Life in Words

New Directions on XFactor

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 03:33:00 +0000

Because I couldn't wait for the new season of Glee, I am back to watching glee videos and this one is really one of my favorites..Only because, the New Directions performed live on Simon Cowell's XFactor. Just thought I'd share it with you.

Cool and Comfy Furnitures

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 03:36:00 +0000

My cousin recently had her home renovated and she asked me to help her shop around for furniture. For someone who is independent and self made, these designs that I got from the net would probably fit her new home.

This Fabio Novembre his and hers chair is a perfect touch to her minimalist, urban style home.

This bed that I saw at Lebeanock, is quite interesting too. It looks more like a hammock than a bed, and maybe this would have a space in her bedroom or porch perhaps. No, maybe the attic instead.
Oh and she might want to add this cabbage waste chair, designed by Nendo and made of recycled pleated fabric into her study.

Have some -PATATIM

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 05:04:00 +0000

I recently had lunch with the entire family to celebrate my father's birthday. The restaurant we chose, was a personal favorite, because of its' good food and ambiance. One favorite dish is the PATATIM or Stewed Pork Leg, which was the star of "Papa's Birthday Feast". This very simple dish, cooked into perfection using different kinds of sauce, is what would make one go back for seconds and thirds...and order extra rice too. We even cook this at home. This is what home cook meal is about and I want to share the recipe for this, so you too can try it at home.

PATA TIM INGREDIENTS:

1 whole Pork (front or hind-your choice) tip: get the one's with bigger upper meaty part
1 pc. Star anise (sangke)
4 tbsp. Hoysin sauce (optional)
½ cup Dark Soy sauce
1 cup Brown sugar
2 cups Root beer (optional)
1 tsp Sesame oil
2 tsp Corn starch dissolved in ½ cup of water
1 pc Medium size Chinese cabbage
6 to 8 pcs Shitake medium mushrooms (optional) soaked on hot water
for 30 minutes then drained
1 pc. large carrot
baby corn

PATA TIM PROCEDURE:

1. Boil the pork pata for about 45 mins in salted water. Drain and let cool.
2. Deep fry in vegetable oil until golden brown. Let it cool
3. Place the fried pata in a casserole. Add about six (6) cups of water
4. Add the star anise, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar.
5. Place in high fire until it boils then reduce the fire to low and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the pork leg is very tender (almost falling off the bone). Remember to add the carrots,baby corn and shitake mushrooms after 30 minutes of simmering.
6. Check the level of the water in your casserole. The sauce should be 1/4 of the casserole when done. Add the cornstarch and water mixture. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
7. Add the Chinese cabbage and simmer until it is tender. Add the sesame oil.
8. In a serving dish, place the pork leg in the center. Place the vegetables on the side.Pour enough sauce on the pata. Serve hot.

Google and Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:17:00 +0000

The 2012 Summer Olympics opening was a spectacular creation documenting (others say story telling) UK's transformations to a very progressive country that it is now. It also was a showcase of UK's famous citizens who has made great contributions in film - James Bond/Daniel Craig and Mr.Bean, to literature - lines from William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" were said, and to technology and health. The lighting of the Olympic Cauldron was simply breathtaking. Truly word class.

And Google, is also into the Olympic fever too. Their webpage features Olympic games, which I find cool and fancy. Just like this.

Nice, noh? Today, it's fencing that they are featuring.

Techie, Techno

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 12:39:00 +0000

I just recently joined technorati. Feel like I should have done this a long time ago, but I was probably busy doing something else, it slipped my mind..Now, I'm finally able to submit my blog on this site, and it was eawsy. I didn't even wait for 24 hours to get this unique code: 5QNV4G4UPK2H .

You and I/You and I

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 10:34:00 +0000

This version og Matthew Morrison and Idina Menzel of thesmash up of Lady Gaga's and Eddie Rabbit's You and I song, brings me down to memory lane. Got this lyrics from lyrics-celebrities.anekatips.com/

Just wanted to share with you guys. Enjoy!

You and I / You and I Lyrics Glee

You and I Lyrics by Glee Cast – Shelby Corcoran (Idina Menzel) and Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) – from Mash Off , 6th episode, third season of Glee

It's been a long time since I came around
It's been a long time but I'm back in town
This time I'm not leaving without you

OOOoh just you and I sharing our love together
And I know in time
We'll build the dreams we treasure
We'll be all right, just u & I

Somethin, somethin about this place
Just U and, just U and I
Something 'bout lonely nights and my lipstick on your face
Just u & I
Something, something about my cool Nebraska guy
Yeah, something about, baby, you and I

Just u & I, Just u & I
Sharing our love together
And I know in time
And I know in time
We'll build the dreams we treasure
We'll be all right, just you and I

Somethin, somethin about this place
Just U and, just U and I
Something 'bout lonely nights
and my lipstick on your face
Just U and
Something, something about my cool Nebraska guy
U and I
Yeah, something about, baby, you and I

Oh, You and I
And I remember our first embrace
That smile that was on your face
The promises that we made
Uuuuh
And now, your love is my reward
And I love you even more
Than I ever did before

Somethin, something about this place
Just U and, just U and I
Something 'bout lonely nights
and my lipstick on your face
just U and I
Something, something about my cool Nebraska guy
You and I
Just dreams of from Nebraska
From Nebraska from Nebraska nebraska
I love You
You, U & I
U & I
Nebraska
U & I
I love you
You and I
We made it
You and I

Wordless Wednesday: The BENCH-Worn and Still

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 09:45:00 +0000

I Adore - Alexandre..Farewell

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:35:00 +0000

Some call it maturity, others term it mellow...It's that point in your life when you prefer a quiet environment to unwind, rather than going to clubs. This I call -ME time. And Alexandre-French Bakery Bistro and Lounge in The Fort gives me just that.

My love for Paris, and the Eiffel tower outside the cafe is reason enough to draw me inside the lounge, its' homey feel was too hard to resist...

I ordered the succulent pistachios macaroons and a croissant..

paired with a cup of my favorite coffee, in a mug that says...

Lounging in this place, is too relaxing, you could forget that you've been staying there for hours. That's why it pains me when I heard that the cafe has finally made its' curtain call and said goodbye to its' clients.

Thank you, Alexandre, for giving me a taste of Paris...

Mercato Centrale

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 07:15:00 +0000

After it's opening late last year, Mercato Centrale has now become a famous destination for foodies all over the metro.. I headed off to Mercato a day after it was launched and I keep coming back on every weekends that I could, and it never cease to impress me with its' wide spread of food and even organic stuff to suit any one's needs. It has moved into a new location, still in The Fort, just at the back of St.Lukes near MC Home Depot and S&R.

Different food stalls, so foodies and clients would have a wide array of choices.

While going around and checking out the stalls, you can sample the food products, because each food stall offer food tasting.

Tables and chairs are provided for customers to relax and dine at the same time. You can even share your table with a fellow foodie and gain friends.

Oh and this is where I got a sampling of my personal favorite-DQ Ice Cream. The day I was there was the day that they brought back their Dive Bar.

And these mochi's are sooo good :)

Mercato now has it's counterpart in the South, it's called Soderno. Check it as well.

A Day with Chico and Delamar -THE MORNING RUSH TOP TEN BOOK LAUNCH

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 02:25:00 +0000

This is quite a delayed post, as the book launched happened last February. Got tons of things to do these past months, that's why I'm only able to write about this now. Better late than Never - they say..haha.. I have always been an avid listener of these radio jocks - Chico and Delamar. They have moved to another radio station and found their "home" in RX 93.1, their voice and funny banter keep me company in my daily mornings. Their show is called "The Morning Rush", where in the four hours that they're on board, they have a portion called The Top Ten..It's the part where listeners send in their answers to complete the statement "The Top Ten ______. The venue was filled with all the "Rushers" silent and active ones, and there was a long line of people, all of them waiting to sign their books. Here are my captured moments of the event:

Something Good

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:02:00 +0000

Somehow this song is making me soo emotional, these days....

SOMETHING GOOD

[Maria:]
Perhaps I had a wicked childhood
Perhaps I had a miserable youth
But somwhere in my wicked, miserable past
There must have been a moment of truth

For here you are, standing there, loving me
Whether or not you should
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good

Nothing comes from nothing
Nothing ever could
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good

[Captain:]
For here you are, standing there, loving me
Whether or not you should

[Maria:]
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good

[Maria and the Captain:]
Nothing comes from nothing
Nothing ever could

[Maria:]
So somewhere in my youth
[Captain:]
Or childhood
[Maria:]
I must have done something . . .
[Maria and the Captain:]
Something good

HOME IS.....

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:20:00 +0000

HOME is where BOKLAN chicken,pancit and siomai can be found...

This was what the status on my Facebook wall was, right before New Year. Posted this along with this picture...

...and truly a vacation in my hometown, in Bicol won't be complete without a visit to this restaurant aptly named BOKLAN, the meaning of which I don't know, but for sure their owned by a Chinese family and they serve all these three famous Chinese staple. The food is prepared and cooked upon order,for guaranteed freshness...

Reunited with Peach and her Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 02:35:00 +0000

My recent vacation to Bicol, has been a series of reunions for me. My childhood friend Peach was in town, and this was the first time we saw each other after 14 or 15 years. Peach's Mom and my Mom were best friends, when they were still working in the same school.

Look at our Mom's photo when both of them were pregnant with US.

[Mom on the left and Peach's mom -Auntie Ludy in pink]
and here they are in their hey days....

Peach's family migrated to the California when she was only 5 years old. Our only connection was through letters and cards that were sent through every occasion. Her first vacation here was when she was 16 years old and that was the last time I saw her. We both finished school and when technology ruled the world, we got reconnected through friendster, then email and lost track of each other again. Found her in Facebook and got reconnected again...That's just how we are....friends for life even if we don't get to see each other often..Her mom was saying, I am Peachy's only friend in the Philippines..lolz.. Here she is now at 32 with her Mom...

And she got me this Guess Bag....her birthday gift to me...
Nice to have been reconnected again...

Amazing Fireworks Display

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 05:07:00 +0000

The second International Pyromusical competiton has started first weekend of february and this week UK's fireworks display has garnered lots of applause from the expectators..Take a look..

and this is their finale:

Singing in the Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 03:28:00 +0000

Oh my God!!! I soo love Gwyneth Paltrow and Matthew Morrison here....Grest voice, perfect pair..Superb performance!!!

Summing Up My Daily Grind

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 03:38:00 +0000

This somehow sums up my daily grind....Being with kids, helping them read or at least make them say the letter sound correctly....sing with them, hug them...and revel at every big school entrance exams that they pass....

Daycare Provider Poem

Author: unknown

Although you’re not their mother,

You care for them each day

You cuddle, sing, and read to them

And watch them as they play.

You see each new accomplishment

You help them grow and learn

You understand their language

And you listen with concern.

They come to you for comfort

And you kiss away their tears

They proudly show their work to you

You give the loudest cheers!

No, you are not their mother

But your role is just as strong

You nurture them and keep them safe

Though maybe not for long --

You know someday the time will come

When you will have to part

But you know each child you’ve cared for

Is forever in your heart!

When children come home at the end of the day,

The question they're asked as they scurry to play

is, "Tell me what you did today?"

And the answer they give makes you sigh with dismay.

"Nothing, I did nothing today!"

Perhaps nothing means that I played with blocks,

Or counted to ten, or sorted some rocks.

Maybe I painted a picture of red and blue

Or heard a story of a mouse that flew.

Maybe I watched the gerbils eat today,

Or went outside on the swings to play.

Maybe today was the very first time

That my scissors followed a very straight line

Maybe I lead a song from beginning to end,

Or played with a special brand new friend.

When you're in pre-school

And your heart has wings,

"Nothing" can mean so many things!!

It's Wiggles and Barney Time:

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 02:47:00 +0000

These are just some of my favorite babies in school, who never fail to amaze me with all their funny and cute antics. And they too are the reason why most of the songs I listen to now are Barney and Wiggles' and why I enjoy these videos now....

CHINA in this side of TOWN (Manila CHINATOWN)

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 02:55:00 +0000

It was one of those few Saturday's that I didn't have to go to work. The weather was perfectly fine and I was set for a food trip in Chinatown. First went to Binondo Church....
and I was impressed on how the altar and the ceiling paintings turned out in pictures....

On the way to lunch, I passed by this...

Lunch was definitely a gastronomic experience... Had it at the Sincerity Cafe...... where I super loved these....

and my requisite ...

... from QuickSnack...

Would have tried some pancit from Lido or Chuan Kee but it was raining so hard when I stepped out Quick Snack that I decided to go home instead..will definitely comeback to Chinatown.....next week perhaps....

My Lee's TVC

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 02:24:00 +0000

I finally found my tutorial student's paint tv commercial which he did some years ago... I met him last year, he was already in first grade, and have matured a bit but still the same cute, funny kid that appeared on the TVC some years back. Glad I'm able to lift this video of the said TVC from a
facebook profile..

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=384577156660

To Pap!

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 02:11:00 +0000

Here's a Father's Day poem I lifted from the works of Joanna Fuchs' . I first read it on my student's father's day card which they did in school as a Fathers Day activity and so captured was I with the words that I decided to post it here to let the world know how much I love my father - the one we most fondly call PAP!

I'D PICK YOU

Dad, if all the fathers

Had lined up one by one,

And God told me to pick,

I'd still choose to be your son.

I'm proud to have a father

Who listens and understands,

Who teaches me and sets fair rules

Without unfair demands

Dad you are my hero,

My role model in all I do.

So dad, if I could pick again,

You know I'd still pick you!

Independence Day

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 03:24:00 +0000

June 12 is the country's Independence Day but it's even more special for me because it's my birthday. 2009 and 2010 have been quite a wonderful year for me and for that I am truly greatful. I am blessed to have a very busy tutorial schedule something that I haven't experienced in a while, doubly happy that my student again made it to the Outstanding Students List and so I felt I should at least celebrate....and celebrate I did (with my sis' and our friend Boy who followed at the karaoke night) even if I had work in the morning of my birthday..

Met up with my sisters and had a sumptuous lunch of Barbecue Platter...

and I had this cute birthday cake called Strawberry Fields...
then we head off for some karaoke fun....

Happy Mothers Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Fri, 07 May 2010 03:36:00 +0000

On sunday, we will celebrate Mother's Day. I won't write stuff about my Mom anymore as I have done it already before. I would instead share this video and the lyrics of which, truly hit me..So Mom, Happy Mother's Day.. and to all the moms happy mother's day! this one is for you!

It's hard to remember
A summer or winter
When she hasn't been there for me

A friend and companion
I can always depend on
My mother
That's who I mean

I've taken for granted
seeds that she planted
She's always behind every thing

A teacher a seeker
A both arms outreacher
My mother
That's who I mean

Wish I could slow down
The hands of time
keep things the way they are
If she said so
I would give her the world
If I could... I would

My love and my laughter
From here ever after
Is all that she says that she needs

A friend and companion
I can always depend on
My mother
That's who I mean
My mother
That's who I mean... that's who I mean
--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y5GpYQSpVQ

CAPTURED: Churches that Captured Me

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:09:00 +0000

On Maundy Thursday, I was able to complete Visita Iglesia and three of the seven churches I went to were the churches that strike me the most. Location was not an issue..I just had to get there...and all these churches I was able to capture.

This imposing church right across the new NAIA Terminal 3 called Shrine of St. Therese is simply breathtaking.

St. Alphonsus Mary De Liguori Church in Magallanes has really nice structural designs, I can't help but take pictures..Nice for intimate weddings...

Our Lady of Victories Church is another sight to behold. For someone who loves big, long aisle churches, this has got to be an exception to the rule. I instantly fell in love with this church the moment I reached it's location. It looked like Don Bosco's Chapel on the Hill in Batangas only this one is in the city. As I wrote on my other site, this church captivated me. This is a traditional catholic church and all masses are in Latin..

going up the church which was situated on an elevated area

at the church entrance

AltarThe church facade

Back to Writing..

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:43:00 +0000

The one's who are following me on twitter already know why I am on semi-hiatus on blogging since the second week of march..It was my tutorial student's trimestral exams so I have been too busy doing reviewers for them..Both of them are honor students so the pressure's on me..I had to make sure they maintain their grades..Their grades are yet to be given but I know they got good grades...hehehe

So now that they are already on vacation, I got more time to blog..I'll post something about my tutees later...

"Tikes" got Talent

noreply@blogger.com (Eila) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:47:00 +0000

My tutorial kids were quite busy this January practicing performances for their family day...Two of them were her n this video and I couldn't be more proud. Their group won first place...

Congratulations girls!!!