Baihana

BAIHANA at Conspiracy Bar, QC (Dec. 2010) - Photo by Ruben Samson

Last December 2010, we dropped by at Conspiracy Bar, Visayas Ave., QC to watch Noel Cabangon. My brother-in-law, Ruben and his daughters, Christina and Melissa joined Apple and me. Ruben was a converted fan of Noel - he even bought one CD and asked Noel to sign an autograph on the CD label. Ofcourse we enjoyed Noel's performance of his original songs and renditions of other artists' songs - both in English and Filipino. But what we enjoyed more was the surpirse guest performers that night - Baihana, a group of three young and pretty female singers who have fresh and lovely voices. Their style is similar to that of the Manhattan Transfer's (But according to their Facebook profile, their influences were The Andrews Sisters, The Chordettes, The Puppini Sisters). The trio uses their powerful and harmonious vocal chords to produce a melodius and rythmic jazz and pop music. They interpret both Filipino and Enlgish songs according to their unique style. We are looking forward to the success of this group. It's refreshing to see new Pinoy singing groups emerge after we have been flooded with too many singers who try to be bossa nova and samba singers.

Watch Baihana sing "Mamang Kutsero."

SIDCOR Sunday Market at Centris

Every sunday from 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM, the SIDCOR Sunday Market is held at the Centris Walk beside the MRT Quezon Avenue Station. At the market, you can buy fresh fruits, fresh seafoods, various types of bread and pastries. Our favorite at the market is the pork barbecue. There are also stalls which sell their specialties - menudo, kare-kare, dinuguan, embutido, sinigang and vegetarian dishes. There are tables for you to sit and eat with your family. When you go to this market, you will meet friends and see some personalities - politicians, professors, government officials and celebrities. Shopping at the SIDCOR Sunday Market is enjoyable and fun. You can buy good food at a cheap price.

Syd's Kitchen

We held our regular family get-together with Apple's former classmates at Syd's Kitchen, Banawe, Quezon City. The host of the dinner was Helen and family. Syd's Kitchen menu consists of fusion chinese dishes. We had meatballs on a stick, salted fish rice, pumpkin soup, shrimp (my favorite), steak, pork belly and fish fillet. Our tummies really were really filled to the max. Price ranges from P150-300 per recipe.

Yummy Yema Candies

What can I say about the yema made by Apple and Geof? Hmm sweet and yummy!

What's the recipe? TOP SECRET!

12 Little Things You Can Do

So much have been said and written about the book "12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country" by Alex Lacson especially during the election campaign period in 2010, but it was only now that we were able to buy the book at an unusual place - at one of the stalls selling gift items at the UP Shopping Center.

Indeed the list of 12 things to do given by Lacson are so simple that if only every Filipino does his/her part, our country, the Philippines will indeed be great again.

The book, however, needs a detailed guide and more information for it to make an impact. Here is my commentary on some of the things to do listed above:

1. Follow traffic rules. Follow the law. Following traffic rules and the law should not only be focused on the driver of private vehicles. PUV/PUJ drivers especially jeepney and bus drivers should be given a list of what they should do to improve the traffic (example: where to load and unload, proper attire, smoke belching, etc.)

A list of things to do for the pedestrian must also be given. For example, cross only along pedestrian crossing, wait for vehicles at the loading and unloading areas, etc.

And the most important, a list of things to do for the traffic enforcers must be highlighted. It is frustrating to folow traffic rules, if the traffic enforcers DO NOT KNOW how to implement them. For example, a right lane which says "for right turns only" should be strictly implemented. Those who block the way should be penalized.

2. Don't buy smuggled goods. Buy Local. Buy Filipino. Lacson emphasized the boost to the local economy if we do this. However, the government has a major role to play to make this program effective. First, the people don't really know which goods are smuggled or not. If we buy an item in a popular supermarket, does it mean you are not buying smuggled goods? There are rumors of big time smugglers operating big supermarkets. Pinoys prefer to buy cheap goods and in most cases these goods are smuggled. The government should stop smuggling altogether.

As for local products vs imported products, a list should be provided on which product to support. Lacson mentioned an example for toothpaste: Happee toothpaste is Filipino, Colgate and Close-up is imported. A list of basic commodities made in the philippines should be provided or may be a label like "Buy Pinoy" should be marked on these local products. Obviously, the foreign companies will complain of the government's bias to local products, but what the heck!

To be continued ....

A Savory Experience

My twin sisters and their families are on vacation during the Christmas break. This is the best time of the year for eating out and bonding. My brother-in-law, Ruben says he misses the Savory chicken at Manila. So during one of our trips, specifically on our way to the Ayala Museum, we dropped by at Savory at Makati Ave. for lunch. Our food orders: Savory chicken, lumpiang shanghai, pancit canton and ampalaya. What's the verdict from the balikbayans? "Ok, pa rin ang Chicken, parang yung original! Masarap yung sauce." "Wow, the best ang ampalaya - hindi mapait!". "Crispy ang lumpia." Over-all, everybody was satisfied. We left with a happy face and a full tummy.

Indeed, eating at Savory is satisfying. The food is good and prices are very reasonable.

Apple's Omurice of Tuna Paella

Omurice is "a contemporary Japanese dish consisting of an omelette made with fried rice"(Wikepedia). It's one of the dishes that we usually order at Mashitta at the UP Shopping Center.

During the Christmas break, Andy bought several cans of Century Tuna Paella. This canned food is a favorite of the kids. Andy suggested: "why not make an omelette with the tuna paella inside?". So during one of those relaxing nights, Apple was inspired to create her omurice using the tuna paella as the filling. She was so happy and proud with the outcome - you know, it's difficult to roll the egg with the filling inside and come up with a complete omurice, It takes a lot of practice to create a perfect omurice. So she did not only served the dish in one of our dinners but she also prepared the dish again during our new year lunch at her family's residence at Malabon.

Omurice with Tuna Paella? Try it.

Lola Cons' Painting

It's not too late to start a hobby like painting and sketching. This is what "Lola Cons" has demonstrated. "Lola Cons" is Consolacion Coronel Maglalang, our aunt and my kids lola, who was born in 1923 and now 87 years old.

Lola Cons with the Samson Family (Dec 2010)

She was enrolled by her daughter, Liza, in a 10-day session of art at UP last year (2010). The sessions include sketching and painting using various types of media (water color, pastel, pencil). Because of her age, she was given a discount by her instructor. After only a few sessions, "Lola Cons" showed her talent and skill in art.

The "Lady at the Window" looks like her daughter, Liza.

"Lola Cons" works consist mostly of flowers and still life using water color and pastel. Her works are indeed extraordinary considerng her age. Some of her "master pieces" were given for free (like the one in the photo above which was given to my sister who lives in the US) and some of them were bought by friends and relatives. It's really a marvel to see Lola Cons' effortless creativity. In art, age doesn't matter. What matters is that art ages. I believe Lola Cons works will be priceless.

Some of Lola Cons Works in 2010

How to make Potato Croquettes

Our balikbayan neice, Melissa saw our blog on potato croquettes and was anxious to help in the preparation of our favorite Christmas dish. It took only a few instructions and she already got the hang of it. Below is Melissa, expertly making the potato balls.

Here's how I make potato croquettes.

1. First, sautee the meat - I use lean ground pork - in garlic and onion. I also add mushroom and hotdogs, but it's really optional.

2. Boil the potatoes. Once soft, mash them. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Using your hand, get a handful of the mashed potato and flatten it. Put the meat inside and shape the potato into a ball (you can actually make different shapes, like egg-shaped or cylindrical-shaped). I also add cheese in the filling. Ensure that the filling is thoroughly covered. Make sure also that the meat is dry - leave behind the oily sauce. (Also, don't make the potato ball too big - I made the mistake of making humongous balls, and they turn into disaster when I fried them - each bursts open because of the weight, spilling the insides! )

4. Roll the ball into beaten eggs and breadcrumbs.

5. Deep fry until golden brown.

Presto! Delicious home-made croquettes! It's a bit crunchy on the outside but soft inside. The meat and cheese taste yummy with the hot mashed potato. No sauce requried. It's best eaten with wine and cheese.

I enjoyed our Traditional Kapampangan Food

One of the highlights of Christmas is the food served during noche buena and parties. During our Coronel Family Christmas reunion held last Dec 26, 2010, I enjoyed the potluck food served. The original plan was to have the food be catered. But we ended up bringing our own food contribution to the party. And it was good because the dishes were tastier and conforms to our traditional and original kapampangan taste. My favorite dish was the tidtad cooked by my cousin, Moro. The Callos of my Tita Bea was also yummy. The other dishes I enjoyed were the kinilaw and lengua.

In our case, we brought boneless bangus (inihaw by Pixie), There was also siomai contributed by my twin sis, Ate Lou and Ate Rose (ordered from Pampanga by cousin Alma). There were desserts like tibok-tibok (the Kapampangan version of maja blanca - made from carabao's milk and a dash of dayap juice), leche flan, blue berry and strawberry cheesecake and casava cake. Almost all the dishes were good. So we ended up taking home the left-overs.

The Dory Fish at ROC

Remember Dory in "Finding Nemo"? Yes, the large-eyed blue fish! It's one of the kid's favorite character in the movie. It's also the name of the favorite fish-dish of Geoffrey. (Note: the fish is not the blue-wide-eyed cute fish in Nemo - they only share the name ;)

In one restaurant at the UP Diliman Bahay ng Alumni, the Dory fish is a specialty. ROC, the abbreviation of Restaurant of Choice is one resto which serves good food.

In our most recent visit there, Geof and I ordered their Dory fish dishes. Geof ordered the Fish Florentine, while I ate the Pesce Parmigiana. Their menu describes the Fish Florentine as cream Dory, spinach cream, chefs veggies with steamed white rice, while Pesce Parmigiana as Dory fish, marinara sauce, cheese, chefs veggies with steamed white rice or buttered pasta. The fish was really good especially the sauce but the veggies are not well cooked. But over-all, we were both satisfied with our lunch date with Dory and the service at ROC.

ROC also serves other fish dishes like bangus and salmon and meat dishes. But the Dory fish is what makes ROC different from the other resto here at the Bahay ng Alumni.

Painting Mr. T

During the Family Day at Miriam Child Sudy Center, Geof tried his hand on painting a ceramic turtle which her mom named as Mr. T. From an immaculate white turtle, Mr. T was transformed into green and black colored turtle. It took Geof about less than an hour painting the turtle. This is another creative activity that kids should try.

Twisted Potato

The kids really love potatoes - french fries, mashed potatoes and potato chips. So when I found a stall selling twisted potatoes, I didn't hesitate to buy it for the kids. Tater Twist is made from 100% fresh potato - one whole potatato was cut partially, twisted and fried - then a stick was stucked in the potato. You can add powdered flavors - cheese, barbecue and others. It's a little expensive though at P50.00 per potato but it was fun eating it and the presentation is unique. The potato is soft - you can even eat the skin. Geof consumed almost half of the stick of twisted potato.

Camping-indoors

Our tent was first used in 2006 at Malabon.

Every November 1, the family troops to Pampanga to visit the tomb of my husband's parents, Mauro and Corazon. We usually travel on Oct 31, spend the night in the Coronel old family house at Floridablanca, and meet-up with the Coronel relatives in that brief visit.

Family Gatherings During Meals (2008)

Since 2008, we started "camping" in the extension-kitchen-veranda of my cousin-in-law's place in San Pedro, Pampanga. Okay, it's really not an authentic camping since we are still in-doors, but it still has the 'camping' feel since all four of us (the two kids plus me and hubby) sqeeze together in the tent (which, surprisingly, accomodates us four comfortably). There's no wi-fi in the farm and my son's use of his Nintendo DS is limited, so we have more time doing non-techie stuff like reading our books, visiting/ bathing in the river, harvesting veggies, have a liesurely mid-day sleep, play with the chickens :) ....

Vegetables at San Pedro (2008)

A Dip at the River with Carabaos (2008) ... Carabaos not shown!

My 5-year old enjoys our one-day-one-night "adventure" immensely, she looks forward to this trips. Even Geof who is so into computer games and You-Tube also enjoys this day out. I am therefore determined to keep practice and make it a family tradition. In an environment of too much modernity and commercialism, it is important to find simple pleasures like this where the family can have fun and enjoy each other's company, sans all the techie-gadgets. After all, its the company and not the trappings that make a day-out fun and memorable.

Good Morning, Carabao .. mooooo! (Nov. 1, 2010)

Lutong Kapampangan at Cely's

One of the joys of visiting Pampanga is eating the tasty and yummy kapampangan dishes. At Angeles City's Nepo Mart, Cely's Carinderia is a favorite eatery of ours whenever we visit our Tita Bea and cousin Faye. Cely's is popular for its bulalo. But on our last visit on Oct. 31, 2010, we ordered fried hito, tagilo or buro (fermented rice) with vegetables, kilain (pork and liver cooked in vinegar) and tilapia in tausi. Bulalo soup is served free. Our bill for the main dishes plus 3 cups of rice, 2 buko juice and 2 tropicana juice is P357.00. "Maniaman keni" - Masarap dito.

Yen-Yen Taiwan Street Food

On our way home passing through the funeral parlors along Araneta Ave., QC, Apple and I noticed a new eatery called Yen Yen which offers Taiwan Street Food. Our first visit there was very satisfying. We ordered Taipei Braised Beef Noodle Soup - Jumbo (P168) and Spicy Wonton (6 pcs @ P 78). The noodles are soft and thinner than the Japanese udon and the soup was tasty with a little tinge of spice. We also ordered their Taiwan mini-siopao for take out (4 pcs @ P78). We were lucky to receive a discount since one of the owners recognized me as one of his teachers at DLSU-Manila. He graduated BSME in 1998. We enjoyed the food very much that we promised to return the following Sunday.

Our second visit the following Sunday was with the kids. We ordered Wonton Noodle Soup, Crispy Taiwan Porkchops, Chewy Kikiam, Crispy Taoso Tofu, Taiwan Special Fried Rice. The kids love the noodles. The soup though has too much seaweeds. Geof enjoyed the porkchops, while Apple and I consumed the tofu with the crispy toppings soaked in soy sauce and the kikiam. The serving of the special rice was generous which is more than 3 servings.

The resto is relatively small with about six tables for four. You will have no problem with parking since Yen Yen is part of the Parking Building.

A Japan Memoir: An Experience with Japanese Workers

It was the end of the year in 1988 and a brief rest from my six-month Nihonggo course at Nagoya University had finally commenced. After spending two days of idleness at the Sakurayama Kaikan, the foreign students' house, I felt bored.

Nothing much to do during the two week Christmas break, my Malaysian friend, Rahman and I decided to look for a part-time job at the Nagoya International Center (NIC). A lot of advertisements were posted on the bulletin board -- mostly dealing with English-Japanese exchange lessons -- but what caught my friend's eye was an advertisement of one cleaning company in Fushimi, a business district in Nagoya that needs people to do some cleaning chores in some offices. It looks like a dirty job but still we went to see the manager, Mr. Fujiwara, to find out really what kind of job is being offered.

Mr. Fujiwara, a man in his early fifties, welcomed us warmly in his office. He speaks fluent English -- this may be due to his numerous trips abroad -- and he candidly explained to us the type of job and compensation offered by his company. From his explanation, I concluded that the job does not look very difficult and the pay (800 yen per hour), small it may seem, could pay out my daily expenses during the break. Besides it is better that doing nothing. So we accepted the job.

Our job which is to clean the offices at the Nagoya station starts at 5:30 PM just after office hours and finishes at 8:30 PM for a total of three hours.

On our first day of work, we were given working clothes (light blue uniforms) and shoes to wear. We dressed up at about 5:15 PM and reported for work at the basement of the building. The Japanese workers, numbering about 40, were mostly elderly - probably 50 to 60 years old. However, there were also a number of young workers; students perhaps doing "arbaito" or part-time work to support their studies. Before starting work, we assemble at the basement for some briefing and announcements from the head of the workers. On that day, we were introduced to the group and we were assigned a buddy or co-worker. My Japanese buddy was a short and friendly guy. It was from him that I learend my tasks. Since he can not speak English and I can not understand Japanese yet being only on my third month of Japanese lessons, instructions were mostly given by sign language. It was not diffcult to understand him though since I can catch some Japanese words he says while doing the signals.

My job was to collect the trash from the waste paper basket and transfer them to a big bag made of canvas and then throw them away at the basement. I realized that it was not a messy job after all since the trash is mostly paper. All in all, we have to clean about six floors with at least two office rooms per floor.

During my work, I observed the Japanese way of doing things - very systematic and efficient. The workers were divided into groups, Each group is assigned a particular task. The men were assigned the ardous chores - the group where I was assigned collects the trash while another group of elderly men do the vacuum cleaning. The tasks of the elderly women were also divided - one group cleans the toilet, another group collects only cigarette buts from the ashtrays while another group only wipes the office tables. It was a marvel to see everybody doing his/her small and simple task. It was like watching a mechanized factory in motion where each machine functions according to its intended purpose. When the task is over, we return the cleaning equipments - vacuum cleaners, canvas bags, mop, etc. - in their proper storage and dress up for home.

My last day of work coincided on December 30, the last day of work for the year. After completing our cleaning tasks, a small party was held. This simple party serves as the year-end party or "bonen-kai" for the workers. Beer, sake and food stuffs like dried squid, potato chips and cake were served. I was served beer and sake successively. Probably, I drank four to five glasses that night. "Kampai!" was shouted everytime we toast our drinks. It was really an impressive experience to witness the close relationship and camaraderie among ordinary Japanese workers. They seem to belong to one big family. After the food and drinks have been consumed, we exchanged New Year greetings and farewells as well. Next year, back to the same job for the Japanse worker.

-June 14, 1990-


I lived in Nagoya from September 1988 to April 1994 during my graduate studies at the Nagoya University. I completed my Master of Engineering in 1991 and Doctor of Engineering in 1994. I wrote this article during my creative time or maybe when I was pressured doing my research at the unviersity.

Fresh Fruits and Juices at the UP Diliman Coop

Whenever we visit UP Diliman, we make it a point to drop by at the UP Cooperative where you can see stalls of xerox copiers, UP T-shirts, small eateries like Rodic's, Ersao and Mashitta and a fruit store. At the UP Coop fruit store is where we usually buy our favorite fruits like papaya, mangoes, banana, apples and avocado. Geof and Julia also love their fruit shakes - Geof prefers Mango shake and Julia loves strawberry shake. Oh, yes this store also sell tinapa and various dry goods. The UP Coop - its a one stop shopping complex!

Blueberry Cheesecake of my dreams, Chicken Empanaditas to live for!

Blueberry cheesecake. Mouth-watering creaminess that melts in your mouth, textured with the semi-sour, semi-sweet blueberries, with the contrasting buttery and slightly salted crust... sinfully delicious...just thinking about it makes me salivate like a dog. Yes, it's one of my weakness. The first time I've tasted it, I was done for. I'll actually trade any dessert for blueberry cheesecake.

Unfortunately, not all cake shop can satisfy my standards. Let's just say that I've tasted my share of this pie that I 've become a self-declared connoiseur. So it was really a delight to discover a small cake shop along Katipunan Road, White Plains, Quezon City that serves my type of blueberry cheese pie.

I've heard of "Gateau de Manille" sometime ago in a radio commercial, advertising for lunch and dinner. I've passed by it a hundredth time and paid no attention. It's outside has no fanciness, it actually looked like a very ordinary restaurant. Our discovery of it was purely coincidental. We've placed an order for chicken in a nearby store but had to wait for 20 mins before it cooks, so we went looking for a decent place to while the time. It was providential that we landed at Gateau de Manille. Their blueberry cheesecake was everything I hoped for! (No contest ang Red Ribbon dito! - Andy).

My dear hubby and also Geoffrey, on the otherhand, fell in love with the chicken empanaditas. It's a bread-filled pastry that's bursting with a very tasty mixture of chicken, potatoes, green peas, raisin, and carrots. As you bite it, your tastebuds welcome the succulent chicken mixture with a tinge of sweetness because of the rasins. The cover is not thick unlike other empanadas where the filling is sooo small compared to the thick covering. Let the pictures speak for themselves. (Talong talo ang Goldilucks at Red Ribbon sa sarap at presyo! - Andy)

Cheesecake is only P415 while chicken empanaditas cost only P18/pc or P105 per box of 6. They also have a broad range of cakes, pastries, pies, and bread. (Magandang pampasalubong! Di ka mapapahiya! - Andy). I look forward tasting their other creations.

Gateau de Manille is located at 117 Katipunan Road, St. Ignatius Village, White Plains, Quezon City, with tel. 9116547, 9116750, 9128573.

Chicharon Bulaklak

I haven't eaten a chicharon bulaklak for a long time. I don't know how many years since my last taste of that crispy chicharon bulaklak dipped in vinegar. It's a favorite among beer drinkers. Chicharon bulaklak is fried pork omentum. The omentum is "a sheet of fatty tissue that hangs down in front of the intestines."

When I read about P.Noy's love for the chicharon bulaklak, my craving to taste it once more was ignited. I looked for one at Lapid's Trinoma but it has long been removed from their specialties since May 2010 according to the sales guy. When I went out for dinner with my DLSU friends to celebrate the end of the term, we ate at Gerry's Grill (Trinoma) and I was again disappointed. No chicharon bulaklak in their menu. It was also removed in their menu. "Maybe P.Noy has hoarded all the chicharon bulaklaks", I wondered.

My search and craving for the chicharon bulaklak was finally ended when I visited Cherry Foodarama. There is a stall there called Peanut World which obviously sells different kinds of peanuts and also the elusive chicharon bulaklak. I bought 100 gms for P102.00 and brought it home for dinner. Peanut World's chicharon bulaklak is not as good as the taste that I remember and imagined. But anyway, now, I know where I can buy that chicharon bulaklak. And I don't have to go around town to look for it.

PS: Don't let P.Noy read this blog. He might buy and hoard all of the chicharon bulaklak of Peanut World.

Experiencing DEODATO's Music

Thirty years ago, I bought my first music cassette tape of Eumir Deodato. During those years in my college days, I was influenced by my batchmate Royce to listen to Jazz music and one of the musicians he introduced to me was Deodato. The music of Deodato is characterized by repeated rythms with his keyboard as the lead and with back-up of sounds from a horn, flute, trumpet, percussions, drums and guitars. When you listen to his music, you will imagine a complete orchestra but actually his band consists of only about 7 to 8 musicians.

After thirty years after my first exposure to Deodato, I didn't realize that I will watch him perform live here in Manila last July 31, 2010 at the SMX. Before going to this concert, I first watched YouTube videos of Deodato. During the Manila concert, I noticed that the quality of his music remains outstanding whether he performs in Finland, USA or the Philippines. His band may be different for every location, but his performance and music doesn't change. In the Manila concert, his back-up band were all Filipino artists - very versatile and talented. Each musician showed their talent by doing solo acts.

Watching a Deodato concert is like going back in time. For one, the audience is composed of old timers - grey haired or bald headed fans. I had influenced my wife, Apple with Deodato's music ; that's why Apple has also became a fan too. Listening to Deodato's music is a mixed experience - exhilirating, relaxing, highstrung and passionate - depending on the musical piece he plays. I enjoyed the music especially my favorites: Adam's Hotel, Speak Low, Also Sprach Zarathustra, Baubles, Bangles & Beads and Carly & Carole. I bought a two-CD album at the concert site which is a bargain for P300 being a collector's edition.

Watch this YouTube concert of Deodato in Finland. The performance is the same as what I experienced.

Comfort Food at Pen Pen (de Sarapan)

Pandesal with pesto-kesong puti?! Penoy Carbonara??!!! Tomato Kebab Rice????!!! These are just some of the food that caught our attention when we visited Pen Pen (de Sarapan) last week. It boasts of "comfort food araw araw" at very affordable prices. Indeed, we take our hats off.

Pen Pen at 105-C Scout Castor St., South Triagle, Quezon City, Metro Manila is a small cozy restaurant that serves comfort food such as various pandesal filling like adobo, kesong puti, menudo, ham and sardines, soup combo with pandesal, pasta with local flavors like tinapa, aligue, penoy (duck egg), crispy liempo (bacon-cut), rice with flavors like kebab or aligue and more.

(Obviously, this resto is not for the health buffs who are concerned about calories and cholesterol. :)

We tried their carbonara, double burger steak, molo with kesong puti, tomato kebab rice and crispy liempo. I am not so much into white sauce for my pasta (but my little Julia is), so we ordered the carbonara. I have to say the preparation is very tasty. The sauce is not too creamy-sticky (which I don't really like) but rather, light and smooth. The topping is a mix of bacon, cheese, and a white chewy 'thingy' that feels very much like the white part of the penoy-egg (we didn't order the Penoy Carbonara that's why I'm not sure of this - blimey, we didn't ask!)

The fried liempo looks and tastes like bacon to me - Andy who is really a pork lover - enjoyed it. Geof is a burger kid so that's his order. The burger is tasty - the mixture is acually similar to how I prepare my own version (naks!) The sun dried tomato-kebab rice was a delight.

I was the most 'adventurous' and hence, ordered the pandesal with kesong puti-pesto and the Molo soup (ok, not that adventurous :) But to my surprise, the molo soup has melted cheese on it (feels and tastes like pizza cheese).

And, as always, the price is the best. Food prices range only between P50-P150. It even has free wifi. Every Tuesday, if you feel like pigging out on pasta, it offers pasta all you can - where, according to their ad, 7 sauces are available! View more photos of Pen Pen food offerings at clickthecity.com.

Presenting, Toby and Coby Hamsters!

Last Summer, I made a pact with Julia, that as soon as she finishes her summer swimming lessons, we'll get her hamsters. She was ecstatic that just after the first day of her swimming lessons, she bugged us to no end about "the promise." How can one refuse a kid who bargains with that sweet little eyes and smile ...

So we got the hamsters - two males since we don't want a poultry of hammies. Naming them was tricky. We argued on several names - Bob, Rocky, Brownie..., until the names just sprang out - Coby and Toby! Coby is the colored brown hamster, while Toby is white one.

(Though Toby 1, the white hammie, suddenly died after just 10 days for reasons we couldn't understand. We buried him and had a small white tomb with his name on it. We got a second white hamster and named it Toby 2).

Very tiny when we got them, now they are "adolescents" - how did we know? Because their 'testicles' suddenly appeared from nowhere that we had to research if they are afflicted with a sickness called 'huge testicles syndrome' or something. We soon learned that it's normal for hamster, as soon as they reach puberty, to have huge t's and there's nothing to worry about (Believe me, they are H-U-G-E- huge)

They have been a joy ever since, Toby and Coby. After a tiring day at work/ school, just watching these two energetic kiddos fool around and exercise their hearts out is enough to put a smile on our face... They actually are good inspirations to those too lethargic to exercise.

(in the first video is Coby in the exercise wheel while Toby is busy cleaning himself)

(in the second video, Coby and Toby share the wheel)

Magic!

I am really amazed with the fast hands of magicians. During the birthday party of Julia at Kenny Rogers, we hired a magician to entertain the guests. One of his tricks which you can watch in the video was the "Magic Newspaper." After tearing the newspaper into small pieces as seen by the audience, he finally presents a newspaper - in one piece. Wow! I watched the video several times but I can't seem to catch the trick. You know I developed an interest in magic tricks. I was inspired by my nephew, Memong who does magic tricks during our family reunions. I did one of his magic tricks, "the missing drinking glass", during our department and college christmas party. I taped the trick in video and this was presented in our college christmas party. My DLSU colleague, Dr. Raymund Tan, a genius and an NAST awardee is still wondering how I did the trick. Magic tricks can not be explained by mathematical equations. It's in the hands!

The Kids' Summer Activities

During summer vacation, we make it a point that our kids will engage in a hobby or sports activity. These activities help them develop their skills, talents and creativity. They also meet new friends and make them socialize.

Geoffrey enrolled at Ateneo's Chess Clinic. I already taught Geof the basics of Chess but here he learned to play with kids of his age and sometimes younger. Geof received the "Sportmanship" award and a gold medal for topping the Chess puzzles for beginners. Geof knows the moves the chess pieces but he still has to learn the strategies of the game, particularly, aiming for the check mate.

Julia, on the otherhand, enrolled at the Ateneo's Swimming Lessons. The first day was a nightmare for Julia because her coach asked her to do the bubbles. Not yet trained on the bubbles, Julia drank some water and cried running to her mommy. Apple then taught Julia how to do the breathing. After that brief trauma, Julia enjoyed her swimming lessons with her new coach (not the day one coach) who is more systematic and patient. She learned quickly and developed her confidence in the water. She practices her swimming skills with Apple at Celebrity Place.

Oh yes, the kids also enjoyed biking at the UP Diliman Oval during Sundays. We tried to teach Geof to bike on two wheels. Geof was struggling in his bicycle without the training wheels. His uncles from Malabon also tried teaching him. He still needs to learn how to balance and stir the handle properly. Julia, on the otherhand, enjoys riding her new bike (our gift on her 5th birthday).