Chris Brown is set to have a concert at Araneta Coliseum on October 29, 2008.
Keep you posted!

Patron (except the first 10 rows nearest the stage) - P6700
Lower Box (except the two center sections and all front row (A) seats) - P4500
Upper Box A (reserved seating) - P2500
Upper Box B (open seating) - P1500
General Admission - P600

2 weekends in vigorous Manila will be missed this August.  The upcoming Cebu trip, organized by Travel Factor (http://thetravelfactor.org/), which will take us to Cebu City, Bantayan Island, Virgin Island and Malapascua, very much excites me.  I can finally cross Bantayan on my old list of things to do (http://www.janedchua.com/2007/09/27/my-25-items-for-summer/).

However, nothing electrifies me more than the thought of another out-of-the-county trip with Bubba.  I have to start preparing myself mentally for bungee-jumping.

Saturday at Shangri-la Plaza

Dippin’ Dots and BTIC are good accompaniment to shopping for make-up!

Bubba, on the phone with Darlene, leans over and lands a soft peck on the lips as my right hand closes the car door.  I surreptitiously whispered that the Coke Vlogging Awards was transferred to Greenbelt instead of MOA.  He mouthed, “why” and casually my shoulders shrugged, “Maybe because of the rain?”

“Yea, but Jane says the Coke’s blogger event was transferred to Greenbelt,” he says on the phone.  I was squirming in my seat, debating whether to blurt out my plan or just remain quiet at the passenger’s side.  I didn’t want him sending Darlene or anyone else to the wrong venue.

I had to keep my lips closed.  I made a reservation at Myron’s for a dinner date with Bubba.  Our initial plan that evening was to attend the Coke event but after lunch I decided to take out Bubba for a date.

With a glowing review from Lori of Dessert Comes First (http://dessertcomesfirst.com/?p=739), Myron’s was the choice in mind (as the place to celebrate the opening of the Beijing Olympics…) to take an ordinary evening and celebrate my relationship with Bubba.  It’s been a while since we last had a romantic dinner.

 

Myron’s is a handsome sophisticated restaurant located at the corner of Greenbelt 5.  Gray tables and brown and orange chairs fill the room, including a funky couch with green polka design.  On their tables stood a short yellow flower parked in its own solitude.  A leopard candleholder catches the eye and casts a warm romantic glow on the dining experience.  Carefully arranged square mirrors adorn the wall as well as an abstract painting at the far end.  Get transfixed in the enormous wine display that houses their reasonably priced wine collection. 

Owner Mon Eugenio, a seasoned restaurateur put together an irresistible menu with a wide range of dishes from grilled steaks to creative appetizers and pasta. 

On the Table:

Prawn Bisque PHP 190

Pumpkin soup is always the favorite –that or clam chowder.  Ordering something new started the mood right.  The prawn bisque was split into two and served with slender toasted garlic “crouton” with bacon bits.  One slurp of the soup opened our disposition to greater things to come.  The essence of fresh prawns was evident in the thick creamy soup.

Bianca’s Cut PHP 900

My carnivorous side is on the prowl lately (http://www.janedchua.com/2008/08/01/deliverance-mamou-home-kitchen/) although it’s been daunting the pockets.  Roast “1855 Brand” Premium Black Angus Rib Eye of Beef.  I was eyeing the 400 grams (which looked better priced at P1575++ than Mamou’s P1680++) but opted to go for the smaller cut.  Served with a bulb of roasted garlic and vegetables, the 240 grams rib eye was perfectly grilled as ordered.  It came with 2 sauces, a strong Shiraz demi glaze and a flavorful Peppercorn sauce.  The meat was tender and bursting with flavor –the only grievance is the slice of meat that was slimmer than anticipated.  Steak has to be buffed, one where the mouth gapes wide open for a bite.

 

All steaks come with a choice of starch, baked potato, mashed potato, French fries or garlic/steamed rice.  Baked potato with Ementhal cheese was very tempting but conventional side kicked in with the order of fries.

US Angus Black and Blue Burger PHP 450

There was no description of the burgers but the choice of US Angus Black and Blue burger was made prior to reading the menu.  Kubiertos and Dessertcomesfirst both ordered this bolstering my selection.  US Angus Beef burger with mushroom and peppercorn served with towering onion rings –the best I have tasted and fries.  Not a big fan of onion rings but this one proved to be the exclusion as it converted me to an instant admirer.

Service is knowledgeable and efficient by a friendly young staff.  An excellent dinner at Myron’s was enjoyed tremendously and I was glad that among the three choices I had that night, Myron’s delivered.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/540/08_0808-_Myrons  

Singapore celebrity chef Lisa Leong educates us Thursday night that great tasting food can also be healthy.  As a primer to August 8-9 cooking course, Chef Leong taught the media participants clustered at Tang City Glorietta 3 branch the healthy way of preparing delectable dishes.  To those who are not familiar with the name, Lisa Leong is one of the most popular chefs in Southeast Asia.  At age 55, she is currently a food and travel writer for Gourmet Living and a TV chef.  25 years of culinary experience paved the way for her endorsements, highlighting New Asian health cuisines that nutritional She also contributes to different food magazines across Asia and is the spokesperson for leading branded food and Philips products. 

 

Very much the talker and comic, Lisa Leong tells us that not all healthy food are bland, colorless or boring.  She reintroduces Coconut Oil as the new Asian key ingredient in Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai and Singaporean cuisine. 

“Coconut oil is a healthy and great-tasting cooking ingredient,” explains Leong. “It suits my gourmet style and appeals to millions of people in the region, as well, who use it in their daily meals.” But more important than its prominence as an ingredient in Asian cooking traditions, coconut oil is a naturally occurring oil that contains beneficial medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

Beneficial MCTs are fatty acids aid in the metabolic processes of the body including fat regulation, weight control and anti-infection activity. Basically, MCTs in coconut oil contribute to a holistic diet and help combat the excessive intake of harmful trans fatty acids. Recognizing the valuable contribution of MCTs to staying fit, Chef Leong chose coconut oil products from Team Asia Corporation, the leading provider of consumer health products, for her New Asian style cuisines.  

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/539/08_0807-_Chef_Lisa_Leong  

Calaguas Beach.  July12-13, 2008

Photo Courtesy: Jerome

The clouds are wonderful -very much in action.

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Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/506/08_0712-_Calaguas_Island

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/507/08_0712-_Calaguas_Ayla_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/508/08_0712-_Calaguas_Brian_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/510/08_0712-_Calaguas_Deneb_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/510/08_0712-_Calaguas_Deneb_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/511/08_0712-_Calaguas_Leia_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/517/08_0712-_Calaguas_AJ_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/518/08_0712-_Calaguas_Jerome

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/512/08_0712-_Calaguas_Rex_Set

 

 

Modern art is what happens when painters stop looking at girls and persuade themselves that they have a better idea.

~John Ciardi 

November 9, 2007

One slow Saturday evening….

Scene 1

Bubba:   Did you fart?

Cushee:  Uhm… 

Scene 2

Cushee: I ate Indian food last night.  I can’t help it.

Bubba: Uck, the smell makes me want to vomit! 

Scene 3

Cushee: (Laughing heartily) Hahahaha!!! You’re funny.

Bubba: (Awkward laugh) Hehe.  I’m not trying to be funny. 

Scene 4

Cushee: What do you mean?

Bubba: Sweet, your fart… uhm… it kinda… stinks. 

(SILENCE)

Scene 5

Bubba: (Frustrated) I can still smell it.  Uck.  It’s all stuck here.

Cushee: (Defensive) Where?  No, it’s not.  I don’t see it. 

Scene 6

Bubba: HEEEEEERE! 

Scene 7

Bubba: The odd smell is making me go crazy.

Cushee: (Haughty) Yea, whatever, funny guy.  You’re overreacting! 

Scene 8

Bubba: I feel dizzy…

Cushee: (Not laughing anymore)

Cushee: (Ignoring Bubba) 

Scene 9

(Smackeroo)

Bubba: Truce.  I’ll just fart to make it fair.

Cushee: Okay! 

Scene 10

Bubba: (Farting)

Cushee: (About to faint) 

Scene 11

Bubba: Wait!  There’s more. (Farting)

Cushee: (Awkward smile) 

Scene 12

Bubba and Cushee stoned (ala The Happening syndrome)

Scene 13

Poster of

Romeo and Juliet

The 2007 Version 

Dying in the name of Love. 

Cause of Death:  High Toxic Airborne Substance 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/281/07_1109-_Comic_Strip 

(Photo Credit: Brian Sahagun.  Others: Ayla, AJ, Jerome, Deneb, Leia, Rex) 

July 11, 2008.  10pm, we were headed to Bicol for Travel Factor’s UBBE (Ultimate Beach Bumming Experience) Calaguas chapter.  Our seat assignment was in the first row left side, which is the row opposite the driver’s side.  I was happy that we got the first row since I’m claustrophobic.  The extra space where the back of another chair should be but isn’t, helps, which means more leg room for Bubba too.  Unfortunately, a mini-cooler is installed in the front seats, which actually made the leg space smaller.  I was fidgeting all night trying to give more space to Bubba knowing that he was having a hard time positioning his long legs.  At one point, I had it resting on top of my legs since there was more room diagonally.  I barely had any sleep plus the drive was like going through a snake’s path.  I had to wake up once in a while to see if the bus driver was maneuvering safely.

 

5am, we arrived at Daet and made a brief stop for breakfast and toilet break.  I was so excited to stretch and more excited that we are so near our destination point.  Though a big part of me dreaded the boat ride, which I heard prior to the trip was 2 hours (if we’re lucky!).  Knowing this is my perennial dilemma, how responsible of me to forget to bring a sack of Bonamin. 

8am, we set off to the Island via a huge fishing boat.  30 minutes into the boat ride, I fell asleep.  I woke up just in time to see that we were some meters away from a spotless stretch of sand.  The waves weren’t very strong that morning thus we were able to arrive at Calaguas Island in a short of 2 hours.

A small community is the only occupant of the island.  There were no other “tourists” around except for us.  The island looked almost deserted which added to the charisma of the place.  Soft white sand greeted my feet as I set foot on the land.  As usual practice, Leia initiated the brief introduction of the group and gave us our assigned camping tents.  Bubba and I agreed on a location and set our tent, which wasn’t so hard to do as I initially thought.

 

Lunchtime, we all gathered to the main area to feast on the lunch prepared by the Bicol boys who were also our guide around town.  After lunch, I read the book I brought (the one I haven’t finished since Anawangin) and fell asleep.  When I got up, I headed straight to the beach where Ced and the rest were. 

That afternoon, after 20 minutes of rules orientation, we played Ultimate Frisbee –or at least tried to play.  The wind wasn’t cooperating.  The strong winds drove us to play different local games instead -Patintero, and a game similar to cops and robbers where you have bases, I forget what they called it but Leia passionately proposed that we play it.  It was fun but it was so hard to run on sand, which made for a good workout. 

Dark clouds loomed near and we had to transfer camp.  With combined efforts, Bubba and I moved the tent and resettled it in its new location, under a tree.  We also had to improvise an outer cover just to make sure that rainwater wouldn’t go inside. 

Drinking and social time enthused immediately after our hearty dinner.  Leia and Gerry were our resident bartenders who came up with different concoctions –Bailey’s ala Gran Ma!  An hour or so later, we exited to retreat to our bunks and catch on much needed sleep.  In the wee hours of the morning, it rained.  Thank heavens we didn’t get wet but there was practically no air inside the tent.  I kept getting up to open the flap and let some air in.

I have to give props to the drinking group left outside who braved the drizzle and were still having fun under the rain, singing and engrossed in muffled chatter. 

The next morning I got up earlier than Bubba and walked along the beach.  A few minutes later, I decided to wake him up by tickling his feet that were sticking out of the tent.  One of the things I love about Bubba is: it is very rare that he wakes up with a groan.  We basked in the beautiful morning walking on the beach.

(Photo: Need to poop… lest not forsake morning rituals.)

By 9am, we were in our assigned boats again returning to Daet shores.  Bubba said the trip back was shorter than the trip going there.  I want to disagree but I was asleep for most part of the first boat ride so I can’t really tell.  Upon reaching shore, we moved our things back to the bus again.  While waiting for others to load their stuff, Bubba and I treated some of the local kids to ice cream, which was loads of fun.  Nothing brightens one’s day like a kid’s smile.

Next stop was the lunch at Kusina ni Anghel.  We shared a table with Jaja and Brian.  After lunch, we headed to Bagasbas beach where we’re supposed to spend an afternoon of surfing.  Unfortunately, when we got there, it was flat.  There were no waves. 

Although Bagasbas beach wasn’t white, their sand was soft.  The group drowned their surfing sorrows to playing intimate (that’s not a typo of ultimate. Har har.) Frisbee.  Bubba’s group won.  Too bad Jaja was not around to win it for us (tee-hee).  I greatly enjoyed the afternoon lounging at Bagasbas beach, bonding with Ced, Ayla, Jerome, AJ, Cha, Wai, Gerry, Rex, Deneb and Leia in the water.  Afterwards, we tried our skills against skimboarding.  Although surfing could have been more fun, skim wasn’t so bad.  It was interesting to try it out and learn how to do the skips.  Skimboarding proved to be challenging for the rest of us except Gerry, but Cha and Rex incurred the biggest blows.

Learned a few pointers on skimboarding.  Tried Langka shake for the first time.  More memorable, my eyes have unearthed another beautiful island in the Philippines.  New friends were made.  I missed some people from the previous trips while having fun with new ones.  I miss Madz, Marc, Tinio, Francis, Jolly, Maan, Zarah, Karen, Joan, Divine et al.  It would have been great if they were with us during the trip.  Calaguas Island is definitely the Boracay of the North as people claims it to be.  The beach was as beautiful and the water was as clear and cool.  If it weren’t so difficult to go here (at least difficult for me because I have anxiety over boat rides), I’d be back in a heartbeat and become oblivious to the rest of the Philippines.

We travel initially to lose ourselves, and we travel next to find ourselves.  –Pico Iyer

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/506/08_0712-_Calaguas_Island

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/507/08_0712-_Calaguas_Ayla_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/508/08_0712-_Calaguas_Brian_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/510/08_0712-_Calaguas_Deneb_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/510/08_0712-_Calaguas_Deneb_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/511/08_0712-_Calaguas_Leia_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/517/08_0712-_Calaguas_AJ_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/518/08_0712-_Calaguas_Jerome

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/512/08_0712-_Calaguas_Rex_Set

 

When kids think Puccini is a mushroom, there isn’t enough art in our school