Sunday, July 5, 2009

186/365

Berry Strawberry

What to do if it's cold outside? Commit suicide and bring the cold inside as well. UCC's take on strawberry milk on the rocks, rocks--even on a rainy Sunday.


EKS-OH-EKS-OH

WEEKEND SNAPSHOT #45

It never dawned on me how much our four-year-old has grown until I saw this photo...
He now bravely lets go of my hand when on the escalator. I know I should be rejoicing that my son is learning to be independent. But why am I feeling a wee bit sad?

Hope you had a great weekend!


EKS-OH-EKS-OH

WE ARE ONE WITH YOUR FIGHT, FPCCA

Monitoring FPCCA's state of health is a very painful experience for me and my family mainly because it brings back the memories of our own family's battle with the Big C.

Watching my late uncle being slowly eaten away by cancer back in 2007, was one of the toughest battles our clan ever faced. It is not something I would ever wish on anyone, not even on my worst enemy.

Now, more than ever, I feel a special kinship with our country's Former President. Our family has been, and will always be, a fan of the Aquino legacy--so much so, that we named our son after the late senator; so much so, that like millions of Filipinos, we have been knocking on heaven's door for a miracle for "Tita Cory".

Our family has been blessed with serendipitous Aquino events too--having the opportunity to call some of FPCCA's nephews, our friends; having been able work with them on special projects as well; and the most recent of all, having been able to meet and interview her youngest, and most popular daughter. Icing on the cake, of course, is the fact that we even share the same surname!

But more than the meets and greets, I give credit to what they call as the "Aquino magic", for giving me my first and most meaningful experiences of patriotism. You see, I was born at the heels of Martial Law, and I graduated from grade school, the same year as the Edsa Revolution. I remember being reprimanded by a teacher back in fourth grade for filling every nook and cranny of my uniform straps with Ninoy Aquino button pins--my first and only disciplinary citation during my stay at the hallowed halls of SSC Manila. And back in February 1986, we braved the tanks and militia, and celebrated my father's 40th birthday in the streets of EDSA.

Walking from Ortigas all the way Camp Aguinaldo was no picnic for my and my sister's 12-year-old and 10-year-old pairs of feet, but I remember with fondness, that sharing a smile, a prayer, a high-five with any and every Filipino we met at EDSA, made the long journey on foot, well worth it. More importantly, it truly made me feel proud to be Pinoy, even at such a young age.

While the spirit of EDSA remains just a memory to most Filipinos, and maybe just an entry on history books, to the younger generation, I will forever hold it in my heart, as one of the best battles ever fought and won in Philippine history. And it is our family's fervent wish that THIS battle will be won as well.

You are always in our prayers, FPCCA.


EKS-OH-EKS-OH

La.Pi.S. #52: SUCCULENT

Nestled in the heart of Makati is a little Japanese village that is home to some of the most interesting Japanese cafes. We usually gravitate towards Hana, which is home to what is said to be the most authentic version of Takoyaki Balls. It is also home to one of the most tender and succulent steaks I have ever tasted. You be the judge... And while at it, I am sharing with you a photo of their version of Takoyaki as well... Happy Lapis!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

Saturday, July 4, 2009

185/365

All Eyes

My grocery "assistants" and I were on the lookout for great buys and deals at the supermarket this morning. We were all eyes, and you bet, these "eyes" were on us too. :D


EKS-OH-EKS-OH

ON LEARNING AND UN-LEARNING

Wheeew! What a hectic day.

It began with a quick trip to the grocery, followed by an appointment with the kitchen to prepare our lunch, a thirty-minute meal, and then the entire household was off to begin the tedious task of packing.

I guess nobody realized that the process of "un-learning" to be attached to our home of six years would be such a tall order, that after just a few hours spent with them boxes, my "housemates" are now sleeping soundly in their beds. So much for team spirit.

Speaking of learning, I am now taking advantage of this short-lived "ME" time by browsing the web for some quick certificate programs just like the CCNA Certification showcased at buzzle.com. It isn't actually for me, but for the Haligi, and this task of mine, sad to say, is long overdue.

You see, after close to ten years of working in the field of law, my better half has now become a full-time entrepreneur. He is hoping that whatever shortlist of certificate courses I come up with would better equip him with worthy tips and tricks of the trade.


I hope I get what I need before the boss wakes up. Wish me luck.


EKS-OH-EKS-OH

Friday, July 3, 2009

184/365

Slouchy

This solo chair pretty much sums up my state of mind during the last day of the work week. To say that it was exhausting may be an understatement. Nonetheless, the past week was a fulfilling one too.


EKS-OH-EKS-OH

Thursday, July 2, 2009

LP #61: KANDADO

O bagong kasama, ika'y sinisinta
Tunay kang obra sa aking mga mata;
Mula sa yong balat at kandadong kakaiba
Sukdulan ang kasiyahan na naging akin ka.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

183/365

Big Things Come in Small Packages

Just like this taste of heaven called Panna Cotta squeezed into a shot glass. Definitely the perfect ending to a great product launch at the Manila Pen. Yeah!


EKS-OH-EKS-OH

LET IT SINK IN

I am confident that with just a few more gentle shoves, my convincing powers will finally work on the Haligi. I just know it--I will finally get that
stainless steel kitchen sink replacement I have been lobbying for, for the last few weeks.

He tells me that it will be an unnecessary expense when the current one installed in the townhouse, is functioning just fine. But how can he resist my charm (and grave threats that I will do a cooking boycott if I do not get what I want)? Mwehehe.

I am particularly interested in getting one more spacious and reliable, similar to those found at the MR Direct Incorporated website. Both their steel and granite sink varieties are unique combinations of aesthetics and functionality. I really, really, really hope, my powers of persuasion will finally SINK in.

Twenty nine days to go.


EKS-OH-EKS-OH

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

182/365

Charging and Recharging

This Wednesday was one of the longest ever mainly because this is my first time to mount a media event for the new product that I am handling. I've been at the office for over 15 hours already and there is no sign that I would be leaving anytime soon. The culprit--these babies, that I have to have charged, wrapped, and ready in time for tomorrow's big event. I am seeing RED!


EKS-OH-EKS-OH

SKIN DEEP

A buddy of mine was really amused the other day because of the issue of betrayal. Apparently, a common FIEND este friend of ours has resorted to this oh-so-high school and oh-so-cowardly tactic of limiting access to her FB account.

I guess the FIEND, oops friend, still wanted to keep tabs on our lives in between her posts of positivism and affirmation, that she just didn't have the guts to cut off FB ties completely.

Sugar-coating betrayal is still that--betrayal. So drop the act will ya, tupperware friend? And just so you know, to save you all the trouble, our betrayed friend cut off FB ties with you already. I on the other hand, have not done it out of pity--pity that you will run out of things to gossip about. Hihi.


And so we have all come to realize that our friendship with this GHOUL, este gal, is but a shallow, skin-deep thing. It was, after all, a one-way street, where she milked us dry for free rides home, free connections and referrals (that were never ever acknowledged!), free gifts, free ideas and everything else in between.

So even if she claims to be an aficionado of all things pretty and dainty, to be a patron of the best make up and skin care products, it will never hide the bitter and ugly truth--that she is one big loser-slash-user!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH