certified foodies!

Featured blogs of the day...two of my closest friends in college have recently started their own. My stomach starts growling just reading their posts:) They truly have a passion for food...certified foodies! And lucky me used to partake of the wonderful meals they prepared. I miss you guys....and my tastebuds miss your cooking!

Well, here's one by Chef Erwin: Dakilang Kusinero. I seriously need to take a trip to your famed resto, Er! Dinner's on you! hahahaha. But I don't think a week down there would give you enough time to take me and John to all your favorite places. That's okay, you can just cook for us and we'll call it good. hahahahaha. Miss your masterpieces and experiments na, Er!

Another great read is Dawn's Food Frenzy. I can't wait to take you up on your offer, Dawn. I would definitely love going around HK with you, discovering the quaint food shops, the unforgettable meals, and hopefully avoiding the unpalatable ones:) We'll also promise to throw in some form of work out to make up for all the food we'll wolf down. Walking up and down the streets of HK and the aisles of the gourmet (and not-so-gourmet) shops/markets/groceries definitely qualify as exercise:) So excited!

Her, Er, care to join us? That would be so much fun. My cooking skills are so limited compared to you guys...but my appetite isn't. I would love to have 2 personal chefs:) And surely, John would not mind ONE BIT. hahahaha.

where did the time go?

Spring Break came and went and I didn't even leave Manhattan. John and I were talking to Daniel and he said that there were two reasons why this Spring Break was non-existent: First, it was not SPRING--It was snowing the first few days and the rest of it was COLD; and two, break? WHAT BREAK???? I second that. I worked the whole week--and not even on things that I needed to get done--like my research or anything academic. I actually went to the office and WORKED every day. Ah, yes...the life of a grad student....sigh....

***
Six weeks to go before the summer hits. WOW. I'll go through the entire six weeks on panic mode. But I've long realized that I work best IN panic mode. When the pressure is on, I bring my A-game. I think (and work) best under stress. hahahaha. How screwed up is that? When there's time to spare, my brain is more likely to go on idle longer. It's weird and I know it will all catch up with me someday...but for right now, this is what works. And if what works brings me a semester closer to walking across the stage, then hey...hello, sleepless nights!

***
I just got off the phone with Myong Jae, my friend who now works in HK Polytechnic University. I am even more convinced that I should pursue a faculty position there when I graduate. I am excited. I'll be an hour away from home! And besides, HK's the shopping capital of Asia....why wouldn't I be excited? hahahaha

***
I also found out that my co-major professor is moving to another school come fall semster. That's just great [insert your favorite sarcastic-looking smiley thingy here]. Another complication that I really don't need right now. Hmmm...this will make for a very interesting year ahead. Dissertation by distance. Wonderful...

***
But first thing's first. Gotta get at least 1 more chapter done tonight...sigh

Gotta stay afloat!

c^3

Dahil na inspire ako kay Dawn....

With a very willing test panel, I endeavored to make chocolate chip cookies today. My friend kept telling me that it's really easy to make, and so I did:) I used a recipe from Derby Dining Center. Easy access to freshly baked cookies was definitely one of the perks of working for Derby! hahahahaha...I love that they actually have the recipe on line! If you like chewy chocolate chip cookies, get your baking gear and try this one out:)

Yield: 4 to 5 Dozen 2" Cookies

2/3 Cup Shortening (Part Butter or Margarine)
1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1 Teaspoon Vanilla

Mix thoroughly in bowl of electric mixer.

1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Salt

Combine in a large mixing bowl. Blend well. Add to dry ingredients and mix until well blended.

1/2 Cup Chopped Nuts
1 (6 Oz) Package Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 Cup)

Fold into dough. Drop rounded teaspoonsful of dough about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in 350^oF, 8-10 minutes, or until delicately browned. Cool slightly before removing from baking sheet. Cool on wire racks. Store in tightly sealed containers at room temperature.

Note: Nuts may be omitted if desired.

---

This recipe compliments of Kansas State University Dining Services

breaking a hundred

I went with the guys for bowling night and man...it was awesome! hahahahaha. I finally broke 100! I know that doesn't sound like much, but for me, it's great! hahahaha. 2 strikes and 3 spares (among the 1's and gutters of course. hahahahah). still, another thing to cross off the list, eh! DONE!

My coach was great! Thanks, John! Hahahaha....ginawang algorithm yung bowling technique. hahahahaha.

71 and counting

I started this project in September and I have yet to finish it. I'm now on #71, so I guess it's not too bad:)

seven years

Today marks the 7th year that John and I have been together as a couple. This is also the first time in 5 years that we got to celebrate it together. We just had dinner at 4 Olives and it was wonderful. We started with the Humbolt Fog (creamy California goat cheese with a vein of ash) followed by beef tenderloin tips and creamy asparagus orzo rissoto for John and kalamata chicken with gorzonzola polenta for me. Wheat bread dipped in balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil complemented the meal to a tee. The Belgian chocolate fondue was a great end to the perfect meal! Of course the best part was just eating it together (yeah, so that sounds corny...so sue me! hahahaha). Too bad I didn't bring the camera... presentation wasn't half bad either:) hehehehe...

4 Olives, 3033 anderson ave, plaza west shopping center, 785.539.1295
check it out

*300 bottle wine list * 80 wines by the glass * wine flights * all wines served in crystal * all wines stored on site in a 2400 bottle wine cave * full service mediterranean themed menu * fresh seafood * premium meats * exotic game * full list of the finest imported and artisinal cheeses * fresh baked breads * single origin coffees * premium loose leaf teas * full bar menu * original cocktails * sparkling cocktails * wine & alcohol infusions*

Happy anniversary, John! Love yah! I am so thankful that we are finally in the same time zone:) hahahaha. Mwah!

Today is also my Mom's special day. Hopefully this time next year, we'll all be celebrating together! hehehe...that would be great! Happy birthday!!!! Love you, Ma!

feel good read!

The following is a rather long read, but well worth it. It was sent to me by a good friend of mine [hello, ate myrene!]. It was in turn sent to her from her good friend who happens to be an ex student of the author, Dr. Bob Kemerait, a Plant Pathology professor at the University of Georgia.

Actually, it reminded me of some things that I take for granted about being Filipino. It's nice to be reminded that these [good] things are what sets us apart!

A Truer Face of the Philippines, a Face Hidden from Americans
By Bob R. C. Kemerait, Ph.D.
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Georgia
Rural Development Center, Tifton


The day after the mudslide on the island of Leyte in the Philippines was reported in the United States, I received a worried phone call from a colleague here at the University of Georgia. Tim had seen footage of the tragedy on the evening news. Though unsure where in the Philippines it had occurred, he was concerned that my wife Pam's family had been caught up in the event. I thanked him for his concern and responded that I was confident Pam's family wasn't involved. Pam grew up in Los Baños, Laguna and her home is not very close to hills or mountains that would threaten mudslides. Over the next week my assurance to Tim was repeated to many others who were concerned for Pam. I was grateful that they cared enough about her family to ask for clarification. On long solitary drives across Georgia that week, I had plenty of time to think about this latest tragedy in the Philippines and to ponder its implications. My first realizations were that good news from the Philippines is rarely reported in the United States and that most Americans know very little about the archipelago nation. Our countries have shared a very close history over the past 100 years; the Philippines was a protectorate of the United States for nearly 50 years after the conclusion of the Spanish-American War. American soldiers fought and died alongside Filipino troops in the battles against the Japanese in World War II. Strategic American air and naval bases were maintained in the Philippines until the early 1990's. Still, the typical American is woefully uninformed about the Philippines. More importantly, the little that is known paints a picture of this country that is, at best, skewed, and at worst perpetuates regrettable stereotypes of the culture and citizens.

The printed and network news that reaches the American public largely shapes our view of the world. If I were to take guess at the most common perceptions Americans have of the Philippines, they would be as follows, not necessarily in any particular order.

1. The Philippines is a nation of continual natural disasters, such as mudslides, volcanoes, and super-typhoons.
2. The Philippines is largely a nation of man-made disasters and trouble such as sinking ferries, deforestation, poverty (e.g. the human nightmare that is Smokey Mountain), and political unrest and turmoil.
3. The fact Americans are most likely to know about the Philippines would involve 3000 pairs of shoes from Malacañang Palace.
4. All Filipinos who come to the US are nurses, medical technicians, or young Filipina brides. (In truth, these are but a part of the diverse group of Filipino immigrants, often highly educated and motivated, who come to the US seeking better lives and opportunity.)
5. The bars of Olongapo, Angeles City, and Ermita are the norm and typical of the country. (In fact, much of this has changed in all three locations.)
6. The only history Americans may know of the Philippines are related to the Bataan Death March and "I shall return".
7. Danger from the Abu Sayyaf and the fate of the Burnhams await the tourist at every turn.
8. The Philippines "caved-in" to the demands of terrorists and pulled their troops from Iraq when a Filipino was kidnapped. (Most Americans do not realize how vulnerable vast numbers of Filipino over-seas workers across the Middle East are to abuse and terrorist attacks. The government in the Philippines can do little to protect them.)

Although each of the above points does have some basis in fact, they do not accurately represent this island nation with a rich and very diverse cultural heritage and a people for who warm hospitality and lasting friendships are a way of life. I believe that creating an image and reality of the Philippines based upon the perceptions above would be the same as defining the United States as a land of gang violence, drug abuse, obesity, and lack of regard or consideration for anything that is not "American".

Because my wife is from the Philippines, I have had the opportunity to be immersed in Filipino culture here at home and on visits to her home in Los Baños. As I was thinking about the stereotypes of the Philippines that are prevalent in the US, I also thought about my own perceptions of the Philippines and Filipino culture. When I recall memories and thoughts about all things "Pinoy" I envision the following.

1. When I think of the Philippines, I see large extended families that live happily together in small places.
2. I think of large families that remain not only physically close, but emotionally close as well.
3. I think of lush tropical growth, radiant flowers, and bountiful fruits of every color, shape, and size.
4. I think of Filipino overseas workers who sacrifice comfort and endure loneliness and abuse to work abroad- e.g. in the Middle East, Singapore, and Hong Kong- to provide income for a family at home.
5. I think of the smell of fried garlic, fried fish, and fried daing (small dried fish) wafting from the kitchen. (Both because of the close proximity of the homes and because of the hospitality where one is welcomed and expected in the neighbor's home.)
6. I think of barkadas (a group of very close friends), potluck dinners, and LOTS of merienda (mid-afternoon snacks).
7. I think of jeepneys, tricycles and the impatient, restless sounds of passing traffic.
8. I think of brightly colored bandanas pressed tightly to the noses and mouths of pedestrians.
9. I think of the solitary cry of "Taho!!" coming from out on the street early in the morning.
10. I think of warm smiles, courtesy, cheerful bantering, and "Hey, Joe!" as I walk through Los Baños.
11. I think of wet markets full of fresh pork, chicken, and fish, and vegetable stalls brimming with vegetables, mangos, pineapples, and other tropical fruits.
12. I think of boys walking with an arm over their buddies' shoulders and girls walking hand-in-hand.
13. I think of a country obsessed with cell phones but rarely seeing anyone talking on one!
14. I think of heat and humidity and rain.
15. I think of San Miguel, fighting cocks, and Jolli Bee.
16. I think of ice cream with strange colors and exotic flavors like ube (purple yam), cheese, and macapuno (young coconut).
17. I think of exuberant children everywhere.

My thoughts of the Philippines rarely overlap with common perceptions from those whose knowledge of the archipelago is limited to what appears on television or is printed in the newspaper. Sure, as in any country, there are serious problems in the Philippines. In fact, the problems facing the Philippines are so severe that one must wonder if the country can ever truly overcome them. However, it is my experience that the richness of the culture, the warmth of the people, and the sheer beauty of the land and sea overshadow these problems in my memory.

I wish that more people in the United States could visit the Philippines and share in a culture and people that have enchanted and embraced me. Better understanding of each culture could insure close relations and cooperation between two proud nations for the future. Without question, Americans visiting the Philippines would be warmly welcomed and enjoy a destination of great exotic appeal. Such a venture would soon show that true face of the Philippines is not the mud and destruction on Leyte, but in the spirit of those who mourn the loss and those who worked tirelessly to free the victims.

Thank you, Dr. Kemerait for speaking about the positive side of things so that others may learn that the Philippines is more than just the tragedies that envelope us!

service with a smile

I went back to reading A Purpose Driven Life a while back. It has taken me forever and a day to get through the book. But even if I'm not doing it consecutively as prescribed, I still take away important morsels each time. Today's chapter was about "Accepting Your Assignment." Basically, it says that each of us have been put on this earth for a reason...that being SERVICE.

As I was reading, I couldn't help but think of my parents. They are certainly my role models when it comes to altruism, fighting for the greater good, and just going above and beyond the call of duty. The following excerpts reflect the way I see them:

You were put on earth to make a contribution.

A saved heart is one that wants to serve.

We are healed to help others. We are blessed to be a blessing. We are saved to serve, not to sit around and wait for heaven.

Holy living consists in doing God's work with a smile.

Service is the pathway to real significance.

Service is not optional.

I hope that one day, my children will look back and be able to say the same about me. Sometimes I feel so consumed with everything I am doing academically that I don't do as much as I can for other people. Last Friday, I helped a friend of mine with something that was really important to her and when I saw how happy she was with the results, I remembered what a natural high it was when you're able to make someone smile....

pahabol

Happy birthday, Ann! Ingit naman ako di ko natikman ang libre mo! hehehehe...next time, bawi kami ni John:)

in progress

Finally found a skin I can work with. I'm still in the process of putting it together so if you're looking for some of the old links, I will get them back some how! I'm just glad I got this far with it! hahahahaha...