Day 1 --
It's a phrase I first encountered in real estate contracts and insurance policies. It's one of those sections that I skim over and take for granted.
Why?
Because I've always thought that such calamities listed under this clause were inconceivable.
And then Saturday and Sunday happened.
It started out like any typical rainy day in Iloilo -- with the street fronting our house flooding within a few hours of the rain. The power went off at around 6 in the morning. Neither of these were new to us -- we have always complained about the poor drainage system in our street and electrical service has never been reliable during these times.
And then the color of the water started turning brown and muddy. Our driver explained that this was no longer rain-flood water but water from the mountains. We watched the water rise up over the sidewalk and then to seep into the gate of our house.
Then the strong winds blew off several G.I. sheets off Papa's office warehouse. Such a thing has never happened before.
That's when it started to get a bit frightening. We called Papa on the cellphone and instructed the workers to cover the stuff in his office with tarpaulin.
For the people directly affected by the flood, they say it happened in a blink of an eye -- one minute, they were sitting down listening to the radio and the next minute, they were engulfed in waist-high/neck-high muddy waters.
Throughout the day, we received text messages and phone calls from people stranded and stuck on roofs -- asking to be rescued. We would call the radio stations who were in contact with rescue missions and give them the names and addresses of the people needing to be rescued.
But there were too many people and too few rescuers. As the afternoon progressed, the messages changed -- people were asking for food and water. By then, they had been stuck on their roofs for about 5 to 6 hours.
Outside of our house, we saw small motor boats loaded on trucks to be used for rescue. We saw people wearing life jackets wading through our street. Inside, over the radio, we listened to the mayor of one town crying -- overwhelmed at the damage in his town. Their hospital was flooded and all of their equipment destroyed. We listened to radio news reporters expressing frustration as they reported the events as they happened.
During the first night, I could feel my parents frustration and helplessness -- they had friends who had gone without food and water for the entire day. They actually tried to go to fetch their friends but they couldn't get past the flood -- not even with 4WD vehicles or a truck.
My cousin and his family were stranded in Pavia -- they had to evacuate their house and move to a makeshift nipa on higher ground. His brother tried to fetch them but couldn't get through either. They were eventually rescued early the next day, when the waters had subsided.
Over the radio, we heard that the Jaro Cathedral had been designated an evacuation area so my parents went out to get food and supplies for them. My mom had to beg the people from Makro to stay open for a little bit longer so she could buy noodles and other food for the evacuees.
That night, with the batteries of our cellphones slowly draining, we had to turn them off to conserve them for another day.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Some photos --
My last post didn't have any photos, so here they are --
The Ouran goodies are so wonderful! We got magnets and buttons and notebooks and tote bags. ^_^
<-- our jar of Jelly beans. ^_^
The Ouran goodies are so wonderful! We got magnets and buttons and notebooks and tote bags. ^_^
<-- our jar of Jelly beans. ^_^
Friday, June 13, 2008
Book Binge report --
I'm a little disappointed with my Book Binge activity this year. In essence, I only finished reading 1 book and was midway through another.
In between, I was reading romance novels, comic books, online manga scanlations and really interesting information from Uncle John's Bathroom Reader. (Did you know the average life span of a bra is only 180 days? ^_^)
I was very happy to have read Susan Vreeland's Life Studies and I am still haunted by Pisarro's story and how it deals with an artist's passion juxtaposed to religion and society.
I still have a ton of books on my backlog --
Christopher Buckley's Boomsday and Florence of Arabia
etc.
Unfortunately, I am not in book-reading mode right now. I've re-discovered anime and actually spent the past few weeks re-watching Karekano, Princess Mononoke, etc. We also picked up a copy of Gundam 00 (which Johann has declared to be his all-time favorite Gundam series), Appleseed Ex-Machina and Romeo x Juliet.
There are still remnants of Ouran in me and I still get giggly when I remember certain scenes from the anime.
* * *
A bit more on Ouran --
My bro recently sent us some Ouran goodies like buttons, tote bags, etc. I am a very happy fangirl. ^_^
* * *
Funny thing --
My other brother sent us a big jar of Jelly Beans. Last night, my sister actually sat down and sampled it. She was so cute -- she picked out jelly beans one at a time and would check which one it was. (The side of the jar had a picture guide to the flavors.)
It was amusing to hear her say, "WTF! This tastes like crap. What flavor is this?" After which, she would check the side again.
Now, this method would work nicely IF she remembered which flavors they were -- but after 8 or so flavors, you tend to forget the subtle differences between this yellow and that yellowish-whitish bean.
So, on and on it went -- with her sampling and re-discovering (tragically) crap flavors.
I love her. ^_^
In between, I was reading romance novels, comic books, online manga scanlations and really interesting information from Uncle John's Bathroom Reader. (Did you know the average life span of a bra is only 180 days? ^_^)
I was very happy to have read Susan Vreeland's Life Studies and I am still haunted by Pisarro's story and how it deals with an artist's passion juxtaposed to religion and society.
I still have a ton of books on my backlog --
Christopher Buckley's Boomsday and Florence of Arabia
etc.
Unfortunately, I am not in book-reading mode right now. I've re-discovered anime and actually spent the past few weeks re-watching Karekano, Princess Mononoke, etc. We also picked up a copy of Gundam 00 (which Johann has declared to be his all-time favorite Gundam series), Appleseed Ex-Machina and Romeo x Juliet.
There are still remnants of Ouran in me and I still get giggly when I remember certain scenes from the anime.
* * *
A bit more on Ouran --
My bro recently sent us some Ouran goodies like buttons, tote bags, etc. I am a very happy fangirl. ^_^
* * *
Funny thing --
My other brother sent us a big jar of Jelly Beans. Last night, my sister actually sat down and sampled it. She was so cute -- she picked out jelly beans one at a time and would check which one it was. (The side of the jar had a picture guide to the flavors.)
It was amusing to hear her say, "WTF! This tastes like crap. What flavor is this?" After which, she would check the side again.
Now, this method would work nicely IF she remembered which flavors they were -- but after 8 or so flavors, you tend to forget the subtle differences between this yellow and that yellowish-whitish bean.
So, on and on it went -- with her sampling and re-discovering (tragically) crap flavors.
I love her. ^_^
Thursday, May 22, 2008
hate Globe, love Globe
We were internet-less for 3 days!
My sister and I were expecting to experience some internet interference last week when it was raining very hard here in Iloilo and we were pleasantly surprised to see that our connection held despite the strong winds and the pouring rain. = Love Globe
So we were very disappointed when we discovered that we lost our internet connection right after breakfast last Monday, when it was no longer raining. = Hate Globe
After waiting patiently for a day to pass and for our connection to return, we decided to call their customer service hotline to find out more details regarding this matter. The customer service representatives were all very helpful and gave us all the information that they had. They did say that they were hoping to get it back by the next day but it usually takes them 3 to 5 days. = Love Globe a little
The next day, we still didn't have internet. = Hate Globe
So we called their hotline again. They informed us that the problem was a little bit more complicated than what they had expected so they called their "higher technical team" to try to fix the problem. = feel so-so
We decided to go to their office in SM City and we got to talk to one of their managers who apologized and informed us that they were really trying to fix the problem. She told us that they would most likely get it fixed that day or the next day. = Love Globe a little
Yesterday, we were already making jokes that it would probably come back on during the weekend but, at around 6 pm, we saw the fourth light of our modem blink and then light up. = Love Globe
It was incredibly frustrating not having access to the internet -- we had a lot of important business-related matters to attend to and deadlines ticking. Thankfully, Globe was able to restore the system and got us our internet again. ^_^
My sister and I were expecting to experience some internet interference last week when it was raining very hard here in Iloilo and we were pleasantly surprised to see that our connection held despite the strong winds and the pouring rain. = Love Globe
So we were very disappointed when we discovered that we lost our internet connection right after breakfast last Monday, when it was no longer raining. = Hate Globe
After waiting patiently for a day to pass and for our connection to return, we decided to call their customer service hotline to find out more details regarding this matter. The customer service representatives were all very helpful and gave us all the information that they had. They did say that they were hoping to get it back by the next day but it usually takes them 3 to 5 days. = Love Globe a little
The next day, we still didn't have internet. = Hate Globe
So we called their hotline again. They informed us that the problem was a little bit more complicated than what they had expected so they called their "higher technical team" to try to fix the problem. = feel so-so
We decided to go to their office in SM City and we got to talk to one of their managers who apologized and informed us that they were really trying to fix the problem. She told us that they would most likely get it fixed that day or the next day. = Love Globe a little
Yesterday, we were already making jokes that it would probably come back on during the weekend but, at around 6 pm, we saw the fourth light of our modem blink and then light up. = Love Globe
It was incredibly frustrating not having access to the internet -- we had a lot of important business-related matters to attend to and deadlines ticking. Thankfully, Globe was able to restore the system and got us our internet again. ^_^
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Down the rabbit hole --
Johann and I bought a copy of Julie Taymor's Across the Universe this morning -- for very different reasons. He saw a trailer and really loved the imagery. I really loved Julie Taymor's Titus.
It's an interesting project -- making a rock musical using Beatles songs.
War is the theme of the movie -- how it changes people and how it changes the world. The main character, Jude, travels from Liverpool to the United States to meet his biological father who was stationed in Liverpool during World War II.
In America, he is faced with the reality of the Vietnam War. His friend, Max, an Ivy League dropout was being drafted and Max's sister lost her boyfriend in that same war. Within the country, there was also a conflict between the pro-war movement/the Government and the anti-war/radical groups.
It was interesting to see how war and peace are born from the same actions and ideas: we want the world to be better -- but, despite our best intentions, there are people who get hurt.
One of my favorite parts in the movie was towards the end when Jude meets with Max after the war -- Jude tells Max that he looks okay and Max answers that "everything below the neck works fine."
Julie Taymor also tackles the idea of "action" -- Max's father keeps pushing him to "do something" and reminds Max that he is defined by the things that he does and doesn't do. Jude, on the other hand, has a different view -- he believes that it is the way one does things that matters.
At one point, Max's sister, Lucy confronts Jude about his lack of involvement. "We're in the middle of a revolution Jude. And what are you doing? Doodles and cartoons?"
What do you do with your life? The question takes on a different kind of urgency in the midst of the Vietnam War --
What kind of action are we supposed to take?
The answer is simple and the Beatles said it best -- all you need is love.
It's an amazing and incredibly memorable movie --
As I was watching it, I came to one curious conclusion -- there seems to be a Beatles song for every kind of human experience.
... now to find the soundtrack. ^_^
It's an interesting project -- making a rock musical using Beatles songs.
War is the theme of the movie -- how it changes people and how it changes the world. The main character, Jude, travels from Liverpool to the United States to meet his biological father who was stationed in Liverpool during World War II.
In America, he is faced with the reality of the Vietnam War. His friend, Max, an Ivy League dropout was being drafted and Max's sister lost her boyfriend in that same war. Within the country, there was also a conflict between the pro-war movement/the Government and the anti-war/radical groups.
It was interesting to see how war and peace are born from the same actions and ideas: we want the world to be better -- but, despite our best intentions, there are people who get hurt.
One of my favorite parts in the movie was towards the end when Jude meets with Max after the war -- Jude tells Max that he looks okay and Max answers that "everything below the neck works fine."
Julie Taymor also tackles the idea of "action" -- Max's father keeps pushing him to "do something" and reminds Max that he is defined by the things that he does and doesn't do. Jude, on the other hand, has a different view -- he believes that it is the way one does things that matters.
At one point, Max's sister, Lucy confronts Jude about his lack of involvement. "We're in the middle of a revolution Jude. And what are you doing? Doodles and cartoons?"
What do you do with your life? The question takes on a different kind of urgency in the midst of the Vietnam War --
What kind of action are we supposed to take?
The answer is simple and the Beatles said it best -- all you need is love.
It's an amazing and incredibly memorable movie --
As I was watching it, I came to one curious conclusion -- there seems to be a Beatles song for every kind of human experience.
... now to find the soundtrack. ^_^
Saturday, May 17, 2008
First impressions --
So, I got it last night and started tinkering with it.
It really looks amazing and I can understand the allure -- all that smooth whiteness and it smells really nice.
It isn't that difficult to navigate -- and I really love the feel of the keyboard.
I think I just need to sit down with someone who is familiar with both PC and Mac to talk me through the similarities and differences. *koff* Jin *koff*
I am a happy Tin. ^_^
It really looks amazing and I can understand the allure -- all that smooth whiteness and it smells really nice.
It isn't that difficult to navigate -- and I really love the feel of the keyboard.
I think I just need to sit down with someone who is familiar with both PC and Mac to talk me through the similarities and differences. *koff* Jin *koff*
I am a happy Tin. ^_^
Friday, May 16, 2008
The start of something new --
Today I say goodbye and thank you to my faithful laptop, my little Pentium-4 1.8 with 512mb RAM and a 30gb hard drive. I inherited this laptop from my brother and it has served us faithfully for 8 years now. Its new role involves office documents and whatnot.
I'm also saying goodbye to an OS that I've had a love-hate relationship with. Before XP came along, I was a Rah-rah girl for Windows 98 and I resisted shifting to XP for as long as I could. Now that XP is finally stable, Microsoft has decided to retire it.
But I digress.
Later today, I will say hello to a Macbook and to a new OS. It's a white 2.4 Intel Core 2 Duo with more RAM and hard drive space than my old laptop.
I figured 30 is a good age to try out what the "other side" has to offer. ^_^
Thankies to my dear friend, Jin, who patiently accommodated all of my questions. ^_^
I'm also saying goodbye to an OS that I've had a love-hate relationship with. Before XP came along, I was a Rah-rah girl for Windows 98 and I resisted shifting to XP for as long as I could. Now that XP is finally stable, Microsoft has decided to retire it.
But I digress.
Later today, I will say hello to a Macbook and to a new OS. It's a white 2.4 Intel Core 2 Duo with more RAM and hard drive space than my old laptop.
I figured 30 is a good age to try out what the "other side" has to offer. ^_^
Thankies to my dear friend, Jin, who patiently accommodated all of my questions. ^_^
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Happy food --
Avocado is one of my happy food.
But it is a frustrating fruit to love -- selecting and buying avocado from the supermarket is a hit-or-miss adventure. While it may look beautiful and promising on the outside, the inside might be a mess of mush and stringy bits that look like hair.
So far this year, I've only had one or two good avocados. It is a scarce thing but highly sought-after in my house. There are times when, as the younger sister, I am called to make the supreme sacrifice and give up a bowl of avocado to my sister.
A few days ago, my dad's assistant gave us some really beautiful avocado. I've never seen avocado of that size before. It came from a tree in his backyard. (I want to steal that tree. >_<)
So I've been waiting for them to ripen. Two days ago, I decided to speed up the process by placing two avocados beside our never-ending stock of bananas. True enough, these two avocados ripened much faster. (A bit of science: Bananas give off a gas which helps nearby fruits/vegetables ripen.)
This morning, one of them was ready for eating.
I wanted to swoon when I saw how beautiful the inside was. It's exactly how Nigella describes it -- buttery, firm and gorgeous. >_<
I like my avocado mushed up with some powdered milk and sugar. When I am especially impatient, I eat it immediately but it is also very delicious cold.
One of the giant avocados was enough for two bowls -- one for me and one for my sister. This time, I got the bigger share. ^_^
But it is a frustrating fruit to love -- selecting and buying avocado from the supermarket is a hit-or-miss adventure. While it may look beautiful and promising on the outside, the inside might be a mess of mush and stringy bits that look like hair.
So far this year, I've only had one or two good avocados. It is a scarce thing but highly sought-after in my house. There are times when, as the younger sister, I am called to make the supreme sacrifice and give up a bowl of avocado to my sister.
A few days ago, my dad's assistant gave us some really beautiful avocado. I've never seen avocado of that size before. It came from a tree in his backyard. (I want to steal that tree. >_<)
So I've been waiting for them to ripen. Two days ago, I decided to speed up the process by placing two avocados beside our never-ending stock of bananas. True enough, these two avocados ripened much faster. (A bit of science: Bananas give off a gas which helps nearby fruits/vegetables ripen.)
This morning, one of them was ready for eating.
I wanted to swoon when I saw how beautiful the inside was. It's exactly how Nigella describes it -- buttery, firm and gorgeous. >_<
I like my avocado mushed up with some powdered milk and sugar. When I am especially impatient, I eat it immediately but it is also very delicious cold.
One of the giant avocados was enough for two bowls -- one for me and one for my sister. This time, I got the bigger share. ^_^
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Some random things --
One of our local AM stations has a very interesting morning program -- they visit government offices at the start of the day to check if government employees go to work on time.
The day I was listening, they visited the Comelec office near my house. It was really funny to hear how exasperated the reporter was because no one was there.
We pass by there fairly regularly at random times of the day and I've never actually seen it open.
When we passed by later that day, I noticed that the office was open. Hahahaha!
* * *
Fan Girl Mode Switch: On --
A and G introduced me to Ouran High School Host Club during their visit here to Iloilo last weekend.
I am hooked.
I've been busy reading the manga and I finally finished it last Monday.
Now I am planning to watch the anime a second time. ^_^
This is also the reason why I haven't been progressing with my Book Binge list. I am not in reading mode right now --
The day I was listening, they visited the Comelec office near my house. It was really funny to hear how exasperated the reporter was because no one was there.
We pass by there fairly regularly at random times of the day and I've never actually seen it open.
When we passed by later that day, I noticed that the office was open. Hahahaha!
* * *
Fan Girl Mode Switch: On --
A and G introduced me to Ouran High School Host Club during their visit here to Iloilo last weekend.
I am hooked.
I've been busy reading the manga and I finally finished it last Monday.
Now I am planning to watch the anime a second time. ^_^
This is also the reason why I haven't been progressing with my Book Binge list. I am not in reading mode right now --
Sunday, May 11, 2008
This would have been interesting to watch --
Repertory staged Hamlet last February and the interpretation looks so cool! It kinda reminds me of Final Fantasy.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
A scare --
This morning started out typically -- between 6 to 7 in the morning, I was enjoying my chapters of Ouran before breakfast while Seth was "getting some sun" upstairs with his yaya.
At 7, I was called to breakfast and Seth and I had a lovely meal of pancakes and hotdogs.
The trouble started after breakfast when I tried to load the next page of the online scanlation.
My computer froze and I couldn't even do a CTRL+ALT+DEL --
So I had to turn it off manually. When I turned it back on, I was greeted with a blank screen.
My computer went kaput on me. T_T
... and right in the middle of an exciting chapter! >_<
I was frantic! T_T
We eventually had to do a system restore to fix the problem. And we had to do it twice because the first time was also problematic.
So here I am, reinstalling all of my important files -- like my cute Cat theme for Firefox. =^_^=
And I am once again reunited with Chapter 44 of Ouran. ^_^
* * *
On a serious note --
I only just realized that this laptop is 8 years old. I inherited it from my brother a few years back when he decided to upgrade.
So now I'm thinking of getting an upgrade for myself.
It would be a first for me -- so I'm excited. ^_^
At 7, I was called to breakfast and Seth and I had a lovely meal of pancakes and hotdogs.
The trouble started after breakfast when I tried to load the next page of the online scanlation.
My computer froze and I couldn't even do a CTRL+ALT+DEL --
So I had to turn it off manually. When I turned it back on, I was greeted with a blank screen.
My computer went kaput on me. T_T
... and right in the middle of an exciting chapter! >_<
I was frantic! T_T
We eventually had to do a system restore to fix the problem. And we had to do it twice because the first time was also problematic.
So here I am, reinstalling all of my important files -- like my cute Cat theme for Firefox. =^_^=
And I am once again reunited with Chapter 44 of Ouran. ^_^
* * *
On a serious note --
I only just realized that this laptop is 8 years old. I inherited it from my brother a few years back when he decided to upgrade.
So now I'm thinking of getting an upgrade for myself.
It would be a first for me -- so I'm excited. ^_^
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Interesting list --
75 Skills Every Man Should Master
* * *
What I learned from an anime --
Mirai yori mo
Ima ga kanjin
More important than the future
Is the present
Thank you A and G for OuHosu. =^_^=
* * *
What I learned from an anime --
Mirai yori mo
Ima ga kanjin
More important than the future
Is the present
Thank you A and G for OuHosu. =^_^=
Saturday, April 26, 2008
What a "bleh" week --
And I am glad it is over.
The past two weeks have been a roller coaster ride for the Ongs. We had to deal with Seth's fever and my food poisoning episode. This week started out really well, with Seth going back to school and earning two stars again.
And then he had a mild relapse and his doctor told him to rest for the rest of the week.
The tickle in my throat last Tuesday turned out to be the start of tonsillitis which decided to show itself on Thursday when the doctor was on her out-of-town clinic, so Johann and I had to wait until yesterday to see her.
Now, this doctor isn't our "real" doctor -- our pulmonologist is away on vacation and won't be back until May. Our other doctor (the one for infectious diseases) is also on vacation. The GP we usually see for mild cases was also on vacation.
I've promised myself that I will be well enough next week to watch Iron Man.
* * *
In other news --
Pushing Daisies is an amazing series. Kristin Chenoweth is so cute! ^_^
The past two weeks have been a roller coaster ride for the Ongs. We had to deal with Seth's fever and my food poisoning episode. This week started out really well, with Seth going back to school and earning two stars again.
And then he had a mild relapse and his doctor told him to rest for the rest of the week.
The tickle in my throat last Tuesday turned out to be the start of tonsillitis which decided to show itself on Thursday when the doctor was on her out-of-town clinic, so Johann and I had to wait until yesterday to see her.
Now, this doctor isn't our "real" doctor -- our pulmonologist is away on vacation and won't be back until May. Our other doctor (the one for infectious diseases) is also on vacation. The GP we usually see for mild cases was also on vacation.
I've promised myself that I will be well enough next week to watch Iron Man.
* * *
In other news --
Pushing Daisies is an amazing series. Kristin Chenoweth is so cute! ^_^
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Childhood is a magical time --
I wrote about Breakthrough in my previous post -- how we joined the kids as they explored the live seafood tanks.
One of my nephews, a 5-year old -- was looking at the live crabs. At one point, his yaya pulled out one and it started "dancing" on its string. This amused my nephew to no end and he wanted to share his joy --
So he pulled Johann -- "Tito, tito -- you have to see this!" and dragged Johann to where the crabs were. So the two of them looked on as the yaya pulled the crab out again and my nephew laughed again.
I was charmed and so was Johann.
* * *
Currently reading --
So I finally ran out of romance novels to read so I'm currently juggling/reading the following books:
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
God is my Broker: A Monk-Tycoon reveals the 7 1/2 Laws of Spiritual and Financial Growth by Christopher Buckley, et. al.
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
And I just finished reading Johann's copy of Watchmen and It Must Be Nice To Be Little: A For Better or For Worse collection by Lynn Johnston.
In comics, I'm really enjoying Avengers Fairy Tales -- I love the art and I love how they were able to weave comic book characters into fairy tales.
One of my nephews, a 5-year old -- was looking at the live crabs. At one point, his yaya pulled out one and it started "dancing" on its string. This amused my nephew to no end and he wanted to share his joy --
So he pulled Johann -- "Tito, tito -- you have to see this!" and dragged Johann to where the crabs were. So the two of them looked on as the yaya pulled the crab out again and my nephew laughed again.
I was charmed and so was Johann.
* * *
Currently reading --
So I finally ran out of romance novels to read so I'm currently juggling/reading the following books:
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
God is my Broker: A Monk-Tycoon reveals the 7 1/2 Laws of Spiritual and Financial Growth by Christopher Buckley, et. al.
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
And I just finished reading Johann's copy of Watchmen and It Must Be Nice To Be Little: A For Better or For Worse collection by Lynn Johnston.
In comics, I'm really enjoying Avengers Fairy Tales -- I love the art and I love how they were able to weave comic book characters into fairy tales.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Interesting past few days --
Last week started out really great --
My aunt treated us to Breakthrough and Johann and I were lucky enough to sit beside the kids so the Grilled Scallops were all ours.
After dinner, we let the grownups talk and we wandered around the area and found ourselves looking at their fresh seafood tanks -- I actually touched a live mussel.
A few nights later -- I suffered food poisoning. No, it wasn't because of Breakthrough. This is the second time in my life that I've had food poisoning but this was far worse than the first one.
During this whole time, Seth was sick as well -- his temperature went as high as 39.5 degrees. Thankfully, he's much better now.
Today, I have a tickle in my throat. O_O
My aunt treated us to Breakthrough and Johann and I were lucky enough to sit beside the kids so the Grilled Scallops were all ours.
After dinner, we let the grownups talk and we wandered around the area and found ourselves looking at their fresh seafood tanks -- I actually touched a live mussel.
A few nights later -- I suffered food poisoning. No, it wasn't because of Breakthrough. This is the second time in my life that I've had food poisoning but this was far worse than the first one.
During this whole time, Seth was sick as well -- his temperature went as high as 39.5 degrees. Thankfully, he's much better now.
Today, I have a tickle in my throat. O_O
Sunday, April 13, 2008
An update --
Johann and I have always been curious about Tina Fey's new show 30 Rock but we never get to catch it on TV. We finally found a copy of season 1 a few weeks back and watched it.
It is an amazing show -- we couldn't stop laughing! Even Seth noticed how much we laugh -- he would laugh along (I don't know if he understands what he is laughing about though. ^_^)
I still haven't finished watching Gossip Girl -- but, from what I've watched so far, it's a really great series. I'm curious about the books --
* * *
Plan your vacations! Almost free tickets--
Philippine Airlines and Asian Spirit have very nice promos --
Asian Spirit is giving away free* tickets to all their domestic destinations. (Baguio in less than an hour) The promo ends on April 15 and travel is from June 15 to October 15.
*You still have to pay for taxes and fuel surcharge.
Starting Monday, for every 1 domestic ticket you buy from PAL, you will get two free ones. Sale period is from April 14 to April 25 and travel is from June 15 to October 15.
* * *
Two new places in Iloilo --
The wife of one of my HS classmates opened a small bakery called Daily Buns. We stopped by early this week to try out some of their bread. The place smells so good! We bought a loaf of whole wheat bread, which was really yummy. They also serve milkshakes and pasta so we are planning to go back there to try them out.
On our way home from Robinson's Place one afternoon, Johann spotted a small cafe along Ledesma Street. It looked like it had just opened and there were a lot of people inside. Yesterday morning, we decided to drop by Coffee House Beanery for our morning coffee fix.
The girl at the counter recommended their Moccachino so I ordered that and Johann tried out their Latte. Both were very good. We ordered a slice of Tiramisu because it looked tempting.
The tiramisu was good -- the cake part was a bit dry but I didn't mind that because the cream filling was really yummy (it was tart and creamy and not-so-sweet).
They also serve lunch and dinner and their prices seem reasonable (I have yet to see their portions) -- Oriental Pork Spareribs for PhP90.00, Callos for PhP110.00, etc.
It is an amazing show -- we couldn't stop laughing! Even Seth noticed how much we laugh -- he would laugh along (I don't know if he understands what he is laughing about though. ^_^)
I still haven't finished watching Gossip Girl -- but, from what I've watched so far, it's a really great series. I'm curious about the books --
* * *
Plan your vacations! Almost free tickets--
Philippine Airlines and Asian Spirit have very nice promos --
Asian Spirit is giving away free* tickets to all their domestic destinations. (Baguio in less than an hour) The promo ends on April 15 and travel is from June 15 to October 15.
*You still have to pay for taxes and fuel surcharge.
Starting Monday, for every 1 domestic ticket you buy from PAL, you will get two free ones. Sale period is from April 14 to April 25 and travel is from June 15 to October 15.
* * *
Two new places in Iloilo --
The wife of one of my HS classmates opened a small bakery called Daily Buns. We stopped by early this week to try out some of their bread. The place smells so good! We bought a loaf of whole wheat bread, which was really yummy. They also serve milkshakes and pasta so we are planning to go back there to try them out.
On our way home from Robinson's Place one afternoon, Johann spotted a small cafe along Ledesma Street. It looked like it had just opened and there were a lot of people inside. Yesterday morning, we decided to drop by Coffee House Beanery for our morning coffee fix.
The girl at the counter recommended their Moccachino so I ordered that and Johann tried out their Latte. Both were very good. We ordered a slice of Tiramisu because it looked tempting.
The tiramisu was good -- the cake part was a bit dry but I didn't mind that because the cream filling was really yummy (it was tart and creamy and not-so-sweet).
They also serve lunch and dinner and their prices seem reasonable (I have yet to see their portions) -- Oriental Pork Spareribs for PhP90.00, Callos for PhP110.00, etc.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Happiness is --
Your parents coming back from Cebu with boxes of Leona's Carrot Walnut loaf.
* * *
Happiness is also --
A bottle of Ya Kun Kaya.
But it's sad that I'm the only one who seems to enjoy it in the house.
* * *
Happiness is also --
A bottle of Ya Kun Kaya.
But it's sad that I'm the only one who seems to enjoy it in the house.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Yay Rat! --
Strange blog title, I know --
But, it was the only title that came to mind.
E told me that the Year of the Rat was the year to fulfill the unfulfilled. It is the start of a whole new cycle -- the Rat being the first animal in the Chinese zodiac.
And I believe it.
First, Blade of the Immortal is finally getting an animated version after nearly a decade of waiting.
Now, this. A comic anthology based on songs by Tori Amos. ^_^ ^_^ ^_^ <-- this news deserves three smileys
I tell you, my heart is bursting with excitement right now --
^_^
But, it was the only title that came to mind.
E told me that the Year of the Rat was the year to fulfill the unfulfilled. It is the start of a whole new cycle -- the Rat being the first animal in the Chinese zodiac.
And I believe it.
First, Blade of the Immortal is finally getting an animated version after nearly a decade of waiting.
Now, this. A comic anthology based on songs by Tori Amos. ^_^ ^_^ ^_^ <-- this news deserves three smileys
I tell you, my heart is bursting with excitement right now --
^_^
Friday, April 04, 2008
Post backlog part 2 --
I turned 30 this year -- it seems like a such an important age, so I decided to make up a list of "Very Important Things To Do" for 2008:
1. Take the MENSA
- I don't think I'm smart enough to pass it but I would like to experience the test within my lifetime.
2. Join a Scrabble Tournament
- At the English Academy where I taught, one of teachers was legend because she actually took time off to travel and join Scrabble tournaments around the world. I don't think I can beat her (I think my sister can beat her) but Scrabble is one of those things that I think I can do very well in.
3. Travel out of Asia
- This one will be difficult/impossible to pull off because I have an almost-2-year old sidekick who will insist on joining us.
For the past decade, I've limited my traveling to Southeast Asia. (Cost is a major factor) But I would like to visit the US again. The last time I was there, I was in high school and I didn't appreciate it as much. Now, I have a plan and a list of places to visit.
I'd also like to go to Europe with Johann. (This one, we are planning to do when we turn 40).
4. Read A BOOK
Not one of the fluffy things that I read but something with more substance and meat. Like Plutarch's Lives ... or something in that vein.
5. Buy a piece of important Art
This desire to own Art has lain dormant within me for the longest time. When I got married and my most favorite professor gifted us with a Fil dela Cruz print from his own collection, the desire sparked --
Now, I want Art. No, I want the money to buy the Art. ^_^
1. Take the MENSA
- I don't think I'm smart enough to pass it but I would like to experience the test within my lifetime.
2. Join a Scrabble Tournament
- At the English Academy where I taught, one of teachers was legend because she actually took time off to travel and join Scrabble tournaments around the world. I don't think I can beat her (I think my sister can beat her) but Scrabble is one of those things that I think I can do very well in.
3. Travel out of Asia
- This one will be difficult/impossible to pull off because I have an almost-2-year old sidekick who will insist on joining us.
For the past decade, I've limited my traveling to Southeast Asia. (Cost is a major factor) But I would like to visit the US again. The last time I was there, I was in high school and I didn't appreciate it as much. Now, I have a plan and a list of places to visit.
I'd also like to go to Europe with Johann. (This one, we are planning to do when we turn 40).
4. Read A BOOK
Not one of the fluffy things that I read but something with more substance and meat. Like Plutarch's Lives ... or something in that vein.
5. Buy a piece of important Art
This desire to own Art has lain dormant within me for the longest time. When I got married and my most favorite professor gifted us with a Fil dela Cruz print from his own collection, the desire sparked --
Now, I want Art. No, I want the money to buy the Art. ^_^
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Yesterday --
During my tutor session with Kate and David, while I was discussing the concept of deja vu (which Kate had just experienced), we heard a loud crash. I thought something had landed on the roof or dropped to the floor somewhere so we ignored it.
It was Kate who realized that one of their windows was broken. It looked like a bullet hit the glass because there was a clean hole right through -- I immediately checked if one of us got hit. We noticed that there was no hole on the screen so, whatever it was, never got inside the house.
Outside, we found a rock nearby -- so we called the subdivision security to come and investigate the matter. He said it was most likely a slingshot from somewhere and it was probably accidental.
* * *
Buho Bakery --
I posted about this addicting bread a few months back but I was never able to talk about the bakery that makes it.
Yesterday, I had to mail something at the post office so I decided to drop by Buho Bakery to pick up some mini Pancho rolls.
Since it was early afternoon, the bakery itself was closed and you had to knock on this small window on the wall to make your order.
<-- it literally is a "hole" in the wall ^_^
It used to cost PhP1.00 per piece but now the price has gone up to PhP1.25
It was Kate who realized that one of their windows was broken. It looked like a bullet hit the glass because there was a clean hole right through -- I immediately checked if one of us got hit. We noticed that there was no hole on the screen so, whatever it was, never got inside the house.
Outside, we found a rock nearby -- so we called the subdivision security to come and investigate the matter. He said it was most likely a slingshot from somewhere and it was probably accidental.
* * *
Buho Bakery --
I posted about this addicting bread a few months back but I was never able to talk about the bakery that makes it.
Yesterday, I had to mail something at the post office so I decided to drop by Buho Bakery to pick up some mini Pancho rolls.
Since it was early afternoon, the bakery itself was closed and you had to knock on this small window on the wall to make your order.
<-- it literally is a "hole" in the wall ^_^
It used to cost PhP1.00 per piece but now the price has gone up to PhP1.25
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