Yesterday after I had my dinner, I have decided to have my haircut. My last haircut wasn’t that good and it was still long. My usual haircut by the way costs $10 or 300 pesos. We have salons near our block and from what I have been seeing they have this promotion for as low as $2.80. The other salons just followed so it is good for the customers.

After my dinner, I went straight to the $2.80 salon. But when I entered the salon, the guy in a not pleasing way told me that they are already closed. I looked for the other salons and was fortunate to see the $2 haircut and they are still open.

The haircut was fast and quite the same look I had in previously. I just trimmed my side burns since he forgot that part.

Top 10 Hollywood Movies as of June 28, 2009

1. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
2. The Proposal
3. The Hangover
4. Up
5. My Sister s Keeper
6. Year One
7. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
8. Star Trek
9. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
10. Away We Go

Yesterday after my swimming, I went to NorthPoint Mall to check out the running shorts and the shirt. I went their last Friday but I did not buy anything. I have decided to finally buy so I don't have any reasons not to run. I was able to buy a Nike sleeveless shirt as well as the Adidas running shorts.  All with a 10% discount.

This morning, I woke up around 6 A.M.  and wore my Nike and Adidas running outfit. By the way, I wore my old Adidas shoes that I think should retire already. I am thinking of buying a new one at the end of the month. I just hope I can find a pair of shoes that is less than S$69.

Our block by the way is near the Yishun Park where the usual runners go. It was a cold morning but bearable. I have planned to just run for about one hour since I am just a newbie. My run was quite fine and I enjoy seeing the nature especially jogging in the forest trail. Maybe next time I can bring my camera to take some pictures. I hope to see the monkey next time. Right now, my legs are sore.

I'm thinking of running every other day. Wish me luck!

I woke up this morning almost lunch time already. Since it is laundry day for me, I went to the washing machine and switched it on. Since it is the last week of the month, it is also the time for me to change my bed sheet. I am excited since I will be using the new bed sheet that I have bought a month ago.

By the way, I'm cooking beef tapa later. I have marinated already the beef. I have to go back with my laundry. I might swim later when the rain stopped.

Happy weekend everyone!

Rest in peace, Michael!

Finally, I have seen this new TV commercial of Manny Pacquiao that I keep on hearing on The Morning Rush almost everyday. To Pacquiao, now you know!

Twit twit!

This is my recipe for the week titled, "Beef Broccoli with Mushroom." Thanks again to Ate Lorena for the help with the ingredients and the instructions. By the way, I cooked this viand tonight and I will eat it tomorrow dinner.

Here are the basic ingredients:
1. butter
2. chopped garlic and onions
3. stripped beef
4. broccoli
5. mushroom
6. salt and pepper
7. water
8. oyster sauce

Now on the cooking part, start by sauteing the garlic and onions with the butter followed by the beef. If the beef is already cooked, add some oyster sauce (one tablespoon will do) then mix. Pour in some water and put the broccoli and mushroom. Cover it until it boils but make sure that the broccoli is not over cooked. Add some salt and pepper to taste. Easy, right?

I had a fever last Saturday and since I was a good citizen, I just stayed home and self-quarantined myself. Anyway, I'm just over reacting since my temperature was only 36.4. Haha... The whole Saturday I just watched movies and TV series on my laptop. By the way, I recommend that you watch the HBO series, "True Blood." If you're into Twilight, "True Blood" is the real deal.

Sunday, I was supposed to go to mass but I was still feeling sick. I slept the whole afternoon and continued my movie and TV series marathon. What a great way to relax.

Yesterday, I dropped by the grocery to buy some fruits since I am avoiding eating junk foods. I bought some apples and was attracted with the grapes, so I also bought one pack. That night while I was watching True Blood, I was also munching the grapes. Yum yum!  It made my stomach growl though. I ate too much I guess.

Speaking of grapes, when I checked my grapes on the refrigerator I think someone ate a portion of it. Tsk tsk tsk.

Proud to be a Filipino!



Photo courtesy of Metro Magazine.

Top 10 Hollywood Movies as of June 21, 2009

1. The Proposal
2. The Hangover
3. Up
4. Year One
5. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
6. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
7. Star Trek
8. Land of the Lost
9. Imagine That
10. Terminator Salvation

I was browsing my old photos and saw this that you might be interested to look at. Apparently, here in Singapore frogs are edible. I took this photo months ago by the way at Sheng Siong Supermarket in Bukit Panjang.

Singapore is a great place to shop especially this Great Singapore Sale. The Great Singapore Sale happens every year from the last week of May to the last week of July. Aside from the discounted price, you can also enjoy many freebies from many establishments.

If you are planning to here in Singapore, here are some of the things that you should be aware of:

1. Singapore is a right hand driving country, so be aware of the road especially when crossing.

2. When you use the escalator, always move on the left to give way to those who are rushing. It is common courtesy here in Singapore.

3. At food courts or what is called "hawkers" by Singaporeans, don't be offended if the service crew clears your plate even the people you are with are still eating. It's just a habit here. I got offended on my first time here but I eventually got used to it.

4. Singapore is a multi-racial country, don't be surprised to see more than 7 nationalities.

5. When speaking to a local, it is advisable to speak slowly and never use advanced english words. Be patient to understand them.

6. Orchard, Bugis, Vivo City, Mustafa and Chinatown are the shopping destinations. Spend wisely and pasalubong to my Kababayan if you're going here.

Top 10 Hollywood Movies as of June 14, 2009

1. The Hangover
2. Up
3. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
4. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
5. Land of the Lost
6. Imagine That
7. Star Trek
8. Terminator Salvation
9. Angels & Demons
10. Drag Me to Hell

Last Sunday apparently, Philippines' celebrities like Billy Crawford, Richard Poon and Gretchen Barretto were here in Singapore to celebrate the 111th Philippines Independence Day or tagged as the "Fiesta Philippines." Too bad, I wasn't there to see them and cover the event. Thanks by the way to Ate Lorena for the pictures. Some of the pictures though aren't that clear, sorry for that.

Here are some of the pictures:

BPI Credit Card holders! You can enjoy a FREE New York style pizza slice by just spending 3,000 in a single receipt in S&R. Choose from Pepperoni, Shrimp & Garlic, Cheese or Combo flavors.



Promo is from June 15 to September 15, 2009. BPI, send me some fresh and hot pizza!

Yey! Finally this morning I have started doing my exercise routine. This morning, I think I did some 70 sit-ups and just a few push ups (20 in exact). That was really tiring and my arms are a bit sore. It has been a year I think that I had some exercise.

Aside from the sit-ups and push ups, I am also planning to run maybe next week. I still need to buy some running shorts and a matching shirt.

So why I have become so health conscious these days? Well since I have this appetite of a two grown man, I have noticed that my tummy is getting bigger. Aside from that, my pants aren't happy about my weight gain. One of my slacks that I just bought months ago in the Philippines aren't fitting well anymore. To be able to wear it, it's a must not to close the hook of the pants.

I am also now avoiding eating the Pancit Bihon every morning. I am having cereal and milk instead.

I was having my dinner tonight when I saw this hilarious TV commercial from Heineken. Hahaha!

The owner of the house fried some fish the other week and that made me crave to eat some fried fish. Since it is very boring to eat, I have added some recipe to make it more enjoyable to eat.

Sarciado is a Tagalog word which literally means cooked with a thick sauce.

The ingredients and the way to cook it very easy. Here's what you need:

1. tomatoes
2. onions
3. cup of water
4. salt and pepper
5. oil

After you have fried your fish, set it aside. In a separate bowl, sautee the onions and tomatoes. If the tomatoes are already over cooked, add one cup of water and season it with salt and pepper. You have an option to add an scrambled egg to it or as plain as that.

Pour the mixture to fried fish then serve with hot rice.

Oh no Angelina, it looks like you and Brad are really splitting up.

The 19th PC SHOW has just started yesterday and surprisingly even with the economic crisis and the Swine Flu pandemic, crowd flocked the Suntec City for some techie treats.

The PC Show will house four individual sections: The PC Show ’09, Digital Imaging ’09, Game ’09 and Consumer Electronics ’09.

Make sure to check out the brochures first and compare the price and features before buying. And of course, look out for those freebies that I love!

The PC Show will run until the 14th of June 2009, 9 P.M. at Suntec City, Levels 1, 3, 4 and 6. Admission is free and the exhibition will start at 12 noon. Spend at least $50 to win $10,000 cash prize in their lucky draw.

See you Suntec tomorrow! As if I will buy something. Hehe.

Since Tuesday night, I have noticed that my blog displays this annoying black screen. Because of that, some of my readers including me cannot read my posts with the exception of the graphics. This happened to this blog before and from what I can recall, I fixed it by publishing a new post. Sadly that trick did not work this time.

My options were to wait or to just update my blog template. Last night in my attempt to fix the problem, I changed the template to this one. I am still getting used to the layout and I need a lot of tweaking in terms of font, color and sizes.

So what can you say on my new layout? My music blog needs an overhaul as well. It was my old personal blog and the template and the header doesn’t match at all. Will keep you posted as soon as there is an update.

Top 10 Hollywood Movies as of June 7, 2009

1. The Hangover
2. Up
3. Land of the Lost
4. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
5. Star Trek
6. Terminator Salvation
7. Drag Me to Hell
8. Angels & Demons
9. My Life in Ruins
10. Dance Flick

Last week, I have successfully cooked a new dish, "calamares." Yum yum! Would you believe that after my crab in coconut milk dish, I also have tried cooking a calamares. Anyway, I believe now my Pinay officemates that it really takes a lot of effort and time to cook this dish. I think it took me 30 minutes to 1 hour before I finish it.

So here are the ingredients of the Calamares ala Makoy style:

1. squid (cut into rings)
2. flour
3. egg
4. salt and pepper
5. cooking oil

Here are the easy steps:
1. Clean the squid and stripe off the red layer skin.
2. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and add the salt and pepper.
3. On a separate bowl, place a substantial amount of flour.
4. Dip the squid on the egg mixture then followed by the flour. Deep fry it then wait until one minute. Make sure not to overcook it or else you won't be able to eat it.

This is best if served with garlic mayonnaise dip or soy sauce with vinegar and chopped onions. yum yum!

I was supposed to write this story two days ago but I got very lazy. Anyway, last June 6th marked my first year here in Singapore. So far, I have moved in three houses, still working in the same company and I gained a lot of tummy weight. Darn! Speaking of gaining weight, I have planned to resume my daily exercise which I usually do when I was still in the Philippines. That includes push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks and some dumbbell routines. I just hope I can start this week. I was supposed to start this Monday and this morning, but I just snoozed my alarm. Haha.

Aside from the daily exercise routine, I plan to run every other day. By the way, what time of the day is the best to run? Early morning or evening?

Back to my one year in Singapore, I am looking forward to my second year here. I also am hoping that my Permanent Residency application in August will be approved and have a better future here in Singapore.

The Philippine Embassy here in Singapore is celebrating the 111th Independence for one whole month starting June 5th. Just today at the Hong Lim Park Green, the opening of exhibits of Siningapor artists & Pinoygraphers started. There is also the awarding ceremony for the Outstanding Filipinos & Filipino Excellence Award.

Here are the detailed scheduled of activities that will end until July 7, 2009.

05 June – 07 July 2009
FREE SPIRITS A(r)T PLAY
An Exhibition of the Philippines' Top Illustrators
Venue: Art Space, Royal Plaza on Scotts, 25 Scotts Road
Queries: Rico Hizon HP97344839

06 June 2009 (6:00 – 10:00 pm)
Filcom Day 111th Philippine Independence Day Celebration
“Ipagbunyi ang Kalayaan, Ituloy ang Kasiyahan”
-Opening of Exhibits of Siningapor artists & Pinoygraphers
-Recognition / Awarding Ceremony (Outstanding Filipinos & Filipino Excellence Award)
-PIDC09 Dinner & Local Productions
Venue: Hong Lim Park Green (beside Clarke Quay MRT)
Queries: Ron Albeus 82015557 / Ptr Rey Solano 97672571

07 June 2009 (7:30 am – 9:30 pm)
Filcom Day 111th Philippine Independence Day Celebration
-Walk by the River
-Ceremonial Fiesta Parade
-Palarong Pinoy
-Musical Productions with Artists from the Philippines
-OWWA Hatid Saya
Venue: Hong Lim Park Green (beside Clarke Quay MRT)

11 June 2009, 6:30 pm (opening, Ticket @80.00 each)
12-17 June 2009 Lunch – SGD24.95 Dinner – SGD29.95 (inclusive of glass of wine)
7107 Gourmet: Philippine Food Festival by Chef Laudico with performances by Bayanihan Dance Company
Venue: 7107 Flavours Restaurant, 2nd Level, #02-02 Marina Square
Queries: 6334 7107 / 67387165 / 6738 7135

12 June 2009 (8:00 am)
Flag Raising Ceremony
111th Philippine Independence Day Celebration
Venue: Philippine Embassy
Contact Details: 67373977
Attire: all are encouraged to wear Barong and other Philippine Costumes

12-14 June 2009
Philippine Country Fair
Philippine Tourism Office
Note: visit www.philippinecountryfair.com
Venue: Plaza Singapura
Contact Details: 67387165 / 7135

13 June 2009 (Saturday 2:30 – 5:00 pm)
Philippine Fashion Show By Cora Jacobs
Venue: Singapore Cricket Club (Padang Room), Connaught Drive
Attire: Smart Casual
Ticket Price: SGD30.00
Queries: 67387165 / 7135

13 June 2009 (Saturday 7:00 pm)
“SULYAP PILIPINAS”
Bayanihan National Dance Company
Venue: NTUC Auditorium, One Marina Square
Queries: 67373977 or email at php@pacific.net.sg

13 June 2009 Saturday
UPAAS presents
Mutya ng Pilipinas (Singapore)
Finals/ Coronation
Venue: Plaza Singapura
Contact: Denise
mutyasingapore@yahoo.com or mutyasingapore@upaas.org

14 June 2009 (1:30–5:00 pm)
Free Legal Aid Clinic @ Philippine Country Fair
Note: pre-registration is required
Venue: Plaza Singapura
Queries & registration: 67332991 or email at php@pacific.net.sg

14 June 2009 (6:00–11:00 pm)
Kantahan, Yugyugan at Flores de Mayo @CHIJMES
Queries: Ronnie Albeus – 8201557
Marilyn Tjalsma - 97584711

16 June 2009 7:45 pm
The Bayanihan Experience (Bayanihan National Dance Company)
Embracing Ties That Bind
In aid of Community Chest & Philippine Bayanihan Society, Singapore
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Queries: Bayanihan Center 64743700 and/or Community Chest, Singapore
62102707 – Eugene Tan

29 June 2009
40 years, 40 lives
photo exhibit - celebration of Pinoy lifestyle in Singapore by Ms. Elvie Lins
Venue: 7107 Flavours Restaurant, 2nd Level, #02-02 Marina Square
Queries: 6334 7107

I think it was two days ago when I heard this "meowing" cat. I was surprised that he was on my window waiting for my attention. This cat is so cute. I hope I can have my own but I heard having a pet in Singapore is a bit strict. You have to ask permission first and have your pet registered. Correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway, here are some of the pictures of the cat in my window.

Maybe, I can have a pet fish or a hamster. I just have to check how much they are.

This is hilarious! My former housemate in Singapore sent me this email. Apparently, the famous celebrity doctor Hayden Kho admits that he also had a sex video with Manny Pacquiao's mother, Aling Dionesia. Read the made up page in ABS-CBN News Website. This is just made up okay. Click the picture for a better view.

Top 10 Hollywood Movies as of May 31, 2009

1. Up
2. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
3. Terminator Salvation
4. Drag Me to Hell
5. Star Trek
6. Angels & Demons
7. Dance Flick
8. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
9. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
10. Obsessed

Here are some of the things that we all should be reminded when traveling courtesy of the Singapore government.

In this swine flu pandemic, we must always wash our hands regiously. Here is the ad from the Singapore Government on how to properly wash our hands.

Yey, finally I have cooked my first ever Pinakbet recipe. Thanks to the help of Ate Marj and Ate Lorena for the ingredients and instructions.

If you want to try my Pinakbet version, you need to have these ingredients:

* tomatoes, onion and garlic
* cubed pork
* long beans (sitaw)
* squash
* eggplant
* okra
* bitter gourd/melon (ampalaya)
* shrimp paste (bagoong)

How to cook:
1. Fry the cubed pork (and left over meat) and set aside until golden brown.
2. On the same pan, sautee the garlic, onion and tomatoes.
3. Add water then place some bagoong (4 spoonful) then wait to boil.
4. Add the squash and bitter gourd until half cooked.
5. Place the remaining vegetables then wait until the vegetables are cooked.

Better served with hot rice.

What's my next cooking project? Calamares! yum yum!