Cutty

I stopped by Burger King earlier before heading to the grocery. As I was enjoying my burger, I was surprised to see someone in scrubs wiping trays and giving out water to the customers. She was even wearing a BK ID. Her uniform looks out of place inside the fast food chain. Minutes later, she announced that they have free massage services. Did I hear her right? Yes, indeed. Someone already took on her offer. She also said that this service is available in all Burger King chains. Wow, that is some customer service. As I step out, I also noticed that they have a PSP station and an Internet workstation in the corner of the store. They even have cellphone charging stations at the back. Hmmm, what an aggressive manner to entice customers. I think it is working.

Johann kept scratching his insect bite-turned-allergy-turned-skin-wound.  It bled again.  So, what's a mom to do?  I sealed it off from his fingers.  Here's a shot of him with his first-ever band-aid.

Several weeks ago, I bought fresh plums from the grocery.  I personally do not know how to eat them.  I tried them before but I have forgotten.  Do you eat them with the skin?  How do you know if it is ripe enough? Instead of dwelling on that, here I am searching for recipes.  I think I will try this out tomorrow. Plum Quick Bread recipe snagged from Allrecipes .com.   3 eggs 2 (6 ounce) jars plums or plum with apple baby food 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup buttermilk 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 2 cups sugar 2 tsps baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, baby food, oil and buttermilk.  Combine the dry ingredients; add to the egg mixture and mix till moistened.  Transfer to 2 greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 60 to 65 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. However, I don't plan on using baby food.  I just might mash some apples wit...

After weeks of preparation, our party is taking shape.  A couple of weeks ago, we only had a venue ( Crowne Plaza), food, post-dinner entertainment ( RJ Jacinto ), photo/video coverage ( Numbawan ) and invitations (by QP ).  Now, I can add a Master of Ceremonies (an acquaintance from GC ), event organizer (Jody L.), dance instructors and stage backdrop to the list.  Thanks to my resources and friends, we were able to book and finalize all those in less than two weeks.  The only things we haven't worked out are the giveaways and the guest list.   I hope to finalize the giveaways this week.  As for the guest list, we are waiting for the guests to RSVP.  Good luck to us! The whole Endriga clan pulled out all the stops for this party.  Well, as far as the budget would allow.  Siblings and in-law s of the celebrant are flying in from the States to take part in this event. This was supposedly a retirement/birthday gift for the FIL from his children. However, since his term got extend...

Classes on Monday have been suspended for schools near the Batasan Complex. I guess I should plan to stay in then. It will be our 4th year to witness the protesters of the President's State of the Nation Address. I recall that in previous years, we used to plan to leave the vicinity early so we can still go to work or fulfill our obligations. It was quite inconvenient and too bothersome to reside in an area that is too close to the House of Representatives. When there are heated political disputes, our area is always at the heart of the political activity. Our access to Commonwealth would most likely be obstructed by protesters and policemen trying to disperse protesters. Though I do not expect anything new out of the SONA, I do hope that it will be a peaceful day.

Imagine you have this very intense emotion inside you. You are excited about something or frustrated over something and you have no one to talk to about it.

The sopranos meet once a week for a sectional rehearsal. To entice more attendees and to make it more fun to the regular attendees, we made a gimmick day out of it. Deepa arrived from Singapore, just to join us. Chez! We started with a girly movie . We were so noisy inside the theater, you'd think we're a bunch of teeny-boppers. We can hear Gutsy and Staly's silent screams of delight when the ever-gorgeous Pierce professed his undying love for Merryll. We were all commenting and laughing about the same things. It was a wonder that we didn't get reprimanded by the attendants. This was followed by a meal at Barrio for our ultimate comfort food, Crispy Pata and Kare-kare. All nine of us, including Mimi and Trina, couldn't finish off two orders of each. It was Pia and Elaine who finished everything, down to the bones. Cholesterol galore! Everybody was sleepy from all the food so we just went through our pieces very quickly. The main purpose of the day lasted ...

In my previous entry, I mentioned that grocery shopping is what Vic and I do together. This week, we brought Johann with us. As useless, he was getting impatient in his stroller. He wanted to grab everything. So, we decided to let him ride in the cart. He kept twisting his body so he can see what we have in our cart. He kept saying "Yum yum." Even sachets of Downy and frozen meat products were "yum" to him.

I've had too many disagreements and disappointments lately. Immersing myself in the world of my romance novels is my refuge (apart from God, of course). At least, I get to enjoy a happy ending. I've had too many retail therapies this last couple of weeks, I am going broke.

Seeing Samantha Brown enjoy paella in one of her trips is enough to whet Vic's appetite for Alba's . The last time we ate at Alba's was during our anniversary, before we had Johann. Yes, that was a long time ago. The food was even better than I remembered. The pates were really good. I wasn't really too keen on their cold cuts. I find them salty. I specially liked their famed paella and callos. The cochinillo, Spain's version of lechon de leche, was so light and crisp. I had the canonigo in between courses to erase the richness of the previous course. I thought only a few enjoyed Alba's. Whenever we dine in one of their restaurants, it was always us and several groups of people. It was never filled to the brim. However, last week's experience was different. It was a good thing that we arrived early. Otherwise, we would've eaten at the bar. When we got our bill, I was surprised that they raised the buffet price to 650 per head. Oh well.

Singing for MVP's birthday mass is always in our yearly engagements line-up. This was our way of thanking our benefactor for all his help and support. I remember when we first approached him for help. We were preparing for the 2000 European tour. We got him as one of our major sponsors. In exchange for his financial aid, we sang and recorded his company's jingle. They also wanted the choir to appear in the commercial. We stayed up to the wee hours at the Enterprise building's helipad waiting for the sunrise. All these for only a few seconds on air. Fun times! Lunch was a buffet of roast beef, buttered fish fillet and turkey. The food was kinda blah. The star of the buffet were the veggies that came with the turkey. The veggies were really good, in fairness. ------------------ According to my DPA, the varsity basketball team went to the U.S. early this year for a series of training sessions. It seems that they are too distracted when they're training in Manil...

I don't normally watch soap operas. However, when I see trucks and vans lining up the streets of our subdivision, I can't help feeling excited. I am always on the look out for soap opera stars when I drive by. I've already had the luck of seeing several celebrities: Agot, Polo, John Pratts, Cherry Pie and Yayo. I have yet to see the "bigger" ones. The movie of Aga, Maricel and Angelica P. was filmed a block away. We knew it was Aga and Maricel because of their personalized plates. They filmed it for three straight days. No luck. When we failed to change the channel after the evening news tonight, we saw that the latest soap was shot in one of our nearby streets. I remember the time it was filmed. My husband and I drove by several times (not intentionally) and we didn't see anybody we recognize. Once again, we missed the opportunity to see Gabby and Claudine up-close. Okay, nevermind Claudine. I just wanted to see why Gabby kept on thanking Lucid...

I am all for eVAT. It funded a lot of government projects and helped our economy in previous years. We felt it when the dollar nearly hit the P40 mark. We were able to pay off our country's debt more easily. Toll fees were also reduced. But, right now, who is benefiting from eVAT? These are same people who were opposed to it in the first place. They are the ones receiving subsidies from the government. Such subsidies soothed their daily burden, even for a short time. On the other hand, can't the government think of ways to spread the benefits to the whole population? Though the masses need it more, the non-masses were the ones who suffered more when they imposed additional taxes. Do I have to be a wife of jeepney driver or a senior citizen to enjoy the rewards of eVAT? Give us our share of the 1B.

dialing 1471 will enable you to identify your last caller? That is, if your land line unit has a display screen and if your caller hasn't punched 141 before your 1471. As for mobile phones, there's this computer program that will pinpoint the actual location of the mobile phone, down to the street name. It can even tell how fast one is moving. What's amazing is that it can be done within 7 seconds. I am not sure if this can be done in the Philippines. This worked when they tested it out in the UK, where they have mapped out every nook and cranny. I do hope the PNP or NTC invest in something like this. This will definitely help solve mobile-phone-related crimes. So, don't believe your service provider if they say that they can't trace a call. At this (digital) day and age, anything is possible.

Every year, the Ateneo de Manila community honors men and women who excelled in their chosen fields. Almost every year, we get to sing for the event. However, this year's convocation is extra special. Our very own moderator, Doc Hof, was presented with the most prestigious award of all, the Lux in Domino Award. Together with him, the following were also given various awards: 1. Representatives of the Sumilao farmers - who claimed that their Ateneo award came sooner that the awarding of their certificates of land ownership 2. Sumilao farmers' legal counsel (Atty. Kaka) - a graduate of De La Salle and Ateneo Law School 3. Gilda Cordero Fernando - who showed up in her baro't saya and red boots. Groovy! There were others I can not recall at this time. Our group sang the Lupang Hinirang and two more songs during the intermission. Mimi, true to her "Cry-ola Beauty" title, was already shedding tears after the first intermission song. As a surprise to Doc Hof, the alumni ...

That's how Doc Hof or Dr. Hofilenia would have described our music, good or bad. He has been the moderator of the Glee Club for thirty years. Today, the Ateneo community, his GC family and the ACS honor his valuable support and contribution through the Lux in Domino award. When I first started out with the Glee Club, I always had questions about that elderly man who sat at the back of the rehearsal room. Unfortunately, nobody was able to answer my questions. Now, I know that Doc Hof... ...studied in the Ateneo from grade school till college. ...wrote several plays. ...sang with the Ateneo Glee Club as a tenor in the '50s. ...is a doctor of Medicine who specialized in Pediatrics and Child Psychiatry. ...was given a Fulbright grant that enabled him to study in the U.S. Bigatin! ...acted as a Mayor during the Japanese occupation. ...is the reason why we have the Cupertino School for Special Children. As he gave his acceptance speech, all I can see was humility in such a great m...

The day started off sunny.  After a few hours at the mall, it was already raining when we drove out of the parking lot.  It is the perfect weather to stay in and have a massage. I told Vic that we'll try out another group that serves both pre-natal and regular massages. Upon arriving at home, I called the service provider.  Took me several minutes to spell out our address to their rep.  Then, it occurred to me to ask about their rates.  Their regular massages are reasonable, at P300. How about the pre-natal massages?  A whopping 1100 for the home-service rate.   Nyak.  Huwag na lang.  Mas mahal pa sila sa rate ng ReBirth Spa.  I'd rather drive to Natural Spa. My gas consumption, parking fee and spa service will not even amount to the home-service rate they gave me.

Today, I drove all the way to Roxas Blvd from Commonwealth and vice versa.  It took me two hours each way.  I can't remember the last time I've driven that far.  Now, I can feel leg muscles I never thought I had. I need a massage.

The newlywed group that I am part of  has this question going around:  Will it be France or Italy for your second honeymoon? Though I am not keen on going on a second honeymoon right now, I would like to explore the possibility of going to Europe in our next major vacation.  I would rather not choose between the two destinations since we can easily hop from one city to another.   Vic and I have been to both places but not together and certainly, not as married individuals. But, if we find ourselves in France, I'd be sure to make arrangements for a dinner cruise along the Seine, aboard one of the Bateaux-Mouches.  I hope to make a side-trip to the south of France, all the way to Monte Carlo.  We'll spend our time people/car-watching.  We'd probably feast on Nutella and Baci. On the other hand, if we find ourselves in Italy, we'd be sure to visit the Ferrari factory in Maranello or the race track in Modena.   A cruise in the Mediterranean would be nice also.  A night in S...

To give way to one of the items in my Wishlist, we are letting go of my husband's beloved. 2004 Mazda3 2.0 Steel Silver  51 Thou Kms 600K Plate number ends in 2 For interested parties, call or text 0917-8802690. Feel free to leave a comment if you have additional questions.

My long day started with a leisurely walk in Greenbelt with Lesley. She previously wanted to check out bags. But, we ended up looking at everything. The bags were nice but the ones I like wont be available till next week. I finally got the courage to try on the a pair of brown and blue/pink loafers I've been eying online since a year ago. It is on sale at the Greenbelt outlet. It was a 5000-peso drop from the original price. Thank God, they don't have a bigger pair. I would have ended up paying for it at zero interest for three months. Tod's is my ultimate travel shoe. I hope to own a pair someday. Hopefully, before my next major vacation. Hint! Hint! LOL ! After hours of looking around, we still have nothing new in our hands. We are so pathetic! --------------- We capped off our window shopping with a meal at the Travel Cafe. The concept of the resto is unique. But, the food was nothing to brag about. Les and I split up an order of vegetable spring rolls ...

God gave me one today. I just realized that I've been too distracted by the trivialities of life that I neglected Him. I was too busy basking on my blessings. I do hope everything turns out well. Your will be done, Lord. I lift everything up to You. ----------------- I've always favored this prayer over the others. "Memorare" Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of they Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me. Amen.

Though I have made up my mind to nurse Baby#2 as long as possible, I am still getting feeding bottles just to be sure. Previously, I only had one criteria. It should help reduce colic. Now, with the BPA issue surrounding the bottle-feeding industry, I am back to square 1. What is BPA? BPA stands for Bisphenol A, a chemical used in plastic baby bottles and water bottles. BPA bottles are hard and shiny. USFDA recently proclaimed it safe for use. They believe that the level of exposure is too minimal to cause significant developmental damages. On the other hand, Canada has banned the use of bottles containing BPA due to its effects on behavior and brain development. With all that said, here are my options: Born-free - Since the BPA issue came out, this is the leading brand in the market. I heard that this particular brand also helps reduce colic. The only factor that is stopping me from getting this is the price. It is even more expensive than Avent. A two-piece pack costs a...

To date, I am 22 weeks pregnant with Baby#2. I am not sure if we're having a boy again. Based on the number of kicks I am getting, I wouldn't be surprised if it is. I will confirm it in my next doctor's appointment. Many people asked me if I prefer a girl this time. I honestly do not mind getting a boy or a girl. Each would present its pros and cons. But, one thing's for sure, we wont be as financially strained this time. I foresee less spending since we still have our previous supplies. Our baby travel gear, clothes and other supplies are quite neutral. I am certain that we can use most of the items we initially invested on. We would just have to get appropriate going-out clothes if we are getting a girl this time. Nonetheless, I still have to catch up on reading. When I was pregnant with Johann, I was an expert on monthly pregnancy developments. I have forgotten most of the stuff I read. I blame it on Epidural. I'd also have to read up on ways to in...

I know that when SIL's birthday is coming up, sale season is on. So, I strategically executed my errands in Shang. I paid my bills. I got some of Johann's baby-proofing supplies from Rustan's. I finally found something to put on the crib rails. Johann will no longer bite the paint off his crib. Of course, the trip wouldn't be complete without side-trips to Mothercare and Zara. I was surprised to see items that are from 40% to 70% off at Mothercare. I remember they're last sale. I could barely afford the items at reduced prices. Since opportunity knocked, I gladly welcomed it. I purchased several shirts for Johann at less than 200 each. There's also a cute cap (P120 only) to fit his little head. There were nice Siperman and Superman items at 40% off also. Unfortunately, they're all too big to fit our little boy. There were also lots of items below 1000 at Zara. I got a couple of maternity blouses for a third of the original price. Winner! Si Vi...

Cupcakes from Cathy's Kitchen Yes, I slaved in the kitchen for these.  It took a better part of my day.  I am not complaining. Frosting cakes is actually relaxing.  I am actually getting better at it.   It used to take me forever to frost one cupcake.  It is actually easier to frost a bigger cake than the smaller ones.   You may refer to this link for more pictures.

today was going to be a busy day.  At the beginning of the week, I had three to-dos for Tuesday: 1.  bake 2.  sing for a funeral mass 3.  sing for Doc Hof's awarding ceremony. As it turns out, the funeral mass engagement got cancelled.   Doc Hof's thingee is for next week. Ganda!  Buti na lang nagtanong ako kay Mimi.  Otherwise, I'd be all alone in Irwin Theater. Haha, scary. The baking I got to do today, as you can see in my post up there.   I am so glad I didn't need to rush off to somewhere.