Burger... Burrito...

or Both?

Well, I had a Chicken Quesadilla (Php135.00, 4 big wedges, had to take one home!) but the tummy was as happy! They shouldn't be stingy with their salsa tho!

I first encountered ARMYNAVY concept resto in Tagaytay. I first thought that it was owned by a former military person, but was surprised that it was owned by the same people who owned and conceptualized Yellow Cab!

I always order the Chicken Quesadilla so I can't give you much variety. Is it good? Oh yes, it is. Especially if you're a cheese lover. However, I think it lacks that Mexican "oomph" - I still think the now-gone TAQUERIA CHILANGA (used to be at the Greenbelt Foodcourt, below the cinemas) has more authentic tortillas and salsa!

I also tasted their Burrito (which my dad ordered) , same comment! Yes, it's good but something is missing. Kulang sa kagat :-)

ARMYNAVY has stalls in Tagaytay, along dela Rosa St in Makati, Glorietta 5 and in Trinoma (I think) They said they'll have The Fort and Ayala Alabang branches soon.

I must say I am not a hot and spicy food person, but I really like jalapeno. The only chili I can stomach. I also like the exciting tastes and flavors of Mexican food (umm, have to go easy on the beans, though!) Ah and the only alcoholic drink that I really (truly) liked was a mojito*.

Now, if only I can find authentic sopapillas* here. Sigh.

*Mojito - I found out just now that this was originally a Cuban drink! The Cuba version uses rum, but the Mexican version uses tequila (of course!) with lime, mint and sugar syrup. Here's the mix . For now I have to try the virgin kind tho ;-)

** Sopapilla - a Mexican dessert - thin, fried flat bread sprinkled with sugar and usually served with honey . I found a recipe here. Hope i can try to make this someday!

GIBO Shirts for Sale!

Hey everyone! Show your true colors with these GIBO Shirts!!

Shirts are P250.00 each. Available sizes are L, M, S, XS - 100% Cotton.

You can either pick up and pay in Salcedo Village, Makati, M-F, 10 am - 7pm . Or pay via BPI and we'll ship the shirts via Air 21. Proceeds go to the GIBO Volunteer fund. Baller IDs and stickers included!

Please email giboforprez@gmail.com to order!

GIBO 2010!

Featured!

We recently won a writing contest in the office called "SmartLessons"... People from all over the world submit an essay on the lessons learned in their respective projects and these get judged. Our team won 2nd place! We're supposed to get $250 each (!!!) , but I don't know how I'm going to get it since I get paid by check and not by "credit to payroll" Sigh. And I'm too shy to ask. Technically, only staff can join contests like these.

Turns out winners get featured in our global intranet! I got interviewed (by someone from our Washington office who actually called me 8PM DC time, 9AM Philippine time :-) for the "Real People, Real Stories" page. She asked me about my favorite things and I said, I really like traveling. Then, she asked me what was my favorite travel experience , I said, of course - nothing beats my stint with UWP. The writer found that so interesting and even sang a few lines from our theme song ... sure enough, it became the main topic.

Here's the short, short article now. I was asked to send a photo that shows "my personal side"

Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta

I was craving for Tsoko-nut's Spaghetti Jardinero this afternoon. To my dismay, they have replaced it with "Malunggay Pesto Pasta" and I wasn't feeling very adventurous.

But I couldn't shake off the pesto craving so I rummaged around my cupboard and found a package of McCormick Pesto Pasta Mix. I tweaked the simple recipe a bit and came up with something .. well.. less simple. (Hehe... it's not that gourmet, okay... still a beginner here. So excuse the non-culinary language I might have used) The recipe at the back of the pack simply mixes the pesto mix with some oil and water and pasta. Here's my version which totally surprised me :-)



Ingredients:

1 pack McCormick Pesto Pasta Mix
2 fat cloves of garlic, crushed/finely chopped
3-4 "pinches" of Maggi Magic Sarap (optional)
6 tbsp oil (I used olive oil)
1 cup all-purpose cream (I used the new Nestle D-Lite Soy Cream with zero transfat! this might have a big impact on the taste, :-)
1/4 cup water
1 can tuna, drained (1/2 I used in the sauce, 1/2 I used as garnish/ topping, I used Century Tuna chunks in water)
Parmesan cheese
Pasta, cooked according to package instructions (I used San Remo fettuccine)

How to:

1. Saute chopped garlic in 2 tbsp oil until slightly browned. Add half the tuna and toss. Add some Maggi Magic sarap if you want :-)
2. Pour in the rest of the oil (you should have the remaining 3tbsp!) , water and the cream. Gradually add the Pesto mix while stirring until ingredients are mixed well.
3. Mix thoroughly until warmed, do not boil.
4. Toss in the right amount of pasta (I'm sorry I 'm not sure about the proportions .. but based on my judgement and appetite -- the sauce can drench up to 5 servings )
5. Top pasta with the leftover tuna, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to taste
6. Serve and enjoy!

I served myself (home alone tonight.. boohoo. But that means less dishes to wash, hehe.) and happily satisfied my pesto craving! Sorry I couldn't share a nicer photo of my Tuna Pesto because my photo is blurred and now it looks like an unappetizing blob. But believe me, it looked and tasted better "in pasta" than in the photo. (defensive!)

Simple Joys

2/9/2010

When is enough, enough?

This morning, we had a staff meeting where our boss updated us on the changes happening to our company globally. There will be changes in job titles, assignments, offices, job descriptions, and when possible, salaries.

I am aware that some people in the office are griping about their salaries. I know for a fact that some of these people are already receiving big salaries, judging from the clothes they wear, the cars they drive, the food they eat, the schools they went to and the schools where they send their kids to, and the amount they pay for their housing loans (1M a month??!?). But I was in awe to find them still asking for more.

If and when I reach that point in my life that I have more than enough money for my basic needs and then some,, will I still feel that I am deprived? Will it be a never ending chase for the big bucks? Scary. I hope not. But we never know... maybe I'm talking about simplicity now because I can't earn much. Talk about sourgraping ;-) haha.

Anyway, this brings me to journal about Chapter 3 of Bo's Simplify and Live the Good Life book... entitled, "Know that Happiness isn't only for Millionnaires". This time, we are asked about the simple joys that we can enjoy with very minimal (or even without!) cash outs. I'll limit my list to 10 things.

When I become super rich... I hope I'll still see the joys in these simple things:

1. Diary. Journal. Blog. - can be done for free or you can also pay for net access.

2. Pray. I find prayers of thanksgiving so refreshing. It reminds me of all the blessings. Also pray for the safety and peace of your loved ones.

3. Make a dream poster/ vision board. This is fun as long as you steer clear of feeling "pity" for yourself because of what you don't have. Think plenty!

4. Re-read your books. Borrow a good book. Or a DVD if you're not a book person

5. Send an email, call or chat with a friend you haven't spoken to in ages!

6.Walk. It'll burn calories. Just make sure you walk around a safe, pollution free space. Like a park or your neighborhood, or a football field

7. Do an art project. It doesn't have to be expensive!

8. Clean out your closet. Have fun laughing at clothes that used to be "trendy" and swoon over those that don't fit you anymore. Donate some to charity :-)

9.Look at old photos and savor the good memories. Reminisce with loved ones.

10. Hug. Kiss. Cuddle. Make Love. (But be sure to stay loyal to your partner ;-)

Have a great week everyone!

40 days

2/8/2010

Yesterday, we attended the 40th day of our friend Chris' passing. His wife Peng organized a sweet ceremony with a Sunday mass and lunch at the Libingan ng mga Bayani , Fort Bonifacio. After the mass, 29 people were called upon to share "29 happy memories with Chris" with the people present.

Sam had a hard time picking a memory and ended up sharing lots :-) I wasn't part of the special 29 but as a special tribute, I'd like to share one of my special memories with our Fos-b, aside from him being with Sam during our first date and his first "home visit" .

I quite forgot already when this happened, but this was after they graduated from the PMA and were already assigned as tactical officers in the academy (umm I think?) . I was working in Makati but still went home to Laguna everyday. I was supposed to meet Sam after my office hours, but there was no Sam. No text, no call, no email, no paramdam. It was getting late, I was so mad and frustrated.

Just as I was about to go home, Chris texted me and asked me where I was. I told him I was in Makati, about to go home and soo mad that his mistah stood me up!!! He immediately called me and told me to stay put and that he'll "rescue" this date. He told me he was in the Makati area anyway (found out later that he was actually in QC) . In less than 20 minutes, he was there ... treating me to a KFC dinner and giving me a pep talk on the "unpredictable lives of soldiers" . Thanks to him, I did not wait for nothing and that Sam was sort of saved.

It was probably a few days after that when I received this testimonial from him (Friendster :-) pretty hot back then..) This, I also have to share with his Ate Marge ... his sister that is closest to his heart. So weird that he mentioned "kahit mawala ako sa lupa d nya mararamdaman.".. Posbi - ramdam na ramdam ko po.. :-(

Godspeed Chris, keep smiling, keep wakeboarding, and keep making friends in your heaven.

50 Blessings

2/5/2010

Chapter 2 of Bo Sanchez' "Simplify and Live the Good Life" has plenty of quotes worth sharing! I wanted to choose just one, but what the heck, I'll just share them all.

"There are two ways to get enough: one is to continue to accumulate more and more.
The other is to desire less." - GK Chesterton

"If you develop the capacity to suck all the joy that life has to offer,
you don't need expensive entertainment."

"Focus on what you have, not on what you don't.. because satisfaction doesn't come from getting what you want but wanting what you already have"

The chapter, entitled "Live on Less and Delight in it More" emphasizes the value of counting your blessings. I am so guilty about griping about small stuff that I easily forget all my blessings (and I have so much!) Bo encourages his readers to list down 50 blessings ~ things that I have right now that I sometimes take for granted. It was really hard to think about all 50, but it felt really good once I listed them all. I know there are a lot more!

1. Sam. The husband who tries to give me everything I want but also plays a big role in "grounding" me and helping me live simply.
2. My enthusiastic, supportive, cool parents.
3. The coming of _____. Oops. I'm not ready to share this one just yet!
4. Despite the financial crunch we're experiencing right now.. we are still able to cope with the essentials, and then some. (It's quite amazing how we're able to manage)
5. My "temp" job. And other "temp jobs" that come my way.
6. Very encouraging friends. Friends who believe in me and my abilities. Thank you.
7. My GFI business. Struggling, yes - but the journey is inspiring me.
8. Dream achieved: Living at Fort.5
9. Text messaging
10. My "inherited" comforts. So glad that I had smart ancestors. We need not worry about having a place to live in when worse comes to worst.
11. My very generous family.
12. Ability to express myself through writing.
13. I know people who trust me and believe in me :-)
14. My education. Academic, or otherwise.
15. That I grew up comfortable with both Tagalog and English.
16. I think I am well-traveled. To quote Janet Jackson, "I've seen the world, been to many places"
17. HOPE. Not losing Hope.
18. I had my fair share of birthday parties while growing up :-) Had a nice 1st birthday (so they tell me) , a cool joint 7th birthday party with some friends (it was called 7-11 with Lisa and Ronald) , and a cheezy 18th debut. Hehe.
19. The Internet , Email and reconnecting through social networking sites
20. I am where I wanted to be. It did not turn out exactly as I pictured it, but I have no right to complain :-)
21. So thankful for my experience with Ayala Foundation. So thankful for all my FAFI friends.
22. I am finally learning how to cook. I also have a good stove to practice with.
23. Had pretty neat experiences while growing up that make for good stories. Almost drowning in a Las Vegas pool, being on Batibot, getting chased around the village by a doctor with a needle... etc etc.
24. A nice curriculum vitae.
25. A loving Yaya. She's still with us up to now!
26. Surviving UPLB and having a unique degree , Human Ecology!
27. Sam's always been safe. For this I am truly blessed.
28. We have a TV with an antenna that catches Channel 2 ! :-) Okay na walang cable.
29. I've visited nice beaches and there's still a lot more left for us to visit.
30. We had a nice wedding :-) I had the cake that I wanted and ice cream on the menu... And the photos we have are full of really happy people!
31. There are ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES. I am still looking forward to good opportunities. I am optimistic!
32. The possibility that Gilbert Teodoro will become our next president. Walang atrasan...
33. I've been given the chance to help people in small ways.
34. UP Rural High School
35. Photoshop.
36. Experiencing (and surviving) a hold-up at gunpoint!
37. Surviving the loss of baby Sarie and learning something from it.
38. Blogging. Multiply. Knowing that you can establish a "presence" in this world for FREE.
39. Knowing how to swim and having a swimming pool nearby.
40. New and promising friendships.
41. Loving good books.
42. Public transportation and knowing my way around (kahit limited, pwede na din!)
43. Getting MIA!!! :-) What a bundle of joy.
44. Cameras. Pictures. Fun Memories.
45. I know how to drive.
46. I have lived in comfort but I am not shielded from reality.
47. I have a US Visa, have unused travel mileage that can bring me to the US , and an aunt in the US who's very generous. It's just a question of when to go..
48. Knowing that the biggest challenge that I have to overcome is my laziness :oP Sa lahat ng gusto kong mangyari, sarili ko lang ang kalaban ko. Nobody and nothing else.
49. Hey, I had a pretty healthy Love life growing up ;-)

and..

50. If it sometimes feel that we don't have enough, (because of this list) I can now be reminded that we have more than enough.


What are your 50 blessings?

When Bo Entered my Life

2/4/2010 (I'm putting dates now because my blogger template doesn't record dates.. hmp)

Not THAT Bo ;-)

I'm talking about inspirational writer/ speaker Bo Sanchez. I am not that familiar with his work in Kerygma, but I was able to catch a few "words of wisdom" from a video of him after hearing mass at the Pavilion Mall in Binan, Laguna. This made me curious so I browsed around his stuff in the nearby bookstore. All his books looked interesting and I didn't know where to start!

I picked up "Simplify and Live the Good Life", which promises to teach its readers "how to create wealth in every area of your life as defined by your values, not as defined by the standards of society" I read the first chapter (yes, at the bookstore..) and I was hooked.

I admit that I am far from simple (not in the Kris Aquino way...) - I love fancy things and lots of drama, and I also make a big deal out of simple stuff (which is not bad at all, but I sometimes go overboard...). Sam has taught me a lot about simplicity. And I thank him for that. I no longer feel deprived whenever we don't do something fancy for our anniversary, or when we don't get to go out on a movie date because of budget constraints. And whenever I DO feel deprived, I gently remind myself that ~ hey , you have everything that you need to live.

(Bo also emphasizes that simplicity does not mean forcing yourself to live in poverty. More about that as we go along, if I can keep up with my journaling)

The first chapter of the book, entitled "Live from the Core of Your Being" says to embrace what is most important to you and work from there. Discover your core and let it inspire you to make your daily decisions and actions.

Hence, I begin my "Simplify" journal. This does not mean that I will end my quest in searching for Financial Freedom -- this just means that I am just seeking more motivation for me to reach my goals.

Journal:
What is my core? What are the most important things in my life right now?

~ My family and family togetherness. I want everyone to stay healthy and happy.
~ Being able to "give back to my parents" for all the non-material and material things they've given me. I long for the time that I can already provide for them (I am an only child, and they've given me sooo much even up to now!! It's time that they take a break!)
~ Living free from financial worries. May be hard to digest, but freedom from financial worries may give way to a happier and healthier life.
~ Keeping friendships. Being able to help others. Doing my job (any job) with commitment and integrity.

Try reflecting on these things as well :-) I hope you can share them with me!

When a Cow Makes a Difference

I am now here in our office *wasting time* while waiting for a meeting :-). I'm not supposed to be here today because of my work schedule, but we're having a Red Cross outreach on Friday where I volunteered to be a lecturer so I have to attend this training today. (Everybody's gonna get paid as part of our company's volunteer privileges - but not me because of my "temp" status. It's okay tho, feels better that way, hehe)

While waiting, I decided to browse through our company's intranet and would like to share a unique story: Some of our colleagues from the main office went to Nairobi to spend time with kids who lost their parents to AIDS-related illnesses.. and deviating from the usual food, medicine and toiletry-donations... they gave the orphanage...

... a pregnant cow named Gold, a cowshed, feed, and agricultural training.

Talk about teaching men (in this case, kids!) how to fish :-) According to the article... "The gift is an example of sustainable financing at its most micro form – and another example of staff spending their own time and money to help local communities. The cow will provide milk for the children, who in turn get hands-on experience in sustainable farming and animal husbandry."

Found it so nice and just wanted to share ;-)

Turning "Green"

I don't take credit for this... but it made me feel good that she made an effort to let me know! I received this text message early this morning...

"Hanna, just this morning, I have finally decided on my president and guess who! Gibo :-) 2 votes already from my small family :-) Good morning!"

Thank you, thank you sis, you know who you are.

Just last week, someone asked me if I was campaigning "officially" -- no, I'm not. This is all for free, voluntary, for the country. Besides, I believe I'm not doing much yet.

So there, I am not being paid for these efforts. It saddens me that some people accuse us of being "paid" (and in some GT forums where we are promoting positive campaigning, I can't help but notice that the rudest people are supporters of one particular candidate, and this adds up to my fear of their candidate winning because it will mean that these rude people will have the reason to gloat. Hehe.)

And to end this entry, let me share with you the newest Gibo video -- obviously redemption time for the brouhaha over the alleged piracy of that "other" song. ;-)

Rivermaya’s drummer and “Lipad” composer Mark Escueta relates:

“When I first heard Gibo’s Radio Ad, I was blown away by this line “Sa pananaw ko, matagal na nating gustong lumipad”. Tama siya eh. Hindi lumpo ang taong bayan. Nanggigigil tayong lahat kasi magagaling tayo pero ang daming humahadlang. We just need the right person in the cockpit and Rivermaya believes that Gibo is THE one. Gibo’s words of wisdom have given birth to a new song from Rivermaya, and this song is for everybody, especially the graduating students of 2010. We would like to thank Gibo and his team for having faith in Rivermaya and for giving us the opportunity to write this song. Handa na tayong lumipad! ”