Kismet

The Visual Traveler: Cebu Foodie: How To Make Tuna Mushroom Bruschetta

2014-10-27T15:46:00.001+08:00

The Visual Traveler: Cebu Foodie: How To Make Tuna Mushroom Bruschetta: Here's my recipe for Tuna Mushroom Bruschetta Happy Eating! Ingredients: Tuna (it can be canned, frozen or fresh...

The Visual Traveler: All About Women Trivia Quiz

2014-10-27T15:45:00.001+08:00

The Visual Traveler: All About Women Trivia Quiz: All About Women Trivia Quiz 1. Who was the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1988-90? 2. Name the pilot lost over the Pacific in 1937....

Homecooked Meals for the week: August 24 - 26

2014-09-21T18:47:00.000+08:00

For this week, I will only be making an update for Sunday until Tuesday because I had visitors on the 27th until the second week of September. Most of our meals were taken at the restaurants. I was also unable to take photos of our home cooked meals during these period because of being super preoccupied with activites.

August 24, Sunday. We went to Mooon Cafe for dinner.
1. Friend Chicken with Sour Cream and Parsley dip - Brunch

August 25, Monday.
1. Deep Fried Pork Belly + Tuna Kinilaw = Sinuglaw

August 26, Tuesday
1. Chicken Arozcaldo
2. McDonalds BFF Chicken Bundle meal (take-Out)

Homecooked Meals for the week: August 17 - 23

2014-09-21T18:08:00.000+08:00

August 17, Sunday. Attended an event at Camp Lapu-Lapu. Had lechon for lunch. Dinner at Ayala Center Cebu's food court. LFS for TMNT afterwards.

August 18, Monday.
1. Spam - Lunch

August 19, Tuesday.

1. Tortang Hipon - Lunch

August 20, Wednesday.

1. Soy Chicken (Friend)

August 21, Thursday.

1. Tuna Brocheta with mushroom and cheese (Brochette)

2. Mango Float

3. Balamban Liempo to-go for early dinner

August 22, Friday.

1. Chicken Pandan

August 23, Saturday. Early morning flight to Manila. Meals were taken from the airport and restaurants.

Ciao. 'til next!

Homecooked Meals for the week: August 10 - August 16

2014-09-21T17:12:00.001+08:00

August 10, Sunday. Staycation continues. Had buffet for dinner.

August 11, Monday.
1. Chicken Curry - Lunch
2. Sweet Pork Steak (Korean Style) - Dinner

August 12, Tuesday.

1. Fried Chicken in Sweet-Tangy batter (Korean Style, ala BonChon)

August 13, Wednesday. Was at S&R for grocery shopping and had pizza and burger for brunch. Dinner a Willer's BBQ (take-out).

August 14, Thursday.
1. Blue Marlin Kinilaw (one of my all-time favorites)

August 15, Friday.
1. Fried Chicken with home-made Coleslaw

August 16, Saturday. Had a team outing, lunch taken at the venue. McDonalds take-out for dinner.

'til next!
(Recipes of the mentioned food in my blog is bound to be published soon.)

Homecooked Meals for the week: Aug 3 - Aug 9

2014-09-21T16:20:00.000+08:00

August 3, Sunday. Dined out. Had lunch at McDonalds in JY then went to Miga Korean Restaurant for dinner.

August 4, Monday.
1. Omelet
2. Classic Pancake

August 5, Tuesday.
1. (Pork Steak) Porter House

August 6, Wednesday. We had our meals eaten outside. Went for a BBQ at Yakski.

August 7, Thursday. Had dinner at Pancake House.

August 8, Friday.

1. Pinakbet

August 9, Saturday. #Staycation. Has our meals taken at the hotel.

(I had a delay in updating due to scarcity of time..) Ciao. 'til next!

Hong Kong - Macau

2014-08-06T15:23:00.001+08:00

In the coming posts, I will enumerate the activities that you can do in a 4D/3N trip at HK and Macau.

at Madame Tussauds'

Riala

2014-08-06T14:53:00.000+08:00

Avida Towers: Riala

Jose Maria del Mar St, Lungsod ng Cebu
(02) 848 5200

A City within a City. This project is MAGNIFICO!

Proposed outcome once Studio Type and 1BR Unit is compbined

two options


Studio Unit

Studio + 1BR Unit

Homecooked Meals for the week: July 27 - August 2

2014-08-06T14:34:00.000+08:00

July 27, Sunday.
1. Adobong Pusit.

July 28, Monday. Went out for lunch at Golden Cowrie, Lahug.

July 29, Tuesday. Had McDonalds take out. Made pasta as well.
1. Fusilli pasta dish (it's the same as my spaghetti recipe, it's just that we only have this pasta stored at our pantry)

July 30, Wednesday.
1. Adobo (Pina-uga / no-sauce)

July 31, Thursday. (No picture taken for the bangus, but brought Paksiw na Bangus to the office and shared it with a friend).
1. Paksiw na Bangus
2. Shrimp Halabos (dinner)

August 1, Friday. To-go lunch from McDonalds and dinner at Ayala.

August 2, Saturday.

1. Ribeye Steak

2. Mashed Potato + Mushroon-Corn-Pea sides

3. Singlaw (Pork na kinilaw version)

'Til next!

Homecooked Meals for the week: July 20-26

2014-07-28T01:20:00.003+08:00

July 20, Sunday. We went out the whole day and had lunch at Cafe Laguna and dinner at Jo's Inato.

July 21, Monday.
1. Tuna Pasta w/ mushroom and Mozzarella cheese


mozzarella cheese

July 22, Tuesday.
1. Buttered Shrimp w/ Kernels

July 23, Wednesday.
1. Paksiw na Tilapia

July 24, Thursday.
1. Chicken Menudo
2. Fresh Fruits w/ Cream (Banana, Avocado and Manggo)

July 25, Friday. We ate outside and did not cook at home, but made dessert instead.
1. Mango Float

July 26, Saturday. We went to Marriott for their Saturday Special buffet, Prime Rib night. We just had mostly sweets at home before dinner.

'Til next!

Homecooked Meals for the week: July 13-19

2014-07-28T00:50:00.000+08:00

July 13, Sunday. We went on a sleepover at a hotel since Saturday where we had our meals taken as well. No house-party Sunday for this week. (Pizza Republic "Pick + Mix" by Giuseppe Genco for dinner)

July 14, Monday.
1. Pork Binagoongan

July 15, Tuesday.
1. Tinolang Pork Ribs

July 16, Wednesday. We dined out for noth lunch and dinner.

July 17, Thursday.
1. Beef Giniling

July 18, Friday.
1. (No Sauce) Pork Adobo

July 19, Saturday. We were out the whole day. See you next week.

Recipes from all the food mentioned in my blog will be featured in the coming days.

'Til next!

Homecooked Meals for the week: July 6-12

2014-07-28T00:02:00.000+08:00

July 6, Sunday. When it's Sunday and we're just at home, it's literally a PARTY.
1. Paksiw na Tilapia w/ gata
2. Pork Sisig

July 7, Monday.
1. Spring Rolls

July 8, Tuesday. We had lunch and dinner from some place else.

July 9, Wednesday.
1. Pork Adobo

June 10, Thursday.

1. Hungarian Sausage

June 11, Friday.
1. Shrimp-Garlic Rice. (fried shrimps are a leftover from our previous dine out)

July 12, Saturday: We had a sleep over and ate at the hotel. That would be all for this week.

'Til next!

Sarah Geronimo finally confirms her relationship with Matteo Guidicelli

2014-06-19T23:26:00.001+08:00

"Sige, sasabihin ko na po, boyfriend ko si Matteo".

This statement brings so much thrill to AshMatt lovers and supporters as the Popstar Princess finally admits being Matteo Guidicelli's girlfriend on June 19, 2014,Thursday night.

The rumors spiked when Matteo sent an sms message to direk Wenn Deramas which was supposed to be for, then, rumored girlfriend Sarah. Later, Matteo admitted to Ogie Diaz and MJ Felipe's show OMJ that he indeed calls Sarah G. as "Mahal".

Wrong text message sent to Direk Wenn Deramas

Tonight, Sarah Geronimo finally answered the biggest question that has been going on for the past few months, she and Matteo are now a couple. Sarah was interviewed during the victory party of her latest blockbuster movie, Maybe This Time, and this became her way of closing all speculations once and for all.

"Di naman magandang magtawagan kaming 'mahal' kung wala naman kaming relasyon, so Opo." she added.

Sarah Geronimo is at the top of her career. It is very relevant that she is blooming than ever, and Matteo is definitely the biggest reason why she is at her most beautiful. Lately, there have been several photos of the two circling all over social media, together. The two started to be seen more frequently after Matteo's 24th birthday last March where both were inseparable. Photos of them going out, with what seems to be a double date, with husband and wife Judy Ann and Ryan Agoncillio as well as out with Matteo's friends are all over the internet.

This is definitely a very good news to all Netizens that are a big AshMatt followers. As one of Sarah G.'s fan, I am so happy to hear about her confirmation, and is equally excited about this new chapter of her life. There is no other more perfect boyfriend material for her than Matteo Guidicelli so my hopes are high that this is going to be a very colorful journey for the two of them.


taken last March at Matteo's 24th birthday celebration, with them is Matteo's mom.

this photo is my personal favorite :)

"Fall in love when you're ready, not when you're lonely".

#KrisTek : Kris Aquino finally admits dating Mayor Herbert Bautista

2014-04-08T01:02:00.001+08:00

Why am I so happy? This is why.

On the April 7 episode of Abunda & Aquino, Kris made a revelation that completely shuts all speculations about her and her mystery boyfriend.

Kris confirms relationship with Mayor Bistek (coutesy of Pep.ph)

I am such a big fan of the Queen of all Media, Kris Aquino, and her confirmation about having a special relationship with Mayor Herbert Bautista is music to my ears. I am so happy for her. For both of them.

I have been an avid follower of Kris Aquino since "Today With Kris" days. Even when I was younger, I already admire her wit, intelligence, honesty and transparency. I have always admired her openness to her fans, as though she feels obligated to share her life to every one in return of the massive support she's been getting over the years.

I feel so positive about this relationship. This time, I sincerely hope that it is for keeps. I am also reaching out to all followers (and even haters) of miss Kris to take a step back and respect her wish to stay private as far as this part of her life is concerned. We, fans of Kris, would want this to work and have a happy-ever-after ending for both of them. We want nothing but well wishes for her and success in her love life. Let us give Mayor Herbert a chance to prove himself and make Kris and her sons, Bimb and Josh, happy and a chance at forever. Together.

Let's all do the hash-tag KrisTek (#KrisTek) to show support for these lovebirds.

First Singapore Experience, 2006

2014-04-08T00:08:00.002+08:00

Merlion

Looking back at my first visit to Singapore in 2006, I got caught up by the drastic change and monumental transformation of this first world country. A lot of architectures, buildings and theme parks has been build since.

I could clearly remember how amazed I was when I first set foot to Changi Airport. It is considered as one of the best airports in the world. My tour at Sentosa and the UnderWaterworld was phenomenal. I always thought that I have seen the best in Asia and since then, I was convinced that I will be working, if not residing, in Singapore in the near future.

During that trip, year 2006, HD cameras and selfies were not yet that popular. I had our 8MP Olympus camera as my gear to capture the sights of SG.

shots from UnderWaterworld

amazing architectures are still being built during this time

Singapore at night

I was in awe when I first saw one of these double-Decker buses in the streets of Singapore

On our way back to the Philippines, I clearly remember how the city inspired me. Everything about Singapore screams growth and success. I became determined to come back and dreamt of landing a job to this booming place someday.

And so, I did. Four years later. :)

Butter and Garlic Shrimps Recipe

2014-04-06T22:36:00.000+08:00

Corny Butter n Garlic Prawns

Butter and Garlic Shrimps

Seafood restaurants are a growing business. Filipinos are big fans of seafood and it is a common treat on special occasions and family gatherings. Who could resist boiled crabs, grilled Tuna, oysters or backed scallops? These are only a few of the many sea food delicacies that we enjoy.

I am going to share one of my "special" seafood recipe. This dish has been revised several times until, finally, I got the perfect taste and everything else that comes with it. Here is my version of butter and garlic shrimps, although I used tiger prawns instead of the regular shrimps just for a more tasteful and gastronomic food experience. The word "corny" comes from one of this dish's prime ingredients which is corn kernel, so don't think about the other stuff because this ain't sentimental at all.

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo Tiger Prawns

2 tbsp butter

1/4 cup minced garlic

1 cup corn kernel, drained

2 tbsp lemon zest

salt and pepper

1 pc medium red bell pepper

1 pc small onion, chopped

1/2 cup Royal Tru Orange

Directions:

Melt the butter on your pan and saute garlic and onions until half cooked.
Add in your prawns, lemon zest, bell pepper together and simmer for about a minute. Once it steams up, pour your the Royal Tru Orange and salt and pepper and cover up your pan until the sauce starts to simmer.
Turn off the fire, and serve. Do not overcook your shrimps/prawns.
Good for 3-4 servings.

The primary requisite for writing well about food is a good appetite.” — A. J. Liebling

Adobong Pusit Recipe

2014-03-30T12:13:00.000+08:00

Squid with Black Ink Sauce
Adobong Pusit

Pusit (Squid/Octopus) is a popular seafood in the Philippines. There are many variety in cooking squid. Some like it stuffed and grilled, others liked it breaded and fried ala Calamari, and some prefer stir fried with veggies. I, personally, like squid in any type of dish at any given time.

I will be sharing a recipe that is familiar to all Filipinos using squid as the main ingredient. I dare you try this dark and "dirty" take of the Filipino favorite, adobo. This Adbong Pusit (Squid Adobo) is indeed a must-try.

Ingredients:

500 grams Squid

1/2 cup sliced onion

4 cloves of garlic

1 tbsp chopped ginger

1/4 cup red bell pepper

1/4 cup sliced tomatoes

salt and pepper

1/2 cup vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

t tbsp cooking oil

1/2 cup water

Directions:

In a hot pan, saute onions and garlic until the onion turns transparent. Add in the ginger, bell pepper, tomatoes and squid together. Mix.
Once the squid is coated with the spices, pour in vinegar and soy sauce and wait for it to simmer. Once the vinegar content starts to evaporate, add water and salt and pepper to taste.
Cover pan, and let it cook for a good 5-7 mins or until the water starts to boil. Mix well. Simmer for another 2 mins and then serve hot.
Serves 3-5.

“Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne

Chicken Afritada Recipe

2014-03-30T01:51:00.000+08:00

Blood Orange Chicken

Chicken Afritada

Chicken Afritada (Chicken in tomato sauce) is one of the many Filipino favorites. There are different versions of this dish, depending on the Region or heritage of the person making it. My family, whom mostly hailed from Davao City, normally uses chicken and/or pork for Afritada. Bell pepper, primarily, is the one setting it apart from Menudo because both dishes are almost has the same ingredients.

Here is my take on Chicken Afritada. I call it Blood Orange Chicken because once it's cooked and read to serve, the color of the dish is a bit orangey but a little darker than the actual orange color.

Ingredients:

1/2 kg Chicken (you can use any part, or mix several of your favorite chicken cuts)

1 cup Tomato sauce

2 cups cubed potatoes

(you can also add 1 cup of carrots, but I did not put carrots on this dish, basically just my preference)

1 pc Onion, cut into quarters

4 cloves Garlic, minced

1/2 cup red and green bell peppers

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp soy sauce

salt and pepper

500ml water (for boiling)

Directions:

Melt butter in a medium size pot, then sauté minced garlic.
Add in the chicken and blend in with the butter-garlic mix.
Add bell pepper and onion and sauté everything in.
Put soy sauce and water then cover the pot until it simmers.
Once it simmers, add in the potatoes and cover the pot. Slowly cook everything in low fire and continue to simmer for at least 15 mins, until the potatoes are soft and the chicken is well cooked.
Finally add in salt and pepper to taste and tomato sauce. Mix well and cover the pot again for a good 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serves 5-7.

The Secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.

- Mark Twain

DAN BROWN'S NEW NOVEL: INFERNO

2013-08-26T13:29:00.000+08:00

Robert Langdon is back! This is one adventure that you shouldn't miss.

'Inferno' is better than 'The Lost Symbol'---in regards to the story line as well as the theme of the novel. The truth is stranger than fiction. Reality will depend on your perception.
'Inferno' is more aligned to 'Angels and Demons' and 'The Da Vinci Code'...It could be because of the setting, which takes us back to Europe...it could also be because of the antagonists are more realistic here compared to 'The Lost Symbol'.

If Hollywood decides to make a movie out of this, I wouldn't be surprised. I would look forward to it.

I recommend this as a must-read if you're a fan of European history, Art, Literature, adventure, suspense, maniacal geniuses, ordinary people saving the world plus the usual twists and turns...

But remember, since you'll be entering Dan Brown's creation, take with a grain of salt.

Definitely a guilty pleasure!

Steve Berry: The Venetian Betrayal and The Third Secret

2013-08-26T13:24:00.001+08:00

Meet Cotton Malone, a cross between Indiana Jones and James Bond. He's a former agent of the U.S. department of Justice's Magellan Billet. A group of highly-talented and trained operatives working under their female boss Stephanie Nelle. He is now retired and a bookseller living in Denmark.

I've become a Steve Berry addict in the past few weeks and been reading his novels and short stories continuously.

if you like history with a dash of adventure, then you won't go wrong with his books.

For "The Venetian Betrayal:, the first few pages will reel you in especially when it involves Alexander the Great, Greek fire and the draught that can cure any disease known to man.

The story will take you places, from Denmark to Venice to China to the Stan countries in Central Asia. Its part adventure, part travel guide.

"The Third Secret" introduces as to Vatican insider, Colin Michener, who plays a cameo in "The Venetian Betrayal". The story deals with the last secret/message of Our Lady of Fatima and the impact it would have in the Christian world if it was proven that the message was deliberately changed by someone working in the Vatican. This novel should be taken with a grain of salt meaning just enjoy it as a work of fiction and not the truth.

I consider this as one of my favorite Steve Berry novels since it discusses about one man's journey in his faith, beliefs and relationships. It made me teary-eyed at the end. Decisions can change the course of your life.

One of the reasons why I recommend Steve Berry's works is that he takes the time to explain what is real and what is fiction. He does it at the end of every novel.

His novels might be simplistic compared to Dan Brown. Not a lot of fanfare accompanies them but they certainly are addictive. (the visual traveler)

The Queen of Suspense: Mary Higgins Clark

2013-08-26T13:02:00.000+08:00

A prolific writer, Mary Higgins Clark, has written over 42 novels. Her favorite protagonist has always been the intelligent, strong-willed and heroic woman.

She has smartly used popular song titles as her book titles (Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Remember Me, Moonlight Becomes You, etc.).

New York City and it's neighboring cities have been used again and again as her locations which adds an element of class to her stories.

You won't find gory murder scenes or foul-mouthed dialogues in her stories. There's always a familial element to her story lines that makes it better and more realistic.

Her characters and villains typically belong to the Upper-Middle class strata of Society which adds sophistication to her story lines.

She's also been an influence to her family members that her daughter (Carol Higgins Clark) and ex-daughter-in-law (Mary Jane Clark) became writers as well. She has collaborated with Carol Higgins Clark on several stories as well.

I never get tired of reading her novels. I like her stories so much that I've recommended her to my cousins and they got hooked as well.

JOHN GRISHAM AND HIS LEGAL THRILLERS

2013-08-26T12:20:00.002+08:00

A fugitive lawyer, a reluctant heiress, a grandson seeking redemption, a couple planning to skip Christmas, crooked judges lording over a prison, a man seeking justice for his daughter, an idealistic lawyer, a rainmaker...a runaway jury----These are just some of the unforgettable myriad of characters created by lawyer-turned-wirter, John Grisham.

The world of law has never been the same since he first came out with his first novel, "A Time To Kill." And since then he has cultivated a following that has anticipated his new legal thrillers. Even Hollywood has joined the bandwagon, turning his novels into blockbusters.

For this year, I had a John Grisham marathon---reading 3-4 books of his back-to-back. I never do get tired of his seemingly formulaic story lines or heroes. There's still the mystery of knowing whodunit...Not all of his novels have happy endings. Even his rogue heroes gets their comeuppance.

Here are some of his novels that I highly recommend: 'A Time to Kill', 'The Confession', 'The Litigators', 'The Firm', 'The Runaway Jury', 'The Chamber', 'The Appeal'...

You should also try his novels about Theodore Boone, Kid Detective. It's funny and poignat and you can have your kids read them.

You'll never get bored reading any of John Grisham's legal thrillers. (the visual traveler)

My Guilty Pleasure: Judith McNaught Novels

2013-08-26T11:43:00.002+08:00

If I were to be asked what my guilty pleasure will be, it's Judith McNaught's romance novels. Her bestselling novels are part of my reading collection.

Her story lines and character descriptions might be the same---the intelligent, brooding, and successful leading man---the beautiful, independent and damsel-in-distress heroine---they fall in love, separate and then find their way back in each other's arms---it's your classic love story formula but it works all the time.

The first novel that I read from her vast collections is "Paradise". I didn't sleep the entire night in order to finish the book and by the end I had tears in my eyes.

I know it sounds sappy but I really enjoy reading her historical and contemporary novels. And once in a while, I reread my favorite titles. Every year, it has been a tradition for me to reread my favorite McNaught novels. I still fall in love with the characters.

I'm more inclined to her contemporary stories than her historical ones but all the same I really like the way she writes. I can't wait for her new novel which (cross my fingers) will be launched this year. (thevisualtraveler)

2013-08-26T11:25:00.000+08:00

The Art of Work Facilitation

“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”

-Theodore Roosevelt

The goal of open-Book Management is to get every employee to think like an owner. Employees who get involved and committed not only to their work but also to their teams, understand that they have an impact on the bottom line.

Leaders who are secure in themselves and understand their self-worth are not afraid to give their power to others. They encourage constant change and prepare their employees to become leaders themselves. They empower their employees to grow and innovate.

Your companies might offer a lot of avenues for leaders to set-up their employees for success. Enrolling in Professional and Management Development courses, joining in-house clubs, participating in company events, facilitating company and team meetings are just some ways of building a sense of community and responsibility in our employees.

STEPS TO EMPOWER YOUR EMPLOYEES

· Be Accessible

· Set-up challenges to motivate your team

· Promote communication and innovation

· Ask for input from your team members

· Delegate tasks and assign projects

· Believe and trust your employees

· Make the commitment

· Follow through

Review by: The Visual Traveler

Resources: John C. Maxwell, Harvard Business Review on Managing Projects, Forbes.com and Stephen P. Robbins

Dexter. A massive season ender.

2013-01-01T13:01:00.000+08:00

Surprise, Motherf*cker!
Surprising indeed. I am still in a state of shock at Dexter's season finale for Season 7. Who wouldn't? As Deb and Dexter seemingly walking away with "another" murder - this time, Miami Metro's Captain LaGuerta.
Dexter blurted "Do what you gotta do", a familiar line from Hannah McKay that got Debrah to shoot and kill LaGuerta over her brother, and love, Dexter. I got to admit that this is one of my favorite seasons of Dexter along with season 4 where the Trinity Killer rummaged Dexter's life and evidently killing his wife Rita on that same season.
I feel awful that LaGuerta has to leave the show in that fashion, but it seem to be obvious that she'll get killed in this season.She's been consistently persistent and got too nosy with the Bay Harbor Butcher case and framing Dexter in killing Estrada. I, seriously, was not expecting Deb to pull the trigger. That scene came out of nowhere.
Deb made an ultimate sacrifice and again proved her love to Dexter by killing Lauren Velez's character. Man, that was breathtaking!
I have a lot of reasons why I need to watch out for Dexter's upcoming season 8 on September. Hannah McKay played by Yvonne Strahovski will definitely be back and I am so looking forward to it. She makes me like her and hate her all at the same time.
They said that the next season will be the last of this Showtime masterpiece but there were also news circulating Hollywood that there may be a season 9. That is music to my ears. Dexter doesn't fit to end in one more season primarily because a lot of loose ends and secrets to be revealed. An appropriate season 9 should be set for conclusions and closures for each characters.
It's sucks to wait for another 9 months just to see what's next after LaGuerta's untimely death. I'm afraid either Batista or Joey might not come back (oh no!) but who knows.
All I know is that it just keeps getting better and better and the producers are doing pretty well in having Dexter fans get hooked every second of it.