Paksiw na Bisugo

Paksiw na Bisugo
Ingredients:
4 pieces fish (about half a pound each), cleaned and scales removed
1-2 knobs ginger, sliced and pounded
6 cloves garlic, skin removed
1/2 cup vinegar
1 cup water
1 medium onion, sliced
3 pieces chili pepper or long chili
2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon whole peppercorn
Mama's Guide procedure:
1. Heat a pan and cooking pot then pour-in vinegar and water.
2. Add salt and whole peppercorn then stir. Bring to a boil.
3. Arrange the fish in the pan along with the ginger, garlic, onion and chili peppers. Cover and simmer in low to medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and transfer to a serving plate.
5. Serve hot with steamed rice. Share and enjoy.

Only Yesterday

I was never a fan of animes. Back when I was younger, I never really figured out the fuss with Sailormoon and the likes among my peers. All that changed when I got to watch "Spirited Away", the first Japanese-animated feature film that won an Academy Award.

"Only Yesterday" is a 1991 Japanese animated film from the same producers of "Spirited Away", Studio Ghibli. I got to watch this film only yesterday and I got to say, it is definitely one of my most favorite movies of all time! The character Taeko speaks to my life as if it was written about my own struggles as a kid and as a young adult. I just love how human the approach to the narrative was - plainly depicting the emotions of the character as she felt at the time of the event instead of setting it in stone. At the end of the movie I couldn't help but cry over joy relating, and emphathising with Taeko as she embarks in a new chapter in her life - one that is uncertain but felt right at that time.

Love Your Enemies

Matthew 5:44 …43"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.'44"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.…

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Most of us struggle with this idea of "loving" your enemies. How can you help but feel repulsive over someone who has done you wrong, or has harmed you in some way? Forgiveness, they say, is easy to give but forgetting is an entirely different story. At the back of your mind, common sense tells you that you can no longer trust a person, there's this innate fear that he/she will repeat whatever bad thing he/she has done to you. You submit to the idea that it is just his/her character flaw and you just can never live with it. I guess my interpretation is that, whatever a person has done or has not done for you or to you should not determine the level of affection you have for them; and that you should always mean well of others.

Wala lang.

So What's the Big Idea?

It's not everyday that you meet a great visionary like Sir Dado Banatao.

Earlier this month, I saw this 3-Day IDEA Global Entrepreneurship Workshop Series invitation on PhilDev facebook page and immediately enlisted myself. Lo and behold, they emailed me the outline of the workshop, and found out that he will be gracing this event as well! I was so excited to meet my idol, who is, for me, is the modern-day Rizal who proved that Filipinos are capable of doing great things. To top it off, he is the simplest, most humble billionaire I've ever met. (..okay, not that I've ever met any, lol...)

The workshop held on July 25-27, 2014 at Asian Institute of Management was a continuation the two-day event held last March 14-15, 2014 on understanding global market, identifying major market needs, productization of innovative research, business incubation, searching and working with venture capital, and intellectual property practices in the Philippines. The topics discussed were in line with Sir Dado's earlier statement that "Innovation is more important that invention. Innovation implies industry." Indeed, there is nothing more satisfying for an engineer, more than the monetary gains, than to see his inventions being used.

I can't wait to start on an idea of my own someday! Hopefully I get to stick with an idea that I would actually work on! Hehe.

Dora The Explorer Cake Toppers

I haven't been doing much lately since I lost my access at work so I volunteered to help out on my god daughter's 3rd birthday party preparations. I made some Dora the Explorer Cake Toppers from pictures I got here, went to my cousin's shop at 999 mall in Divisoria (that prints tarpaulins, invites, photos, and stickers) to print them out, cut them out one by one, bought some barbeque sticks (cut to make them shorter) and tada.......

Dora The Explorer Cake Toppers!

I just love doing these elementary crafts! I'm thinking if I can open a printing/art/crafts business as well.. Hmm..

Personal Finance Flowchart

I've been surfing around and I saw this flowchart. Nicely done! :)
Click here for a larger view :)
From http://thepersonalfinanceapprentice.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-personal-finance-flowchart.html

Exercise!

I joined a fitness gym near our place since March which includes aeroboxing, step, hi-lo, zumba, and yoga classes from 7-9am. Mostly I enjoy the Yoga sessions since dancing is not one of my better skills. I find it amazing that mere poses can make you sweat so hard! We've been doing this pose and I'm a bit afraid my spine will not support my body that one day it'll break:


Picture taken from http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/finder/browse_categories

LOL, wishing for the best! :)

Atchie's Birthday Surprise!

Yesterday I compiled some old younger pictures of my sister as a birthday present to her and I'm glad that she liked it! Actually I forgot that it was her birthday earlier, and made this video, including taking the pictures for less than 2 hours with iMovie, and was done around 10pm. I was supposed to download the "Birthday" song from The Beatles but I couldn't get a copy, so I just picked one from my playlist, "My Girl", only later to find out that the lyrics were perfect for the video, ".. when it's cold outside, I've got the month of May". I almost thought that I wasn't gonna be able to upload it online after several failed attempts to upload it to Facebook or Youtube due to copyright infringement issues. Gladly, I was able to use Vimeo to export the movie, and was finished uploading a few minutes before midnight! Bitin nga lang yung video, d ko naedit masyado.. so here's the (semi) finished product!

Vivian's Birthday from Vicky Sy on Vimeo.

Note the subtle hint with regards to her age.. mwehehe.

Life of Pi

I recently watched a movie alone (again, for the 2nd time) because I was having a really bad mood at home and wanted to go out. I was supposed to watch it with a friend (actually I invited him impromptu) but he was stuck in the office so I just went on by myself.

Despite being alone, I managed to enjoy the movie.. hehe. In fact, I went home having a better mood. The visual effects of the movie just left me speechless I regretted not having to watch it on 3D. Ang Lee is definitely one of the best in terms of shooting fantastic nature landscapes and sceneries in his movies. I also bought the book earlier. Lol. I haven't read a full novel for a very, very long time and I was glad that after reading two chapters of "Life of Pi", I find that it's an easy read. Hopefully I get to write a review after reading the novel.

Royal Jelly and its Benefits

I've been taking Honeyworld Royal Jelly + Collagen since September which I bought way back 2010 in Singapore hoping it would treat my menstrual cramps and improve my skin. I stopped using this 3 years back after a few capsules because I was hypersensitive back then and had allergies upon taking it. Luckily, I tried it again last September and it didn't cause me allergies this time around. I thought of taking them since it will expire by March 2013 and it was a very expensive bottle (@around Sgd 200); at least half of it would not go to waste.

Actually, Royal Jelly is used by women who wants to get pregnant, lol. I thought it could cure some of my hormonal issues, too. True enough, my menstrual cycles were surprisingly regular, exactly 28 days for three months since I've been taking this medicine daily. I've always complained how irregular my periods were, so I thought it was interesting. I would recommend it for couples who want to get pregnant, haha! As for me, I'm not really sure if the cost of this medicine is worth it, plus I have to ask my sister to ship the product from Singapore if I wanted to continue taking it. I'm also not too keen about being medicine-dependent to regulate my hormones. Maybe I'll just do more exercise or continue taking if I complain about my hormones again.

Facial Clay Masks

I've been experimenting on different clay masks brands and so far, I've tried 3 types:

- Kaolin (China) Clay (Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque)
- French Green Clay (Burt's Bees Pore Refining Mask)
- Bentonite Clay (Aztec Secret)

So far, my favorite is the French Green Clay Mask from Burt's Bees (and it's the most expensive). According to this site,

With its high mineral and nutrient content and micro molecules (which enhance absorption), French green clay powder is often used in skincare treatments such as facial masks and body packs at spas. Because it's very absorbent, it's especially good for oily skin. This clay tones, stimulates, and cleanses the pores.

I used to buy this from Beauty Bar but it has since been out of stock so I tried Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque from Healthy Options. I think this is best suitable for dry to normal skin as it does not remove oil as much as the french green clay. Its main ingredient on the other hand is Kaolin Clay which is,

A very mild clay that gently cleanses and exfoliates without drawing oil, making it perfect for sensitive skin types. At the same time, its astringent effect is suitable for normal to oily skin. In addition to clay masks, the fine, fluffy powder is used in body powders and deodorants, soap products, and body packs.

The cheapest of them is the Aztec Indian Healing Bentonite Clay as it's just Php 400+ from Healthy Options. My sister loves this product and I bought her one to take home to Singapore.

Also called fuller's clay, it has absorbing properties and can be used as an exfoliant as it draws out impurities from the skin.

My final verdict is to use the type of clay that best suits your skin type. My skin has since been a moody, shifting from oily to dry to normal depends on the weather so I would probably also change products depending on the mood of my face. I usually apply it once a week so it won't be too drying to the skin and I also read that it may be irritating to sensitive skin. Nonetheless, I love how refreshing it feels to the face after applying it.

For more information regarding other clay masks and their uses: http://www.frontiercoop.com/learn/claymasks.ph

Break the Loop!

I finally got to watch Looper, together with a "date" last Sunday. (Ayown eh!) We watched Skyfall and this movie. Ask me why I was so giddy to get out last weekend? Well, I just found out that my teammates at Sabre went to Dallas for training and will be in Krakow next year, barely two months after I resigned, so I wanted to chill and get my share of enjoyment for once! (Bitter mode! HAHA!)

Anyway, going back to Looper. The storyline was deserving of the positive response I've been hearing, definitely one-of-a-kind must-watch movie. I liked how the sequences of events tied up together, however still not up to par with the untouchable "Inception" on my list. The action sequences were mediocre and could have been better executed. I also thought something was lacking in the overall pacing of the movie, but still, it's really, really gooooood so nevermind my mumbling...

Sunday was a nice break from my routine \m/ and my date was nice, he told me that if I really couldn't stand staying in my old company, it's better to leave anyway, so who cares about Dallas? Anyhow, I am happy to be coding again since most of the work I had been doing at Sabre was checking log errors for the last months I was with them. I also am relieved to be working with my old pals at 77 :)

De La Salle University Professors --- Really Now?!?!

Did you really feel the need to comment about the RH bill? Please review the core values in your mission vision statement:

SERVICE (MORES)

DLSU is committed to being a resource for Church and Nation and being socially responsible in building a just, peaceful, stable and progressive Filipino nation.

If you want to comment as individuals, please do so without dragging the school's name along with it. I firmly believe for proper sanction from the school administration for these professors.

Perfect Symmetry

Keane's coming to the Philippines this October and I researched for some of their lesser known songs - and I came upon this one - I just loved the lyrics.

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Artist: Keane
Song: Perfect Symmetry
Lyrics:
I shake through the wreckage for signs of life
Scrolling through the paragraphs
Clicking through the photographs

I wish I could make sense of what we do
Burning down the capitols
Wisest of the animals

Who are you, what are you living for
Tooth for tooth, maybe we'll go one more

This life, is lived in perfect symmetry
What I do, that will be done to me

Write page after page of analysis
Looking for the final score
We're no closer than we were before

Who are you, what are you fighting for
Holy truth, brother I choose this mortal life
Lived in perfect symmetry

What I do, that will be done to me
As the needle, slips into the run out groove
Love, maybe you feel it too

And maybe you find, life is unkind
And over so soon
There is no golden gate
There's no heaven waiting for you

Oh boy you otta leave this town
Get out while you can
The needle's running out
The voices in the streets you love
Everything is better when you hear that shout
Woooaohhh
Woooaohhh
Woooaohhh

Spineless dreamers, hide in churches
Pieces of pieces of rush hour buses
I dream in emails, worn out phrases
Mile after mile of just empty pages

Wrap yourself around me
Wrap yourself around me

As the needle, slips into the run out groove
Maybe I'll feel it too
Maybe you'll feel it too
Maybe you'll feel it too
Maybe you'll feel it too

I dream in emails, worn out phrases
Mile after mile of just empty pages

Desigual

I am fascinated with prints these days and I saw this brand Desigual while browsing in FB. They sell these nice printed dresses... I just wanted to post :)

Untold Pinoy Stories

I chanced upon this blog and been reading some interesting stories of Pinoy celebrities, heroes, and politicians. Loved his writing style, also the intrigues and histories behind some of the most famous names in show business! Must read for all tsismosos and tsismosas out there! :)

Robin Scherbatsky and I

I've just finished the whole seven seasons of How I Met Your Mother and I think a lot would kill me for this, but I love Robin Scherbatsky! Somehow I find myself relating to her character, aside from being absolutely gorgeous (jk!), we share a common insight on parenting: we don't like to have children.

I will be judged when I say this, but I don't like my parents. I love them, but I don't like them. They provided me everything that I needed growing up. However, they also think they own me and they never hesitated to make that a known fact - that parents own their children and they can do whatever they want with them. Robin shared the same history, with her dad naming her as his "junior" despite obviously being a girl.

Thinking about it, I know where Robin's fear of having children stems from:
- the idea that she herself would become the controlling parent that her father is;
- that her father would also claim ownership to her son/daughter, being the "root" of the tree;
- that her tomboyish nature won't ever fit as a maternal figure; and
- that she never felt that having a family was her source of her happiness.

Of course, there's the whole idea of taking care of another one's life and being responsible for it, knowing that she herself cannot put herself together well enough, which, I also think is caused by her parent's disapproval of her.

During the past seven seasons though, a lot of other ideas came to play for Robin: Lily and Marshall's new family, Ted's determination to find "the one", and her undeniable chemistry with Barney. All her life, she knew she didn't want to have a family yet when she found out that she can't have children, she just wasn't as sure anymore. J.K. Rowling once said in her speech, "There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction; the moment you are old enough to take the wheel, responsibility lies with you." and here is where Robin is having a hard time with. The thought of turning her life around is tempting, but she's scared that she won't make it work and is having second thoughts about leaving her past ideals behind.

Anyway, I am looking forward to how this series would end, it captures a lot of informative twenty-first century psychoanalysis for the mid-20's and early 30's working class and how they cope up with relationship, career, and societal issues in their lives. And yeah, I love Barney, he's Awesome! :D

P.S. Yep, nag-away nanaman kame ng nanay ko, thus, this blog entry.. XD

Diosdado "Dado" Banatao, Father of Semiconductor

Been reading and researching about Diosdado "Dado" Banatao since watching his Bottomline interview with Boy Abunda last Saturday. He's said to be the Father of Semiconductor and the Filipino Bill Gates, a multi-billionaire Filipino technopreneur in Silicon Valley. Despite of his low profile, he's rumored to be even richer than Henry Sy or Lucio Tan. His life story and philosophy is really inspiring, having described working for Meralco "not exciting enough" and "didn't pay much" for a hard job as an engineer when he was offered a job there as a newly grad in Mapua. What I loved most was his dedication to learning and humility to serve and help the poor. He says that education is the key to poverty eradication, and because of that, one of his philanthropic efforts is to send poor engineering students to college. Indeed, he's a true Filipino we should all be proud of. :)

Cute looks from HauteLook..

Another website I've been checking out is http://www.hautelook.com. Whenever I'm buying a new dress for a wedding, I find myself sticking to the same styles over and over. I found some nice looks that might give me more ideas on what to look for next time:

I just love the first look, it's at $98.00 $245, from Eva Franco, her designs are just divine. This is from her Summer 2011 collection. Check out at http://shop.evafranco.com. I wonder if it would fit me well? Hmm..

... is that the same dress?!?.. maybe it's the first model, not the dress, I like after all.. XD

Some cute dresses from Pixie Market I want to have.....

Cute print & design. Darn, I also want the shoes! Can you make them my size?

They call this "Tulip dress". Nice silhouette, isn't it?

I've been wanting to have an asymmetrical or mullet type skirt, thinking if I could pull this one off.. hmm

For more dresses, visit http://www.pixiemarket.com

Just one thing, I think their models are way too thin.. and a lot of dresses seems to just look good because they are the ones wearing them! hahaha. But I like their designs. I've been seeing some ads on facebook and I can't help but to browse them from time to time. I wish I can buy some new dresses from there, if they just weren't so expensive.. sigh. :-|