When an Anti-social Person Goes Out...

...she normally finds herself anxious and/or bored. Last weekend was a bit different, though. Jer and I went to my company's anniversary party despite the fact that we were both dead tired from the day's activities. I was not really looking forward to it simply because I do not like parties. Jer, on the other hand, was hyped up because he knows how fun our parties can be.

So what happened? Well, I found myself relaxing (the roast beef did the trick I think) and having a good time. It was not wild but it was not boring either. We left a little after midnight and had some dessert at a nearby Starbucks.Heaven on Earth and Blueberry Cheesecake - yum!Ruy and Jerry...?

My First Cappuccino

I love cappuccino and cafe latte but I have never really tried making these coffee drinks on my own - until last weekend. I had some fresh milk from UPLB (they sell the best, seriously) and I thought of playing with LePieu to see what I could come up with.

I looked at a few recipes online just to be sure. First I had to make espresso the way I normally do - 2 shots. Then I had to froth the milk using the steam wand. The instructions varied and I was quite unsure as to how long I had to steam the milk but I think the result was pretty good. The taste was very rich and creamy but the coffee flavor was still strong.
As you can see, I didn't get much foam, though. I guess I have to do it longer next time.

Cebu Pacific Gives FREE Tickets

I was meaning to write about this but somehow I overlooked it but last week, we received an e-mail alert from Cebu Pacific that they were giving away tickets for local destination for absolutely free. Of course, I was skeptical but I tried booking anyway.

Ren and I were able to get 4 tickets (roundtrip) to Iloilo for November and YES we didn't have to pay a single centavo! So I guess that means we're going on a trip in November.

This also means that I need to get new luggage for the trip - our old bags are beat up.

My Tuyo Puttanesca

I love good old spaghetti meat sauce but every now and then, I do get a hankering for something different. Puttanesca is always a good choice for me but I have never been able to pull it off. To date, the best puttanesca I have had is Bruce's.

Anyhow, I still had a bottle of gourmet tuyo (dried fish) from Connie's Kitchen so I decided to try my hand at making puttanesca.

Ingredients:
4 tomatoes, chopped up
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons black olives
4 cloves of garlic, chopped up
olive oil
salt to taste
cayenne pepper

So what did I do?

First I drizzled some olive oil in a pan - enough to cover the bottom fully. Then I crushed up some of the tuyo - I don't remember exactly how many I used but maybe around 6 of the fillets. I then put the tuyo and garlic in the pan and just let it sit there, stirring every now and then. I did this until the tuyo kinda melted (if that is possible). I then added the tomatoes, capers, and olives. The mixture looked a bit dry after a while so I added more olive oil. I also added salt and cayenne pepper.

After about 8 to 10 minutes, I tossed in the noodles (already cooked of course) and mixed it up. To be honest, I was a bit iffy ... I didn't know if I was going to like it. After the first bite, I dug into the meal without any hesitation. I'd say it was a success!

My Sweet Tooth

I think I ate too much! I tried my hand at tuyo puttanesca (I'll talk about this in a separate post) this afternoon and I liked it so much that I had it for dinner again. Now I need something sweet. Unfortunately, I overlooked desserts when we went to the grocery store last week. Now all I can do is to browse online for dessert recipes. Maybe I'll be able to find something to whip up in the kitchen.

ShopWiki Provides More Options

I recently discovered some video games that I would like to have - games that I would actually spend time playing. You see, we have loads of games here at home and while most of them are fun, some are quite complicated and I end up losing the drive to play. With the limited time that I have and the complexity of the games, it is just hard to keep it up sometimes.

Yet I found a couple that I think I would actually be able to play for a while. These are Wii Fit and Guitar Hero 3. I already wrote about the latter in a previous post but so far, I have not been able to find one at a reasonable price.

My hopes are soaring right now, though, as I am browsing through the pages of this new online shopping site. The idea is similar to the one behind Wikipedia (hence the name ShopWiki). They display items from over 30,000 stores and do not only display those from paid placements. What this means for me - and you - is that you have more items to choose from. Practically anything that is for sale, you can find in this site.

Now back to video games - they have a wonderful selection of games and even though I have been browsing the site for several minutes already, I think I have only seen the tip of the iceberg. That is why I am quite hopeful that I will find good deals either for the Guitar Hero III package for the PlayStation 3 or the Wii Fit - maybe for both! Another plus, by the way, is that they provide shopping guides for specific products. So, for example, if you do not know much about what you want to buy, you can consult these guides and be a smarter buyer.

This is What a Big Breakfast Should Be

I don't normally eat breakfast - it seems that my stomach is not ready for food early in the morning. But when I do eat breakfast, I make a big deal out of it. That is why I really do not like eating the breakfast meals at McDonald's or Jollibee - they leave me unsatisfied. For the price that you pay, I think that you should be getting more, both in terms of quantity and quality.

Last week, I made my own big breakfast (although I had it for lunch). Thanks to Vicki, my tuyo (dried salted fish) was finally satisfied. Take a look at this.


3 Hotdogs, 2 fried eggs, and 3 pieces of yummy tuyo. Oh, and don't overlook the dipping sauce - Del Monte vinegar with a dash of salt and some garlic. Of course, a steaming cup of rice (it was still cooking when I took this picture) completes the meal. THIS is what those fastfood chains should have for their big breakfast menu.

Got Tattoo?

No, I don't but my husband and some friends do. And despite my inherent aversion to tattoos, I find myself becoming more and more interested in them. I guess watching LA Ink has something to do with that as well.

If you are a single and are interested in meeting people who have a passion for tattoos, then maybe you would want to visit Tattoolovers, a place for tattoo lovers to meet online. Tattooed Guys and Girls - this room is for you. By the way, you do not have to spend a dime to participate. So head on over there and mingle with like minded people!

Night Before Jerry's Birthday @ Aninuan Beach Resort

Despite the typhoon that had been hounding the northern part of the Philippines all week last week, the weather was wonderful on Saturday. The sun was out and the water was very inviting. We spent all afternoon in the water and after dinner - which we made on the grill - we decided to go over to the neighboring resort, Sunset @ Aninuan Beach.

The birthday boyYep, found time to work a little bit. Koryu's first trip!Here's a tip if you want to go to Puerto Galera. Stay at Tamaraw Beach Resort because their rates are more affordable and the beach front is better. For brewed coffee, drinks, and ambiance, walk over to Aninuan. They have this nice litte outdoor bar where you can enjoy the sound of the crashing waves and the warmth of the sun while you drink an ice cold beer poured over chilled mugs. They also have a nice selection of wines and liquors. The owner, Lexy, is there on weekends and provides a lively conversation.

Silas and Sam @ the Beach (Tamaraw Beach, Puerto Galera)

Silas and Sam had a blast last weekend. We could hardly get them out of the water. Well, where the water and the land met. The waves were too strong and Silas didn't want to get dragged by the crashing waves as Nikki, Myla, and Mom were dragged.

Silas enjoying the water and sand.See how big those waves are?

Whee!!! Sam loving it.

I wonder how I can go into the deeper waters?With Sam and Silas

Meet Bikers From All Over The World

My husband is a biker dude. Ha ha, he is gonna kill me for writing that for anyone to read. Seriously, though, he loves bikes. He had a Harley when he was in the U.S. and I know he would give an arm and a leg to have one over here.

When I saw this site called Biker Chat City, I couldn't help but think that he would love to meet friends on there. Everything is free on this chat site but I think the best thing is that you can actually meet people who have the same passion as you do - bikes. Oh, and if you have a really nice bike, you can even show it off live through their video chat.

The Great American Seafood Cook Off

I love seafood and I am always on the lookout for new recipes to try. So when I heard about this event called the Great American Seafood cook off, I was quite excited to see what it was all about. When I visited their web site, I was more than satisfied. They have different recipes from different chefs and they all look so yummy!

My favorite one is the Pan Roasted Glazed Rockfish with Peas and Carrots. Perhaps the main reason that I chose this recipe over the others is the fact that it seems quite easy to prepare. The ingredients are basic - rockfish, salt & pepper, thyme, crab or shrimp, and butter. You also need peas and other things for the sauce and taco. The preparation is so simple - you don't even need an oven! (If you have been following my blog, you would know that I don't have an oven so I need recipes that do not call for one.) Another possible reason that I chose this recipe over the others is the fact that the recipe was created by Chef Tafari Campbell of Maryland - Jer is from there and he has always been proud of their seafood.

I have never really thought of the idea of combining fish and taco and I think that this is brilliant. It is a very good alternative to other sides such as rice and potatoes (which is basically what we have most of the time).

I think that the idea of the Cook Off is very interesting as it would encourage people from all over the United States to utilize their existing local resources. More than this, using local seafood is actually better on the pocket and is fresher (and tastier!) as well.

If you have not heard of the Cook Off yet, I suggest that you visit the web site at www.GreatAmericanSeafoodCookOff.com and browse the recipes. You could even join their contest - pick the best recipe - and get a chance to win a trip to New Orleans! Yummmm!!!

Why Is Farm Frenzy So Addictive?

I have always been easily addicted to video games (among other things). I remember the time when I wouldn't sleep because of Heroes of Might and Magic III. Then there was The Sims (yeah I didn't go to my classes because of this game). Now I am more into casual games and Farm Frenzy seems to top them all at the moment.

It's not just me, though. Everyone I know who has had the chance to play this game just couldn't stop playing. What is it about this game that makes people like it so much?

Seafood Craving

I don't know why but since last night I have been craving for seafood. Fish, shrimps, mussels, crabs - I don't care as long as it is seafood. There are a lot of options but I am leaning towards going to the market and buying fresh seafood and cooking it at home. I just might do that since Sam's coming over for a visit.

To Grill or Not to Grill?

I was watching Bobby Flay's Throwdown last night and the theme was barbecued ribs. He challenged this guy from Richmond and as I was watching the show, I couldn't help but want to have barbecued ribs. Actually, I just want anything grilled.

The thing is, we do not have a grill. I am now thinking of getting one but the really nice ones are quite expensive. I saw an electric grill at Shopwise for a reasonable price but I am not sure if it will produce the same results as a charcoal grill. Anyone have some tips?

Missing Thailand

My legs are killing me...all that walking we did today is taking its toll. I miss Thailand the most during these moments. Over there, you could get a foot (and leg) massage anytime, anywhere. I remember walking all day and stopping by a foot massage parlor right beside the hotel. The 1-hour session is more than enough to chase the pain away and give you extra energy to do more exploring. I wonder when we can go back...

Discovering Wine

I used to dislike wine. Then I started working for my current company. I guess you could say that the rest is history. Wine is now my favorite drink (next to water!).

I have much to learn about wine. I know almost nothing about it except that there are some that I like and that there are some that I cannot drink. I wish there were wine tours in the Philippines like that of Sonoma Wine Tours in California. The wine tours offer visitors tips about different kinds of wine, which goes with what kinds of food, and so on. This specific tour provider, Xperience Days, also makes it more special by giving participants gift packs at the end of the tour.

Then again, we are not really a wine producing country so that is not bound to happen. My best bet would be to go to California or some other wine producing area and go on a wine tour.

I can't wait!

My Spa

I found this really good home service spa that offers their services here in Manila (courtesy of Glenna). They're called MY SPA and I have been using them for quite some time now and I have to say that I really like them.

Jer and I had foot spas today - long overdue ones. Then I had a full body massage. They actually have a wide array of services - from facials to waxing to a host of massages. What I like is that you can specify the intensity of the massage that you prefer and they will send you a specific masseuse. My favorite is Emily. Seriously, you will be amazed at how strong her hands are and how she can keep up the intense pressure for 2 hours (that's the longest I have had a massage done).

Anyway, I was just thinking about how things are so much more convenient these days than they were before. Who would have thought that you could get all these things done in the comfort of your own home?

Aussie Rib-eye from Ants

We just realized last night how much beef we have been eating for the past weeks - thanks to Jerry's aching knees (getting old?). Wagyu burgers from Livi, steak from Hot Rocks, and the Aussie rib-eye from Ants - not to mention the beef stew and beef strips that we bought from Shopwise. Starting next pay day (when we do our groceries again), we have to cut back. Otherwise, someone's knees just might give in.

Anyhow, I wanted to write about the steak we ordered from Ants. For PhP575 a kilo, it was really worth it. For a kilo, you get 3 huge slabs of rib-eye. The steaks are pre-marinated so you don't really have to do anything else but grill or pan fry the meat. I decided to pan fry it in olive oil and some butter. You just have to make sure the pan is really really hot so you sear the meat on contact. After that, you can cook it in lower heat to your heart's desire (yup, I like my steak well done). Bake some potatoes, slather them in butter, and you are set for one of the best meals ever!

By the way, they deliver the steaks so let me know if you want to order and I'll give you her e-mail address.

The Tale of the Wagyu Burgers

We got these really nice burger patties made from wagyu (Kobe) beef from Ruy and Livi last week and we had been looking forward to having them for lunch. We've never had wagyu before and I have to say the burgers were really good.

I encountered a glitch though - the patties were quite thick and seeing that we have no grill, I had to pan fry them. The result? The outsides were a bit burnt while the insides were still raw. The situation was quickly remedied by making several trips back to the stove.

Lesson learned - cook in low heat first. They were still good!