Macho! Meet Leslieto, or Lito for short :p
And oh, here is one of the very RARE 'pacute moment' shot with the giant gumamela. Meet Lita :)
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Picture Perfect: Meet Lito & Lita :p
My good friend and I went to Science Centre last weekend. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw this picture. She suggested that the hair must be placed in front, and it did look more natural that way.
Macho! Meet Leslieto, or Lito for short :p
And oh, here is one of the very RARE 'pacute moment' shot with the giant gumamela. Meet Lita :)
Macho! Meet Leslieto, or Lito for short :p
And oh, here is one of the very RARE 'pacute moment' shot with the giant gumamela. Meet Lita :)
Monday, December 17, 2007
Stars and Videos
Another new hobby - starhunting :).. and video-ing
What I mean by stars are celebrities, big names in the Taiwanese singers/actors industry. Haha they do have mall tours sometimes here in SG. Dont ask me about US stars, they do come here for concerts occasionally but I dont think they do 'free' mall appearances.
My first episode is actually an 'errand'. Last Dec 7, my sister asked me to check her 'idol's appearances' in Bugis Junction mall. They are a group of 4 guys who won some singing competition search in Taiwan (ala American Idol) early this year. My goodness, I was there shooting and recording and I dont even know their names or how they look like, totally unfamiliar faces hehe. This first attempt was a disaster, ang labo ng mga kuha ko, shaky.
My 2nd episode is my own will :) I heard a new song from Michael Kuang Liang and learned from the radio that he's coming to promote his new album and upcoming concert. This time I was able to have better video captures of his appearance in Square 2 mall. (a never-heard mall, luckily I found my way). Shucks napagastos na naman ako, his live performances were great that I feel I couldnt miss his concert, wah but I just book the cheapest one haha. :p
Because of this, I opened my own youtube account to upload the videos that I shoot. my Chinese mediabox. Mahirap talaga magrecord. It's so hard to have steady hands as you have to raise your hands so high amidst the crowd, kakangawit. This site is exclusive! What you see here are not for broad sharing.
Here's a sample:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=71ygRyeQQDw
What I mean by stars are celebrities, big names in the Taiwanese singers/actors industry. Haha they do have mall tours sometimes here in SG. Dont ask me about US stars, they do come here for concerts occasionally but I dont think they do 'free' mall appearances.
My first episode is actually an 'errand'. Last Dec 7, my sister asked me to check her 'idol's appearances' in Bugis Junction mall. They are a group of 4 guys who won some singing competition search in Taiwan (ala American Idol) early this year. My goodness, I was there shooting and recording and I dont even know their names or how they look like, totally unfamiliar faces hehe. This first attempt was a disaster, ang labo ng mga kuha ko, shaky.
My 2nd episode is my own will :) I heard a new song from Michael Kuang Liang and learned from the radio that he's coming to promote his new album and upcoming concert. This time I was able to have better video captures of his appearance in Square 2 mall. (a never-heard mall, luckily I found my way). Shucks napagastos na naman ako, his live performances were great that I feel I couldnt miss his concert, wah but I just book the cheapest one haha. :p
Because of this, I opened my own youtube account to upload the videos that I shoot. my Chinese mediabox. Mahirap talaga magrecord. It's so hard to have steady hands as you have to raise your hands so high amidst the crowd, kakangawit. This site is exclusive! What you see here are not for broad sharing.
Here's a sample:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=71ygRyeQQDw
Options Trading
Options Trading Intro-Seminar
Date: Dec 6 (Thurs)
Speaker: Mirriam Macwilliams
Details (copied from brochure)
Profile: Mirriam MacWilliams
Chief Options Trainer of Wealth Mentors. She is a self-made millionaire. She made over US$2million in less than two years in the stock market with a starting capital of only US$10,000. A corporate high-flyer at the peak of her career as National Director of Education of an investment club in US, Mirriam gave up a jet-setting job and a six-figure annual salary for a little known and predominantly male-dominated area of options trading. She teaches strategies used by professional fund managers. Her forte is turning complex subjects into easy-to-follow step-by-step strategies that anyone can learn and use right away. She is the only wealth coach featured in over 7 episodes of Channel NewsAsia’s Prime Time Morning TV series where she shared her extensive knowledge of wealth creation.
What Will You Learn:
• How to multiply your wealth from the comfort of your home.
• Importance of picking the right stocks and knowing when to enter and exit
• How to achieve high returns with minimum risks
• Make profits regardless of market direction
• No need to analyze reports and news
• How you can assess a company’s fundamentals in 30 seconds!
• How to get powerful trading tools at zero cost
My take:
Trading is a very interesting and enticing thing to learn, but the course fee is really too expensive. It's more than enough for me to tour Europe! I dont know if people can really make money out of this. But it's really cool how Mirriam Macwilliams turned 10K USD to 2M USD in 2 years with just trading options.
Their website is full of testimonials of those who made money, even for those who has no financial background, housewives included, my goodness! They made 200% in a week's time. I was really swooped by their ads and attracted to sign up. I still have hesitations in mind, so I just let it pass, anyway seminar occurs every 4 months.
The seminar promises of teaching effective strategies on how to trade profitably. At the back of my mind, I was thinking, what will happen if everyone uses Mirriam's strategies, doesnt it have an effect in stock prices? I mean if majority are practicing the same tactics, there should be some negation? Or is it the other way around, making it more profitable. Wheew it's complicated hehe.
On the contrary, I tried researching for feedbacks in general for options trading seminars. Some are positive, while some call it a scam, rubbing people of huge amount of money but leaving them all the more confused with trade jargons. I really dont know.
I remembered one nice quote from Aaron (The CEO):
Luck is not random, it favors the prepared. ---Well said.
Funny incident:
That night after the intro-seminar, I was again in my deep thoughts mode, thinking about the things Mirriam said. From Hotel Furama to my home is probably a 1-hour ride (MRT+bus). It was only when I reach my place that I saw that the name tag given during the seminar was still pinned on my dress, good thing I have a jacket on that might have hidden some part of it - i hope. (Probably fellow commuters that night might have been glancing at me) Parang gusto kong makilala ako ng buong mundo, haha ewww.
Date: Dec 6 (Thurs)
Speaker: Mirriam Macwilliams
Details (copied from brochure)
Profile: Mirriam MacWilliams
Chief Options Trainer of Wealth Mentors. She is a self-made millionaire. She made over US$2million in less than two years in the stock market with a starting capital of only US$10,000. A corporate high-flyer at the peak of her career as National Director of Education of an investment club in US, Mirriam gave up a jet-setting job and a six-figure annual salary for a little known and predominantly male-dominated area of options trading. She teaches strategies used by professional fund managers. Her forte is turning complex subjects into easy-to-follow step-by-step strategies that anyone can learn and use right away. She is the only wealth coach featured in over 7 episodes of Channel NewsAsia’s Prime Time Morning TV series where she shared her extensive knowledge of wealth creation.
What Will You Learn:
• How to multiply your wealth from the comfort of your home.
• Importance of picking the right stocks and knowing when to enter and exit
• How to achieve high returns with minimum risks
• Make profits regardless of market direction
• No need to analyze reports and news
• How you can assess a company’s fundamentals in 30 seconds!
• How to get powerful trading tools at zero cost
My take:
Trading is a very interesting and enticing thing to learn, but the course fee is really too expensive. It's more than enough for me to tour Europe! I dont know if people can really make money out of this. But it's really cool how Mirriam Macwilliams turned 10K USD to 2M USD in 2 years with just trading options.
Their website is full of testimonials of those who made money, even for those who has no financial background, housewives included, my goodness! They made 200% in a week's time. I was really swooped by their ads and attracted to sign up. I still have hesitations in mind, so I just let it pass, anyway seminar occurs every 4 months.
The seminar promises of teaching effective strategies on how to trade profitably. At the back of my mind, I was thinking, what will happen if everyone uses Mirriam's strategies, doesnt it have an effect in stock prices? I mean if majority are practicing the same tactics, there should be some negation? Or is it the other way around, making it more profitable. Wheew it's complicated hehe.
On the contrary, I tried researching for feedbacks in general for options trading seminars. Some are positive, while some call it a scam, rubbing people of huge amount of money but leaving them all the more confused with trade jargons. I really dont know.
I remembered one nice quote from Aaron (The CEO):
Luck is not random, it favors the prepared. ---Well said.
Funny incident:
That night after the intro-seminar, I was again in my deep thoughts mode, thinking about the things Mirriam said. From Hotel Furama to my home is probably a 1-hour ride (MRT+bus). It was only when I reach my place that I saw that the name tag given during the seminar was still pinned on my dress, good thing I have a jacket on that might have hidden some part of it - i hope. (Probably fellow commuters that night might have been glancing at me) Parang gusto kong makilala ako ng buong mundo, haha ewww.
Western Cooking Workshop
Western Cooking Workshop (ala Wok with Yan)
Date: Dec 4 (Tues)
Chef: Richard Aw
What made me enroll in this 1-day course is because of the extra-ordinary menu. They have Roast Turkey with Stuffing and Chocolate Mousse. See, I always fancy the uncommon things :p Haha as if it's easy to find turkeys back in Manila. Turkeys always remind me of Mr Bean (if you've watched the Thanksgiving episode where he inserted his head inside the giant turkey). :)
The over-all experience:
1) I feel like I was watching Wok With Yan live! The chef is a Singaporean Chinese and has a cheeful look which really resembles Mr Yan. There is a wide mirror at the top of the demo area, for the audience to see what's cooking. (see, it's exactly like the live cooking shows you watch on TV)
2) I see a bunch of housewives, office workers, matronas, it's amusing to see them raising their hands to ask questions, standing up to go near the chef demo table every now and then, touching the ingredients, using phone cameras to take pictures. Kakatuwa silang panoorin.
3) There's free taste for all the attendees after every dish has been cooked! Funny thing was all the attendees seemed to be 'prepared' with food containers in their bags. Mukhng SOP ata yan d2. And lucky me, that day I brought baon to office so I had empty food containers as well haha. Sumptuous dinner ta-pao for me! :)
4) Regarding the food:
Roast Turkey - goodness, I don't know why it's so juicy. The chef only rubbed salt and pepper and roasted it in oven.
Turkey stuffings served with gravy and cranberry sauce and Mashed potato - the stuffings composed mainly of ground chicken and turkey liver and the seasonings. The gravy has XO sauce, bay leaf and MRT (funny term by the chef, stands for marjoram, rosemary, thyme). All together they make a perfect combination.
Chocolate Mousse - the process is so tedious, you keep on whipping while maintaining a gradually cooling temperature. Taste is nice. But if you ask me to make one, I think I'd rather pay 40php for a slice from Red Ribbon than going through the whole process hehehe. I heard that mousse is one of the most difficult to make in the pastry world
Kudos to Chef Richard Aw. I think I'll attend some more of his classes if I have the time. :)
Date: Dec 4 (Tues)
Chef: Richard Aw
What made me enroll in this 1-day course is because of the extra-ordinary menu. They have Roast Turkey with Stuffing and Chocolate Mousse. See, I always fancy the uncommon things :p Haha as if it's easy to find turkeys back in Manila. Turkeys always remind me of Mr Bean (if you've watched the Thanksgiving episode where he inserted his head inside the giant turkey). :)
The over-all experience:
1) I feel like I was watching Wok With Yan live! The chef is a Singaporean Chinese and has a cheeful look which really resembles Mr Yan. There is a wide mirror at the top of the demo area, for the audience to see what's cooking. (see, it's exactly like the live cooking shows you watch on TV)
2) I see a bunch of housewives, office workers, matronas, it's amusing to see them raising their hands to ask questions, standing up to go near the chef demo table every now and then, touching the ingredients, using phone cameras to take pictures. Kakatuwa silang panoorin.
3) There's free taste for all the attendees after every dish has been cooked! Funny thing was all the attendees seemed to be 'prepared' with food containers in their bags. Mukhng SOP ata yan d2. And lucky me, that day I brought baon to office so I had empty food containers as well haha. Sumptuous dinner ta-pao for me! :)
4) Regarding the food:
Roast Turkey - goodness, I don't know why it's so juicy. The chef only rubbed salt and pepper and roasted it in oven.
Turkey stuffings served with gravy and cranberry sauce and Mashed potato - the stuffings composed mainly of ground chicken and turkey liver and the seasonings. The gravy has XO sauce, bay leaf and MRT (funny term by the chef, stands for marjoram, rosemary, thyme). All together they make a perfect combination.
Chocolate Mousse - the process is so tedious, you keep on whipping while maintaining a gradually cooling temperature. Taste is nice. But if you ask me to make one, I think I'd rather pay 40php for a slice from Red Ribbon than going through the whole process hehehe. I heard that mousse is one of the most difficult to make in the pastry world
Kudos to Chef Richard Aw. I think I'll attend some more of his classes if I have the time. :)
The Science of Getting Rich
Science of Getting Rich (SGR)
Date: Dec 3 (Mon)
Speaker: Dr. Mel Gill
I attended an intro-seminar about 'The Science of Getting Rich'. It's a book written by Wallace Walters in 1909 and is now re-packaged into a 3-day course by a well-known writer/psychiatrist named Dr Mel Gill.
The learnings of this might be contrary to some beliefs (primarily Christian principles). But anyway, try to pick up something positive, I dont suggest researching deeply on it too much. Just keep an open mind.
Before I start, I just remember a quote I saw in TV before and I feel like putting it here :). It's rather a question. What would you do if someone is holding a knife in front of you? .... I'll answer the same question at the end of this entry.
Dr Mel Gill is a very good speaker. Someone who can sustain my attention span for 2 long hours, this is really something commendable as I didnt doze off a bit. And it's not often that a speaker can make me scribble down notes. :)
The subject matter is quite interesting as it is trying to find a common ground between science and the things that happen around us. Sometimes there are basic principles in life that we forget, and it's good that something like this comes along the way to remind us. Here are the perky comments:
1) Molecular Theory
Everything is energy. Physical matter is vibration.
E=mc2,mass is proportional to energy.
All thoughts are vibration or frequencies.
Thoughts and matter interact. Desires and memories are thought forms.
You can control your thoughts and motion.
Basically it means whatever is happening around you is just a form of energy. And you interact with everything in a sub-atomic manner and therefore you create your own reality.
2) Quantum Physics
Heisengberg Uncertainty Principle - expectations change the result of experiment.
Your brain is powerful and it can interact with everyting in a sub-atomic manner. It is never at rest even if you're asleep. It has the capacity to learn 17 languages.
3) Law of Attraction
You can attract in whatever you want, money, love, relationship, by using correctly the positive energy within you.
It's what you're thinking.
1% of population is getting 96% of the wealth - and this is not accident. There is science in this.
4) Practical Application
-Let your thoughts control your emotions which in turn will control your behaviours
-Look at the mirror and tell yourself 'life ahead is full of possibilities'
-Positive thoughts are 100X more powerful than negative thoughts
-Millionaire consciousness - they see everything as a challenge. They do things common people wouldnt do. They dare to find solutions to problems. And this makes them successful.
-Success is not really all about money. Inner happiness is the key to success
-Bring yourself in alignment with what you want.
-Find something that fuels good that resonates with your heart.
-How to lead a miserable life - count your troubles, name them one by one, at the breakfast table.
-Follow your bliss.
I just posted those not so 'off' statements. Though I think religious parties will be frieking on the whole subject matter because it sounds 'New Age', they dont believe there's God, it's all about 'You' changing your own destiny, you in control of everything. I agree with some points, but somehow I still choose to think that God does exist. Something for your judgment. Again, I am NOT a follower nor promoting this.
Going back to my previous statement about what I will do when I see someone holding a knife in front of me.
In my mind, my answer is run. I dont wanna get killed.
Not sure if you have the same answer?.....
The rest of the speech goes something like this.
'So you think this is a bad person, a murderer, a robber, a snatcher, or perhaps a rapist holding a knife, standing in front of you.
A knife seems to give you a shuddering feeling isn't it.
People tend to think things their way, the negative way first. There is nothing wrong with a knife. It depends on how you use it.
Knives aren't just used to take someone's lives.
A doctor uses a knife during surgeries to make his patient's life longer.
A chef uses a knife to cook your favorite dish.
A soldier uses knives or similar weapons to protect his country from harm.
Why havent you thought about doctors, chefs and soldiers, and you just remember the murderers?
Just two things: most of the things are not absolute negatives. And dont always think of negatives, see the whole picture first.
That is something striking, at least for me. Eye-opener.
So whatever comes your way, keep an open mind. Discern for yourself what is good and you may retain those. The rest you may just throw away. Makes sense to me. :)
Additional info:
How I get to know this seminar?
I was in MRT, and the person beside me is reading a newspaper. I happened to glance upon the ad and then I memorized the website and searched for it when I reached office. In short, nakisilip lng sa dyaryo ng iba hehe. Life is full of coincidence. :)
Did I take the course?
No I didnt :), the 3day course costs 3300 USD by the way, and they're offering at a discounted price of 1700SGD for that night only. They do have cool ads. See this one below which I copied from the brochure. How amusing to relate the course fee with doughnuts and coffee.
Excerpt from the ad:
The Science of Getting Rich (SGR) is a full 33hours of a exciting seminar conducted over 3 days. Many International training companies charge $10,500 for this training, but for you, you will not have to pay $10,500 or $8500 or $6500 or even $4500 for this incredible experience. Your investment for this life-changing and transformative seminsar is only $3247. Let's put this in perspective - for the 16 weeks of this program, thhis is a little over $1.20 per hour - less than the cost of a doughnut and coffee! Would you be willing to puy your coffee money toward this life-changing experience?
Date: Dec 3 (Mon)
Speaker: Dr. Mel Gill
I attended an intro-seminar about 'The Science of Getting Rich'. It's a book written by Wallace Walters in 1909 and is now re-packaged into a 3-day course by a well-known writer/psychiatrist named Dr Mel Gill.
The learnings of this might be contrary to some beliefs (primarily Christian principles). But anyway, try to pick up something positive, I dont suggest researching deeply on it too much. Just keep an open mind.
Before I start, I just remember a quote I saw in TV before and I feel like putting it here :). It's rather a question. What would you do if someone is holding a knife in front of you? .... I'll answer the same question at the end of this entry.
Dr Mel Gill is a very good speaker. Someone who can sustain my attention span for 2 long hours, this is really something commendable as I didnt doze off a bit. And it's not often that a speaker can make me scribble down notes. :)
The subject matter is quite interesting as it is trying to find a common ground between science and the things that happen around us. Sometimes there are basic principles in life that we forget, and it's good that something like this comes along the way to remind us. Here are the perky comments:
1) Molecular Theory
Everything is energy. Physical matter is vibration.
E=mc2,mass is proportional to energy.
All thoughts are vibration or frequencies.
Thoughts and matter interact. Desires and memories are thought forms.
You can control your thoughts and motion.
Basically it means whatever is happening around you is just a form of energy. And you interact with everything in a sub-atomic manner and therefore you create your own reality.
2) Quantum Physics
Heisengberg Uncertainty Principle - expectations change the result of experiment.
Your brain is powerful and it can interact with everyting in a sub-atomic manner. It is never at rest even if you're asleep. It has the capacity to learn 17 languages.
3) Law of Attraction
You can attract in whatever you want, money, love, relationship, by using correctly the positive energy within you.
It's what you're thinking.
1% of population is getting 96% of the wealth - and this is not accident. There is science in this.
4) Practical Application
-Let your thoughts control your emotions which in turn will control your behaviours
-Look at the mirror and tell yourself 'life ahead is full of possibilities'
-Positive thoughts are 100X more powerful than negative thoughts
-Millionaire consciousness - they see everything as a challenge. They do things common people wouldnt do. They dare to find solutions to problems. And this makes them successful.
-Success is not really all about money. Inner happiness is the key to success
-Bring yourself in alignment with what you want.
-Find something that fuels good that resonates with your heart.
-How to lead a miserable life - count your troubles, name them one by one, at the breakfast table.
-Follow your bliss.
I just posted those not so 'off' statements. Though I think religious parties will be frieking on the whole subject matter because it sounds 'New Age', they dont believe there's God, it's all about 'You' changing your own destiny, you in control of everything. I agree with some points, but somehow I still choose to think that God does exist. Something for your judgment. Again, I am NOT a follower nor promoting this.
Going back to my previous statement about what I will do when I see someone holding a knife in front of me.
In my mind, my answer is run. I dont wanna get killed.
Not sure if you have the same answer?.....
The rest of the speech goes something like this.
'So you think this is a bad person, a murderer, a robber, a snatcher, or perhaps a rapist holding a knife, standing in front of you.
A knife seems to give you a shuddering feeling isn't it.
People tend to think things their way, the negative way first. There is nothing wrong with a knife. It depends on how you use it.
Knives aren't just used to take someone's lives.
A doctor uses a knife during surgeries to make his patient's life longer.
A chef uses a knife to cook your favorite dish.
A soldier uses knives or similar weapons to protect his country from harm.
Why havent you thought about doctors, chefs and soldiers, and you just remember the murderers?
Just two things: most of the things are not absolute negatives. And dont always think of negatives, see the whole picture first.
That is something striking, at least for me. Eye-opener.
So whatever comes your way, keep an open mind. Discern for yourself what is good and you may retain those. The rest you may just throw away. Makes sense to me. :)
Additional info:
How I get to know this seminar?
I was in MRT, and the person beside me is reading a newspaper. I happened to glance upon the ad and then I memorized the website and searched for it when I reached office. In short, nakisilip lng sa dyaryo ng iba hehe. Life is full of coincidence. :)
Did I take the course?
No I didnt :), the 3day course costs 3300 USD by the way, and they're offering at a discounted price of 1700SGD for that night only. They do have cool ads. See this one below which I copied from the brochure. How amusing to relate the course fee with doughnuts and coffee.
Excerpt from the ad:
The Science of Getting Rich (SGR) is a full 33hours of a exciting seminar conducted over 3 days. Many International training companies charge $10,500 for this training, but for you, you will not have to pay $10,500 or $8500 or $6500 or even $4500 for this incredible experience. Your investment for this life-changing and transformative seminsar is only $3247. Let's put this in perspective - for the 16 weeks of this program, thhis is a little over $1.20 per hour - less than the cost of a doughnut and coffee! Would you be willing to puy your coffee money toward this life-changing experience?
Personal Make-up Workshop
To be exact, my passion for learning was revived sometime mid-November. Since it's near holiday season, I couldn't find any new courses opening up. I just browsed thru the net and signed up for interesting workshops/seminars.
More fun coming up :)
Personal Make-up Workshop :p
Date: Dec 1 (Sat)
Yeah right, let's start with something no-brainer hehe. :p I joined a private make-up workshop with several Singaporeans and Indians somewhere in Stamford House in City Hall area. Funny was that I was chosen to be the demo model (my goodness ibang level!). Reason I think is because I was the only fair-complexioned Asian with double eyelids (talukap in Tagalog), they can experiment with more eyeshadow effects. Cool, that just made my day hehe! For info, Chinese really put a great DEAL about the double eyelid thing.. to the extent that they will plaster some flesh-colored tapes in the eyelid area to create the flap effect. And for info, yeah I have double eyelids, hindi lng ata halata minsan haha. Anyway, this was really a fun learning experience.
Sharing some of the tips:
1) for skin care, normally forehead will have dead skin cells and will cause uneven skin tone meaning forehead area has a darker shade compared to face area, you have to use exfoliant scrub weekly (exfoliants contain small particles that will lightly abrade off your dead skin cells)
2) before applying make-up, you have to apply moisturizer and eyecream. (this I didnt know) Its a no-no to apply make-up directly to skin because the particles will cause aging. make sure also that your make-up stuff contains only natural oils.
3) applying loose powder makes your make-up last longer
4) the most crucial in make-up is drawing your eyebrows. There should be a peak in the curve, somewhere 45deg of the corner part of your eyeball.
5) for eyecolor, be adventurous, experiment with different tones/layers.
Personally, I still prefer very light make-up. I looked strange after the workshop haha. :)
More fun coming up :)
Personal Make-up Workshop :p
Date: Dec 1 (Sat)
Yeah right, let's start with something no-brainer hehe. :p I joined a private make-up workshop with several Singaporeans and Indians somewhere in Stamford House in City Hall area. Funny was that I was chosen to be the demo model (my goodness ibang level!). Reason I think is because I was the only fair-complexioned Asian with double eyelids (talukap in Tagalog), they can experiment with more eyeshadow effects. Cool, that just made my day hehe! For info, Chinese really put a great DEAL about the double eyelid thing.. to the extent that they will plaster some flesh-colored tapes in the eyelid area to create the flap effect. And for info, yeah I have double eyelids, hindi lng ata halata minsan haha. Anyway, this was really a fun learning experience.
Sharing some of the tips:
1) for skin care, normally forehead will have dead skin cells and will cause uneven skin tone meaning forehead area has a darker shade compared to face area, you have to use exfoliant scrub weekly (exfoliants contain small particles that will lightly abrade off your dead skin cells)
2) before applying make-up, you have to apply moisturizer and eyecream. (this I didnt know) Its a no-no to apply make-up directly to skin because the particles will cause aging. make sure also that your make-up stuff contains only natural oils.
3) applying loose powder makes your make-up last longer
4) the most crucial in make-up is drawing your eyebrows. There should be a peak in the curve, somewhere 45deg of the corner part of your eyeball.
5) for eyecolor, be adventurous, experiment with different tones/layers.
Personally, I still prefer very light make-up. I looked strange after the workshop haha. :)
Realization: A New Passion
"I've been in denial for too long, one day I just realized I've been loving it and that I was wrong" :)
Whenever people ask me if I have plans to study, I always answer firmly with a 'No'. True. :p I always have this feeling like 'nalugi' or 'naka-quota na' for studying an extra year in college. And this extra year seems gruelling, that time my friends and my sisters got to enjoy all they want to do, while I might be somewhere else finishing theses. And studying this extra year didnt earn me anything nor did it give me a higher starting pay (and quite ironic - seems like whatever degree you take, 80% seems to end up in IT for practical reasons because IT provides a more decent pay in Manila)
Before I came to SG, people have been asking me if I plan to pursue MBA in SG. SG probably is the best country in Asia with well-known post-graduate schools. I still answered a firm 'No', I dont see myself studying. I know of several people who have flown to US or UK for MBA but still plans for long term settlement in Manila. My, i was thinking, how many local corporations can afford to shell out KK pesos to hire MBA holders back in Philippines? I remembered answering humorously, 'no i dont have plans to study, because practically speaking, if an MBA degree wont be able to add trailing zeroes (to the right of course) of my current salary, I won't bother anymore. I might as well use my time and money on other essential stuff'. :p
Few months ago, I attended a bible study session. We were asked to map our life's goals in the next 5 years. I dont know I just scribbled something spontaneuosly like 'acquiring new skills'. I was asked to explain afterwards, I said it's because I believe 'life is a continuous learning process, whether it's a business course, a sport or a music course, I still consider it as a skill that that is worth learning'. Then somebody commented 'hey I like what your wrote about life, it's encouraging'. Then I noticed the others were also smiling back at me. I suddenly had a nice feeling about myself, 'wow was it something great I just said'? hehehe
Right then I had some sort of flashbacks. I remembered in a Theology subject back in college, we were asked to create a blueprint of our whole life - it's like starting from childhood to education stage to career stage to marriage stage even up to death stage like what do you want to be written in your orbituary. I remembered I scribbled the same thing in marriage stage. I put there I want to be a housewife (which earned a few good laughs from my friends, haha who doesnt want to be a bum if given the chance dba :p) BUT I also added 'but not STAGNANT..' because I want to have this process of improving myself in different ways.
Funny that with those things in mind, I dont remember exerting any deliberate effort to learn something new after college. Apart from work and IT certification, I really havent acquired any extra skill. Well yeah I managed to enroll in a piano course and driving course, but I havent mastered or even learned on a decent level :p. To be honest, everyone seems to be always too busy in my previous company, and it's not exaggerated that you wont have time to pee in the busiest of days when project deadlines are piling up. My weekends were just devoted to REST, a rare (quarter or bi-annual frequency) out-of-town trip, perhaps some time to bond with family and close friends, and worst, sometimes on-call for work, loser me. :(
So what has strucked me in this long unawakend 'sleep'. After all the bungisngis encouragement from a few close friends, I finally started to have this passion for learning again. Most of it, I would have to give 'special credit' to a close friend who sent several 'disturbing' messages. Sinabihan ako ng 'sayang ang talino mo'. Goodness, I was like 'am I really wasting any talents, I dont remember being smart anymore, I feel that all my brain cells are not functioning already'. Seems like I was partly braindrained, I lost the enthusiasm. I was also inspired by a hausmate, a hot mama of 2 kids (hot mama because she taught me my first make-up skills hehe), a pharmacist by profession. She's so passionate about taking advanced studies related to micro-biotechnology abroad. I was like 'gosh this person is 14years older than me and yet she's more motivated to learn new stuff than anyone I know'.
Probably I really should make good use of my time in SG on worthwhile things, especially that I dont intend to stay long. Okay enough of the road trips and gimiks, let's learn something new. :)
But I STILL dont want to take up MBA hehe. I dont plan to kill myself studying and working at the same time. One of the reasons I went here is for work-life balance, and I dont plan to spoil that. :p I just want to take a few short courses that are purely of my INTEREST, regardless whether it does or does NOT add any value to my resume. Paradigm shift. Slight improvement. :)
This time I just want to learn, to follow where my heart tells me to. Striken by the learning bug. Gotta keep the fire burning while it still is. :)
Not everyone has the capacity to change a hardheaded person like me. In case you do, please dont exercise this brainwash thing on me, because I am vulnerable at times and will give in if you entice me to do so. :)
Whenever people ask me if I have plans to study, I always answer firmly with a 'No'. True. :p I always have this feeling like 'nalugi' or 'naka-quota na' for studying an extra year in college. And this extra year seems gruelling, that time my friends and my sisters got to enjoy all they want to do, while I might be somewhere else finishing theses. And studying this extra year didnt earn me anything nor did it give me a higher starting pay (and quite ironic - seems like whatever degree you take, 80% seems to end up in IT for practical reasons because IT provides a more decent pay in Manila)
Before I came to SG, people have been asking me if I plan to pursue MBA in SG. SG probably is the best country in Asia with well-known post-graduate schools. I still answered a firm 'No', I dont see myself studying. I know of several people who have flown to US or UK for MBA but still plans for long term settlement in Manila. My, i was thinking, how many local corporations can afford to shell out KK pesos to hire MBA holders back in Philippines? I remembered answering humorously, 'no i dont have plans to study, because practically speaking, if an MBA degree wont be able to add trailing zeroes (to the right of course) of my current salary, I won't bother anymore. I might as well use my time and money on other essential stuff'. :p
Few months ago, I attended a bible study session. We were asked to map our life's goals in the next 5 years. I dont know I just scribbled something spontaneuosly like 'acquiring new skills'. I was asked to explain afterwards, I said it's because I believe 'life is a continuous learning process, whether it's a business course, a sport or a music course, I still consider it as a skill that that is worth learning'. Then somebody commented 'hey I like what your wrote about life, it's encouraging'. Then I noticed the others were also smiling back at me. I suddenly had a nice feeling about myself, 'wow was it something great I just said'? hehehe
Right then I had some sort of flashbacks. I remembered in a Theology subject back in college, we were asked to create a blueprint of our whole life - it's like starting from childhood to education stage to career stage to marriage stage even up to death stage like what do you want to be written in your orbituary. I remembered I scribbled the same thing in marriage stage. I put there I want to be a housewife (which earned a few good laughs from my friends, haha who doesnt want to be a bum if given the chance dba :p) BUT I also added 'but not STAGNANT..' because I want to have this process of improving myself in different ways.
Funny that with those things in mind, I dont remember exerting any deliberate effort to learn something new after college. Apart from work and IT certification, I really havent acquired any extra skill. Well yeah I managed to enroll in a piano course and driving course, but I havent mastered or even learned on a decent level :p. To be honest, everyone seems to be always too busy in my previous company, and it's not exaggerated that you wont have time to pee in the busiest of days when project deadlines are piling up. My weekends were just devoted to REST, a rare (quarter or bi-annual frequency) out-of-town trip, perhaps some time to bond with family and close friends, and worst, sometimes on-call for work, loser me. :(
So what has strucked me in this long unawakend 'sleep'. After all the bungisngis encouragement from a few close friends, I finally started to have this passion for learning again. Most of it, I would have to give 'special credit' to a close friend who sent several 'disturbing' messages. Sinabihan ako ng 'sayang ang talino mo'. Goodness, I was like 'am I really wasting any talents, I dont remember being smart anymore, I feel that all my brain cells are not functioning already'. Seems like I was partly braindrained, I lost the enthusiasm. I was also inspired by a hausmate, a hot mama of 2 kids (hot mama because she taught me my first make-up skills hehe), a pharmacist by profession. She's so passionate about taking advanced studies related to micro-biotechnology abroad. I was like 'gosh this person is 14years older than me and yet she's more motivated to learn new stuff than anyone I know'.
Probably I really should make good use of my time in SG on worthwhile things, especially that I dont intend to stay long. Okay enough of the road trips and gimiks, let's learn something new. :)
But I STILL dont want to take up MBA hehe. I dont plan to kill myself studying and working at the same time. One of the reasons I went here is for work-life balance, and I dont plan to spoil that. :p I just want to take a few short courses that are purely of my INTEREST, regardless whether it does or does NOT add any value to my resume. Paradigm shift. Slight improvement. :)
This time I just want to learn, to follow where my heart tells me to. Striken by the learning bug. Gotta keep the fire burning while it still is. :)
Not everyone has the capacity to change a hardheaded person like me. In case you do, please dont exercise this brainwash thing on me, because I am vulnerable at times and will give in if you entice me to do so. :)
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Me and My Menu :)
Thanks to the photoshop guru who has given justice to my culinary prowess. :)
oops disclaimer again: I'm no expert, cooking is just a hobby. The text is just for fun, I'm not selling anything. :p Image is copyrighted! :)
oops disclaimer again: I'm no expert, cooking is just a hobby. The text is just for fun, I'm not selling anything. :p Image is copyrighted! :)
Friday, December 7, 2007
IT Blitz
Funny that I've been working for 4 years plus and I think my mom and sisters still dont know what specific IT crap am I dealing with hehe. Especially my mom, whenever someone asks her what's her daughter doing in SG, she will just say in Fookien 'typing the computer'. :p
What exactly is this 'typing the computer' for me? :) Just three key terms: Data Warehouse, Business Intelligence, ETL.
Data Warehousing
A data warehouse is a subject oriented, integrated, time variant, non volatile collection of data in support of management's decision making process. It is a relational/multidimensional database that is designed for query and analysis. It usually contains historical data that is derived from transaction data
ETL (Extraction, Transformation, and Loading)
ETL refers to the methods involved in accessing and manipulating source data and loading it into target database.
Business Intelligence
Business Intelligence is basically using data to create reports that aid decision making capabilities. It could provide the aggregated details about suppliers, customers, internal activities, business to business transactions to the managers or whoever needs such reports to take better corporate/managerial decisions.
I was in my petix days and tried researching in the net for their accurate definitions. Something handy (maybe for interviews in the future? hehehe nah I dont have plans of resigning yet)
This just brings me back to the good old days (sometime grade 6) when I first learned typing skills. That time, still with a typewriter hehe. I used to hate practicing 'correct' typing because i felt that the ring finger and the little finger do not have enough force in them to press the keys, you know practicing the Q-W-E-R-T-Y etc. But good thing I did learn from it. To be honest, I find it funny whenever I see people (especially those in IT) typing with just the index finger or perhaps with the middle finger involved a little. Or sometimes you see the hands raising, jumping a bit, travelling from right to left, pressing whatever keys like the right index finger pressing the Q? (probably as what the heart tells them to?) Hehe sama ko ba? :)
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The Mysterious Drink
I won't forget something I laid my eyes on (because it doesnt happen so often :p), thus I normally wouldn't give up so easily. :p
Last Nov I went for a spa in Hill Street, City Hall area. Massage is okay, but I fancied more the service drink they give the customers before the session. It wasn't the usual tea, but rather a white suspension-like drink that is not too sweet. Somehow after drinking it, I felt relaxed. After the massage, I was given another cup again. I dont know whether if it just felt good drinking something hot after massage, or was it the ambience has contributed to the 'cooling' effect that this mysterious drink had on me. I looked for the masseuse and asked her what drink it is, she answered in Mandarin 'i-mi-cha', 'ba-li'. I smiled and said thank you, though deep inside I really wanted 'mangulit' about where can I buy those. Hehe I dont want to sound like a taga-bundok.
Days after I looked for this 'i-mi-cha' in groceries and chinese drug stores near my place, but to no avail. In Chinese, I just know 'i-mi' means some kind of grains, cha is tea. But I don't know what's the direct translation, what specific kind of grain. I didnt find any drink that is labelled 'i-mi' in those that I searched.
Good thing I also bought my friend a spa voucher who's scheduled to have her session after 3 weeks in the same spa salon. I didnt hold back and called my friend to ask the crew where to buy this mysterious drink, because I really couldnt find it. She was told that it should be available in groceries, the staff told her all the drinks that they serve are available here in SG.
So another attempt, I went to a big chinese drug store. Finally they do sell this drink, the attendant showed me several packs of this 'i-mi' drink. The label shows either 'Chinese barley' or 'Holland barley'. Finally I knew what this'i-mi' is in English. I was surprised to learn that it's just made of barley, I have tried cold lemon barley drinks in malls but I didnt find them spectacular. I even asked the staff if they sell other types of barley, 'Bali perhaps or Indonesian barley?', the staff shook her head saying she only knew 2 kinds. I was reluctant to buy it at first, because they only sell the unprocessed version --- meaning I have to boil the grains myself and add water and sugar. I was expecting something instant that I could just flush hot water into it. The staff looked nice, she told me maybe I can find instant barley drinks in NTUC which is just across their store, she also taught me how to prepare the drink. Because she was accommodating, I felt guilty walking out of the store empty-handed so I bought one of this Holland barley grain pack.
Yet indeed so true, in NTUC (big supermarket) they do have this instant barley drinks where you just have to pour hot water. Finally an answered question that has been bugging me for quite some time. Success! :p
As I walked out of the mall with those packs of barley drinks, I suddenly remembered and realized one thing. One BIG realization. After all these, it was really stupid of me not being able to connect the dots. The masseuse already told me what it is in the first place. It's 'ba-li'... My goodness, I forgot it's Singlish. 'Bali' is the same as 'barley'. Haha so nagpasikot-sikot pa ako for so long, ako pala ang SLOW hehe. Anyway, it was worth the effort. :)
Is 'Ba-Li' drink:) recommended?
- I am amazed why a hot drink can have cooling effect at the same time
- I find suspension drink as unique
- it's not too sweet, pag hndi matapang ang panlasa mo this suits you
- good for pasalubong, and it's not expensive
P.S. I recently went for a haircut and was surprised to be served another mysterious drink again. (Seems like SG shops treat their customers generously with nice hot drinks hehe) I've heard about processed dried flowers because it's quite popular here among the locals, but havent really had the chance to taste it since I find it a bit weird or unhygienic. This time in the salon, I saw some dried rose buds floating on my cup, the flowers look clean and drink looks appetizing though. It's served hot and the color is a bit light yellow. The taste is also good, accented with rose flavor. I've discovered a store in Toa Payoh that sells this dried flower drink, mostly chrysanthemum and roses. I'm sure my mom will be glad when I bring these 'mysterious drinks' home hehe.
Last Nov I went for a spa in Hill Street, City Hall area. Massage is okay, but I fancied more the service drink they give the customers before the session. It wasn't the usual tea, but rather a white suspension-like drink that is not too sweet. Somehow after drinking it, I felt relaxed. After the massage, I was given another cup again. I dont know whether if it just felt good drinking something hot after massage, or was it the ambience has contributed to the 'cooling' effect that this mysterious drink had on me. I looked for the masseuse and asked her what drink it is, she answered in Mandarin 'i-mi-cha', 'ba-li'. I smiled and said thank you, though deep inside I really wanted 'mangulit' about where can I buy those. Hehe I dont want to sound like a taga-bundok.
Days after I looked for this 'i-mi-cha' in groceries and chinese drug stores near my place, but to no avail. In Chinese, I just know 'i-mi' means some kind of grains, cha is tea. But I don't know what's the direct translation, what specific kind of grain. I didnt find any drink that is labelled 'i-mi' in those that I searched.
Good thing I also bought my friend a spa voucher who's scheduled to have her session after 3 weeks in the same spa salon. I didnt hold back and called my friend to ask the crew where to buy this mysterious drink, because I really couldnt find it. She was told that it should be available in groceries, the staff told her all the drinks that they serve are available here in SG.
So another attempt, I went to a big chinese drug store. Finally they do sell this drink, the attendant showed me several packs of this 'i-mi' drink. The label shows either 'Chinese barley' or 'Holland barley'. Finally I knew what this'i-mi' is in English. I was surprised to learn that it's just made of barley, I have tried cold lemon barley drinks in malls but I didnt find them spectacular. I even asked the staff if they sell other types of barley, 'Bali perhaps or Indonesian barley?', the staff shook her head saying she only knew 2 kinds. I was reluctant to buy it at first, because they only sell the unprocessed version --- meaning I have to boil the grains myself and add water and sugar. I was expecting something instant that I could just flush hot water into it. The staff looked nice, she told me maybe I can find instant barley drinks in NTUC which is just across their store, she also taught me how to prepare the drink. Because she was accommodating, I felt guilty walking out of the store empty-handed so I bought one of this Holland barley grain pack.
Yet indeed so true, in NTUC (big supermarket) they do have this instant barley drinks where you just have to pour hot water. Finally an answered question that has been bugging me for quite some time. Success! :p
As I walked out of the mall with those packs of barley drinks, I suddenly remembered and realized one thing. One BIG realization. After all these, it was really stupid of me not being able to connect the dots. The masseuse already told me what it is in the first place. It's 'ba-li'... My goodness, I forgot it's Singlish. 'Bali' is the same as 'barley'. Haha so nagpasikot-sikot pa ako for so long, ako pala ang SLOW hehe. Anyway, it was worth the effort. :)
Is 'Ba-Li' drink:) recommended?
- I am amazed why a hot drink can have cooling effect at the same time
- I find suspension drink as unique
- it's not too sweet, pag hndi matapang ang panlasa mo this suits you
- good for pasalubong, and it's not expensive
P.S. I recently went for a haircut and was surprised to be served another mysterious drink again. (Seems like SG shops treat their customers generously with nice hot drinks hehe) I've heard about processed dried flowers because it's quite popular here among the locals, but havent really had the chance to taste it since I find it a bit weird or unhygienic. This time in the salon, I saw some dried rose buds floating on my cup, the flowers look clean and drink looks appetizing though. It's served hot and the color is a bit light yellow. The taste is also good, accented with rose flavor. I've discovered a store in Toa Payoh that sells this dried flower drink, mostly chrysanthemum and roses. I'm sure my mom will be glad when I bring these 'mysterious drinks' home hehe.
Definition of Stress: Lost in Translation
Working/living abroad would normally mean preparing yourself for taking the public transportation, expect this to be a part of your daily life. Forget about your Toyota or Honda. If you intend to buy one here, it takes approx 3x of the normal price in Manila, every car is 1.5M up, it's like only buy one if you really plan to settle here as PR (permanent resident).
When it comes to commuting, generally i prefer MRT than bus. Recently I went for dinner with some friends in a resto near Paya Lebar MRT. We finished eating at around 10pm.
My idea of a less stressful way of going home is this route:
Bus from resto to Paya Lebar MRT (or walk is ok) - Paya Lebar MRT to Bishan MRT - Bishan bus to home. All will add up to around 30min.
However, the 3 other friends I was with have a different definition. They prefer taking bus over MRT, for the sole reason that they feel more 'relaxed' riding a bus since there is more probability of empty seats. Also, usually there's TV. (Note that buses and MRTs here are both air-conditioned and well-maintained, they are not like the shabby types back in Manila. In terms of cleanliness and temperature control, I would say they are 'at par' with each other)
Dont take me wrong, I also ride buses. I'd go for a bus if it's a direct bus (same bus all the way). In fact, I sometimes do wake up early intentionally to catch the company shuttle that takes me all the way to office.
Anyway, going back, here are my reasons for taking the MRT:
1) Anything that gets me home the fastest is the 'less stressed' way.
2) I don't mind standing in MRT, and 10pm is not part of peak hours at all, there is a high probability of empty seats.
3) I don't prefer buses because in almost every bus stop, people are alighting/going up, there are so many pauses/distractions/interruptions. It takes a longer time to bring you to your destination.
4) I don't like waiting indefinitely for a specific bus number to come, sometimes the intervals would take more than 15minutes. In MRT, probably the max waiting time is 7min
5) I don't like the feeling of so many 'jerks' every now and then -- yun umaalog-alog literally when a bus comes to a full stop.
Majority wins so we took the 'bus' route, here's the route:
Bus from resto to Paya Lebar MRT (+walking for 15 min to cross some skyway and find the bus stop) - bus from Paya Lebar MRT to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange - bus from Toa Payoh Bus Interchange to home.
Guess what, it took us 2 hours, the whole trip + waiting/queueing time! We reached home at 12midnight. The bus fares were not cheaper than the MRT way because there were 4 of us in this 'joy ride'. AND after all, we should have taken taxi right from the starting point.
So a total of 1.5 hours lost in translation. Whew!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Best Sh*T Quotes You'll Ever See
These are the best sh*t quotes I've ever seen. :) I like Rule#3 the most! :)
Random Quotes
Here's a short compilation of some catchy lines I received either from sms, email. Just feel like sharing them... something handy in different situations :)
When talking to a bore
A gossip is one who talks to you about other people. A bore is one who talks to you about himself. And a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself. - William King
What message to put when parting (be it your goodbye email after resigning or even break-up haha)
Dont be sad because it's over.. smile because it happened.
For the RANTfuls
Contentment is not always the fulfillment of what you want. Its the realization of how blessed you are for what you already have.
For making a friend feel special
A friend is never a coincidence in our lives. They were once a stranger, meant to come into our lives to bring us priceless lessons and funny memories.
Biblical Quotes
How to be more Beautiful
Church is like a beauty parlour which encourages its women to adorn themselves with good deeds. Women need to remember that if nature has made them plain, grace can make them beautiful. And if nature has made them beautiful, good deeds can add to their beauty. 1 Peter 3:4, 1 Tim2:9-10
How to interpret Life
The secret of life is not just to live, but to have something worth while to live for. We only live once, but if we live right, once is enough. 2 Tim1:9a
What is Love
We think about it, dream about it, lose sleep worrying about it. When we dont have it, we search for it, and when we discover it, we dont know what to do with it. We fear losing it. It is our source of pleasure and pain. But we cant predict which it will be from one moment to the next. It's a short word easy to spell, difficult to define, and impossible to live without.
GOOD READ: What to look for in your Partner
They say that whe you leave neverland, you'd grow up and meet people who'd try and make you believe..
Sometimes you'd choose the prince, he'd take you to his castle, dance with you, but lets you leave when the clock strikes twelve.
You might meet Superman, who'd swoop you down, give you a kiss then he'll vanish forever.
You might find your Peter Pan, who'd take care of you and fly with you up in the sky, but then you'd notice that his heart still belongs to Wendy.
So be like Princess Fiona. Find your Shrek - not perfect, but real and he stays with you forever.
P.S. So where is Shrek hehehe :)
When talking to a bore
A gossip is one who talks to you about other people. A bore is one who talks to you about himself. And a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself. - William King
What message to put when parting (be it your goodbye email after resigning or even break-up haha)
Dont be sad because it's over.. smile because it happened.
For the RANTfuls
Contentment is not always the fulfillment of what you want. Its the realization of how blessed you are for what you already have.
For making a friend feel special
A friend is never a coincidence in our lives. They were once a stranger, meant to come into our lives to bring us priceless lessons and funny memories.
Biblical Quotes
How to be more Beautiful
Church is like a beauty parlour which encourages its women to adorn themselves with good deeds. Women need to remember that if nature has made them plain, grace can make them beautiful. And if nature has made them beautiful, good deeds can add to their beauty. 1 Peter 3:4, 1 Tim2:9-10
How to interpret Life
The secret of life is not just to live, but to have something worth while to live for. We only live once, but if we live right, once is enough. 2 Tim1:9a
What is Love
We think about it, dream about it, lose sleep worrying about it. When we dont have it, we search for it, and when we discover it, we dont know what to do with it. We fear losing it. It is our source of pleasure and pain. But we cant predict which it will be from one moment to the next. It's a short word easy to spell, difficult to define, and impossible to live without.
GOOD READ: What to look for in your Partner
They say that whe you leave neverland, you'd grow up and meet people who'd try and make you believe..
Sometimes you'd choose the prince, he'd take you to his castle, dance with you, but lets you leave when the clock strikes twelve.
You might meet Superman, who'd swoop you down, give you a kiss then he'll vanish forever.
You might find your Peter Pan, who'd take care of you and fly with you up in the sky, but then you'd notice that his heart still belongs to Wendy.
So be like Princess Fiona. Find your Shrek - not perfect, but real and he stays with you forever.
P.S. So where is Shrek hehehe :)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Recommended Song (Chinese)
For the past few weeks, I've been having LSS with this Chinese song. I like both the melody and the lyrics. It is a very sad song. I usually find Chinese songs to be more substantial as they can squeeze in some stories into the lyrics, whereas English songs are much more shallow (that's just my opinion).
Though I dont think I have been to such heart-breaking experiences, somehow I feel I can relate to such behavior.. (hehe can't help it, I'm trapped on a rainy day, feeling blue just today, blame it on the weather) :p
街角的祝福 - 戴佩妮
多少个秋多少个冬
我几乎快要被治愈好
但还是会只因为一个重覆的话题
就无心自扰
也曾想过
若真遇见我们应该如何是好
我想我还是会站在某一个街角
不让你看到
只因为我不想打扰
只因为怕你解释不了
只因为现在你的眼睛里
她比我还重要
我只好假装我看不到
看不到你和她在对街拥抱
你的快乐我可以感受得到
这样的见面方式对谁都好
我只好假装我听不到
听不到别人口中的她好不好
再不想问也不想被通知到
反正你的世界我管不了
若不想问若不想被通知到
就把祝福留在街角
My best attempt to translate the lyrics. (The Mandarin words are much more meaningful/expressive, the converted English version might sound a bit bland/corny) :)
Happiness in the Corners
I cant remember how many autumns, how many winters
I thought I was already almost cured
But because of a single recurrence of a familiar topic
Unknowingly, I just got myself burdened again
I have also thought about it
If we do meet again, how should we be?
I believe I will still just stand at one corner
And not let you see me
Because I don't want to disturb
Because I'm lost for words to explain
Because in your eyes, I can see
That to you, she's more important than me
I can only pretend I didn't see
Didn't see you across the streets, hugging her
The happiness you have now, I can somehow feel it
This way of meeting would be the best for both of us
I can only pretend I didn't hear
Didn't hear other people's comments of how good she is
I don't want to ask, I also don't want to be notified
Since your world is something I can never get in
coda:
If I really don't want to ask, if I really don't want to be notified
then probably I just have to leave this happiness in the corners.
P.S. To be more accurate, the 'happiness' word here refers to well wishes, or congratulations/good luck. (But I just couldnt put it as 'Well Wishes in the Corners' as it sounds more confusing) Sometimes there is no direct translation for certain words. Anyway, bottomline is the girl just wanted to wish the guy to be happy, silently in one corner. :)
P.P.S. Just to add, the singer of this song is Penny Dai - known for singing Meteor Garden's Closing Song 'Ni Yao De Ai'.
Though I dont think I have been to such heart-breaking experiences, somehow I feel I can relate to such behavior.. (hehe can't help it, I'm trapped on a rainy day, feeling blue just today, blame it on the weather) :p
街角的祝福 - 戴佩妮
多少个秋多少个冬
我几乎快要被治愈好
但还是会只因为一个重覆的话题
就无心自扰
也曾想过
若真遇见我们应该如何是好
我想我还是会站在某一个街角
不让你看到
只因为我不想打扰
只因为怕你解释不了
只因为现在你的眼睛里
她比我还重要
我只好假装我看不到
看不到你和她在对街拥抱
你的快乐我可以感受得到
这样的见面方式对谁都好
我只好假装我听不到
听不到别人口中的她好不好
再不想问也不想被通知到
反正你的世界我管不了
若不想问若不想被通知到
就把祝福留在街角
My best attempt to translate the lyrics. (The Mandarin words are much more meaningful/expressive, the converted English version might sound a bit bland/corny) :)
Happiness in the Corners
I cant remember how many autumns, how many winters
I thought I was already almost cured
But because of a single recurrence of a familiar topic
Unknowingly, I just got myself burdened again
I have also thought about it
If we do meet again, how should we be?
I believe I will still just stand at one corner
And not let you see me
Because I don't want to disturb
Because I'm lost for words to explain
Because in your eyes, I can see
That to you, she's more important than me
I can only pretend I didn't see
Didn't see you across the streets, hugging her
The happiness you have now, I can somehow feel it
This way of meeting would be the best for both of us
I can only pretend I didn't hear
Didn't hear other people's comments of how good she is
I don't want to ask, I also don't want to be notified
Since your world is something I can never get in
coda:
If I really don't want to ask, if I really don't want to be notified
then probably I just have to leave this happiness in the corners.
P.S. To be more accurate, the 'happiness' word here refers to well wishes, or congratulations/good luck. (But I just couldnt put it as 'Well Wishes in the Corners' as it sounds more confusing) Sometimes there is no direct translation for certain words. Anyway, bottomline is the girl just wanted to wish the guy to be happy, silently in one corner. :)
P.P.S. Just to add, the singer of this song is Penny Dai - known for singing Meteor Garden's Closing Song 'Ni Yao De Ai'.
'Til Death Do Us Apart
I saw this from someone's blog. I was moved. Is divorce really an answer? I admire the brilliance of the wife. Probably if I were in her situation (I hope not), I wouldnt have thought of what she did. If I love that guy that much to marry him before, probably I'd be willing to set him free, to where he will be the happiest. This is an eye-opener, at least for me. :) On the lighter side, buhat-buhat lng pla ang solusyon eh. :) Mga lalaki talga!
'Til Death do Us Apart...
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why? I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to a lovely girl called Dew. I didn’t love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Dew so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I did'nt have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Dew.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions:
She didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month’s time and she didn’t want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that everyday for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever
morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Dew about my wife s divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her.
For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Dew about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily. Suddenly it hit me. She had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart.
Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mum out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute.
I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school.
I held her tightly and said, I hadn’t noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind... I walked upstairs. Dew opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Dew, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished. Then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Dew, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other any more. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart. The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property , the money in the bank, blah..blah.. blah. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
'Til Death do Us Apart...
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why? I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to a lovely girl called Dew. I didn’t love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Dew so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I did'nt have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Dew.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions:
She didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month’s time and she didn’t want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that everyday for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever
morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Dew about my wife s divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her.
For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Dew about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily. Suddenly it hit me. She had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart.
Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mum out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute.
I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school.
I held her tightly and said, I hadn’t noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind... I walked upstairs. Dew opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Dew, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished. Then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Dew, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other any more. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart. The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property , the money in the bank, blah..blah.. blah. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
Random Thoughts
Blogging
I've gotten this far! :)
I didnt expect I'd blog this much. And I was sort of nahihiya when I read some of my old posts. Some were just rubbish out of nowhere, and most of all - nakakahiya kasi I was too lazy to do spelling check or grammar check. Yikes, forgive me!
I think I should look for proof-readers hehe. If the time comes, I might have this blog printed into a book, and SELL?. Ms Wong Publishing: The Story of my Life :p (haha no no no. low profile tayo, at wala rin bibili hehe) :p
Dami na naman umaalis
Another teammate is leaving. He's an Indian, we were working together in a project. I was surprised and saddened upon knowing the news. He's a fatherly figure who introduced me to this plum fruit. Tpos binibigyan ako ng plums minsan.
The country manager is also leaving. I was shocked. Singaporean cya and he leads the whole SG team. My previous Pinoy teammates gave him the codename Goma (his name is Richard kasi hehe). Few months ago I didnt know why he gave me an opportunity to work in the Australia branch, which I later on declined after weighing my priorities. Anyway, mukha naman cyang mabait.
The Pinoy officemates who left few months ago were also good to me. (or was it hindi lng mababait ang mga tao sa previous company ko? hehe) There was a time na tambak ako sa trabaho when I was still new, I couldnt understand what I should be doing. And it's the first time in my WHOLE corporate life that someone actually approached me and asked me 'kelangan mo ba ng tulong' (not lip service ha) Tinulungan talaga ako at nag-extend ng 1-2hours para tapusin.
Fast turnover. Fast-changing world. Kanya-kanyang buhay.
Christmas time
It was only last week when I realized Christmas is indeed, around the corner.
I attended a mass and they were singing 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing.. ' :(
Christmas themes in malls, Christmas items on sale..
So sad.. my first Christmas in a foreign land...
I've gotten this far! :)
I didnt expect I'd blog this much. And I was sort of nahihiya when I read some of my old posts. Some were just rubbish out of nowhere, and most of all - nakakahiya kasi I was too lazy to do spelling check or grammar check. Yikes, forgive me!
I think I should look for proof-readers hehe. If the time comes, I might have this blog printed into a book, and SELL?. Ms Wong Publishing: The Story of my Life :p (haha no no no. low profile tayo, at wala rin bibili hehe) :p
Dami na naman umaalis
Another teammate is leaving. He's an Indian, we were working together in a project. I was surprised and saddened upon knowing the news. He's a fatherly figure who introduced me to this plum fruit. Tpos binibigyan ako ng plums minsan.
The country manager is also leaving. I was shocked. Singaporean cya and he leads the whole SG team. My previous Pinoy teammates gave him the codename Goma (his name is Richard kasi hehe). Few months ago I didnt know why he gave me an opportunity to work in the Australia branch, which I later on declined after weighing my priorities. Anyway, mukha naman cyang mabait.
The Pinoy officemates who left few months ago were also good to me. (or was it hindi lng mababait ang mga tao sa previous company ko? hehe) There was a time na tambak ako sa trabaho when I was still new, I couldnt understand what I should be doing. And it's the first time in my WHOLE corporate life that someone actually approached me and asked me 'kelangan mo ba ng tulong' (not lip service ha) Tinulungan talaga ako at nag-extend ng 1-2hours para tapusin.
Fast turnover. Fast-changing world. Kanya-kanyang buhay.
Christmas time
It was only last week when I realized Christmas is indeed, around the corner.
I attended a mass and they were singing 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing.. ' :(
Christmas themes in malls, Christmas items on sale..
So sad.. my first Christmas in a foreign land...
D-I-Y 101 cum Damsel in Distress
One Saturday, I discovered a terrible thing. My wardrobe cabinet collapsed, the clothes were bulging out. The hanging rod inside where the clothes are hanged, one side of the supporting clutch cracked. It is made of plastic, probably it couldnt support the weight of my clothes. I have quite a number of clothes (i guesss normal for any girl), and the cabinet is not a big one either.
I had to hang all my clothes for the mean time in a portable hanging bar outside the bedroom for several days. What a life.
First I thought of the easier solution, an adjustable rod that you usually use in the bathroom for shower curtain. I bought the shortest one. Later on I found out it was still too long that it couldnt fit, I forgot to take measurements. This is getting frustrating.
I know buying a new wardrobe cabinet would be the best solution. I'm okay to buy one.. but then I dont plan to stay long here. And where and how will I dispose the current one.. Okay, i took the challenge of fixing this cabinet.
So I stepped into a DIY store and asked the staff whether they have some metal clutch for wardrobe. One of my few times in a DIY store. Good thing they have such items, I bought those hook-like metal clutches and some screws and headed home.
I wanted to unscrew the old plastic clutch of the cabinet, but the screwdriver in the house is too small. It was a futile attempt. I again went to a hardware store to buy a screwdriver the next day.
With the new screwdriver I was able to unscrew one side, but the other side has a thicker wood due to some partition board, I had a hard time. Also, the original clutch has 3 holes arranged in a triangular shape, but the metal one I bought has only 2 holes. I realized I also need a hammer to unscrew and to drill new holes.
The next day I went back again to the hardware store to buy a hammer.
Finally I unscrewed the old screws and dug 2 new holes and put everything in place. D*mn I havent tried this pukpok thing, the painful feeling when you accidentally hit your fingers when knocking the hammer to dig holes. My hands were really soar after the carpentry work. And actually one side is still not secure (the side with a partition board), I couldnt drive the screws as deep as it should, I do hope it doesnt collapse again.
Anyway, all is well now. I finally was able to put back all my clothes inside the cabient after 5 days. Of course, I learned my lesson not to hang so many clothes. (The reason why I hanged so many is that I dont really like ironing each folded piece whenever I have to wear them, I usually iron just once a week, one time big time) I have to fold more now. :(
Later that night after fixing the cabinet, I had to do my usually weekly ironing stuffs. I dont know, maybe I was too tired after all the hammering and screwing, first time I accidentally got scorched from the tip of the iron. Geesh I now have a long red line mark in the pulse area, as if I committed suicide. It better heals fast or else.. arrrg grrhh.
Okay, so I probably wouldnt friek out in the future anymore, I fixed it alone! --- D-I-Y 101. :)
P.S. I'm able to laugh at this now. I was really stressed that time (together with other issues that I wont elaborate further), I couldnt help but to be sober, I broke out into tears when I was in MRT. Drama queen. :)
I'll Be Seeing Him Again :)
Good vibes for a headstart. :) 101st entry. :)
(Oct 29) I learned that Jay Chow will be having a concert in SG here . I couldnt believe with my own eyes because it's something I've always wanted. My heart leaped with joy. However, the first 2 weeks (Oct 23-Nov4) for booking is opened only for OCBC credit card holders. I couldnt get in even if I have all the cash in the world. I dont have a 'powerful' weapon (~OCBC credit card). The ticket booth folks told me there are no consecutive seats anymore. Then on Nov 2 I read that because all seats are almost taken, one more concert date has been added, making it Jan18-19. I thought this could raise my chance of getting a ticket, but still when I double checked, it's again almost fully-booked on both days, by the OCBC credit card holders. Damn I really dont know who has an OCBC Credit card, I've tried asking around. God knows, how badly I want to get the tickets. Public sales start Nov5, the waiting period spells agony.
On Nov 3, I couldnt stay put so I tried my luck again on the ticket booth folks. They told me the same thing, they couldnt sell without an OCBC bank code. I ask them to check seats if there are any left, they said, as of that moment, yes, but they couldnt guarantee on Monday. What the heck. Who thought of this crap of limiting the selling of tickets to such.
So finally Nov 5 public sales starts, I gave some excuse to be late in the office. I queued in the ticketing booth 30minutes before opening time of 10am. Finally the wait is over, there is one slot left for a consecutive 2-seater, good thing I was early. I have a new friend who is a jay chow fanatic as well, daughther of my mom's kumare. My, I was feeling mayaman, I booked the 3rd most expensive category. This also means katipiran in the coming weeks. Finally, I can breathe now. :)
Additional:
For those who find Jay Chow unfamiliar. He debuted in a Hollywood movie 'Curse of the Golden Flower', starring Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li, directed by Zhang Zi Mou. It was shown in moviehouses sometime late Dec 2006. I just finished watching this movie this week, from a DVD i brought from Manila. My take:
--Jay Chow looks so-so, it could and should have been better! In short, mukha cyang ewan dun hehe.
--Story is pathetic! Too psycho. A king (Chow Yun Fat) wanted to poison his queen (Gong Li) by forcing her to drink medicine everyday. They have 3 sons. The youngest killed the eldest because the eldest has a love affair with the queen (not the same parents of course). The psycho king later killed the youngest by beating him to death for killing his favorite son. The second son (Jay Chow), together with the queen (his biological mom), revolted against the kingdom but lost the battle. The king will spare him under one condition, that he should take care of feeding his mother with the poisoned medicine daily. Thus, this son just draws a sword to kill himself. That's it. Everyone's dead except for the king and queen. Bitin. What a weird story!
--Setting and fight scenes are okay. Costumes are nice especially the chrysanthemum effect, except that it's quite strange to see all the women in 'extremely squeezed' costumes. :)
Open google and search under images using the title of the movie. Or you may try this link below:
http://www.indielondon.co.uk/gallery/curse-of-the-golden-flower-gallery
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Food Lab: Episode 3
This is my last episode of the Food Lab. I tried almost all Chinese dishes, self-declared semi-retired state hehe. And oh, this is an entry for my 100th in blogspot, hurray. :)
Ground Pork Wrapped in Lettuce
An appetizer. Ground pork with carrots, celery, pepper bits wrapped in lettuce leaves.
Beef in Japanese Curry
Japanese curry is different from the usual curry, it has a milder taste as compared to the usual Indian curry or Thai curry. I am not a fan of curry, but I got to like this dish a lot. It was introduced by a friend to me. Quite an easy dish to prepare, throw in beef chunks, carrots and potatoes, and the Japanese curry sauce mix that is available in most of the bigger groceries here.
Paksiw na Pata
The picture doesnt look so good, but it's edible. :) Paksiw na pata, it takes a long time to make the hock tender. This comes good with banana blossoms
Nido soup
Another dish that you can prepare in minutes. Cut everything into small pieces, pork, mushroom, shrimps, veggies, crabstick, etc. There are actually instant soup broths for this. Don't forget to crack in several eggs and stir well.
Caldereta
Nothing spectacular, just the usual dish, except that I was taught by my housemate how to cut carrots into shapes of flowers. Look closely! (Naks pati aesthetic side kinareer :p)
Kiampong
I like this brown sticky rice stuff that my mom used to prepare. You can use the canned pork spareribs or pork leg, add mushrooms and veggies into the rice mixture to complement.
Chicken Taro Pie
My attempt to make a taro pie, chicken wrapped in crushed gabi.
Prawn Salad
One of the favorites in pan-to. Though mine is unique, I have nice green kiwis. :)
Crabs galore: crab vermicelli, chilli crab, buttered garlic crab
The ultimate challenge. :) I tried 3 types in one shot. (after watching Ratatouille that is hehe) For crabs, probably my favorite would still be the plain steamed crabs, but I didnt prepare it. You have to buy fresh and big live crabs to have the natural tangy taste. 'Live' meaning, I would have a hard time untangling and cutting/killing them, ayaw kong maipit sa sipit.. so didnt bother. :p
That's it, the end of Season I. :) Kakapagod na, no more picture-taking while cooking! :) Probably if I learn something spectacular (for party level), then I'll start Season II . :)
Ground Pork Wrapped in Lettuce
An appetizer. Ground pork with carrots, celery, pepper bits wrapped in lettuce leaves.
Beef in Japanese Curry
Japanese curry is different from the usual curry, it has a milder taste as compared to the usual Indian curry or Thai curry. I am not a fan of curry, but I got to like this dish a lot. It was introduced by a friend to me. Quite an easy dish to prepare, throw in beef chunks, carrots and potatoes, and the Japanese curry sauce mix that is available in most of the bigger groceries here.
Paksiw na Pata
The picture doesnt look so good, but it's edible. :) Paksiw na pata, it takes a long time to make the hock tender. This comes good with banana blossoms
Nido soup
Another dish that you can prepare in minutes. Cut everything into small pieces, pork, mushroom, shrimps, veggies, crabstick, etc. There are actually instant soup broths for this. Don't forget to crack in several eggs and stir well.
Caldereta
Nothing spectacular, just the usual dish, except that I was taught by my housemate how to cut carrots into shapes of flowers. Look closely! (Naks pati aesthetic side kinareer :p)
Kiampong
I like this brown sticky rice stuff that my mom used to prepare. You can use the canned pork spareribs or pork leg, add mushrooms and veggies into the rice mixture to complement.
Chicken Taro Pie
My attempt to make a taro pie, chicken wrapped in crushed gabi.
Prawn Salad
One of the favorites in pan-to. Though mine is unique, I have nice green kiwis. :)
Crabs galore: crab vermicelli, chilli crab, buttered garlic crab
The ultimate challenge. :) I tried 3 types in one shot. (after watching Ratatouille that is hehe) For crabs, probably my favorite would still be the plain steamed crabs, but I didnt prepare it. You have to buy fresh and big live crabs to have the natural tangy taste. 'Live' meaning, I would have a hard time untangling and cutting/killing them, ayaw kong maipit sa sipit.. so didnt bother. :p
That's it, the end of Season I. :) Kakapagod na, no more picture-taking while cooking! :) Probably if I learn something spectacular (for party level), then I'll start Season II . :)
Inspiring Email about Love
A friend forwarded to me an advice email sent to him, a true-to-life story of love. It's a very inspiring email. How rare is it nowadays to find men who stand for whom he loves against all odds, who follows his heart over praticality, who remains firm and doesnt get swept off by just money. I have high respect for he who wrote this email. :)
This one is really catchy:
"So what if hindi ka naka porsche or hindi malaki ang bahay mo? will that make you less of a person?"
Here are the highlights:
...Its like a been there, done that scenario for me. Well ano ba talaga ang gusto mo? I hope you wont be offended, pero tingin ko kaya mo lang sya gusto is for the image, money, at siguro naprepressure ka kay tita.
maybe xxxxx has everything - good background, education and money, pero ang tanong ko, would you be happy in the end? dumaan din ako dyan. Kilala mo naman yung mga naging gf ko diba? when i met your ate (my wife), syempre iba sya from the past gfs ko, kaya nagpanic si mama. di mo lang alam ang away na pinagdaanan namin, both with mom and my wife.
or baka naman takot ka maghirap? i know if you went for the xxxxx girl, you'd probably be set for life. narinig ko na yung xxxxx company nila sa xxxxxxxxx. its a big company. if that happened, you'll be realizing your dreams mo of having it all. nice houses (plural), expensive cars, designer clothes, at mga rolex siguro. ang tanong ko lang siguro uli, hindi pa ba enough kung ano ang meron ka ngayon? i mean, you are far from poor, do you really have to have it all? chong, dont go overboard. baka greed na yan.
siguro ang worse case scenario is you being cut off financially if you went for the other one. would that be the end of your world? I doubt. youre educated so you can look for work anywhere. Swerte ka pa nga, kasi we both didnt work when we got married. Struggle talaga, tiyaga lang. With us naman, after really struggling for 7 yrs, confortable kami kahit papano, making ends meet, but no where close compared to my life before. Ang daming bills a, from house rent to xxxx's tuition. My car is a brand new honda jazz, far from the Porsche I wanted or the Benz I used to drive before. But trust me, I get more satisfaction driving the jazz compared to the benz kasi mas masarap kapag pinaghirapan mo. siguro nga i may have less compared to my friends, pero I could say that I am happy, contented and wouldnt change a thing if I lived that part of my life again. Teamwork lang kami ng ate mo, at yun ang importante. Siguro if naging kayo ulit nung isa, maganak nalang kayo kagad, for sure hindi yan matitiis ni tita. like xxxx, spoiled sa lola.
bsta ito lang advice ko. follow your heart. Tama na image. Tama na porma. you have nothing to prove in terms of that. dont worry about what others will think or say. they dont control your life, nor do they feed you. So what if hindi ka naka porsche or hindi malaki ang bahay mo? will that make you less of a person? Just remember, if you're happy, everything will fall into place.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
All About Credit Cards
I only get to enjoy credit card installment facilities here, I havent tried buying items on installment back in Manila. Credit card can be nightmares in SG (let me recall those events below) but I would say it's a nice-to-have, close to must-have, from emergency use to impulsive purchases :)
Credit Card Misadventures
1) I applied for Citibank, got denied the first time (imagine! first time in my life haha). SG is strict with credit card issuance, in short if you are a foreigner holding an employment pass and you dont have an annual income of so-and-so, you wont be granted one. But anyway, IT is a good-paying job, so should be on the safe side. The banks conduct serious basic investigation to verify your details. My problem was they called the HR of my company and couldnt locate me there. Of course! I'm based in client office. After some clarification, finally I got the cards. Your COE (cert of employment) speaks a lot, because normally, your credit limit will be twice of your monthly salary.
2) I was excited to buy a laptop last June. Almost ALL of those I know who bought their laptops in SG, they do it the installment way, like a 6 or 12-month at 0% interest, you dont have to cash out so much if u plan to stay anyway. I was skipping the 2% increase in GST then (5% rose to 7% on July1). Everything was set, the model I fancied, the freebies, but then the manager of the store in Funan said they dont have installment facility for Citibank that time (because something gut busted etc). Imagine they have for all other credit cards, only none for Citibank that time. So right then and there, I was forced to swipe it at a one-time payment. Ouch!
3) Because I didnt find the Citibank 'powerful' enough due to my laptop incident, just last month I decided to apply for another credit card. I applied for Diners, known for being less strict. Guess what, I was denied AGAIN! This time, it's because my employment pass has only 6 months left before expiry. Companies usually issue employment pass for 1year, what can I do? Well, only have to wait till my employment pass gets renewed next March. Grrgh
4) The most recent disappointment that I had. Finally my wish is granted. Jay Chow is going to have a concert here on January! However they have this promo, only OCBC credit card holders can book for the first 2 weeks! D*mn it! I went to the ticketing booth, they told me that only a few seats are left and there are no consecutive empty seats anymore. Kulang na lng sabihin ko, 'please sell the tickets to me, I desperately want to have them' No use even if I have all the cash in the world! I have to wait for the stupid promo to end.
So that's it.
... On a positive note
I'm glad to say that I just finished my last payment for the installment of the TV. Yey almost debt-free. Thinking of the next thing to buy... hmm IT show is again approaching.. waah jk :p
Lust, Caution & Blood Brothers Review
The 2 most recent movies I watched are both 'Hollywood' Chinese movies. I have a thing for these types of movies, probably I feel that I have to patronize my own hehe. As long as story line is good and cast is popular, I would watch them.
Lust, Caution (Oct 19)
This is a very controversial movie, directed by Brokeback's Ang Lee, stars Tony Leung (an award winning HK actor) and Tang Wei (a new actress in China in the likes of Zangziyi). Set in a Japanese-occupied Shanghai, the movie revolves around the espionage plot of patriot students for the assasination of Mr Yee, a Japanese collaborator played by Tony Leung. Tang Wei acts as the seductive bait. The movie actually got a lot of media attention because of the much talked-about 'erotic love scenes'. This doesnt apply for SG though because the version shown here is the more 'conservative' version, they cut 20+minutes of the whole movie for all the love scenes, tagging it at NC16 instead of NC21 rating (NC16 means suitable for audience of age 16 years and below). Tony is again good as expected. Lee Hom's role is the typical guy I would love to hate, the good-for-nothing, confused and pahamak type. Tang Wei also delivered a fresh performance as a newcomer, she clearly manifested her internal conflicts of hatred and love at the same time for Mr Yee despite that she was 'binababoy'. It's a very deep movie, and the ending is a very DEPRESSING one. Just when everything was set for assasination, Tang Wei's heart softened when Tony gave her a diamond ring as a sign of his true feelings and trust, she was struggling and finally whispered 'run for your life' to save the life of her ultimate love-hate enemy. As an audience, it's really hard to say whether what she did was right, but you'd really emphatize with her all throughout the story. The innate emotional weakness of women, the harshness of war, a well-crafted classic. I do hope people really get to appreciate an art film in the true sense!
Brothers (Nov 4)
This is a 'reunion movie', an all-star cast of the famous HK movie in the 80's, The Five Tigers (Wu Hu Chiang). Stars Andy Lao, Miu Kiu-Wai, Felix Wong Yat-Wah, Ken Tong Chun-Yip, sans Tony Leung (too bad), plus their newcomer Eason Chan Yik-Shun. The typical HK 'cop-chases-triad' movie that makes your heart skips beat, wondering who is the traitor, who will be killed, who is the good guy, who deserves to die. (well as expected, gangster movie equals violence, and normally almost all will die in the end :p).
The story revolves around the two brothers Miu and Eason. They were separated by their triad father because of a prophecy that they would kill each other, Miu tending the business and Eason working abroad. One day the father was assasinated by co-triad, Eason went back. Several actions by Miu led to the suspicion that he is planning to kill his own brother. Cop Andy is hot about chasing these two because of the illegal triad dealings. The other two tigers do not have so much weight in the roles they portrayed. Ken is the main antagonist, his face depicts evil. Felix is the loyal protector cum bodyguard of the two brothers. In the end, it turned out Miu was just preparing Eason to be tough enough to be his successor, he is dying. Watch the movie to get the feeling. This is not a waste of money, as EVERY actor here is of veteran level.
I found this amusing review in the net. Seems like the reviewer is very much distracted by Andy's endorsement of CYMA watch in the movie.:p (By the way, Andy is also the producer of this movie)
http://lovehkfilm.com/reviews_2/brothers.htm
Lust, Caution (Oct 19)
This is a very controversial movie, directed by Brokeback's Ang Lee, stars Tony Leung (an award winning HK actor) and Tang Wei (a new actress in China in the likes of Zangziyi). Set in a Japanese-occupied Shanghai, the movie revolves around the espionage plot of patriot students for the assasination of Mr Yee, a Japanese collaborator played by Tony Leung. Tang Wei acts as the seductive bait. The movie actually got a lot of media attention because of the much talked-about 'erotic love scenes'. This doesnt apply for SG though because the version shown here is the more 'conservative' version, they cut 20+minutes of the whole movie for all the love scenes, tagging it at NC16 instead of NC21 rating (NC16 means suitable for audience of age 16 years and below). Tony is again good as expected. Lee Hom's role is the typical guy I would love to hate, the good-for-nothing, confused and pahamak type. Tang Wei also delivered a fresh performance as a newcomer, she clearly manifested her internal conflicts of hatred and love at the same time for Mr Yee despite that she was 'binababoy'. It's a very deep movie, and the ending is a very DEPRESSING one. Just when everything was set for assasination, Tang Wei's heart softened when Tony gave her a diamond ring as a sign of his true feelings and trust, she was struggling and finally whispered 'run for your life' to save the life of her ultimate love-hate enemy. As an audience, it's really hard to say whether what she did was right, but you'd really emphatize with her all throughout the story. The innate emotional weakness of women, the harshness of war, a well-crafted classic. I do hope people really get to appreciate an art film in the true sense!
Brothers (Nov 4)
This is a 'reunion movie', an all-star cast of the famous HK movie in the 80's, The Five Tigers (Wu Hu Chiang). Stars Andy Lao, Miu Kiu-Wai, Felix Wong Yat-Wah, Ken Tong Chun-Yip, sans Tony Leung (too bad), plus their newcomer Eason Chan Yik-Shun. The typical HK 'cop-chases-triad' movie that makes your heart skips beat, wondering who is the traitor, who will be killed, who is the good guy, who deserves to die. (well as expected, gangster movie equals violence, and normally almost all will die in the end :p).
The story revolves around the two brothers Miu and Eason. They were separated by their triad father because of a prophecy that they would kill each other, Miu tending the business and Eason working abroad. One day the father was assasinated by co-triad, Eason went back. Several actions by Miu led to the suspicion that he is planning to kill his own brother. Cop Andy is hot about chasing these two because of the illegal triad dealings. The other two tigers do not have so much weight in the roles they portrayed. Ken is the main antagonist, his face depicts evil. Felix is the loyal protector cum bodyguard of the two brothers. In the end, it turned out Miu was just preparing Eason to be tough enough to be his successor, he is dying. Watch the movie to get the feeling. This is not a waste of money, as EVERY actor here is of veteran level.
I found this amusing review in the net. Seems like the reviewer is very much distracted by Andy's endorsement of CYMA watch in the movie.:p (By the way, Andy is also the producer of this movie)
http://lovehkfilm.com/reviews_2/brothers.htm
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Ratatouille Review
This is an AWESOME movie - visually stimulating, funny, and yet value-loaded in a very amiable manner. My favorite cartoon movie thus far. You don't get to see such movies often, so much substance, heart-warming, full of life's
lessons yet doesnt bore you at all.
The scenes that have a lasting impression on me are:
Deep scenes:
1) Gusteau's review - of course who would forget the catchy lines at the end of the movie.
Indeed so true, we are always capable to bring someone down, we tend to underestimate the potential of others. It takes a movie like Ratatouille to remind us that anyone is a star in his or her own right.
In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we
critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau's famous motto: Anyone can cook. But I realize that only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now cooking at Gusteau's, who is, in this critic's opinion, nothing less than the finest chef in France. I will be returning to Gusteau's soon, hungry for more.
2) Remy's drift
When Remy was carried by the currents and got separated from his family, he was sullen. Gusteau appeared with his funny 'I'm a figment of your imagination'lines <- i love this figment line hehe. I totally agree with what he advised Remy 'If you're focused on what you've left behind, you will not be able to see what lies ahead. Now go up, and look around!'
It was also the same time when I got ticked off by a friend's comment. There are a few unpleasant things that got me disappointed, and I chose to brush them OFF completely and start anew. My friend sort of told me 'moving on is NOT about not
looking back' because he finds me skeptical. Whenever someone drops a 'disturbing' harsh line to me, I sometimes couldnt help but to be affected haha, anyway something for my new year's resolution then hehe. So at least this line from Ratatouille affirms my point. :)
3) Mouse trap
Remy was brought to a place with dead mice on mouse traps by this father, purpose of which is to let him see the real world and give up his dreams of being a chef.
'The world we live in belongs to the enemy, we must live carefully. We look out for our own kind. When all is said and done, we're all we've got'.
---It sounds positive to me. It shows the concern and unity of a family, a race. At the end of day, when the whole world turns its back on you, your family is all you've got.
Change is nature, Dad. The part that we can influence. And it starts when we decide.
---Everything is a matter of CHOICE. Decide for you own. I am a firm believer of 'kung gusto, may paraan'! :)
Funny scenes:
1) Remy's aroma scene
When Remy asks his brother Emil to take time to eat slowly and meditate, experience the aroma of strawberries combined with cheese, and then flashes the blissful smile. 'Now close your eyes, take a bite of this..' Really funny scene.
2) Cooking rats in the kitchen
The scene where a battallion of rats was preparing the food, there was this sanitizing heat cabin that cleanses them before they start cooking. Funny to see their hairs standing up and stiff.
So what's the effect of watching Ratatouille.. After watching the movie I decided to take my cooking prowess to the next level (haha feeling lng). I finally took the challenge of cooking a dish that I've always wanted to try but never really got
the inspiration to proceed. Crabs! I guess nobody in the right mind would think of buying crabs (i mean for my profile - my age, a supposedly busy overseas worker, etc). Viola, I was able to prepare 3 kinds, chilli crab, crab vermicelli and butter
garlic crab. :p I'll just blog about the last episode of my Food Lab next time. :)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
It's Raining Cats and Dogs
I've been searching for pictures of cute kitties and doggies. Interesting images.
Image 1 - Sisterhood
This is so cute! I'm reminded of my kapatids hehe.
Image 2 - Sunbathing
Now I understand the advantage of being a human - tipid sa bathing suit. Imagine if we were created in the likeness of these creatures, we should be spending for 4 sets instead of 1!
Image 3 - Kung Fu fighting
Is this Bruce Lee? Jet Lee? Jacky Chan?
Image 4 - Sampayan
Beyonce in the house.. Can you keep up.. (baby boy) make me lose my breath.
Image 5 - Family Planning
The 9th+ unfortunate ones. How does a dog nurse a 9th, 10th, 11th.. baby doggie? They only have 8 slots for breastfeeding. First come first served?! Wawa naman!
Image 1 - Sisterhood
This is so cute! I'm reminded of my kapatids hehe.
Image 2 - Sunbathing
Now I understand the advantage of being a human - tipid sa bathing suit. Imagine if we were created in the likeness of these creatures, we should be spending for 4 sets instead of 1!
Image 3 - Kung Fu fighting
Is this Bruce Lee? Jet Lee? Jacky Chan?
Image 4 - Sampayan
Beyonce in the house.. Can you keep up.. (baby boy) make me lose my breath.
Image 5 - Family Planning
The 9th+ unfortunate ones. How does a dog nurse a 9th, 10th, 11th.. baby doggie? They only have 8 slots for breastfeeding. First come first served?! Wawa naman!
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