Expanding my Menu Repertoire

I make kick-ass pasta and taco sauce. I claim bragging rights because I've cooked these forever, but that about covers my kitchen expertise. Shame on me, I could not even cook rice!

That was the case -- until a couple of weeks ago.

One weekend morning, my bestfriend Cielo tagged me along on an Asian Cuisine Cooking Demo Class at the International School for Culinary Arts & Hotel Management in Makati. I gladly went! I love watching people cook on TV, that's where I get tips to further improve my kick-ass pasta. Although admittedly, I am scared to try complicated stuff for fear that I might end up wasting food.

Then again, years of tiptoeing around the stove makes you want to explore more, get creative with ingredients and just discover where your palate takes you. That morning, I opened my mind to endless possibilities. If I can make kick-ass pasta, I could probably make kick-ass ulam!

The class was held in the FEU Makati Campus, in a semi-circular cooking auditorium where the stage was a kitchen. We were about seventy attendees, some were obvious cooking experts (read: mothers).

 Notes, notes, notes! But really, I was mostly jotting down silly, funny pieces from Chef Toby  like 

"nothing is more fulfilling that having perfectly cooked rice."

Chef Toby Co and his pristine, steel and marble kitchen was a sight. And when he started cooking and throwing tips, he was inspiring. When he showed us how to properly fry tempura (let it swim in oil and then let it go), I wanted to come down to the kitchen and try for myself. 

 Jerson's (the Kitchen Assistant) perfectly cooked tempura

I finally had my moment when he asked for volunteers to do shrimps for Yang Chow. I raised my hand, thinking I would probably slice or dice. When I came down, he told me I would de-vein. My face was one big question mark. I've never held raw seafood, not even to clean fish. I bought them in the supermarket in those plastic containers – all but ready to cook. But hey, this was a day of challenge, so I did it. 

 Sige, chef, tawanan mo lang ako! I was soooo out of my comfort zone.

De-veining was difficult at first, finding the vein and then not knowing for sure the level of hand pressure the shrimp can take. Chef laughingly told me at one point that my hands were not meant for delicate work, “ang bigat ng kamay!” My mother told me as much when I was growing up. But I enjoyed de-veining so much that after the class, I went to the supermarket, bought half a kilo of prawns, de-veined and cooked them that night. My reward was the awe in my family's and friends' faces when they had their first taste of my Shrimp recipe.

We were taught to properly do sushi, shao-mai, glazed pork and a couple other dishes. I plan to try all, and to learn more recipes. 

 Cielo and moi, with Chef Toby and the Superkitchen assistants!

I think that with the techniques I learned, I can build up my confidence to try more grand cuisines!

Greener Pastures

My previous weekend I spent outside my apartment veranda, replanting seedlings I bought from Mang Tony, a landscape artist based in Tondo, Manila.

For several months, I have been populating my greens collection. After several trials and more errors, I realized that those that I got from Mang Tony far outlived those that were from somewhere else. His green thumb is really legendary. 

Hence everytime I visit hometown friends, I always make it a point to drop by his stall. Which also goes the other way around, if I wanted new plants, I would drop by his stall and consequently visit my friends. Each visit to Mang Tony, I snatch some impromptu greening tips such as better ways to snip leaves and best household fertilizers. I have a feeling I could be really good at greening! 

 Candy, my very photogenic peppermint

Anyway, since I was wrist-deep in dirt and so into the planting fun, I also took the weekend to organize my plant boxes which have fallen into disarray over a few weeks of neglect. It was the longest I spent with my green friends, so far. And I enjoyed it!

I loved the feeling of pride and fulfillment when I gazed at my lovely plants and my put-together and very organized plant boxes. 

 Plant boxes! Love them!

 Letty, the lettuce tree :)

The boyfriend said that if this plant-love-affair goes on, I might someday have my own farm. And that was a really good thought.

Boracay Bits (and some firsts)

I almost did not join the trip because, well, I have been there before. It was crossed off my list. I wanted to go somewhere I haven't been to.

But my choir-mates know me too well. I seldom can stand peer pressure. All of them were going and they were goading so darn bad that I really had no choice but to say yes. Some shotgun phone call that was – on a busy evening in May.

Almost immediately after I grudgingly said yes, I was excited! The trip would undoubtedly be great. I really do love Boracay! I could not wait to storm Jonah's and get my fill of heavenly fruit shake to last me until next summer.

Two months later, we hit the beach! We arrived at the homey Boracay Residences on a Thursday, at around five in the afternoon after a long journey from Kalibo. We were met at the Cagban Port by Kuya Allan, the resort's jack-of-all-trades (cooks breakfast, arranges tours, brings us blankets, et cetera).

 The sunset person in me reveled in this scenery.

It was evening when we decided to walk the beach. The powdery white sand was just as I remembered. Like a dream, smooth and pleasantly tickly on my bare foot. It felt like a sin to walk over in flip-flops and I saw my friends doing the same – picking up their slippers and skipping in the shallow waves.

I felt relaxed. I could not wait for the morning, when we'd see Boracay in its sunny glory.

We walked the length of Stations 1 and 2 before we called Kuya Ronnie, the resort's driver, to pick us up from D'Mall. Boracay Residences was not really that far from the beach, but we adored the transfer service after long walks on the sand! Kuya Allan and Kuya Ronnie were godsends.

We stayed three nights and each of these were spent in our two-bedroom suite, singing our “Greatest Hits” and recounting our infamous tales from Marian Choir days. Music brought us together, and in music, we will bond! 

 Days of sand and glory. Resting in between jump shot sessions

In the mornings, we toured the island, did gazillion jump shots – which were mostly practice for when Kuya Ronnie would get the few perfect shots. The photos were worth the aching thighs and sunburns.

I'm glad I made the trip. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Travels are made more fun by “firsts.” And although it was my second time in paradise, the trip was made more meaningful by these bits:

First time I traveled with my closest Marian Choir friends, whom I loved to death even more because of this trip.

First time I flew with PAL, which was so-so, save for the “check-in” boo-boo (not my story to tell, though!).

First time I witnessed a fire dance. OOOOHH-EEEEMMM! Super amazing! I swear i found myself open-mouthed in amazement several times during various performances. These guys should be earning so much for this! 

 My friend, Angel, took this spectacular shot. 

I was too busy gaping to even think of my camera.

First time I floated on open sea! But with life vest, of course, because for the life of me, I can't swim.

A million thanks is not enough for the patience of Kuya Acy, who never gave up on leading me despite my frantic negatives.

Mag-papanic akooo! Ayokoooo! Hindi ko carry 'yan! 
(while holding on tightly to the katig)

I finally gave in to peer pressure when I saw all of them floating quite happily away from the boat, and the life-saving katigs. It was bliss! I can't wait to snorkel again!

My Love Affair with Boracay

Three years ago, when I first saw Boracay's White Beach, I fell in love at first sight. 

 i can walk this beach all day.

Three days ago, when I saw it again in broad daylight, I fell in a love a second time. I guess when a place is truly beautiful, it does not matter how many times you get captivated. You just do. Over and over again. Happily. 

Crazy Things I Did Today

 

Mind you, it's just Tuesday. 

Although, come to think of it, it's my workday midweek since I will be on leave on Thursday and Friday (yippee!). My whole being must be on holiday mode already because so far, today has been my ditziest day of the quarter (last quarter's was... well, let's not talk about it now).

First, I might have left two of my electric fans running at home. And yeah, I might have left the blower plugged, as well. It dawned on me as I was walking some two blocks away from the office – and running late as it is. Luckily, I had the embarrassingly eureka moment of calling the admin guards to check if my meter is running. You would imagine my “wording” dilemma. How do I manage this conversation without burying myself further in ditziness? Well, here goes the conversation. Please do not judge me.

Me: Hello, Kuya Ronald, quick question. Kapag ba umaandar 'yung metro, eh di ibig sabihin may umaandar din na appliance, diba?

Ronald: Yes, Ma'am.

Me: Sige, pa-check naman if umaandar 'yung sa amin. Hindi ko kasi sigurado kung napatay ko 'yung switch. Sorry ha. Tawagan kita ulit?

To my eternal gratefulness, Kuya Ronald confirmed that the meter was not moving.

Second thing, I sidetracked an assignment, which my boss ended up doing. In my defense, I was prioritizing another stint, which was more crucial in my understanding as it was a direct order from one of our top bosses. Anyway, I hope he did not hold it against me – which is most probably the case as i'm not yet fired right now.

Third and most yucky, I managed to spritz coke (as in Coca-Cola drink) on my department manager's table, around her files and on myself. I was chit-chatting and opening a liter-and-a-half bottle and the coke suddenly went spraying around in abandon. I closed the cap when I realized what was happening, but damage has been done and I stared helplessly at the mess. My manager friend, whose desk I ruined, laughed so hard when she snapped out of her shock. I was stammering my apologies and dabbing at my shirt front and surfaces I can reach.

It was horrible. I don't think I can open another softdrink bottle without cringing.

Copies of minutes were splattered with brown; my lunch was swimming in a puddle of coke, scratch pads were blotched and browned – and the floor! Our shoes kept sticking to it long after we wiped the mess with newspapers.

My friend was cool about it, for which I was thankful. I was SO apologetic, but she kept saying that such things happen. But really, the person who must have shaken the bottle crazy (which caused the build-up), must have a very troubled brain.

Funny day, this. Some are crazier than other, after all. I hope there won't be a fourth on the list today.

Tagaytay Chit-chats (Warning: May Contain Some Corny Lines)

Because i can't stand not sharing these!

I'm putting a disclaimer because they might get back at me for posting these. We're not always this sabaw! :-P Just most of the time.

During dinner at one of the Mahogany Market carinderias, I donated half of my rice to Bonj and Kel.

Bonj: Diet ka, Anj?

Anj: Oo eh, sabi ni doc.

Bonj: Baket??!

Anj: Sumasakit na kasi yung lower back ko dahil hindi na nya kayang i-support yung weight ng upper body ko. Kailangan kong mag-lose ng 4 kilos.

Bonj: 4 kilos? Per day?

Anj: Pwedeee... Para next year wala na ako dito!

Bonj: Wag ka mag-alala, Anj! Isipin mo na lang tuwing oorder ka, andito lang ako.

Anj: Ang sweet mo naman.

Bonj: What are friends are for.

Candice: You can never can tell.

Bonj: Anj, basta, I got your back... your lower back.

On the way home, we passed by some pasalubong shops and I suddenly remembered to ask Kel about a small shop in Batangas.

Anj: Kel, meron daw sa Batangas na buko pie na super sarap?

Kel: Oo, meron! Pero.. nakalimutan ko na yung pangalan.

Bonj: Chismis ba yan, o totoo?

Anj: Totoo! Sabi nung friend ko sa office meron nga daw. Nakalimutan lang niya din yung pangalan.

Candice: So ganun siguro sya kasarap. Walang nakakaalala ng pangalan niya. 

 

Papers and Papercuts

Today, our team at the office finished the preps for a major meeting tomorrow.

It's especially inspiring to see each one pitching their share in the workload, regardless of position levels. Our team does not care about that sort of thinking. Even if I am a manager, I can still staple and bind, right?

In the course of the month-long crunch time (and weeks of headaches prior to that), our senses have been crucially tested – sense of direction, sense of urgency, sense of humor. It's comforting to see that we can still laugh every now and then because of some particularly funny quip during paper sorting. Made us think we're sane, after all the chaos.

Also, it's not everyday that we get to do the fun mundane tasks – sorting pages, cutting loose edges, binding and running through stacks of bound papers to see if the pages were done correctly. It's a big break from the mighty computer and everything that entails.

It was also a chance to bond with the dear teammates. Such fun to chit-chat while at work! Seriously, we covered much in terms of “organizational information.” Yeah, most of them probably classified.

Come tomorrow, the fruits of almost two months of hard work and constant papercuts will have paid off.

It helps to know - we are a hundred percent, OC-level sure that all the pages are in their proper places. 

Bounty, the Money Tree

My closest colleagues and friends got me an omen for my birthday. And it's just what I need!

Meet Bounty, my new Money Tree! I loved her at first sight (yes, it's a her). And I'm falling even more each minute. And the red jar! Gosh, really perfect for the house. I CANNOT stop smiling!

Thank you sooo much, guys! You know me too well. I really do appreciate the gift. 

I am also going to get that bamboo plant so that they'll be BFFs. :D

I'm so excited to take her home! 

Twenty-Seventh Year

I super love my friends! 

No one forgot – well, this year at least. The wonders of technology are well into our lives, and I am not complaining at all.

Thank you all for the birthday greets! :-D

I decided to start my 27^th with a pilgrimage-slash-field-trip.

Coach and I went to Manaoag for the day. It was his idea and I kept thanking him for bringing it up.

The trip was long and I took the time to do a bit of soul-searching. Which was just as well because Coach drifted off soon after the bus left the terminal. I covered many areas and came to several realizations. My journal had a heyday! Long trips are good for my soul. 

We arrived at noon - got off at the market near the church. The Manaoag Shrine was just as I remembered. Fellow pilgrims coming in and about, a hollow hush as we walked inside and the gradual cooling of air in contrast to the high heat outside. We took to an aisle in the front and started our prayers. 

There is comfort in the corners of this Shrine.

 

It's been sort of a tradition for us to take a photo of our feet when we travel.

It was Coach's first time in Manaoag and I could see he was amazed by the grand altar, with Our Lady of Manaoag's crown shining (literally). After we said our prayers, we took a tour of the candle shrine, which was a BIG improvement from my last visit. They built concrete and steel candle-stand structures around a giant statue of the Virgin.

There were many people in line to touch the Virgin's Mantle. We made slow but steady way, and soon we were in the small chamber, silently making prayer.

Soon after, we started our way back to Manila to catch dinner with the sister and mum at Amici.

Amici's Salmon Penne

Long day, but definitely worth the aching muscles!

Weekend Blues

I got stuck in the city the whole weekend. Which was really not that bad in retrospect. It was a happy weekend despite some setback.

You see, I woke up early Saturday morning with an aching lower back.

I figured that was because I partied in my stilletos the night before. And that I was wearing the same shoes to work all day. Plus – I skipped my leg massage ritual as I got home because I was dead beat. Bad idea!

So I painstakingly made my way to the meds cabinet. Soon enough, the house smelt of liniment. For one whole day, Salonpas and White Flower were my friends. I was afraid to take a bath for fear that I would suffer worse, so I stayed in.

Some of the pain went away by late afternoon. And I was feeling very icky by then. So against all old-wives'-tales in my head, I took a well-needed bath.

And yeah, knowing me, I could not stand the loneliness anymore. I called some friends over for coffee and movies, mentioned a disclaimer about the smell of liniment. When they asked, I just told them that I am off stilletos for now.

And yes, Salonpas really works. 

Mad Crazy Friday

There's a new energy in our floor this afternoon. The weekend is coming and everyone is in high spirits.

From my room, I hear the frantic rattle of keyboard and last-minute printing, punctuated with the sounds of teasing and fun. I stop for a while and confirm (in my mind) that it's really the end of the work week. Normally, Friday hits the week's record-low in terms of energy.

I wonder, do they know something I don't?? << paranoia

Yep, it's TGIF! In a few, I would gather up my already packed-up bag – left it untouched where I put it this morning – and head to THE party. It's invites only and the super secret society is thrilled.

Officially, time is up, as it's past five but I run through the week's checklist anyway for the nth time – force of habit.

This is so going to be a happy weekend!

A Piece of India

Our EVP-GM went to India for a trip and gave me this lovely bangles.

I find it very sweet and thoughtful. It's always a joy to get such souvenirs from interesting places (and from interesting persons).

She also regaled me of stories from their Taj Mahal Tour. I was so inggit! Her eyes were glowing as she described the sights and the architectural details of the Taj, and I thought that she must have had so much fun!

As for me, I would treasure this piece of India and wish everyday that I may get more souvenirs and that I may get to more places – soon!

Batugan Chronicles

Bumming around the house last night with the sister and the boyfriend, soaking ourselves with music from my Chill Playlist.

Here are some sabaw bits of our aimless banter.

When Thia Megia's Colors of the Wind came on,

Boyfriend: Who's that singing?

Me: That's Thia. (kala mo close) She's the Pinay who made it to the top 12 of AI. (obviously, I don't watch anymore)

Sister: Sabi nila she does not have character. Great voice, though!

Boyfriend: Wala pa rin silang lahat kay Charice.

Me: Hah! Eh friend kaya ni Charice si Thia!

Boyfriend: (with tumigil-ka-nanloloko-ka-nanaman expression) Hindi nga?

Me: Ye-eeeah, they are sooo friends! Nag-tweet si Charice – (I was rudely interrupted!)

Boyfriend: Hu-weeeh? Kelan sila nag-meet???

Me: Dude, mukha ba akong stalker? Malay ko!

When we got to the new upbeat songs,
 

Boyfriend: Bakit ganon? Ang dami mong magagandang kanta. Hindi galing sa akin 'yan ah. (He gets hurt when he's left out of new stuff. After all, he's usually the source of all pirate-able files.)

Me: I am very resourceful, you know.

Boyfriend: Akina 'yang files na yan, lipat ko sa ipod ko!

Me: Eh kaso selfish ako.

Sister: Nasa laptop ba 'yang mga yan?

Me: Wala, playlist to playlist yan eh.

Sister: So ano pang silbi nito (ipod)? Suwapang.

Quarter 1: Done! (Well.. Almost)

My month is coming in a few hours.

I'm not sure if I would be ready for all the crazy things that are sure to happen. April, after all, is the most higgledy-piggledy time of the year for me.

The birthday is just around the corner and I have several groups of friends, whom I cannot gather in one go. Looks like my card would be put to good use again. Sorry, bucket list (reference: Item number 18 of “27 Things for 2011” - No swiping of credit card for six months straight).

Oddly, I find that I am kind of.. sad that my birthday would not fall on Semana Santa. I have gotten used to it, since it's been like that for the past years. For half of my life, actually, but in intervals. It's a good excuse for not celebrating. Except that no one actually cares for that excuse.

Also coming up - my confused relationship with my current career is turning one! Honestly, I never thought I would come this far, but since I am already here – we might as well celebrate the milestone. May paid leave na ako! Woohoo! Bring out the champagne!

With the scheduled leave comes the scheduled travels. I just hope I can raise enough bread to cover everything. I hate being grounded!

To add to the confusion, I have the craziest deadline ever – and I have to finish the job before I could go on birthday leave. I am sending a prayer to the heavens. I am fervently hoping that everything would fall into place.

God bless my April!

Over Cheese, Bread and Coffee

We were discussing some random office bits and somehow, we ended up talking about our childhood.

L, my office buddy, and I were having merienda and as usual, we covered loads of topics. We are both very talkative. And we often jump into one topic to another in top speed.

Today, we jumped into the topic of our childhood. As expected, we agreed to agree on several points – and agreed to disagree on some others. In the course of our conversation, we came upon several theories that are JUST THAT – theories.

DISCLAIMER: I am sharing these for the sake of storytelling. If you would be uncomfortable or would disagree with some of the things written here, please remember that these ideas were discussed between two friends who love and tolerate each other. :) It does not necessarily apply to you. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Childhood theory # 1

First-born girls would always want to be in the limelight.

I guess this comes from always being the center of attention -- until the siblings come and you see them staging their own show, well- it ticks off something and suddenly you're irritated.

Thankfully, Mom saw through this tendency and stopped any hard feelings before they could surface. She would always say, “let them have their share. You will get your turn.”

Childhood theory # 2

The “Bunso” is the most clingy of all siblings.

L was telling a story on how, during kindergarten, she would always want to see her Nanay just outside of the classroom door. And when Nanay goes out of sight, she would come out of the room and look for her. And when she would not find her, she would throw tantrums.

This reminded me so much of my sister, who is also Bunso like L. When we were young, I could not understand why Mom would have to stay in school instead of just leaving my sister to study. “She would not let me leave. Humahabol eh,” Mom would tell Dad.

L eventually outgrew this “clingy” attitude, and so did my sister.

Childhood theory # 3

First-borns are generally stubborn and would not back down from fights and challenges.

First-borns would not generally compromise – that's true in my case. I would not apologize if I knew that I was not the one at fault. At work, I would take accountability if I know that I am responsible, set things right to make the general situation better. But I would take action to point out why the mistake was made.

L confirmed that their Ate is like this, as well. I guess this stems from being the mandatory“responsible sibling.” I always get the talk “you should be responsible, you should be a role model for your sister.”

I guess they never got me on the role model part.

Childhood theory # 4

Younger siblings would always be bullied by the elder siblings. 
Younger siblings are also the “sumbungeros.”

Raise your hand if you can relate!

I'm the elder sibling and I am guilty of bullying. My sister is luckier because she only had me to bully her. L is the youngest of three. She has an Ate and a Kuya, so go figure. 

 

Childhood theory # 5

Mothers are always in competition when in comes to their children.

This is an inverted case of the wala-ka-sa-lolo-ko scenario.

L was saying that her sister and her brother's wife were always comparing their kids. If one could walk already, the other could walk faster. If one could dance, the other could dance AND sing. And so the feud goes. 

 

L was laughing at the scene. I think that the two mothers are very endearing and the kids are just plain cute. I just hope that they would realize that this attitude would not be healthy when the kids get older.

In our case, I remember a PTA meeting where mothers endlessly clucked about how their children were so talented and intelligent. Only to be bluffed by another mother who thinks her child was the best among the class.

Nothing against them, of course. Mothers are supposed to be proud of their kids. It just rubs off the wrong way when mothers one-up each other that way.

Thankfully again, Mom never did this during PTA meetings. She vents her proud musings among friends and relatives. And when that happens, my sister and I make sure we are not around. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

You would think that we talked for hours, but all these were tackled in fifteen minutes or so. Fast talkers, huh? Stories are our expertise.

Theories – well, we're learning along the way.