Restaurant Review: Sambo Kojin

I have always enjoyed Japanese and Korean Cuisines and it was such a treat to find both in one place, eat all you can! Yakiniku is definitely the new craze among food lovers in Manila!

For food hunters, Sambo Kojin in Eastwood, Libis is definitely a must try. The selections are delectable and the price is just right. Best of all, the grill is smokeless! So yes, it could be a dinner date venue although do not expect the ambiance to be romantic because the place is well lighted with big tables to accommodate big groups and errr yeah, it's a self-serve-eat-all-you-can-buffet ... so, your date would see how much you can gobble in one seating but at least, you won't smell like grilled meat afterwards and still be fresh for your next stop after dining.

GFFs :)

I met up with some girlfriends to check out the place one Friday. It was jam packed that night. Good thing that one of us was clever enough to make a reservation. How nice to have a well organized friend around!  They have provided a comfortable waiting area on the first floor which was very appropriate because people do really wait to dine at the place. Anyway, we were still waiting for one friend to arrive when we were ushered to our reserved table on the second floor because the place that night was really swarmed! The get-together was actually a treat from a very close friend revisiting home from Sydney, Australia.

With my beautiful friend from Sydney, Australia

I was not disappointed at all. However, I enjoyed more the non-grill selections because it was a cook-for-yourself-or-don't-eat-at-all scenario with GFFs LOL! I especially liked the Blu Marlin Tuna and Pink Salmon Sashimi (fresh raw meat), I swear it could have been half a kilo of raw fish I ate that night! Ugh! Their Kimchi (fermented vegetables with spices) recipe was also good, it was not too tangy or spicy with just the right tinge of sweetness. The Sushi selection was okay, although the sushi-meshi (Japanese rice vinegar preparation) was a little less tacky for my taste. I also hoarded my favorite ebi (shrimp) and Kani (crab) Tempura (battered and deep fried) with complimenting dipping sauce. The dessert table was a feast to the eyes... too bad they didn't have blue berry cheese cake that night, I was craving for it. It could have also been more complete if they served free house tea like the other well-known Japanese/Korean restaurants. The only real issue was the restroom, it was not given much attention when it comes to cleanliness.

All in all, Sambo Kojin is a good place to spend your money. We enjoyed the food and company so much that we did not realize it was already closing time and we were the only group left, the last to leave the place that night and probably the heaviest and happiest food buddies! :))

On Friendship...

On friendship:

In my lifetime I had many... some faces I vaguely remember, some names I don't recall but it's funny how one can't forget all the good times shared by all.

Many of them I laughed hard with, others I sympathized with... and quite a few even made me cry. Some hurts were forgiven, others just simply forgotten. Sadly some, I lost along the way.

It's ironic that as the years pass by, new good ones are hard to come by... and so you treasure more the old true ones... those engraved to your soul, encased in your heart.

As one matures, you become more selective... a little skeptical...but if you keep an open mind, you might just get lucky to find true treasures... people you may have already met but failed to see the beauty, the first time around... or new ones waiting to be discovered.

In this lifetime, I have been blessed to have met my soul sisters ... and I will know them by heart ... even in heaven.

CW Home Depot Negative Review: UNSAFE SERVICE PRACTICE

Cuz Cherry Pie with Son, Jappy in Tuguegarao, Cagayan

My cousin Cherry Pie who lives in San Jose, California recently visited the Philippines and stayed for 2 months. She planned her vacation really well because she needed to accomplish a lot during her short stay. Aside from reuniting with family and friends and enjoying the many wonderful sights in the country, one of her top agenda is to accompany her son, Jappy to take the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) and to supervise the ongoing construction of their new house in Marikina City.

Mel, Moi and Cherry Pie

Her vacation couldn't have been more pleasurable. She was able to visit the beautiful white sand beaches in Pugudpud, Ilokos Norte, the Callo Cave and Pinacanauan River in the Callao Ecotourism Zone, Tuguegarao, Cagayan, revisited her home town in Llanera, Nueva Ecija and other tourist spots. She also hosted parties for family and friends. Her last 2 weeks of vacation however turned out to be obnoxious not only with the incessant heavy rains that whacked the archipelago but more because of a freaky accident that could have been avoided, if only the proper safety precautionary measures were applied by one construction materials store, the CW Home Depot located at Dona Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City. The establishment is owned and managed by the CW Marketing and Development Corporation, a joint venture of Cebu Oversea Hardware Company Inc. and West Point Industrial Sales Co. Inc.

CAVEAT!!! UNSAFE SERVICE PRACTICED at CW HOME DEPOT

On July 17, 2012, Cherry Pie went to the CW Home Depot to buy additional floor tiles for the ongoing construction of their house. She bought 3 boxes of 60 x 60 cms. ceramic floor tiles, each box containing 4 tiles weighing about 32 kilos and 1 box containing 20 pcs. of 30 X 30 cms. ceramic floor tiles. The heavy construction materials were all loaded in a grocery cart! Inclined on one side of the small grocery cart were  the 2 boxes of the 60 X 60 cm floor tiles, while the other box was placed on the other side. The box of  the 30 X 30 cm floor tiles was placed at the center of the grocery cart. Seriously, it was top heavy!!! Cherie Pie mentioned to the assisting sales clerk her observation that the heavy load and uneven distribution of weight would most likely cause the grocery cart to topple down but it was shrugged off as something they normally practice.... therefore, safe! Still, she asked if it could be transferred to a flatbed cart instead but to no avail.

As they were ushered to exit, the grocery cart was handed over to Cherry Pie's cousin, Pablo Rey so he could take it outside and load it to their car. He had a hard time maneuvering the heavy grocery cart and had to be taught by the guard to forced-steer it.  As they stood waiting for their ride, the grocery cart, like Cherry Pie's earlier foreboding, indeed toppled down and the boxes of heavy ceramic floor tiles, of over 100 kilos crashed down on her right foot! Ouch! Murphy's Law!

Some store personnel rushed over to the scene but they were more concerned about the broken tiles! One muttered, "Ay, nabasag! Baka hindi na palitan 'yan kasi nailabas na!" (Ay, it's broken! They might not replace it because it's already been taken out!). Cherrie Pie, upon hearing the rude remark burst out in pain and frustration, cussed in three different languages: Ilokano, Tagalog and English...LOL!

Her companion, Pablo Rey needed to ask for assistance before anyone had the decency to offer. Cherry Pie was belatedly given a wheel chair. She needed immediate medical attention because the pain was just too much, the nearest hospital in the area was the Medical City but the CW Home Depot Store Manager, Elgine C. Lopez, insisted she be brought to a small clinic in Mandaluyong City for x-ray because this is their accredited facility! So, they let her suffer in pain longer than necessary in a typical Manila afternoon traffic .... which meant bumper to bumper and slow paced, heavy traffic... simply horrendous!

In the clinic, Cherry Pie complained that there was no safety protective gear provided before her x-ray. So she had to ask for it and put it on herself! She was prescribed and given an anti-inflammatory/analgesic generic drug Celecoxib Reduflam 200 mgs. good for 10 days but she experienced upset stomach each time she took it.

Cherry Pie filed a complaint at the CW Marketing and Development Corporation Head Office in Makati for the unsafe service being practiced in their Ortigas Branch and the ill-treatment she got from their employees.

On August 3, 2012, she received a text message from the CW Home Depot asking her to meet with the Customer Service Manager, Ms. Conti regarding her complaint. Cherry Pie had to move a previous engagement just to accommodate the meeting with Ms. Conti. However, when she arrived, Ms. Conti had her wait for almost an hour! Talk about good customer relations practice! While waiting for the Prima Donna Customer Relations Manager, Cherry Pie noticed that the same grocery carts are being used to carry heavy loads of construction materials!

The meeting with Ms. Conti did not accomplish anything other than to add further insult to injury. The CW Home Depot Customer Service Manager did not show empathy and instead put the blame on the customer by her statements like, "This is an accident that no one wants to happen, the grocery cart was safe to use and it could be the way it was parked that made it topple down. What is it that you want from us?" This irked the hurt customer even more and replied, "That is a very dangerous question, do not ask me what I want from you, if I asked for this store, would you give it to me? Now, tell me, what can you offer me or should I just sue you?" As if on cue, an umbrella with the CW Home Depot Logo appeared! The assistant who brought the umbrella then asked the aggrieved customer to sign a release/receipt form! Ms. Conti added, "Please accept and sign for the umbrella. We are sorry but we can not offer anything else but you are of course free to file a complaint should you wish to." My cousin was totally slighted not so much by the offer but more on the way she was mistreated by the officer of the establishment. She would have really filed a formal complaint to the Department of Trade and Industry and seek other legal remedies for the injury she suffered due to the unsafe service practices of the CW Home Depot, if only she was not scheduled to return to the U.S. on August 8, 2012. What a bummer!

Poetry and Drama: A Certain Sadness

A certain sadness.

Pervasive. Constant. Incessant. 

Do you feel it too?

Mourning but not weeping, 

Aching but not saying, 

Hurting but not showing. 

Permeating, surrounding, engulfing... 

Slow... painful... brutal. 

Physical. 

I saw its naked ugliness, so raw, so real, so... ugly. 

This certain sadness... it is worse than fear.

Back To School this June! K to 12 Program Now in Effect!

Summer is definitely over as the first tropical storm "Ambo," hit the Philippine Islands this June. There are also scattered rain showers, mostly in the afternoons. Some are eager to welcome the rainy season due to the unbearable and almost literal summer "searing" heat we encountered this 2012!

Beach buffs may request for a summer extension but many Filipinos have greater things to prepare for this coming rainy season other than vacations and leaks on the roofs. Well, It's also "back to school season," that's why!

Parents are busy preparing the funds needed for their children's education. The Philippines has one of the highest literacy rate in the Developing World, of the estimated 62 million Filipinos, 10 years old and over, around 93 percent were basically literate according to a national survey conducted in 2003 by the Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS). This is basically due to our culture of high regard for education.

Recently, the Department of  Education launched its K to 12 Program, upgrading the basic education system from 10 years basic education cycle to 12 years. Under the new K to 12 Program, there will be compulsory kindergarten, six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school (Grades 7 to 10) and two years of senior high school (Grades 11 to 12).  The college degree programs however would not be shortened by the enforcement of the K to 12, according to the Commission on Higher Education. The new basic education system will take effect this June 2012.

There are mixed reactions regarding the new basic schooling system but mostly about the additional expenses it would cost the parents rather than the long-term benefit of a more thorough and in-depth education. The K to 12 also seeks to level Philippine education with the rest of the world, with 12 years of basic schooling a global standard. In the end, the best value for our children's education shall prevail.

For your children's tuition fees and educational funding, you may avail a personal loan through Mc Loan Pro. Please visit their website at www.mcloanpro.biz for details on the qualifications and requirements or submit your online loan application HERE

St. Joseph's College of Quezon City 2013 H.S. Grand Alumni Homecoming

St. Joseph's College of Quezon City will be celebrating its annual High School Grand Alumni Homecoming on March 16, 2013, in honor of its Patron Saint, St. Joseph. The occasion will be hosted by Batch '88 as the Silver Jubilarians in cooperation with the Ruby and Golden Jubilarians.

The theme for the said event is:

"Ganito Kami Noon... Ganito na Kami Ngayon. 

Relive, Revive, Reminisce 

the Solidarity & Strength 

of the 

Josephine Sisterhood." 

The chosen theme is in commemoration of the school's motto: Sapientia, Bonitas, Caritas. (Wisdom, Goodness and Love).

St. Joseph's College of Quezon City, formerly St. Joseph's Academy (SJA) was founded 75 years ago by Dutch Franciscan Sisters. Formally inaugurated with only 40 pupils in 1933, St. Joseph’s Academy received its college status in 1947 and its recognition in 1948.  SJA officially became St. Joseph ’s College of  Quezon City in 1948 with the opening of the college department that offered programs in different fields of study. Its core values never wavered throughout the years which are to foster simplicity, truth, justice, peace, and integrity of creation.

After 25 years, the Silver Jubilarians are ecstatic to "come home" to pay tribute to the Alma Mater that instilled the very same values in their hearts and nourished  their minds to be the persons they are today... learned, loving, peaceful, and with great respect and regard for truth, justice and integrity of life.

All Alumni and former students of the school, including their families and friends are invited to grace the occasion as well as participate in the series of exciting pre-homecoming events that Batch 88 has prepared! Fund raising activities are also lined up and part of the proceeds shall be for the benefit of the rehabilitation of the Mater Dei Auditorium (MDA), to help restore the now idle facility to its former beauty and glory. Every Josephine, on one occasion or another, surely had some beautiful memories inside the MDA where grand school celebrations were held such as the first communion of grade 3 students, oratorical competitions, annual songfests, concerts, holy masses in honor of the school's patron saints, St. Joseph and St. Francis of Assisi and even the graduation rites!

Aside from the MDA's rehabilitation, Batch 88 also wishes to give back and thank the school personnel, such as the cleaning staff, librarians, cafeteria personnel, laboratory custodians and not to forget the well-loved traffic man, Mang Bert who helped the Josephines cross the streets safely to school and on their way home. All contributions and donations to these causes will be very much appreciated. Advertisers and sponsors for the event are likewise welcome. Please visit the Official SJCQCHS88 Website for more details!  You may contact the Batch 88 Secretariat for inquiries on how to join the cause & participate in the fun. Send your comments, feedbacks and inquiries at sjcqchsalumni88@gmail.com

The Mater Dei Auditorium NOON... (Then)

The Mater Dei Auditorium NGAYON... (Now)

Let us all gather together 

to remember 

who we were 

and 

who we’ll always be...

We are Josephines.

Video Credit: Darnajedi - YouTube

Questions of Time

Tick Tock... Tick Tock...

If time would be the universal currency,
how valuable would it be?

How do you gain time if you can not prolong it
nor slow it down to your favor, 

if you can not take it back nor move ahead of it?

Time... how is it that you can spend it but can not keep it?
Is it really possible then, to actually save time?

Mankind shows constant fascination with the idea
of infinity... of immortality...

There are religious dogma of life after death, 

of karma... of reincarnation...
of supposed miracles of bilocation, multilocation even.... 

There are fantasies of zombies, vampires,
time travel and other supernatural lifeforms... 

all manifesting man's desire to be timeless.

Love songs and poems speak of time... all the time.

Leaders' profound elocution about time, quoted numerous times.

But what is it really?

Time is constant change.

But do people really change?

Or do they just grow old...

and a handful learn to adapt... in time?

 One thing I am certain...

everyone will run out of it, sooner or later.

I hope for the latter.

Got Some Spare to Share?

Blog Tips: Perfect Your Craft, Love Your Craft!

Who says only the successful and the experts can give tips? On the contrary, those who failed so many times in different ways have a lot more to share. As they say, you can learn so much from the experiences of others, whether the result of such experiences was good or not so. To put it in another perspective, it's 'seeing through someone else's eyes,' or 'putting yourself in their shoes' but of course, you always have the option to learn it the hard way. I share the belief that it's always best to do things 'your way,'   although it wouldn't hurt to pay attention, be a good listener and take some good advice.

Here are some blogging tips, take it or simply read it.

1. Read a lot of Blogs by Other Bloggers - It's simple! To be a good writer, one must learn to appreciate a good read. Notice how you like some blogs even though you do not agree with the author's thoughts on a particular subject. It's actually the writing style that you are appreciating... the 'thing' which captivated you as a reader, the factor that made you relish the composition up to the last word and punctuation mark, so strongly did it affect you that you want to leave a blog comment to let your thoughts be known or share the article's link to your G+ circles, FB friends and Twitter followers. It could be the blogger's humor or even the angst of it all, whatever it is, you surely enjoyed reading, so much that you even followed the blog. In developing your own style of blogging, you must first and foremost identify yourself as a reader, this way you will know how to connect with your audience as a writer because you are one of them, you understand them.

2. Your Blog Purpose -  Knowing your purpose for blogging will keep you motivated and inspired. A writer would always be in need of a reader, otherwise you are not one. To blog for your own entertainment and pleasure are good causes, to blog for monetary gain is also a good reason. However, you must always take into consideration the readers, you must respect them. Give them correct and factual information, true narration of events, or even your harsh-but-honest opinions on issues, but do not mislead, trick or cheat the readers to achieve your purposes. Also, quotations, references and sources used in your blogs must be properly acknowledged if not linked, lest you be accused of plagiarism or content stealing.

3. Choose Your Topics - You can't have it all and you can never please everyone but you can choose an interesting topic. Write about something that you are also interested in and knowledgeable about or if not, do a thorough research about your topic. Remember, intelligent readers can easily spot an 'uninformed' blogger on the first few lines and bounce out immediately in a split second!

4. Write Good Titles - Think of a title for your blog that would be a good teaser and most likely to be searched. The blog title should of course be related to the article you wrote, not just intended to draw traffic to your site or you may risk annoying your readers bad enough for them to leave nasty comments.

5. Set Your Own Pace and Targets - The advent of internet self-publishing generally changed all print publishing rules. Whereas before, a writer is assigned a 'beat' or topic to write about, or even the persons to interview, now you can blog about anything under the sun and interview anyone willing. Whereas before, your article must pass scrutiny of the copy editors and the approval of your editor-in-chief prior to publishing, now you may just tick Publish without even proofreading your work and you're on! Whereas before you must meet the deadline to beat the press time, now you may procrastinate even if it takes forever. There are great advantages of self-publishing your work but so as not to stray too long and faraway in what many call as a 'Blogger's Block,' you must set your number of blogs to write and publish for each month. No need to push so hard, just be consistent, diligent and disciplined.  

6. Enjoy blogging and find others who share the same passion - The Blogosphere should not be a lonely place, link with other like-minded bloggers and connect with them at other Social Networks like Google Plus and be amazed to find a good support group who will encourage and influence you to write more quality blogs. This blog was created in response to a blogging challenge posted by Jenson Taylor at Google Plus entitled "Blogger Tips Blogging Challenge." The deadline for submission of single entry is until April 8, 2012. To join, please check the Blog Challenge Rules HERE. The prize? Good promo, tons of fun and bragging rights!

7. Perfect Your Craft, Love Your Craft - Write, Read. Re-write, Re-read. Ask questions, search for answers, take advice, always be updated. Draw inspiration from whatever source. BUT never click 'PUBLISH' if you are not yet satisfied with your work, you must be both your worst critic and your best fan. When you finally click the 'ORANGE' button, re-read your published blog. Isn't it disheartening to still find some errors, sometimes? So you re-edit and polish your work some more. Don't fret, you're doing perfectly well, perfecting your craft! Be sure however to know when you've given an article enough justice so you can move on to your next 'item of affection.'

To Vote Please visit JT's Blog 

by Clicking the image I LOVE BLOGS! 

Philippine Culture and Tradition: Semana Santa, The Holy Week of Lent

While many are excited planning for their Summer get-away with family and friends, most of us are also preparing spiritually.

The Holy Week in the Philippines is observed to commemorate and honor the Paschal Mystery - The Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension to Heaven of our Lord Jesus Christ to redeem mankind. Here are some of the traditional practices during Lent by many Filipinos:

The crucifixion is still being
practiced by some devotees during
the Lenten Season as penitence.

1. Palm Sunday - The whole family go to mass for the blessing of the Palaspas, the palm leaves. People buy decorated palm leaves and have it blessed by the officiating priest after the mass then take it home to be displayed on the altar or hung above doorways, usually the front door until the next Palm Sunday. Old beliefs say it could ward off bad spirits but now, it's actually being done out of tradition and also as reminder of Jesus' entry to Jerusalem.

2. Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday - Also by tradition, some families host the Pabasa or Pasyon, a non-stop 3-day vigil of singing and chanting of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. There is a certain melody used in the chanting that veteran Pasyon singers are sometimes invited in shifting schedules complete with guitarists and other musicians. Be that as it may, some opted to change the melody to attract the participation of the youth. Spiritual Retreats are also organized by different parishes, starting Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday.

3. Holy Thursday - The start of the Paschal Triduum, a 3-day period of recalling the passion, death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The usual practice during Holy Thursday is the Bisita Iglesia, where the faithful visits at least 7different churches to pray the Station of the Cross. Holy Thursday is also the last day to celebrate the Holy mass until Easter Sunday comes. The washing of the feet of the apostles during the Last Supper is reenacted during the Holy Thursday mass with the officiating priest washing the feet of the lay ministers. This symbolizes Jesus' humility and love for mankind. The veiling of the sacred images and statues in purple cloth also happens after the last mass celebrated on Holy Thursday. This signifies that Christ's divinity has not yet been revealed during His passion and death. Some devotees also cover the sacred images in their homes in purple or black cloth. The veiling also symbolizes the grieving for the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. The unveiling of the sacred images usually occur before the first mass on Easter Sunday.

4. Biernes Santo (Good Fiday) -  This is the day when you will see many street processions all over the country, reenacting the Way of the Cross or the Senakulo, which is actually a stage play. During the procession, many devotees, women included, who self-flagellate, carry heavy wooden cross and have themselves nailed on the cross as self-sacrifice for penance. This is repeated every Lent as a panata (pledge). Good Friday is believed to be the day that the Lord died on the cross at the holy hour of 3 o'clock in the afternoon, therefore the Sietes de Palabras, The Seven Last Words are also incorporated in the Senakulo.

In the evening, there are funeral processions all over the country of the image of the 'Dead Christ,' the  Prusisyon ng Sto. Entierro. The lying image of Jesus is placed in a glass on a lighted carriage decorated with flowers, followed by the images of the crying ladies,  Mater de Dolorosa, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Cleophas, Mary of James, Salome, and also John the Evangelist. The women during the procession wear veils and sometimes get emotional and cry too.

5. Sabado de Gloria (Black Saturday) - This is a day of mourning to symbolize that the 'Christ is Dead.' People refrain from  merriment and making any noise. TV and radio stations usually do not broadcast live from Good Friday to this day, many establishments even malls, cease their operation also to pay respects. Some parishes reenacts Hudas Eskariote's betrayal of Jesus and hanging of self.

6. Pasko ng Pagkabuhay (Easter Sunday) - This is a joyous celebration for the 'Risen Christ,' marked by the Salubong, the meeting of the Mother and Child after His Resurrection, usually held at 12 midnight or early dawn. The life size images of the veiled Blessed Virgin Mary and the Resurrected Christ will be in procession with separate routes, the women following the image of the Mother while the men, the Christ. They will meet in a designated area where a stage had been constructed signifying the Galilea. The procession will be accompanied by singing and children wearing angel costumes. Upon meeting, the Virgin Mary's purple veil will be removed by an 'angel' singing Regina Caeli, Queen of Heaven. This signifies the end of grieving because the Savior has risen. The unveiled Blessed Mother is also now transformed to the
Nuestra Senora de Alegria or the Our Lady of Joy. There would be ringing of bells and fireworks. The parishioners would then proceed to the Church for the Easter mass. Parishioners sometimes prepare the Agape feast, breakfast for everyone who attended the Salubong. Other activities are also lined up during the day including the Easter Egg Hunting for children.

"I am the resurrection. 

Whoever believes in me though he die, shall live. 

Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. 

Do you believe this?" Jesus Christ in John 11: 25-26

Happy Easter!

Fearless Forecast: American Idol Season 11 Winner ... Jessica Sanchez!

Filipinos are great talents, you bet! In fact, they're considered as one of the best in the world, specially the singers and musicians! Let me just name a few whose talents are recognized and respected in the international music mainstream, whether full-blooded, half, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16... as long as possessing even a drop of the potent Filipino blood circulating in their genes and larynges! We proudly have the caliber of Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon), Apl.d.ap (Black Eyed Peas), Bruno Mars, Enrique Iglesias, Arnel Pineda (Journey), Charice Pempengco and many others.

Even popular TV Host Ellen Degeneres, acknowledged this fact in one of her tweets!

If you're not convinced, here's yet another proof... Filipino singers in many occasions and seasons, have managed to make it as finalists in the most popular and highly exalted singing contest in the world... The American Idol! Alright... it's an American TV Show, I know, but there have always been eligible and remarkably talented Filipino singers able to make the cut out of thousands of other talented hopefuls! Not only that, they're also the toughest ones to beat in the most prestigious singing competition ever produced in the 21st Century!

Here are the list of Filipino singers who made it to American Idol Finals out of the multitude of aspirants who auditioned for a spot!

1. Jasmine Trias (American Idol Season 3 in 2004)

Jasmin Trias, originally from Tanza, Cavite Philippines, was one of the first two contenders of Filipino descent who advanced in the nerve-wracking-literally-cut-throat singing competition consisting of exceptionally talented contenders. She was 17 when she made it to the final 3! Her popularity in the Philippines soared during the airing of the American Idol Season 3 and was well supported by votes from the country. Jasmine Trias visited the Philippines after she won as 2nd Runner Up in The American Idol Season 3 to perform in a series of concerts. She also guested on popular TV shows, made some TV commercials and Billboard Ads.

2. Camile Velasco (American Idol Season 3 in 2004)

Camile Velasco was born in Makati City, Philippines and together with her family later on migrated to Hawaii.  She held on to her spot in the American Idol Season 3 up to the the Final 9. She  visited the Philippines to perform in concerts and also to appear in various popular TV shows.

3. Ramiele Malubay (American Idol Season 7 in 2008)

Another Filipina who made it in the Finals of American Idol Season 7 in 2008. Ramiele Malubay was 20 years old when she auditioned for a spot but looked so much younger than her age due to her petite physique. Born in Saudi Arabia, Ramiele stayed for a little while in the Philippines when the Gulf War broke out before finally migrating to the United States with her family. Prior to auditioning for the American Idol, she performed in various Filipino-American functions around Florida and even guested as opening performer for popular Filipino artists' acts during American Tours. She finished in the ninth place of American Idol Season 7.




4. Thia Megia (American Idol Season 10 in 2011)

The American Idol Season 10 in 2011 underwent exciting changes. There were 2 new judges namely Jennifer Lopez and Steve Tyler,  online voting was opened and most importantly, 15 year-olds could audition! Thus, 15 year-old, Thia Megia was in! Her parents are originally from Angeles, Pampanga, Philippines who changed name from Mejia to Megia when they emigrated to the United States. Thia Megia finished 11th place during this season. She visited the Philippines with the rest of the top 11 finalists during the 2011 American Idol LIVE! Tour.


5. Jessica Sanchez (American Idol Season 11 in 2012)

'Lo and behold the raw talent and beauty of 16-year old Jessica Sanchez! Her Filipina mother hailed from Bataan Province, Philippines.

Jessica exudes a confidence and finesse far beyond her age when delivering her music but covers her face and giggles like a teen-age girl that she really is when adulated with praises, particularly great comments from the judges. Americans may find it endearing and charming but Pinoys immediately recognize it as a  typical Filipino trait... humbleness.

Jessica Sanchez' voice range is wide yet very distinct and has the needed "signature," a unique voice quality that all successful singers have. It is like a "sound imprint" that listeners could identify positively as Jessica Sanchez' and no other. It is like when they know it's an original Michael Jackson song playing on the radio. Jessica's voice could reach and sustain a low, whole bodied vibrato, could control a thin falsetto to velvety smoothness, make a head tone seem natural, or could belch a high yet raspy note and nail it all! Her tone quality, tone color and timbre are flawless! It's all about rare and raw talent coupled with style and control! She is gifted and her God given talent was honed to perfection!




Her fashion sense like her voice range, is as vast and diverse... she may well be a rock star, a pop icon or a diva... she definitely has the swag!

The talent, beauty, style and demeanor of Jessica Sanchez embody the American Idol's "total package!" It is very likely that she would be the first contender of Filipino descent to bag the much coveted American Idol title. Outpouring of support from kababayans (Fellow Filipinos) in the U.S. would surely surge because she is after all, a Pinoy Pride.

The online voting which was opened last Season 10, in addition to the text (sms) and toll-free voting would be  very favorable to the 16-year old Jessica... you want to know why? Simply because the Philippines is included in the Top 20 Internet Users and the Top 10 Facebook Users in the World! Not to mention, the undisputed Text Messaging Capital of the World! Surely, Kababayans from within the Continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands where voting is allowed, have the same inclination to Social Media and other forms of communication, best of all voting via Facebook is FREE! Isn't that amazing?

Fearless Forecast: 

Jessica Sanchez 

The American Idol Season 11 Ultimate Big Winner!

Indaaaay...yiiii...aaay ♪♫  will always love you... ♪♫ wooohooohooo!  ♪♫♪♫♪♫

(That's me singing above not Jessica ... keep voting! 
Her Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" rendition is below. Click and be amazed!)

Hello Summer 2012! Create Happy Memories of Good Times Once Again!

Summertime! It's one of my more favored season and we only have two, rainy and sunshiny! Here are a few reasons why:

1. My favorite fruits are in season during Summer! They're delicious, abundant and cheap... and some are even free from my parents' trees!

Mangga (Mangoes) - This fruit comes in different varieties and could be eaten ripe (yellow)  or unripe (green). My dad's mango trees are Manggang Kalabaw (Carabao Manggo). It's called such because it's big and round like our national animal's belly. The Department of Agriculture also named this mango variety as the Manila Super Mango. Succulent, juicy and fleshy when ripe, the Philippine Carabao Mango is boasted as the sweetest of its kind in the world! The green or unripe Philippine Carabao Mango especially the manibalang (almost ripe but not quite) is also popular because of its sourness that blends in with its sweetness but I prefer the hilaw at berde (unripe and green) because it is malutong (crunchy) and really sour. Perfect when dipped in the ginuisang alamang (sweet and spicy sauteed shrimp paste)!   

Kaimito (Star Apple) - It's called a Star Apple because it becomes shiny as it ripens and glistens from afar. The round, green and purple fruits look like glittering Christmas balls hanging abundantly on its tree. When you cut it open crosswise from the calyx you will see a star like pattern! The flesh of the ripe Kaimito is milky white, juicy and sweet! Most importantly, it's also free from my mom's backyard!

Pakwan (Water Melon) - A cold slice of this sweet and juicy fruit will surely quench the searing Summer thirst! The fruit looks beautiful to me, the native variety is big (could weigh from 15-20 kilos!), round and  has a very dark green rind. The color of its flesh is bloody red and it tastes super sweet! The numerous small seeds of the fruit however are quite annoying. Good thing we now have the seedless variety. The Pakwan's texture is pleasing but hard to describe. It's soft but a little crunchy and coarse as you bite it, then the sweet juice burst in the mouth as you chew its flesh!

2. Summer time means cold dessert treats!

Halo-halo (caramelized fruits & beans in shaved iced with milk topped with choices of  caramel custard, purple yam or ice cream) -  Heavenly delicious and it's uniquely Filipino! You will see it being sold during summer not only in popular restaurants but in almost every street corner! The root word Halo means to mix or stir. Thus, it comes with many ingredients that you all mix together by stirring... the more ingredients, the merrier! Usual mixes are caramelized saba banana, camote (sweet potato), langka (jack fruit), macapuno (coconut palm variety), sago (tapioca pearls), gulaman (jello), kaong (sugar palm), nata de coco (jellied coconut water), pinipig (pounded young rice crispies), garbanzos beans, black beans & kidney beans. All the ingredients are put in a tall glass or bowl before adding some sugar and ice shavings, then pour a generous amount of evaporated milk and top it with choices or combination of  caramel custard, purple yam or ice cream then the final touch, garnish it with some of the ingredients like the nata de coco, macapuno and sago to make it more colorful then sprinkle it with pinipig! That's it! You may now halo-halo (Mix! Mix!).

Fruit shakes - Since, tropical fruits abound during summer, one can delight in indulging in fruit shakes! Green and ripe mangoes, buko (coconut), guyabano, pakwan (watermelon), melon, avocado ... name it, you can shake it! By the way, some weeks back the Guyabano fruit became a hot topic on social networking sites regarding its supposed curative properties to treat the Big C more effectively than chemotherapy! Whether medically proven or not, the guyabano is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B2 and best of all it tastes really good!

Mais Con Hielo and Saba Con Hielo (Sweet Corn or Saba Banana with milk in shaved ice) - Simple dessert yet truly refreshing! The Saba banana is first cooked in brown sugar and water. Then let it cool in a bowl before you top it with ice shavings and pour in the evaporated milk. Voila! For Mais Con Hielo, I use Jolly Whole Kernel Corn in can because it's easier to prepare and it's cheaper than the leading brand but the quality is as good.  Fresh sweet corn is also cheap during summer, so it's a good alternative but the process is of course longer because it must first be boiled and flaked then simmer in brown sugar, before you can serve with crushed ice and milk. So, just use the canned corn and enjoy!




3. Time to hit the beach and sport the nicest gears! It's always fun to shop for new accessories and swim wear during Summer but I suggest you do it in January when the prices are still low.You however risk not buying the latest fashion designs which will be out early March, but it's not at all that important because it's really how you carry yourself. If you don't have plans yet where to spend your summer vacation, check out the nicest summer destinations in the Philippines HERE. 




4. Summer is the perfect time for family bonding and reuniting with friends! The month of March marks  the end of the school year. The long school break therefore allows the kids to join the Summer fun! The observance of the Lenten Season on the other hand, allows the adults to have a long break too because Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2012 to Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012 are official non-working holidays that will extend until Monday, April 9, 2012 for the observance of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor). That's a total of 5-day long vacation!

Summer 2012 like all past seasons, would surely be a blast but I'll make sure to allot some time also for prayer and penance for the observance of the Holy Week.

 Summer... never fails.
It always creates happy memories of good times!

  

Happy Valentine's Day: How to Ask for a Valentine Date

It's the love month peeps! Those romantically involved are probably now planning for their special Valentine's date but those who don't have a special someone to spend it with may want to try these suggestions, (suggestions applicable to any gender.)

1. Look for a date, it's not yet too late! If you already have your heart set on someone then you already know who to ask out. If not, the first person who comes to mind might just be your perfect Valentine's date, so think fast! Once a face or a name comes to mind, don't think twice! Remember, most of the time the first guess is intuitively correct, although of course, not all the time.




2. Now, ask for the date but before you do, make sure you already have an exciting proposition where to take your date-to-be. Needless to say, you must have already done your own research on the "prospect" to know the likes and dislikes so as to know the dos and don'ts! Practice your lines and be calm when you pop the question. Look cool and casual like you won't really be hurt and take it personally, if turned down (so cry somewhere out of sight if the result is FAIL). Timing is also essential,  make sure the "prospect" is in a good mood. If possible, ask the question when you two are alone or away from others, so that in case the "prospect" says NO at least you don't risk further humiliation by having somebody else hear it too.




3. If the prospect says YES! congratulations, you now have a Valentine's date! So what's next?

4. Prepare for the V-Day!

a. Get a hair cut or a new hairstyle, but don't overdo it! You would want to look nicer not weird.  

b. Choose the right outfit depending on the place and activities you have agreed on. Don't go overdressed or the opposite. You must be comfortable with the style of your clothes to carry it well. Remember that you are going out on a date not a job interview, so loosen up a little.    

Sweet!

c. Flowers and chocolates or a small gift (they always work!) - It's nice to have a "little something" to take home after a date to remind you how good (or bad) it was. It also serves as an incentive, in case it doesn't go well for the other party, maybe you'll be lucky to get another chance for being remembered as someone thoughtful. But don't be too generous, don't scare your date with a ring or something  like that!  

d. Right demeanor - You are expected to have a good time but must behave yourself, so don't get fresh! You would understandably want to impress your date but be sure to engage in a two-way conversation. Avoid an oratorical speech about yourself  or your interests, be attentive... and sincerely listen! Don't be too timid either, that's not fun... or too perky, nah uh, because that's... ummm, irritating! 

5.  Lastly, just be yourself and have fun because love is in the air and you just might catch it!

Be my Valentine?

 Happy Valentine's Day!

Exotic Food: Weird is Delicious, or Maybe Not!

It looks like the long holiday season is finally reaching a wind up with the celebration of the Chinese New Year. Regretfully, I must say, because these long successive celebrations are like a-license-to-indulge in food and drinks without guilt and hesitation. However, the long food exposure could result to either loss in appetite or an increased one. So, how do you regularize your food intake after a long period of indulgence? Try something exotic for a change! Weird is sometimes delicious, or maybe not :) In any case, you must be brave!




Exotic food is called such because it is strange or unfamiliar depending on your culture, nationality, social class or sometimes even travel history. The oddness of a food therefore, is actually subjective and personal. What maybe weird to you could be a staple for others. Here are some exotic foods that I personally encountered, some of it became my favorites, others I have tasted and never ate again and a few I chickened out! I have blogged about one of my food adventures and personal encounter with the "deliciously weird," read more HERE.

Nope, it's not black coffee. It's Dinuguan and Puto!

1. Dinugaan (Pork blood stew) - Food normally looks pleasing and palatable but this dish is an odd looking thick black soup with unrecognizable meat. If you are served this kind of food for the first time and informed of its main ingredients namely pig's blood, pork meat (may include pig snout and ears hehe) and offal (typically pig's lungs, kidneys, heart and intestines), you might excuse yourself or be brave and discover its rich savory yumminess! My first encounter with dinuguan was when I was about 9 or 10 years old upon the "gentle" prodding of my mother. I knew that the black icky soup was pig's blood so I was vehemently shaking my head from side to side while my mother held my jaw as she spoon fed (or jammed?) me the rice topped with the black thing which I thought was yucky! I remember crying while chewing it until the flavor took over my grief and defiance... "uhmm mom, one more spoonful, please!"  This goes to prove either of the two: My mother knows best or I have no pride when it comes to tasty food LOL! By the way, Dinugaan is also very good when paired with puto (Steamed rice/flour cake).

Oh, My Duck! It's Balut!

2. Balut (Fertilized Duck Embryo, boiled) -  Fertilized, which means almost hatched and alive... uh oh! Yes, it looks fetus-like with the chick all curled up in its shell with hair, two feet, beak and eyes! Vegetarians and animal lovers would be horrified, so please bear with me. But yes, it's delicious once you get the hang of it. Some eat it warm from the shell to avoid seeing the poor bird but I prefer to put mine in a sauce plate after I sip the hot sabaw (broth) from the shell so that I can season it with vinegar and salt. I eat it with a kutsarita (teaspoon) starting with the dilaw (yolk; literal translation: yellow) and bit by bit the sisiw (chick embryo), eating the head last. I don't mean to gross you out but that is really how it is eaten by some, umm me included. The balut is very rich in protein and said to be an aphrodisiac food, the latter I really can't vouch for.

Food for the brain? Dinakdakan!

3. Dinakdakan (Grilled Pig's face with pig's brain!) - It feels like I'm writing a gory horror story now! But I must admit dinakdakan is one of my favorite exotic foods. It is the Ilokano counter part of the Kapampangan's sisig. It both uses the same main ingredients which are the pig's maskara (pig's cheeks, ears and chin; literal translation: mask) and pork liver. The sisig is boiled, broiled and fried then diced together with spices and served on a sizzling plate with calamansi (golden lime) and hot sauce. The dinakdakan on the other hand is boiled, grilled and diced then seasoned with salt, pepper, vinegar, ginger, garlic, onions, siling haba (finger chilies) and siling labuyo (cayene pepper) then thoroughly mixed with boiled and mashed pig's brain... yep, pig's b-r-a-i-n! It's best served cold paired with a cold bottle of beer ;) The finished product  actually looks delicious and tastes so creamy and flavorful that first timers would often mistake the pig's brain for mayonnaise! I swear I was once fooled!

Bitter is Better? Papaitan!

4. Papaitan (goat or ox stew with offal and bile!) - Yes, liver bile or gall is purposely included to make the stew bitter, thus the name papaitan which comes from the Filipino root word "pait" meaning bitter. The papaitan's color is also a weird mixture of dark green, yellow and black. It is cooked with spices and vinegar. This dish is served piping hot usually with calamansi, patis and siling labuyo as sawsawan (with golden lime, fish sauce and cayenne pepper as dipping sauce). An acquired taste might be necessary to like this authentic Filipino dish, which I did a long time ago.

Sausage Soup? Try Soup Number 5!

5. Soup No. 5 (Ox gonad and phallus soup!) - Now, this blog post is becoming really disturbing... but yes, Soup No. 5 is a popular dare-food among the bravest food lovers especially males since it is said to be an aphrodisiac. It is also popular to couples who want to have children because it is believed to help increase fertility which is the reason why Soup No.5's ingredients may include mushrooms, ginseng, sibot (chinese herb) and other herbs. In any case, this exotic dish is not for the faint of heart! I was a kid when I first tasted it during one of our family reunion beach parties. I was curious because it was not very usual to see the adult male members of the family all clustered and busy in the kitchen. They were giggling and joking like excited kids cooking up something... I heard it was Soup No. 5 they're making... and I thought "hmnnn I love soup!" So, me and my other cousins went for it but spit it out the moment we learned what it's made of! From what I recall, I didn't like much the smell, texture and taste. No, I'm not a big fan but maybe I'll give it another try when I'm brave enough but for now, I'll pass. Soup No. 5 is best eaten when drunk LOL!

6. Ararawan (Mole crickets!), Salagubang (Scarab beetles!) and Simut-Simot or Gamu-Gamo (Winged ants!) - Insects are not all pests, sometimes they are edible!

Cricketty Crispies? Ararawan!

One of them is the Ararawan, in Ilocano or the mole cricket. These chirping insects inhabit agricultural fields and burrow themselves in soil but also have wings and could fly. They are thick-bodied insects making them crunchy when toasted or stir-fried. The head is not included when you cook it because the snout is sharp and hard. My father once ordered this dish in a restaurant when we visited Nueva Ecija. I mustered all strength to eat one piece, it was crunchy and tasted like peanuts although I didn't like the texture because I felt its legs slightly prick my tongue when I first sip on it prior to chewing ... or maybe I just imagined it?

It's a bug's life! Salagubang!

The Salagubang (June beetles) are compact, heavy-bodied, oval shaped bugs! Their wings are thick and polished ranging from dark brown to almost black.They mostly come out during the rainy season around May to June. The usual way to cook the salagubang is  adobong tuyo (braised in soy sauce and vinegar with onions and lots of garlic then simmered until dry) wings and legs, not included. It is eaten by breaking it by the head and pinching the body to sip the flesh out from its belly. It is rich in protein and claimed by my cousins to be really tasty and savory. The next time I encounter the adobong salagubang, I swear, I'm so gonna eat  these bugs!

Itching for crunchies? Simut-simot!

Simut-Simot in Ilocano or the Gamu-Gamo in Filipino (Winged ants) - These insects mostly appear en masse at night to seek light before or after a rainfall. You could catch them by placing a basin of water underneath the light where they gather. The trapped (or more like drowned) insects should be dewinged prior to stir frying or sauteing. It is said to be crunchy and creamy but I never had the nerve to eat it... but who knows :)

Froggy Broth? Palakang Bukid!

7. Palakang Bukid (Ricefield frogs) - It is cooked anyway you cook your chicken and it is said to taste just like it. The frog meat has become so popular because of its taste and claims of curing properties. Some are actually raising them for business. I haven't tried eating it but I'm open to the idea.

Crispry Fries? Dagang Bukid!

8. Dagang Bukid (Rice field rats!) - Oh no, this is by far the ultimate challenge of all  to many adventurous food enthusiasts! For me however, rats, whether they live in the city or the rice field is a no, no! I don't mean any offense to the exotic meat's eaters and lovers but you see, rats rank as Top 5 in my worst fears as previously blogged here. So, forgive me but I really must shy away from eating it or I'll scream, palpitate and hyperventilate even before it reaches my mouth only to regurgitate!

Weird is delicious, or maybe not!

Happy brave eating adventurous food enthusiasts! 

Awww!