IMHO: A Serious Post About My Guiding Principles

WARNING: This post could be pretty downbeat.

I think though that it is about time that I share about what I believe to be the keys to living a meaningful life. For me, it is being able to maintain a steadiness of three things: continuous learning, integrity and courage. There are quite other aspects to be valued, but in my opinion, these three that I've mentioned stand out and make sense as I go through my daily activities.

Having the zest for learning, which starts from knowing myself first of all, is very important. It is always a joy to discover my purpose and to have a clear vision of how I want myself to be with what I desire to experience. I practice this by observing how I relate with others in certain situations and determining what improvements I could do should I face the same thing again. I reflect whenever I am alone, when I start the day, or before I sleep- and I must say that it is interesting to learn more of myself.

However, it is not only my whole being that I am keen on knowing. I always got this certain level of curiosity, especially of those that I actually have no idea of. My reading references are so wide and I try to capture the essence of these books, magazines, and articles. I love watching talks, speeches, and enjoy learning even from the simplest conversations with the people I meet. I guess that it is never too late to apply these knowledge when the situation calls for it, and that as I age, I’d feel contented knowing that there are so many things I know that represent my values in life which I intend to use in order to help others grow, too.

Next is integrity. For me, sticking to my morals is a must rather than pleasing others or by giving in to their own standards at the expense of mine.  It is important to be true and honest as a person. Even when no one is watching me, it is essential to still be doing the right thing. I feel this sense of fulfillment when I know deep inside that I have done the right thing and that my character is sound. I also consider being real to others as important. It causes harm to speak negatively of others or do something to hurt them especially when it is out of anger, which may trigger them to distrust and disrespect me. So I just keep things simple by being myself, yet maintaining a personality of realness which could actually inspire others to be the same.

Lastly, the spirit of courage is something that I strongly rely on. The thing is, there are a lot of challenges that I have encountered, and somehow I've learned to practice determination and being daring enough to face these. I could have walked out or succumbed to self destruction but it is just not me to give up when I fail. Also, I love adventure and activities that challenge my mind and body. Going out of my comfort zone makes me flexible and fulfilled. It is always awesome to push myself, and I attribute that to my sheer audacity and the chutzpah to pull of things.

But courage is not only physical. I also think that having an intellectual courage is important. I share my ideas boldly because that is how we figure out things, by exploring all the options. I believe it is important to not be afraid of what others may think of our ideas.

So these are the principles that guide me, and it is a refreshing experience to write these down and check on myself. I will hold on to these as I try to live fabulously. And so pardon me for being too formal, but I think I am absolutely doing okay at this point in my life.

Happy Image # 06: Mt. Bromo!

No, I'm not going to put too much words on this one. Also, I won't dwell big time on my long hiatus to blogging since, clearly, I was way too busy and going online to write became even daunting. GUILTY. No further fancy stories, but pretty much, this year's been another crazy adventure for me. Few travels to UNESCO World Heritage sites and discovering food in the strangest places have simply been awesome, and damn straight, I need to check- in at every place on that list. 

One cool image though that I would like to share is from my Yogyakarta, Indonesia trip last July 2013 where I was just too in awe of the glorious Borobodur and the Prambanan. I love old temples and history, just as much as I enjoy churches with the eeriness and splendor combined. I also dig mountains and climbs, as much as I love the islands and the seas. But really, I am just too grateful that with such patience and accessibility, I was able to make a side- trip, but a 10 hour one at that (one way), to East Java from Jogja where I was able to hike up another volcano called Gunung Bromo.

Here's a photo I took of it from afar and there goes my 6th Happy Image! You could just imagine my delight at that time when I have witnessed its majesty from dawn while everything was dark and covered with fog, until its eventual disappearance as the sun rose, then unfolding the beauty of Mt. Bromo in the morning.

Oh, and of course- I climbed it and reached the crater with some smoke coming out of its mouth. Awesome! :)

Mapping The Uncharted Stream of Potential

I've always been fascinated with life. Wow, naks: that may be one commonly used pang- publicity first line of an essay or ad material but please understand that it's carefully arrived at and written in all candor. Though there are probably some points that aren't just exciting as expected throughout time, I've learned to rather dwell on its meaning and the potential inside. Actually, my mind has always been the Sparta battlefield of whether to focus on finding happiness versus finding meaning. However the case, one thing's for certain: LIFE IS FREAKING SHORT. If you look at it, that shouldn't be much of a scary thought but something that'd provoke you to move and care. So just like living by another cliche, I've made those attempts on making the most out of it as my main biz by trying to infuse the art of breathing into the core of my existence; that every circumstance shall be dealt with introspection at first and diving into whatever I thought to be could maximize my potential.

Hold it-  I'm not here to have you explore the depths of my cranium. The convolutions inside it are so intricate and complicated that it'd be better to keep them private. I also am not used to writing about dramatic, cheesy, and heart- wrenching moments because the thing is I got a fancy for current events, lifestyle, music, food, and other keen observations of things. Although I hope that you'd excuse me if I sometimes tweet or post a line from a love song or a Neruda poem. Sarap kaya ng laging feeling na in- love at gigising ka sa umaga with a grace- filled aura. One would see me running here and there, involved with various sorts of activities to and fro, sharing what I thought of the recent episode of a hot series, listening to some weirdly beautiful sounds, describing glorious food I've been craving for or have just tasted, or simply talking about my daily musings. I'm busy raving about stuff and most of the time, I don't make too much fuss about what other people hate as it'd only ignite them to anger. But I'm human- sometimes I'd rant or wallow but the thing is I'd eventually just sigh and utter, "Wow pre, natatawa na lang talaga ako eh." There, there... tapos comedy na and craziness overload afterwards.

But yeah, seriously- what I intend for you to realize is that no matter how gripping and negative the events in this world are, one should always use a big space for magic and hope. I know, I know... some may just go on and doubt about the intention of others, or even doubt on the goodness of a situation. I know how rational we could all get because yeah there were some instances that I turned out to be a person who questions everything and overanalyzes whatever is upfront out of emptiness. And I tell you, being so cynical and dwelling too much on an issue may do more harm. These will get you stuck and then you'd recognize that life had passed you by already. We ask what the point is in everything without realizing that it's part of the process and the transformation. You will have to go through it and learn, that something beautiful will happen in the end. Parang ano lang yan eh, yung pot of gold sa other end of the rainbow? YON. Haha!

So when we dream, don't think that it's such a bad thing. It will not make you weak and stupid! You see, it's always cool to map out where you're going, to have this vision of your ideals and that desired situation. It's such a lovely feeling to close your eyes for a while and see yourself in a wild place that your mind could think of, which you may not afford to live in right now but in a few years time, why not?! And with all your loved ones around you as bonus! Keep all these images in mind and then go on attempting that reroute if you must because hey, lots of potentials are in store.  

Lastly, we can all agree that life is short, but ironically, it's also never too late to figure out what will keep you sane, happy, and what could actually give your life meaning. 

Marso Polo

Marso na! Dalawang buwan mula ng gumawa ka ng mga kalokohang resolutions na ‘yan nung Enero ay nasaang estado ng buhay ka na ngayong 2013? Ako man ay mistulang nabibilisan din sa takbo ng panahon eh. Agad- agad lagi! Kaka- Christmas lang kaya; sabay summer na ulit? Project Balik Alindog na naman pati, eh di pa nga bumababa yung kinain ko nung New Year eh! 

Ngunit wala namang magagawa kundi umusad ng umusad, tumakbo ng tumakbo, at siguraduhing nakakakapit sa sanga na inaagos. Yung mga pagbabago, normal lang yan na kailangang sakyan araw- araw. Dumami na nga ang uso; ‘di ko alam kung sasabay pa ako.

Sa sobrang dami ng trip ng madla ngayon, 'eto yata ang listahan ng mga dapat ko’ng itanong nang di ko maturing ang aking sarili na kabilang sa mga ume- ermitanyo mode:

1)     Ano ang meron sa Candy Crush Saga at nagkakagulo ang lahat dito?

2)     Mga ilang buwan pa bago ko makita ang benepisyo ng Phewtick?

3)     Bakit binebenta pa yung mga piso fare deals na’to kung inuubos din agad ng mga travel agencies yung slots?

4)   Bakit tahimik ang Malacañang tungkol sa mga Pinoy na inaaresto at kinikitil ang buhay sa Sabah?

5)  Bakit ang perfect- perfect pa rin ni Zooey Deschanel para sa'kin?

6)  Sino 'tong si Daniel Padilla at laging trending sa Twitter? Hashtag WHO? Nese kenye ne beng lehet et negmemehel sye neng tepet?

7)  At bakit nauso itong Harlem Shake? Ako nalang ba ang walang bidyo na nagsasayaw nito???

8)  Ano kaya ang wala kay Sir Chief at di ako adiktus at magpapakamatay para makapanood ng Be Careful With My Heart?

9)  Bakit solid yung hype ng JCo at IHOP sa Pinas at dito naman sa SG ay Jollibee yung patok at may long queue?

10) Bakit ang tagal ng bagong episode ng Tales From The Friend Zone??!

Ngayon, hindi ko alam kung wala lang akong gana alamin kaya 'di ko binigyan ng oras ang paghalukay sa mga kasagutan sa mga tanong na yan. Samakatuwid, maaaring wala akong interes at pake kung may bagong hoopla sa mundo habang ako ay nagha- have fun sa aking sariling universe. Sana bago matapos ang Marso ay medyo maliwanagan ako sa mga bagay na yan para hindi ako magmukhang mangmang sa mga trip ng madla lately. Mahirap na; baka masabihan ng wagas na "You don't do that to me!" eh.

Hahahaha! :D


Lyrics of the Quarter:

"YOLO, say No- No. Isolate yourself and just roll solo. Be careful - o. You ought to look out also stands for YOLO!!!"     - The Lonely Island Feat. Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar; An SNL Digital Short

On How Cool Cynthia Alexander Is

I remembered last 2012 when local music feeds talked of why Cynthia Alexander, one of my favorite homegrown singers/ songwriters, needed to leave the Philippines for the United States. There was a relaxed, farewell show held wherein she performed for the last time in my homeland. I must say that I felt a bit bad that I was not able to go there last year and watch her perform live, which was actually one of my dreams. Imagine sitting on cozy, native room with her performing a few steps away from you, with a percussionist playing bonggos and other indie musicians beside her. Laid back and easy. Online videos of some parts of the show were all that was left for me to see. 

Some issues rose that the music industry back in the Philippines didn't pay more value or attention to great artists like the amazing Cynthia, hence, a feeling of disappointment with a hint of going out may have triggered these musicians to share their music to places and listeners where there's more opportunity and appreciation. Support has been given to artists of a genre that's more acceptable to the Filipino 'masa'. 

So why am I talking about Cynthia right now, when the buzz of her is already a thing of the past? 

That's it. Waves about her aren't made recently, and I truly missed her music. I've listened to her well- crafted songs of tasteful sound and meaningful lyrics since I was young. On my playlist for years are One Hundred Eight Eyes, Comfort In Your Strangeness, Daisy Chain, U & I, Motorbykle, and other songs that would leave one tinkering the heart and mind from those plucked strings. 

Her rendition of the Beatles's Blackbird was amazing by the way.

True enough, the Cynthia Alexander experience is sublime.

Here's another great song from her, Knowing There Is Only Now. 

Mabuhay ka, Miss Cynthia! 

Smashing Mt. Pinatubo

Hello and Happy New Year to everyone! 2012 has been a year of wonderful achievements for me especially in the line of fitness and outdoor adventures. Yeah, well, it ended with a few slight health issues but these of course didn't stop me from getting the most out of the year!

I returned to the Philippines a day after the SFC Singapore Thanksgiving Party, wherein I served as one of the dancers who performed a hiphop/ jazz opening number. Yes, that's a week after my full marathon. So I truly give heaps of credit to these strong legs and muscles, hahaha! Or probably the indomitable will to get moving? The activities didn't stop there; I cooked up something for my return back to the Philippines on my week- long vacay, and one of them was this Pinatubo trip.

Okay, so the Pinatubo hike was scheduled on mid- December. Originally, we were supposed to climb the highest peak of Luzon which is Mt. Pulag, but because my friends were having Christmas parties on that weekend which they needed to organize (they're ex- HR colleagues), we just opted for a day tour and the only available adventure was heading up into the crater of Pinatubo.  

So... bottomline, Mt. Pinatubo was just the next best option. My heart seriously yearned to climb Pulag and gaze at the sea of clouds around it.

On Mt. Pinatubo: The volcano is known to be the culprit of one of the worst and biggest eruptions in the history of the Philippines which destroyed several lives and properties in Central Luzon back in the 90's. I remember witnessing some ashfall back when I was a kid, and to think it reached Makati at that time, it was that serious. I didn't realize I'd someday be swimming in the crater of what was once known to be the mouth of a monstrous and abominable mountain.

We all met at 4-ish AM and drove along NLEX. When we got to Capas, Tarlac, we were a few minutes earlier than the expected time. Our excitement level just kept pumping us up.

The experience started by (rough-) riding a 4x4 which crossed a rocky and sandy terrain. The driver of the huge jeep along with the local tour guide were skilled enough to know which part of the land (and water) to tread. Otherwise, we might land on a dangerous spot.

Four of us huddled at the back of the 4x4 jeep

We then had to hike 7 kilometers up into the peak. I didn't have too much sleep the night before the climb so I was like crossing fingers not too fall because of the heat and all those challenges along the rugged trail. 

Finally, we reached the peak and were amazed by the outrageous blue- green lake. Yes, as others say, it's indeed majestic. 

Other tourists were there to be captivated as well. After a few sightseeing, we then hopped into a boat that took us to the other side of the lake. However, the water was too hot for swimming on that part. We decided to go back to the main side where we could enjoy cool water and float away. 

The water's deep, by the way. I just think that lifeguards should be around should there be any emergency case.

Here is the panoramic view of the crater:

So there you go; my final outdoor adventure for 2012! I can't wait to climb, dive, and let myself get lost in breathtaking places this year. 

Happy Image # 05: My First Full Marathon!

I know! Super late this post has been (yes, Yoda?). There are so many things to update because for the last few months, I've been so heavily busy with service, work, and some running. And I am so grateful to experience these activities!

Oh, running. So yeah, I finally got to run a full 42 kilometers distance at the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2012 which was held last December 2. I finished it with all blisters and pains which I endured all throughout the race. The feeling of accomplishing a full mary has been totally overwhelming!!!

This was what I wrote in the album description of my race photos:

"When I registered online a few months ago, I signed up with both squinted eyes yet with a firm stand that I should be able to finish a full marathon before I turn 30 on 2013. However, during the time gap between the registration and the race, I was initially thinking of bailing out because of other commitments and lags on my training. Weeks before 2/12/12, I had to remind myself of that indomitable will. So I managed to run, taper and get on with the SCMS 2012. I can only think of the many challenges I encountered during the 42.195 kilometers course which were eventually beaten by the fun and the unbreakable human spirit of others that I and my running buddies witnessed along the way. So praise God, I did it, and now I am back in the office where my boss is nagging me to wear the finisher's shirt on wash day. Haha! :)"

Some other facts:

1) I didn't tell my parents about me joining it until the day before race day so as not to get them worried.

2) I've had like 3 energy gels throughout the race.

3) As I crossed the 25th kilometer, I began to question my motives for running the 42 when I could have signed up for the 21.

4) I had scratches on my left arm because I wasn't able to apply some body glide on it.

5) My middle toenails were black for a week. They didn't die, though. New nails, new beginnings. Whatevs.

6) I was on leave the following day to nurse myself and pop out the icky water from the blisters. Hahaha!

7) When I returned for work, I was surprised by my beloved boss and colleagues with a yummy cake to recognize my achievement. I was soooo touched and felt honored!

8) I ran a full marathon before I turn 30. 'Slashed it out of the bucket list. How cool is that.

So now, if you ask me if I will still be running a full 42, my answer is: Hell, YES!

Here's my finisher's medal! Happy Image number 5! 

Chicken Arroz Caldo

This had been an eventful September. There are so many things to be thankful for, new friends met, and accomplishments to be happy of. It's been a month of endless blessings and with all the activities that took place such as opportunities of service and worship with my SFC Singapore community, gatherings with old friends, and solid projects at work, I decided to just stay at home for this month's last weekend so I could give myself some "alone" time.

I really miss having nothing to do but sleep, read, and eat. I needed a break to doze off and just lounge---

Like a (big, fat) boss.

So for this gloomy Sunday, I went to the nearby Shengshiong supermarket and grabbed a few ingredients to make an awesome Chicken Arroz Caldo. The last time I ever ate this was when I attended midnight mass here in Singapore last year (for free).

I guess it was just hot and "swak" to celebrate a good month and begin a busier one by cooking this porridge.

Ingredients:

- 2 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Minced garlic
- Julienned ginger
- Chopped onion
- Hard boiled eggs
- 1/2 kilo of chicken parts
- Patis or fish sauce
- 1 chicken cube/ stock
- 5.5 cups of water
- 1 1/2 cup of Thai jasmine rice (uncooked)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Minced spring onion
- Toasted garlic

First, I sautéed the garlic, onion, and ginger in the saucepan. I sprinkled some pepper and waited until the ginger's a bit brown. Then I added the chicken bouillon cube so that all the ingredients would absorb the flavour. After that, I added the chicken parts, fried them for a few minutes, then put the fish sauce. I'm just so thankful that there was still some patis left in the kitchen, which was just right for this dish. When the chicken's already tender, I mixed the uncooked rice with it and poured the water.

At this point, I added the hard- boiled eggs and and seasoned it with salt and a little bit of pepper to blend the taste. 

While waiting for at least 45 minutes until the rice is cooked, I toasted the garlic in oil which I'd use to garnish. Remember, make sure you carefully toast it and prevent the minced garlic from getting burned. Otherwise, your arroz caldo would taste nasty and bitter. Once it turns golden brown, put it in a platter with kitchen napkin to absorb the excess oil.

When it's finally done, I put the arroz caldo on a bowl and garnished it with garlic and minced spring onion. Voila! Here's my Chicken Arroz Caldo with egg and a lot of love, which was just perfect for a rainy and lazy Sunday. Hello there, OCTOBER!

A Letter To The New Guy That My Friend Is Seeing

Dear New Guy That My Friend Is Seeing,

More than two weeks since you showed that dauntless effort of finally getting to know a dear friend, I have, since then, become a witness of how she's been all aglow and giddy. Her vibrancy as she recounts all your minutes together got me smiling, too. You make her laugh so hard, and while she speaks of it, I got to totally dig your sense of humour as well. You see, she may not appear to do so, with all those no's, but's, if's, and refusals, but my friend actually adores the fact that a person who is so sweet, witty, and patient despite her quirks and whims suddenly arrived at such a rough phase in her life.

I have seen you only in photographs and that short apparition via Skype.  I have known you only through her stories. It is quite unfortunate though because I've this urge to be there with her as she dates you.  I am so certain that she’d support me as the third wheel for your dinners and trips, but of course, I'd hate to intrude in the rawness of your privacy. Oh no, even if I mastered it, I won't ask you to accomplish a Psychological test or have you undergo my Targeted Selection tactics. RELAX. Breathe. It just alarms me, however, that I am not physically present to be by her side. You would think I'm such an overprotective friend, but let me make you understand the reason.

I love her. Yes, that kind of love which springs from the heart of a long- lost sister that has been touched by her being real. Strange as it may seem, our friendship has become stronger, noting the fact that I am here in another country and have not seen her in a year. We are so connected even if there were some rifts during this long- distance friendship.

My friend is a loving woman. She is thoughtful. She will fight for her loved ones. She has this capacity to boost up somebody’s spirit and enlighten a clouded mindset. She will proudly tell the whole world of how much she treasures you. My friend is the type who’d send a bouquet of flowers on your birthday, and will be there during trying times. She is also full of talent and her ability to coordinate is by far the most superb I’ve seen. I can recommend her to fellow practitioners in my human resources network because of her passion, but when it comes to having deeper and personal commitments with someone, I will not recommend her to you. This is because I don’t really know you yet, and even if I do, there are no concrete ways at this early stage to determine how much mess you can make and how much she’ll have to go through.

In short, she is very special, but it’s not really about how my friend carries herself and treats another person that makes her so. If you sincerely know her, you would realize that it's her experiences of utmost pain that actually make her beautiful. My friend has attempted a lot of times in things associated with love- and she fell, failed, smiled, splurged, got wasted, and has gotten to the point of losing control. I understand her, and for me, it does not make sense how such affectionate and generous people can get broken. 'Good thing, she is learning about toughness along the way. 

Please be careful with her. What she needs now is some valuable time to discover herself. She needs more time to renew her spirit and dwell on positivity. Her family must be number one at this point, so woo her not through cheesy lines, food, movies, and drama, but through those people around her. Most importantly, allow her to rekindle that relationship with God and distract her from the worldly things as much as possible.

You’re a man. You’re of age. You are trying to be stable. I pray that you’d make her realize that love will not limit her potential as an individual. All those past hurts must not stop her from loving and being in- love. Get her to feel trust not as an issue but as a relief. Open her eyes in such a way that she sees the goodness of life and the awesomeness in herself. Her heart is so precious and pure but she is now on a fragile stage, so if you could just be an instrument in nourishing it very well, I'd be very much pleased.

Lastly, do assess yourself. What are your limits? How do you value life and what to you is the meaning of humility? How patient are you when it comes to waiting? Do you love yourself and are you ready to be committed? What stage are you in the realization of your ambitions? How is your spirit attuned with your body? Do you feel so crushed by me right at this point?

Hey. Please be the right one. With all the things that have transpired during these weeks, I wish for nothing but a story of lasting happiness for you two, because all throughout my years of crying and laughing with her, true love is what I have ever desired for my friend. If you're not ready for these and for her, I pray that you would grant her freedom soon enough.

So there. I am hoping that when I return to the Philippines, you’re no longer the New Guy That My Friend Is Seeing. I am crossing my fingers that you'd be this wonderful Man That My Friend Is Ending Up With. 

God bless you both.


In Love and In Peace, 

Kate (a.k.a. Future Hot Bridesmaid)

Happy Image # 04: Kuala Lumpur With The Bro

I really love my younger (and only) brother. Actually, everyone in the clan totally digs him. I don't know what kind of undisputed charm he possesses but I personally enjoy sharing with him what I know about cool stuff, food, sports, music, videos, and places where we can chill out with cousins and friends. 

We have common interests but we're sort of different in terms of ideologies. Yeah, we do argue. We'd eventually laugh about our fights.

One could just imagine how exhilarating it's been for me when my brother managed to drop by Singapore. I then booked for KL, Malaysia and volunteered to tour him around. So we recorded a lot of funny videos around the city and had loads of fun. We ate like the best trenchermen in town. We goofed around the streets. The rest's history.

His week- long trip's also my longest vacation leave. CRAZY.

So here we are. Fourth happy image: Me and my brother in Petronas.

A Few Ramblings Afterwards

1)      After giving a tour to a close family member to a place where you currently live, you’d realize that you’re the one who’s acting more like the tourist. You took for granted the entire familiar the whole time you’re there and now that you’re given the time to explore it, fireworks were sort of everywhere.

2)   After reading the Fifty Shades trilogy, you will never get to look at cable ties in the same way again. Upon devouring all pages, your standards on men may probably elevate.The thing is, it’s badly- written but addictive. Nevertheless, you’ll come to a point where you’d say, “Oh crappy crap crap, here we go again with the lovemaking narrative crappy crap.”; then you'd suddenly get tired (of reading). But there are those however's... and the Christian Grey casting contests will consistently occupy your head.

3)      After listening to Paul McCartney’s and Wings’ Silly Love Songs, you will feel all too giddy about romance, even if you have no significant other. You will justify your sentiments by singing, well, a lot of silly love songs.

4)      After a three- day travel, you will only experience the fourth day when you dream of it in your bed. Most relaxing day ever.

5)      After finishing all TV series this season, you will think of fillers to make up for them as you wait for a few more months. You’d download pointless films and shows. That’s it. 

6)      After watching the music video for alt+J’s song called Breezeblocks, you would choose from your own real- life experiences an event which you could play in reverse yet still matches the song. It doesn’t have to be disturbing, though.

7)      After successfully surviving DAY 1 of the General Motor’s Diet as a first- timer, you would want to pulverize whatever's in front of you or whatever you get hold of. Self control is the key. Discipline is the shiznit. 

8)      After running 10 kilometers non- stop on a stressful day at work, all you’d want to do is rest. Still, you would want to run ever so wildly again in that glorious pair of compression tights.

9)      After watching The Dark Knight Rises, Christopher Nolan’s third of the Batman saga, you will ask yourself this: “WHY?”

Obviously, this was how I grasped reality after having gone through a crazy yet awesome mid- 2012. Your realizations may not be as cranked- up as mine, so just proceed. 

alt+ J's Breezeblocks (Original)

                                          alt+ J's Breezeblocks (Reversed)

                                       

Sipo Egg

A gazillion of people have no idea that cooking is one of my strong interests. It was only recently that I've posted in Facebook some of the dishes that I cook during the weekend. For others, it's unusual how a woman with an active lifestyle and busy schedule like me could still kill time in the kitchen. That's one big surprise to most, but to my loved ones whom I serve food ever since I learned to cook, it was only normal. 

I remember myself arguing with my father who enjoys pestering me in the kitchen by volunteering to cook with me, which I didn't allow because he'd eventually meddle with my city- cooking style versus his Ilocano way of preparing food. Papa, by the way, was that parent who woke up early to prepare our baon for school. Then, there's my brother who does the best stews, thick- sauced Caldereta, and that killer Sinigang, but consistently criticizes my well- loved Adobo just to annoy me. In the end, he'd crave for my pasta dishes and on- the- go meals. My mom, well... she enjoys eating what the three of us create (yeah, she's so careful and sweet with the criticisms), but I must say that I should give her credit for those desserts she made, the California Maki she rolled, or the banana cakes and cheesy potatoes she baked when I was younger.

Here in Singapore, even in the lack of the usual Filipino ingredients available, I must say that there is quite a number of good foreign stuff in the market which excites me all the time as they aid in really bringing out the taste of the dish. I'd experiment a lot until I give the food a Pinoy touch. My housemates and I then settle everything in the dining table.

Just recently, nostalgia hit me as I recalled this one dish which I got to taste in Pampanga during a field training in my previous company. My Kapampangan colleague had me taste for the first time a viand that they call Sipo Egg. Until now, I have no idea why it's called Sipo but I did recognize some quail eggs and mixed veggies in a creamy ensemble which tasted great with rice. I never got to try it for the second time in any restaurant in Makati, or probably, I haven't been to a place which actually serves this authentic Kapampangan dish in the metro.


I told myself: "I'll come back to Pampanga for that (and Sisig, haha!) or perhaps attempt to cook that..." However, for some odd reason, this didn't materialize!

So after a year, and with this nostalgia of that creamy and delectable memory, I made a version of Sipo Egg and prepared the following ingredients:

- Sliced carrots

- A cup of shrimp

- Diced celery stalks

- Diced turnip

- Chopped baguio beans

- Nestle cream

- Green peas

- Diced luncheon meat

- 20ish hard- boiled quail eggs

- Butter

- Ginisa Mix

- Onion

- Cornstarch dissolved in water

- A bit of evap milk

- Salt and pepper to taste

Now, that's a lot of stuff, right? I did the usual drill of sauteeing the onion with butter and added the luncheon meat and shrimp. When the shrimp was already a bit brownish in color, I put the rest of the veggies. After a few minutes, I added the Nestle cream, water, cornstarch, and the quail eggs. When it boiled, I just poured like two tablespoons of evaporated milk and then added a dash of pepper, ginisa mix, and salt.

Here's the outcome:

RESULT: My housemates loved it! The three of us managed to have great amounts of the Sipo Egg served over steamed white rice! Verdict? AWESOME!

This is my first time to blog about my kitchen- related activities, although it's been really like a feast every week or so in our dining table. I guarantee more posts about my daring adventures in the kitchen. The thing is, I really am taking the art of cooking seriously now more than ever!

Sundown Marathon Singapore 2012

Yes. I did it. I am fierce na talaga. Hahaha!

So ayun na nga at tumakbo ako sa Sundown Marathon 2012 dito sa Singapore kasi wala na naman daw akong magawa at kung anu - ano naman daw ang pinagttripan ko (I love you, mama! LOL). Gaano kalayo? Bongo drumroll, please....

21 kilometers, baby! That's 21 kilometers or a half marathon!

Nasa venue na ako around 10pm noong Sabado, ika- 26 ng Mayo, 2012- two days after my birthday. Bawat taon kasi akong tumatakbo at may race na sinasalihan tapos palayo rin ng palayo ang distance ko, hence, the Birthday Run. 

Pagdating ko sa Nicoll Highway, heto ang aking nasaksihan  ko:

Shot from my BB

At konti pa yan! A total of 28,000 runners actually ran during this event. WOW.  Ang mga Pinoy runners, ayun, pumangalawa sa lahi at nationality ng pinaka- madaming nag- register. 1,400, next to the Malaysians. 

So back to the event. Naunang tumakbo ang mga 10 km runners. Ako naman eh nagiikot (nagroronda, lol), nagsstretch, kumakain ng saging (isang piling ang baon ko eh!), at kumuha pa ng neon green na light stick kasi ang tagline this year eh "Light up the city". Ayun, hanggang sa 12:30 na ng umaga at kinailangan ko nang pumunta sa starting line. Nasa 3:00:00 mark ako kasi ayokong makipagsabayan sa mga dakila at confident na matatapos in 2 hours dahil alam kong hindi ako nakapag- ensayo ng mahusay para dito. In short, hindi ako solid na handa, pero pwede pa rin namang tumakbo. Positive tayo.

And so the race started. Singapore's night scape was amazing. It was almost the same route as the 2XU Compression Run last which I joined on March 2012, except that Sundown was held at midnight. You could just imagine all the lights and sights while running during that time.

Pagdating ng 16th km, ay grabehan at biglaan ang pagbuhos ng malakas na ulan. Actually, pinagdasal ko kasi kay Lord na umulan talaga para libreng hydration anywhere, pero di naman ganun ka- OA! May hangin pang involved! Yun lang, hindi ako sumilong ng matagal at sumugod ako sa basa at maputik na mga kalye hanggang sa finish line pavement, kung saan mangiyak- ngiyak akong tumawid at nagfi- fist pump. Na naman. Hahaha!

Haller! Happy birthday run! 3 Years in a row :D

At proud kababayan din ako dahil mga Pilipino ang nagwagi ng first place for Men's and Women's categories ng 21km! Ang husay! Kayo na ang halimaw at idol sa takbuhan. Ayoko naaaah. Kidding!

Congratulations to all runners. Miski na anong distance pa yan, ang galing niyo. Natapos mo? Ayos yan. 

Until our next run; pero pahinga muna dahil may kina- career akong bagong activity. But yeah, I'm so excited!

Tandaan: Never ever settle!

Mabuhay! My finisher's medal, woot woot!

Tumba na'ko nito.

Happy Image # 03: Tioman

Pulau Tioman is a small island in Malaysia which can be reached very easily from Singapore. Oh, the word pulau stands for the word "island" in Bahasa Malaysia and Indonesia. 


The travel to Pulau Tioman is quite easy as long as you know of the schedules. We first took a bus in Kranji MRT Station and headed to Larkin Terminal in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. From Larkin, there are buses and taxis directed towards Mersing of about two hours travel time. We waited for the first ferry trip from Mersing jetty port off to Tioman. The ferry schedule varies daily as it's based on the tide.

The accommodation I booked is located on a quiet part of the island called Nipah, which is actually what I really wanted since I'm the type of beach goer who hates seeing too many crowds and hearing very loud music while getting basked. 


It is also a diving site, and the land is surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. 

Here's my first Happy Image for this year, shot in the very relaxing and scenic island of Tioman.

Tioman Twin Peaks; Shot with a Canon SX40 HS