Deception Food

After the tour a few weeks ago, my habit of hanging out in the faculty room gave me another treat. Some Hotel and Restaurant Operations Students were tasked to execute recipes of their choice each for pasta and kakanin (rice cake) for their final exam in a cooking class. Perhaps the faculty had their full of the dishes served earlier by several groups and this is where I come to the picture.

We had some good laughs from this activity.

Group A served something in a teacup which we thought was champorado (chocolate rice porridge/pudding) but when we asked it to be handed over the students claimed it’s biko – a glutinous rice cake topped with roasted coconut oil residue – just that it’s not served on a platter. Although its taste is convincing, the texture and presentation are not.

Next is just a traditional recipe for spaghetti. What caught our attention were the bite-size round brown things placed around the platter. “Wow! Choco cupcakes!” “No sir, those are oatmeal cookies”. “Really?!?”, I thought because the color and shape don’t make it seem like what they say it is. And spaghetti plus oatmeal cookies? Uh oh…

Spaghetti number 3 is simply spaghetti. When we tasted it though, we blurted in chorus, “is this afritada?”

The last group blew their instructor’s top when they named their output as lasagna and insisted on it yet what they served was undeniably spaghetti. “Do you really know what lasagna is?”, Ms. Anne boomed. “Ma’am that is lasagna spaghetti style according to Ms. X (another instructor)”, defended the students. We laughed discreetly as we saw irritation drew in Anne’s face. “Lasagna is what you call the flat pasta; it’s not the dish”, said she clarifying things to the poor protégés.

Oh well, let them take care of the details. I’m just happy I was fed.

I [Feel] So Sorry

I missed the telecast of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) coronation night; the first time in years. I was disappointed upon learning from my cousin that she had watched it the night before. It seems to me that the event lacked publicity – that is before it was held.

I was bugged by my curiosity regarding its outcome until the evening news featured former winner of the pageant-turned-actress and host Ruffa Guttierez commenting on the win of Janina San Miguel. That fueled my curiosity more thus the following day, I searched for a clip of its coverage. [Watch video]

I can’t hold back my laughs as I tried to comprehend what she was saying and how she tried to amuse herself out of her situation.

Unfortunately, I can’t find other video clips that could show me how the other candidates of the Top 10 performed in the interview portion hence I have no basis whether the others did better than her (i.e., she might be just be bad and somebody else is worse). Yet, I do not find Janina’s answer fit of a beauty queen especially that Bb. Pilipinas is one of the most prestigious pageants in the country.

Further, I was looking for the proper speech and manners expected of most beauty queens. Agent Gracie Heart (Sandra Bullock – Miss Congeniality) had been corrected by her mentor for Ms. United States when she used “yeah” instead of “yes”. Didn’t Janina used “guys” to refer to the audience? Honestly, I find something unnatural and funny with her facial expressions; I’m so sorry, they’re really was (error intended)

It makes me think therefore that if Janina could win, the standards of BPCI may have declined to a level of being too forgiving to its recruits or maybe, the weights of the criteria might be imbalanced.

Further, I wonder why it seemed that Bb. Pilipinas-World is given better regard than Bb. Pilipinas-Universe. Although we know that the three titles of Binibini are of equal rank because all its bearers get to compete in the international arena, throughout the years, BPCI had established the impression that Ms. Universe is regarded best among the other two hence when the 1999 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Janelle Bautista was dethroned due to other issues, then Bb. Pilipnas-World Miriam Quiambao took-over and represented the country in the Ms.Universe pageant in Trinidad and Tobago were she finished 1^st Runner-up. This year though, Bb. Pilipinas-World was announced last and Janina even stood in between the two other titlists.

I have to agree with Ruffa that Janina should take the challenge to improve her weaknesses in preparation for Ms. World pageant. It seems that the only way she could redeem herself is to bring home the crown and be Philippine’s first-ever Miss World.

I never thought we would have our own equivalent of Miss Teen South Carolina 2007 a year after Lauren Caitlin Upton created waves in America. Anyway, they both finished in the top 5 and were applauded in the swimsuit competitions.

Hah! Imagine them meeting everywhere such as and talking about maps and families. I’m so sorry, I don’t mean to be mean. (Pun intended)

View From the Top

I had an extraordinary weekend; one that I consider a BIG twist in my almost-monotonous life in years. Ladies and gentlemen, this guy who hasn’t learned how to ride a bike just went parasailing. That’s right. I went parasailing (and I don’t know how to ride a bike).

It all started out that morning when I was hanging out in the faculty room and chatted with Mr. Bong when he suddenly popped the offer to join that afternoon, two other instructors as “guests” who’ll rate a tour where his students in Tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Operations shall serve as tour guides. I agreed and felt glad thinking that I’ll go watching whale shows or have a close encounter with tigers for free. Those I supposed because those are two activities for which our place is famous hence its quick association with the word “tour”.

Fast forward – second in the itinerary is Subic Scuba Shack that is known for water activities. We are hesitant to try it out and reasoned that we are not in proper wet clothes. While it is true that I’m wearing denim and shoes, it is an alibi of someone like me who rarely engages in adventure. Our guides insisted however that it would not get us wet and if ever we do, they have spare clothes to lend. The elderly mentor refused as expected so I took all the courage to go with Ms. A. As we removed our shoes and other stuff that we might lose from above, we jokingly announced our last wills.

Three students went with us on the speed boat. One of the two staffs of the shack helped us with our harnesses and life vests while the boat sped to the middle of the bay. Once we’ve reached the release point, Ms. A was assisted first to the rear of boat to have her harness fastened to the parachute. I was then instructed to position behind her to be fastened next. The wind blowing the sail already lifted me from the initial sitting position and without preparatory countdown we were lifted off the deck as the rope was rolled out. We screamed as we gained altitude while the people on the boat cheered. We kept on hollering until we’ve reached a stable height. Gradually we gained more altitude and don’t know if this was due to the blowing wind or because the rope was extended. “Tama na po! (Enough!)”, we shouted but realized once more that we can’t be heard. Ms. A joked, “I-text mo sila. (Send them SMS)”.

As if fate teased me about the spark of courage to go parasailing, I felt the part of the harness that supports my thighs begins to slide off. “Ma’am, natatanggal…(it’s loosening)” “Ang alin? (What?)”, asked my companion that was more exclamatory than interrogative. “Natatanggal ako sa pagkakaupo (I’m slipping off from sitting position).*Change topic*

The intensity of thrill slightly ceased when you’re up there for quite some time. The sea below isn’t as frightening as expected because it’s just like a plain with thick foliage from above. The thigh harness slid off and I hang in a standing position with my life vest slightly pulled upwards hence I had to quit talking if I don’t want to lose air. Breathe in, breathe out.

We felt we’re gradually going down and thought the wind’s weakening. Splash! They made our feet dip into the water. Wow! Then up and up we went again for a few more minutes.

When we’re pulled back onboard, I felt sleepy from reduced supply of oxygen due to the vest and my arms little numb from gripping the harness. Our boat accelerated and gave us two side leans ala motocross.

I never though I’ll enjoy a thing I never that I would be brave enough to try. It is one thing Subic Bay is famous for in the whole country and truly it is more exciting than simply admiring its photographs on calendars and postcards.

Family Day 2008

Our school held a Family Day once more. This year, more were able to participate because the school and the Student Council made sure to publicize the event while the current term still has sufficient weeks remaining. Uniform color assignments for each year level were posted beforehand.

The event kicked-off with a parade in the morning. As expected, our group has the smallest population because as Seniors, we are so used to the ways of the school hence our excitement towards such events had ceased especially that it meant getting up early on a Saturday morning and walking under the heat of the sun. Just the same, the law-abiding and self-proclaimed model student that I am, I came to school on time. Our colleagues who thought of avoiding the parade by coming late didn’t triumph however since the parade also started a little later than scheduled. We met them on the way and pulled them in the assembly.

We had so much fun while walking chatting about the most hilarious and nonsense things. Why not? We wondered about the purpose of the numbered poles stuck on the ground to label the small trees lining the sidewalks. Somebody suggested that those are markers for “eyeball” (slang for “meet”) so it’ll not be obvious if people plan to check-in in a lodge short-time. Instead of being seen checking-in together, they may just agree to meet in Tree No. 234 for a while so nobody will speculate what naughty business they have afterwards. HaHa :-) And we passed by a bar with a sign that says “[Bar's name] welcome the graduate’s of batch 2008” (emphasis provided) and our comical registrar who was walking with us remarked, “Be forgiving. Whoever composed that is a ‘dysfunctional literate’”

While we were nearing the campus grounds where the parade ended, I initiated a gimmick so that our small group will grab the spotlight: to halt until the Juniors had entered the grounds creating roughly 10 meters break of the line. As planned, the emcees noticed and reacted on the mic – exactly what we need to proceed while cheering loudly.

My whole family came for the event shortly after and they’re so supportive to wear blue which was our team’s color. I’m sure they enjoyed watching the activities that day. I myself joined the marshmallow-eating game where I partnered with a good friend Gracie where she tried to eat 15 big marshmallows stung together while I was wearing it like a necklace. We didn’t win but we sure had fun.

True to its theme “Bigger and Better”, this year’s family day was exactly that way especially that several sponsors had set up booths exhibiting their goods.

Metro hiM

My e-mail sent last December was published in the latest issue of Metro hiM magazine. I find it hard to describe this exactly but I had doubts that it’ll be published considering the many others that write to the editors thus the need not to be cliché but neither should praise be lavish that it would seem superficial however I also had the feeling that my letter will make the cut somehow.

hiM has been my magazine for a couple of years now. It comes out quarterly but in their last issue prior the one where my letter was printed, they mentioned about releasing the mag once every two months thus I ‘m a bit confused counting and expected this issue as early as February. Although my letter was not the top pick for the month (which could have won me a very nice jacket), I still smile on my humble achievement and few square-inches of fame.Metro hiM is published by ABS-CBN Publishing Inc., and just like Metro Society and Metro Weddings, it emerged from Metro magazine. hiM features the lifestyle of the modern male from style, fitness, events, homes and profiles of various noteworthy men who are remarkable in their respective endeavors. Their fashion sections give significant style tips such as how to wear one piece of clothing in 10 ways, how to wear a slim tie, what works for your body type, what to wear if the invitation prescribes a dress code, which suit buttons to fasten and leave out, assembling a designer look on a budget, and many others. I also enjoy reading the various articles about luxurious living, managing finances, experiences and The Buddy page which is an essay about the contributors’ prized possessions like a notebook, a backpack, and a bow tie. And yes, I read the Editor’s, the letters, the contributors’ pages, and the styling, wardrobe, photography, model and location credits in the spreads.

(View the story behind the letter)

Backstage Pass to My Sister’s Prom

My sister is a junior and as expected, she looked forward to her first prom with much enthusiasm most likely more than the senior students did. Of course just like other girls her age, she equates prom night to being beautiful above the more significant meaning of the event. From the first time we talked about it last year, she had been so eager to wear a gown and constantly bugged me to rent one from the local designer from whom I borrowed several impressive formals I used in my own events. I’m acquainted to several designers and models hence I’m quite familiar with how much gowns and formals are priced and I know that renting a stunning gown would cost no less than PHP 2,000. I tried persuading my sister that it would be more practical to purchase an RTW cocktail dress with that amount for obvious reasons but she’s so into the flamboyant princess look hence I casually describe her ambitious. Fast forward mid-January this year, I was still insistent with the idea of a cocktail dress being confident that I have the right to be because I’ll be financing the expense although that was voluntary on my part. Until something fortunate happened…

The Dress

I was invited by my good friend and former mentor in Gen Psych to host a fashion show which served as a Personality Development activity for his students in Public Speaking. A segment of the show was formal wear and since some of the participants are my friends, I was able to borrow right after the event a black Chinese dress with dominant gold embroidery. I’ve learned that it was bought from Singapore hence the care instructions by the owner to hang it inside-out to prevent damage of the tinsel needlework. I also tried borrowing a heavily beaded red gown but since the lady who wore it just borrowed it from somebody else, she’s not able to commit lending it to me.

Although in another occasion I was able to borrow also a set of the Ad Congress usherettes’ uniform in her behalf, it was the Chinese gown that my sister opted to wear.

The Slippers

Having available dress options, we moved to the next item in the list: her slippers. Due to the limited selection of footwear in the stores in our city, we planned to go to SM Pampanga the Saturday before the week of her prom. Eventually our parents changed mind on the last minute to let her go with me so I traveled alone to the mall. It took me an hour before I was able to decide to pick the gold slippers thinking that it would look good with any of the 3 dresses she was still considering to wear then.

When I got home, I asked her to fit it immediately and we had good time laughing as she confidently strutted around the house and upstairs on 3-inch heels.

Accessories

Since the dress wants the spotlight, we kept the accessories simple. I purchased a gold-plated bangle along with the slippers and I asked my sister to get a faux pearl stud earring when she went with our parents to the same mall the following day.

The Big Day

Mom and I went home from work earlier. We had borrowed a curling rod and shopped for additional cosmetics. I was kuya (older brother)-cum-stylist in full support. Roughly 2 hours before she leaves for the prom, we started prepping her but I had to groom her eyebrows when mom was not in the room because she’s sure to protest. I think it’s ok as long as we do not deviate from its natural shape so it’s not overdone. First was ironing her hair straight then pulling the top back. Mom had to help me secure it because my sister’s hair is quite thick and difficult to hold in one grasp. Mom also did the curling but under my supervision as insisted by sister dear because she doesn’t want it curled too tight and high.

Makeup is my forte having learned to apply it on myself when the occasion demands the need for it. However, it’s my first time to do it on a female and female makeup is far different than males’. YouTube was a big help to learn the smoky eye. Mom was against the dark eyeshadow but then again my sister trusts me more as the style authority.

I accompanied her to the Convention Center. No I wasn’t an escort for that is not a custom in most schools here; I just dropped her off the venue. But I didn’t leave immediately to discreetly make a fashion review of the other students as they arrive. It’s undeniable that most of the dresses are expensive but the problem was it seemed that everybody was wearing the same thing in different colors although blue was dominant that night. I saw that bulky bubble skirt ball gowns are the trend now. Also, the once scene-stealer tiaras are now omnipresent thus became boring at all. Well, these things are so beautiful when they’re on display individually but would fashion police would flash its red lights if worn with the wrong shoe or accessories, wrong makeup/hairstyle and worst is flaunted with wrong attitude.

Our Cinderella might have worn something that is thousands cheaper; in fact it was loaned for free. No MAC or Revlon for her and didn’t spend P700 on salon services. No, she’s not prom queen yet she looks worthy for the red carpet and more importantly, she enjoyed the experience as we wished she would.