Day 02 (Back to Work)

A photo of something you ate today.

It feels so good to be back in the office after being stuck at home for a week. I missed my desk, my chair, the office couch, lunch with the boss, lunch with co-workers, talking to a random student in the hallway, making my students' lives harder, and laughing with my more insane kiddies (our meetings end up longer than usual because of all the non-sense). This week started out great, and I hope the good vibes will last until Friday.

Today's lunch - Breaded Fish Fillet, two pieces of longganisa, and 1 cup of rice from the cafeteria downstairs. I was supposed to get something else but the "Tartar" sauce got my attention. It's not your usual tartar; the sauce was made of hard-boiled eggs, mayo, onions, and something else I can't quite place, but it tasted so much like what you would put in an egg sandwich. Interesting twist to a fish fillet sauce, but it didn't quite do anything for the overall flavor. The longganisa wasn't that good too, but since I didn't eat breakfast and I had to drink medicine, I ate them all anyway.

I remember back in college when the cafeteria was the most popular place to avoid. I didn't really understand why people didn't like eating the food there until I tried their tortang talong one fateful day. Now I don't eat eggplants but I love tortang talong (yes, I know it's weird) so I was very much dismayed when I took that first bite. It was so oily and bland, not even huge blobs of banana ketchup can fix it. I swore off cafeteria food ever since. I mean, how could they botch something as simple as tortang talong?

On my first year of teaching, they changed concessionaires. The cafeteria looked cleaner and the food looked and smelled edible. They were the ones who introduced the "mutant" fried chicken (as in really big portions of chicken) swimming in gravy, which I ate every single day for one semester until I started sprouting feathers. I also absolutely loved their cassava cake, sopas and sisig. But eventually, the school had to change again because the food wasn't worth the price anymore, and the menu wasn't as diverse as it once was. Bye-bye, nyamy cassava cake and sopas. :(

The new concessionaire, the ones that served my lunch, is from the neighboring foreign university. They offer Culinary Arts there, so I guess it makes sense that they cook food for the entire school. The cafeteria has become their training ground and they made a few interesting changes. The walls are painted with drawings of food and kitchen appliances, music can be heard through small speakers mounted on some of the posts, and I don't have to go to the far side of the cafeteria to buy drinks. Their menu is diverse too - they have sandwiches and pasta now. Unfortunately, it's a tad bit more expensive than the last concessionaire, and though they do have good food sometimes, the rest is somewhat...blah. I'm sure they could do better, but until then, it's fish fillet a la egg sandwich for me.

Day 01 (Sunday Slowdown)

A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.

Okay, Day 1. Where do I start?

I posted this picture almost a week ago, after my doctor ordered me to take a week-long sick leave. As I mentioned in that blog entry, I've been on bed rest since last Tuesday because the cough and colds I ignored the previous week worsened into respiratory infection and bronchitis. Yep, it's a bad case of asthma, thanks to the workaholic in me kicking in and refusing to miss even a day at work. I keep telling my kiddies (a.k.a my students) to take care of their health and rest when they're sick. I should start following my own advice.

At least I'm feeling better now but I'm still having occasional coughing and sneezing fits. Am I ready to go to work tomorrow? We'll see. I might have to take things easy and hope nothing stresses me out (yes, I'm looking at you my dear students).

I woke up this cold and rainy Sunday morning to the sounds of my parents and sisters in the kitchen and Phil Collins' "Another Day in Paradise" blasting from the neighbor's radio. My dad cooked Spicy Kaldereta (a request from me and my sister), I ate a lot, drank meds, wrote a review for Bento-Ya, worked on a couple of grading sheets, and took naps. It's your typical bed weather routine - eat, sleep, surf teh Internetz. The rain is making me want to curl up in a bed with a sea of comforters and uber soft pillows, and read a book or watch a movie or TV series (Game of Thrones?) while drinking hot chocolate. I think I'm gonna be in trouble if the rain doesn't let up and the weather is still like this tomorrow morning.

In other words, today is a lazy, lazy Sunday, and I hope I'm well enough to go to work tomorrow. I miss my desk. 

The 30-Day Blog Challenge

There was a time when I couldn't let a day go by without writing on at least two of my blogs. Even if nothing particularly exciting happened that day, I'd still post a random picture with some silly caption just so I can put something new in there. Now I update only whenever I feel like it (a.k.a "once or twice a month"), and when I do it usually takes me a while to finish because I keep running out of words. I guess I got so used to "micro-blogging", I can't write a decent, full-length entry anymore.

I've tried different things to get me back into writing shape. I boldly went head on with The 365 Project (it's a photography thing but instead of taking one picture a day, I tried doing one post a day) but failed miserably (I think I stopped at 45). I tried it again and did even worse. I made a food blog, but the same thing happens. You'd think I'd be able to write regularly since it's about one of my favorite things in the world, but noooooo. I had to find something to jump-start my writing, and I had to find one fast before I completely lost interest.

This morning, I saw a friend post Day 03 of her 30-Day Blog Challenge and it got me interested. I checked it out, and apparently it's supposed to get you back in the writing habit by giving you a list of topics you need to write about for 30 straight days. The list could be pre-determined, or you could come up with your own. I think I'm going with the pre-determined topics because I tend to run out of ideas, but I might change it up a bit since I don't think some of the things in there can apply to me, like "What's in your makeup bag?"

Here's the list I'm planning to do:


Day 1 – A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.
Day 2 – A photo of something you ate today.
Day 3 – Your idea of the perfect first date.
Day 4 – Your favorite photograph of your best friend.
Day 5 – A photo of yourself two years ago.
Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.
Day 7 – Your dream wedding. Your plans for today.
Day 8 – A song to match your mood.
Day 9 – A photo of the item you last purchased.
Day 10 – A photo of your favorite place to eat.
Day 11 – What’s in your makeup bag?
Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in.
Day 13 – Your favorite musician and why?
Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to.
Day 15 – Something you don’t leave the house without.
Day 16 – Your celebrity crush.
Day 17 – A photo of you and your family.
Day 18 – Something you crave a lot.
Day 19 – Another picture of yourself.
Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.
Day 22 – A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.
Day 23 – 15 facts about you.
Day 24 – A photo of something that means a lot to you.
Day 25 – What’s in your purse?
Day 26 – A photo of somewhere you’ve been to.
Day 27 – A picture of you last year and now and how have you changed since then?
Day 28 – Your favorite movie.
Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.
Day 30 – A photograph of youself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days


I really hope I pull through with this one. That'd be a huge accomplishment for me. And who knows, I might even try to do this on my food blog so you all can watch me gain weight.

Random Update

Waw, a month? That long? Hmm.

I think I know why God made me sick - so I could update my blogs and try to relax and recharge, even with a clogged nose and a sore throat. So, here I am.

The earth shook about an hour ago. I was on my way to the kitchen to get a glass of water when I suddenly felt dizzy. I thought it was because of the meds, but when I got back to my computer, I saw about a dozen or so status updates that there was an earthquake. For someone who can't really feel earthquakes, I didn't know what to think. Should I be happy that I FINALLY got to feel an earthquake after so long, or should I be scared that the quake was strong enough for me to feel it? Or am I just being weird?

Speaking of status updates, I noticed that some of my friends posted in present tense. "Lumilindol!" or "Earthquake!" were the most common posts I saw. It's amusing to see how social networking has changed our priorities - FB first, then duck for cover. A friend of mine gave those people plus points for having no typographical errors in the middle of the shakiness. LOL.

And I think that's about all my brain can muster. Gotta go back to sleep and recuperate. I'm taking the day off tomorrow - hopefully a day's rest and a visit to the doctor will do the trick.

Pamper-Me-Monday @ G's Spa

I've been wanting to get a massage for the longest time since this year started, but things have been way to hectic and "interesting" that I haven't had the chance to do it. It's a good thing I decided to join my friends for a trip to Laguna last Monday (June 20) to visit G's Spa Place of Wellness, located in the South Forbes Golf City (right across the South Forbes Villas and a few minutes away from Nuvali).

G's Spa is owned by the Guevarra's, a family of massage aficionados who wanted a place where they could get massages whenever they wanted. We met Rudy, one of the owners, and he was kind enough to show us around and let us take pictures.

The first thing I noticed when I entered the air-conditioned lobby was the sweet smell of flowers and how bright and clean everything looked. The seats were comfortable enough, and there was a huge pot of strong ginger tea at the corner for everyone to try. The main part area of the spa has two levels - the lower level has a steam and dry sauna, shower and locker rooms, and massage rooms that can accommodate up to 6 people; the upper level also has its own saunas and shower/locker rooms, with massage rooms for solo clients or those who come in pairs.

 

 

After touring the spa and helping myself with cups of ginger tea, it was off to the massage rooms. Ruth and I had the steam sauna first, which felt really nice. The heat was just right, and it felt like I being juiced of all the toxins in my body. Fifteen minutes later, we were escorted to the massage room where we got the Balinese massage, which (if I understood correctly) focused more on the body's muscles and pressure points. Claire, my therapist, asked if I wanted to use virgin coconut oil or pure makapuno cream (I think they're the only spa who uses this). I chose the former, but now I realized that I should have gone with the latter but fear of smelling like halo-halo got the best of me (just so we're clear, the makapuno cream smells nothing like the sweet makapuno we're familiar with. I'm just being ridiculous). An hour and a couple of painful pressure points later, my body felt so relaxed and my tensed muscles loosened up, and I couldn't wait to go home and sleep because I just new I was going to have a good one.

 

So if you happen to be in the Nuvali or South Forbes area and looking for a place to relax and de-stress, then head on over to G's Spa Place of Wellness for a great, pampering experience.

G's Spa Place of Wellness
3/F Leticia Tower, South Forbes Golf City
Open Daily from 1pm to 11pm
http://www.gs-spa.com
Email: gspa.placeofwellness@gmail.com
Contact: 0917-5361812 (Globe), 0923-7263227 (Sun), (049) 502-3729 (landline)

Long Weekend

Just a quickie before I go off to lala-land.

It's been raining the past few days and I'm loving the bed weather, which made being stuck at home while my family was away in Mindoro having a grand time somewhat bearable. That, plus the really cool stuff that happened over the weekend.

The golden wedding gig is coming up this Saturday, so my band mates and I are scrambling to learn the songs particularly the new old songs (70's and 80's) we're supposed to play for the older guests to appreciate. So far we've had two practices already, and things are going smoothly.

This afternoon, I went with my friend Ruth and a few bloggers to G's Spa Place of Wellness, located 3 minutes away from Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. I'm going to write all about the place in my next post, but so far all I can say is - this is the second time I had a "ninja massage" (translation: totally unplanned/unexpected). Yes, I know I should've expected that it was going to involve full body massages when I saw Ruth's message on Facebook, but I guess I was too busy with another project to actually realize it. LOL.

I should probably sleep now if I want to wake up early enough to finish preparing my stuff for class.

"Masakit Ang Ulo Ko"

Masakit Ang Ulo Ko

(My Head Hurts)

Once upon a time, there was a teacher who slept late and woke up early. So early, that the first thing she said before sitting up from her bed was "Masakit ang ulo ko, shet." She was sorely tempted to stay in and sleep the day off, but she had a class in the morning and could not afford to miss it because the school will not pay her. So she dragged herself from bed and into the shower.

She got to school earlier than usual, which was surprising because traffic in front of the school was usually pretty bad. She went up to the office to get herself ready for class, but just when she thought things were turning out okay, she found her students waiting outside, the classroom locked, and the technician nowhere to be seen. Fifteen minutes of her life, wasted.

She started class late. At least they were complete. She tried to make the lesson as interesting as she could, even though it was mostly lecture. Now she's sitting in front of one of the computer units while the class is on break, and writing about how the morning was going so far.

And then one of her students (let's call her Scratchy) offered to get her medicine from the clinic, which she is grateful for, but then that student tried to coerce her into giving her plus points for it. The teacher just laughed and laughed. And laughed. And laughed some more.

Plus points? Ano yun?

"Masakit parin ang ulo ko."

The teacher, after three hours of listening to her students talk about their love lives (related to their exercise, promise), is now seriously thinking of just crashing on her bed for some well-deserved sleep. But she can't because she's at work. Therefore...

"Masakit ang ulo ko, shet."

Dear Elliot Stabler

You've been in SVU for 12 long years, and we've all seen you catch pervs and rapists, get shot, grill suspects in interrogation, get stabbed with a pen, make out with Dani Beck, struggle with your marriage, go undercover numerous times, turn women to lifeless goo with your blue eyes, bare your chest (much to your female fans' delight), and constantly flirt with Olivia Benson without even trying. I admit that you're not one of my favorites at first, but your stubbornness and temper grew on me and you're a staple in the 1-6 that I can't imagine not seeing your manly man figure walking down the hall with your partner. I am sad to hear that I won't see you next season. I will miss the badass-ness you bring to the show, and of course, it won't be the same without that yummy tension between you and Benson. I do not want to see you go, but such is life. The best of luck to you.

Ampogi-pogi, syet.

And to the producers, he BETTER have a graceful exit. Don't go killing him off or something, or I will be really pissed.

Love,
KG

Domino's Pizza El Molito Branch Grand Opening

Say hello to my first ever food event post. I’m not really sure how to go about this, so please bear with me.

Last May 10, I was invited to the grand opening of Domino’s Pizza in the El Molito Building, Alabang, Muntinlupa. To be honest, I thought Domino’s had packed their bags and closed up shop since it’s been a while since I saw an actual store. So yeah, it looks like they’re back and I must say the food has gotten better.

Click here for the entire post.

Off Into The Sunset

I was on my way home from the grand opening of Domino's Pizza El Molito Branch (which I will post before the work week ends) when I saw this in front of me.

Along Alabang-Zapote Road

Now I don't really experience that much traffic on my way home from work (unlike my mom and younger sister) since my "office" is just fifteen minutes away. I am spared from the agony of wanting to get home and throwing yourself on the bed but you can't because you're stuck in a car full of strangers, and the guy beside you smells like burned onions. I consider myself lucky for landing a job that's close to my house, but of course I need to go out into the world every once in a while and make my presence known. It's hard to see a silver lining in a traffic jam when you're inhaling exhaust smoke and your ass is hurting after hours of sitting on a car seat that can put a steel park bench to shame, but sometime there are things that made you wish that the cars would stop moving. This here is an example of such a thing.

I stared in awe for a moment before hitting the brakes - I almost crashed into the car in front of me - and took the opportunity to grab my camera from the backseat when I got to a stop light. I held my camera and took shots until I had to turn right at Concha Cruz, where I got stuck for a couple of minutes because some idiot thought he could get in without a sticker.

Yes, it's hard to be optimistic when you're stuck in traffic. But if I were to see something like this or maybe more magnificent than this, then I wouldn't mind staying put.