It’s been raining here. A storm passed by and about to leave but a new one is already queuing up to visit us next. It’s great weather for sleeping but if you have to go out of the house and go somewhere then you might come across some flood. Yeah, third world country that’s why.

But then, we must focus our attention to the factors  we can do something about, like our outfits! Different rain gears to ready. I’m thinking fishing clothing with pretty heeled rain boots? So cute!

With flood comes scary rat diseases like leptospirosis that’s in flood water and get get through your skin especially if you have some cuts. I’m crazy paranoid about this things. Please help me where to buy affordable ladies rain boots please?

But please not another typhoon. I don’t think we can all handle that again. Remember Typhoon Milenyo (Xangsane).

This scared the hell out of me.

Where we live, a real market is not close by like a stone’s throw away like in our place in Singapore. Here, either you settle for SM supermarket where produce is much more expensive and the freshness is compromised or go to Imus Market (where price is reasonable but fresher produce) which is the town next to where we live and go through exhausting traffic. Oh and there are two small village stalls which is really expensive, so this last one is not an option for me as I feel I’m being ripped off. So I only have only two options where to shop, until today.

Two years ago, Mommy together with the helper went to a market on the other side of the town, side of the town I’m not familiar with. I only drove past it a few times only. Every time, after marketing in Imus, I complain of exhaustion. The last time, Mommy mentioned the other market she only went to once. That it’s nearer and more option of fresh produce. Then I remember something.

I’ve been wanting to try make taho or soya beancurd at home for ages;  ok a few years now. But not knowing where to but the thing that solidifies the soya milk hinders me. I asked the vendor about it and at first he said he didn’t know. I did my research and turned out you can make taho or tau huay using calcium sulfate aka gypsum or with GDL (Gluco Delta Lactone)  aka lactone. The street vendors use gypsum. I was able to find lactone in Phoon Huat.  A few months ago, I went crazy over making taho at home. I successfully did it with the lactone/ GDL I bought in Singapore. Oh I haven’t posted it here I totally should post it asap. So next I want to try and see the difference of using gypsum myself. An online forum mentioned where I can buy it in Singapore but it’s available in bulk at 5 kilos and priced around $7 which I think is too much for an experiment that’s only needing 3 tsps the most. And buying it there would be hard as I need to explain to them that I need the gypsum that’s cooked or else my beancurd will fail. I don’t speak Mandarin so that’s a problem so I didn’t buy.

Then I asked again for the nth time our favorite beancurd vendor about where they buy their gypsum. He said it’s in Zapote market. I remembered this when Mommy told me that market is better so I decided to drop by and try finding it.

I totally loved this market! So many choices! Fresh veggies and lots of fruits available! It’s like I’m seeing diamonds in the fresh pineapples and bananas everywhere! It’s like almost everything is available. I even saw native/free ranged eggs which is not easy to find and even steel drums from the shop in the corner. I was like in market heaven and grinning to myself. Then I tried asking around where I could buy the ingredients for taho and as usual they didn’t know (it’s been years that I’ve been asking around in different markets wherever I go and no one knew). Then I bought coconut milk and asked again while they were pressing the coconut. They didn’t know. BUT the woman on the next stall overheard me asking and said, “Ah, calcium sulfate?” I was like, “Yes! It’s so nice that you know!, then she said, Oh I took beancurd making seminar.” She’s so nice! I loved her at that time hehe and she totally get me why I like making bean curd at home. It’s a different feeling, maybe contentment, knowing that you make one at home and it’s better quality than the one you buy from vendors. She said that I could buy it at the bakery supply store across the street. Thanked her many times and I almost hoped to that supplies store. I asked again for it which is a pain to explain, and they said, “ah calcium?” I was like, “I guess.. if that’s what you call it here..” So I asked if I could buy just half a kilo and they said it’s fine and I asked if I could see the “label” of the powder I bought and I almost shrieked when it said, GYPSUM. Oh yes! After what 2 or 3 years I finally found it! I can’t wait to try making bean curd using gypsum. And I saved a lot because I didn’t buy the 5 kilo gypsum available in Singapore. Whoot! Even though my fingers hurt like hell because of the heavy stuff I bought, I was still so happy with the discovery of the better and nearer market and of course, finding gypsum! Yeah baby!

P.S. Many people are scared of using gypsum aka calcium sulfate aka plaster of paris as they are scared to turning their insides into something solid. But they say it’s safe as long as you don’t eat way too much every day. Many tau huay/ taho stalls in Singapore prefer to use GDL aka lactone as this is a natural ingredient that is naturally existing in fruits I think.  Let me try my hand at gypsum and let’s see which one gives better result.

Red juicy and ripe papaya. Yummm! Sweet pineapples is divine. Yellow ripe Philippine mangoes in heaven on earth. Let’s not forget the ever reliable sweet bananas.

For some reason, I’ve been craving and eating mostly fruits these past weeks. Whenever I’m in Singapore, I let myself indulge in bananas and red papaya. It’s cheap and readily available always. In Philippines, I can almost eat anything, especially pineapples. It’s more affordable back home than in Singapore. Watermelon too. I’m so drooling right now just thinking about those fruits. I’m so glad I’m rediscovering the love I had with fruits, during the time I was so healthy. Oooh I remember during those times, I eat half of a large size whole watermelon, and I can finish a whole piece of pineapple until my tongue get itchy. I guess, I was letting myself indulge in fruits as I was limiting myself to eating only healthy stuff like fruits and veggies and during those times, I still wasn’t used to the idea of eating in moderation.

So an hour ago, I went to the market. Main reason of going there despite the traffic? So I could buy the freshest quality fruits. Pineapples and watermelons in SM are disappointing for me. Not nice and so much more expensive. We really are paying for the convenience there. So I bought two pieces of perfectly ripe and sweet pineapples, I large piece of red papaya, a kilo of the sweetest mango in the world, some plantain bananas (I want them boiled) and some avocados. I didn’t bring a car with me so I was only able to buy those I’m able to carry. I am so happy with the fruits I bought. The pineapple is sooo sweet! I ate a large chunk when I was cutting it up in smaller cuts.

I guess the reason why I’m eating more fruits now is because deep inside me, I know I want to be healthier to prepare and make myself and my body ready for “THE DREAM”. No I’m not talking about Christina Millan’s douche ex-husband. See I have PCOS. So the healthier I am, the sooner I’ll be able to have the dream that I’ve been dreaming about for 16 years now. So because of this, I’m thinking of doing some workout at home to go all out. I’ll look for those workout dvd’s I already forgot where I stashed. To help me with it I’m thinking of a  pre workout supplement that could help me too. Ooh I really need to be serious about this. I need to follow through.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall

February 18, 2011 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. recently announced a voluntary safety recall of some Honda Fit (Jazz in the Philippines) and City models to replace lost motion springs and retainers with countermeasure parts.

Consequently, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) would like to inform its customers that a total of 5,468 units of combined 1.5 liter Honda Jazz and 1.5 liter Honda City, distributed from September 2008 to April 2010, are included in the safety measure.

Findings show that the high surface pressure between the lost motion spring retainers and rocker arm slippers results to increased retainer movement that might lead to spring breakage. The broken spring will then come into contact with other moving parts within the cylinder head and this will initially produce noise and in worst case, may cause engine to stall. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this defect. With the total safety of Honda vehicle users as priority at all times, HCPI is taking this voluntary safety recall to replace lost motion springs and retainer parts of affected units. Jazz and City models with the following frame numbers are included in the voluntary recall:

Letters of notice will be sent to concerned Jazz and City owners starting February 21, 2011. To conduct the voluntary recall in an orderly manner, customers are requested to call their respective dealers or the Honda Hotline at 1-800-1000-Honda (46632) or (02) 857-7240 and visit our website, www.hondaphil.com, for inquiries and details of scheduling. Replacement of affected parts will be carried out in all 28 authorized dealers and 3 service centers nationwide, free of charge.

Owners of Jazz and City models not included in the list above have no reason to worry since the affected parts are of different specifications. Other Honda models such as the Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Odyssey and HR-V sold and distributed by Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. are likewise not affected.

-Hondaphil.com

Alright. I’m getting stressed with this. Unfortunately, our car, a Honda City 1.5 E is included in the list. Of course, I have no problem with getting the car checked and fixed as it is for us car owners’ safety and our passengers safety as well. BUT. I tried calling their numbers and they were able to give me a date that’s more than a month from the time I called. What if you are out of the country then? Like I will be? So how? And it bothers me every time I drive to know that there’s some fixing that’s needed to be done. I’m such a safety paranoid even before all this came out so can you just imagine the stress I’m going through now?

As stated in their advisory above, there’s some replacing of lost motion springs needed to be done. I’m just glad it’s not something like the brakes that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. So far, our unit has been in perfect condition, running smoothly, engine so quite there’s an instance I forgot the engine is even on and I restarted it (BAD! I know…) and I had no idea there’s some fixing needed if not for the recall.

I’m just saying, the woman receiving the calls could be a little more nicer, sympathetic and flexible with this kind of situation and stop giving false hopes which they can’t follow through. Edit: The woman I talked to was not nice, but the woman Mommy talked to was very accommodating. She didn’t promise anything but that she will try her best to give us a new appointment date as I won’t be here on the later date they gave us. Then this morning, I woke up with messages in my phone saying I have a schedule this Monday! Perfect date! And she did really try. I honestly gave up hope that I could have Matty (the car) fixed before I leave and I don’t know I’ll be back so this new schedule is heaven sent. So thank you Randy or Rendi? Thanks again so much truly appreciate it.

Still I believe that if you love your car and you treat it like a human being, care for it like you would your girlfriend/wife, then it will also be good to you and it will not give you something to frown about. And I’ve been in love with Mattie ever since I first drove him so I know that I could still trust him with keeping us safe on the road.

Updating.

photo: edelweiza.com

When we went to Cebu, we wanted to experience local life and local food. We were there for only a few days so to experience local life would not be possible but local food is doable. So I did a little bit of research and I learned about Larsian.

Larsian is a barbeque or grill place the locals always head to when craving for ihaw-ihaw. There would be grilled chicken of different parts including breast, leg, wings and even liver and intestines. So after we went to hear mass in the Basilica of Sto. Niño of Cebu (or Basilica Minore del Santo Niño) we headed to Larsian branch closest to where we were and it was in Fuente Osmeña Circle.

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I’ve been sleeping late this past days and I somehow decided to sleep a little early last night. But then the teaser for GMA 7′s Reporter’s Notebook was shown and the topic really caught my attention; it’s about pawned babies.

Whoah! I haven’t heard about this before and had no idea this was and still is happening. My life having the softest spot for babies decided that I was going to watch that program even when it will be shown very late, actually way past midnight.

I have heard about all kids of scams, from debt settlement scams to housing scams but not this one. Again, the reason why they do it is because of poverty, of hunger. They have no choice. They pawn the baby for only three thousand pesos Php 3000. One woman lost her baby when the person with whom she pawned her baby left and moved. Must be heartbreaking.

I don’t know; it may be illegal but I don’t mind helping them. I don’t mind taking care of a baby and helping them too. I know how it feels to be so helpless and even desperate. You will really consider the things you usually wouldn’t even think about out of desperation.

You make me feel kilig. Why you have to be so perfect? Physically you are perfect and the attitude, wow! Please don’t make me fall for you. I have my Bee already hehehe.

I really have a thing for chinito (chinky eyed) guys. I remember that most of my crushes when I was young were all chinitos.

His smile is like he is saying, “You know you like me…” Hahhaha

Far better looking than Brad Pitt.

Wow. I just noticed that I’m acting like a tween now. Oh no, you have a bad effect on me Daniel. I have to forget you haha. But I hope to see you in person someday. You seem interesting and I kinda hate Ruffa Gutierrez now. Jealous much?!

I know…. This is very old but I haven’t seen this. I tried searching for this online many times but I thought there is none uploaded. Finally, I found them! One of the most exciting season for me and I might be a little biased here hehehhe….

I hope they do go back though and show the world that the image of Manila is not the totality of the Philippines. Philippines is a gorgeous country with all the islands we have (the 7, 100+) and every foreigner who’s able to see Philippines and not only Manila really do say that it is gorgeous and SO UNDERRATED. Blame all the bad press I say. Abu Sayyaff has made us popular in a bad way.

Mommy, Bee and I want to travel all around the Philippines first, with all the gorgeous places to find why go else where first? Maybe after we’re done with the Philippines then we’ll go around the world. All these after we HIT JACKPOT in superlotto or Toto hehehe…

So for those who wasn’t able to catch it years and years ago, well here it is. I love Amazing Race! They rock.

First part, Philippine leg. Getting a flight out of New Zealand to Manila, Philippines.

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Woke up early this morning as we headed to DFA in Aseana Business Park. Two weeks ago, I was in DFA to renew my passport but I had a minor problem with the original release date of my passport that’s why I was told to come back today. I was advised to come early (the officer even told me to come as early as 7 a.m.) so Mommy and I went early. Then turned out the Director’s Office (D.O.) is not open until 8 a.m so I had to wait there in D.O. while Mommy headed to her office in Makati.

After a few minutes Mommy came back. She forgot to give me the parking ticket so she asked the taxi to come back. The guards made it difficult for her to go in again and hand over the ticket to me. I told them they should be flexible! She cannot wait until I’m finished with whatever business I need to do inside. We have no problem following regulations, we were just asking for a little flexibility as they are SERVING the public who are HUMANS. They cannot just simply follow the freaking rule to the letter.

I also need to mention that I hate the arrogance of DFA people. Hello. Let me remind you people that YOU ARE SERVING THE PEOPLE, not the other way around. So many are complaining (and out loud at that) about how things are done there. Good thing I’m not alarmed by arrogance, I can handle myself. I hope this ugly culture will change, PRETTY SOON. Hate it. Hate it!

So going back, from 7:10 a.m, I sat inside the Director’s Office where it was freezing cold. While I was freezing, I got to stare at just about anything inside that office.

The nasty chubby guard who seemed to get to everyone’s nerves (there were three people who got annoyed with him and his tone the time I was there), the nice clean surroundings with nice office furnitures and the unfriendly faces of the officers. It’s fascinating how hard it is for them to give a smile. Tsk tsk.

I got to talk to the same officer who told me to come back today. He just took the receipt and told me to wait again, this was around 8:15 a.m. Then I waited and waited and waited while freezing in that walk in freezer. I thought it’s funny how I was freezing there while I see the hot sun outside. Sayang ang kuryente I thought. It was so cold I was reminded of the first hotel I worked for where the cold temperature reaches the bone. So I waited until 10 a.m. Can you believe that passport releasing took 3 hours?

Wow. Unbelievable.

I’m just glad it’s just over now and I don’t have to go back in the place with awkward silence and frowning people. I really hope this changes. It’s not the essence of the job. I hope they are reminded of this.

It should be, “Service to the Filipino People.”

Ok. I just got back from Department of Foreign Affairs in Aseana Business Park in Macapagal Blvd.

Nakakaloka!

I had an appointment today at 10:30 this morning after I went through the DFA Passport Appointment System online. DFA advised everyone to be there 30 minutes before your appointment time. I wonder why that is at first. Then I knew why. It’s because you have to line up outside before they let you in for processing. It was fun observing. Different kinds of attitude, different personalities. Interesting fashion sense for some. I saw someone who looked like she was from Manga comics. She was wearing two overlapping corsets over a long dark skirt and long sleeved shirt. With our weather I wonder how she was able to stand that. Lined up for more than thirty minutes and it was so annoying when some offsprings of the Gods cut the line. That really made me want to shout at them for having no discipline.

Then once I got in, the Information Counter gave a number. I made friends with people around me who kept me company during the three long hours I waited there. There are 23 processing windows but not all of them are open. My number was 1661. It was only 1420 when I got in so before my number was called 3 hours already passed. I was starving but got nothing to do but wait.

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