Olympic Energy

2010-07-16T13:55:00.001+14:00

Olympic Energy
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Great things start from small beginnings.
Growing up, reach early for your dreams.
Face the day. It's a new challenge. A chance to be better.
A chance to become your dreams.
Growing up with Olympic Energy.
Growing up, with Milo! Milo everyday!

Koronang Papel

2010-07-15T12:46:00.001+14:00

hail cat
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

To punish me for my contempt for authority, fate made me an authority myself. ~ Albert Einstein

We Belong

2010-07-14T12:47:00.001+14:00

Volkswagen 02
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

2010-07-12T00:15:00.008+14:00

After reading about this recipe from PDI, I got excited about trying it out. It reminded me of those summer days I spent in Loly Ely's house. And every one of us, mga apo, are asked to help out in preparation for the fiesta. Being the only girl, I got assigned in the kitchen and one of my regular chores included wrapping the lumpia for frying. I can say that I'm kinda trained to do this stuff: place two tablespoonfuls of filling in the middle of the apa, fold the flaps, roll and seal with some cold water. Memories, oh memories!

Steamed Rice with Cantonese Sausage

2010-07-07T12:22:00.006+14:00

What you can do with the leftover rice in making pearl balls? Create another dish by adding chicken broth, salt, pepper and light soy sauce to taste. Top it with cantonese sausage and steam for 15 minutes.

Sprinkle with spring onions. Serve and enjoy!

Picture Me a Painting

2010-07-06T03:44:00.001+14:00

Painting
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

I was rummaging through my files for something interesting to post for the day and I found this, one of several paintings in Rean's office.

When work is plenty
and the hours are few,
when there's no room to dally
until everything's through

spend your breaks wisely
recharge, rekindle, renew
rest your eyes and your body
sit back and enjoy the view.

My Bestfriend's Graduation

2010-07-01T03:07:00.004+14:00

Koy attended one of his BFF's graduation last March. So I prepared this (very very very late) graduation gift for him.

Cantonese Roast Pork (aka Char Siu)

2010-06-30T18:01:00.004+14:00

Charsiu is one of my favorite Chinese foods so when I saw this recipe from appetiteforchina, I didn't think twice about giving it a try. All the ingredients were locally available in the local supermart except for the 5 spice powder or ngo hiong powder, which I was fortunate enough to buy from one of those Chinese stalls near Tutuban Center in Divi. Each pack of almost 50grams costs only P20.00. It was so affordable that I wanted to buy a dozen! It's a good thing I remember the hubby telling me that 5 spice powder if not properly stored would lose its potency overtime. So I just settled for two packs.

Here's the recipe I used.

Ingredients:

680 gram pork belly, unsliced
2 tbsp rice wine
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp white granulated sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1/2 tsp 5 spice powder
2 tbsp honey

Procedure:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Mix rice wine, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, garlic, hoisin sauce and 5 spicepowder.
Rub pork belly with marinade mixture.
Marinate for 2-3 hours in the fridge.
Rub off excess marinade off pork belly and place in roasting pan.
Roast for 40-45 minutes flipping over after 20 mins and brush with honey.
Pork is done when crisp outside and center fills firm.
Cut and serve with your favorite pickles.

Ako'y Isang Mabuting Pilipino

2010-06-30T17:39:00.003+14:00

Rock on, Noel Cabangon!

One of the songs performed during the proclamation of President Noynoy Aquino.

Here's the lyrics:

Ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang Bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkunin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin

Tumatawid ako sa tamang tawiran
Sumasakay ako sa tamang sakayan
Pumipila at hindi nakikipag-unahan
At ‘di ako pasiga-siga sa lansangan.

Nagbaba at nagsasakay ako sa tamang sakayan
‘di na makahambalang parang walang pakiaalam.
Pinagbibigyan Kong mga tumatawid sa kalsada
Humihinto ako kapag ang ilaw ay pula.

‘pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin

‘Di ako nagongotong o nagbibigay ng lagay

Ticket lamang ang tinatangap kung binibigay

Ako’y nakatayo dun mismo sa kanto
At ‘di nagtatago sa ilalim ng puno.

‘Di ako nagkakalat ng Basura sa lansangan.
‘di bumubuga nga usok ang aking sasakyan
Inaayos kong mga kalat sa basurahan
Inaalagan ko ang ating kapaligiran

‘Pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin

Lagi akong nakikinig sa aking mga magulang
Kaya’t pag-aaral ay aking pinagbubutihan
‘di ako gumagamit ng bawal na gamot.
O kaya’y tumatambay at sa eskwela’y di pumapasok.

Pinagtatangol ko ang aking karangalan
‘pagkat ito lamang ang tangi kong kayamanan
‘di ko binabenta ang aking kinabukasan
Ang boto ko’y aking pinahahalagahan.

‘pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin
Ako’y isang tapat at totoong lingkod ng bayan
Pabor o lagay ay ‘di ko pinapayagan
Tapat ang serbisyo ko sa mamamayaan
Di ko binubulsa ang pera ng Bayan

Pinagtatangol ko ang mamamayang Pilipino
Mga karapatan nila’y kinikilala ko
Ginagalang ko ang aking kapwa tao
Pinaglalaban Kong ang Dangal ng bayan ko.

‘pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin.

Pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino

Ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin
Pagkat ako’y ilang mabuting Pilipino

Panatang makabayan
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas
Ito ang lupang sinilangan
Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi
Ako’y tkanyang kinukopkop
At tinutulungan upang maging malakas
Maligaya, at kapakipakinabang
Bilang ganti diringin ko
Ang payo ng aking mga magulang
Sunsundin ko ang mga tungkulin ang aking paaralan
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin
Ng isang mamamayng makabayan
Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan
Ang walang pagiimbot at buong katapan
Sisikapin ko maging isang tunay na Pilipino
Sa isip sa salita at sa gawa

What is your favorite color?

2010-06-30T13:57:00.003+14:00

I was playing 20 questions with Koy this morning and I asked him about his favorites. He gave me the usual answers:

favorite person in the world - Mama and Papa
most favorite cartoon character - Optimus Prime
least favorite cartoon character - Catman
most favorite cartoon hero - Crimson Chin
favorite breakfast food - N-Rich Noodles
favorite lunch food - Molo Balls
favorite dinner food - Pork

until

favorite color - cerulean

Huuuuuuuuuh!!?

I wasn't aware that there is even a cerulean until The Devil Wears Prada. But my 6 year-old son tells me it's his favorite color. Cool kind of blue, he says.

My son, you never cease to amaze me.

__________

Cerulean on the Web

Wikipedia:

Crayola issued cerulean in 1990
HEX Code: #1DACD6
RGB: (29, 172, 214)

Webexhibits:

It's a cobalt stannate which was introduce as a pigment in the 1860s. Very stable and lightfast greenish blue with limited hiding power. Cerulean blue has a fairly true blue (not greenish or purplish) but it doesn't have the opacity or richness of cobalt blue. It was not recommended for use in watercolor painting because of chalkiness in washes. In oil, it was particularly valuable to landscape painters for skies.

Aquino names Cabinet members - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2010-06-29T21:37:00.002+14:00

Aquino names Cabinet members - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

1. Paquito Ochoa Jr., Executive Secretary

2. Alberto Romulo, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs

3. Cesar Purisima, Secretary of Department of Finance

4. Leila de Lima, Secretary of Department of Justice

5. Voltaire Gazmin, Secretary of Department of National Defense

6. Bro. Armin Luistro, Secretary of Department of Education

7. Florencio Abad, Secretary of Department of Budget and Management

8. Cayetano Paderanga Jr., Secretary of National Economic Development Authority

9. Proceso Alcala, Secretary of Department of Agriculture

10. Ramon Paje, Secretary of Department Environment and Natural Resources

11. Jose "Ping" de Jesus, Secretary of Department of Transportations and Communications.

12. Rosalinda Baldoz, Secretary of Department of Labor and Employment

13. Enrique Ona, Secretary of Department of Health

14. Alberto Lim, Secretary of Department of Tourism

15. Gregory Domingo, Secretary of Department of Trade and Industry

16. Corazon Soliman, Secretary of Department of Social Welfare and Development

17. Mario Montejo, Secretary of Department of Science and Technology

18. Jose Rene Almendras, Secretary of Department of Energy

19. Rogelio Singson, Secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways

20. Virgilio de los Reyes, Secretary of Department of Agrarian Reform

21. Teresita Deles, presidential adviser on peace process

22. Julia Abad, presidential management staff chief

23. Edwin Lacierda, presidential spokesman

24. Eduardo de Mesa, presidential legal counsel

25. Patricia Liguanan, Chairman of Commission on Higher Education

26. Kim Jacinto-Henares, Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue

27. Benigno Aquino III, Secretary of Department of Interior and Local Government

Official Program Aquino Inaugural (Excerpts)

2010-06-29T16:45:00.004+14:00

Kitakits!
Official Program Aquino Inaugural (Excerpts)

Lost in Green

2010-06-29T12:59:00.002+14:00

Lost in Greens
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

a solitary walk
into the unknown
to quiet the rumbling inside

Copy Dog

2010-06-28T13:08:00.002+14:00

Copy Dog
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

At some point, you will mirror each other. They call it the Siamese twin stage. Unconsciously, you become your partner. You begin to like what he likes, eat what he eats, talk, walk and even dress like him. You make decisions based on "us" not "me". And that actually feels good. And right.

You can keep on doing it for as long as you can help it.

Until one day, perhaps due to some hormonal cycle, you look at your face in the mirror and you don't see the you that you knew before you knew him. And you wonder if the new you is better or worse that the old you. And the answer to that question will either make of break you. It's time to deal with the Rude Awakening.

Mary Ellen turns 33

2010-06-27T23:48:00.001+14:00

Do I get scolded for posting your true age? Happy birthday friend!

digiscrap resources: graphics by Lawanna Desjardin and maya

Zebra Cake

2010-06-11T13:23:00.009+14:00

I came to know about this beautiful cake from pinoycook.net. Then I added my personal flare into it to create my first ever chocolate cake with vanilla stripes. Or is it the other way around?

It's quite easy to make since it's all measure and mix, unlike chiffon cakes which, for the temperamental baker-wanna-be like me, is a lot more taxing because of the fluffing of the eggwhites and the careful folding of the mixture.

This one I made with my good pal Ellen (while chatting about her love life).

Here's my interpretation of Ms. Connie's zebra cake recipe:

Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Procedure:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Sift flour. salt and baking powder in a bowl
In a separate bowl, mix, eggs and sugar until smooth and light colored (about 2 minutes on high speed electric mixer)
Add oil and milk for another minute
Add flour mixture and mix just until blended
Stir in vanilla
Pour half of the batter in another bowl. Add the cocoa powder and stir slightly to blend
Assemble the cake. Alternately pour around 3 tablespoonfuls of each of the batter in the middle of a greased and floured circular pan.
Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted at the center of the cake comes out clean.

The trick is to pour the batter quick and fast so you get more stripes. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Zen

2010-06-10T12:41:00.002+14:00

Find your balance before you embark on a journey or endeavour that will change the way things are and shape the way things will have to be.

(Koy seeking solititude in nature, the day before his first day of class at SYSHS).

At Rest

2010-06-04T15:30:00.001+14:00

At Rest
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Stay put for now
but not for long
a million task awaiting

Got to read the list
make right all wrongs
and check for what's been missing

Have to rest for a while
have to savor this smile
need to feel good
about the job almost done

When it's time to restart
work the rest of the parts
and don't dally
if you can.

Have to rest!
have to rest!
have to stay put
but not for long
Got to chill
got to stay still
got to sing
a few more songs.

Prettier Than Pink

2010-05-27T14:54:00.002+14:00

Here's from one of my favorite songs by the band Prettier Than Pink:

Kaya't cool ka lang, cool ka lang
Bakit ba palagi ka na lang ganyan
Cool ka lang, cool ka lang
Hayaan mo na lang magsisisi rin 'yan
Easy lang, relaks lang
Simple lang ang buhay ngumiti ka na lang
Daanin mo sa galit noo'y kukunot lang
Kaya't kaibigan, konting pasensiya lang
Cool ka lang, cool ka lang

Bilanggo

2010-05-26T14:05:00.003+14:00

Bilanggo
By Rizal Underground

Bilanggo sa rehas na gawa ng puso mo
Bilanggo sa gapos na dulot
Ng pag-iisip sa iyo
Hanggang kailan pa ba magdaramdam?
Hanggang kailan pa ba masasaktan?
Pag-isip sa iyo
Maging sa ganito at ganyan
Hanggang kailan ka pa maghihintay?
Hanggang kailan ka ba nagsasawa, Inday?

(that's boztik, our hamster in the picture.)

Contemplating

2010-05-25T13:38:00.002+14:00

Pets
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Come to think of it, we all make mistakes.
We have regrets.
We all have to live with whatever things we cannot change.

How we do that defines who we are.

Our Baby Finally Came Home

2010-05-22T15:06:00.005+14:00

After three months of waiting, our baby is finally home. At some point during the long wait, we've lost hope. Until finally we got the call. HP is going to be okay. He's finally up and running after undergoing a battery of tests. He survived a major procedure and a transplant.

So here he is now, our baby. Fully functional and ready to rumble.

HP with Compaq inside.

Slipped

2010-05-22T14:07:00.002+14:00

Slipped
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

S gave up on me. Or is it more of me not being ready to let go of S? Fate intervening and making us come to terms with the inevitable parting of ways? It's hard you know. Letting go, starting a new relationship. Getting to know someone, getting used with having that someone. But you have to, because that's what life is for - moving on.

It's Coming

2010-05-21T04:28:00.002+14:00

The Doomsday Conspiracy
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Remember these lines from a popular tv show in the 80s (or was it the 90s)?

Ano ang nasa dako paroon
Bunga ng malilikot na pag-iisip
Likha ng
balintataw o halaw
Sa daigdig ng kababalaghan
Di kayang ipaliwanag ngunit
alam mong magaganap.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Just thought about it after watching the tv news report on the elections... A thick cloud hovers above us.

Hmmmm, kelan kaya uulan?

Gulong ng Palad

2010-05-20T13:15:00.002+14:00

Gulong ng Palad
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Just when everybody thought the 2010 elections was boring, the following happened:

1. Lito Atienza (who lost the mayoralty race against Alfredo Lim) cried that someone offered him a way to a sure election win via high tech dagdag-bawas for a price of 70 million pesos. As in 70 million pesos? He didn't say he couldn't afford it so I guess he could if he wanted to.

2. The whistle-blower named Robin came out to expose that he has info on how the election results was defrauded. He said that the ABS-CBN interview was to be his first and last and he will not appear to any investigation body for further interrogation fear for his life and his family's. So why do the deal and blow the deal in the first place?

3. Smartmatic explains why some transmitted returns were dated April 28, May 8 and May 9. It's just a computer's clock problem, they say. Believe it? or Not?

The election was boring, indeed. But the plot thickens for post-election drama!

Old and Weary

2010-05-19T12:58:00.002+14:00

Old and Weary
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko
by Sharon Cuneta

Kung tayo’y matanda na
Sana’y di tayo magbago
At kailan ma’y, nasaan ma’y
Ito ang pangarap ko

Makuha mo pa kayang
Ako’y hagkan at yakapin ooh
Hanggang pagtanda natin
Nagtatanong lang sa `yo
Ako pa kaya’y ibigin mo
Kung maputi na ang buhok ko

Pagdating ng araw
Ang `yong buhok
Ay puputi na rin (puputi na rin)
Sabay tayong mangangarap
Ng nakaraan sa `tin

[chorus]
Ang nakalipas ay ibabalik natin ooh
Ipapaalala ko sa `yo
Ang aking pangako
Na ang pag-ibig ko’y laging sa ‘yo
Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko

[repeat chorus]

Kahit maputi o wala na ang
Buhok ko

Stumped by Jejenese? Try the online Jejenator!

2010-05-18T15:56:00.006+14:00

Stumbled upon this article on spot.ph. I don't get jejenese. So I guess I have to thank the likes of Cybergeek Jared Guissmo Asuncion for putting up a site that helps me understand jejemons and their cryptic messages.

Presenting, the Jologs-inator! (Try it here.)

normal: bakit ganyan ka magsalita?
translation: Y gNyN~ U mGSliTA, n0h?

What's that word again, pansexual?

2010-05-18T13:59:00.003+14:00

I read about this article from pep.ph of Snooky Serna outing herself as a pansexual. Something I haven't heard of before. Etymology-wise, I get sexual; pan I can relate with panamerican/ all American. But putting the two together, I had to check wikipedia for a detailed explanation:

Pansexuality (also referred to as pans), or omnisexuality^[1] is a sexual orientation, characterized by the potential for aesthetic attraction, romantic love, or sexual desire towards people, regardless of their gender identity or biological sex. Some pansexuals suggest that they are gender-blind; that gender and sex are insignificant or irrelevant in determining whether they will be sexually attracted to others. (Continue reading here)

I guess that's a more concrete explanation to the saying love knows no boundaries.

Spread the love!

Happy Three

2010-05-18T12:38:00.002+14:00

Happy Three
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Life in Threes:

Past, Present, Future.
Me, Myself and I.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Star Wars Trilogy.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry.
Triple Chocolate Cake.
Third Rock from the Sun.

Press Con

2010-05-17T12:58:00.001+14:00

Press Con
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

I know what I need. And I know what I want. So when I say I want to eat noodle soup on a hot summer afternoon, I mean it. And I'm not sharing!

Banana Cake

2010-05-15T14:22:00.005+14:00

My MIL (mother-in-law) is a great cook and baker. But she hardly finds the time to fit cooking and baking into her daily routine these days. So whenever she finds a new recipe from the dailies, she asks me to try it out. This one is from the Phil. Daily Inquirer Lifestyle Section (published on Nov 19,2008). The recipe calls for the following ingredients: 3 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 cups sugar, 2 cups mashed riped bananas, 4 slightly beaten eggs, 1 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 2 cups raisins lightly dusted with flour. Sift flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and sugar. Mix the bananas with egg and oil. Combine with flour mixture and fold in raisins. Then bake in an oven preheated at 375 degrees F.

Make it your own! I did a little adjustment to the original recipe and substituted half a cup of melted butter to half a cup of vegetable oil. I also skipped the raisins and occasionally baked it with nuts. I also experiment with different kinds of bananas. More often I use the variety which they call manilad-on not only because it is inexpensive but because my MIL says it has this distinct creaminess that makes the banana cake soft and tender. Frankly, I couldn't tell, but I don't dare argue.

Enjoy! I especially enjoy having it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee on a Sunday afternoon after siesta time. Sitting on a recliner flipping channels, perhaps? or just sitting idly savoring the last few hours of freedom before another Monday morning buzz. Picturesque, eh? Dream on! But seriously, it's great for snacks and an ideal pantawid-gutom.

Elections 2010

2010-05-10T23:09:00.005+14:00

86 year-old lolo. Still strong and kicking, he said. Voting was not a problem for him at our precinct as teachers on duty were well prepared to assist PWDs and senior citizens. When I asked him who he voted for, he told me all about how life is different for him now. How he used to think of the here and now. And how he's now looking forward to things above. (Now where did that come from?)Is this the queue to the "Mahangin ba sa labas?" commercial? Or we're just waiting for our turn to shoot hoops? More people came at around 11:00am. Overheard: A 60-something guy couldn't find his name on the list of voters after religiously voting in the same precinct since time immemorial . Ms. PPCRV asked him to go to the COMELEC office to file a complaint. What the.....

Written on the board is a Voters' guide to shading. I wonder if people even noticed it was there.

Back on the other side of the school a throng of people lined up outside more polling stations. Bleh, tapos na kami ya :P

On our way out, I took pictures of ambulant vendors outside the school premises offering refreshments for voters and chaperones alike. There is this manong selling ice scramble and manong chicken skin behind him. In fairness, may K si manong ice scramble ha, Coleman ang ice chest! at pa read read lang ng newspaper while waiting for customers!

There were also others who, by the looks of it, have been occupying this spot during regular school days. Buti na lang may elections, magkakaroon na ng movement sa inventory ko.

Miki and his vote.

Anchor it Right

2010-05-08T19:20:00.001+14:00

Anchor it Right
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

How much longer before we see the shore?
Does our new captain even know what to do?
Was our choice based on faith?
Or did we really think it through?

Is the captain ready to command the crew
To steer this ship to its right course?
Will it take pressure or require advice
or some brutal force?

Will the storm come? Can we calm a storm?
Who knows what the future holds for this ship
But if we chose well and make our choice work
The journey to victory is worth the trip.

When you cast your vote tomorrow, make sure you are voting for the persons that you believe will serve this country well.

The Shape of My Heart

2010-05-07T13:14:00.001+14:00

Green is In
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

This is actually a green mango - twin green mango, that is. From my uncle's farm. Interesting, eh?

Kalabasa

2010-05-06T13:38:00.001+14:00

Kalabasa
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Got my share of disaster even before attending our Disaster Preparedness Training.

Sore eyes again? Love it, hate it, live with it!

Ikaw, Ano ang Kwentong Summer Mo?

2010-05-05T12:22:00.002+14:00

This Used to be My Playground
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

10 Things I Used to Do During the Summers of my Youth:

10. Running around chasing grasshoppers, dragonflies and frogs. 09. Touching all the makahiyas, making bubbles out of gumamela.
08. Playing softball after siyesta time, getting hit by a ball, and still manage to laugh.
07. Harvesting mongo beans and peanuts. Watching mongo turn into bean sprouts.
06. Taking a bath with friends near the shallow well.
05. Bahay bahayan.
04. Fiesta Dance.
03. Flores De Mayo.
02. Patintero during Full Moons.
01. Feeding chickens and herding the goats

reBlog from blogs.inquirer.net: Why I am for Gibo

2010-04-30T19:52:00.002+14:00

I found this fascinating quote today:

To me, the only votes that are wasted are those that are not cast, and those that are cast for people you don't believe in. I believe in Gilbert Teodoro as President. He gets my vote.blogs.inquirer.net, Why I am for Gibo, Apr 2010

You should read the whole article.

Mula Noon, Hanggang Ngayon

2010-04-30T14:56:00.002+14:00

Mula Noon, Hanggang Ngayon
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Cory Aquino: People Power
Fidel Ramos: People Empowerment
Erap: Erap para sa Mahirap
Gloria: Labanan ang Kahirapan

What's in store for this family come May 11?

Worn Down

2010-04-29T12:49:00.003+14:00

Worn Down
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

You've gone a long way to chase a dream.
And when you finally reach the end, you ask, "What now?"

Sabi ko na nga ba eh, tama si Miley Cyrus...

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move...

O sya, tama na ang kantahan
at malayo-layo pa ang lalakarin...

Sino ang Presidente Mo?

2010-04-28T13:09:00.002+14:00

Sad?
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

I asked several people to tell me who they are going to vote for president and they gave the following answers:

Subject #1: "Noynoy. kay ilo na sya kaluoy sa iya."
(Noynoy. I pity him because he's an orphan)

Subject #2: "Villar. gapanghatag sya gani balay sa Wowowee te matagaan ya man ko na guro"
(Villar. If he could give out houses in Wowowee, I think he could also give me one.)

Subject#3: "Gibo, gwapa asawa ya, mayo na gwapa aton first lady.'"
(Gibo, his wife is beautiful, we ought to have a beautiful first lady.)

Subject#4: "Si Tayo. Si Tayo bala, Kay Eddie Tayo."
(Tayo. You know, Eddie Tayo. - referring to Eddie Villanueva and his political ad : Kay Eddie Tayo)

Subject#5: "Erap e, may picture ko ya upod kay Erap pagkadto ya sang una sa amon."
(Erap, we have a picture taken together during his visit to our place.)

And that is just for their candidate for president.

Clean Up

2010-04-27T12:59:00.002+14:00

Clean Up
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

You got to clean up and make room for big things to come.

Awake

2010-04-26T12:46:00.002+14:00

Awake
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

It takes a lot of courage to get through a Monday.

Trapo

2010-04-23T12:23:00.003+14:00

Trapo
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

L.C. Fiel, Quezon City: It evolved from “traditional politician,” to “tradpol,” then finally to “trapo,” which now connotes filth. Consider all the dirt that sticks to the pamunas or trapo.

Diony Yap, Bacolod City: Trapo is short for traditional politician. Too much politics makes them stink like soiled basahan, thus the label.

Source: How would you describe a 'trapo' in Philippine politics?
(philstar.com) Updated July 06, 2009 12:00 AM

Aren't we getting enough politics from these guys?

Banal na Aso

2010-04-22T13:36:00.003+14:00

Banal na Aso
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Dachshund (pure breed) + Dachshund (half breed) = Motley, our new puppy.

John Paul II Tower

2010-04-21T11:57:00.004+14:00

John Paul II Tower
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Stopped by to take an evening shot of the John Paul II Tower. The CENECO posts ruin the nice view of the building.

The Pope John Paul II Tower

2010-04-21T08:02:00.004+14:00

The Pope John Paul II Tower is an eight storey-building which sits at the sight where Pope John Paul II held a mass during his visit to Bacolod City in 1981. I remember that day. Our family went to the plaza to see the Pope. I was wearing this white t-shirt with the Pope's picture on it. And an oversized sunglasses, which might have been an in-thing during that time or it was just me. Mama Riz (Nanay's younger sis) recalls Nanay being too prepared for the whole Papal Visit thing. We brought big abanikos, banig and one basket full of food and drinks more than enough for our delegation of 7. Then we found ourselves a comfortable spot under one of the trees in the plaza where we rolled out our banig and enjoyed our baon. I'm pretty sure everybody was there to see the Pope. But me, being a youngster, I was there for the food and the fascination over seeing people excited to see an old guy in white riding a cool car. Thinking about it now, I kind a wish I was older when the Pope visited our city. It must have been an overwhelming experience seeing His Holiness in person. I guess I just have to save up for a trip to the Vatican City to see his successor, Pope Benedict XVI. I wonder how long that would take...

Our first visit inside the tower happened last April during the Holy Week celebration. We were fortunate that it was open on Good Friday. There weren't many visitors so we practically had the tower to ourselves for the much coveted photo-op. The tower housed memorabilia of the beloved Pope: An alb of the late Pope, photos, news article reprints and pictures and interesting artifacts. I heard the diocese is receiving donations in the form of religious artifacts which they plan to install in the tower in the hope that it will eventually become a "pilgrimage site". During our visit, there were paintings mounted on each floor that served as markers of the way of the cross. The art works were by the following artists: Rafael Paderna, Agustin Jakosalem, Dodz Campos, Edbon Sevilleno, Br. Tagoy Jakosalem and Jun Jun Berondo. On the 8F is a viewing deck where we enjoyed the summer breeze, a panoramic view of the Guimaras Strait, the activities in the BREDCO port, SM City and the San Sebastian Cathedral. Topping the building is a 12-foot stainless steel lighted cross donated by Architect Ramiro "Chick" Garcia, former vice-mayor of Bacolod City.

Do come and visit the John Paul II Tower when you are in Bacolod. And don't forget to bring your kids and youngsters. So they can also learn more about the beloved Pope John Paul II.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Moon

2010-04-20T13:45:00.002+14:00

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Moon
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Somewhere out there, beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight...

The Great American Tail

Change is Possible

2010-04-16T14:57:00.001+14:00

Change is Possible
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

I know that it's time for a cool change.

Children Young and Old

2010-04-15T13:52:00.001+14:00

Children Young and Old
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Learn as much as you can teach.

Lizards Beware

2010-04-14T13:36:00.001+14:00

Lizards beware
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Babala sa mga butiki: wag magtangkang mag-landing sa ganitong ayos ng buhok - nakakamatay.

Keeping the Faith

2010-04-13T13:51:00.001+14:00

Keeping the Faith
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

We all have our "Thomas Moments" but that doesn't mean we've lost it. We just have to have a littlle more faith in our faith.

Sunset

2010-04-12T12:56:00.001+14:00

Sunset
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." ~ Khalil Gibran

Our condolences to the family of Antonio G. Sy.

Being on Top

2010-04-09T14:09:00.001+14:00

Being on Top
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

To be alone may be a given.
But to be lonely is a choice.

Hot and Dry

2010-04-08T13:22:00.001+14:00

Hot and Dry
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Rain, rain, come our way
We can't wait another day
Rain, rain come our way
Little boznik wants to play.

Lent

2010-04-07T13:59:00.001+14:00

lent
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Everytime we meet, we eat.

Raza

2010-04-06T13:33:00.001+14:00

Raza
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Ohana means family. And family stick together. So I guess we're stuck with each other, eh?

Tatay's 9th

2010-04-02T18:59:00.000+14:00

Has it been 9 years since we last held your hand, talked to you and leaned over your shoulder. We've moved on but we haven't forgotten.

Visita Iglesia 2010

2010-04-01T22:00:00.000+14:00

Whenever we spend the Holy Week in Bacolod, we make it a point to complete our Holy Week routine which includes the Visita Iglesia or the Visit to 7 churches during Holy Thursday.

Superman

2010-03-31T13:53:00.001+14:00

Superman
Originally uploaded by roxieyap

Even heroes have the right to dream...It's not easy...to be...me

2009 Nursing Board Exam Results

2010-02-04T19:23:00.004+14:00

The results are out! Much to the euphoria of the parents, guardians and sponsors of the 37,527 successful examinees. Now they’re one ~~tiny~~ step closer to their great American/European/Middle Eastern dream. And for our new registered nurses, it’s time to focus on the battery of tests yet to be taken and the numerous hours yet to be poured on clinical duty before realizing the “this is it, I’m finally leaving this country to make a better life for myself and for every one who depends on my being successful at what I do” moment.

And what of the unsuccessful examinees? All 56,935 of them? Disappointment? Maybe frustration? A lot of rethinking perhaps or reassessing why decisions that led to the taking up of nursing as a course in the first place. To those who are willing AND ABLE to try again, it would mean a lot of financial, mental and emotional preparation in the next couple of months. For the unable, a look at the most attractive prospects: call center agent, medical transcriptionist and medical sales representative.

Congratulations to the schools who are proud molders of this result’s topnothchers! You may view the complete list of successful examinees here.

As to how schools in Region 6, Western Visayas fared, here are some relevant data:

I sure hope those schools whose ratings are 50% below the national passing rate (39.73%) will heed the call of CHED to “s hape-up or be phased out.” And for our top performing schools, keep up the good work!

Note: The lists include the schools that I am familiar with. Apologies to those which I failed to include in the list. You may want to check your rating here.

2009 Reading List

2010-01-07T23:36:00.000+14:00

I'm not really and avid reader, but last year, I really committed myself to reading be it for leisure, for knowledge or even for the mere purpose of passing time time. Here are the ones that really got my attention.

Chick Lit, thanks to Sophie Kinsella's not-a-care-in-the-world characters both in the Shopaholic Series and Remember me.

Neil Gaiman Collection, which I started with his compilation of short stories, then The Graveyard Book and Startdust, which I read to see if it was anything better than the movie (yes it was). And Coraline, before I went to watch the movie.

The Twilight Series, because yes, it was in everybody's reading list. But also because it was juvenile (Twilight), heartbreaking (New Moon), fickle (Eclipse) and vindicating (Breaking Dawn).

I saw the trailer of Where the Wild Things Are and decided to read the book with my son, It was.....let's just say it's not one of those books that you read with your 5-year old son and forget about it one you reached the last page. There's just so many things to explain and so many things to process for me and my son to get the most out of it.

Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point, whose reviews got into me. I might have ingested most parts of it as I could still hear parts of it wringing in my ears. Stories about the New York City police department, Paul Revere, mavens, connectors, the magic number and more. So when I saw that Malcolm Gladwell got a new book, The Outliers, I just couldn't pass on the chance of reading it. True enough it was as educating as Tipping Point was.

Then of course there is Freakonomics, which was written by an economist and everything that I didn't expect a book on economics could be. It was as informative as Gladwell's., its discussion on the applications of the game theory, asking questions about similar behaviors among sumo wrestlers and teachers, the economics of drug dealing, and how penalties distorts economic decision making. Super cool!

And later this year, I stumbled on TED and learned about Daniel Gilbert's book Stumbling on Happiness which doesn't talk about the perfect formula for happiness, but discusses how rational decisions can cause irrational unhappiness.

This year, I hope I'd do better, bringing more serious materials into my reading list . I'd definitely look forward to reading Superfreakonomics. And I'll try to finish whatever material I started to read (Still have 3 books hanging over my head). Good luck to me!

Living the Dream

2010-01-07T04:18:00.003+14:00

Living the Dream.
Koy had his fauxhawk on a Saturday.
Went to church with it on a Sunday.
Gone bald on Monday.

The do may have been gone.
But the rush, the laughter and the fun lingered
And shall be well remembered.

digiscrap resources:
paper by Little Dreamers Designs
stars by Auri Scraps

Cat and Bear

2009-10-20T09:46:00.000+14:00

The view from across the street ~
making the most out of a lazy
Sunday morning.

Bear gets some air.
Cat walks by.
Cat checks out bear.
Bear gasps, "My, oh my!"
Cat sniffs out bear.
Bear squeaks and cries.
Bear wriggles out a pffffft.
Cat decides to get some air.

Deaf for Now

2009-10-15T14:40:00.001+14:00

Rat Contestant 5 // THE WINNER!!
Originally uploaded by [ CK ]

You naughty gnatty creature! Now I'm headsetless for the day!

Felicia's Pastry Cafe

2009-10-14T02:29:00.001+14:00

By chance I was able to land at Lori Baltazar's Food Blog Dessert Comes First and learned about this dessert haven in Bacolod called Felicia's. She wrote about her trip to the place with so much gusto that she had me redoing my whole Saturday to-do-list to squeeze in a "gotta taste it to believe moment."

We came by the Cafe at around 11:30am, quite an odd time to stop by for desserts. The moment we stepped into the cafe, my eyes were transfixed into the rows of assorted mini-cakes and pielets - mocha caramel mousse, banoffee, sugarfree apple pielets, pandan mousse, chocolate cakes and more! Overwhelmed, I actually forgot all about the sans rival which Ms. Baltazar referred to as phenomenal. Instead, we ordered what we wanted to eat at that very instant - pecan pie for the hubby, cookies and cream cheesecake for Koy and a blueberry french macaroon for me. The hubby was satisfied with his choice as the pie wasn't as sweet as they had it in Calea. Koy liked the cheesecake too, but didn't care to finish it (he's not so fond of cakes). He traded his cake for a few bites of my blueberry macaroon, which he liked better especially because it turned his tongue blue.

After exchanging views about our desserts and engaging our food server in a little chitchat, we learned that the Felicia's has been around for a long time already known to many for its sweet creations such as the Turron de Pili, Almondettes and Almond Crunch. It was only in October 2008, however, that the Pastry Cafe came into operation carrying cakes and pastries which eventually has gathered a following among the locals.

Before we knew it, we've already wiped clean our forks and satisfied our cravings for sweets. So much for desserts-before-lunch. To cap our Felicia's experience we bought ensaymada (or was it bibingka?) for our afternoon snack.

I didn't fall in love with Felicia's at first sight, but I'm pretty sure I'd like to go back and have some of those sans rival!

To know more about Felicia's you view their Facebook page here >>>.

Note: Digiscrap resources by Maya.

Busted Glass

2009-10-13T19:53:00.002+14:00

Busted Glass
Originally uploaded by TheTallest

Koy was being extra creative at play this morning. Threw a coin at the ceiling and Bham! Down came our fluorescent light.

What else can a 5-year old kid say but, Ooooops!

The Wedding (Manolito and Joy)

2009-10-13T09:08:00.001+14:00

We attend Joy and Manolito's wedding last Saturday, 10th of October. Everybody dressed up to the nines as the motif was Black Tie. Even the hubby had to forego his usual denims and collarless shirt for the polo, slacks and dapa which he only gets to wear once in a blue moon. As for me, there was nothing fancy in my closet so I settled for my little black dress, which turned out to be not so little anymore LOL!.

Anyways, Koy got the privilege of marching down the aisle and play coin bearer. We were all excited to see him in his coat and tie. And my oh my, he didn't disappoint us! He looked very comfortable in it!

*digiscrap resources by dianne @ scrapbook graphics and lawanna desjardin @ desjardin digital designs

Wall-E Spotted

2009-10-08T01:36:00.001+14:00

The workings of the trash compactor robot named Wall-e has been discovered near the peaceful Rolling Hills Memorial Chapel in Bacolod City. Is it not that it is supposed to start doing its work on 2105? Have we been fast-tracking our wasteful ways thereby laying the grounds for the establishment of a super-mega landfill that necessitates the abandonment of the earth we live in and the death of all life forms? Has doomsday come before Christmas?

Echos lang! Been meaning to post this pictures online for the longest time ever! I've been passing by the shortcut road at 27th Lacson Street to evade the traffic at Crossing Ramos since time in immemorial. But I never really got excited about these pile of junks until Wall-E.

I love this movie, Koy loved it too. He was 4 when he first watched it and he was deeply moved (spoiler alert! read at your own risk, if you haven't seen the movie yet) during that scene when Eve didn't recognize Wall-E. It's a good movie to watch with children. It teaches kids about the environment, waste management, learning to cope with whatever blessings you have, resourcefulness and companionship.

Wall-E is now available on DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Order and own one now! >>>

Doing Business 2010

2009-10-02T02:21:00.000+14:00

World Bank Publications brings us Doing Business in 2010: Reforming Through Difficult Times. This year’s Annual Report (now on its 7^th) investigates the regulations that serve as enhancers and constraints to growth of business activities in over 183 economies.

This year’s top reformer jumping from the 143^rd spot to 67^th is a country that relies on subsistence agriculture and known as The Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda. It implemented reforms which was able to reduce start-up business procedures from 8 to 3 thereby cutting the processing time from 14 to 2 days. Rwanda also improved regulations to facilitate easy access to credit through the enforcement of 2 laws which allowed a wider range of assets to be used as collateral and made out-of-court enforcement of movable collateral available to secured creditors. Trading across borders was improved through longer operating hours and less complicated documentary requirements. Significant reforms in registering property and paying taxes reduced transaction time by 255 days.

Where does this leave the Philippines?

Pegged against our ASEAN counterparts, we ranked 7^th. (See Table 1 below). For two years in a row we’ve been huddling with Cambodia among the bottom 50 on the list of the rated economies. We’ve managed to consistently position ourselves among economies where doing business is difficult.

Table 1. Rankings on the Ease of Doing Business in 183 Economies

Country	2010	2009
	Rank	Rank
Singapore	1	1
Thailand	12	12
Malaysia	23	21
Vietnam	93	91
Brunei Darussalam	96	94
Indonesia	122	129
Philippines	144	141
Cambodia	145	139
Lao PDR	167	165
Myanmar	not rated

A Closer Look at the Key Indicators

The Philippines implemented three (3) positive reforms which acted as enablers for ease in getting credit (new credit information act that regulated the operations and services of a credit information system), for paying taxes (corporate income tax cut from a rate of 35 percent to 30 percent) and for closing a business (promotion of reorganization procedures). Despite so, we registered negative changes in our rank status for all the indicators included in the report. (See Table 2).

Table 2. Ease of Doing Business, ranking by topic

Ease of…	Doing Business		Change in
Ease of…	2010 Rank	2009 Rank	Rank
Doing Business	144	141	-3
Starting a Business	162	155	-7
Dealing with Construction Permit	111	106	-5
Employing Workers	115	114	-1
Registering Property	102	101	-1
Getting Credit	127	125	-2
Protecting Investors	132	127	-5
Paying Taxes	135	126	-9
Trading Across Borders	68	66	-2
Enforcing Contracts	118	116	-2
Closing a Business	153	153	0

Aside from Trading Across Borders where we got a double-digit mark, we have consistently been earning triple digits in all the other indicators. Several key cities in the country have started to take specific actions to ease business licensing procedures. Yet, our country landed on the 162^nd spot (out of 183!) for Ease of Starting a Business, down from 155^th the previous year.

7^th among the ASEAN, 144^th among 183 economies.

I don’t much about the whys and the how comes. I’m pretty sure though, that it is a depressing story of “because” and “if onlys”. Nonetheless useful information if you go by the learn-from-your-mistakes strategy of doing things. Are our legislators really serious about instituting useful and positive reforms? Or are we becoming too comfortable with the way things are that we no longer see the point in changing things? What’s next for the Philippines?

Doing Business in 2010 is available at $35.00 from the World Bank Publications. Order your copy here.

The Proposal

2009-09-30T09:21:00.000+14:00

For our reading time before bed last night, Koy picked My First Bible which retells the stories of the Bible with illustrations for kids. Before we started our reading, we had this conversation (translated to English):

"Ma, when I grow up, I want to be a priest"

"Sure"

"I will be a priest but I will still live with you"

"Oh no, baby, when you become a priest you will be where your church is. That will be your home. Just like Uncle Fr. Noni, his church is in Rome so he lives there. But you can always ask us to come with you wherever you will be assigned."

"Why does it have to be like that?"

"Because that's just the way it is."

Then we started reading about The Creation.

Just thought I'd write this one here so if ever the angels like his idea and give it a push, I would have something to share during his Ordination Party. LOL!

Picture Notes: Boz circa 2007 in Numancia, Aklan

Watch Sam Tsui One Man Band

2009-09-13T02:11:00.002+14:00

Here's another tube find you gotta love!

The Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010

2009-09-10T16:56:00.001+14:00

The rankings is out! The Philippines ranked no. 87.

The 30th edition of The Global Competitiveness Report series continues to stand out as one of the world's most comprehensive and respected assessment of countries' competitiveness. Produced in collaboration with leading academics and a global network of research institutes, The Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010 provides users with a comprehensive assessment of their strengths and weaknesses related to national competitiveness using the Global Competitiveness Index as the main methodology. In addition to statistical data the index also features data from the Executive Opinion Survey carried out by the World Economic Forum. The 2009 Survey captures the perceptions of over 13,000 business leaders from the featured 133 economies. Visit www.weforum.org/gcr for the full report.

ASEAN countries comparative rankings based on the Global Competitiveness Report for 2008-2009 vs. 2009-2010:

Country	Global Competitiveness Ranking
Country	2008-2009	2009-2010
Brunei Darussalam	39	32
Cambodia	109	110
Indonesia	55	54
Lao PDR*	-	-
Malaysia	21	24
Myanmar*	-	-
Philippines	71	87
Singapore	5	3
Thailand	34	36
Vietnam	70	75
* not rated

Among the 10 ASEAN Countries, we're consistently at the bottom 2 of the countries rated. And from a ranking of 71 in 2008-2009, we backslided and landed on the 87th spot for 2009-2010. Something for presidential candidates to consider, eh?

Thank You, Goodbye, Ex-President Corazon C. Aquino

2009-08-05T14:28:00.001+14:00

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~ From a headstone in Ireland

Thank you, Tita Cory
for sharing your life with us.
for being an instrument in restoring democracy to our land.

Thank you, Tita Cory
for showing us how it is to be steadfast and prayerful amidst life's taunting and challenges.

Thank you, Tita Cory
for making women like me proud of what you have accomplished
from being a plain housewife, a devout wife and a loving mother
to being the commander-in-chief of our country.

Thank you, Tita Cory
for being compassionate
towards the Filipino people whom you have dutifully served
and included in your prayers.

Thank you, Tita Cory
for showing us how much love a mother can give to her children
and doting to her grandchildren
and still have enough left for the rest of the country.

Thank you, Thank you, Tita Cory.

You will be missed...
but your life will be well remembered.

Thank you, goodbye.

Big Banana

2009-08-05T11:34:00.001+14:00

We don't exactly remember who planted this banana in my uncle's backyard. So we were all shocked when it grew 7-inch long bananas in one stem! And it didn't happen once, but three times. This one in the picture is part of a bunch of three. For a little perspective, we placed it side by side our Sony TV remote control and also beside the standard medium-sized lakatan.

The texture of the fruit was similar to that of the saba. Its seeds were perceivable compared to the regular latundan and lakatan varieties. The taste, so creamy it's like eating frozen banana milkshake. Yum, yum!

Pinky Swear

2009-07-31T04:58:00.005+14:00

To pinky swear (in some regions referred to as the pinky promise or pinky square) is when two people entwine their pinky fingers to signify that a promise has been made. (Wikipedia)

That's the hubby and me during our very first out-of-town alone time since Koy. It was to be our 14th year anniversary celebration of getting to know each other and dealing with each other's peculiarities.

We pinky sweared to have each other for keeps.