Saturday, December 31, 2005

Yearend Blues

All along I thought I've already gotten over this end-of-the-year sentiment -- that tiny pinch of nostalgia happening seconds as December 31st slips gradually into January 1st. I almost got for myself that congratulatory shoulder pat, next to the customary "Yes, you made it. No emo-emo this year." accolade. But oh, when I woke up yesterday morning, the picture of the old hermit wearing the 2005 sash surrendering the scepter over to the cherub on a 2006 sash (the thing you see in old Pilipino comics) painted vividly in my face.

And then I felt the pinch once again.

Friday, December 30, 2005

Recapping Yuletide 2005

Time passes swiftly by and it astounds me. As I've mentioned in my first Christmas post some months back, it's the wait for Christmas that keeps me high.

[Sidebar: The holiday stir is still very much felt, though. This afternoon, I paid a quick stop over at a nearby supermarket to get grocery stuffs and to my horror; there were no grocery baskets and carts! Long lines everywhere doesn't surprise any one average Filipino urban dweller these days, but queuing up for a grocery basket? That was something I have never experienced before. And I must admit, that was a good one (wink).]



Yearnings

I remember praying everyday for December 16th to come since the twelfth month began. By that day then, our office Christmas party's been dealt with and my job as program committee head (Which by the way was never my specialty. I just happen to be fortunate to have creative back up) would be concluded. Well, that day has come and gone by so quickly, it's as if I never prayed for it to pull in and then finish off.



Lahar in San Narciso, Zambales, Philippines

Next to my "longings list" was that sought-after country style holiday I've been looking forward to for months. For five days, I was forcefully abstained from my impatient and quarrelsome nature (praise God!) and drowned into the eat-and-sleep marathons. Pumping water from the well (i.e., poso) to fill up 3 pails for my daily bath was one provincial sampling I took pleasure in. Not to mention charcoal-cooked dishes! This yearning too came true.





Bonuses



PSB in U.P.

During the traditional Christmas Lantern Parade of our university, I got together with former Brussels Pinoy alumni who are now based here at home. It turned out to be a mini-reunion as we all recounted our European adventures amid the 15-minute or so fireworks display hovering above us. That was some bonus.






But the best Christmas bonus I got this year was courtesy of Vincent...Ta-dah! This Disney Princess song collection CD!!! Hehehe.










I just love Christmas!!!

Monday, December 19, 2005

Dilemma

I had yet another close encounter with one that's not at all too easy to deal with. My heart.

The dilemma knocked first when I had to accomplish one responsibility that I have neglected for almost a year now (which is not pretty); unintentionally at first, then deliberately of late. Next time it did was just a couple of minutes ago, when I had to finally decide to reply to my father's messages.

I really wanted to write about my angst and annoyance over things rebelling in my heart, but now that my head is in its place, that original plan has changed.

It's true though. The heart can be deceiving. After mulling over what has just transpired within me, I came face to face with the convictions (whatever scraps that's left) of my heart. Follow your heart is the popular proverb, but I say follow your heart and then put some brain into it.

As for my first tight rope, I had to face the consequences of my negligence. Never mind if people surrounding it would abuse the fruit that's not rightfully theirs. What matters most is that I didn't have to perjure myself and teach others to be likewise untruthful. I played it clean and it felt awesome.

For the next leg of the rope, I had to twist my arm and wrestle more to be meek. It wasn't a candy-flavored pill to swallow, but God rallied me round to win this battle over. That communication breakthrough was indeed, my next big leap.

Bicol express (local dish) never tasted that perfect for quite a while. The overwhelming Christmas buffets I've devoured these past days were in no match to my humble lunch today. I savored my hearty lunch guiltlessly, and it was blissful.

Saturday, December 10, 2005

Ming Tsai vs. Bobby Flay

Okay, I was at it again.

Finding the inducement to reward myself for cramming from the night before (class homework of 4 weeks-worth which I managed to write in 6 hours!); I sought solace from push-buttoned technology. And as often as it has been in the past, whenever I'm in the mood for some couch-potatoing, the TV won't combine forces with me! Argh! Why does it always have to be that way? Re-run films, slap-stick shows, Pinoy Big Brother (Vincent even sent me with this text message: 'just type BB NENE and send to 2331'...ano ba?!!! Probably he too, was bored)! Oh come on, por favor, not tonight.

Thank heavens for Food Network, one hour of my TV pleading was bailed out. Iron Chef America was on, only to tear my loyalty apart between Ming Tsai (East Meets West) and Bobby Flay (Hot Off the Grill) - 2 of the chefs I adore, fencing ladles in the kitchen stadium. Flay was the iron chef, while Tsai was the challenger. Huuufff! I had to decide who to take sides with. Not that I had to, but I knew I just have to. I chose Tsai! But just for tonight, Bobby (winks). Ted Allen (Queer Eye) was one of the judges, by the way.

Duck was the secret ingredient in last night’s episode. In an hour's time, the guys managed to whip up their "whatever" dishes. I had my computer propped up on my lap just in time for the judging, so I was able to jot down their duck delights.

Tsai's concoctions:

1. Foi gras shumai (imagine duck chunks wrapped into a siomai and then steamed)
2. Wrapped duck breast and shrimp mousse
3. Braised duck legs with sweet potatoes
4. Roasted pekin duck with duck leg crepe (duck in crepes! I wonder how it tastes like)
5. Froi gras creme brulee (it's creme brulee with duck!)


Bobby's handiwork:

1. Duck breast skewers (grilled duck and then stuffed in tortilla)
2. Duck and sweet potato hash with poached duck egg (he said it's got a Caribbean touch)
3. Duck confit in a corn crepe (blue corn crepes, Bobby's trademark)
4. Jerk marinated duck breast (I don't know where the 'jerk' thing came from, but the duck was smothered with mango sauce)
5. Deep fried duck with 10-ingredient grits


When the announcement for the winner was about to happen, I looked silly on my seat, praying for Tsai to win (while my sister gave me the look). Come on! Beat the iron chef! Well, he did win. He got high marks for the taste (the duck creme brulee must've done the trick superbly!). Don't worry Bobby, I still love you.



Couch potato mission: accomplished.