Zubuchon

I have been to Cebu and I love the city as well as the islands.  A Cebu vacation would not be complete without bringing home some goodies such their native dried fish, otap, dried mangoes, and the so-called "Cebu Lechon".  When we were in Cebu, the famous lechon was CNT and I bought a couple of kilos for my family and friends.  And even for our office staff who is from Cebu, I always make it a point to ask her to buy me a couple of kilos of CNT Lechon every time she goes home to her province.

That changed when Anthony Bourdain for "No Reservations" went to the Philippines.  Marketman played host and Anthony Bourdain was served with lechon cooked with lemongrass, green onions, siling labuyo, local sea salt, and other herbs and spices.  The lechon was described by Mr. Bourdain as the best pig ever! That episode of "No Reservation" made me want to try Marketmanila's Cebu Lechon!


Recently, Marketman opened two stores of "Zubuchon" in Cebu.  I have been wanting to taste their lechon and everything else on their menu but Cebu is too far from Manila.

Fast forward, a cousin who went to Cebu brought us Zubuchon for pasalubong --

We immediately tried some and we find it perfectly cooked and better than that of CNT.  I love that there was a generous portion of skin.  I heard Zubuchon does not use MSG and artificial flavors and mixes.  Since we can only take so much to avoid having pains on our nape, we set aside about half of it.  The next day, we had it fried and the skin was perfect!

Who's going to Cebu, I want some Zubuchon! :)

Song Do - Korean Restaurant

I developed a taste for Korean dishes and kimchi after my hubby's trip to Korea a couple of years back. He was able to bring home a couple of Korean treats which include the classic kimchi -- a cabbage marinated in a mix of chili, garlic, and other spices that results in a slightly fermented and spicy side dish. 

For our usual Korean meal at home, we prepare Korean noodles and barbeque then pair them with store-bought kimchi, preferably the "homemade" ones from Rustan's or Shopwise.

Today, hubby drove for me and while we were at my office, we decided to have our late lunch at Sing Do, El Pueblo. 

I got excited after seeing the appetizers.  I have a liking for slightly spicy food.  And upon seeing the different kinds of kimchi, I know that nothing store-bought can compare. You could see that hubby can't wait to taste them --

Out of the six kinds of appetizers served before us, the kimchi made of leeks became my instant favorite.  It is amazingly good because the leeks was still very fresh and crisp and while it is spicy, it is not overpowering --

We shared the bibimbap and bulgogi.  The bibimbap was served with sauce on the side.
 

Bibimbap 

I mixed the bibimbap but not all the sauce that comes with it because it might overpower my rice.

And here is our bulgogi -- 

Bulgogi

 We feasted on our food!

The aftermath --

The verdict, we were satisfied with our meal.  Just the right lunch for a day wherein you had to rush back to the office for a couple of meetings.  While our food is good enough, I believe my hubby can out do the bulgogi and bibimbap.  But we are not ready yet with the recipe for the soup and the appetizers.

I can't wait for another Korean meal with my eating partner! :)

Rash Guards

My hubby is in search for a rash guard for himself but was unlucky to find one for his liking.  

We bought these rash guard instead for the boys -- bought them off season when supplies are high and demands are low.  This is for K1 -- 

The color reminds me of my alma mater! I know, K1 wouldn't care! Haha! Anyway, K1 loves the material and the print.  He refused to remove it after he tried it on and he insists on zipping it up to his neck!

And this one is for K2 -- for two years old!  It has a small crab print in front and a big crab print on the back. What's with the crab? :)

It looks so cute on K2, his big fat tummy was protruding.  The color looks good on him and I like that it is not too fit, there is still space for him to grow.  After all, he will not be using it yet.

And this one was purchased as a gift for our nephew IE. 

Since IE is a big baby, it's good that there is a zip on the back, his mom will not have a hard time putting it on him.

They are all too cute.  Now, the kids could wear their rash guards with their trunks.  We can't wait for the boys to use their rash guards.

And here is the bonus -- the slippers my sister MC and I purchased when we were in the US! 

Oh, and we already have a sunblock for the boys, courtesy of my sister DM!  Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Lotion in SPF 60+

The kids are ready to hit the beach or their inflatable pool! Now, I want to bug the hubby for an out of town trip! :)

Bottles and Refills

My everyday shampoo and conditioner are the regular supermarket brands that I buy in big sizes.  For my shampoo alone, I buy two kinds which I alternate.  Same goes for my hubby.  The problem is our shower caddy couldn't accommodate all the big bottles because of their height.  And being on the OC side, I hate seeing different kinds of bottles, in different colors, and in different sizes.

Luckily, I saw these cheap PET bottles from Regina's, my favorite waste land since time immemorial! I always find cute stuffs from there which I do not really need but are simply irresistible.

Got these bottles at P29.00 each!  I told you they are cheap!  I will be using them for my shampoo, conditioner, and body wash!

These are the bottles in our bathroom counter for our hand wash and lotion.  I recycled the ones from M&S --

And these are hubby's body wash --

The bottles are from Bath & Body Works body wash while the pumps are from Bath & Body Works hand wash.  I will mix and match another set for hubby's shampoo!  

I do not want to use the same bottles as mine for my hubby as he might get confused as to what is his and what is not.  Even before, I do transfer hubby's toiletries in pump bottles because he pours large amounts more than what he really needs.  He couldn't control the contents due to the large openings of the bottles and some just end up on the floor.

Oh, and these are the bottles I just purchased --

I already transferred my shampoo, conditioner, and body wash! :) I need to buy three more though for the other stuffs I have.  Or make it six just to be sure.  I intend to transfer our hand soap, lotion, and kid's shampoo and body wash in this kind of bottle!  And I will be printing sticker labels for all our bottles! :)

Vanity

I am a newbie when it comes to make-up.  My constant companions are my face powder and lip gloss and I am good to go.  I didn't use make up because I thought it will take an hour of my time.  While I had several stash of make-ups, I didn't use most of them.

Last Christmas, my SIL AE gave me this --

The "Ultimate Make-Up Kit" from VS!  Such small kit opens to this --

I love that its is compact!  It includes --

30 Silky Eye Shadow

5 Perfect Lipstick

5 Lip Gloss 

3 Blush

Bronzer

Luminous Powder
Translucent Powder

Lip Liner

Eye Liner

 Mascara

And it even comes with a powder/blush brush, two lip brushes, and two eye shadow applicators!

While I still go for the uber minimalist look, I put on make-up just for a touch of color.  I am a novice and the art of putting make-up is something which is not common to me, not yet. Haha!

I've been using my make-up kit for months already and I am loving the make-up.  However, I am having problems with the brush and the applicators.  The brushes are too small and are not of good quality and are simply there for convenience.  I then remembered the powder/face brush which my sister KA gave me.  Now, I never leave home without my make-up kit and brush.  It has never been the same.  I feel that something is missing when I do not put on at least a little make-up.

Recently, KA got me this from Megamall.  Can you guess what it is?

It is a travel brush kit for BEGINNERS!  "Beginners" being the operative word!

They are too cute!  How nice that they come in a tiny black pouch!  Who wouldn't want a simple kit in such a neutral color?  This set is going with me everyday but for now, I need to test it! 

Have a good weekend everyone! :)

Psyllium + L-Carnitine

Between me and my hubby, it is he who is conscious of what to eat and what not to eat.  It sometimes is hard to choose what to eat when we are out since he doesn't want to eat pork or sweets.  He is also choosy when it comes to food -- he doesn't eat mussels, oysters, beef dinuguan, and the list goes on.

Hubby is also addicted to working out! While I couldn't carry a dumbbell or run 100 meters, he, on the other hand, works out thrice a week and runs when there is a chance!  Talk about being a health buff, huh?

Through our good friend LA, he discovered this --

My sister bought a lot from Costco for our parents and my hubby!  Thanks, DM! You can also purchase from Amazon, it is 50% cheaper than here in MNL.

Hubby has been taking two glasses of this alleged "goodness" twice a day and he even makes it a point to pack some if we are going on a trip.  Metamucil claims of several benefits.  Their website boasts --

"While most fiber supplements only help to promote regularity, 

Metamucil^® does more. It's the only leading fiber supplement brand made 

with 100% natural psyllium fiber that's clinically proven, 

and recognized by the FDA, to help lower cholesterol.*

Good for your heart, good for your digestive system —

good for your healthy lifestyle." 

When I feel I am bloated, I take Metamucil and it does what it should. The problem is, I feel I am choking because of the consistency of the mixture -- it gets thick when not consumed immediately.  While I believe that it is beneficial for my digestive system, I first need to like it and convince myself that it is good for me!

 And don't tell him I tell you about this --

He asked me to buy him two bottles of L-Carnitine when I was in the U.S.  I got his from Vitamin World but I think the one from here is cheaper.

While I am against supplements, I cannot do anything because even if I don't buy it there, he will get it locally anyway.

The label claims --

Hubby said it is safe.  I did my research and I have read from this site that --

"The health benefits of L-carnitine are far more than its potential risks 

on your over all wellness. It is safe and remains as such, 

as long as you take it in prescribed dosages."

I am not convinced.  Not yet!  I really hope it is safe and will not harm his liver.

Medals and Trophies

When I was in school, I was only an average student.  While I did receive a medal and certificates of appreciation when I was in GS, there was no first, second, or third honors.  The time I again received some recognition was when I was in college, when I was twice included in the Dean's List.  

With respect to my sisters, each has a story of the recognition and achievements they have gathered through out their student life.  My sisters are more serious with their studies than I and our parents could attest to that.  I could still recall the times that I was too lazy to study.

Anyway, my sisters and I each keep the proof of our hard work.  Mine was in an envelope and they are only for my appreciation.  Haha!  If we are to frame all the certificates, diplomas, and plaques we have gathered, I think we could cover all the walls of a room but mine would only cover a portion of it, tee-hee :) 

With respect to my hubby,  he and his sisters had amassed a certain number of medals -- those with red, white, and blue ribbons! I took a picture of these medals displayed in their house --

It was my FIL who arranged these medals and who carefully hanged them.  I could only surmise how proud my FIL and MIL were going up the stage and hanging these medals to their kids!

And these are the trophies they have collected --

Looking back, I wish I did well. 

My parents have not been remiss in reminding us to value education since according to them, that is the only legacy they could leave us.  Mind you, that is not easy to understand especially for a kid who only has "play" in mind.  I myself only understood this when I already finished my college education.

Now that I am a parent, I could only wish that my kids would do well in school.  I do not intend to pressure my kids as I want them to learn in a fun and exciting way.

Next school year, we will be sending K1 to a preschool in preparation for big school.  Let's see who will be having separation anxiety, him or I? :)

Happiness

Sadness is a relative term and it depends on how we view things.  I equate sadness to problems and problems to a situation which for me is difficult to deal with.

In my younger years, I feel sad when I cannot play or cannot tag along my parents.  In my grade school and high school days, I feel sad when I get low grades, when my mom scolds and reprimands me, and when there's a fight between me and my siblings.  In my college and post graduate years, I feel sad when I am under stress and when there is a misunderstanding in a relationship.  Lately, I feel sad when I am tired and when I do not get the results I expect.

Like everyone else, I desire to be happy and at peace.  I base my happiness on things and conditions.  I tell myself, "I will be happy when I get good results from my work" or I will be happy when I get the jewelry or bag I want" or "I will be happy if my hubby would agree with me".  But then, as soon as I get what I want, I again become dissatisfied as I tend to desire or expect more.  I know, I am so shallow!

I then realized that it is because I have attached certain conditions to my happiness.

www.friendship-quotes.info

Through soul searching, I realized that I should not depend my happiness from something or someone else as it should come from within.  Also, I am responsible for my own happiness!

Lately, I have been thinking too much.  I tell myself that "I am disappointed and sad" and that "I am expecting more".  In the process, it is not only I who is sad as I had also affected the happiness of the people I love.  I feel sorry for that.

In this lifetime, I know problems and misunderstandings would come and it is up to me on how to deal with them.  If I want to be happy, I should not react negatively and I should always have positive thoughts.  As I have said, it is up to me.  If I choose to be happy, I would be happy and so will the people around me.

It is hard, I know.  But no matter how hard it is, I will try to have an open mind and learn how to have a positive stand.  After all, as my sister KA tells me, I am not the center of the universe!

Edit:

Oh, and as what DC just said -- "one of the simplest way to be happy is by just letting go of the things that make you sad."

Typhoon Pedring 09/27/2011

It was around 8:30 A.M. of 27 September 2011 when I received a call from the Managing Partner of the Firm that they are suspending work due to Typhoon Pedring.  Such decision was reached after work for government employees was suspend due to the storm signal.  While I could see the strong rain plus the strong winds, I did not know that it as that serious.  This was because we have no electricity at that time; ergo, no TV or AM radio.

Despite the discouragement from my parents, I still decided to brave the rain and to go to work to finish some paper works and to get my files for the hearing the next day.  My sister KA went with me and with us are the netbook, iPad, iPhone, cellphones, camera, and video for charging.

I stopped by Shell gas station to fill my tank and while waiting for my card, the glass window of the cashier suddenly fell because of the strong wind. 

Good thing my car was not hit by the broken glass, there is a good distance of about a meter and a a half.  On our way to Ortigas, we saw this MMDA truck ready to do some clearing and cleaning!

We saw lots of trees and broken branches that fell on the road, but we weren't able to take pictures.

My sister and I stayed at the office for a good three hours and we again braved the rain.  We were already scared of being trapped somewhere especially when we weren't able to reach the mobile numbers of our family and househelpers.  We also noticed that our cellphone signals were down.

We passed by our usual route and we saw the big tree in the center island occupying four lanes of the road.  We had to pass by the easement of the establishments just to be able to pass.  The poor tree, we have been seeing this tree for decades now.

It was a relief when we got home.  It feels good to be with our family, there is a sense of security especially that you know everyone is safe.

Since we have nothing else to do, I and the kids played and snuggled in bed.  At first, K1 was enjoying the dim light dinner and shadow puppets but later on, he and K2 got irritated.  They are not used to not having a light, music, and artificial air from the aircon or the fan.  I had to fan them all night.

I learned a lot from this experience.  In the middle of our sleep, I saw the tea light candle above with a huge flame the size of a saucer, with its glass broken.  Good thing nothing was damaged.  I didn't expect it to set fire as big as that!

Electricity was restored after thirty-two hours!

Next time, I will be more ready.  Oh, and I think I will be scouting for a transistor radio, a rechargeable light, fan, and a bigger flashlight than what I am using.

I am glad and thankful we are all safe!

Packing for Tagaytay

Last Friday, I had an engagement in Tagaytay.  I scheduled it on a Friday so that our family could spend our weekend at hubby's family's country home!

As early as Thursday afternoon, I was already giving instructions to the nannies to pack the kids' stuff.  It is not easy to travel with kids because we feel we are carrying the whole house.  Imagine packing the play yard, the foam which we ordered from Uratex especially measured for the playpen's specifications (because the playpen doubles as K2's crib), stroller, and boxes/containers of food/snacks, bottles, and clothes! We store the clothes in a plastic box/container so that we would no longer transfer the kids' clothes to the cabinet.  With respect to toys, we only bring some which they would be needing while inside the car.  And for toiletries, we leave a kids' set in Tagaytay.

Here is my "to bring list" when traveling out of town with my toddlers:

1.  Clothes and diapers;
2.  Toiletries;
3.  Food, milk, water, snacks;
4.  Feeding bowls, sippy cups, spoons (because we use our own utensils and bowls when feeding them commercial food);
5.  Playpen which could double as a crib;
6.  Pillows and blanket;
7.  Wet wipes;
8.  Off spray or lotion and medicines;
9.  Stroller; and,
10.  Toys or any other stuff which would make them busy while in transit.  I do not recommend
letting your kids play with iPhone, iPad, or PSP when in transit.  It makes them dizzy which could lead to motion sickness;

I recommend bringing extra clothes for those sitting or taking care of the kids (in case they throw up) and Bonamin for motion sickness (in our case, it is one of our nannies who needs it).

By now, the nannies have mastered the art of packing.  I need not tell them what to bring or what not to bring since they have been doing it ever since they were hired.  I just check the clothes and edit them, depending on the weather.

Play time in Tagaytay is usually spent at the living room.  One of the areas was instantly converted to a kids' area -- the playpen and the toys are stationed there and even the TV was fixed to Channel 66 -- Disney Junior!

Tagaytay is so "laid-back".  We just stay home, save for a few trips to the grocery.   We allow the kids to play and wander in the garden, away from gadgets!

These are K1 and I! He made me wear one of his slippers and the other one was left with him.  The weather is just perfect for us to cuddle and play.

We have a box/container of toys in Tagaytay, just so we would not have to pack the toys to and fro our house in the metro --

K1 indeed loves his Toy Story!

K1 showing off (or looking at) his noisy favorites --

 And K2  --

 Time spent with the family is time well spent! Love love!