TEN: The Evening News-the coolest news program on Philippine free tv

If you're tired of the usual crappy, cheap sensationalist style of news shows the big 2 (abs-cbn and gma) churn out every day then just change the channel dude and go to TV5 evening news. They're the coolest.
i love the fact that they only tackle the news that really matters...i mean dude who cares if some jobless asses slugged it out in some dirty street in manila? i don't! And neither do I care about some local showbiz starlet crying on the national tv for a bid of some free publicity! i thought the local free tv channels are hopeless. i was wrong.
Just the top ten news that matters every night, no cheap, tabloidish content. the anchors are cool and intelligent. the segments are hot and really matters. i mean where on free tv world in the philippines can you see Lourd de Vera dishing out some words on political street tarps that makes you bob your head in agreement just like the way you would with his music? Only on TEN at TV5!
Two thumbs up to all the people who are behind this news show. Keep being intelligent you guys.

PDI, PHILSTAR, MB listen up!!!

i wanna be a newspaper columnist...i mean i seem to love the challenge of writing things that are relevant. i believe i can bring something to the table that will illicit some reaction from readers in ways that it will affect them and touch them the way written letters does. I've been fascinated with the written word long before i learned to read and write. i remember wanting to learn to read because i was curios as to why my father get so absorbed in a book with no pictures, only black letters in thick pages. i didn't finish any course related to writing but i am passionate about it. i write when i can and take joys in it. i was very ecstatic when my submission to Philippine Daily Inquirer, my first ever, was printed. it was like WOW! i didn't have any confidence in my writing capabilities until i actually saw the piece on the Daily. I wish my dream will be fulfilled one of these days. i'm thinking about applying for a position in Philstar, PDI or whereever as long as i write. i'd be living in paradise if that happens.

out and about...

I'm aching for another trip..another journey to somewhere. currently i'm stuck in my cousins' crib... can't do anything else other than get out to write or read. I go to the mall to be afforded that luxury. i miss my brothers but i'm determined to strike it on my own now.
i dont have money but i am determined to go to Malaybalay City for the Kaamulan Festival this March which is not that near yet. i will really go there even if i don't have extra money...gotta get me a camera...and then there's the planned Bohol escapade, this time with my barkadas... i'm getting a life...

My Brother's Project

Capé Estiban's

According to Wikipedia.org Initao is a highly urbanized town. Its residents are very updated with the latest trends in technology, fashion and wellness. To relax and unwind locals can go to Internet cafés, restaurants and well known beach resorts in its fringes. However, with the proliferation of these establishments none caters to those who just wants to sit, relax and unwind without having to plan it before hand. As one may have noticed no establishment, particularly in the town center, that has first class amenities like a decent coffee shop. This study aims to address that concern.

Capé Estiban's is a coffee shop envisioned to be the answer. The name is picked because of its exotic and yet classy appeal. The name is inspired by a local corn coffee brand slightly tweaked to refine the name. It has the distinct feel of being a local brand that can also be at par with international brands like Starbucks or Bo's Coffee shop. The name itself will not just be a name but a brand. The goal is to have a place where not only Initaonons can hang out in but can also be very proud of.

The coffee shop will be located prominently and strategically in the town center of Initao, by the National Highway so locals and travelers alike can easily spot it. The proposed space is the property across the National Highway from the Initao Rural Bank and Valley Bank. The space itself is peaceful and distant from busy residential areas and the nearby banks lend an air of professionalism. The place will have ample parking space, classy, chick yet practical structure and interiors, well-edited and updated menu, professionally trained staff and management, Wi-Fi and information assistance regarding the town itself. Capé Estiban's will serve and popularize the humble “mais kapi” or corn coffee and elevate it to a classy drink with strong following, it will also serve other coffee variety, freshly baked and delicious breads and pastries and other fairs. The place will be a place where people can talk business or leisure over a steaming pot of coffee and a plate of bread, surf the net through Wi-Fi, or just be with friends or family or alone on any given time that the shop is open. Capé Estiban's will be an establishment and a brand associated with excellent service and great experience.

I swear i'll be a damn good teacher!!!

we were swore in yesterday, Sunday December 14, 2008, at Capitol University gym as professional teachers for passing the board exam last September 2008. I think I overdressed for the situation...i envisioned a cross between sex and the city and a korean fashion outcome...the outcome turned out to be me...just damn awkward at wearing a full skirt and an unmade hair. i was suppose to bring out a rock chic style but i failed mesirably...but its ok. i'm used to messing up anything...hehehe anyway after the occasion i just changed clothes...i'll try again next time...im gonna don that dress again and with a bang! I gotta learn some tricks to be a girl...

anyway the occasion was "ok"... i thought it wasnt gonna take long. Damn, i paid almost 1,500 pesos for the whole thing and all we got for entertainment was a dance number from PRC Cagayan de Oro's long-faced and quite unapprochable staff. Now I wonder where the 250pesos for entrance ticket went. I mean why did they have to go to a private venue when there are public places where it can be done for free! hmmmm...red tape red tape red tape....bad example for the new teachers. there were a lot of board passers in there... they sure did make a bundle or two because the money they charged us, not all were issued official reciepts for. Aside from the 1,050 reflected in the official receipt we were made to pay 250pesos for the ticket to the venue, 21 pesos for the form, another 21pesos for the documentary stamp, 75 pesos in the cashier which wasnt stated what it was for, not to mention the 100p charge for the photos. If the government is really serious about fighting corruption they should check on charges like these by one of their branches. Well I complain formally? No idea. I don't think anything good will come out of it anyway.

them talking about doing our jobs seriously and honestly certainly made me smirk just as I did when I watched the stupid dance number. They should've just let us blabber through the oath form and get it over it without much funfare. It would've save us the money and the time.

I'm not saying all these just because i felt bad about my dress during the event. Hehe.

my christmas wishlist

1. a dgcam...a dslr would be awesome but something affordable from canon would be cool.
2. books from esabil allende and neil gaiman and the like
3. trip to somewhere...anywhere
4. chocolates!
5. a cool sewing machine

i dont believe in santa claus or winning the lotto but who knows what might just happen? (i'm betting on nothings-gonna-happen scenario) but anyway its fine with me....

OH WHEN?!!!!

I WANNA GO TO JAPAN AND LIVE IN THE LAND OF COOL AND KAWAI CRAFTING!!!! 

bloody monday

this is our beloved cat who was a stray before he was adopted... he died last monday after a night of pain for him and for us. we couldnt bring him to any animal hospital because we simply dont have that in our town. the vet was supposed to be summoned on Monday but chappy died on Monday 4 am. We miss him so much, he'd met my mom from the office, or just snuggles up, or begs for treats... we just miss him.

my lil bro buried him beneath the trees in from of our house where birds love to congregate...

some good stuff on free tv

we had our cable disconnected a long time ago and can live without tv, we had no tv at home for almost 2 years after our old tv died. However since quiting my job I watch some tv from time to time to kill time and boredom. If the show makes some sense i set through it. I noticed though that its only the animes that i actually look forward to and some tv shows on RPN like Chuck. Recently I just discovered Camera Cafe on GMA after their morning show. i just love the show its really one of those rare show that has brains on free tv. Underrated but superb actors like Epy Quezon, Bearwin Melli, Patrecia Ysmael, to name a few. I just hope GMA wont pull a plug on this show because shows with brains hardly survive in the brainless shows-laden free channels. (Example: that art show hosted by epy quezon and tado in channel two.) i'm willing to drink as many nescafe as i can if it helps...

MOA AND THE MILF

i haven't posted anything in a long time coz i wasnt up to it but right now i think i have a lot of reasons to...

first up is the MOA to set up a Muslim state here in Mindanao. Its PLAIN STUPED!!!! what makes them think it will bring peace? It will only bring war and awaken the race related skirmishes here. To think that it has already died down eons ago and now here's this? I dont know whoever cooked up the whole thing? Its a blatant treachery to everyone, and like a spit on the Constitution! The President obviously doesnt respect the constitution nor cares about the people of this nation. And there's Esperon whom I think is a war freak, why was he in the peace panel anyway? MILF is a terrorist group and the people in the government is endulging them. Does this mean in order to get what you want out of the government just bear arms and kill ennocent people to sway the weak President? To the Supreme Court...please kill this MOA and save this country from the President's stupedity...

the Olympics is on going and I dont think were getting any medals... Palakasan ata ang ticket to get in there...heck i'm not fond of sports anyway...

Bob Ong where ever you are mag release kana nang bagong book please!

...hmmmm that's it muna...

craftygurl

i've been a crafty girl since i was a wee girl...seeing my mom and dad make things with their won hands...from toys to clothes...and growing up with not much money to spare, sowed the seeds of craftiness in us siblings and we're just thankful for it. right now were working on our garden and i'm hatching an idea off opening a small crafty shop at home... i'm still getting used to getting over procrastenitaion, i think its the yellow paint on the walls...hmmm...so anyway we're making a lot of progress and i know we will get there eventually....

boys (a poem)

I grew up with boys
I grew up wanting to be a boy
Until a boy unknowingly thought me how to be a girl
That same boy thought me the ecstasy of desire
And thought me the name of the Sayaws
As they hovered over us one rainy night

Another boy introduced me to Van Gogh
And made me wish I can be with him under
The Starry Night for even just once
I miss that boy though I’ve never seen him even once

The memories of them rekindled memories
Of boys who’s lives intertwined with mine for a moment or two

One taught me Rock
Another took advantage of my naïveté
One used to hunt me in a dream
A dream so true that it seems to be an unconscious memory
One made me think of growing old with him
An idea I thought would never cross my mind
One group of three made me wish I was one of them
And live a life of care free fun and girl free worries

I grew up with boys
I grew up wanting to be a boy
Until a boy unknowingly thought me how to be a girl
That same boy thought me the ecstasy of desire
And thought me the name of the Sayaws
As they hovered over us one rainy night

Another boy introduced me to Van Gogh
And made me wish I can be with him under
The Starry Night for even just once
I miss that boy though I’ve never seen him even once

Boys are boys
Boys maybe be wicked, chivalric, addictive, cunning
Boys are boys
I wanted to be one
Boys will be boys
I’ll never be one
Thank heavens

Boardinghouse Specialties

This morning I took to looking back to my college years in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. I stayed in a boardinghouse while I was there. One of the things I remember is the food we cooked up while holed up there on a weekly budget of 500 pesos. I’m luckier compared to some who gets less. With such a limited budget one is forced to find ways to eat decently and still have money to spare for other student escapades. Right now I’ll share with you the recipes that made us survive. I just cooked two of them for our lunch today. These recipes don’t have formal names but they came out of student resourcefulness and are quite delectable for starving and budget-constrained boardinghouse master chiefs and cooks.

The objective of these recipes is that the ingredients must be cheap and can be easily sourced. And can get done in five to then minutes or less. Go ahead and try it. Feel free to tweak the ingredients or to use MSG if you can’t live without it. The point is for you to be able to eat beyond the usual fair of bought viand from the friendly carenderia, instant noodles, fried egg or “invisible chicken”. If you’re wondering what the latter is. Its simple. Just boil water and throw in a Knorr Chicken cube. And walah! The amazing Invisible chicken to go with your 1 cup of rice.


Scrambled Ampalaya

1 egg
1 medium sized ampalaya thinly sliced
1 spring onion
Oil
Salt

1. Heat oil in a pan. Suite onion. Sprinkle salt.
2. Throw in ampalaya. Don’t add water. Lower heat. Cover pan. Let ampalaya be cooked by its own steam.
3. Add a pinch of salt. If you have some spare powdered black pepper, add some too.
4. Pour beaten egg.
5. Stir constantly and thoroughly until evenly cooked. Don’t let egg to stick to pan. Remove from fire.


Sardines with Egg

1 egg
1 can Spicy sardines
Salt
Oil
Onion
Garlic

1. Mash sardines with spoon. Add beaten egg and a pinch of salt. Scramble. Set aside.
2. In a heated pan suite onion and garlic in oil.
3. Add a pinch of salt or to taste.
4. Throw in the scrambled egg and crushed sardines.
5. Stir concoction constantly. Mix sure nothing will stick to pan. Until evenly cooked. Remove from pan.

Tortang Kalabasa

1 egg
Mashed kalabasa from some left over (or boil some if you have enough time)
Corn starch
Soy sauce
Ketchup (for dip)


1. Pre-heat oil in pan.
2. Mix mashed kalabasa, scrambled egg, soy sauce, and corn starch evenly.
3. Fry.



Corned beef and Potatoes

1 small can of corned beef
Potatoes sliced in tiny cubes
Oil
Onion
Salt

1. Suite Onion and cubed potatoes in oil, add some water if you wish, until potato is done.
2. Add corned beef. Mix and stir until done.
3. Throw in some onion rings.

Tortang Left-Over Noodles

Left-over noodles or instant pancit canton from lat night’s dinner
1 egg
Oil
Salt

1. Mix left-over noodles with scrambled egg.
2. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Fry.

Tortang Okra (My personal contribution)

Thinly, diagonally sliced okra
Egg
Salt
Oil

1. Mix Okra and scrambled egg.
2. Add salt.
3. Fry.

And our take at the very nutritious pinakbet:

Pinakbet Boardinghouse Style

One pack pre-sliced and mixed vegetables for pinakbet(We used to buy one pack at 5pesos each)
1 pack Instant Pancit Canton (Extra Hot for me)
Water
Salt
Oil
Onion
Garlic
Soy sauce

1. Heat oil. Suite garlic and onion.
2. Stir in vegetables.
3. Add water and soy sauce. Cover until cooked.
4. When vegetables starts to resemble a decent pinakbet add the Instant Pancit Canton. Simmer.
5. Remove from fire.
6. Prepare the Pancit canton seasoning. Mix in the pinakbet and canton mixture.

Misua and Tinapa

2 packs misua (the one-piso-each-pack variety)
1 can Sardines (separate sauce from fish)
water
Ginger
Salt
Onion

1. Together with sardine’s sauce, salt, ginger and onion allow water to boil
2. Add misua and fish. Sprinkle salt. Allow to simmer. Remove from fire.


Fried Bagyo Beans

I haven’t tried this recipe but I got this from my male boardmates.

Bagyo beans
Scrambled egg
Oil

1. Preheat oil in a pan.
2. Dip bagyo beans in scrambled egg.
3. Fry.

Tortang Kamatis

Finely chopped tomatoes
Egg, scrambled
Oil
Salt

1. Mix finely chopped tomatoes, egg and salt.
2. Fry.


Crunchy Noodle Cookies

1 pack instant noodles
Egg
Salt.

1. Preheat oil.
2. Break noodles into small pieces.
3. Mix with scrambled egg. Add salt.
4. Fry.