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| photo courtesy of wikipedia |
JLS - Take A Chance On Me
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Saturday, April 27, 2013
Here's To Never Growing Up by Avril Lavigne
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| photo courtesy of wikipedia |
Avril Lavigne - Heres To Never Growing Up (www.music.luigykent.org)
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Friday, April 26, 2013
BonChon's Shot at Redemption
The first time I tried BonChon's chicken, I was a bit disappointed because it was so small. We had it delivered and we were all careful not to go beyond our share.
I decided to try it again today and was relieved to see that the size has improved. Or maybe because what we ordered before was chicken wings which has the tendency to shrink in size when cooked (?). Well, that's debatable. How do you explain Buffalo wings then? <evil grin>
I ordered the spicy chicken and I must say, it was good. I love the chicken skin's crispiness and the sweet, spicy combination.
My only concern was that the chicken was a little under-cooked, which is kind of funny because it's supposed to be double- or thrice-fried, if I'm not mistaken?
I also tried the chapchae, which was good, although I can say I am not a big fan of. Not something I would crave for or come back to over and over.
I decided to try it again today and was relieved to see that the size has improved. Or maybe because what we ordered before was chicken wings which has the tendency to shrink in size when cooked (?). Well, that's debatable. How do you explain Buffalo wings then? <evil grin>
I ordered the spicy chicken and I must say, it was good. I love the chicken skin's crispiness and the sweet, spicy combination.
My only concern was that the chicken was a little under-cooked, which is kind of funny because it's supposed to be double- or thrice-fried, if I'm not mistaken?
I also tried the chapchae, which was good, although I can say I am not a big fan of. Not something I would crave for or come back to over and over.
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| chapchae |
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can't Hold Us (Feat. Ray Dalton)
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| photo courtesy of wikipedia |
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can't Hold Us (Feat. Ray Dalton)
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Warung Indo Revisited
It was Q's send off to her new endeavour as Med Rep and we decided to celebrate it at Warung Indo. This would be my second time in Warung, and this time around, I am trying a different dish - pecel lele (fried catfish, rice, vegetables and sauce). I guess the sauce can be requested to be whatever sauce you feel for your fish. Chili sauce works for me best, though. Indonesians create some of the best chili sauces, so it couldn't be more appropriate.
Another thing I like about Indonesian food is the way they prepare and incorporate vegetables in their dishes. Not much fanfare, just some simple blanching, better yet served fresh, and that's it - which are actually healthier. And the colors are just vibrant - all the fresh greens, and reds, and oranges. So nice to look at.
Some would argue though, that Warung's isn't as authentic. It advertises "Indo-Chinese", after all. In any case, there isn't enough, if any, authentic Indonesian restaurants in the country. This is the closest we can get, so why don't we just shut it and eat, yeah?
The last time I was here I tried mi goreng and ayam penyet, which were a good introduction to their cuisine. I instantly fell in love with mi goreng. It's like a different take on our pancit canton, albeit less salty and just a little sweeter, and healthier. There's something in the way they prepare the chicken that doesn't seem to be that oily as its Filipino counterpart.
The other colleagues ordered kwetiau goreng and some kind of a spicy chopsuey, which I forgot what the name was, but something like chicken with mushroom, I overheard.
I find the spicy chopsuey delicious. I love the mild spicy kick. The colleague, unfortunately, is not a big fan of spicy food so I get to taste some of it, so as not to be wasteful. Well, you know what they say (and I warn that this could really sound unbecoming) - "One man's garbage is another man's treasure".
Sorry for the not-so-appetizing analogy.
I wasn't able to taste the kwetiau goreng, but no worries, there's plenty of time for that next time. It's not like it's the end of the world, yeah?
I may love food that much but I ain't a glutton - well, not yet, at least. LOL!
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| Pecel Lele |
Another thing I like about Indonesian food is the way they prepare and incorporate vegetables in their dishes. Not much fanfare, just some simple blanching, better yet served fresh, and that's it - which are actually healthier. And the colors are just vibrant - all the fresh greens, and reds, and oranges. So nice to look at.
Some would argue though, that Warung's isn't as authentic. It advertises "Indo-Chinese", after all. In any case, there isn't enough, if any, authentic Indonesian restaurants in the country. This is the closest we can get, so why don't we just shut it and eat, yeah?
The last time I was here I tried mi goreng and ayam penyet, which were a good introduction to their cuisine. I instantly fell in love with mi goreng. It's like a different take on our pancit canton, albeit less salty and just a little sweeter, and healthier. There's something in the way they prepare the chicken that doesn't seem to be that oily as its Filipino counterpart.
The other colleagues ordered kwetiau goreng and some kind of a spicy chopsuey, which I forgot what the name was, but something like chicken with mushroom, I overheard.
I find the spicy chopsuey delicious. I love the mild spicy kick. The colleague, unfortunately, is not a big fan of spicy food so I get to taste some of it, so as not to be wasteful. Well, you know what they say (and I warn that this could really sound unbecoming) - "One man's garbage is another man's treasure".
Sorry for the not-so-appetizing analogy.
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| Kwetiau Goreng |
I wasn't able to taste the kwetiau goreng, but no worries, there's plenty of time for that next time. It's not like it's the end of the world, yeah?
I may love food that much but I ain't a glutton - well, not yet, at least. LOL!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Bluer Than Blue
I think I'm really getting a bad case of the blues. I feel so uninspired. It's as if everything in my life is so wrong and so boring. I haven't got a single clue as to how to get out of this rut.
One has to wonder how I could even have the audacity to write it here for the whole world to see.
It's pathetic, I know.
Paging the universe: please bring my groove back.
One has to wonder how I could even have the audacity to write it here for the whole world to see.
It's pathetic, I know.
Paging the universe: please bring my groove back.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Who Would Want To Have This?
Heart Attack - Demi Lovato
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I ain't anywhere close to Demi L's heart problems, but I might just get one - quite literally, for an entirely different reason.
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I ain't anywhere close to Demi L's heart problems, but I might just get one - quite literally, for an entirely different reason.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Ain't Life A B****?!
I'm feeling a little depressed right now.
I feel frustrated that I don't seem to accomplish anything. Just when I thought things are already going for me, something comes up that would have me stray from my goals. I'm back to square one, and just thinking of going through the same ordeal all over again makes me feel all exhausted already.
Just a few years ago, I was this close to having my own house. I'm close to living the dream. Alas! Destiny has a way of making things difficult. Who would have thought I'd get so burned out I had to resign from a well-paying job? Or that finding one in a field I really wanted would be like finding needle in a haystack? One has to ultimately settle for less, especially when opportunity doesn't come along as fast as expected.
The amount of time and energy spent, and for what?
The house I invested in for more than two years had to be foreclosed, only because I defaulted with the payment for a few months. And this only a few months shy from completing payment of the first 2 years of the contract, which could have given me the leverage to sell.
Imagine, all those years of hard work and money spent, flushed down the drain. Such a waste.
There's a sinking feeling whenever I look back at this moment. I try to keep my mind off the bad memories but sometimes it just comes back, aggravated perhaps by solitary moments that have become more frequent now than it used to. My sister's getting married, for one, and the prospect of being home alone for good looms large. Moments of self-reflection would be more common, if not a daily staple. I just hope I find enlightenment, and come up with an amazing idea that would turn my life around.
Oh boy, I haven't even barely scratched the surface. Don't even start with me about bills. I couldn't pay for them with the kind of salary I have, unless I stop eating or forgo all other pleasures.
Dang! Life indeed is a b****!
I feel frustrated that I don't seem to accomplish anything. Just when I thought things are already going for me, something comes up that would have me stray from my goals. I'm back to square one, and just thinking of going through the same ordeal all over again makes me feel all exhausted already.
Just a few years ago, I was this close to having my own house. I'm close to living the dream. Alas! Destiny has a way of making things difficult. Who would have thought I'd get so burned out I had to resign from a well-paying job? Or that finding one in a field I really wanted would be like finding needle in a haystack? One has to ultimately settle for less, especially when opportunity doesn't come along as fast as expected.
The amount of time and energy spent, and for what?
The house I invested in for more than two years had to be foreclosed, only because I defaulted with the payment for a few months. And this only a few months shy from completing payment of the first 2 years of the contract, which could have given me the leverage to sell.
Imagine, all those years of hard work and money spent, flushed down the drain. Such a waste.
There's a sinking feeling whenever I look back at this moment. I try to keep my mind off the bad memories but sometimes it just comes back, aggravated perhaps by solitary moments that have become more frequent now than it used to. My sister's getting married, for one, and the prospect of being home alone for good looms large. Moments of self-reflection would be more common, if not a daily staple. I just hope I find enlightenment, and come up with an amazing idea that would turn my life around.
Oh boy, I haven't even barely scratched the surface. Don't even start with me about bills. I couldn't pay for them with the kind of salary I have, unless I stop eating or forgo all other pleasures.
Dang! Life indeed is a b****!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Ain't Sweet Life No More
At least not all the time, no.
Alas! The colleague has a new lunch schedule which is an hour after mine. This means our systematic habhab sessions would have to take a back seat for now, until, I don't know when. But no worries, I would still be throwing in random habhabs of my own, definitely.
On the other hand, I think this minor setback could not have come at a better time. I've been rethinking the way I eat lately, as it seems my blood sugar is taking some uptick. I'm losing weight for no apparent reason. I feel tired and thirsty all the time, and been urinating frequently - symptoms of a rising sugar level.
I'm back on meds, though not religiously. I know I should, but taking it 3 times a day before every meal gives me bad stomach. I couldn't afford having diarrhea everyday - not in the workplace I don't.
So what to do?
I know I have to be strict on myself, but undergoing abrupt lifestyle changes can be tough. I have a tendency of slipping back to my old habits, especially when under stress.
I couldn't give up now, though. I've been through this in the past.
I'm thinking of taking things one step at a time - starting with sweets. Maybe I should forgo that yummy dessert. I should definitely stop drinking soda and all other sweet drinks for that matter. The ole, clean h2o should suffice, I hope. I should also quit smoking, which can be a challenge especially when feeling stressed.
My doctor says once you have diabetes, you have it for life. That is why one would just have to keep on maintaining a normal blood sugar level (not too high, not too low). This could be tricky though, as blood glucose could spike for no apparent reason. But essentially, the chances of one maintaining normal blood sugar levels and not getting serious complications in the end, becomes greater if one would do good on three important factors:
1. medication
2. healthy diet
3. exercise
All three of which I am obviously failing. Darn!
I should pummel my body. I just hope the flesh doesn't prove weak, even if the spirit is willing.
Alas! The colleague has a new lunch schedule which is an hour after mine. This means our systematic habhab sessions would have to take a back seat for now, until, I don't know when. But no worries, I would still be throwing in random habhabs of my own, definitely.
On the other hand, I think this minor setback could not have come at a better time. I've been rethinking the way I eat lately, as it seems my blood sugar is taking some uptick. I'm losing weight for no apparent reason. I feel tired and thirsty all the time, and been urinating frequently - symptoms of a rising sugar level.
I'm back on meds, though not religiously. I know I should, but taking it 3 times a day before every meal gives me bad stomach. I couldn't afford having diarrhea everyday - not in the workplace I don't.
So what to do?
I know I have to be strict on myself, but undergoing abrupt lifestyle changes can be tough. I have a tendency of slipping back to my old habits, especially when under stress.
I couldn't give up now, though. I've been through this in the past.
I'm thinking of taking things one step at a time - starting with sweets. Maybe I should forgo that yummy dessert. I should definitely stop drinking soda and all other sweet drinks for that matter. The ole, clean h2o should suffice, I hope. I should also quit smoking, which can be a challenge especially when feeling stressed.
My doctor says once you have diabetes, you have it for life. That is why one would just have to keep on maintaining a normal blood sugar level (not too high, not too low). This could be tricky though, as blood glucose could spike for no apparent reason. But essentially, the chances of one maintaining normal blood sugar levels and not getting serious complications in the end, becomes greater if one would do good on three important factors:
1. medication
2. healthy diet
3. exercise
All three of which I am obviously failing. Darn!
I should pummel my body. I just hope the flesh doesn't prove weak, even if the spirit is willing.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Hits and Misses at 'chopstix'
The second in our habhab series finds us in chopstix, where we ordered tonkotsu ramen and pork stew over rice.
Tonkotsu ramen is consist of fresh noodles in broth topped with pork chashu, bean sprouts, egg, naruto, bok choy, spring onions and nori. With all these exotic-sounding ingredients, you would think you are in for one scrumptious meal. The sight of it, as can be seen from the photo above, isn't half as bad either.
Excitement builds up.
To my chagrin, however, nothing in this ramen spells delicious, save for a few pieces of the chashu or char-shiu pork. Definitely not worth its P220 price tag. It was a far cry from the other ramens I've tasted before. Hell, even instant noodles is better.
I guess it's the broth - it's just lackluster. And the noodles, I find it bland. Maybe noodles are supposed to be bland, I don't know, but it's definitely a far cry from the ramen I had the last time at Ajisu. I guess I just expected it to be big in flavor.
Oh well, no coming back to this ramen for sure. This is one food off my list (at least the one with the chopstix label on it).
I suppose the pork stew over rice is better. The colleague's been raving about it. It's probably chopstix's version of the Lo Ba of Taiwan, which (if the information I found in google is correct), is a savory stew of slow-cooked pork. It doesn't look exactly as much as the Taiwanese version in photos, though, so it could be an entirely different animal altogether. Either way, it's a good thing the colleague liked it, otherwise, this would have been nothing but a blah establishment. Spell highway robbery.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Habhab Revival: Kick-off at TsokoNut Batirol
Habhab is a Tagalog slang or jargon that a friend of mine from my previous work coined, in reference to eating unabashedly and with much gusto. There's a good ring to it, actually.
We used to have these habhab sessions all the time. Eventually however, each of us left to pursue different career paths. We all live separate lives now, but the passion lives on - and so does the craving.
I have always loved food, so I wouldn't mind carrying the torch, so to speak. And as a way of breaking the humdrum of eating cafeteria food and packed lunch, which could get really old sometimes, I decided to try the different food purveyors in the third and fourth levels of the building where I work. I even got an accomplice, to boot - well, sort of.
Not that we are breaking the law or anything, but we sure are breaking our own rules. What do I mean? Well, you see we are under this some kind of a self-imposed, austerity plan, in hopes of saving more money. If anything, we are not supposed to be making unnecessary expenses, let alone splurge. It's like the antithesis of austerity.
Anyway, I digress. More on that on some later post.
The first on our list is TsokoNut Batirol, which specializes in Filipino comfort foods and desserts, with a modern twist. We tried their aligue pasta and pork steak.
Aligue is crab fat. I don't think any one gets to eat crab fat everyday due to its notoriety for being rich in cholesterol, and I think that's what gives it that kind of novelty. A sprinkle of calamansi would help neutralize the fishy taste.
Pork steak, on the other hand, is bistek (Filipino-style beef steak) which uses pork instead of beef. It tastes good, though a little unremarkable. The colleague didn't like it that much.
So far, we are still waiting for that 'wow' factor. We expect to be floored next time.
We used to have these habhab sessions all the time. Eventually however, each of us left to pursue different career paths. We all live separate lives now, but the passion lives on - and so does the craving.
I have always loved food, so I wouldn't mind carrying the torch, so to speak. And as a way of breaking the humdrum of eating cafeteria food and packed lunch, which could get really old sometimes, I decided to try the different food purveyors in the third and fourth levels of the building where I work. I even got an accomplice, to boot - well, sort of.
Not that we are breaking the law or anything, but we sure are breaking our own rules. What do I mean? Well, you see we are under this some kind of a self-imposed, austerity plan, in hopes of saving more money. If anything, we are not supposed to be making unnecessary expenses, let alone splurge. It's like the antithesis of austerity.
Anyway, I digress. More on that on some later post.
The first on our list is TsokoNut Batirol, which specializes in Filipino comfort foods and desserts, with a modern twist. We tried their aligue pasta and pork steak.
Aligue is crab fat. I don't think any one gets to eat crab fat everyday due to its notoriety for being rich in cholesterol, and I think that's what gives it that kind of novelty. A sprinkle of calamansi would help neutralize the fishy taste.
Pork steak, on the other hand, is bistek (Filipino-style beef steak) which uses pork instead of beef. It tastes good, though a little unremarkable. The colleague didn't like it that much.
So far, we are still waiting for that 'wow' factor. We expect to be floored next time.
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