MySample Ballot for 2010 Elections

8. Teodoro, Gilberto

5. Manzano, Eduardo

1. Acosta, Nereus
10. Cayetano, Pilar
14. Drillon, Franklin
22. Inocencio, Ma.Katherine
24. Lambino, Raul
25. Langit, Rey
32. Marcos, Ferdinand Jr.
34. Mitra, Ramon
49. Remulla, Gilbert
51. Roco, Sonia
53. Soto, Vicente III
58. Tinsay, Alexander

39. ACT Teachers

6. Varella, Luis Tito

3. Echiverri, Enrico
4. Vallega, Cherry

10. Domingo, Isaac
13. Guino-o, Cristina
18. Nubla, Nora
22. Punzalan, Susana
23. Rabas, Amie
27. Trillanes, Juan Antonio

Merry Christmas Everyone

from my home to yours
a blessed and merry
CHRISTMAS
to one and all

may the true meaning of Christmas be with us all

Taste My Life # 12 : its my 31st birthday

Taste My Life # 11 : Happy 1st Anniversary Pangga

Happy Anniversary Pangga !!!

Taste My Life # 10 : My Blog's 1st Anniversary

i started to register and get my blog spot about December of 2007. but i don't have anything, any story to blog about but i registered anyways.

my 1st blog story came when we visited MV Dulos for the first time and Salcedo Market in Makati City. New Year Eve celebration came so thus stories rolled for a bit. after that, i dont have any to blog about thus my site became stagnant.

when my sister - she's the one who brought blogging in our home - joined the eyeball of Litratong Pinoy meme in intramuros, she asked me to join. thus i did. i enjoyed that trip and my blog interest got high so i joined in the meme and made my 1st serious blog story. that story was about Liwaliw (stroll) and the rest came that easy.

#####

after 1 year of bloging I...:

...joined 7 memes : ABC Wednesday; Litratong Pinoy; Food Friday; Food Trip Friday and Lasang Pinoy Sundays. Yummy Sunday (closed) and Cultural Connection.

...became a photographer as a hobby. thus, i learned to manipulate photos.

...gained new friends. some of them i met once or twice.

...my interest in Food, Travel and Life intensified and taking a snapshot and doing write ups to document it.

...my written and oral English (grammar) is developing on every story i make.

#####

thanx my dearest viewers and readers for your numerous visits and leaving a trace thru your comments. for the next years, i hope you'll remain loyal visitors. and ill do the same.

on the next months, ill enter paid entries and side bar addz so that i can do more Travels; enjoy good Food; and gain more experience in Life. expect that ill blog it one at a time.

Taste My Life # 09 : Culinary TV Viewier part 2

I am so hook on Culinary TV shows
Part two

This entry is to update my entry on the 1st part and some additionals.

off the air :((

- "Tablescapes: life on a plate" hosted by Chef Bruce Lim and Ms. Angel Aquino
- "Chef to Go" hosted by Chef Rob Pengson
- "KaToque: lutong barkada" hosted by Katoque Barkada

New time slots:

- "True Confections" is now Sundays at 6:45pm QTV 11
- "Heny Sison" is now back on air Sundays 8:30am QTV 11
- "Iron Chef - Japan" is now on air Fridays 7:25pm QTV 11

New shows i love and hook on to:

- "Secret of the Masters" Sundays after "True Confections" QTV 11

this is the first show in the Philippines wherein they feature Master Chefs (one chef per episode) who are masters in Philippine culinary based here and/or abroad. Some episodes feature foreign blood chefs but now based here in our country.

some of these masters are top or executive chefs of fine dinning restaurants and hotels; Culinary School administators/founders; restaurateurs; and others alike.


- "Tara lets eat: sunday special" 1st and 3rd Sundays QTV11 10:45pm

this special, features the summary of their episodes on "the Beat" QTV 11 mondays 10pm. some what like a re-run but editeod to create a theme for the sunday episode. i love this show simply bcoz its more compact, preisice and more drool than the monday episode :D

Disclaimer: this is not a paid sponsorship nor endorsement to the said shows, personalities, website links and entities.

Taste My Life # 08 : The Peach Blogiversary blow out

blog anniversary blow out of
the Peach Kitchen

wow!!! some of my friends here in the blog sphere are treating us to their anniversary blow out and the Peach Kitchen of Ms. Peachkins is one of them. the rules are simple thus i never hesitated to join. the prizes are so simple and yet practical specially for me as a food & travel blogger.

im joining in, you too, join too, who knows, we will be both lucky to munch that snacks up for grabs.

as i said, the prizes are simple yet practical for a blogger like us. its all snacks and made-it-easy ready made mixes and sauces. jaz vsit the site The Peach Kitchen for dtails. offer good until July 19, 2009 and drawing of winners will be on July 21, 2009. hurrry up guys

Taste My Life # 06 : 3rd Litratong Pinoy EB @ Aliwan Festival

My second Eye Ball
of the Lifetime and to Litratong Pinoy

Yes it's my second time to attend an eyeball(EB) meeting of a certain group. Both EBs are EBs of Litratong Pinoy. Its their 3rd EB: the first one, im not yet part of the group; the second EB, im still not part of the group but my sister is and she needs a butler =)) so i joined, it was intramuros; and now the 3rd time it's in CCP complex for the Aliwan Festival last 25 April 2009

Hesitations

I was reluctant to attend since nobody will attend the house that time. but i still got up to be there after my house chores. when me & sib ShutterHappyJen got some water & batteries on a convenience store, rain poured so hard that made us hesitant to go. after the rains, we decided to go on anyway, boarded the bus, then LRT then we met the group.

EB @ Dencio's Bar & Grill at Harbor Square, CCP complex, Manila

when we got there, we met them and exchanged introductions and stories. Ms. Missy & Ms. JennyL ordered for the group's choice for lunch.

Menu

we had these for lunch.

Crispy Kangkong


Calamares


Sinigang na Hipon


and Crispy Sisig.

im having a diet that's why im having this servings =))

Class Picture

Before the eating, Class picture first.

counter clockwise starting from left background
Ms. JennyL of a spice of life
Ms. Missy of impromptu
Ms. Marian of upto6only
Me, Jay of more than i can chew
Ms. Jen of Shutter Happy Moment
Mr. Lino of Lino Photography
Mr. Ronnie of i set no corner

Ms. Buge arrived after lunch, thus she is not part of the picture. but she has photos from others attendees, pls do check it out there.

After Lunch

We headed for the entrance area of Dencio's for another Class picture. as usual, jump shots at the bay area side. Photos of these are posted in Litratong Pinoy web site.

Trigger happiness at the Aliwan Festival

We headed to Aliw Theater to see the Aliwan Festival. the Floats are parked on the Parking area of Star City. we captured every floats and its delegates. since we are all busy taking shots, the group scattered out to capture the best angles we can find. after the floats and its people, we headed to the PICC parking area where street dance competitors practice their moves.

every contingent are then preparing for the float parade thus we positioned next to Star City entrance gate to capture the parade. The security is so tight on our place thus we moved to the Star City Parking entrance to capture the floats and its delegates as they prepare their places in the parade. The parade has (almost) 24 contestants for the different competitions: Festival Float; Festival Dance; and Festival Queen.

The Winners are

Float Competition:

1st place - "abel: woven & worn" of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte


2nd place - "lemba" of Cotabato City, Maguindanao


3rd place - "dinagyang" of Iloilo City, Iloilo


Street Dance Competition:

1st Place - "Boyogan Festival" of Abuyog, Leyte


2nd Place - "Kasadyahan of Dinagyang Festival" of Banate, Iloilo


3rd Place - "Dinagyang Festival" of Iloilo City, Iloilo


Festival Queen:

1st Place - Sian Elizabeth Maynard of Sinulog Festival of Cebu City
2nd Place - Romarie Ivy Cunanan of Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City
3rd Place - Aliah Heitz of Kadayawan sa Davao Festival of Davao City
4th Place - Parul Framil Shah of Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City
5th Place - Kate Lao of Pamulinawen festival of Laoag City


Parting words

sad to say, i don't have pictures of the Festival Queen winners since it rained so hard they have to keep their muse dry.

the complete list of winners of the festival are posted on Aliwan Festival Official Website.

other photos captured my me are posted on my multiply account and of other website of my fellow EB attendees.

i hope that we could have an EB again. Its so nice and a pleasure on my part to meet you and have a photoOps with you. until then.

All photos herein are captured using Canon Powershot A580 in CCP Complex, Manila last 25th of April 2009

Taste My Life # 05 : Reflections on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday

The Butterfly

They say that the butterfly is one great symbol of Easter where in from a caterpillar will place itself on a cocoon and transform itself to a beautiful butterfly.

When I was I kid, we have a soursop (guyabano; Annona muricata) tree. Every summer, caterpillars will nest on it and they are so many of them. Ill collect them as many as I can and place it on an empty sardine can, add water and ill boil it on a burning dried leaves and twigs. I always see a caterpillar as a pesky creature that can give you itchy body once on contact.

What I did to that poor caterpillar is also pretty much the same as the Romans did to our Lord. The see the Lord as treat, a thorn that must be taken out. Thus the hardship that the Lord went on through. Being a caterpillar is just part of the journey that it must go thru. Same as the Lord, that hardship is only a part of the journey that must take place for our salvation.

Once a caterpillar spins to create a cocoon, it will be laid into rest for another transformation. Same as the Lord. The Lord will now be laid into rest for three days for the much waited fulfillment of a great promise.

The empty cocoon is like the empty tomb. The caterpillar is not anymore present but it has a resurrected to a beautiful being, the butterfly. Same as the Lord, He left us with an empty tomb. All linens are folded. And we see it as a new being, not any more in flesh but in spirit, in our midst that always dwell among us, where every we maybe.

The Lord is triumphant over death and fulfilled His promise that He will build this Church after three days.

Happy Easter to every one.


Disclaimer:
These words are made from a personal opinion and reflection. It does not reflect on the opinion of my religious affiliations and of the Catholic faith.

Taste My Life # 04 : Reflections on Good Friday

The Sayings of Jesus on the cross

Reference: en.wikipedia.org and the Holy Bible in Today’s English Version

• Jesus said “Forgive them ,Father! They don’t know they are doing” (Luke 23:34)
  

I do believe that the Lord did not came to judge us but to help us seek the Father’s forgiveness. It’s in our hands now to ask for His forgiveness. The Lord will help us in every step of the way.

• Jesus said to him “I promise you that today you will be in paradise with me” (Luke 23:43)
  

Paradise is not only being in the state of happiness and goodness in life but paradise is being in the Father’s arms of redemption. Paradise is Like a our parents’ warm embrace every time they welcome us home.

• Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing there, so He said to His mother “He is your son.” Then He said to the disciple “She is your mother.” From that time the disciple took her to live in his home. (John 19:26-27)
  

The Lord put us in the loving care of His mother Mary. Thus, we took Her not only in our homes but in our hearts. We pray the rosary. We pray for Her perpetual help. We pray for the heath of the sick.

I do believe that She too took us in Her loving heart and always intercede every time we pray. She really is our Mother and gladly accepted us to her children

• At about three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why did you abandon me?” (Matthew 27:46)
• At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why did you abandon me?” (Mark 15:34)
  

In times of trials and hardships, we do always feel alone, abandoned and outcast. We cannot feel the Father’s presence and guidance. Little that we know, we are still standing and think out what to do because of His presence and guidance. He really did not abandoned us, He just us stand and face such trials and hardships. He is just waiting for us to call His Name.

• Jesus knew that by now everything had been completed; and in order to make the scripture come true, He said, “I am thirsty.” (John 19: 28)
  

Does the Lord really physically thirsty? Or He is thirsty for our repentance, thirsty to call His name in prayer. We always respond by giving Him “NO” for an answer. Our ”NO” is so sour as the wine he drank in that cross.

• Jesus drank the wine and said, “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit (John 19:30)
  

His mission on earth is complete. His hardship in the cross is done. Yes, He has done His part. Now its our turn to do our part be one with Him in with the Father.

• Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father In Your hands I place My spirit!” (Luke 23:46)

For me, Spirit does not only mean one’s soul. Its giving up one’s: old ways; past; and present being. It’s about giving up one’s self to the Lord like the Lord has gave His life and self for us.

Disclaimer:
These words are made from a personal opinion and reflection. It does not reflect on the opinion of my religious affiliations and of the Catholic faith.

Taste My Life # 03 : Reflections on Maundy Thursday

The Holy Gospel According to Saint John
chapter 13 verses 1 to 20
(Today’s English Version)

Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet

on Maundy Thursday, we recall the Lord's Humility by Him washing the feet of His Disciples. Manny people, I heard them say that this kind of humility is very seldom and very unusual for a master, a teacher will lower himself just to wash his followers' feet.

but why feet? why not just wash the hands of His Disciples instead?

they say that during those times were no modes of transportation is available for a commoner like them - royalties and elites has horses and carriages - but to walk or to ride on a stubborn donkey. when a donkey become so stubborn, the rider has no choice but to put it. thus, making the feet more exposed to road dirt and dust.

other theories say that during those times, there is a delegated house servant to wash the feet of the guest.

The Lord's washing the feet of His Disciples is a the highest form of humility. who would have thought that the King will wash His servants' feet. that is why Simon Peter contested and asked the Lord why He will wash his feet (John 13:6). and this kind of humility is clearly not understood then and until now, but the Lord said "...but you will understand later" (John 13:7). as soon as we see a clear view of humility, we really wont understand why.

when a manifestation of humility comes before our eyes, we then to be abusive and take advantage of it or take more of its perks, we ask for more (John 13: 9-10).

as i read and recall the this part of the Holy Gospel, I only have one word, one massage that came to my mind and heart:

forgiveness.

I do believe that no matter how we sinned against the Lord, He is always ready to cleans us and wash away of the dirt that we encounter on the past journeys.

and He set and gave an example of this kind of forgive thus this act of humility. and He reiterates and instructed us "I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet. You, then, should wash one another's feet. I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I done for you......happy you will be if you put it into practice!" (John 13:14-17)

i recall those who sinned against me. those who broke: my heart, my trust, my love. am i ready to forgive them? will i forgive them even though that they can’t forgive what i done to them? am i ready to forgive them as soon as they ask for forgiveness?

and the hardest hitting question is "am I ready to ask for forgiveness"?

as for the Lord have said "...If I do not wash you feet. You will no longer be my disciple" (John 13:8)


Disclaimer:
These words are made from a personal opinion and reflection. It does not reflect on the opinion of my religious affiliations and of the Catholic faith.

My Awards # 01 : The Neno’s Award

I got this award from snippets :">
Daghan Salamat Ms. Maiylah

The Neno’s Award

This award is:

* a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging;

* to seek the reasons why we all love blogging.

Why do I love Blogging?
by Jay - Agent112778

I'm not into writing because I always wanted to view photographs & watch videos. Blogging made me realize that even a picture paints a thousand words, writing organizes that thousand words thus captions & stories are created.

Thru blogging I can freely express my feelings. It shows my love and appreciation to people, food and travel;

Thru blogging I meet people who shares the common interest and above all;

blogging makes me a better person to make a difference not only in my craft but to the world.

Am passing on this award to:

* ShutterHappyJenn of FamiliaKhuletz for helping me & teaching me how to blog;


Instructions:
* put the award in one post as soon as you receive it;
* don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award;
* answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging;
* tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like;
* don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

Taste My Life # 02 : Culinary TV Viewier

I am so hook on Culinary TV shows

When I was on my elementary days, I'm fascinated with this Chinese Cook and his show "Wok with Yan". Then I became a "Tita Maggi" fan (a lady dressed in yellow and red dress who endorses and uses Maggi products). Then "Del Monte Kitchenomics" segment on a noon time show and I became a Kitchenomics member.

At present, i follow numerous kitchen TV shows, thanks to Lady Han & Jang Geum (characters in a Korean TV soap "Jewel in the palace") and to the Iron Chef (tokyo). Since Culinary is a major thing and profession today, I believe there is more shows and segments to come.

Here is the list of shows and cooking segments I follow, and this is not listed or arrange in any order or rank.

"A Taste of Life with Heny Sison", sadly its off the air, don't know why. I am just a simple Heny Sison fan :)

"Ka-toque"; QTV11; Sat 11am. A group of young Chefs who battle with each other who can win over the guests' discriminating taste.

"Tablescapes: Life on a plate"; Studio 23; Mon 11pm. Its a travel and cooking show. The Host Chef Bruce Lim wonders the place to source out native dishes and cook/mimic it back home. Since not all local/native ingredients are readily available here in Manila, Chef Bruce make use of a better substitute. While Angel Aquino tour the viewers of the place and buys some household items and use it on the shows later part - the dinner. At dinner, both host will met and dine together with a guest.

"True Confections"; QTV 11; Sat 6pm. A baking and dessert show with Pastry Chefs Aileen Anastacio and Jackie Ang Po and TV host Sam Oh. I am really amazed how these bakers do the presentation of simple baked goodies. They just stated airing last sat (oct 4, 2008) and it is a blast! cant wait for the next episode.

"Quickfire: 10 minute kitchen wonder"; QTV 11; daily 6pm & 7pm; sat & sun 9pm. This is a 10 minute segment hosted by Chef Rosebud Benitez. She does quick & easy dish in just 10 minutes. this is good for busy people and for those "unexpected guest".

"Chef to Go"; QTV11; sun 7pm. Hosted by Chef Rob Pecson who cooks a full course meal for its guest(s). Same quick and easy to prepare meals.

"tara lets"; segment of "the beat"; QTV11; mon 10pm. Where the host Tonypet Gaba tours and reviews restos and other dinning places. Oh! I envy his work.

"rapsa papa"; segment of "balik-bayan"; QTV11; fri 10pm. Where the host Drew Arellano tour diferent places where stars are born & grew up. at this segment he will cook a local dish.

If I'm lucky, I can watch early morning cooking segments but its hard to wake up that early just to wait for the cooking segment to come. I'm still sleepy. It is hard to wait when you are sleepy, I will definitely doze-off in waiting.



Disclaimer: this is not a paid sponsorship nor endorsement to the said shows, personalities, website links and entities.

Taste My Life # 01 : Excited to fly

Excited To Fly

Cebu Pacific started their operation in flying every Juan since March 1996. At that same date, I also wanted to fly on one of its planes. After few years, they had these colorful paint jobs on its planes, thus, it made me more got eager and excited to fly. And now that they have all-in fares, seat sales, go-lite fares, fun tours and the youngest Fleet in the country, flying is never that hard to imagine.

On year 2009, I am planning to go to my dream destinations: Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

As February nearly comes, I am getting more and more excited to fly. I will go to Cebu City to attend a conference. From 2002, I have been attending conferences traveling by water or by land but on this conference, I decided to travel by a plane.

I will be with my sister in the conference. We are planning to arrive there a day earlier and leave a day later. We will stroll around where the City of Cebu is famous of - Basilica de Santo Niño; Magellan’s Cross; Provincial Capitol and the City Hall; Cebu Archdiocesan Museum. I will also ask some friends to impart us some information about gimmicks or things to do while we are in Cebu.

After the conference, I need to earn again for I will go to Cagayan de Oro to visit a friend. Good thing that she will have a month long vacation on the month of April. I will not only stroll around the city with her but also I will visit her in her home to meet her family.

The last time we talk about this, we were able to plan to go to the following places: St. Agustin Cathedral; Macahambus Adventure Park where there is zipline, rappelling & hanging bridge skywalk; White River Rafting on Cayayan river; to her workplace, a school wherein she’s a teacher; her school in college where there is also a museum; the Provincial Capitol, the City Hall and the Plaza; and my much awaited to see – the Divisioria weekend night market, lastly the Pineapple plantations of Del Monte Corp.

Oh dear! I’m really excited on these plans - to stroll the cities of Cebu and Cagayan de Oro and to meet her after a yearlong of waiting. I hope that she can also attend the conference and that there would be no conflicts on her work schedules and from her Masteral Arts Studies. I really am so excited to see her again as much I am excited to ride on a plane as well.

Dearest Lord, I hope you will grant these wishes, bless my Dreams. As early as now, I am giving you thanks and praise for hearing our prayers.

Parting words:

Cebu Pacific flies daily to our dream destinations. They have all-in rates, go-lite rates and seat sale rates, piso fares and zero fares and even Tour Packages. Check out their website at www.cebupacificair.com for more details on rates and destinations. It is Cebu Pacific's commitment to let every Juan flies and every Juana have fun.

Taste My Life : Prelude

on this category
I will share a slice of my life to the readers.

This is me being me and all I want to be.

Take this as a journal in the events of
my life, my thoughts, my dreams, my aspirations.

This is my life,
come have a taste of it