Birthdays at Society Lounge

Mitchy set up the Birdcage Black Berry Messenger group that has been a venue for the randomest antics available-- all day and night. From love-team wannabes, to diet plans to BBM tricks to jejejeje from Barcelona care of Nikko, my bbm was beeping non-stop for a few days. Sadly now the hype has died down, not much activity going on people are quiet o BBM now. One day as plans were being thrown around on BBM, We were invited to go to Society Lounge which he claims is the place to be. No one knows where this is-- we assume that we have been out of the loop and have escalated to "LOLA" status that we don't know where cool people hang out anymore. Gone are our "Cool" days when we could skip the lines and have access to free flowing drinks and know pretty much everyone at the club. Last night was  my night to be "BAGETS" and be in the "in crowd" for birthdays at Society Lounge. Blue Label, Patron, Moet and Chandon. Need I drop any more names? Good thing I'm not drinking or else I probably wouldn't be writing this-- unable to recall events from last night.

I really had a blast in-spite my sipping on hot water with lemons all night long. Nice to see a bunch of people I haven't seen in quite a while.

Giza Sy-Tang

The Newly Wed, who is blooming and looks so happy. I am truly so happy for her. I remember chatting on YM with her a couple of years ago as she shared her fears of Ty going into professional basketball-- all those fears futile. :) I love seeing pictures of them so in love on their Facebook.

Darryl Santos

Finally, After 4 years of law school he is back out with us. I really enjoyed catching up with him-- where he's been and where he's going-- where I've been to as well but not so much as to where I'm headed because even to me it isn't crystal clear haha :)) Good luck with reviewing for the bar and I am looking forward to seeing you more often and hearing more of your stories, Da.

Kriska Joaquin

My sister from another mother. I don't see you often enough Kris, and too bad Kace couldn't make it. You should come to Bali with us!!! Go na, Tin is bringing Ate Lala! I wish I could bring my real sister, Kisa too :( Had to post 2 pictures because I love these two!! Parang ang payat ko na!! Sana totoo na talaga hahaha :))

Drei Omega

In Manila for only one night. Our lives have both changed drastically since the last time we saw each other in Cebu. Our two opposite personalities have somehow rubbed off on each other. A more responsible realistic Ina and a more positive Drei. We NEED to continue that conversation Drei. I miss you and I am so happy for you and can't wait till I see you back in Cebu as soon as possible. A Maya date for sure! Oh, and I cannot believe we didn't take a decent picture together-- I had to crop this one!

Bea Garcia

Who has been way too busy to see me for coffee. I guess we had to go through similar things in the recent past, trying times that made us stronger and changed us for the better. Can you please make time for me na because there's still so much to tell you and I really miss you... and Society Lounge no matter how "happening" it is there is not the place for us to discuss our lives the way we've always loved to. I still remember coffee at Mickey's before leaving for Miami last year---- Remember Bey??? Oh how much life has changed since then.

Mike Pelayo

(his beautiful girlfriend Karlene because for some reason I didn't have a picture with him )

Howcome we didn't take a picture? I was really touched with the conversation I had with Mike. Although I'm not sure if he will remember. We were catching up and he was telling me na sama daw ako mag-boxing and that we should hang out more often and we can talk about work and I should call him anytime. I don't remember so well because I was already pretty tired at that time.. But when I woke up this morning I was thinking, I will really collect that from Mike. So Mike lets have coffee or lunch sometime ha? And I need help with the DTI remember? HiHiHI

AND OF COURSE...

Just being with the those WACKY boys and girls is always a wonderful respite from the worries of the world :) Pam Champion of the Night! :)

Almost Forgot....

Half of Anton Martinez!

60 pounds lighter and blooming yihee :)) 

Congratulations Anton, you are my idol talaga hihihi :))

Oh, and Special thanks to Margie for the beautiful shoes that I wore that night. They're so pretty at super tangkad ko! All the boys were getting mad at me. hihihi ;))

Pa's Chinese Ascension

I'm laughing at the title I chose, but I think it is the essence of today's ceremonies. It was Pa's second year death anniversary last week and today is the second year on the Chinese Calendar. I have no idea how they calculate this, but they say its today. So today, we went to China town where the temple with Pa's Chinese sprit is kept ( I suppose I know nothing of this, I just play along) or more accurately--where his portrait is kept to wave incense at. 

Out of all the mornings of late, I chose to oversleep today-- when I actually had a purpose to wake up! Well, I didn't really oversleep. I just woke up as my alarm rang for 6am. I usually wake up WAAAY before that. But today, when we were supposed to leave at 6, I woke up at 6. Hmph! At least I got a proper night's rest.

We left at 630. Dong passed through Ortigas to Aurora all the way to Binondo! I have never been on that street before-- there were so many new things to see which made for a very interesting drive. I love looking out at what businesses are out there. New condo's in the middle of nowhere, Harrison Plaza, SM Sta. Mesa. I should drive around more often, see whats out there. What markets can be tapped.

We got to the temple at around 715. and set up the goodies to be offered. Today Lanie prepared 5 sets of fruits, cookies and pastries and 5 different food I think. We had to light incense and sort of waft it at the buddhas and then stand and bow as the monks chanted for half an hour.

I entitled it "Ascension" because after today he's no longer "newly dead" and is now to be at the higher heaven, i suppose. He no longer gets yellow incense, now red like the rest of the Ty family at the mausoleum. Why does it take 2 years for him to join his ancestors up in Chinese Heaven? I know he is happy there :)

We all ate at Grams Diner for Breakfast afterwards. Chi, Mom, Lanie and I. Chi was getting irritated with me as I kept changing my mind about what to order. Should I order the omelet or steak and eggs? I settle on Steak and Eggs but realize that they're both proteins and should be 1 kind of protein at a time and veggies. So I quickly change to the Omelet, with Mushrooms, Bell Pepper and Tomato-- sounded like what I made the other day. Chi says "Labo Mo!" and argues with me. "You can't diet when you eat out!" "OH YES I CAN!!" Everyone else got the Patriotic Breakfast, Tapa-- my favorite tapa in the world that I couldn't have. ( Secret: I had one bite hihihi )

Leftover from my Breakfast Omelet

with Mushrooms, Bell Peppers and Tomatoes

The Patriotic Breakfast : Tapa

Ina: "Did you like the tapa? That's my favorite tapa!"

Chi: "It tastes like bacon"

Ina: "I know, bacon and tapa in one!"

Chi: "If I wanted Bacon I would have ordered Bacon!"

Lanie: "Hihihihihih :))"

The secret is in their vinegar, i think.

Chi is still stressing over his Philosophy predicament. See, my brother does not speak much tagalog. Or he just dislikes the language. It started with Pa, he forbade anyone to talk to them in Tagalog and told them never to speak it. Pa was made fun of as a kid not being able to speak proper english so he didn't want Chi and Julian to speak tagalog. Hence, their aversion for the language. Julian even went as far as escaping to study in the States to avoid it. Chi is now stuck in Tagalog Philosophy with a certain John Uy who is batch mates with our cousin Mikko and apparently does not give anyone high grades. His Facebook status the other day said "Saying bye to all my hopes and dreams for the first sem! Trapped with Philosophy in FILIPINO T.T. Death." I tell him that he should prove to everyone that he can do it instead of whining and complaining. He should prove to us how big of a genius he really is-- even if it is tagalog. And I know he can do it. But he says "But I don't like-- I hate this I'm going to get a C" ( and anything lower than an A is not a good thing for my brother) I tell him that not everything in life he will like but he still has to pull through it and rise to the challenge, it will build his character and resolve. Let's see how he does. :) I don't think he'll let himself fail.. I know Chi can do it :)

Encounter and Conti's

I was the prodigal daughter at Encounter yesterday. I have been missing in action for quite a while, then I requested for the schedule to be changed from Monday afternoons to Wednesday afternoons. I have instituted Mondays as Game Plan day at the office full of meetings and I want to be able to concentrate on those and not rush them just to make it to Encounter. My car is also color coding on that day, I usually take another car but sometimes my Mom takes it back while I'm at work so I'm stuck. And honestly I really like going to Encounter-- spending that time just talking about God and being with him and sharing your love for him--his love for me--with other people who are just as crazy as me, or even crazier :) Thanks to Team Pinugu. Lynn, Pat, Cris, Rina and Trisha for changing the schedule for me. This way I can go to work bright and early on Monday before 7, really develop ideas with people since I'm stuck till 7 :) Making up the hours for leaving early for Encounter on Wednesday :)

I came from Tita Edith's house before Encounter because she was helping me with my cash flow and financials. This had been Tito Oscars suggestions as he helped me out with my bank loan. It proved to be worth while. I love learning from Tita Edith, she explains things so well-- or in a manner that I comprehend very easily and she has so many ideas and insights that are so useful. It also helped that my nephew Kai came into the room while we worked and just hung around. He is such an amazing kid, so smart. He was able to spell out transformers with Paper clips on the bed and called to show us-- He's 5.

I kinda lost track of time and left Tita Edith's house and left at 430 when Enounter was at 430. Good thing Everest was 10 minutes away. I was late, they had already started-- and this was my requested schedule. Sorry girls, good thing I brought Strawberry Strudels from S&R that turned out to be so good-- I ended up eating most of it hihihi ;))

After Encounter Lynn, Pat, Trisha and I decided to have dinner at Conti's in Serendra. Cris had to pick her sister up and Rina had a date at the gym so they weren't able to join us.

I ordered Tofu Steak for 195 pesos. Tofu and Shitake Mushrooms-- Diet Friendly Perfect. It has actually been exciting for me to search for these Diet friendly dishes at restaurants. They taste much better than the ones I make at home-- Okay, they might have a bit more salt and oil than is required but hey.. were doing our best.. Lynn attempted to eat the Fried Rice that came with my dish but failed. Haha :))

Lynn's Molo Soup

Only 75 pesos i think?

Pat's I dont know what this is hehehe :))

It was nice to hear about whats been happening to the girls. Getting excited about our book club-- that has been way too long in the planning stage. At least now we have achieved some progress! We have a book in line. Hunger Games, recommended by new RC member Ynez. We're already planning the first themed meeting-- without having started reading hahaha :)) I'm still stuck on Snowball, Warren Buffet and the Business of Life. Yes, thats 900++ glorious pages of investing. I'm halfway-- must read faster. I am trying to focus my life right? Hence-- ONE BOOK AT A TIME!! You have no idea how difficult this is for me! I still have my other dailies and work and school readings-- but those are not "leisurely reading material." I want to read Hunger Games na!!! 

I like this picture of Pat, she looks so happy :)

Leo's Breakfast Birthday

I wanted to cook Leo breakfast for his birthday this year. He turned 25 last Sunday. I had him choose a day of the week when he was free at 7am-ish at my house. Leo was in. Tuesday morning he said. I enlisted KC's help of course, she's the resident cook and I her faithful assistant :)

We decided on a Menu:

KC's famous hash browns with Cheese Sauce
Portobello Mushroom, Bell Pepper and Cheese Omelet
Bacon and Rice
Pancakes
Fresh Mango Juice

My assignment was the Omelet, Pancakes and Mango Juice.
I chose Portobello Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes and Mozzarella because they all fit in my diet. I just sauteed all the vegetables in a bit of olive oil with garlic and set them aside. I beat 8 eggs, added some fresh milk then salt and pepper to taste and put the egg mixture in a teflon pan. I added the vegetables after a while and then the cheese. I was afraid that the top wasn't getting cooked and i had a hard time folding it so I decided to put the pan in the oven like a fritata. I worked even better-- the eggs were so yummy :) Kilig nanaman ako. Sorry guys, Im just really so happy when my cooking is actually edible-- I end up eating so much-- I know it's bad. I should stop cooking altogether.

When I saw Chief at Kirin, I also invited him to breakfast because he'd been sick and we haven't seen him in ages. Glad he was able to make it.

Leo ran late, he had to drop by a gas station for work before coming over. Kace had to leave for an early 8 am meeting and didn't get to see Mr. Cabredo. We called Mitch who lives around the corner from me-- told her to get her ass out of bed "Wag ka na maligo" and come over! The food was good, nothing too heavy-- and the company was great. I was able to get the best work advice from the serious screws. It really really fueled me to work more. It was really just a great morning with great company. Mornings like these are not to be forgotten and must be repeated :)

Happy Birthday Mr. Cabredo-- Cheers to all the great things coming your way this year :) Ms. Tugegarao, Watch out for Leo :)

Again, I forgot to take pictures of all the food because I had too much fun when it started.

Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are one of my favorite cookies. They're essentially just butter cookies with cinnamon. I've been cooking a lot at home and decided to make some for my round of Monday Game Plan meetings at the office. 

My favorite website for recipes as of late is a site I stumbled upon -- www.tastespotting.com -- and found a recipe for "The Best Snickerdoodle Ever!" What could beat that right? I wrote the recipe down on my idea notebook a week ago and after my wonderful day with the girls last Saturday passed by CVC along Marcos High-way to grab the goodies for my cookies.

The Best Snickerdoodle EVER

1/2 a cup of butter softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cream of tartar

The recipe is so simple. I was making these cookies while Chi and I contemplated on what to eat for Sunday Family time Sunday morning.

I forget how many cookies the recipe was for but I doubled up on all the ingredients. All you have to do is mix all the wet ingredients and all the dry ingredients and then combine them together and VIOLA! hahaha :)) You have to refrigerate it so that the magic happens," preferably overnight" the recipe states. I put the bater in the freezer at 1030 and baked them in the evening at 6.

I just eyeballed an ideal size cut the frozen batter into sections. Put a bit of flour on my hands and rolled them into balls. In my test batch I rolled the cookie balls in a mixture of brown sugar, granulated sugar and cinnamon-- a whole lot of cinnamon.

The test batch were ready for dessert at the dinner table... I was first to take a bite. And I was so kilig-- Again--- as I always am when I cook and it actually tastes good :) hihihihi "Oh my God. It's Good YOU HAVE TO TRY." Mom was second to finish her dinner and said "Uy, sarap nga! Akin nalang, I'll bring them to Laguna!" I go-- "No way! They're for my office!" Chi tells Gcza "Ina wants to be a Mommy in her office." I was so kilig to hear that, I'm glad he knows :) I patiently wait for Chi to finish their take-out from Sushi-Ya so he could taste the cookies. I warn him that maybe there might be a bit too much cinnamon-- When he takes a bite--- he tries to hide it but goes "Sige na nga, Its good!" I do my kilig dance with my shoulders-- He says "But maybe too much cinnamon. So the rest were only rolled in cinnamon on one side.

Kirin, Bonifacio High Street

Today we ate at Kirin. Chi came down from breakfast at around 10 in the morning. I started to work on my cookies while he sat there. I asked him what are plans for the day were. I'd rather dinner than lunch today because of the heat. We were thinking of Taka or Apartment 1B-- Restaurant's we had picked out from the Tattler's list while looking at Fully Booked last weekend. But Chi has been having stomach problems the past few days and he couldn't really eat properly. "I want to eat in Taka but I can't eat sushi and I don't want to waste our time there. Apartment 1B is also heavy." We contemplate as I make cookies as to what he can eat without upsetting his stomach. No sushi, thank God. I suggest steamed fish-- but he's not too excited about that. I ask him if he'd like to come with me to Megamall in the afternoon. I needed to get notebooks from National bookstore-- but he says "It's my last day of summer." 

We finally settle on "that Chinese restaurant in High Street" for lucnch because Mom had dinner plans. Ofcourse Chi had to nag about the speed limit in Fort. Last weekend we were caught speeding there but they let us go with a warning. When he pulled out onto the Fort exit Chi ran at 40 kph and goes "Look, this is so slow! How the hell am I supposed to drive at this speed? It's wasting so much gas!"

I was so happy to see Chief there having lunch with his family too!

As soon as Chi opened the menu, he wanted Roasted Peking Duck. We said that that was the fattiest thing on the menu and would aggravate his stomach. He ended up getting Hakaw and Yang Chow fried rice.

Steamed Shrimp

Chi: "Why would you get something you can get anywhere else?"

Ina: "Because it fits in my diet at masarap naman to ah"

Hakaw

I don't know how that tasted, didn't try it

Poached Spinach with Salted Egg and Century Egg

It was soooo good! You have to try this-- not exactly diet friendly because of the salted egg but it was delicious. One of the better vegetable dishes I've had.

But we had to pay for hot tea... That's a staple for Chinese Restaurants.

Patience, Constancy and Understanding

Again from the letter of the Regnum Christi General Director..

The subtitle for this part was "Suffer patiently our neighbor's shortcomings." -- Doesn't sound all too appealing for a mass non practicing Catholic market-- like most of my friends who could possibly be reading this blog haha :)) Funny story-- Yesterday as we were hanging out in Margie's room I remember a tag to a Yoga activity in The Farm that will be facilitated by Cara Ocampo-- Here's how that conversation goes:

Ina: "Kace, you want to go to a Yoga RETREAT?"
Kace : Face blank with a tinge of disgust
Ina: "No, no, not a retreat-- A Yoga WEEKEND. Its at The Farm in Batangas, someone put it on facebook. They have healthy food and yoga sessions. It'll be nice, I think it's around 4k....."
Pam: "Alam mo naman the word RETREAT scares ate!"

Hence, Patience, Constancy and Understanding might be a friendlier title :)

The line in the passage that I really liked goes --"If God has placed him there beside me, if God has allowed him to work and live near me, then he will give me the graces I need to accept and love him as he is."


I know how difficult this may be especially for people like me who expect so many things out of life. My mom always tells me that I have all these images in my mind, so many clouds in my head. I guess this comes from all the dreaming I do. I have all these ideal notions in my head and I try to reach them as much as possible. A good thing or a bad thing? I'm not quite sure yet. I guess the good thing about it is I reach for my dreams, I have the initiative to make it happen. Its the only way to change-- and I like that, I like moving forward, I like knowing the things I want and making them happen. Now the part where I want too many things-- too many ideas that its so scattered and whether its really what I truly want or is it what I think would impress or please others is a different discussion in itself.
The downside, sometimes I can be too overbearing. Especially to those closest to me. I'm so focused on my ideals that I want everyone around me, everyone concerned to follow suit. Arrogance on my part, that my ideal is ideal for everyone. I forget sometimes that other people are not as quirky as I am. They've gone through different circumstances in their lives and as a result picked up different lessons in their journey from what I have. Let me think of an example--- Let's say a boyfriend hits his girlfriend. Immediately we think "He's an asshole" I would think that he has no respect for women and he is an evil person and every bad word you can pick out of the dictionary. Thats because if I were him, and I did that to someone, those are the emotions that would be running in my head. But you are not that person. What if that person grew up in a household where his Dad would hit his mom constantly, maybe for him hitting someone meant teaching them discipline and in effect displaying their love. A thought I cannot comprehend because those were not the circumstances I experienced. I am in no way condoning this kind of behavior.. I apologize for the bad example but it was the only one I could think about.

A little bit of understanding goes a long way. I know sometimes I forget to take the time to understand.. especially when I am so engrossed with my own worries, my own insecurities. That's why I'm finding that all this time I'm spending at home and focusing on my self and at work-- really taking a lot of junk out of my life-- has helped me focus more. Regain my composure. Virtues are like muscles, they need exercise.