My Piolo Dream Come True

How I pursued my dream of seeing Piolo, but I'd rather use his nickname "PJ" as I feel closer to him using it, was a mix of a little bit of courage and a spoonful of destiny. Ever since I was a fan, I always tell myself that someday I will get the chance to see him when the right time comes. It's comparable to meeting your one true love when I say "someday", because I really don't know when.
I have always believed in destiny. If it is the right time, everything will fall into places. I was informed early November by Ate Angga that PJ will be doing another show Dec. 11. I was very happy because it was the perfect time as I was set to go home Dec.14. Very much excited, I quickly thought of ways how to get close to him and how to finally have my very own picture with him, since it was so impossible to get near him knowing how BIG a star he is.
How? When I did not know anyone from the sponsors of the show. And even if my cousin knew someone, they will not give the details for security reasons. So I did my research.
2 years ago, I came upon this multiply account: Certified Piolo Addicts. I saw their photos with PJ, and it was as if they were close friends with him. I was jealous, I want a photo like that too. So I sent a message to Colleen and asked about the CPA's. During that time, PJ was shooting a movie with Angel Locsin at Bukidnon. But I was too late to contact Colleen who went to PJ's shooting location too. I would have went there if I had known earlier. Well, it was not yet time.
Too desperate to fulfill my dream, I saw a post at PJ's Facebook Fan Page asking about those who wanted to get a copy of his Coffee Table Book 2. I e-mailed asking how much was the book and how will I get it in Japan. I also wrote there that it has been a long-time dream of mine to see PJ in person and if there were other CPA's who will watch the show too, I was willing to meet them so we could welcome PJ when he arrives. Having seen photos of other fans who put a lot of effort just to welcome him at the airport, I got that same idea too. I got a reply from Tita Rose. At first I was hesitant to make "kulit" because maybe she will not reply to my email anymore. But then, she unhesitantly answered my questions and she was willing to help me meet PJ. More Excited!
For 2-3 weeks before the show, we continuously communicated and shared our personal information over the web. We became Facebook Friends. We exchanged messages over FB, but it feels like I was just chit chatting with her on the phone. I was very grateful because she trusted me in an instant. She was in constant direct communication with PJ. She was PJ's mother's highschool besftriend. Need I say more? I say destiny was making its own way for me to finally meet PJ.

As the day of the show went closer , I was becoming more and more excited. But even if I put my hopes up, I was never fully happy until I see him right in front of me. For me, everything was surreal. I could not believe that I finally had a chance to fulfill my long time dream. And I owe it all to Tita Rose. So in preparation for meeting my long-time dream boy, I baked him my best-seller walnut fudge brownies, bought Arnott's TimTam and some chocolates.
DAY 1
PJ and his other companions arrived Dec. 10 at Nagoya. It was during this day too that I got the hotel details from Tita Rose. Much excited, Kinda Nervous. She told PJ that I will be meeting him at the hotel lobby Dec. 11. Knowing that my name was mentioned to him alone brings kilig.. Weee! So he was expecting me on that day. Due to Tita Rose's insisting and my cousin's kulit to go there, me and my relatives went to his hotel Dec.10, and we were supposed to be there before he arrives. We got lost along the way to Nagoya so we were not able to welcome him upon his arrival. Nawala na excitement namin.
Since we do not know their room number nor to what name was the room reserved for.
While waiting at the hotel lobby amidst the freezing cold weather.

Someone told us Boyet was the one tasked to escort them. Ate Angga did her powers to ask where they were at that time. He said they were on their way back to the hotel. So we waited. And waited until it was already about 1 hour or more of waiting, we got desperate. We called Boyet again, this time Ate Angga was able to speak to PJ, and that they already arrived at the hotel parking. We were again excited. Weeee!!!
When I saw a van with the show poster on its window, I felt nervous. "Ayan na sila!" I told them. A very good looking guy went out the van, and gentleman as he was, he assisted the girls who went out of the van too. It was Piolo.

This time, I already did not know what to do. Sabi ko "This is it! Bahala na!". So when he got inside the hotel, I approached him. Hayy, ganda naman ng eyes. Sabi ko, "Dimpie, ako yung kukuha ng books." Sabi nya " Hello" then shook hands with me. Sinisipon and he was covering his nose with the shirt he was holding. I also introduced my hubby and other cousins. Then he said "Kanina pa kayo?", I answered " Medyo". Sabi nya " Talaga? Saan pa kayo galing?". Me " We're from Gifu, 1 hour from here". He was looking at me straight in my eyes while talking. I was melting. So we talked about the books and he told me to write the names na lang tapos pababa nya na lang kay Erick. Sabi ko in my mind, shucks, di ko pala sya makikita habang sinusulatan ang books. So I got a pen and paper from my bag, pero kinakabahan. I was about to write but my mind was blank. I got starstrucked, I forgot for whom the books were!! Haha. When I looked at him, he laughed. Ayy, embarrassing ako. Hehe. Ate Angga let him sign her shirt with Piolo's face printed on it. He looked for other marker, so I gave mine. Ah, he used my Pilot marking pen that I should never ever should lose. Remembrance. So I gave my list. And I gave my goodies in that brown paper bag he was holding in the photo saying "Sabi kasi ni Tita Rose mahilig daw kayo sa chocolates". He was happy and he thanked me. Tapos the ABS-CBN staff were saying na, "Magpapahinga na si Piolo, aakyat na sya". Imbyerna. When PJ was not even insisting to go yet.
We said goodbye's as they went to their hotel room. All of us went home kilig. Heaven in an instant.
DAY 2
We were not able to go back before the show at their hotel since it was hard to commute by train. So I was hoping to sneak in to his dressing room. I talked to one ABS-CBN Japan staff and wrote a note to Erick but I think he did not give it. I also tried calling Boyet, but he arrived minutes before the show started so he told me na isa lang daw pwede pumasok after the show. But I was with 4 companions, Ate Bless, Kuya Jo, Elisa who bought his book too, and Jen. Yikes, sabi ko. Sige si Elisa na lang coz it was her birthday. So we went inside the hall with sad faces. While seated in front of the stage coz we had VIP seats c/o Ate Bless, a woman asked if I could join the game. She did not tell what, she just took a picture of me and wrote my name. Middle of the show, she called me and brought me backstage. To my surprise I saw Erick! Yes, chance na to! I told him if we could sneak in after the show for a last photo with PJ. But he told me na ako lang daw makapasok, I don't know why. So I said okay then he left. Tapos he went back to me saying " Alam mo, ngayon ka na lang pumasok kasi aalis na kami agad mamaya, medyo masama pakiramdam nya" sabay sunod ako to PJ's dressing room. Weeee! I heard someone singing Bruno Mars' Just the way you are, but I did not recognize the voice. It was PJ! I went inside his room, he was rehearsing. Tapos he stopped the music on his Mac laptop after singing the verse. Super bango ng room. Sabi ko " Ang bango naman dito." Then he said " Dimpie". I told him baka storbo kasi he was rehearsing, sabi nya it's okay lang daw. Then I said last pic muna kami, I did not know what came into me, I immediately hugged him.

Last na eh! I asked " Did you eat my brownies?" English yun ha, napapasabak tayo ng english kasi slang mag tagalog and Inglesero konte si PJ. Sabi nya " Oo naman, kinain ko, san na ba yun, there!" Oo nga, he brought it to his dressing room pa, I saw it on the table... Kilig! He thanked me, I thanked him too, ano ba yan. Hehe. So I made it really quick kasi he was rehearsing nga, but I should have stayed longer kasi when I went out di pa nag start ang game.
Ano bang game yun, kaloka. I thought we just had to follow Melai and Jason's dance steps, yun pala we had to follow all their moves. Kaloka. I was the first to be out kasi I did their action late.
So after the game, ayan na... Mr. Piolo Pascual was introduced. He was singing Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars, kaya up to know LSS ako. Tilian na ng tilian ang girls. I was just taking videos. Second song, Babe I love you. He went down to meet the audience. He passed by in front of me, saw me and sabay kindat sa akin. Kilig!!!! Tapos he said "Hi Dimpie" on mic pa... Total PJP moment!
Grabeh, he was really nice. He wanted everyone to see him upclose kaya pinagbigyan nya yung mga audience na nasa malayo, todo harang naman yung mga bouncers. Todo picture naman mga fans, there was one fan pa nga who kissed him sa lips, tapos he was laughing lang saying " Si Mommy ni -lips ako". Hayy, he is performing lang nga, singing and talking to the audience, pero kahit yun lang, you can see how nice he is. Very genuine yung pagiging mabait nya. Nakaka-adik.
So all throughout the show, he was glancing at me. When he sang the Lobo theme song which was my fave, and fave nya din daw, I was just seated na parang feeling ko ako hinaharana nya with my hand on my chin while nakatulala looking at him, feeling the passion of the song, tapos he looked at me....and I was smiling ear to ear. Yung mga katabi ko natingin sakin curious kung sino tiningnan ni PJ.. haha. Kilig na naman si ako!!! Hayyy.... Adik na nga ako. Sabi ni Tita Rose, he is just happy na may kilala sya from the audience. Ahhh, super happy ko na talaga.
He really knows how to make someone happy in his own little way. Thanks for making a great end to my 2010 PJ! After a decade of longing to see him upclose, I finally had the greatest chance, not only to see him on stage, but to hold his hand, embrace him, and talk to him as well. This is too much a blessing. Thanks Tita Rose and PJ for making this dream come true. And thanks to my friends and cousins who supported me along the way. I have met new friends along the way as I pursued this dream. I am now a Certified Piolo Addict, along with other CPA's all over the world.

MY ongoing love for PJP

My admiration for Piolo dates way back when I was still single, during those hunks days, and Juday-Piolo tandems. REading his filmography, I have seen almost 90% of his movies. Who would not love him? He is every woman's Dream Boy.
I may have not put a lot of effort to see him because I told myself, the heck, destiny will lead me to seeing him. It has been a long time dream of mine to meet him in person ever since the first time I knew that I was a fan. Now that I am in Japan, I have long been hoping for him to have a show here. I missed the Heartthrobs show at Tokyo since we all know it is too expensive to go there. The cost of the round trip bullet train alone costs as much as my one way ticket from here to Manila. So I let it pass, telling myself that I will just wait for his next show him being the new endorser of the NTT Call Cards here.
It was indeed destiny. A month after his show, I received a news that He will be doing another show in Nagoya, which is nearer to our place. And so my dream lives on. I still can't spill the details of how I will pursue my dream as it has not yet happened. So until my next blog. Dec. 11, it's a date PJ!

Deep blue sea.

I so miss diving. Remembering my first breath of oxygen under water wayback year 2000, I was so afraid to touch the sea grass. Being under the sea for about 30 minutes or so gives me peace. It is as if I am in another world, the sea creatures' world. I have loved the beach since I was little, but through diving, I realized how wonderful it was underneath that I even swam like Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

Since I was so fearless back then, I kept diving and diving until 2008. Boat dives, night dives, wall dives, drift dives at Tinoto, Camiguin, Davao, Maasim, Glan, and Gensan. With all these dives, I always brought a net bag with me, where I pick up garbage underwater. Can you imagine how people can dare to leave their trash in the sea while swimming? Junk food wrappers, bottles, cans, combs, juice packs, etc. This is why divers organize an annual underwater clean up to lessen underwater garbage that can cause death to the fishes and destruct the coral reef. We usually do this clean up at |Lion's Beach, Maharlika Beach, Tropicana, and London Beach. Among these beaches, I must say that Maharlika Beach has the most beautiful coral reef in Gensan. There is a vast array of staghorn corals underneath that attracts fishes to make it their home. I have seen rare kinds of fishes here. But the problem is the water has a lot of silt, making the corals and fishes not so visible from afar. Some fishermen also tend to destruct the corals by using nets to catch fishes. I hope the management at Maharlika Beach would take effort in taking care of their beautiful reef. I always loved diving here because I see different kinds of species every time I dive. I have even seen a sea turtle swimming around one time, and also a big octopus which was hiding under the reef dome. This and all that gives me delight when diving. It makes me appreciate nature even more. And I do hope that all of us will give importance to our beautiful beaches. So that our children's children will also have a chance to glimpse what is underneath the deep blue sea.
Lion's Beach, Gensan (those red ones are soft tree corals)

Frogfish at Maharlika Beach, Gensan

Family matter..

I may have not blogged for a while. When I was younger, I used my negative emotions to write poems and essays as an outlet. To let go of it thru writing. But now it is different. Now, I have become more mature when dealing with my emotions, and I'd rather keep it to myself and pray.

Someone asked me what my weakness was and it took me sometime to think deeply what it is. It is my family. I grew up having my parents and brothers always around me. We were taught that the most important thing is having a complete family, my Mom and Dad never wanted a broken family. They did all means just to keep us binded despite the storms that went our way.

A family can never be completely happy. We had to go through different trials to test our faith and love for one another. Although we are not used to show our feelings, we know how much we love each other, how we care for one another. One's problem is everyone's problem.

I never asked for anything fancy from God, my simple wish is that we will all grow old together as a happy family. I want my parents to see their grandchildren get married and have kids. I want them to always be there for us to guide us in the decisions we make. I just want my parents to live peacefully, now that we their kids are all grown up. But it seems so impossible right now. Sometimes, I ask God why we have to go through another trial. It never seem to end. But then, we just have to trust in Him, that He will always be there, coz He never gives us problems that we could not carry. For now, we just have to lift up everything to Him. I believe one day, this will all end, and my family can be genuinely happy once again.

It's Fall once again!

Even without knowing the time, you will know how many months have passed with the change of season.. Summer has gone so soon, now it's fall once again. I get so emotional whenever I see how the seasons change, and how it affects the surroundings and the beauty of nature itself. I love seeing the seasons change , it sorts of uplifts my spirit making me realize how God is so brilliant. The leaves slowly withering, changing its color from green to brown, then it eventually falls to the ground, which signifies it is indeed fall. The hot summer wind changes as the cold wind of autumn touches my cheeks. And all I can see are the colors of the barren trees, the withered leaves on the road, and the orange and yellow colors of my favorite withered maple trees.



Somehow, you see how the city changes differently as the temperature gets lower. As if it surprises your eyes, that the park you pass by everyday to work , now has barren trees. The beauty of nature.


At Sogi Park. November 2009. "Illumination" is the term here, where they put spotlights on the maple trees, thus creating reflections on the water.

Cupcakes fever..

Gahd it's been a month since I have blogged. Been busy with my cake orders, and just recently someone who just added me on Facebook ordered 160 cupcakes to be used as the cake for her debut. Good thing we had 5 mutual friends, and my cousin knew her too. I thought it was a bogus customer. All the while I was hesitant to add contacts that I never was acquainted with. But it makes me think twice, like this, possible customer pala.. That was by far my biggest income in my pastries and cakes biz. Imagine, I was able to bake 160 of it in just one day. It was
a rush order. I did not have the time to prepare for the boxes since it was to be traveled by land 6 hours to Chiba, Tokyo. I am so happy with the outcome of the cupcakes. Brings out the artistic me.. Realized that when opportunity knocks, do not let it slip away, and be grateful for it.

POV - Hostage Outrage

The recent tragedy that made a dirty mark in our Philippine history has become worse than ever. This could not have been big if right decisions were made by the authorities. It only shows how bad our system is. I am very proud to be a Filipino. But now that these Hong Kong people hates us to the nth level, are we still going to shout out loud and die for our country just to admit that we are Filipinos? Public figures being shouted at and passports thrown at them? These Hong kong people has nothing but rage in their hearts. Pano na lang kaya kung ordinaryong Pinoy lang tulad natin? It forces us to deny our nationality for the simple reason that we do not want to be ridiculed.
Of all the news that we are highly discriminated by Hong Kong, I wish someone would defend us. Why hate the majority if it was only done by ONE. This is making me sick. I see some Chinese people at work, I wonder if they think of throwing slushies on our face when they see us. Just being a Gleek. Hehe. But if they want war, let's give them war!! Bring it on!

Cough-ly speaking

I miss being a Respiratory Therapist. Even if I am not working as one,that does not mean I could no longer be practicing. In small chit chats with some friends, I happened to find out that some people's belief about a simple cough or asthma are purely myths. So I have come up with a list of what you may think are true, but are actually just myths.

1.You can catch cough if you drink using the infected person's glass.
- False. Anyone having cough or colds can spread the infection through coughing, sneezing, talking in front of you or just beside you. These bacteria that cause cough are airborne, meaning, it is transmitted through air.

2. You can catch TB by using the infected person's utensils or by drinking on his glass, or through kissing.
--Just the same as no.1. TB is an airborne disease, spread through inhaling the infected person's breath while he coughs, talks or sneezes. You may be contaminated with his saliva, but you need gallons of it in order to get TB. You can only get TB if you are in constant close contact with the infected person. Meaning, you are together 24/7.

3. You can catch pneumonia if you dry your sweat in front of the electric fan.
--Super myth. I usually hear some people saying "magkaka-pulmonya ka pag natuyuan ka ng pawis". So not true. Pneumonia is caused by a bacteria or virus, that is spread through the air when the infected person coughs, talks or sneezes. It may only trigger cough, but not catch pneumonia.

4. Asthma is contagious and is spread from person to person.
--Asthma is hereditary. If anyone in your family has asthma, chances are, you can have it too, from the day you are born. You can't just get asthma because an asthmatic person coughs beside you. It is not an infection, rather, an inflammation of the airways where the air passages become narrower making them harder to breathe.

5. Asthma can be cured.
--Up to this time, there has been no cure for asthma. It can only be controlled by medications and lifestyle changes, but it can never be cured- irreversible is the medical term for this. Once you have asthma, you have it forever. There are some cases where exercising regularly or doing any active sports helps them control their asthma.

So to further spread infection, one must use a disposable face mask such as this:


http://www.my7475.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/my747509050217.jpg

And the right way to do when coughing or sneezing is to cover your mouth with a handkerchief or towel. This will prevent the the bacteria to float in the air and infect other persons. You should not spit out anywhere. When you have cough with phlegm, and you want to spit it out, you must spit it in a tissue paper, and throw it in the trash can. By doing it the right way, there will be lesser disease, and a healthy environment for our kids.

Two Hearts. One Love. One Family.

I'd like to write today to commemorate the 28 years of solid love between my parents. It also signifies 28 years of my existence on this planet.
The love story of my folks is quite ordinary. But how they made it through the years despite marrying at an early age of 18 makes them an exceptional couple. My Mom and Dad are each one's first love, thus they live up to the motto "First Love Never Dies". Not all childhood sweethearts who fall in love, got pregnant, and married despite being young, survives marriage.
We can all fall in love and marry at any age, but how to survive being married is a challenge for both husband and wife. And the challenge grows larger with the presence of children, the fruits of their love. So for a family to stay together as one unit, it will be up to the parents how they keep their family bonded.
I have seen my family go through trials and triumphs. We have gone through a lot of trials in our life as a family. The most challenging of which was when we had to give up the only source of income we had before, losing our cars, and even our house . We left and lost everything in Gensan. So we had to live with my grandparents in Davao. Me and my brother studied there for a year. I can vividly remember that I only had enough "baon" for a piece of bread which was far different from when I used to study at Notre Dame, I had 15.00 for baon.
When we came back to Gensan, my parents let me study again in Notre Dame because they did not want to sacrifice my education. They had to ask help from my grandparents because they could not afford my tuition anymore. But it was not long, my parents found a way so they could pay our school's tuition. They ran a "karinderya" in front of the YBL terminal. From a top class auto repair shop to a simple karinderya that is. From having a 4x4 land cruiser and a car to a 2 wheeled motorcycle. "Pero hatid sundo pa rin ako".
During that young age, I was in grade 5 back then, I admit it I was quite ashamed with our status that time. It was hard for us kids because we had to adjust from having everything we wanted, to having ONLY what we needed. I could not imagine right now that it was way more difficult for them. But my parents were not embarrassed about this shift, as long as it sustained us. As long as we had shelter, food, and education. As long as we remained as one happy family. They taught us how to adjust to our situation. "Tiis lang muna tayo" is what they used to tell us. And we have learned a lot about life because of that.
They kept reminding us that it won't be long and that they will do everything just to recover what we lost way back . "Family gud!" was our motto, and is still our motto up to now. They never gave up because they do not want to have a broken family. They did everything just to bring us back to our feet again. They held on to each other, they held on to their vows to one another, they held on because of LOVE.
I do not know how my folks did it. But I love them so much for not giving up amidst the ups and downs of life. This became my foundation. And I will raise my own family just the way Papa and Mama did. Happy Anniversary Pa, Ma!

Kikay? So not me..

I am known to be that boyish type of girl, when others are known to be kikay and fasyuhn (fashion). Pano ba naman, being the only girl among the Zuzon's made me choose to be influenced by their hobbies that usually boys do. Taekwondo?Off-road?Scuba diving?Gun firing? I've done all those. Kulang na lang pati basketball. But, I am proud to have learned those. It made me what I am now, a fearless, confident, independent, and an empowered woman. Buti na lang I took it in a good way noh? Or else I would become tomboy.
And so while busy with those stuffs, I became a late bloomer when it comes to make-up and dressing up to look girly. I never had a single skirt in my closet during highschool. I only had jeans, and loose shirts, and rubber shoes. I only combed my hair, put lip balm, and cologne then I'm good to go. Kinawboy ba. Hehe. College? A little improvement, I put tinted blush on my cheeks para rosy cheeks kuno, wore tight fitting tops to look a bit sexy, wore flat sandals when I'm in the mood, but only bought skirts
for the prom or PE night. Only when needed.
But lately, I have been buying skirts and sun dresses and wore it occasionally. It came as a surprise for me when one day, I woke up, and I told myself, I want to learn make-up. A whole lotta BIG change for me.
I just realized how behind I am from my highschool classmates who can make their selves look good. I also realized, that we have to look good para di mag mukhang matanda. Hehe. I don't know, but I am not the only one my age who problems about getting dark spots, wrinkles, and pekas when we get older. Ayaw namin maging losyang!!
So it was just 2 years ago when I started to get serious on my sunblock routine every morning, because I only wore sunblock dati when I swim or dive. And it was only last year that I got serious on putting on moisturizer, when I really needed to because of the winter season here in Japan. But one thing I have been doing since highschool was the use of body lotion. And it paid off. My skin is still soft until now, kahit na di flawless. I also don't want to be flawless, I just want clear skin without pimples. I also remember my late Grandma Lala who never fails to put on body lotion and facial moisturizer every night. She still have supple skin until the age of 70.
When everybody's ranting about wanting to get white, not me. I love the outdoors so much that wanting to get white is only a waste of money and time, I'd still get dark anyway because of being exposed to the sun while swimming or diving. Bahala na baluga.

At this moment, I have been buying make-up. I even bought a 96 color eye shadow palette, but that is for the photo shoots me and my hubby will be doing. I have been practicing to do make-up on myself. The outcome is quite good. I also bought BB cream, the latest fad nowadays. So not me.
Well, for all that I have been up to these days, I realized, it's never too late to do the things you have never tried before. It's always fun to try things first time. Oh, as long as it's not drugs. Explore stuffs that did not interest you way back. It's all about not being hesitated, and the love to venture into different aspects that will make life worth living.

RT memoirs

One day it struck me. While I was working, the reality that my work now is far different from the profession I graduated from got into me. A realization that came to me upon hearing a familiar sound I used to hear in the ICU. Yes, I used to hear the ventilator's alarm when the patient resists to breathe, the sound of the cardiac monitors bugging on a low oxygenated finger, the sound of the nurses taking blood pressures... All that to me was music to my ears.
As happy as I was back then, I think I would not be able to survive for years pursuing my career. Let's face it, the wage was not enough. And I know my fellow RT's would agree with me on this. That's why almost all the RT's I knew went to the UAE, for a brighter tomorrow because that is the only country where we are accepted as we are, no-board exam professionals. There is no US dream for us. Since we do not have board exam in the Philippines, nobody from the Western Part of the world would hire us. And that battle to amend our board exam is still afloat until now.
Why? People in the congress? When our work as medical professionals include caring for a critically ill patient, trying to fight for dear life. Their life is in our hands because we take care of the oxygen they are paying for to breathe. When all other courses out there that does not call for dealing with persons are given board exams, even those simple ones. Poor respiratory therapists. We are most needed in any hospital, but our population has ended because of the lack of board exam. And in some hospitals, we are already substituted by medtechs and nursing aids.
So, even though the sound I am hearing right now at work is noise to my ears, I am highly compensated hearing that.

Dream Cookware - Calphalon

Since I got to love cooking, next to baking that is, I tried to buy quality untensils and cookware such as a Zwilling knife, Tefal pan, and a pricey Calphalon pan . Being a pioneer in the hotel and restaurant business, I asked my Tito Alex what is the best cookware and he answered Calphalon. And so my wish of having a Calphalon set began. When I checked the price in the stores, well, it was way above budget. So I bought only one for starters. A sauce pan. Using my first Calphalon pan, I learned that it heats quickly, and when it's hot, the temperature becomes steady. Mine i
s a non-stick, so cooking and washing it is a breeze.




Despite it being a bit expensive, it will definitely last for a long long time, and maybe a good hand-me-down and "pamana" as it also has a lifetime warranty. I have my sauce pan for 2 years now, and it still has no scrapes. Well, maybe depending on its use. But I have no regrets buying it at all. It will last a lifetime. Really durable. What's more interesting is that I can use it in the oven. It is oven safe up to 500 deg F.
And so last week I found a 2-piece pan with a free thong at a store which only cost 7,000 Yen, I hesitated at first because we still had a Tefal pan and a brandless cheap pan. But when I saw my other pan with the teflon scraping off, I told hubby that we really should buy that Calphalon set. It is a steal!! It was on sale from 19,000 yen to 7,000 yen, a limited time offer as the ad says. Why the heck did i hesitate? Having 3 Calphalon cookwares on hand, my passion for cooking will grow even stronger, and the foods that I will cook will be more delicious. Hehe.

Super electric fan

Would you believe this ring is actually an electric fan???? Grabeh, while I was looking at the fans on display at Valor, enjoying all the air because it was 37 degrees hot outside, I was surprised to see this creature blowing some air on my face.
Air multiplier as the label says. I really do not know its purpose but it is actually producing air despite the fact that it has no blades, and yes it also turns. The fact that it has no blades makes it very child friendly. Too bad I did not take any video. I will document this thingy on video the next time I go there. This costs a hefty 30,000 Yen, founded by Sir James Dyson, from UK. Bloody Amazing! Click on the link to learn more..

http://www.dyson.com/fans/default.asp

Bagel and Bagel - a taste of the Big Apple

Bagels are famous in New York. The first time I learned about it was at Nagoya Airport, at Bagel and Bagel when my hubby introduced me to it. Something new and different for me because I have never eaten a bagel yet. The owner is a Japanese who fell in love with bagels in New York, and so when he went home to Japan, he made his own bagel store in Tokyo which opened in 1997.

Bagels are shaped like donuts, made of wheat flour, and is boiled before baked which makes it different from donuts which are fried.

The store here offers plain bagels and bagel sandwiches with flavors like smoked salmon and cream cheese, uncuread ham and basil cream, ethnical tuna, but the one i fell in love with is their chicken teriyaki sandwich with volcano bagel which is topped with melted cheese. They also sell different varieties of bagels like with sesame seeds, tomato and cheese, blueberry, soy milk and edamame (like green peas), chocolate, etc. You can choose from these bagels to use for your sandwich.

I don't know if they already have bagels in Manila. This is really a must-try.

http://www.dreamcorp.co.jp/bb/bb_bagelsandmenu.htm

How Am I?

i am tired and i am blue
all because of thinking..
how am i to love?
if no one is worth loving?
how am i to live?
if this life is not worth living?
how am i to see?
if the world is wrapped in darkness..
how am i to sing?
if i can’t even speak?
how am i to feed?
if the oil is too high?
i can’t even fry…
hahahaha…

rmdzlim
july 18, 2008

Leap Year - A feel good movie I love

I am a sucker for romantic comedy movies... My hubby recommended me to watch this. I love to watch these kind as it makes me feel refreshed. And yes, Matthew Goode is so damn sexy even with his beard and his Irish accent in this movie. The last movie I saw where he also starred was with Mandy Moore in Chasing Liberty. He was younger and hotter then. The lead role was Amy Adams, the one who also starred in Enchanted which I also loved watching over and over again.
This movie has a unique humor. Well, because all romantic comedies have the same love stories, it all depends on how the wit of the dialogue the actor and actress throws out. There's also a line here which I really really love, " May you never steal,lie, nor cheat. But if you must steal, steal away my sorrows. If you must lie, lie with me through all the nights in my life. If you must cheat, cheat death. Coz I can't live a day without you."

Becoming..

I never expected that I would get to love baking. I used to hate it when I was still in highschool saying that it is too "matrabaho" and "makuti" knowing that you have to measure everything. And because wayback my ambition in life was to become a doctor. Marangal na Doktor.
So I took up a pre-med course to prepare myself for that ambition. BS Respiratory Therapy. But all throughout my internship the reality of being a doctor flashed before my eyes. It was a stiff competition. You have to be the greatest if you want to survive and earn bucks out of it. Not to mention the years it will take out of your precious life just to study 2 kilogram heavy books, and books, and books... The time it will take when I am supposed to spend it enjoying dear life. The reward is more than satisfying, yes, but TIME is important for me. Time for everything I want to do. I ended my ambition.
After graduating I employed myself so I could apply what I have learned for 4 years. I worked 3 years. But the work became routine I could even close my eyes and I still know what I am doing. I loved my work though. Saving lives, giving patients oxygen to live, aiding them to breathe. But my time was the patient's. I could not even attend family gatherings during Sundays because of the hospital shift. Then again, it was TIME I needed.
Fortunately, when I resigned I had all the time I wanted. I am a person who could not stand doing nothing at all. I saw a paper with a schedule for baking by Gerardo's. I told myself to give it a try since I had nothing to do that interests me. I attended their brownies and bars class for 1 day knowing that I love brownies so much.

The first brownies I baked was sugary sandy. I had to ask questions from Sir Gerry and Tita Angging thru text while doing it. Pero palpak pa rin. It did not rise because we did not know how to operate my first La Germania gas-type oven. I can still remember it clearly. It was so funny, even Papa did not know why everytime we closed the oven the flame would turn off. We had to ignite it a couple of times with a posporo (match) when we realized that it turned off because we closed the oven "bigla". It had to be closed slowly pala. Haha. I also did not pre-heat the oven. Pero naubos din ang brownies.

True to the saying "Practice makes it perfect". I kept practicing until I got it right. Kung palpak, my family would be happy to eat all of it. Papa and my brothers would always ask me, "Palpak yan Ate?". Kasi pag perfect na, they could not taste it. When i perfected it, being the negosyante that I am, I sold it. And oh, they also taught me how to do the costing at Gerardo's. So I displayed my bars at Yolly's and Chicken Haus where my Mom also displays the ever famous, old and original, Lola Mading's Pastillas.


I only took that one session at Gerardo's. It opened my heart to baking. I also got secret techniques and advices from fellow veteran bakers like Tita Angging who gave my first oven thermometer, Tita Liza who supplied me with many baking stuffs and ingredients from the US the moment she knew I loved it too, and Tita Rose who shared to me her cake decorating skills. The rest was history. I honed myself through searching and trying out recipes. Walnut tarts, eclairs, cookies, muffins, cheesecakes,etc. And when I became ready enough, I took the Basic Cakes at Gerardo's. They taught me the basics of baking cakes for one day. Then practiced, practiced, practiced.
And so with this new love for baking, I managed my time. I had time for my family, my hubby, my hobby, and my passion. There's always a time for everything.

Comfort Room

Amazing Japan. This country has never ceased to amaze me. And the first time I laid my foot on here, I was surprised how hi-tech the toilets were. These are the photos of one of the state-of-the-art toilet seat which has a bidet function, a seat warmer, a flushing sound (i think this is used when you have lbm and you do not want others to hear that awful sound), a washer for the women, and a powerful deodorizer. All in one push of the button.

Almost all malls and establishments here have this. Isn't it lovely? Enjoy the comfort of changing pads and defecating when using this toilet seat. But it ain't cheap. This multi-function toilet seat cost a whooping PhP 20,000-40,000 depending on its ease of use. And that is for the seat alone. Then, after you are finished, the flush are sensor activated, as you stand it will automatically flush. How cool can that be?

If not so high-tech, there is also a squat type toilet, where you just have to literally squat, like seating on the ground. Some establishments still use this because of the ease of maintainance. This is the oldest type and I am so happy to see this here, because we also have this in the Philippines.

Love is love..

I have nothing much in mind to write about tonight.. But let me share my love-hurt experiences wayback since i overheard someone from work who just broke up with his boyfriend (chismax).

LOVE, is such a big word. And means differently for every human being. There's also different kinds of love as taught in our theology class. To name a few, parental, filial, romantic. I hope i'm not mistaken. Anyway, looking back at those times when i used to feel like it's the end of the world when i did not get the chance to talk to the one i loved before, makes me laugh about it today. During my highschool days, having a boyfriend for a girl who studies in an all-girl school, is a must. Or rather, a wish of any of my schoolmates. But not unless you are one of those girls having crushes on tomboys, which became normal in our school wayback. Well, i was one of those well-wishers wishing for a boyfriend of my own.
Even if my dad did not allow me to, i allowed myself to have one. Because i did it for love. A love which was "Big" for me at that time, despite the fact that i did not know what true love meant. All i knew then was that i was "in love". And during that state of mind, it inspired me to do well in school and it crafted my literary side. I made countless poems about it.
I still went into relationships even if my dad was mad about it. Because i promised my self that i would graduate from college with no failing grades. And i promised him i would not get preggy while still studying. All for love because i was too busy looking for love, for someone to love me as much as i love. I loved even if i was not loved back. I was hurt, but i still moved on. I cried a couple of times. But memories of it washed away along with the tears. But i did not become bitter. I loved and never stopped to give love and it made me stronger. And when my heart breaks, my family would tell me, there are a lot of guys out there better than it. And I say what my parents say about it was true. Their opinions mattered. If they do not like it, it's because it is not right for me. They have their instincts, which was damn right.
The only regret i made all throughout my lovapaloozathingy was that, i was too impatient in waiting for it. I cried precious tears for it. And thinking of it is so funny now. Realizing, it was only puppy love. It was just small when all the while i thought it was a one big first love. Kept searching when I just have to wait for Him to appear. As if it was like, boom! and there he was unexpectedly. Just when i thought of ending my search for mr. right, he appeared at no particular time, but just the perfect time to fall in deep love. I knew he was right, my family had no negativity in dealing with him. I could have listened to my parents way back, but then i would never learn how important it is to love if i have not gone through heartaches. But when the perfect one comes, it is as if everything is in harmony, as if the stars were aligned for the both of us, and nothing comes in between. Time is of no importance. It does not matter how quick or how long i have known him. He is an answered prayer. He is everything about love. He is my one big and only love. And that is all that matters.

Blueberry Cheesecake - No bake

Not so long ago, being a fan of expensive coffee shop blueberry cheesecakes, I have long been wanting to make my own cheesecake. Surprisingly, when i bought a cream cheese, it had a recipe on the package. So out of curiosity, i tried this one. It is a no-bake cheesecake. I had a lot of attempts before finally perfecting it. And with these attempts, my family were so ever happy to taste all of it.

This is quite difficult if you just follow the steps on the package of Magnolia cream cheese and if you have no baking experience. I had to read it all over again just to make sure i did not miss any step. So in this recipe, I made it simpler. I decided to post it anyway because a relative of mine asked for a cheesecake recipe and because I typed it anyhow.

BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE

CRUST:

1 1/4 cups graham crackers, crushed

1 tsp cinnamon –optional

1/3 cup melted butter/margarine

2 TBSP sugar

Dissolve sugar in melted margarine. Mix with the rest of ingredients until combined. Press on a pie plate. Chill.

FILLING:

1 pack (225g) cream cheese, softened

¼ cup sugar

1 tbsp knoxx gelatin

3 TBSP milk

1 pack(250ml) all purpose cream (Nestle or Alaska), chilled

1 cup blueberries in syrup (Comstock or any other )

Beat cream cheese and sugar until light and well blended.. Set aside. Sprinkle gelatin over milk, and heat on low until dissolved. Add to cream cheese mixture while it is still hot. Continue beating to blend well. In a separate bowl, whip cream until stiff (when beaters are lifted, it forms pointed sharp peaks). Slowly fold into cream cheese mixture. Pour into crumb-lined pan. Top with blueberries. Chill until it is firm.

Dimpay's NOTE:

--When beating all purpose cream, make sure the bowl and beaters are clean, dry and chilled. Or else it wont get stiff. Do not over beat.

-- You can also make strawberry cheesecake by substituting Strawberries in syrup(comstock or any other american brand) or fresh strawberries.

-- I only prefer Knoxx gelatin for this cheesecake. No other substitute.

Fold - To blend (a light ingredient) into a heavier mixture with a series of gentle turns:

Bloggable

my blog is new
and so are you
is it worth reading?
i don't have a clue..
i'll write about anything
so better hold your breath
i'll write with my heart
i won't have regrets.
my blog may be silly
but i'm not shy,
to share to the world
a piece of my pie
to blog is to share
a little bit of me
to blog is like a life
diving in the deep blue sea...


rmdzlim
7-1-2010
8:50am

Proud to be.. NoyPi

Nang dahil napanood ko ang proklamasyon ng ating bagong Pangulong NoyNoy Aquino, nais kong sumulat sa ating sariling wikang Pilipino. Nais ko ring ipagmalaki na siya ang binoto ko noong nakaraan eleksyon.

Naalala ko pa noong ako ay nasa elementarya pa lamang, mas mataas ang grado ko sa Ingles kesa sa Pilipino. Kaya't unawain nyo sana kung may mga pagkakamali ako sa gramatikong Pilipino. Nais ko sanang ungkatin sa aking memorya ang mga natutunan ko noong mga panahong iyong di ako nakikinig sa aking guro. Datapwat, (ano ba meaning nun?) lilihis ako ng topiko dahil nais kong ipagsigawan na Pinoy ako, at marunong ako mag-Ingles. Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating mga ninuno at tunuruan tayo ng Ingles na lingwahe, at ito ay isinali sa dapat pag-aralan ng isang mag-aaral simula unang baitang.
Nasasabi ko ito ngayon dahil ako ay nasa banyagang lupain kung saan hindi Ingles ang pangunahin lingwahe. Inlges ang pangkahalatang lingwahe ng buong mundo, at nakakapag-usap tayo sa kahit sinong banyaga kung marunong din sya ng Ingles. Kayhirap makipag-usap sa mga banyagang di marunong ng Ingles. Senyas na lang. At halos di pa magkaintindihan. Dito tayo panalo, dahil marunong tayo kahit simpleng Inlges, at kahit nga mga Pinoy na di nakatapak ng unang baitang ay marunong ng simpleng Ingles. Mabuhay tayong mga Pinoy!

POEM - impromptu

i love him..

i love him
i will always do..
it will never change
it is always true..



i love him
no words can describe
how much, until when
i love him with pride..


i love him
til my hair turns gray
til my teeth falls out
til i turn into clay..

A diving mishap I wil never forget..

September 2, 2007... How could I ever forget this day... it was a Sunday, the 2nd diving day for the Dive Fest at Tinoto... it was just an ordinary diving day... doing the usual stuffs, preparing for the dive... at the sandbar... Idove there before and experienced the strong current that won't even let us surface and get to the boat...but i was able to get back to the shore.. But that day was different... well, i knew it after the day has ended. The current brought us down to a 100 feet and deeper... the last time i saw my depth gauge, i was on 120 feet... and the other 9 divers were a few feet deeper than where i was.. My Dad and brother were one of the divers too. I won't dive there without my dad. I feel safe knowing that I am diving with him... i keep a watch on him coz he had several seizure episodes already. Hmmmm... at that particular depth, I was struggling... my mind was telling me that something was wrong.. A few minutes before, I was happily looking at the school of Jacks that went pass us, and I was taking pictures of my co-divers. Then after a few minutes, my mind was telling me to get my knife and bang my tank to call attention... I could hardly breathe even if my regulator or oxygen supply wasok...my dad went near me, i did not know how to hand signal that i had a problem.. He quickly brought me up, it was an emergency ascent from 120 feet to the surface... while my dad was holding me tight rushing me up to the surface, my mind was slowly getting black...as if the curtains were closing in a theatre...my mind was slowly closing, getting dim...but i thought of Tonn-tonn, that i don't wanna leave him. I said to myself, "Lord, help me please....yoko pa mamatay.." The next thing I could remember was that my mind was telling me to breathe, just breathe, and breathe. As if the Lord was instructing me what to do to hold on... when my Dad and I reached the surface, the only thing I could remember was I was breathing hard with a wheezing sound, I can hear my dad's voice in a panic, calling out the boat.. When we reached the boat, I was quite ok...Sir Ton Ramos was telling me to continue breathing thru theregulator. I can hardly open my eyes... i felt cold in my hands and feet, as if blood could not pass through my veins anymore...but i wasok...i was alive...Thank God I was alive...and still am right now.. Lying at the boat, in my father's arms I was silently crying... thinking of what just happened underwater and why I am still alive, breathing... i thanked God He helped me get out of the water... I thanked God I could still talk to Tonn-tonn...and tell him i love him so much. I know I never fail to tell him that everyday but I always wanted to tell and show him how much I do love him while I am in his arms. in his warm embrace. A thing we hardly do everyday because we're apart. I thanked God my Dad was there to rescue me. My dad has always been my hero. For if not, I would not be writing this story anymore. I thanked God for my life, and I will always will for the rest of my life.... at the sandbar... I dove there before and experienced the strong current that won't even let us surface and get to the boat...but i was able to get back to the shore.. But that day was different... well, i knew it after the day has ended. The current brought us down to a 100 feet and deeper... the last time i saw my depth gauge, i was on 120 feet... and the other 9 divers were a few feet deeper than where i was.. My Dad and brother were one of the divers too. I won't dive there without my dad. I feel safe knowing that I am diving with him... i keep a watch on him coz he had several seizure episodes already. Hmmmm... at that particular depth, I was struggling... my mind was telling me that something was wrong.. A few minutes before, I was happily looking at the school of Jacks that went pass us, and I was taking pictures of my co-divers. Then after a few minutes, my mind was telling me to get my knife and bang my tank to call attention... I could hardly breathe even if my regulator or oxygen supply was ok...my dad went near me, i did not know how to hand signal that i had a problem.. He quickly brought me up, it was an emergency ascent from 120 feet to the surface... while my dad was holding me tight rushing me up to the surface, my mind was slowly getting black...as if the curtains were closing in a theatre...my mind was slowly closing, getting dim...but i thought of Tonn-tonn, that i don't wanna leave him. I said to myself, "Lord, help me please....yoko pa mamatay.." The next thing I could remember was that my mind was telling me to breathe, just breathe, and breathe. As if the Lord was instructing me what to do to hold on... when my Dad and I reached the surface, the only thing I could remember was I was breathing hard with a wheezing sound, I can hear my dad's voice in a panic, calling out the boat.. When we reached the boat, I was quite ok...Sir Ton Ramos was telling me to continue breathing thru the regulator. I can hardly open my eyes... i felt cold in my hands and feet, as if blood could not pass through my veins anymore...but i was ok...i was alive...Thank God I was alive...and still am right now.. Lying at the boat, in my father's arms I was silently crying... thinking of what just happened underwater and why I am still alive, breathing... i thanked God He helped me get out of the water... I thanked God I could still talk to Tonn-tonn...and tell him i love him so much. I know I never fail to tell him that everyday but I always wanted to tell and show him how much I do love him while I am in his arms. in his warm embrace. A thing we hardly do everyday because we're apart. I thanked God my Dad was there to rescue me. My dad has always been my hero. For if not, I would not be writing this story anymore. I thanked God for my life, and I will always will for the rest of my life.

A piece of the past..

I was browsing through my old emails dated 2002, and i found this: the Editor's note i made for our portfolio for San Pedro College's "Bato". Looking back and reading the articles i made in the past makes me wonder where did i get the energy to write from? Really fired up that time. Well, as years pass by we do not notice that our choices change and so does dear life. MIstakes of the past makes us what we are today: a Better Person.

EDITOR'S NOTE 2003

We may seem to wonder how an ordinary person could come up with a beautiful literary piece or any work of art. A work that becomes their own masterpiece. A masterpiece of one's soul...and of one's creativity. A masterpiece that has meaning and has touched every human heart. And when it does, that person becomes extraordinary in the eyes of those who were touched.

What drives these ordinary people to create their own masterpiece? I say it's a stir of emotions. May the feeling be great, or one that brings you down, we could always let it out through making poems, essays, short stories, songs, paintings, sketches, and others... Because it is hard to keep these emotions hidden in our hearts and minds. We need not be a good writer or artist just to come up with a good literary piece. It is how these emotions really drive us to take interest in it.

This literary folio is a product of different emotions from different creative minds....and different hands which worked hard only to come up with the best portfolio every SPCian would forever treasure. May this become our very own masterpiece as these ordinary persons share a fraction of their lives with you..until they become extraordinary.

why not Piolo?

Last night, I was thinking.. I still want to pursue my dream of meeting the ultimate heartthrob. Silly you may say. But a girl can only dream. I really do not know how or when. All i know is that i am dying to meet him. I got to browse on his website and found an underwater picture, which was the same as mine..This is a photo of a rare frogfish.. I took mine at Maharlika Beach, Gen.Santos City..For your information, he dives too. That is why i really want to see him personally, and even dive with him if it is possible. Aren't our pictures a match made in heaven???i labs you Piolo!!!!!!!!

http://www.piolojosepascual.com/about/photography/index.html