Catching Fire

 

...sometimes things happen to people and they're not equipped to deal with them.

I was fascinated with The Hunger Games. I've read half of Catching Fire and loving it more than The Hunger Games. And I can't wait to read Mockingjay. :D

Pancit Palabok

Pancit Palabok
Red Ribbon
http://www.redribbonbakeshop.com.ph/

Sizzle It YOUR Way

Words are not enough to describe how delicious Pepper Lunch is. So let me express my fascination with photographs.

Teriyaki Beef Pepper Rice with Egg for Hubby

Beef Yakiniku -- my FAVORITE!!!

Proof of  Pepper Lunch's YUMMYLICIOUSNESS!

If you haven't tried Pepper Lunch yet, you are missing a lot. I always leave the restaurant with an empty plate. 

See also I Love Pepper Lunch

Buddy's Restaurant -- Lucban's Pride

It seems Pancit Habhab is synonymous with Lucban. I must admit that whenever I go to Lucban, I always eat Pancit Habhab. I'm on my second day of my 3-day vacation in my mother's hometown. Well, it's actually a vacation on the side. The real reason why I went here is to accompany my dad and pay for property tax. I had an advance request of the food I want to eat upon my arrival.  Home cooked Laing (gabi leaves with chopped garlic, ginger and coco milk) and Paksiw na Bangus with Labong (milkfish cooked in vinegar with bamboo shoots) for a very late lunch was waiting for us. Then of course, we had Pancit Habhab for dinner. 

Today, my cousin's family hosted lunch at Buddy's Restaurant. Tourists would always include Pancit Habhab in their order, but this time I want to eat something else. Well, I had pancit habhab already last night and I also know how to cook habhab so I can I actually have it anytime I want.

1/2 order of Pork Sisig with egg and rice (P85) - bestseller!

Spicy Crab Omelet with Rice (P135)

Chopsuey with Rice (P115) - hmm.. I prefer my veggies freshly cooked

Fried Chicken with Rice (P120) - crispy but a bit salty, I like it though.

Lumpiang Ubod (P70) - I love this!!!

Grilled Porkchop with Rice (P115)

You need not travel all the way to Quezon to have a taste of Buddy's sumptuous menu. They have branches all over the metro.

Market!Market!

Taguig City

886.7711

Ortigas Center

Pasig City

637.3296

Timog Ave.

Quezon City

355.1111

Me and the Chipmunks

Vacation mode! :D

The Hunger Games

 

I can't believe I have an e-book copy of The Hunger Games Trilogy since 2010 and I only read it last week. I just finished the book this afternoon and I can't wait to start with the next installment. The Hunger Games is the first book of the trilogy written by Suzanne Collins published third quarter of 2008. This book has earned a positive review from Stephen King. The other two books are Catching Fire, published a year after and Mockingjay published 2010.

I can't put the book down and only sleepiness compelled me to do so. The book ended in such a way that I want to read Catching Fire right away. My friends who have read this book also felt the same.

The film adaptation is to be shown March 2012. I'm hoping it's as good as the book. I don't want to be disappointed. I was somehow wishing Quentin Tarantino directed this. I want the movie to be brutal. :D

The film was directed by Gary Ross. Jennifer Lawrence plays the part of Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson plays Peeta.

Gong Xi Fa Cai: Year of the Water Dragon

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Me and hubby went to Eastwood Mall to celebrate our year. Yep, we are Dragons! The dragon is the only animal that is legendary in the Chinese Zodiac. It is believed that a Dragon's motto is "I reign!"  The dragon is a symbol of power, strength and good luck. Dragon years are usually the most popular to have babies. There are more babies born in the  Dragon years than in any other zodiac. 

Characteristics of a Water Dragon

Water has a calming effect on the Dragon's fearless temperament. Water allows the Dragon to re-direct its enthusiasm, and makes him more perceptive of others. These Dragons are better equipped to take a step back to re-evaluate a situation because they understand the art of patience and do not desire the spotlight like other Dragons. Therefore, they make smart decisions and are able to see eye-to-eye with other people. However, their actions can go wrong if they do not research or if they do not finish one project before starting another. 

Me and my husband were born in the year of the Fire Dragon. 

Characteristics of a Fire Dragon

The Fire Dragon is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This is a Dragon doubled! The Fire Dragon can move from calm and collected to combustible in a matter of seconds. In some ways the Fire Dragon is his or her own worst enemy. These Dragons cannot help feeling they are valuable and all-knowing. When they are right their vehemence and vigor is an asset to the cause, and though they value objectivity, they do not always employ the best decision-making measures, and sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion. They also suffer from recklessness and quick tempers. Yet, when they do keep their temper, emotions, and rivaling spirit under control, they emanate a commanding influence on other people. 

The Dragon in Love

People love Dragons so much because they are generous, charismatic, irresistible, and so brave that standing beside them banishes fear. They generate excitement and turn heads anywhere they go. They are free-spirited and impulsive and can help others achieve their dreams. Others love to be around Dragons because they have a way of making people feel better. Dragons are quick to fall in love, but do not surrender their independence easily leaving most of them to live life by themselves. Yet, an smart, witty, and funny companion may intrigue the Dragon long enough to make him want to get married. And once the Dragon becomes committed, he is unlikely to ever leave.

The Libran Dragon is a chic creature, quite cultured and cultivated. Charm is this Dragon's greatest asset and is a magnetic force that causes people to flock to him. The Libran Dragon fair person and is a champion of the people.

Status and title matter a lot to the Virgo Dragon, and he is prepared to work diligently to achieve them. These organized and productive people carefully plan each aspect of their lives and leave nothing to chance. The Dragon's capricious characteristics are calmed and the Virgo Dragon has a streamlined, efficient outlook on life.

The Dragon's originality is the most impressive and outstanding of all his characteristics. The Dragon is quite imaginative and always able to see new paths where others may run into brick walls. Dragons are very adaptable and are fit for various occupations, especially if those occupations allow him to take the limelight. In any of these occupational situations, the Dragons will take a radical approach. Dragons work hard, but would rather give orders than receive them. They should avoid jobs that encompass too much routine, and should move toward jobs in which their self-reliance can be an asset.

Dragons like to spend money and are charitable themselves as well as with others. They do not know the meaning of the word "accumulate," and making money does not intrigue them as it may others. Many Dragons will take big chances with their finances, sometimes betting on their shirt and losing it right off of their backs. Yet, they were born with the Midas Touch, and it very rare that a Dragon remains poor for long. Dragons will always be straightforward in financial dealings and can always be trusted.

ref:usbridalguide.com

My iPad Art

I've been wondering for ages if there is a drop of art in my blood. Last night, I downloaded iDoodle Lite from the apps store. Although I am not sure if this is the best free app available, I gave it a try because it was categorized as a popular download.

The tools are limited and I'm really having a hard time with the colors. But since this is free, I have no right to complain.

"Love in the Midst of Confusion"

"Feline a Trap"

"Sailing through a Rough Tide"

"Just One Wish"

So I guess I can come up with something. :D

Chippy, anyone?

 

Weird observations.

I enjoy eating Chippy when shared with lots of people.

I can't seem to finish off a small bag of Chippy all by myself.

Chippy tastes better if somebody else brought it.

Chippy is best eaten with a glass of ice cold coke. Iced tea or juice will never do justice.

Red Chippy is the best junk food ever!

Agree?

A is for Apple

I've always wanted to have a Kindle. Although I love the smell of paper with every turn of a page, my shelves could no longer accommodate new books. I have 93 e-books saved in my laptop and dozens of books saved in my Samsung Galaxy. The laptop is way too big and inconvenient for me because I love reading lying down. While my Samsung allows me the pleasure of reading lying down, it's punishing my eyes.

I have spent months contemplating whether I want a Kindle or not (plus the fact that I need to save up money to buy one) and what other options are available out there for me. I even considered a cheaper alternative from CDR King but was convinced not to buy by their own technician!

iPad2 iOS5

Last Sunday, my husband bought us an iPad. I was really surprised but not very very suprised because I've been teasing him to buy me a reader. I just know he will buy soon. Making me happy makes him happy :D He hinted about it a week ago while we were at the fruits section of the supermarket that we'll buy apple next week at Shangri-la. My mind was focused on my grocery list and so in my mind I was thinking, Oh yeah the fruits here don't look so good. Let's buy at Rustan's Fresh next week.

I hate seeing the apps icons all over the screen. My obsessive-compulsive nature assigned folders to categorize the icons.

Screen protector and Smart Cover are a must! I'm amazed with the Smart Cover. The built-in magnets strong hold helps the iPad stay put. It's so secure you are certain your iPad2 won't fall off when you hold in by the cover.  The Smart Cover also folds into a triangle stand. We opted for the polyutherane. Leather cover is also available but more expensive.

I am now reading The Hunger Games. Enjoying the book and loving the iPad2.

Beauty Seen In Her Eyes, Reflected In Her Soul

Those true eyes,

Too pure and too honest in aught to disguise

The sweet soul shining through them.

Open your eyes,

Look within,

Are you satisfied with the life you're living?

Some eyes threaten like a loaded and levelled pistol,

and others are as insulting as hissing or kicking ;

some have no more expression than blueberries,

while others are as deep as a well

 which you could fall into.

==

"To any artist,
worthy of the name,
all in nature is beautiful,
because his eyes
fearlessly accepting
all exterior truths,
read there as in a open book,
all the inner truth."

Photos courtesy of

Jons Nerecina

More photos here.

2012 Australian Open

The Australian Open Tennis Tournament is the Grand Slam of the Asia Pacific. This is the first of the four majors in tennis held every third week of January. This year, the tournament runs from January 16 - 29. This is a hard court event held at Melbourne Park.

It's sad that Venus Williams is out of the tournament because of her autoimmune disease. It's always a delight to watch the Williams sisters play doubles and play against each other on singles. Although Serena Williams is playing this year, I have doubts with her physical condition. For the women, I am rooting for Victoria Azarenka and Petra Kvitova. 2011 women's champion is Kim Clijsters.

All time favorite and 16 grand slam title holder Roger Federer breezed through the first round against Alexander Kudryavtsev in straight sets this afternoon. I'm really hoping for Federer to win this year. But I guess it will not be easy because Rafael Nadal is in good shape and Novak Djokovic is the defending champion.

The Healing God

I heard the mass this morning officiated by Fr Joey Faller. Long before he became famous and acknowledged as the healing priest, our family already know him. Their family is known in the town of Lucban, Quezon which is my mom's hometown. We live four blocks away from them. 

When my mom got breast cancer in 2002, she would go to the province accompanied by my father to attend the healing mass. Fr Joey has been instrumental in the healing of my mom. Through him and my mom's strong faith in God, she got healed.

It has been ten years since my mom got healed. And I was surprised when Fr Joey announced today that Kamay ni Hesus is celebrating it's 10th anniversary also.

I have been to Kamay ni Hesus a number of times already. It is very convenient for us to visit anytime because our parents built a vacation house nearby.

I experience a certain kind of calm whenever I am there. I feel both being close to nature and to God.

Kamay ni Hesus healing mass is every Wednesday and Saturday, 930am til 12 noon. For any inquiries, you may get in touch with Doris Gracias at contact number 042.540.2206.

Yesterday, I Cried. I Did.

for all the things I had given, only to have them stolen;
for all the things I had asked for that had yet to show up;
for all the things I had accomplished, 
only to give them away to people in circumstances,
which left me feeling empty, and battered and plain old used.

I cried because there really does come a time when the only thing left for me to do is cry.

Then the tears washed away obscure ideas, some bitterness, the feeling of mediocrity and being useless, frustrations and unmet expectations. My goals once again became clear. My thoughts more rational. My emotions stable. I have regained my feeling of self-worth. I am now more focused on what I want to achieve, how I want to achieve them. I no longer complain that I do not have enough time. I know all I have to do is give time.

The book Yesterday, I Cried is a gift from a dear friend who I finally gave time to meet up after 6 years of rescheduling. I told her that I could not progress with the book. I'm somehow stuck with the poem. Because every time I read the poem, I just want to savor all the unpleasant experiences in my life.

This morning as I was writing this entry, I opened the book once again. Turned to the last page of the book where she wrote a dedication:

        Dear Roselle,

          Just another tool for your life's journey. 

         This book clearly celebrates the many reasons 

          for living and loving joyfully -- but first, healing.

                                                                                        Best,

                                                                                             Anne   

                                                                                             7.Apr.11

Now I understand why I am not making any progress with this book and with my life. I am so consumed with hatred and pain. Somehow dwelling on them gives me a masochistic satisfaction. I am so entertained by the idea that I have some drama in life.

I must move on.

I must grow up.

But first, I need to heal.

Reunited

 

The most beautiful discovery true friends make 

is that they can grow separately without growing apart.

Finally.

After numerous planning and setting of dates and rescheduling and cancelling.

After almost 6 years.

We talked nonstop we did not notice we've been chatting for almost three hours!

Not that we have lots of catching up to do, because we constantly communicate via chat and texting.

I guess we are just talkative! :D

She traveled all the way from Laguna and I came from Antipolo.

But it was a well spent afternoon.

I love talking to Anne because I learn a lot from her. She makes me understand things. I really admire her. Her wit, her toughness and even her craziness!  She encourages me and inspires me. And most importantly, she makes me appreciate the things that come my way which I most of the time tend to complain about but are indeed blessings.

I guess I'm as crazy as you are. Now I wonder,  how do we manage to keep each other sane?

Strawberry Jam from Heaven

I did not like strawberry jam before. Because most of the strawberry jams I've tasted are either too sweet or obviously sour. Back in 1998, my ex-boyfriend (now husband) joined a school trip to Baguio. When he returned to Manila, he brought me strawberry jam from Good Shepherd. It was so good.

Last March 2011, we went up to Baguio to attend a friend's wedding. I made sure that we visit the Good Shepherd Convent before going back to Manila. I bought a big bottle of strawberry jam and it lasted less than a month. I've been looking for sellers of the Good Shepherd strawberry jam here in Manila but could not find any.

I was at Robinson's Metro East for our weekly grocery and voila!! I saw this on the Philippine Products shelf. Only the small bottle is available and I think this is kinda expensive for P150. But of course, I bought it.

We had a heavenly breakfast the next morning -- wheat bread, butter, eggs, bacon and strawberry jam. It was cold and raining here in Antipolo. All I need was to close my eyes and suddenly it felt like I was having breakfast at The Manor Camp John Hay.

SM Advantage

I have a collection of cards - VIP, rewards, priority and whatever membership card an establishment I frequent offers. Amongst all my cards the SM Advantage (and the Mercury Suki Card) is the most I benefit from.

 

SM Advantage is a loyalty card that lets you earn points every time you shop.  The reward points accumulated can then be use to pay for purchases. SM Advantage also offers freebies, discounts to various establishments and exclusive sales.

Membership is valid for two years and is renewable for another two years for only P100 or 80 reward points. 

Lydia's Lechon

I have a huge lechon craving since Saturday and to finally satisfy my belly we stopped by Lydia's Lechon along Marcos Highway for lunch.

Sizzling Lechon, P150

Sizzling Lechon Sisig, P88

The sizzling platters are very affordable. Generous serving and comes with a free iced tea and soup. Other choices are Sizzling Pork BBQ (P115) and Sizzling Bulalo Steak (P150).

Burp.

It Must Be Cold For Those With No Warm Memories

Blue Mountains Residential Estates, Antipolo City

Pororo the Little Penguin

One of my favorite Disney Junior Asia animated cartoon series is Pororo the Little Penguin. I know I'm way too old for this but I can't resist the cuteness of Pororo and the theme song "Happy As Can Be".

Pororo, Loopy and Crong

Pororo is a five year old penguin who lives in the snowy village of Porong Porong Forest. He and his friends would often get into petty fights, simple challenges and adventures. But in the end, the friendship will prevail. I love that the stories are simple and always with moral lessons.

It's More Fun In The Philippines

 

A new campaign was launched this morning by the Department of Tourism to boost tourism in the country.  DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. made the Filipinos excited last night by tweeting hints as to what the campaign is all about. The tagline #1forFun created a buzz in twitter world.

“Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience. Wherever you go, whatever you do in the country, it’s the Filipinos that will complete your vacation and will make your holiday unforgettable,” says the new Tourism Secretary, Ramon Jimenez, Jr."

True enough, the Filipinos are fun loving people. We can find more than 7,107 ways to have fun 365 days a year.  Every town celebrates unique and colorful festivities. We have adventure-filled activities like the wake boarding in Camarines Sur, spelunking in Sagada, surfing in Surigao and flying in Clark Field, Pampanga.

During summer, have fun in the sun in the pristine beaches of Boracay, Cebu, Davao and Palawan. Not fond of getting a tan? Well, you can enjoy atv, ziplining and partying in Boracay, have an adrenaline rush trying the Edge Coaster and Skywalk in Cebu, satisfy your gastronomic cravings with the freshest catch in Davao and marvel at the wonderful Underground River in Palawan.

Start your 2012 the fun way! Book a flight and visit the Philippines. NOW.

Other Things May Change Us, But We Start And End With Family