What's in Men's Closet

Men too has their own simple way of taking care of their own skin. After a days work, men should have their little time of pampering their skin so as not to age early and to at least look younger and better. Being good looking doesn't stop by simple having a pretty face.

To be good looking is simple being free from oily face and of course pimple free. The only way to have it is of course to simply have a clean lifestyle.

Don't just grab any products out there. You should always know your skin type and always have a moisturizing cream before leaving the house and of course before going to bed. A facial wash is a good way to eradicate those harmful substances our face gets whenever we go out. 

I don't like the feeling of shaving because it hurts. However, Nivea Shaving Foam and Nivea Shaving Gel is just perfect.

Your Perfect Tiffany Wedding Band

Wedding ring for me is the most important part of the wedding ceremony as it signifies to person's never ending love and a remembrance of their vows when two couples are apart.

Over the weekend, I was browsing Tiffany's website and was able to find these beautiful and yet very elegant wedding bands.

Photo were taken at Tiffany.com

Getting ready for your wedding day? Are you looking for your perfect wedding band? Check out whats new at Tiffany.

Nail Polish War

I was just wondering what would be the best Nail Polish that we have in the market. So I started searching for what is pleasant to my naked eye an option my sister and the rest of the ladies out there who might want to have a luxurious and beautiful nails.

Lets start the parade of these beautiful nail polish and find out the perfect compliment for your skin tone, outfit and a color that would speak for your personality. Select the best color that would represent you.

Essie

China Glaze

Nature Republic

OPI Nail Polish

ORLY Nail Polish

Where to buy these nail polishes? They are basically almost everywhere. You can also do online shopping. Speaking of online shopping, the convenience of just buying it online and just wait for the order to be delivered right at your doorstep is just so awesome.

I normally buy my stuff at Zalora since it is free shipping within Metro Manila. What brings Zalora to the top of my list is their awesome Cash on Delivery scheme. Here's their website in case you want to check it out. ZALORA WEBSITE

Pampering is Loving Yourself with Ponds

More than anything else, we have to love ourselves. We need to give ourselves the treat it deserves after a long day of working. In this way we are not only healthy but we still stay younger.

Pampering ourselves is not going to the spa everyday. Well you can do that if you have the means. However there are in expensive ways to pamper ourselves. Eating proper foods is a great way of rejuvenating yourself to get all the nutrients your body needs. When we say proper food it would mean, a lot of fruits and vegetable a little of meat and fish. 

Aside from eating we also need to exercise so we could eliminate the unwanted fats. Exercise is also a great way of eliminating toxins in our body. Drink plenty of water is another tip for staying healthy. Waters helps alot in flashing out toxins in our body. Of course the next one is having a proper amount of sleep. Sleep is very important in keeping your body strong and healthy.

Last but not the least, a beauty regimen is really important. Using the proper product for yourself will keep you glow and looking vibrant all day. Ponds has done a tremendous amount of work to bring give their customer the best beauty products in the market that is totally affordable to everyone.

 Ponds has a everything in store for you on their facial wash from oily skin to dry skin. Facial foam is your first step in being beautiful.

We also don't just wash our face but we also need to put on our facial creams to have a smooth, fresh and rejuvenating your skin. It is always best to put on your day cream before leaving the house. It will not only make you look fresh but it will also protect your skin from harmful elements you may encounter outside your house.

The more we age the more we need to be more careful with our skin. It is always best to nourish it with Ponds Age Miracle Cream. Wrinkles are just part of growing old but excess wrinkle is not good. It will only make you look older than your age. Ponds Age mircale complete set can help you look younger. As they say, it is ok to be 40 as long as you look 30 right?

Ponds also provides you with your day cream that could protect you from the rays of the sun.

At night, it is wonderful to have the Ponds Deep Cleansing foam. You've been out for the whole day and you skin might be damaged because of air pollution. It is best to clean your face with these Ponds Deep Cleansing foam to wash away all the impurities.

Want to know more about Ponds product? Click here

85th Academy Awards - Oscars 2013

The long wait is over! Who will bring home the most coveted Oscar's Trophy!

Let's all tune in on February 24th 7:00 Eastern Time!

Want to know the nominees? Here they are...

Actor in a Leading Role

Bradley Cooper in "Silver Linings Playbook"

Daniel Day-Lewis in "Lincoln"

Hugh Jackman in "Les Misérables"

Joaquin Phoenix in "The Master"

Denzel Washington in "Flight"

Actor in a Supporting Role

Alan Arkin in "Argo"

Robert De Niro in "Silver Linings Playbook"

Philip Seymour Hoffman in "The Master"

Tommy Lee Jones in "Lincoln"

Christoph Waltz in "Django Unchained"

Actress in a Leading Role

Jessica Chastain in "Zero Dark Thirty"

Jennifer Lawrence in "Silver Linings Playbook"

Emmanuelle Riva in "Amour"

Quvenzhané Wallis in "Beasts of the Southern Wild"

Naomi Watts in "The Impossible"

Actress in a Supporting Role

Amy Adams in "The Master"

Sally Field in "Lincoln"

Anne Hathaway in "Les Misérables"

Helen Hunt in "The Sessions"

Jacki Weaver in "Silver Linings Playbook"

Animated Feature Film

"Brave" Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman

"Frankenweenie" Tim Burton

"ParaNorman" Sam Fell and Chris Butler

"The Pirates! Band of Misfits" Peter Lord

"Wreck-It Ralph" Rich Moore

Cinematography

"Anna Karenina" Seamus McGarvey
"Django Unchained" Robert Richardson
"Life of Pi" Claudio Miranda
"Lincoln" Janusz Kaminski
"Skyfall" Roger Deakins


Costume Design

"Anna Karenina" Jacqueline Durran
"Les Misérables" Paco Delgado
"Lincoln" Joanna Johnston
"Mirror Mirror" Eiko Ishioka
"Snow White and the Huntsman" Colleen Atwood

Directing

"Amour" Michael Haneke
"Beasts of the Southern Wild" Benh Zeitlin
"Life of Pi" Ang Lee
"Lincoln" Steven Spielberg
"Silver Linings Playbook" David O. Russell

Documentary Feature

"5 Broken Cameras" 
Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi

"The Gatekeepers" 
Dror Moreh, Philippa Kowarsky and Estelle Fialon

"How to Survive a Plague" 
David France and Howard Gertler

"The Invisible War" 
Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering

"Searching for Sugar Man" 
Malik Bendjelloul and Simon Chinn

Documentary Short Subject

"Inocente" 
Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine

"Kings Point" 
Sari Gilman and Jedd Wider


"Mondays at Racine" 
Cynthia Wade and Robin Honan

"Open Heart" 
Kief Davidson and Cori Shepherd Stern

"Redemption" 
Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neill

Film Editing


"Argo" William Goldenberg
"Life of Pi" Tim Squyres
"Lincoln" Michael Kahn
"Silver Linings Playbook" Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers
"Zero Dark Thirty" Dylan Tichenor and William Goldenberg


Foreign Language Film

"Amour" Austria
"Kon-Tiki" Norway
"No" Chile
"A Royal Affair" Denmark
"War Witch" Canada


Makeup and Hairstyling

"Hitchcock"
Howard Berger, Peter Montagna and Martin Samuel
"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"
Peter Swords King, Rick Findlater and Tami Lane
"Les Misérables"
Lisa Westcott and Julie Dartnell


Music (Original Score)

"Anna Karenina" Dario Marianelli
"Argo" Alexandre Desplat
"Life of Pi" Mychael Danna
"Lincoln" John Williams
"Skyfall" Thomas Newman


Music (Original Song)

"Before My Time" from "Chasing Ice"
Music and Lyric by J. Ralph

"Everybody Needs A Best Friend" from "Ted"
Music by Walter Murphy; Lyric by Seth MacFarlane

"Pi's Lullaby" from "Life of Pi"
Music by Mychael Danna; Lyric by Bombay Jayashri

"Skyfall" from "Skyfall"
Music and Lyric by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth

"Suddenly" from "Les Misérables"
Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg; Lyric by Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boublil


Best Picture

"Amour" Margaret Menegoz, Stefan Arndt, Veit Heiduschka and Michael Katz, Producers

"Argo" Grant Heslov, Ben Affleck and George Clooney, Producers

"Beasts of the Southern Wild" Dan Janvey, Josh Penn and Michael Gottwald, Producers

"Django Unchained" Stacey Sher, Reginald Hudlin and Pilar Savone, Producers

"Les Misérables" Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward and Cameron Mackintosh, Producers

"Life of Pi" Gil Netter, Ang Lee and David Womark, Producers

"Lincoln" Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, Producers

"Silver Linings Playbook" Donna Gigliotti, Bruce Cohen and Jonathan Gordon, Producers

"Zero Dark Thirty" Mark Boal, Kathryn Bigelow and Megan Ellison, Producers

Production Design


"Anna Karenina" 
Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" 
Production Design: Dan Hennah; Set Decoration: Ra Vincent and Simon Bright

"Les Misérables" 
Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Anna Lynch-Robinson

"Life of Pi" 
Production Design: David Gropman; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock

"Lincoln" 
Production Design: Rick Carter; Set Decoration: Jim Erickson

Short Film (Animated)

"Adam and Dog" Minkyu Lee
"Fresh Guacamole" PES
"Head over Heels" Timothy Reckart and Fodhla Cronin O'Reilly
"Maggie Simpson in "The Longest Daycare"" David Silverman
"Paperman" John Kahrs

Short Film (Live Action)

"Asad" Bryan Buckley and Mino Jarjoura
"Buzkashi Boys" Sam French and Ariel Nasr
"Curfew" Shawn Christensen
"Death of a Shadow (Dood van een Schaduw)" Tom Van Avermaet and Ellen De Waele
"Henry" Yan England

Sound Editing

"Argo" Erik Aadahl and Ethan Van der Ryn
"Django Unchained" Wylie Stateman
"Life of Pi" Eugene Gearty and Philip Stockton
"Skyfall" Per Hallberg and Karen Baker Landers
"Zero Dark Thirty" Paul N.J. Ottosson

Sound Mixing

"Argo" 
John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff and Jose Antonio Garcia
"Les Misérables" 
Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson and Simon Hayes
"Life of Pi" 
Ron Bartlett, D.M. Hemphill and Drew Kunin
"Lincoln" 
Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom and Ronald Judkins
"Skyfall" 
Scott Millan, Greg P. Russell and Stuart Wilson

Visual Effects

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" 
Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and R. Christopher White
"Life of Pi" 
Bill Westenhofer, Guillaume Rocheron, Erik-Jan De Boer and Donald R. Elliott
"Marvel's The Avengers" 
Janek Sirrs, Jeff White, Guy Williams and Dan Sudick
"Prometheus" 
Richard Stammers, Trevor Wood, Charley Henley and Martin Hill
"Snow White and the Huntsman" 
Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, Philip Brennan, Neil Corbould and Michael Dawson

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

"Argo" Screenplay by Chris Terrio
"Beasts of the Southern Wild" Screenplay by Lucy Alibar & Benh Zeitlin
"Life of Pi" Screenplay by David Magee
"Lincoln" Screenplay by Tony Kushner
"Silver Linings Playbook" Screenplay by David O. Russell

Writing (Original Screenplay)

"Amour" Written by Michael Haneke
"Django Unchained" Written by Quentin Tarantino
"Flight" Written by John Gatins
"Moonrise Kingdom" Written by Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola
"Zero Dark Thirty" Written by Mark Boal

Source

HBC Nail Polish Saga

Nail is a very important part of women's beauty regimen and of course selecting the best to good choice is a must. There are a lot of nail polish available in the market. In fact, when you go to Divisoria, Baclaran or even in public markets you can always find a wide variety of Nail polish. Of course there will always be danger in buying those nail polish.

So when my sister came to Manila and stayed with me so she could study in college. I immediately thought of buying her good stuff of nail polish and of course I always tell her to buy in trusted stores like HBC. HBC offers a wide array of beauty products to choose from and when it comes to hair and nail products I always believe them. They are one amongst the store I truly depend on.

Maybe one amongst the many reason why I choose to buy stuff at HBC is because of their friendly staff. Plus I had been using their body soap and wash.

SCAM: Don't Be a Victim of ATM Scam

Automated Teller Machine or pupularly known as ATM comes in really handy most specially when your ATM card has depit card function. You can always have wallet free transaction. A swipe of your ATM card WAAAALLLLAAAA! you can go shopping already.

However, a few days ago a news broke announcing that there are some fraudulent activity circulating around the Metro and probably around the Philippines as well.

So here are some tips on to protect you from possible falling into the traps of fraudster's malicious mind:

Photo Credit: This is just an example of a scam.

• Only use ATM's in secured places like malls. Don't withdraw on remote areas as this could be an easy targets of people who are installing devices in the ATM machines.

• When punching your PIN make sure everything you are covering your hands as you punch the pins. There might be hidden camera's installed capturing the your pin. (Refer to picture 3 and 4) that's a hidden camera trying to capture your pin.

• Also, check on the slot area where you are going to enter your card. (see picture number1 above). This would transmit your card information to someone smiling and siphoning all your money in your card.

• Don't let anyone know your pin. So make sure your pin is known no one else but you and it shall not be written anywhere. Do not put your real name and exact birth date in social network because fraudulent mind can always use those information and never give out pin information via the phone. Policemen and bank people should not be calling you asking for your pin.

How to add Nuffnang Codes in Between Post

I really had difficulty figuring out how I added the codes for Nuffnang Advertisement just below my first post. After trial and errors I have finally made and captured it so I could share it with everyone.

For easier to locate look for <b:if cond='data.post.location'> then look for </div> and </b:includable> place large rectangle codes in between </div></b:includable>

Taking Care of my Japanese Spitz

For me dogs are just like humans. They have their own needs that the owner should be providing like vaccines, shelter, food and of course grooming in order for them to have a healthy lifestyle. I make sure that I have my dogs vaccine every now and then.

What your dogs needs:

• A regular visit to your dogs vets.
• Shower every after 2 days.
• Proper dog food and twice in a week give them some fruits and vegetable.
• Bath them twice a week but during summer make sure to bath them regularly.

I have my own fads. Of course like master like dog. My Japanese Spitz has his own fads too most specially on hygiene.

My Japanese Spitz has his own set of BEARING shampoo, BEARING conditioner and BEARING  powder.

My Japanese Spitz has his own toothbrush and toothpaste.

My Japanese Spitz has its own sets of cologne and will only use it depending on my dogs activity. My Spitz would use SPA FRESH during his lazy days and just staying at home. If we are going for a walk on a bright sunny days I normally spray my dog with RENEW SPA AROMA THERAPY with UV Protector and after a long walk and jogging I would spray with COMFORT SPA AROMA THERAPY with UV Protector.

What about you? Do you have your own dog? Share your own tips on how your taking care of them.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY DOG

My Japanese Spitz Dog

I wanted to share my cute little white dog. Her name is Yumi. She is a Japanese Spitz. I have been trying to achieve the whiteness of my dog's fur but to no avail no matter what I do it doesnt, it stays on its original cream like fur.

Finally, I gave up... I still love my Japanese Spitz dog because aside from she's really quite and gets really excited and noisy when kid's and toddlers are around, my Japanese Spitz dog are really clever that's my my sister and my cousin loves my dog so much.

Truly dog's are man's best friend.... see they treated her like a baby one's in a while most especially after my dog takes a bath.

Here's the usual activity of my Japanese Spitz and my sister Elaine and cousin Heather:

• They have an early morning walk with my dog normally at around 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. They just walk her when they go buy some bread at the bakery.
• After their weekend walk, they feed Yumi by either our left overs or dog food.
• After eating, she'll rest for a while and then we will brush her teeth with her own toothbrush and toothpaste.
• At nine in the morning they gave her the usual weekend bath and grooming (brushing Yumi's hair and cologne)

So that is the story of my Japanese Spitz and how we take good care of her.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago Winning Pick-up Lines

Whenever, I hear the word Senator the picture that comes to my mind is a person whom I can't talk to because they seem to be using word that is beyond the range of my vocabulary. I always think that a senator can only talk to doctors and lawyers because I felt that they would all have a common ground - word that a grass root like me could never comprehend.

Photo Credit

However, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is totally different. I love the way Senator Miriam's terrific communication skills. I think she is awesome when delivering her message across to the Filipinos. She definitely use pick-up lines to entertain people while making her point. I have collated her very famous pick-up lines.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has her Valentines Day Pick-up Lines.

• Here's the different type of Valentines Day according to Senator Santiago:  "Para sa mga malungkot na single, ang tawag dito (Valentine's Day) ay Singles' Awareness Day. Para sa mga masasayang single, ang tawag dito ay Singles' Independence Day. Pero sa mga walang pakialam, ang tawag dito ay Thursday."

• "Ang taong nagmamahal ng tunay ay parang matalinong estudyante na kumukuha ng exam—hindi siya tumitingin sa iba kahit nahihirapan na."

• "An earthworm has five hearts and an octopus has two hearts. Ngayon, kapag may kilala kang nagmamahal ng dalawa o higit pang tao, tanungin mo kung anong klaseng hayop siya."

• "Kapag ikaw ay magmahal pero sasaktan mo rin naman, dapat maghamon ka na lang ng suntukan."

• "Malapit na ang Valentine's Day. Buti pa ang kalendaryo, may date. Kayo ba mayroon?"

• Don't have a date? Worry no more, Santiago's advice is:  "Para sa mga single, umuwi ng maaga mula sa school o trabaho para isipin nilang may date ka."
• Girl: Saan tayo magde-date sa Valentine’s? Boy: Sa sementeryo! Girl: Bakit doon? Boy: Para mapatunayan kong patay na patay ako sa’yo.
• Pedicab ka ba? Pedicabang i-date sa Valentine’s Day?
• Malapit na ang Valentine’s Day ah. Pero bakit ikaw mukha ka pa ring Halloween?

Here are other Senator Miriam Santiago's winning pick-up lines:

Here's for over confident people:

• Hindi ko sinasabing maganda ako, ang sinasabi ko lang pangit ka!
• When someone told me “ang ganda mo” ... I answered “sana ikaw rin”
• In a swimming pool:

Classmate 1 – I’m sure lulutang ka

Classmate 2 – Bakit dahil payat ako?

Classmate 1 – Hindi, dahil plastic ka.

• Bulaklak ka ba? Paa mo kasi maugat.

Here are pick-up lines about LOVE:

• Masasabi mo bang bobo ako, kung ikaw lang naman ang laman ng utak ko.
• Sana magkasama tayo sa pila para pag may sumigaw ng “next” at hindi mo narinig tatanungin mo na agad ako kung “Tayo na ba?”
• Ako na ang magbabayad ng tuition fee mo, pag aralan mo lang na mahalin ako.
• Pangalan mo palang kinikilig na ako, paano pa kaya kung magka apelyido na tayo?
• Ang pag ibig ay parang ketchup, matamis pero maraming nakikisawsaw.
• Ang love, parang bayad sa jeep. Minsan, hindi nasusuklian.
• Ang sabi nila, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ Kung guwapo o maganda ang doctor, ayoko na ng apple.
• Gusto kitang kasuhan ng trespassing. Kasi basta-basta ka lang pumapasok sa puso ko.
• Malabo na talaga ang mata ko. Pwede ba akong humingi sa iyo ng kahit konting pagtingin?

Here's a pick-up line for credit grabbers.

• Straw ka ba? Kasi sipsip ka na, plastic ka pa.
• Me: Balita ko, meron ka raw kulasisi na 18 years old. Politican: Lumang balita na yan. 28 years old na siya ngayon.
• Kapag mamamatay na ako, huwag na huwag kang pupunta sa libingan ko kasi baka tumibok ulit ang puso ko.

I can't imagine the Philippine Senate without her. I think she is one amongst the most qualified in the post. Sometime's I love tuning in to news awaiting for Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago's pick up lines.

Did her pick up lines made your day just like mine? Share your favorite Miriam Defensor Santiago Pick-up Lines to me.

You might want to read the following articles:


Exploring Sagada - Tour with SAGGAS
KRAZY GARLIK RESTAURANT
Legazpi Village Weekend Market
Mangan Restaurant SM Mall of Asia Review
Kalye Juan MOA Restaurant Review



Linkorado
Linkorado is a link exchange directory where you can find websites related to your site and request link exchanges

My Sweet Days at Monol International Education

I must admit teaching is really a tough job. It becomes even tougher when you are teaching students who has different level of English Proficiency. It is fulfilling to see my students smile whenever they learn something new or whenever they smile because they had fun in my class.

Some teachers at Monol International Education stays with their students, chat with them during free time, eat with them during breakfast, lunch and dinner time. Every activity is still so fresh in my mind every time I happen to see Koreans student buying soda at the 7-eleven store just below Thomson Reuters office at McKinley Hills Taguig. It brings smile into my face and suddenly a flash of memories of my students way back then at Monol International Education.

I rather say I really had a great time with my student. We travel, drink till we drop, chat and laugh together during weekend or holidays. I would say I am a proud teacher. Proud to show them my own heritage and culture. I am proud to show them the Igorot culture and places. So, I accompanied some of them to Sagada, Banawe, a tour around Baguio and Benguet and of course accompanied them to La Union and Ilocos. To some, I invited some of them to my cousin's wedding and to my uncles funeral as well.

Being with them is such a new adventure. Learning a little of their language, food and listening to their own personal stories. This way, I would have a better understanding of who they are.

However, time has come and have to leave the school who thought me so much of Korean culture in search of my own career growth.

Last August of 2012, Metro Manila was hit pretty badly by a monsoon rain and flood water came rushing to my apartment. Some of my things were pretty damaged including the photo's I kept for years.

Last weekend, I was cleaning my apartment and found some of the photo's my students gave. A lot were pretty damaged but I am thankful I have some of it that still can be saved. I cut and past them on my office desk calendar given by Rosalie Amparo of DBM to make sure that I would have them safe in the office :)

So here are the photo's:

And if by any chance you are my roommate before or my students where we had photo's together please do let me know. Tag me on my FACEBOOK account. 

I am blessed to have student/room mate like you. Good think I am in contact with Max in FB already...

Hope to see you all guys!

My Top 5 Valentines Day Destination

Valentines Day is just around the corner. I can actually feel that love is in the air but are you planning to have an early summer vacation or a moment spent with your hobby or honey? Guess what... Here's my top 5 Valentines Day Destination

1. Baguio City - is at the top of my list because of so many reason. I also think that the cold weather of Baguio City compliments for every couple visiting Baguio.

Master Chief - Pinoy Edition

The only reality contest that I watch and that I really love is Survivor. For Philippine Reality TV so far the Master Chief Pinoy Edition has a soft spot in my heart. I literally stay awake to make sure that I watch the said reality TV.

At first, I am rooting on Ivory Santos Yat of Quezon City to be one of the contender on the Live Cook Off. I love her passion in cooking and it is showing on her dishes. However, towards the end it has declined but still I knew she would pass the mark and be on the Top 3. Still her passion placed her on the THIRD Spot of the said Cooking Reality Show. I really loved her presence without her the show could have been different.

Carla Janaban Marcaida is really good. For me, I think her determination placed her on the SECOND Spot of the competition. 

Photo Credit

For me, Romulo "JR" Lamaton Royol Jr. is really the star of the said cooking reality TV. I loved his passion and determination in the said competition. His cooking style is also brilliant just like the other contenders. I never think he will use PINIKPIKAN with a twist for his FINALE COOK OFF recipe. 

Do you want to know how Pinikpikan is cooked?

Pinikpikan is really a very famous dish amongst the Cordilleran or to the Igorot. In the olden times, it is served in special occasions like weddings and birthdays.

Photo Credit

Main Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• ginger
• pepper
• chayote
• 1/4 kilo Etag
• 2 cups of rice wine

Preparing the Chicken

Photo Credit

• Pick the best chicken. It is better to have native chickens but if it is not available then you can use any alive chicken available.
• Beat the chicken alive until the chicken dies. Beating the chicken is believed to make the chicken tastier.
• Remove the feather.
• Burn the remaining feathers of the chicken. This would add flavor as well in the soup of the chicken.

Cooking Process

Cooking Pinikpikan is somewhat similar to cooking Tinola. 

• Boil the chicken with the spices like ginger and pepper until the chicken is cooked.
• Add Etag and continue boiling it until etag is cooked.
• Upon adding the Etag add the 2 cups of rice wine.
• Once etag is cooked then add chayote.

Photo Credit

Served while hot. Please note that you have to make sure to have add more water to make sure it will last until the chicken is cooked.

You might want to read the following article:


Exploring Sagada - Tour with SAGGAS
KRAZY GARLIK RESTAURANT
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Kalye Juan MOA Restaurant Review

GMA 7 Newest Epic Fantasy Series

The newest Kapuso epic fantasy series Indio, after the long wait, is finally aired last January 15, 2013. I am glad to say that I am one of those many Filipinos who loved the fantasy series of GMA 7 as they produce the best of its kind in the television industry in the Philippines. I would say it is truly world class.

A bit of history: Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards for at least 300 years. In their stay in the Philippines the word Indio has become the racial term of the Spaniards to the commoners and or natives of the Philippines. Though it is just a terminology, the word Indio however is insulting because of its derogatory meaning. Accordingly, INDIO is a person in the lower class and misbehaves in the public eye. In my understanding it is near to an outcast, dirty, poor, etc.

The fantasy series of GMA 7 somehow talks about the history and cultural information about what Filipinos has believed in many years ago. Even before Spaniards conquered the Philippines, Filipinos already have a belief on God called La-on and the diwata's. 

La-on is and or considered as the most powerful being who created everything and provided the Diwata's the power to take care of all the things he created. This two terminologies may somehow differ depending on the demographic location.

Diwata on the other hand is compared to the goddesses. In the Philippine folklore, Diwata are deemed to be the protector of the air, water, earth, trees, etc. There also some Diwata's for mandirigma (warriors). In the olden times, they offer peace offering to appease the goddesses for abundance and forgiveness.

In the fantaserye, everything for me looks fantastic.

The costume is totally relevant to the story. In fact the costume itself tells a story. It provides a wider knowledge on how the Filipinos dress before the Spaniards came.

The story is also brilliant. It portrays the story with a very good taste. Kudos to the writer.

The characters are also very efficient. Everything in it should was portrayed the way it should be done. The diwata is a twist of the story making it a fantasy but also relevant to the story. However, I think Senator Bong Revila as the lead character is just too old. His partners Rosa played by Maxene Magallona and Esperanza Sanreal played by Jennilyn Mercado are also too young for him. I am rooting for Dominic Roco to be the lead role for the character as he is young and talented and plus the fact that he is a good match the leading ladies if not Dominic Roco then it could have been Jomari Yllana.

The plot is also amazing. I never thought that we have such a wonderful places in the Philippines as beautiful as it was shown in the TV series Indio.

Did I miss something? Comment so we can all learn.

********

All photos here are taken on Indio's Facebook Page. Like their page to have an awesome interaction to be in the know.

On Patriotism and Government Corruption

Love of country and patriotism always comes in different form. No one could ever judge a person of not being patriotic. Maybe they adore the foreign products but that doesn't mean they hate their country, I always believe that patriotism and love of country comes in different form and in different means.

However, one day while browsing my Facebook Timeline. I noticed a friend who shared a short essay of a Korean about the Philippines. He had talked about how Koreans envied the Filipinos before because we are one of the richest country in Asia which I thought they were correct because Philippines used to be the number exporter of rice and other goods but then those are the Philippines golden days.

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What about today? I think even today, farm scientist usually come here in the Philippines to learn more about highland and hybrid crops. Philippines has every resources but what happened? Maybe they are correct. Severe corruption in the government and Filipinos lack of patriotism and discipline has been pulling us down.

I wanted to share his essay so it might be a good help for everyone and a little of inspiration.

Unedited version:

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MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES 

by Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines . Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines ? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.

Let me first talk about my country, Korea . It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines , for Filipinos were very rich in Asia . We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism…

Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea . He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park . They asked to him, “President, when can we be well off?” That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea , and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea . So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea . He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.

Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea . They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.

My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood.

Have you cried for the Philippines ? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people.. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday. However, they do not love the Philippines . I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines.

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.

When I was in Korea , I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines , I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia , but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun.. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame.. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off.. I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love.

Let’s put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes. I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country. Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines , there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines . Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.

That’s all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

I sincerely hope that this essay inspire us all and show LOVE for our homeland.

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Book Donation: The book collection are growing fast

The books are growing fast... Since we started collecting old books we were able to raise at least 3 boxes of old books.

And as a way of thanking everyone who supported our cause here are some of the books that we have collected.

Thomson Reuters: Manila Volunteers Club

Want to donate or help our cause... please do let us know...

We do meet up every weekend. For easier access to everyone we can meet you up at any MRT or LRT stations. Cash Donations are accepted as well.

My Smoothie Dinner on the First Day

I haven't take any hard solid for the past 13 hours and just taking my smoothie. At this very hour I had a feeling that my stomach is really adjusting. I think I am having muscle spasm in my stomach area. So what I did was, I had 4 pcs of soimai before taking my smoothie.

INGREDIENTS:

My Green Smoothie for Dinner

Note: It is better not to eat anything except for your smoothie for the next the first 3 days for the cleansing to normally do its course.

My Red Smoothie Diet

When I took my all fruit and vegetable diet. I felt that I needed to have more fiber intake. I felt that I need to do more than just 3 fruit and 3 green leafy vegetables, that's the usual combinations.

 However, I wanted to experiment. I wanted to increase the fruit and vegetable intake. Fruit and vegetable are rich source of vitamin and mineral. It is also a very good source of fiber which is essential in proper bowel movement.

Ingredients:

2 pcs banana, 2 cups spinach, 2 pcs bell pepper, 1 pc green apple, 1 pc red apple, 1 pc cucumber, 1 pc beet, 2 cups fresh orange juice

Blend all ingredients until desired smoothness.