Closet Conundrums

Gave Up on Thinking of a Title

It's a boring Saturday afternoob...I'm back in bed typing my post for today, I kinda got carried away, I have been having this craving for quiche for a couple of days and I have finally decided to make some, the problem instead of q quiche I ended up with 4 on my hands. (The other one is still in the oven, I couldn't fit all of them in one go.) Initially I wanted to call this post "Quiche Me Honey Honey..." Okay before you guys start rocks at me...I know it's corney...guess that's why I never actually proceeded with it.

Anyway I had an early day at the gym...well not too early, had a session with my trainer-from-hell this morning because I missed my session last Wednesday. Honestly I know it's for my own good but why does it have to be very hard. Worked very hard on my back and legs yesterday that I couldn't even walk back to the office then today he made me work on my chest and arms that I could barely drive home. The good thing about going to the gym during the day time and on weekends is because there aren't a lot of guys in the gym. You don't have to wait for your turn and the gym tends to be cooler than when it's pack with sweaty bodies (not that I don't like that... hahahaha)

But of course if I had this guy working out beside me I don't mind being worked out to death.

Never Thought I'd Say This...

But I want to go to Singapore. No offense to all Singaporean readers not that I don't like Singapore but having been there every 3-4 months it's starts to get boring. I never go to bars so after my meetings, I would usually find myself in a mall shopping then back to the hotel.

Like I was saying I really want to go to Singapore. Anyway I'm due for something there soon so I guess I'm gonna get what I want soon. It used to be the reasons why I want to go to Singapore is to get my stock of Royce Nama Chocolate, but now that they have it here I don't think I'd want to hand carry boxes (yes and I mean boxes) of chocolate home even if it costs double here. I heard they are selling a box for 620 pesos, while I remember a box in Singapore was about 12 dollars or about 360 pesos. Another reason why I need to go to Singapore is to get my supply of Aesop. I spent a small fortune buying my supplies last February when I gave up my Kiehl's products. And since I don't think they will be opening a shop here anytime soon, I really need to go and pick up my supplies. Other than Aesop there is on great reason for me to go to Singapore soon...and that is cookies. You heard me right...cookies. They tend to be round and sweet??? Cookies?!?

My bother's friend who came from Singapore gave my brother two tins from The Cookie Museum and I must say they are the most delicious cookies I've ever had...and I mean it. I haven't had anything this good...it's way better than sex...hmmm okay I'm exaggerating a bit. But at 30 dollars a tin, it's supposed to be good...hahahaha.

Those are the only ones left...they really feel lonely...I really should go to Singapore to pick up more of their friends. Here's some photos of The Cookie Museum in Singapore...looks soo nice.

Anyway it's getting late...I really want to go to bed. By the way I haven't heard anything about yesterday's post...

FW: Yet another long day

Well this morning I slept in a bit, eventually went to the car dealership to get my car checked because it was making some squeaking sound when I hit the breaks. Anyway it started yesterday when we hit a huge pothole, well I couldn't really remember because it might also be the rock hit my under chassis. In any case they made the necessary adjustments but the told me that the "cross member" or something was hit by something and they recommended that I change it. When they showed me the damage it looked superficial but I'm no expert so I might ask the insurance company if they could cover it since it was an accident after all because I have to spend about 30,000 pesos if ever I pay for it from my pocket. That's 30,000 pesos to my Hermes fund. LOL

Anyway after I got home I went to the grocery with my sister to buy stuff for our Banoffee pie (but with tons of extra goodies). After finishing the graham cracker crust we added a layer of caramel as the base for the bananas, they place nutella on top of the bananas and covered it with the dulce de leche before covering it with a layer of ganache and then tomorrow Mother's Day, top it with whipped cream. Isn't that yummy???

For dinner,I decided to take my two sisters to dinner, when we were there we decided to pick up a gift for our mom for Mother's day so we went shopping at Adora in Greenbelt 5 before heading to Fely J's for dinner.

Then after dinner we met up with my mom at Sala Bistro and my brother who was at People's Palace for coffee before heading home and working on my post

Same Old Same Old

I guess you can say I placed a lot of expectations to last weekend's Spa getway. I thought Monday would be something new. I thought I'd have a different outlook and perspective in life. Well nothing changed in the weekend. And to be honest I think it's also because I'm already happy with who I am and I don't need some sort of epiphany to get a change of views or something.

Anyway I want to first share with you some photos of the Farm at San Benito. It's great, the whole Spa is nice, manicured lawns, everything is nice and pristine. They have two nice pools, this one is in their Spa, where treatments are being done. Nice treatment rooms too. Although the massage itself is nothing spectacular.

This one is the Waterfalls pool, nice and private, and very hidden (redundant?). Well the only problem is since its out in the middle of trees, you have leaves and insects swimming with you...not a nice feeling, I would have cleaned it up, but I couldn't find a net to clean the pool with.

The room was fantastic, I got a Palmera Suite, its a "villa" cut in half and so it becomes two suites. Anyway its smaller than any suite, because there's no living room or anything but it has a huge lanai and veranda where you can sunbath in private. But don't expect pina coladas or anything :-)

The food...hmmmm I don't know where to start, well certainly it's nothing to write home about. I guess I was expecting "clean" flavors. Something fresh and simple. Well they are indeed fresh, but the problem is its inundated with all these spices that leaves a bad after taste in your mouth...and I have to wash it down with coconut juice or water with lemons. I don't think I'm very particular with food, but I get quite sensitive about flavors, I don't like anything overpowering, perhaps that's why I don't like Indian food that much, no offense.

Oh by the way it's Dan Hoang's birthday last saturday, I don't know if you guys like him, but I've posted some of his photos on the blog from time to time and although I've gotten some rude comments about it, I don't know if it speaks for everybody who comes here. Anyway he emailed me before, and seems to be a genuinely nice guy. So the first photo is for our birthday boy. Sorry it's a bit late.

!@#$%*(@#$%*

I woke up at 3am to catch my 5am flight to Iloilo...when I got to the hotel I found out that I left my laptop charger in Manila...just doesn't get any better than that!

Anyway something funny happened on the plane. The lady sitting across me on the plane asked the flight attendant to wrap her breakfast because she wants to take it home...I found it totally weird...and some might find it mean for me to tell people about it, but I find it a bit crass. But to be honest the breakfast on Philippine Airlines is good...on domestic routes they serve sandwiches on business class but for breakfast they make an exception and serve hot meals for their passengers. And its usually a hearty breakfast with rice or potatoes, scrambled eggs and one Filipino breakfast dishes. Some time you can have beef tapa which is a minute stake marinated in soy sauce and calamansi (small lemons...or what ever it is). Or Tocino which are slices of pork marinated in lots of sugar and spices and pan fried, or Longanisa which are sweet pork sausages or pan fried or poached milk fish. Anyway all i mean to say is its not your typical (yucky) "airplane food" but its no gastronomic feast either....so why take it home???

Back to normal...Back to work

Well things are going back to normal I suppose and work is piling up again like before...Nothing out of the ordinary. I'm actually starving right now...we had an early lunch and I didn't expect to be hungry at 6pm!

I've been actually craving for Café Adriatico's Lola Ising's Adobo deep fried served on top of garlic friend rice. Now for those who don't know what Adobo is, it looks something like this.

Adobo is a process of cooking meat where it is slow cooked with soy sauce, garlic, bay leaf, black peppercorns and vinegar (though my grandmother doesn't use vinegar but adds hardboiled eggs)

Anyway Café Adriatico's Lola Ising's Adobo is then deep fried and served on top of rice with the garlic and sauce...Now I'm hungrier. Well J is here...I'll try to drag him to Café Adriatico.

Payback's A Bitch

I'm starting to hate holidays, I mean you end up staying at home doing nothing then you have to make up for the lost time when you go back to work the following day.

I promised to work on today's post yesterday but there was some serious change of plans, well I slept the entire morning and when I woke up, I was craving for cookies and kebabs (weird huh?) Anyway I spent the entire afternoon making Macadamia and White Chocolate Chunk cookies and made about 6 dozens, I brought some to the office this morning and saved up some for J too. I doubt he would eat much because he is on a diet. Anyway for dinner I made beef kebabs served on butter rice....it was good, but I sorts burnt 2 sticks because I was busy pulling out the cookies from the oven. Oh well.

Anyway I have been having some serious back lower pains lately, it gets painful when I lay on my back, I usually lay on my side, but when I lay on my right, its also painful, so I have to lay only on my left and try to sleep, this has been going on for days. I used to have it on some occasions but it usually goes away, I actually can't understand why my EENT Specialist actually connects it with my blocked sinuses and stress. In any case I have to get going.

Chocolates for Me!

J called me last night and he told me that he bought me a box of Ferrero chocolates and I certainly don't mind if he delivers it like this.

I've like chocolates, but I'm kinda picky, but it really depends also on my mood, sometimes if I feel being cheap and like saving up on some money I make do with Curly Tops (local chocolate, sweet and tasty nothing special) or chocomallows, but sometimes I'd go for Chocnut (its chocolate and peanut, its more like peanut butter, not really like Reeses...its hard to explain actually). Then sometimes when I feel like splurging, a bar of Valrhona or Godiva would do the trick or what I have discovered last year in Singapore was Royce...Yum and it sure is worth every cent!

Anyway we went to the mall today after celebrating my sister's birthday at a restaurant. I couldn't help myself I bought loads of stuff since everything was on sale...my mom saw me using her credit card extension as was giving me the evil eye all the time...I still got away with it though! hahahahahaha.

Well I have to start fixing them up now so I best be going.

Turning 28 - My 28 Favorite Things

Well since it’s my 28th birthday, I’ll be posting 28 of my favorite things, places, and other stuff as part of my August Monthly Mouthfuls. (Can’t wait to work on my What Ifs also…hopefully next week). Anyway since it’s gonna be a long post, I better get this rolling. Oh by the way if you haven’t noticed it yet, I’m not Oprah, so don’t expect I’m giving out these stuff for free. Oh and the list has no particular order I just write the stuff that comes into my head.

But before I go list my top 28 favorites...I have to say that above all these things, there will only be one J in my life...Love you honey :-)

1. My Phone – Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition

I think with the exception of the Vertu this is the most fabulous phone ever. Though the phone might not be 3G capable or the camera isn’t that good at 2mp, the look and form of the phone alone makes up for it. I wrote about it the other day when I bought the phone…it was an early birthday present for me and I have been eyeing for it ever since I parted ways with my old 8800.

2. My Laptop – 15inch MacBook Pro with Dual Core Processor

I love my Mac, it goes with me everywhere. And even if sometimes it gets too heavy to carry, I would still carry it with me. Last weekend I brought it to the mall to get it “G-masked”. Its like they use a film with a design or color and wrap it on whatever gadget you have. Actually what pushed me to do it was when I went to Davao, and was working at the airport, someone made a comment how nice my iBook was. I think she thought it was an iBook because of the lousy red plastic cover which I installed on it…oh well.

3. My iPod – Black 5th Generation iPod

I used to have a white iPod but it conked out on me last April. So I decided to ditch it and just get a new one. I guess even if I don’t use it every day, its one of those things that I feel I just need to have.

And although I want an iPhone, I don’t think I’d be stupid enough to buy one now even if its not working in Manila or anywhere else other than the US. It’s hot but I don’t think I’m that stupid.

4. External HD – Maxtor 300GB and LaCie 250GB

Yeah I have about 550GB worth of stuff on my desk, and both are about full now. To be honest about 100GB is for work and the rest of it is full of porn. All sorts of it…a lot are Asian Porn…maybe I should put it up for sharing…but with our crummy Internet access here in the Philippines it would take forever just uploading them. Besides my best friend might kill me if I start sharing to strangers and he can’t even touch my files.

5. ODM Mr. Metallic Watch

After what happened to my old ODM watch, I decided to get a sophie(our dog)-proof watch…well what can I say but I just love this new watch.

6. Panerai Luminor Marina Automatic Steel Black Dial

My dress watch, though I have two other watches, this is my favorite. It’s so masculine and sexy!

7. Candles

I love candles, I usually stock about 5 to 10 of them in my room, to give out as gifts. They are the perfect gifts, though I don’t think I’ll stock Diptyque Candles for gifts anytime soon, the local candles are just as good.

8. Digital Camera

Counting my other phone, the Sony Ericsson CyberShot K800, I have 3 cameras.

I have one DSLR, the Canon 300D, its not really the latest but I find it adequate since I’m really not that serious about photography. If ever I do start getting serious I might just upgrade.

My latest camera is what I bought last May. The CyberShot DSC-T50, which has touch-screen. I guess the only reason I got it is because of that function but of course it’s a cool camera.

9. Books

Well I don’t think I could list all of them, I haven’t even been able to update my Amazon list…Anyway I always need books and usually finish a book in a couple of days, which can get very expensive, since I hate the mass-paperbacks because of the small typeface. So I am forced to get all hardbound books or at least the big paperbacks, which costs more.

10. Polo Ralph Lauren - Big Pony

Every time I see this shirt on the street I remember the 5 shirts I bought when this came out about 2 years ago. I stopped wearing them here because it seems like everybody has one now…and the bad thing is a lot are fake and its everywhere, even maids and drivers wear them now. I must admit, I still have to say it’s one of my favorite shirts ever, but I just can’t wear it in this town.

11. Louis Vuitton

Okay who doesn’t love LV?

12. Creed

Since my last post, I bought another Creed Perfume – The Green Irish Tweed, which I could use for my day to day at the office, alternating with my Silver Mountain Water. While saving the Millésime Imperial for more dressy occasions. Though they might cost you about 200 dollars a bottle, you can be sure not to smell your perfume on everyone.

13. Kiehl’s

I’ve always loved Kiehl’s and its really frustrating that they cannot open here yet. About 2 years ago there was all this hype that they are finally opening but until today there’s no news about when they are actually opening (if ever they will). So I usually just go to Singapore or Hong Kong just to get my Facial Fuel line and my Amino Acid Shampoo.

14. Crumpler

Usually I have two sets of laptop bags. When I go to the office and have to be in business attire, I take my LV bag, but when traveling or I need to go more casual, I just pack everything in my red Crumpler backpack. I find their bags simple yet very sturdy. I also have a Laptop Sleeve from Crumpler, which they call School Hymn.

15. Costa Brava Cupcakes

There was a craze last year about this new cupcake store in a new development in town called Serendra, I tried their cupcakes, but after that first try, I went back to Costa Brava’s Cupcakes. Though they are relatively smaller than what they have in the new cupcake store, their cupcakes are still the best. Whether it be the chocolate cupcake or the plain vanilla cupcake with candy sprinkles, they are by far the best in town.

16. Tea

Drinking tea is one of my favorite past time. Though I equally love coffee, there is something different to drinking tea. One of my favorite afternoon treats is having Afternoon Tea at the Manila Peninsula (which I also do when I’m in Hong Kong). I also have a huge tea collection at home which I buy from China. To be honest, I’m more of the Chinese tea drinker, but every now and then I drink Earl Grey or Derjeeling also.

17. Vodka

I cannot forget the time when my dad took out two bottles of our Grey Goose Vodka to give my cousin who couldn’t even tell the difference between the Grey Goose and a cheapo brand. I nearly fainted when I saw the empty bottles when I got home that night. It was just like when my brother used my expensive tea to make ice lemon tea! It’s like giving dogs foie gras…not that they are dogs, but you know what I mean.

18. Champagne

It was during my high school graduation when my brother brought home a Magun Taittinger that I fell in love with Champagne. In fact I just got 3 bottles of Billecart-Salmon for my dinner tonight. There’s nothing better than celebrating an occasion with your friends over Champagne.

19. Airplane Food

Okay you guys must think I’m crazy, but I kid you not. Well to be honest I haven’t tried any American carrier so I couldn’t really see what’s wrong with airplane food in that part of the world. But yes, chickens can get rubbery and fish could turn to mash or turn as tough as cardboard. Of course I don’t fly coach so I really can’t say how bad it could get but there is something about Airplane food that I enjoy, don’t ask me to explain, but well I just like it.

20. Café Bola

Home of Pinoy Comfort Food, I usually order only 2 things here, either I have the Caramelized Spam or the Naked Illongo Style Chorizo, both served over a cup of garlic fried rice and fried egg.

21. People’s Palace

I don’t have to say much about this restaurant. Just try the Prawn and Pomelo Salad, Crispy Catfish Salad, Son-in-Law’s Eggs (believe me its worth a try). Crispy Pork (something) with Sticky Rice, Green Chicken Curry, Stir Fried Pork with Fresh Green Peppercorn, Kapi Fried Rice and Phad Thai…for dessert try the Mango Cheesecake or the Pavlova.

22. Li Li

I’m celebrating my birthday dinner here at the Chinese outlet of the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila. I gave up choosing the food when we get there so I decided to just get the set menu.

We’re having:

Selection of Deluxe Appetizers
Birthday Noodles (I just added it to the menu last night)
Suckling Pig and Barbecue Combination
Double Boilded Whole Shark’s Fin Soup with Chicken and Yunnan Ham
Roast Peking Duck
Wok Fried Shrimps with Chilli Tomato Sauce and Wok Fried Shrimps with Spring Onions and Ginger.
Steamed Live Garoupa
Stir Fried Beef in X.O. Sauce
Stir Fried Broccoli with Dried Scallops
Fried Rice with Chicken and Bacon
Chilled Mango Cream with Pomelo
Deep Fried Sesame Balls

Can’t wait!

23. Cebu

If for some freak reason I loose my passport and can’t travel out of the country one of the places that would come up to mind is Cebu. Of course I’m here almost every 3 months, but I usually stay in the city center. The best place to stay in Cebu of course is Shangri-la Mactan. No doubt a couple of days there would recharge your mind and body (but charge your credit card well to its limit).

24. Palawan

It’s been years since I’ve last visited Palawan and I think I want to visit it soon. Although the best parts of Palawan are serviced by smaller planes (and I mean small propeller planes), I think getting to those remote places are just as part of the adventure. Some of the resorts there don’t even have cellular phone signal so if you really want to get away from work for one long weekend, this would be a good place to visit.

25. Shanghai

I never saw Shanghai when it was not developed. My mom usually tells me stories of how Shanghai used to look like from her recollections of past trips to China before. What I know of Shanghai was from my trips in the last couple of years and it was far from what my mom was telling me. Shanghai is a bright and busy city, and a good place to go around and get lost in. My only frustration is I couldn’t bring J there any time soon.

26. Beijing

I’ve always loved Chinese History. A friend of mine made a comment before about me, being the only Chinese guy he knows that likes Chinese things. I can’t really say why I like it, but Beijing has the same effect on me like being in Rome. It’s like I lived here once in my past life. On my next trip I’m really planning on staying at The Commune at The Great Wall even for just a day or two.

27. Europe

If I had to choose between going to the US or Europe for a month just to go around, I think I’d choose Europe. Even if language could be a challenge at time (or every time). There is a different feeling when you are in Europe. I just wish I could go back there soon.

28. My Blog

Why do you think I’m working on my blog on my birthday? And since I like my blog and love all those who are reading it…I’m posting 28 Spicy Potato Chips and 28 Hot Rice Toppings all in their birthday suits all for my 28th birthday.

Gluttony Meets Me

Okay well I'm actually supposed to be at the event now, but I'm trying to finish this post, so I'll be quick. We had dinner last night, and I ordered for a steak, medium rare, they said "Macho" cut..hmmm sounds kinky right? Anyway when the stake came out I was speechless....

Oh and I'm having a problem with the hotel, for one the duvet cover is soo rough because of wear, I guess the hotel hasn't changed linens since they opened because its really rough, I'll try to post a photo of the surface tomorrow....plus the shower was not working so i had to lie on the tub to get the shampoo off my hair, I asked someone to come up last night to fix it but after 30mins I gave up...

Well like I always do every month, I'm posting this month's The Boy hottie.

Okay I'm not really for hairy guys so...there..hehehehe