The Delicious Essence!

A good online friend started exploring his “healthier” side by going vegan. Yup, everybody seems to be going vegan nowadays. I also have a college friend who’s a vegetarian. No beef, no chicken, no fish… just the thought of it sends chills up my spine. Veggies and fruits are all well and good but a life without meat is just…

Haaaay…

Aaaanyway, lately, I’ve been developing my fifth taste.

You might say…

“Fifth taste? You’re talking crazy Jigs! There’s only four types of tastes! Sweet, Salty, Sour and Bitter! You’re stupid! I’ll never read your blog again!”

But wait, there IS a fifth taste. You do have the basic Bitter, Sweet, Salty and Sour, and the fifth is UMAMI. There isn’t really an English word for it, but essentially, UMAMI is the savory taste found naturally in meat, poultry, seafood and some vegetables. The UMAMI taste itself is subtle. Most people wouldn’t even recognize it. It Enhances the taste of other flavours and brings everything together. It’s amazing, believe me, when you can recognize and manipulate UMAMI. It’s like UMAMI is the soul of a dish.

UMAMI isn’t just in the taste. It is a combination of taste, smell, color, temperature and appearance. But let’s set the record straight, UMAMI is not MSG. MSG has been touted as a flavor enhancer which is kinda what UMAMI is. However, UMAMI is the natural occurrence of the delicious essence found in foodstuffs (meat, cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms to name a few), which is far better than its synthetic counterpart. I have never used MSG as an ingredient and never will. MSG is the quick and cheap way to attain that savory flavor.

Enough about that…

UMAMI is something that is not unfamiliar to us. I bet, after reading this short article, you will start recognizing what UMAMI is, and what it tastes like. It is an integral part of the whole dining experience. So, I try my best to maximize the UMAMI of any dish I make. Let me say though, UMAMI is something Vegans can appreciate too. Just a bite of a ripe tomato and you can taste UMAMI.


This is basically my Meatyball Surprise dish. What’s the surprise? UMAMI! LoL! Not really! You just have taste it for yourself! Oh wait, you can't! Hehe! Anyhoo, I have two reasons why I’m showing you this dish. One, it's because it has a great UMAMI taste thanks to the beef, the tomatoes and the parmesan cheese which makes this meal amazing! And two…

It's just to show all those VEGANERDS what they’re missing! Mwahahaha!

P.S. VEGANERDS are “non-practicing vegans”- people who are vegans just because they want to be cool!

For more information about VEGANERDS and those “non-practicing vegans” ask PAOLO.

Finally! A Post! It's A Meme Unfortunately...

I was forc- I mean asked to do this meme. I delightfully obliged because of two valid and convincing reasons. One, my blog is about to die and I need to resuscitate it. And two, it's about movies! It's gonna be fun. So my answers here are off the top of my head and I wrote the first thing that came to mind.

1) One movie that made you laugh

"Kung Pow: Enter the Fist" - as crazy, stupid and retarded the movie may seem, this movie made my jaw, ribcage and stomach hurt!

note: "Dracula: Dead and Loving It" came a close second

2) One movie that made you cry

NONE. Call me cold-hearted or just plain mean but no movie has ever had the honor of making me cry. Not "Life is Beautiful," not "Titanic," not "Anak," no matter how heart breaking the movie got, I have yet to shed a single tear.

note: There is one movie that I remember recently that ALMOST got me misty-eyed. "The Pursuit of Happyness" (the bathroom scene)

3) One movie you loved when you were a child

We basically grew up with Disney and Aladdin was a favorite. However, I remember vividly my love and fascination for the movie Nightmare before Christmas.

4) One movie you've seen more than once

Currently, it's "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street"

5) One movie you loved, but embarrassed to admit it.

"The Brady Bunch Movie." Also, "The Master of Disguise"

note: may I be forgiven for my lack of sanity.

6) One movie you hated

Epic Movie, Date Movie and Meet The Spartans - what disappointing parodies!

note: "Son of the Mask" was gawd awful too!

7) One movie that scared you

As an adult, The Eye kinda scared me. As a kid however, Nightmare on Elm Street scared the crap out of me. I was so afraid to go to sleep, it wasn't funny.

8) One movie that bored you

"The Hours" - to quote Liz Lemon of 30 Rock, "The Hours?! They should've called it The Weeks!"

9) One movie that made you happy

"Grindhouse" - technically, that's two movies, but they both were awesome wicked cool!

10) One movie that made you miserable

"Queen of the Damned" - I like the movie, don't get me wrong. The fact that it was based from an Anne Rice novel means I'll most likely like it. It's just that it didn't live up to the novel and its full movie potential. It could've been better, alot better. And I hated knowing that.

11) One movie you weren't brave enough to see

High School Musical

note: . . . . . . .

12) One movie character you've fallen in love with

Akasha, from "Queen of the Damned"

note: Also probably any role Mila Jovovich has portrayed.

13) The last movie you saw

On the silver screen: Speed Racer - It left a bad taste in my mouth

On TV: Superstar - on HBO

14) The next movie you hope to see

Either "Narnia: Prince Caspian" or "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"


There! That wasn't THAT painful, was it? And you got to learn a little bit more about me. Do this meme if you have the same reasons as I do. Tell me about it so I can know a bit about you too.

May 9th

My 2nd year...

Can't believe it lasted this long...

It's still fun...

“I’m not a Religious Person, but I have Faith”

I hear that line uttered more and more each day. It may not be exactly in those words, but in every different occasion, they mean the same thing. I even hear myself uttering those same words at times. Now, I find myself asking a question. Is the approach to Religion, and Faith in general changing? Is it adjusting to fit today’s environment or is the traditional ways too slow for the speed at which life operates? Adaptation or Antiquation?

You have proof on both sides. There is adaptation because there are those who apply religion and faith to the current situation of a community. We hear praise songs that have a modern beat to it. We also hear stories related to our daily lives. Religion promotes self expression and can also create a for of support system for an individual. And as always, it is a goal to do what is right and what is good as much as possible. Of course, I can not say this for everyone. However, there are still youths today who, not only have a strong faith, but also knowledgeable of their religion. They are the ones who shape their belief as to better apply to their lives.

On the other spectrum, there is also an evidence of antiquation. Kids nowadays do not know their prayers. What’s worse, many have unlearned some of their traditions. I barely know a handful of people who can pray the rosary. Also, a once a week mass has become more of a chore or even an inconvenience than a time for reflection and worship. I also notice that there is a lesser need for traditions, ceremonies and such. I mean, a good amount of them have become nothing more than novelties. I’m just glad that my family remains steadfast to our traditions and what they truly mean. I don’t want to get too cynical about this whole thing so the less examples the better. This is just me, contemplating on yet another all-too-serious topic which is completely over my head. I’m glad so few people read this blog. I probably won’t get any FYI-retorts.

But, there is one thing I know, times are changing, it always has been. Now it’s up for Religion to catch up to people’s faith.


P.S. This is a chaotic post. Too ambiguous and lacks detail. Well, these are just things I needed to sweep out of my attic. It’s up to you if whether you find something you like in the garage sale.

To Cook

In every family, there are those few people who you admire their knack for cooking. Be it your grandma, your mom or your bbq king uncle, you just can’t wait for the next family get together so you can once again savor their signature dishes. I am so lucky that I belong to a family that knows what good food should taste like. Only the freshest ingredients and never settle for mediocrity.

My Lola Mercy is one of the best cooks ever! But, I’m sure we all have grandmas who are the best cooks. She makes one mean Sisig, her Lasagna is out of this world and her Cherry Cheesecake is heaven! She also makes a wonderful Avocado Ice Cream.

If there is another person who can match, even top my lola’s cooking, that would have to be my lovely mother. Her Kare-Kare is addictive, her Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side of Cauliflower smothered with white sauce is mouth-watering, and her take on the classic Spaghetti is the best I’ve ever tasted (Italliani’s can kiss my butt!). My mom’s Escabeche is just…amazing (my dad loves it!).

“Voila! A pot pie. Wholesome, warm, healthy. That's, of course if you can live without the cream sauce. Personally, I can't. I mean, what's the point?”

But there is one dish that every time I taste reminds me of home, and of my mom and my lola (because they cook the dish equally well). The feeling I get is kinda similar to the one Anton Ego gets after taking a bite of the Ratatouille. Lolz! At first, I didn’t want to learn how to make the dish because there was the feeling of comfort when somebody else cooks that meal for me. But then I realized, why not share the same feeling I get with the people who matter to me? It took time to prepare, but the result I got was completely worth it.

Lengua Con Champignon (drooling right now)

I know it’s a once-in-a-year kind of dish to eat because let’s face it, it’s not exactly figure friendly. But that only adds to the appeal of the dish, the desire for it. I’m so happy to finally be able to cook it and continue the family heritage of cooking excellence! Yeah! Lolz! You know, I wasn’t supposed to be the next cook in the family. It was my younger sister who got to receive all the training (being the constant helper during parties and meal preparations) from my mom, lola and aunts. I think it’s the passion that pushed me to learn how to cook even if it was all by myself. The kind that if I was asked, what do you want to do for the rest of your life, I would confidently answer, COOK. I’d probably be the first male cook in the family (but I do have uncles who can cook).They say, there are certain reasons why men’s cooking tastes better than women’s. One is that men aren’t so parsimonious when it comes to the ingredients. Another is that a woman’s emotion goes into their cooking which can be a pro-and-con kinda thing. I mean, based on my observation, male chefs right now are more popular than female ones. Lolz!

“I like to cook -- it's my meditation. One aims for perfection in one's life, but one doesn't find it very often. For me, this is about as close as it gets.”

But, I am just that, a cook. Not a chef. There are so many people who are good cooks, but so few who are good chefs. It’s become my dream to become a chef, but being a cook right now is satisfying in so many levels. However, being a cook, one of my weaknesses is baking. I don’t bake. If I did, then I’d be a baker. Lolz! Unfortuntely, not being able to bake limits my ability to create desserts. But that won’t stop a good cook! So here’s one of my favorite desserts that I’ve made in a while. I didn’t have strawberries so I used bananas instead.

Panna Cotta (with an extra, extra drizzle of chocolate sauce and slices of Bananas)

Tasty, delectable, scrumptious, saccharine, gastronomical, and luscious; some of the nicest, boldest, sexiest and best sounding adjectives are found when describing good food. They don’t have to be expensive, they don’t have to be gourmet, they don’t even have to be calorie laden. Good Food is whatever tingles your taste buds and gives you a feeling. Food, and cooking for that matter, is just as simple as that...

“You know, people can sleep, or they can gamble. Or they can even make love when they're miserable.

But I think that most people eat when they're happy. I like to see people happy…”

P.S. Next time, I’ll tell you about how hard it is to take a good photo of food! Lolz!

P.P.S. Quotations are by Mr. Linderman of Heroes

P.P.S. I’d like to thank Paolo Mendoza for the letter “Z” in my Lolz!

A Diamond In The Rough

I found myself completely out of my element this month. Honestly, I have been delving into uncharted waters that have proven to be uncomfortable, challenging and at times unsettling. What I’m trying to say is, we all handle things differently. Our experiences and acquired knowledge gently shove us into these “comfort zones.” Humans, being a creature of habit cling to these situations because we find safety and competence in them. We avoid, fear even, those unfamiliar territories because we are stripped down to our barest. All our knowledge, all our experience count for so little that it scares us. It scares us to discover how ignorant or inept we are in the grander scheme of things.

I have been involving myself in activities I never imagined I would ever participate in. These activities may seem so provincial to you, but oh so foreign to me. I felt so deficient, so to speak. I was somehow barricaded to the world I chose to enclose myself in, and now, breaking out is unnerving. I sometimes get so paranoid that I think people think of me as weak or slow on the uptake. Maybe I feel this way because I can see that what comes natural to them is conversely as difficult for me. It gets to the point that you feel your introverted self creep in and think this would be much easier if I was left to my own devices, that I do not need anybody’s help. When in fact you do…

It can be disheartening, forcing yourself into a world which seems to reject the “staple-you.” But, I found out, there are those special few that know and see who you are, acknowledge that what you’re doing won’t be easy, and still stand by your side. Thankfully, I found those few who can get me through it all.

For the Diamonds in my life…I hope to become one…

so what if I like what millions of other people like?!

Is mainstream so bad? I mean, if you look at in a more liberal light, it can seem that way. You lose your individualism, and it’s as if you are being told what to like and what not to. You become like any other average Joe that’s trapped in this commercial sweatshop where nothing is unique anymore. We try to be unique. In fact, we at times desire it. Maybe by going against the current, or maybe by embarking on an original idea or event, or maybe by diversifying our awareness and delving into something unusual; we always think of ways to express ourSELVES.

Nobody likes to be like everybody. We want to be known for who we are and what defines us. But in the billions of people in the world, how different can we really be? Many say that there are no original ideas in the world anymore, only revisions of what has been. What are innovations but a construct of previous ideas. Everything is recycled. What you think is a distinctive and creative idea is but the influence of your environment and what you are exposed to. One cannot honestly say that the idea “popped” into mind without any form of an external coercion. Ideas are born out of necessity. A need to fill in a gap where a challenge used to lie. Would you have thought of that idea if it wasn’t for that necessity?

I am not stating a fact, nor is it a stand on the matter. These are just floating thoughts that needed to be poured out. What I’m trying to say is, if mainstream for you looks, feels, tastes or sounds good, and you will benefit from it, then why not follow the majority? Must we be always…differentiated? I think it was from Shinji’s blog where I read that it’s ok to enjoy Mainstream (at times) because it already is presumably good. And when I say good, meaning you’ll like it. Do not show prejudice to someone who is into the mainstream. If they find joy in it, then who are you to tell them otherwise?

We’re all part of a certain “mainstream” anyway…

P.S. This post was brought about by a certain conversation with a certain self-professed “unique individual” who doesn’t follow anything “mainstream” according to him. Needless to say, the conversation ended without any real resolution.

UNphotographable

Has this ever happened to you? You stroll around the city, walking past hundreds of different people, nothing out of the ordinary to speak of. Then you see it, a moment which will probably make your day and leave you in high spirits. Be it a baby trying to catch a butterfly or the man trying to make a living by performing in the street, during these moments, don’t you wish you had a camera with you?

Well, it happens to me often. I love taking photos especially if they have a story behind them. But there are those instances, unexpected events I would have loved to freeze in time. I found this great idea by Michael David Murphy. As they say, “pictures are worth a thousand words.” Then why can’t a picture BE words? A word by word account of the picture you missed…

Here is my first attempt. My own UNPHOTOGRAPHABLE.

This is a picture I did not take of a young girl picking strawberries in a field in Baguio. The fresh cold breeze blew constantly as the sun gently kissed the soil and the foliage. Sunflowers which lined the field faced and welcomed the sun eagerly. The young girl, dressed in blue, about 5 to 7 years old, rushed the field of strawberry plants, patiently choosing which strawberry looked best. She crouched down to get a better look and feel of each and every strawberry in front of her. Every time she found one she liked, she would pick it. Smell it. Then take a small bite... She took a bite of every one she favored, and put the rest in her container. The saccharine nectar of each bite would fill her mouth and at times drip ever so gently. A smile would fill her lips after every bite as if saying she made the right choice in picking that strawberry. Her mother who was picking beside her asked her daughter to refrain. The little girl heard nothing. She was euphoric in her deliciously red and green world, even if it was for just the moment, when she found her own little sweet rubies.

Cinematic Conversations: The Finale!

I really need to finish this list! “Way to milk the suspense Jigs!” LOL!

But before I go to my number 1, why not let the suspense go on just for a moment longer…

There were other actors who never made it to my list but still deserve proper recognition. Some of them are Christopher Walken, Helena Bonham Carter, Christina Ricci, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, and Jake Gyllenhaal all are outstanding actors but didn’t quite make the cut.

There is another actor who recently got my attention. He’s a good actor with a few awards under his belt (one of them being an Oscar). He also has an excellent sense of humor and a good sport to boot. Movies like “Good Will Hunting,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Ocean’s Trilogy,” and of course “The Bourne Identity Trilogy.” I bet you already know who I am talking about. So, no further introduction will be necessary right?

Anyway, I saw this hilarious video of him with Sarah Silverman (one of the best comedians working today) a while back and it still cracks me up now! If you haven’t seen it, you should. They have this running gag on the Jimmy Kimmel Live. It’s great! Watch it and the other videos about it.

Jimmy Kimmel also made a video in response to this just to get back at Sarah and Damon. Watch it here!

On to the main event! So who really is at my #1 position? I think some of you have guessed correctly (No Rhea, it’s not Jack Black). Well, not 100% correctly, because I have a tie for 1^st place! Wow…how exciting…..LOL!

1) Cate Blanchett

She is one of the most successful and influential actresses during her time. I’m just speechless when it comes to the great Cate. “Elizabeth,” “Bandits,” “Heaven,” “Veronica Guerin,” “Babel,” “Notes On A Scandal,” “I’m Not There,” and her mesmerizing performance as Katharine Hepburn on “The Aviator” are just some of my favorite movies from her. However, her other films are not in anyway lacking. She constantly delivers transfixing performances. Her beauty is much like her talent, unending and immaculate. I have to stop here, if I keep going, I’m just gonna babble and embarrass myself.

1) Johnny Depp

One of the most versatile, daring and amazing actors I have ever had the pleasure of watching on the silver screen. He is the kind of actor who acts for the sake of acting. He doesn’t do it for the fame nor for the huge salaries (but getting that doesn’t hurt). Having that kind of perspective leaves the door open for so many acting possibilities. And that is what Johnny Depp got. Eccentric roles like Edward Scissorhands in “Edward Scissorhands”, Ichabod Crane in “Sleepy Hollow”, Jack Sparrow in “Pirates Of The Caribbean”, Willy Wonka in “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory”, and the more recent Sweeney Todd in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street” are critically acclaimed roles that seems like no other actor could portray. He was also great in films with more “conventional” roles like “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”, “The Brave”, “Ed Wood” (I loved this film!), “Donnie Brasco”, “Chocolat”, “Before Night Falls”, “Once Upon A Time In Mexico”, “Secret Window” and “Finding Neverland”.

Phew! Quite a list. Quite. A. List. I hope I didn’t irritate you guys for waiting too long. I really enjoyed this 3-part post though. :P

Cinematic Conversations: The Sequel

Wasn't able to post this earlier. I went to Baguio this week. I will tell you about it next time. Thanks for the comments! Nice to know we have our similar tastes and different likes. Anyway, here’s Part two of my previous post. The upper half of my Top 10 Movie Crushes:

5) Emma Thompson

I have this certain affinity for British actors (and of course British films), and Emma Thompson leads the pack. Her beauty is simple and more “earthly,” while her acting is truly spell-binding. She can play roles from a serious inhibited role in Sense and Sensibility, to an eccentric wizard in Harry Potter to a peculiar but talented writer in Stranger Than Fiction. This two time Academy award-winner (for her roles in Howards End and Sense and Sensibility) is not only a brilliant actor, but also received praises for writing ability. I do recommend that you catch her earlier films like Dead Again, Howards End, and Remains of the Day; and her later films like Sense and Sensibility, Love Actually, Nanny McPhee and Stranger that Fiction. Oh! And did you see her in the HBO miniseries, Angels In America? She was just heavenly (pun intended)!

4) Will Smith

Because of his latest films, no one can deny the acting aptitude of the great Will Smith. He has shown great versatility and has established himself as a bankable actor. He has kept himself out of controversy and has managed to keep his family together (happily I might add), unlike all the other celebrity couples. Independence Day, MIB, Enemy of the State, ALI, Bad Boys, The Pursuit of Happyness, and the recent I Am Legend show proof of Will Smith’s undeniable success in the movie industry. By the way, let’s not forget his rapper status! “Na na na na na na na, Getting Jiggy with it!” LOL!

3) Leonardo Di Caprio

2002 was for me the beginning of Leo’s serious acting career, anything before that was just a warm-up (Titanic is a cinematic phenomenon, so it doesn’t count. LOL!). And, from 2002 onwards, he could do no wrong. Gone are the matinee idol days and Leo-Mania groupies. Welcome the Oscars, Golden Globes and SAG awards. He has starred in one massive movie after another (Catch Me If You Can, Gangs Of NY, Aviator, Blood Diamond and The Departed) with no signs of slowing down. He is one of Martin Scorsese’s preferred actors and this is greatly advantageous to his career. Only good things are expected the new more impressive DiCaprio.

2) Natalie Portman

I know a lot of you are going “Whaaa?” Like Milla Jovovich, Natalie is one of those actors I’m just infatuated with. She is a lady with the smarts, the looks and the personality. Being a straight-A student, she was quoted saying, "I'd rather be smart than be a movie star." Fortunately, she had managed to be both by graduating from Harvard and winning a golden globe for her role in Closer. She is also one of the top geek crushes for her role in Star Wars! LOL! Her roles in Garden State, Cold Mountain, Closer, Anywhere but Here, V for Vendetta and Paris, je t'aime are just beguiling, mesmerizing and wonderful. You should also watch the SNL episode she hosted, she’s hilarious.

Oooops! The post got to long again! I’ll just tell you about my Number 1 Movie Crush in another post. ;P CAN YOU GUESS WHO???

Cinematic Conversations

The last post was disgusting right? Yeah, everybody noticed. So, in order to make up to you few who still actually read my blog, I’m going to blog about one of my favorite amusements, MOVIES! Let me first talk about my Top Ten Movie Crushes. Thanks to Paolo for getting my thought process going because we virtually fought over this list. Hahaha! He thought I was really “mean” and “technical.” Will you agree?

10) Shia LaBeouf

He is for me, one of the most promising young actors in the business today. He, as of late, has been doing one great movie after another and at the same time continuously delivering excellent performances in all of them. It started with “Holes” to “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints” to “Transformers” and now, the up and coming “Indiana Jones”.

Note: Paolo disagrees and believes Zac Efron should hold the title I gave to Shia. I say, it takes more than perfect skin and a singing voice to make an actor. If he can show some REAL range and BELIEVABLE emotion, then we’ll talk, but for the mean time, he should stick to his musicals.

9) Milla Jovovich

I just had to add her to my list. I can’t help but like every movie she makes, no matter how bad a few of them are! LOL! I’ve watched 50% of her films and I am yet to hate one (so don’t make me review her films! LOL!). I really find her beautiful and multi-talented at the same time (she even has a critically acclaimed music album). Even her small role in Zoolander was noticeable. I’m sorry guys; I’m just biased when it comes to her. As Juice would say, “Milla Jovovich is love.”

8) Christian Bale

What an intense actor Christian Bale is. He is so attuned to his craft that the most important aspect of a film for him is delivering an astounding performance. He is so disciplined that he has undergone severe dietary regimens to play some of his roles (e.g. The Machinist and Rescue Dawn). He is also known for his expert skill in different accents. My films of choice are “American Psycho”, “Harsh Times”, “Rescue Dawn”, “3:10 to Yuma,” “Laurel Canyon” and “The Prestige”.

7) Charlize Theron

Another lovely lady and she’s from South Africa! She won an Oscar for her incredible performance in “Monster” making her the first South African to win the said award. She followed that up with North Country and Aeon Flux, where she both got praises for her roles. She has that classic beauty to her which radiates every time I see her at award shows. Then she takes a complete 360 and completely transforms into the characters she portrays in movies. Film of choice would be “Monster,” “North Country,” “In The Valley Of Elah,” and “Battle In Seattle.”

Note: I sometimes get Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johanssen mixed up. Has that ever happened to you?

6) George Clooney

I didn’t really like him in ER (he did however get Emmy and GG nominations for it) but I liked all of the films he was in (that I’ve seen of course), whether he be the actor, the director, the producer and/or the screenwriter. The multifaceted Mr. Clooney has done excellent movies in the past years and is best known for “Ocean’s Eleven” and its sequels. His eternal bachelor status has gained him quite a following among women. He has also received several awards and nominations for both his acting (“Syriana,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “Michael Clayton”) and directing ability (“Good Night And Good Luck”).

Note: George Clooney is my counterpart for Paolo’s Mel Gibson.

I have to stop here for a while. The post is getting too long. What do you think so far? Do you agree? Type in your thoughts guys! Would love to hear it! Top 5 will be posted asap!

P.S. Got new reviews in my other blog, INFLICKTED! Please visit and leave some comments! Tell me if you like or hate my reviews! LOL!

Being Irregular...

I just experienced another unexpected hiatus. This semester entails some familiarization. Classes aren’t hard, but there are just things that need getting used to. Professors, classmates, environment and a whole lot more. Let me give an example…

First Day…First Class…

I don’t know anybody in my class (One pro AND con of being an irregular student). I take a seat at the back of the class and try to look bored and unnoticeable. I hate block students (the opposite of an irregular student). They can be so boisterous and inconsiderate, plus they have control over the class and easily influence teachers. The minute I stepped into the class, I saw their eyes darting towards me with the expression of “subtle smugness” in their faces. It was as if they didn’t want me to invade their little clique. There were the usual stares and mumblings. Let me just say that I know not all block classes are like that. Unfortunately for me, this one was. I settled in, drowned out all the noise with my iPod (my good friend), and decided to recheck my schedules, hoping that this future hell hole I’m in was the wrong room. It was the right one (surprise, surprise).

A few minutes in, another student stepped in. He received the same “welcome” I got. He sat next to me and settled in. He then faces me and asks, “Irreg ka?” I gave him a small nod and a small smile. “Pareho tayo. (chuckles) Wala rin akong kakilala dito.” We kept to ourselves after that short conversation. Then came, the Professor. Female and quite striking. My first impressions: kind, approachable, and patient. What was that saying about first impressions again? She stepped in the classroom, set her things on the table and sat down. Her first words were, “Get 1 whole sheet of paper and define the following.” Of course, the block students, in chorus, moaned and complained about the sudden test, but to no avail. After 30 minutes, the papers got collected and the professor introduced herself. She spoke as if she had no desire to speak. She dragged her sentences and slowly threw them away. She stated her rules and requirements and she was not a woman who was easily pleased, but all too easily offended.

She then asked a simple question, “This is a block class right? Are there irregular students?” The block students instantly turned and glared at us. I raised my hand and so did the guy next to me. We both noticed two girls raising their hands on the other side of the room. Then, the instructor asked a loaded question, “why are you irregular students? Don’t you want to be regular?” I never thought I had to defend my choices or decisions on something that is completely valid and acceptable. None of us wanted to answer. The rest of the class kept looking back expecting someone among us to defend our state. The guy seating next to me whispered something, “Kilala ko yang si ma’am. May nagsabi sakin na hindi daw nya gustong may irregular student sa mga klase niya.” I was surprised. I never expected such feelings from an educator. The teacher suddenly calls on my seat mate, “Mr. _____, maybe you want to share your little discussion over there with the rest of the class, and maybe tell me why you are an irregular student.” Demeaning is an understatement given that the whole class was looking at him expecting a complex string of events which lead to him being an irregular student.

“Ma’am, I failed po two subjects so I am retaking them.”

Then the rest of the class immediately turned their attention to the teacher eagerly waiting her reaction. She answered in her dragged, apathetic tone, “Hmmm, well that’s too bad. Do better this time around” “You really should waste your parent’s money.” If that wasn’t demeaning enough, she called on a regular student and asked, “Am I right Ms. ____? What do you think?” And the girl blatantly answered, “Yes ma’am. May nagsabi din sakin na teacher that irregular students are irresponsible, kaya sila naging irregular.” Whoa! Definitely uncalled for. I was riling at this point. And then opportunity presented itself. The professor called my name, “You are also irregular, do you agree? I think her statements are not only justifiable but also logical.”

I said, “Ma’am, her statements are nothing short of offensive, bordering discriminative.” The woman then stands up and tells the teacher, “Ma’am hindi naman po ako nagsabi non! Sinabi lang sakin ng teacher yun noh!” I continued interrupting her, “Even though it was not she who actually expressed those sentiments, to affirmingly correlate being irregular to irresponsibility is in itself irresponsible.” Mumbling ensued.

“Being an irregular student doesn’t automatically categorize you as an irresponsible money-wasting child. There are several justifiable and logical reasons why we are irregular students. Some of us might be working students who need flexible schedules. Some may even be smarter than the average student by prioritizing subjects which would optimize their learning experience. Some may fit the description you have so narrowly placed them. They may have failed, but they are trying hard to change that. And if there IS such a teacher, a supposed educator who would discriminate or favor a student for not being irregular, he or SHE should be ashamed of themselves, then, they should be fired.”

I sat down and the mumbling continues and intensifies. The teacher, after a few moments, silences the class and begins to explain the subject material. After ten minutes, the class was dismissed…

I had never had to defend myself for doing something that was not wrong uncommon or different. I’ve been irregular all my life, in more ways than one. What happened was just ridiculus. Just goes to show, some people can really be idiots…

Two Weeks without technology

Is not as horrible as you may imagine.

Now when I say technology, I mean the stuff bloggers and young adults are made of: PCs, Laptops, iPod, Camera, VideoCam, INTERNET, TV, Vehicle, Microwave and Cellphone.

Well, I did have my cellphone, but it barely made a peep so it was virtually invisible. This would explain my short hiatus once AGAIN.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. I spent my whole sembreak at my aunt’s house in Marikina. They are affluent, and probably owned anything their hearts ever desired. They owned a veritable mansion. I expected extravagance, luxury and some well deserved relaxation.

“Gino, we’ll be spending a week at our farm in Ilocos.” – these are the words that shattered my prospects into tiny pieces, like the grains of sand, soil and rice that I will be getting acquainted with, very soon.

There was that dread of the unexpected. Not knowing what I will encounter at a “farm” where my stereotypical mindset imagined a small kubo hut, with no beds, and no proper lavatory. And a huge field with the overwhelming stench of cow manure and the usual abundance of mud, livestock and greenery. However, there also was that security of the identified. Meaning, I knew my aunt wouldn’t consent to me experiencing a horrible time during my vacation, and knowing her standards, she won’t let herself experience that too.

o I accepted my fate and embraced all the experience had to offer. When we got there, I was surprised. It was nothing like what I imagined (of course it wasn’t! come on!), it was surprisingly a beautiful sight to behold. It was just an inch short of the huge haciendas portrayed in television. The place was simple, the only advancement visible was the vehicles and machines used in the farm. The house we inhabited was big and was one of those antique Spanish colonial houses.

“Technology is but a brushstroke

in this rural backdrop.”

This rustic locale had a substitute for everything. A few days in the whole experience, you get to revert to a more simple life where no one will scoff at you for not putting on a thousand peso shirt or applying your make up before going out. You are appreciated for just being there and sharing the whole experience with them. Everyone got along, even the owners and the employees.

It was a great. It has been a while since I did so much with such little effort. It was wonderful. It was refreshing. It was just what the doctor ordered....

To be continued...

P.S. Ayo... I'm tired of using technology...

The Jigst Of Things

What a month September was! I’ve never been soo busy in my entire life. It completely forced me to go underground and temporarily redirect my attention and forgo blogging. Since I haven't fully recovered from the whole ordeal, let me just give you a rundown of what transpired last month in my world:

1) Took Part In A Marketing Bazaar. We had to establish a business that we believe will be profitable with an inventory that will last for at least a week. It is in essence the application of being a business owner and manager.

2) Joined A Marketing Competition. We had to create an original and dynamic marketing plan for Taco Bell whose budget was 10 million pesos. At first, I didn’t know what to do with all the money allotted for the task, but in the end, I almost didn’t make the budget fit!

3) Participated In A Sales Promotion Contest. Each contestant had to create a convincing and creative product pitch to a panel of 6 judges. It’s just like what Steve Jobs does when he presents a new product from Apple.

4) Participated In A Thesis Making Contest For The Philippine Stock Exchange. This was definitely one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever had to undertake. Many students dread thesis making, what more if it is for a contest where excellence is expected of you and you are competing against the country’s top colleges.

5) Produced and Directed 3 Commercials and a Print Ad. We were tasked to put together two sets of advertising campaigns accompanied by an advocacy for two different organizations. Editing was the greatest torture here. It took three solid days (with barely any breaks) to finish everything.

So basically, to sum it all up in one sentiment, September utterly kicked my ass. I was so busy and so toxic with everything I needed to do that I didn’t know which I should do first or how to fit everything in my schedule. Where’s a secretary when you need one?! Anyway, October is here and I can’t be any more relieved. I just hope as my favorite month progresses, my stress levels would go down and I can finally get to have some fun.

Yes, I did say October is my favorite month. October is just awesome. I don’t know, but I just love every second of every hour of every day of every week of this glorious month. Some of you may already know a reason why I love this month, but here’s a rundown of some of the reasons why this October is shaping up to be a GREAT month:

1) Fruits Of My Labor. It is true that if you work hard and believe in your work, all your efforts will be worth it, rewarded even. Believe me, the returns were worth it after everything. Our marketing bazaar was so profitable, our investment came back three-fold. I won several awards (1^st place for the Marketing Competition, the Sales Promotion and the honor of receiving the best thesis award in the PSE Contest!) and recognized in others (3^rd place in the Advertising and Advocacy Campaign). I've never been this successful ever! Hahaha!

2) Oktoberfest! I’ve only been to the event once due to the incessant demands of my manila friends and I had such a great time. Honestly, I am not a huge beer drinker, I prefer a different poison, but this is the only time in a year where I actually like beer. Luckily, I’ll be going this month with my cousins so I finally get to unwind, party and then some!

3) Halloween! My favorite and the ultimate pseudo-holiday! Ghouls, Witches, and Zombies roam the streets! Well, not really, especially in the Philippines (we prefer Kapre and Mananangal). I am fascinated by the “other side” and what perfect way to soak in all the mystery than during All Hallows Eve. Boo!

4) October is the Perfect Month. For me, October has the best weather and atmosphere. This can be felt more dramatically if you are in a country experiencing 4 seasons. October falls (no pun intended) in the season of autumn. Not too hot, not too cold. The hues of the season are red, orange and brown. A great month for contemplation, celebration and affection…Perfect…

I know I have another reason why October is so fantastic, I just keep forgetting what that reasons is…hmmm…

Anyway, that’s about everything that has happened to me these past few weeks. This is officially my return to the blogging scene and hopefully it sticks. I’m also announcing an October Blog Special! I’ll be writing posts geared towards this month’s theme of fright! Hehe!

Ok, I’ll end it here. Till the next post!

Of My Thoughts and Contemplations

This is part two… More drama? I think not…

It is because of deep thoughts and contemplations of my world in its entirety that I feel my mediocrity. I feel insignificant and could’ve done better. However, it is by those musings that I realize I am surrounded by people who love me, not only for who I am but also for I what I can do. I have my family and my friends who whisper to me, “You have done well.” I know I am loved; it is only by my frustrated insecurities that I forget to realize or feel that.

It is because of my deep thoughts and contemplations of my world in its entirety that I have somehow made sense of things. The week before last week was one of the most fruitful, enjoyable and enlightening weeks in my life. Let me explain. As a teenager, the course I wanted to take up was Comsci (Computer Science). Computer courses were the popular choice back then. My second choice, Business Management. Back then, I saw a manager as a “general job.” It was a job anyone can do even if you didn’t finish business management. With just a bit of training, a nurse could be a manager, an engineer could be a manager, a graphic designer could be a manager. But a manager cannot be a nurse, a manager cannot be an engineer, a manager cannot be a graphic designer. It was a course, I thought, I couldn’t boast about. Yet, it was the course I passed in U.P. so I ended up in that same course.

It was that week that changed my opinion on Business Management. I saw the fundamental nature of what it takes to be a manager. A manager has to be a leader; unafraid to take risks and move his team forward. A manager has to be brave; unafraid to take responsibility or to be resented when making the unpopular decision. A manager has to be intelligent; able to organize the business, control the processes required and create solutions for the company. A manager must be able to MANAGE; it is the integration of a commander, a peacemaker, a businessman, a creative director, a counselor and a friend.

But most of all, I believe what sets a manager apart from any other profession, is the passion. The passion to make your business better by empowering your employees and utilizing the best options for the growth of the company and the business. Business is at times impersonal and unethical. That's where the line, “it’s nothing personal, its business” comes from. But for a manager, whose concern is for the whole organization, it can’t be helped to be personally involved.

Why am I going on and on about Management and Managers? It’s because I think I have found a profession I can be good at (great even). As common or unimpressive as most would believe managers are, I believe it takes a special breed to be great at this job and not all can be excellent managers. If only I can turn back time, I can finally get to answer that question I have been wanting to answer ever since I was 5 years old.

As self-serving as this post may be, it reveals the kind of person I am. And I wanted to share it to you because I think, even if we haven’t personally met, you should know a more personally-in-depth me. Something purely of my thoughts and contemplations. Something purely me.

D-Day

It is the culmination of a month’s worth of preparation, brain-storming and serious hard-work. It is the equivalent of everything that I have learned so far in college. It is what we have all been waiting for… It is that day…

4 days actually. Next week. Everything will come to play.

It all started with an idea. An idea that took on so many forms. I have always wondered, “are unique, outstanding, and totally out-of-the-box ideas a sudden flash of a bulb or does it require contemplation?” A question which I find myself feeling uneasy whenever I try to answer.

Rambling aside, the idea grew. It evolved. It matured. It was the logical next step. The only step to be taken, but a precarious phase nonetheless. And with that step, the next one became obvious and so did the next one, and the next one. The process was not at all delightful. It was littered with stress, frustration, rejection and illness. Although it did have its whimsical moments. The idea was now something more, much more. It has grown to be a challenging but exhilarating endeavor which has brought about magnificence, closeness and creativity.

It has required all my attention. My introvert in me rejects the notion of delegating. A true testament to the want-something-done-right line. It is the reason of my illness. The reason of my stress. The reason of my absence here.

And this is the part I say, I will be slightly nonexistent in the blogosphere starting next week. Not too long, just a four to six days. If you think of it, my short leave wouldn’t really matter because I usually only post once a week, so my time off would be inconsequential. But if you’re not too busy or want something more to read, please feel free to check out my review blog, inFLICKted and maybe you have a review in mind!

Before I go, let me thank all the people who voted for me at the recently concluded Pinoy Evil Blog Awards! I’m still waiting on whatever prize I won *glaring at Paolo’s direction*! Hahaha! A big congratulations to all the other winners too!

I have to go, got to finish the flyers and posters for Saturday. Wish me luck on my all-too-vague undertaking. Hehe. I’ll be back soon for updates (I can’t seem to get myself to update twitter more often).

When I was young-er

By the time I post this, the poll for the Pinoy Evil Blog Awards Poll will be closed, so there’s really no point in campaigning for my blog. I just wish I knew who nominated me so that I can thank him/her properly. And if any of you voted for me, thank you!

When I was a young-er, I enjoyed a normal childhood. I played out in the streets, came home all sweaty and dirty and had a blast with my cousins, neighbors and friends. We amused ourselves with every game an average kid would know: Langit-Lupa, Tumbang Preso, Patintero, Moro-Moro, and Taguan. We played some not so traditional games: Pass the Message, Dr. Quack Quack, Chinese Garter, and Dodgeball (the ball we used was a knotted up handkerchief). We even used props: Bahay Bahayan and Role Playing.

When I was still a kid, I basically got what I wanted. But that does not automatically mean I was a spoiled brat. I seldom asked for more than I deserved. Unfortunately, my parents believe their children deserve the world. Parents…Sometimes they get it right… I digress. So, my parents bought toys, toys, and more toys. Every birthday, every Christmas, every perfect score, I was treated to something new. I dare not try to remember the first ever toy I got, but the first toy I ever really liked and had a collection of was…Matchbox… These were small scale cars that could easily fit inside a matchbox (so aptly named). I had probably over a thousand of these cool cars which I stored in cool carrying cases for all my playmates to see and enjoy. Every time we went to the mall, I would always check out the toy section of the department store to see if there were any models which I have yet to possess. And every time, I went home with at least one.

I had another collection…Text Cards…More specifically, trading cards of X-Men characters. I had three favorite cards: Magneto, Professor X, and Phoenix. I never used them for games or for betting. The game was utterly simple. If I remember correctly, you flick your cards to the air and the if your cards land face up, you win (or something like that). Unfortunately, we all change and this was not made any less hurried by my short attention span. I quickly moved to a new prospect.

My parents bought me one of the coolest toys I’ve seen…NERF… This huge canon-like barrage weaponry was just what my crazy personality needed. I got to hurt everyone without really hurting or killing them thanks to the foam ammunition. Every time I hear the loud popping sound of the air pressure being released gave me a kiddie adrenaline rush. Too bad the ammo was too limited.

After all that chaos, I opted for simpler toys. Once again, my mind was jaded and indecisive. I knew now what I wanted. It was the simplest of toys but it fascinated me…The Slinky… This coil shaped toy was my ultimate desire for a whole year and never asked for another toy. As simple as it was, it kept me entertained and occupied during the most tedious of times. I had the rainbow colored plastic slinky and the metal slinky. Other simple toys/games I liked was the slap bracelet (not really a toy nor a game, but I liked it!) and Pogs which I believe was popularized by Coca-Cola.

After the simple came the complex. I started playing with “high-tech” toys. 2 Ts mainly covered this point…Tamiya…and…Tamagotchi… I got into Tamagotchi because my aunt gave all of her nephews and nieces one. So the challenge of raising the best monster pet was on between us cousins. It was so stupid and yet you feel so weirdly attached to it. But I never named a pet, ever. As for Tamiya, it was introduced to me by an older cousin. This was the time was so eager to be an adult because they got to do what they want. I played the toy and the game and was hooked. I always modified my racer to make it faster, lighter and balanced. This is the only time I will ever be a mechanic.

And finally, One of the best games I’ve ever played in my life was during my late elementary years, to early high school. It required intelligence, strategy and mettle. It is not only a great game but also a wonderful collection. The name fittingly says it all…MAGIC: The Gathering… I know, it seems kinda dorky but it is definitely entertaining and a good strategy game. The artwork is equally magnificent. I have several specialty decks created during those days (the unglued edition was great! Haha!). The game MAGIC is still alive today and has spawned plenty of expansions, but if you ask me, “old magic” is always the best and strongest…

But now, all of these toys and games are given away, lost (when we moved houses) discarded, or destroyed (I had used the images from Wikipedia). How sad that the things that gave me so much pleasure when I was a child is carelessly discarded and no more. I want to discuss more about my childhood and how much I miss it nowadays, but I guess I have to leave that for another post (this one’s long as it is!). I know I missed a whole bunch of other toys. I didn’t even share my discourse on whether “action figures” are really just dolls for boys. But I’m sure everyone has their opinion. Share it, and let me know okay? Till then, I’m off…

Squirt Silly String Up My Nose

Persuade Me! I Dare You! Who can persuade me to keep blogging?! I’m so down lately. It’s all because of the stress I currently have to deal with: Exams, Marketing Plan, Marketing Bazaar, Finex Congress, Business Debates and lots and lots of reports and lectures. Add to that lack of sleep and my dusty cobwebbed social life, and you have the makings of a straight-jacketed nincompoop that’s slightly good with money.

I like that word, nincompoop. It’s really fun to say. I’ve never really had a favorite word, but I have some words I do like saying like LUDACRIS, WICKED, RAMBUNCTIOUS, NONCHALANT and of course, CHAOS to name a few. Another word I like using is the noun ME. Why? Because I don’t get to use it that often much less vocally.

So, to hit two birds with one stone, (did you notice nobody uses that line anymore?) I decided to get some “ME” time and unwind by nourishing the frosty side of me! This week, I amused myself two ways, 3D and 2D! Oh yeah, you know what I mean! I watched Ratatouille and The Simpsons Movie Back to Back! More than 3 hours of animated hilarity in all their high-tech and traditional glory was just what the doctor ordered! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed both movies. I can’t favor one over the other! Ratatouille is magnificent because it’s about a rat who loves to cook! A rat! A cook! Perfection! The Simpsons is simply the best animated sitcom ever made and movie was like revisiting everything that made The Simpsons the longest running American sitcom of all time!

Since we’re talking about movies, read my review of Ratatouille, my first ever post on my newest blog, inFLICKted! Link me up okay guys! What a fitting start to my blog, a movie which tackles a lot about me: my cuisine fascination, my inhibition and desire to be a cook and my love of good food! You can even add to that the fact that I'm born in the year of the rat! Haha!

Speaking of things I love, I love the fact that COOKING and FOOD is slowly entering the mainstream. As of late, three themes are booming in the TV industry: POLICE, MEDICAL, and SCI-FI/FANTASY (LEGAL Dramas are starting to slip and EVERYDAY LIFE will always be big so I didn’t include it). Movies like Ratatouille and new movie No Reservations with Catherine Zeta Jones put cooking in the center of their stories. TV shows like Iron Chef, Kitchen Confidential, Top Chef and Hell’s Kitchen are getting much attention. Thanks to cooking shows from the Food Network, great chefs are now sharing great recipes to simple cooks like me. I’ve always been adventurous when cooking and I appreciate good food, no matter who made it or where it came from.

Just last Saturday, I had lunch with a good friend in a modish town bistro. Along with our main meal, we decided to order basic Spanish treats like Tacos and Burritos. They were so delicious! I loved the kick the meat had and the heat was not overwhelming (for me anyway, hehe!) but you can feel it. This inspired me to prepare my own at home! I haven’t prepared Spanish food before so I decided to make the same ones we ate: Tacos, Burritos and added some Enchiladas. It didn’t disappoint at all! I am a big Italian aficionado but Spanish food is also really delectable!

Burritos (upper left), Enchiladas (below) and Tacos (upper right)

But of course, nothing beats a good Italian recipe. I have grown to love not just their cooking but their culture as well. I’ve even gone as far as learn their language! Yes folks, I’m currently learning Italian and I’m starting to get the accent they have! In no time at all, I’ll be speaking fluent Italian, then reading and writing! It won’t be long before the medium of writing in this blog would be changed! It would become… Jigs’ Italian Food Blog of Chaos!

I will advertise that new blog all over the internet just like those great memorable advertisements I saw in this show called Ad Persuasion. They feature commercials with really creative and original ways of grabbing your attention and persuading customers to buy their product! It’s really helpful to Marketing majors like myself. I have a subject called Professional Advertising where we analyze advertising efforts of different companies and find out why they used that type of marketing strategy. It’s all really creative and challenging but definitely my cup of tea. Thanks to Ad Persuasion, I’m starting to understand what it takes to make a commercial and what it needs to contain.

So, I tell you again, Persuade ME! Persuade me to keep blogging…in English! Or else I will definitely bring this blog to a whole new level where no one will understand everything I’m writing because I haven’t completely finished my lessons and then no one will dare visit my blog because it’s so messed up! We shall see who will come crawling back! Hahahahaha!

Wait.....Did that come out right?