Son of the Soya Peddler

This was taken some time ago. A time where bangs, kachupoy (cuts in the middle), side cuts (hawi sa gilid, just like mine in the picture), and apple cuts are in.

I was this guy some time ago. Do you see me? Any resemblance?

Would you guess that I was this child, this soya peddler kid (anak ng magtataho)?

Notice that you get a different face if you cover the other side of my face vertical symmetrically?

What do I miss? What do I need to face?

I miss my office space, okay maybe not. I miss having to get up and get dressed--- do wacky or serious get ups--- everyday, now I get to do that only when I have meetings and occulars. Okay, I miss it a little (the space). But I have the same space here at home, stacked with books (cook books, food lover's companion, Chinese dictionary) here and there, DVDs on the side, staplers, telephone, eraser and my nifty Staedler pencil, and ofcourse tons of ballpen.

Taguig office

(Pardon me for the image: Shot by Nokia E71) Home office

What I seriously miss are these:

Sketching.

And going to Divisoria to hunt for fabrics.

Drenching (not in the rain) in sweat, carrying heavy fabrics, unending fashion trends, Vogue magazine as books and photoshoots:

But everything is different now I know--- fashion is all, as what my professor said to me "You live in the ideal world, where everything you see is perfect", --- fantasy (If you already saw Confessions of a Shopaholic, you'll know what I meant).

香港 is far the best place (next to Paris).

香港 is unimaginably missed by me, MTR (basically all the public transport system), culture, food, thrift shops (I guess the best part is their fashion sense, how the working class, works with class).

Marketing plans, doing thesis books, researching, I miss it, being a student--- all you need to think is being the best--- getting those 1s, all of that were just fantasies, it's the perfect world.

Now, I need to surpass everything that was given to me, realize the fantasy that I have created--- create my perfect world (ofcourse nothing will be perfect), but if everything comes into place--- it would be perfect.

I say food--- entrep, study is the key, money is just around the corner. LOL

Updated: Chan-Cu Family

Just recently I have discovered this (well, because it's just recently I got very interested with everything about it), it's just recently that I thought of joining the association for purposes that would be better or mutually beneficial for me and for the association. Beneficial for me because I get to meet new people, learn about the identity I am embracing (since I still have many things to learn about Chinese culture, Chinoy, etc.) and beneficial for them because maybe LOL I can contribute a great whatever in the future, maybe in in the association itself but to the whole community.

Source: Phil. Trivia

Here is a stamp issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation to commemorate Chan-Cu's 100 years. It features Chan-Tze, born in 505 B.C., the most honored scholar ancestor of the Chan-Cu Family. The other one shows the Chan-Cu Centennial logo for the centennial celebration in November 2006.

And just recently that I knew of my dad's Chinese name. And just recently we need to change my name (my name sucked, don't ask about it something to do with police) to follow the generation poem naming system, in which I need the poem to know what's next to KOK.

More info about Chan-Cu Association.

Update:
Okay got the poem already--- they check it in the computer! High Tech, I was waiting for them to give me really old old book or scroll or whatever "OLD", but then SHOCKED "Okay, tan eh a, kwa mai, tian nao.", when I heard the Chinese girl (in a very funny voice) said that she will check the computer--- COMPUTER, for that old tradition--- of generation names. WOW.

Chinese name reads as Chan Hua Sun/ Zeng Hua Shun,

still after my English name, Charles the Great (華hua-- great/ chinese),

well 順shun is being obidient, or yeah that.

Okay, about the province, nobody knows in the family how to write in Chinese very well except for me (I don't write very well, but I can write), but unfortunately--- Oua Hay Lay Ke--- is in Fookienese, the maps are in Putonghua (Mandarin), figure that out.

Blog Action Day: Climate Change

This is an article worth writing about to join the Blog Action Day.

Am going to write about our country's experience, Typhoon Ondoy--- nature's wrath, the result of climate change, the result of our doing--- wrong deeds.

Hurricane Katrina (250 milliliters of rain*) was no match with Typhoon Ondoy (455 milliliters of rain*). It left the NCR sinking and drowning millions of people: rich and poor; celebrity or nobody, millions of pesos (livestocks, rice fields, properties) were destroyed. Areas that were affected, to a surprise, were areas that don't experience flood at all. Water in rivers rose up to a level they didn't imagine. And I think we all know what is the reason behind that--- climate change.

After those typhoons (Ondoy, then Pepeng), we experienced a not so normal heat--- heat that really dries you up. It burns you up even you're inside a complex or a building (with no aircon). We are experiencing extreme weather conditions.

I think everybody now should really be aware of what was that---- that caused Typhoon Ondoy to be that strong--- what was that, that created these extreme weathers (which I will blog separately, causes some weird viruses). We should channel our resources not only in rebuilding our lives here in the Philippines, but also how to make a solution, that would be more permanent, than a solution of relocation for the victims.

If we don't move faster, Philippines might be the next ATLANTIS.

* http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20090927-227186/Ondoy-dumped-more-rains-than-Katrina

Advertising via Internet Media

Will soon have limitations.

I think this is because more and more (companies and advertising agencies) people are using blogs and social networks as a medium for advertising--- we need to regulate now the authenticity of the given statements by these media (or the person who writes on them) to preserve its, well, authenticity and effectivity as a tool. It is a tool now, that people really look for to find answers, answers that are given on a personal level--- on a level where people would believe because they think that the writer 'personally engaged' himself to the product to 'personally' give a 'product review' of some sort.

But let's make note of 'some' people that joins this type of media to receive perks.

I guess the FTC's (Federal Trade Commission) action regarding--- giving rules would help, would help consumers, and advertisers as well, to keep the media effective, clean, and reliable.

Blog responsibly.

More on this topic: NYTimes.com

Dinner at Kai Neo-Japanese Cuisine with Chef Anton

After a boring day at home, decided to text Anton and see what we can do for the rest of the day. Knowing Anton, we end up planning a spontaneous dinner (plan and spontaneous -- ironic). He gave me options either, as Anton texted it, "Kahit saan lol your choice" (Anywhere, LOL, your choice) or Zenses Neo- Shanghai Cuisine in A.Venue, Makati Ave. or Kai Neo- Japanese Cuisine at Greenbelt 5, Makati. I settled with KAI--- because of the Dragon Roll I saw at OAP's blog entry.

I forgot to reserve us a table, so we were asked if it's okay with us to seat at the sushi bar:

We were not told that we will experience or rather witness--- action at its finest. Delectable food being plated infront of us, while being served to other tables was heartbreaking, but nevertheless we surely enjoyed our own course:

Dragon Rolls, perfect blend of elements, no fish-y taste, all yummy goodness of fresh Unagi.

Portobello Mushroom Confit Salad with Maple Ponzu Vinaigrette,

nice texture of the Portobello Mushroom compliments the greens,

with rightly drizzled vinaigrette makes it more appetizing.

Sauteed Strips of Kobe Beef, Quial egg, Japanese rice, and Maple Ponzu. You will die after you smell the enchanting aroma of truffle oil, and turn into ashes after your first bite of the uber tender kobe beef with tasteful marinade, that stays in your buds. Nice touch with the quial eggs and caviar.

All-in-all, a good dish, just missed with the rice--- they placed a steamed one, but I think --- it's already good with just plain rice, so that flavors won't clash.

10 Hours Buta Kakuni "Braised Pork Belly".

Imagine a thick slice of meat--- poked easily with a regular chopstick. Super soft--- 10 hours?! It's a secret we need to discover.

Okay! And for our dessert--- which was, again, assembled infront of us:

Banana Nutella Harumaki.

Kai's version of banana split--- well for me even better, I love the presentation! Plating! Wuhoo!

Nice play with the Sesame Fillo, love the crispy like texture.

Trio of Creme Brulee.

Sampling of chocolate, citrus and green tea flavored creme brulee.

Ofcourse, it's rich and creamy---

Sweet tooths ready for your new ultimate craving--- green tea creme brulee!

Here are some of the dishes we were lucky to witness:

PS. plates have really nice designs:

Visit KAI Neo-Japanese Cuisine and experience Japanese food with a twist--- at the sushi bar or not.

KAI Neo Japanese Cuisine

Unit 1-112 Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City

Telephone: +632 75705209 to 10

Email: kairestaurant@yahoo.com

Dusit Thani: Manila

Dusit Thani: Manila launched a blog writing contest, Grandest Dusit Thani Manila Experience.

Excerpt:
Share your grandest Dusit Thani Manila experience online by writing about your enlivening journey at Dusit Thani Manila in your own personal blog sites and get a chance to win exciting and luxurious prizes!

First two of Mechanics:
1. Every guest who avails of an overnight stay in a hotel room category is entitled to join the contest and create as many blog entries as they can.
2. The blog entries should be dedicated to the blog owner's wonderful experience at the all-new Dusit Thani Manila.

Promo period: June 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.

Sushi Mi, Sushi You

Went to Fort, Outcomm office to get my last pay and sign some papers. Met with Mon, took a little stroll and then boom, it's almost 1p.m. and we're supposed to be at Ton's 11-12.

Stay at Anton's place--- be cooked Lasagna Veggie! and prepared Souffle:

Okay, sorry about the picture. Forgot to take a picture of the actual food,

but you see, you can get the idea here, empty--- meaning. Yeah you got it right.

So, then the purpose of meeting at Anton's was to talk about sugar--- well, it was actually to end it and realize that it's just too big, that ends the journey of the sugar, but I think not.

We then talked about internet marketing, programming, what-the-stuff, etc..(Let me write a separate entry about that)

Richmond went out to do cosmetology (Galvanic Spa) and I stayed behind to cheer Anton up, but I think I failed. I notice him yawn a few (okay many) times, the best way to cheer him is to bring him to---, LOL.

Then, we (upon Mon's need---request) went to SM Mall of Asia, to buy stuff for his new Sony Vaio laptop! (Wuhoo! Rich kid)

It was supposed to be Cafe Ysabel (Isabel) for dinner but Anton saw this Japanese resto (Sakae Sushi) with an all day sushi buffet. You judge what happened to us:

There's the rotating thing, with the plates of sushi on it.

Okay, I don't know the name so we'll just call it: Sushi bar

It's very tasty, I think it has mashed fish with the rice and some mayo. And it's deep fried. LOL

Anton chopsticking his first!

Look how the master chef plunges his sushi

on the well blended condiments/ sauce

(Sushi sauce, some pinkish Ginger, Wasabi)

Okay this is my favorite! Mr. Cani Crab on a green plate!

Table chaos!

Tuna sushi?!with sesame seeds.

Richmond (Mon, Monching, Moning, Mon-ster, Hiro) munching on his nth sushi.

Look how fast those chopsticks move.

Tuna sushi also?! It's fish, so I guessed it's tuna or salmon.

Unless it's tilapya?

Cute bite size Cani Crab sushi! Looks like mini bazooka.

Speaking of bazooka! This one is nakakasuka (vomit). No one wants to eat. It has cucumber, cani, okay this is the worst thing on the sushi menu ever, it has a stinky smell and the cucumber has this hard bits (almost broke my steel tooth)

This one is-- heaven (less that green thing again, cucumber I guess),

tofu strip, cani, fish eggs?! caviar?! and that cheese like strip inside.

There are more plates, this is not all of it. I promise you.

With Anton and Richmond's appetite they can close down the whole resto.

Me trying to put the whole thing, okay maybe not trying, but Mon can do it!

The Surviving the Japanese Game Show! Hiro Challenge.

More of this video when net is working properly.
Anton VO: Matakaw si Mon (Mon has a big appetite/ Mon is starving to death. LOL)
Oh my gad! Hindi tao! (Not human, in short mon-ster)
Kinayanan mo yun? (You finished it?/ You're unbelievable!)
Mon VO: (Still munching on two sushis) Wala na? (Is there more?/No more?/I want more!)

Anton (left), plates (middle) and Mon (right)

All Day Sushi Buffet Everyday!

Sakae Sushi

2nd Floor, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia

Pasay City

Buffet Rates:

Adult PhP399.00

Senior PhP299.00

Kids (8years old below) PhP199.00

with Free Miso Soup and a choice of Hot or Cold green tea.