My Newest Addiction: PINTEREST

Oh... the things you find on the internet!
My latest addiction is PINTEREST.

Everything is so cute and nice. Inspiring and depressing all at the same time.

Source: afewofmyfavorites.com via Sammye J on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Gail on Pinterest

Source: sixoneseven.blogspot.com via Tim N Krissi on Pinterest

Source: desire2decorate.blogspot.com via Alma on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Galina on Pinterest

Source: blossomsandbliss.tumblr.com via Elissa on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Candice on Pinterest

 

Source: thebeautybean.com via Tammy on Pinterest

What to do... what to do...

Christmas 2011 Wishlist

Holiday season is here! So, here's my (again) no-holds-barred Christmas wishlist! 

1. CUISINART FROZEN YOGURT, ICE CREAM AND SORBET MAKER

I don't care that Momon and I are on this low-card diet. I want an ice cream maker.  

2. KITCHEN TIMER (CUTE DESIGN)

3. BAKING TOOLS, THE WHOLE SHEBANG

My baking tools and materials are back at my parents' house. Whatever, I just one a new set.

 

4. BOOTS!

5. FANCY PLATES FOR MY PLATE WALL

This is an upcoming decorating project. :-)

6. VINTAGE MIRROR/S

7. VASES -  SHABBY CHIC FEEL

A Journey with Children Book Launch

Finally after 6 months, "A Journey with Children (Living and Working in the Streets in the Philippines)" has been published! It was a privilege to be one of the authors of this coffee-table photobook, assisting Italian photographer Giacomo Pirozzi. The project was under UNICEF Philippines and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

The launch was extra special and done with highest honor at the Malacanan Palace, with no less than President Benigno Aquino III present to accept the photobook from Lalaine Loreto, 11 years old, of Nayon ng Kabataan.

The launch coincided with the awarding ceremonies of the 2011 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities, which is a regular affair every October to commemorate the Children's Month. UNICEF Country Representative Ms. Vanessa Tobin (leftmost) also received a plaque from DSWD for her unending commitment to help children in the Philippines.

It was so nice to see  some of the children who were featured in the photobook, and of course Giacomo, Mareen, Jonas, Tito Jess Far and all those who worked in the project. The Council for the Welfare of Children and its pool of young facilitators very wisely gathered the children one Saturday prior to the event and showed them the printed book. After seeing it, they drafted a response and a call to action for President Aquino, which was presented to the audience by Lalaine.

Needless to say, the event was also a reunion of so many different organizations working on the advocacy of children's rights. Here we are doing our best to be formal during the cocktails.

These are the young facilitators from CWC who served as ushers during the event. They are (left to right) Rafael Coste, Alexander Macatual, Shane Manopol and Carlo Jagnaan;  and with them are the very young looking (LOL) Ate Ros and Kuya Rex Dayao and Ate Andre Canilang. We all belong to different child-rights organizations who participated/organized in the Philippine National Children's Conference in 2009 and ASEAN Children's Forum in 2010.

And of course, I'm happy because Momon was there to support me. Pinabilib ko lang naman s'ya. Hahaha!

Here we are with the event host, 2010 Ms. Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj. My goodness, she is a goddess! I'm such a fan, especially now that I know she has an interest in children's rights.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador--and my super fave singer--Gary Valenciano was also at the event! I was tasked on the spot to introduce him to to all the children who were part of the book. Lucky I have good memory and I was able to remember all the children's names, ages and locations, and give a brief background about their story.

During the introductions, Joshua, who is 11, from Lingap Pangkabataan said, "Ate, kamukha n'ya yung nagsasayaw sa TV" (He looks like that man who dances on TV). I responded, "S'ya yun! (That's him!). 

And Gary said, "Ako yun, yung sa ASAP." (That's me, from ASAP.) Then he dance very discreetly on the spot.

Here I am with Giacomo. Congratulations Giacomo!
May you continue to inspire more people through the children's stories you capture in your photos.

Oh, what an honor to be part of the book. It was a wonderful journey with children.
Please visit www.ajourneywithchildren.com to know more about the photobook.

White Chocolate-Macadamia Cookies

Ask me what I miss the most while on the low-carb diet. It's not the rice, not the pasta, not so much the fruits or candy. What I miss the most is baking--the act of baking. 

Since I can not eat the sweet goodies and the sumptuous breads I used to bake on a regular basis, I have also put my baking projects on the side. Oh how I miss it, I can't begin to explain! So, just to reminisce a bit, I am sharing with you one of my favorite cookie recipes: White Chocolate Macadamia.

 Best served with milk!

This is my family's favorite among the cookies I make. The dough itself is not so sweet, but when you bite into the parts with the white chocolate, it creates the perfect blend of sweetness. The macadamia nuts are also my favorite and its texture and saltiness is a good contrast to the soft and chewy dough. 

Baking this recipe is not the easiest thing. The dough is huge (just look at the 2 blocks of butter below!), extra sticky and a bit heavy to handle. If you're not too careful during baking, it's also easy to pull out the cookies too early or too late and be left with a cookie that is either too soft or not as soft as you intend. Make sure to check it before pulling it out from the oven because the cookies may need a minute or two more or less than stated, sometimes depending on your oven temperature.

But don't worry about all these intricacies. You'll master them in no time. All the hard work will pay off once you receive comments, praises, smiles, hugs, tears, and all the superlatives that are inevitably on your way after sharing these cookies.

Here is the original website where you can get more excellent cookie recipes!  And without further ado, here is the recipe.


White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie Recipe
Makes 60 cookies, using a 1 tablespoon scooper 
Divide the recipe in half if needed


Ingredients:

•     1 pound (2 cups) butter, room temperature
•     1 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
•     1 cup granulated sugar
•     3 large eggs, room temperature
•     1 tablespoon vanilla
•     4 1/4 cup all purpose white flour
•     2 teaspoons baking soda
•     1 teaspoon salt
•     2 cups (12 ounce bag) white chocolate chips or chunks
•     1 1/4 cup (4 ounces) macadamia nuts, roasted and chopped

Method:

•     Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
•     Line baking sheets with parchment paper. No need to grease.
•     Measure flour, baking soda and salt in a large bowl and blend together. Set aside.
•     In a large mixing bowl, preferably a heavy-duty mixer, and using the paddle or beater attachment, beat butter until creamy.

•     Add brown sugar and beat again. Scrape down the bowl and add the granualted sugar. Beat until fluffy.
•     Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
•     Add vanilla, beat and scrape again.
•     On low speed, add flour mixture 2 cups at a time, and mix well.

•     Mix in white chocolate and macadamia nuts. Mix only until blended.
•     Using a cookie scoop, place dough on prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly to allow for spreading.
•     Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Do NOT over bake these cookies. They continue to bake for a few minutes after they are removed from the oven.

 

•     Transfer to cooling racks. Store in air tight container or plastic bag to stay soft and moist.

Enjoy!

Lisa Macuja's Swan Song Series

Last night, my mom, sister and I trooped to the Aliw Theater to catch the beginning of  Lisa Macuja's Swan Song Series. A "swan song series" is a ballet dancer's last performances of his/her signature ballets. Lisa, one of the Philippines' prima ballerina, is set to ease into retirement within the period of three years, with swan performances of Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote and Giselle. You can read more about it here.

Few people know that I was once a budding ballet dancer myself. I studied ballet from age five to 12, and with all modesty aside (which I have so little of), I was one of the top students of my class. I was just about to transition to point shoes when my teacher in JASMS left and I was forced to enroll in another ballet school where, I guess in hindsight, I was not able to adjust very well. It was also about this time that my interest and talent in playing volleyball blossomed and so I let go of dancing ballet. Although I don't regret any of this, I find myself smiling when I imagine what my life would have been if I continued on my ballet journey. We'll never know, I guess.

So, it goes without saying that, my interest in the art of ballet is deeply rooted in my heart. My mom also took us to see Maniya Barredo's (Philippine's first prima ballerina) final performance of Giselle. I also had the privilege of meeting Lisa Macuja when I was 10 or 11 after her performance of Darna at the CCP. So, when I heard about Lisa's swan song series, I vowed to catch every performance.

I'm not really in the mood nor do I have the ability to give a full review. But let me say this: Lisa Macuja is divine in her performance of the twin roles of White and Black Swan. She deserved every second the overly-extended curtain call at the end of the performance. If there was anything to start her swan song series with, she did it right by starting with Swan Lake. 

Her next performance is on October 21 and 22 for Romeo and Juliet.

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Here is Lisa Macuja's own account of her Swan Lake experience throughout her career.
Very interesting read!

Goodbye, Swan Lake... Hello, Swan Song Series

One Down

It doesn't feel like a whole year has passed. But since Momon and I have been married, we've celebrated one birthday each, all our friends' and families' birthdays and every possible holiday. All the rest of the year was spent having a blast loving and taking care of each other. 

So, it's one down, forever to go. No worries though, time really flies when you're having fun!

Turbo Fire Results: 56 Days

Hey guys!

It's time to track my results for the second month in Turbo Fire with Chalene Johnson. 

This month's program was focused on cardio and muscle training. So there were days on the scale when it registered that I gained a bit. I comforted myself with the thought that it's really muscle build blah blah.

SCALE RESULTS

Starting Weight:117

Current Weight: 114

Weightloss this cycle: 3 lbs

Weightloss to Date: 12 lbs

TAPE RESULTS

I measured my arms, chest, waist, hips, abductors, butt, thighs and legs.

Starting Inches Total: 259.5

Current Inches Total: 254.75

Inches Lost in this cycle: 4.75

Inches Lost to Date: 15.75 inches

The results in weight and inches are not as spectacular as before. A little bit of a downer, yes, but I'm putting things in perspective, focusing more on my regained strength and endurance, better fitting clothes, and overall better feeling. Plus I'm actually on my "ideal body weight" range so the scale results will definitely be a bit slower now.

Now, on to the 3rd month of Turbo Fire! Going back to the HIITs!
Hopefully this will kickstart my weight loss again. Wish me luck!

Sinfully at Makati Shangri-la

Indulge in top quality chocolate confections at Makati Shangri-la’s Sinfully at Greenbelt 5.

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Chocolate: the perfect epitome of sinful goodness.

It is perfection in every bite, a sweet heaven, and the nectar of the gods. What else can be described with such adoration than chocolate? It is so irresistible in any form—be it milk, dark, white or bitter, it is a confection loved by all. 

Discovered 2000 years ago in South America, chocolate is processed so many ways, leaving it open for creative interpretation and limited only by the pastry chef’s imagination. But in the end, it’s all the same: it is the creamy and sweet chocolate that lures us to indulge in sinful pleasures each time.

Indulge in Sinful Pleasures

There may be no better place to flirt with your chocolate temptation than at Makati Shangri-La's Sinfully. The Lifestyle Network and www.cookeatnow.com were privileged to be part of their press launch.

Area Executive Pastry Chef of Makati Shangri-La Anthony Collar knows chocolate. "Chocolate is a living organism, it’s alive. It is best consumed when it has been left for an hour sitting at 21°C to 22°C (around the same temperature as an air-conditioned room). Coco butter melts at 31°, and your body is 36°," shared Chef Collar.

“Eating chocolate is just like drinking wine--it must be enjoyed and felt by our different senses. Place the chocolate in the middle of your mouth. Don't bite into it! Just before it melts, take a deep breath and fill your nostrils and lungs with its rich aroma. Be patient and let your mouth do the work, soon it will melt and fill your mouth with a sensational taste.”

A study reported by BBC indicates “melting chocolate in one's mouth produces an increase in brain activity and heart rate that is more intense than that associated with passionate kissing, and also lasted four times as long after the activity has ended.”

But Chef Collar’s creations are not only about sinful indulgence. “We also want to show that chocolate is not all bad. There are a lot of potential health benefits to eating chocolote. Cocoa and dark chocolate has a lot of antioxidants, and eating controlled amounts can help prevent heart disease. It’s just a matter of controlling your portions.”
Sinfully at Greenbelt 5

Sinfully is the Makati Shangri-la’s first offsite patisserie. It is located at the second floor of Greenbelt 5.



Sinful Attractions

A unique feature of the patisserie is the Chocolate Room. This glassed-off and temperature-controlled area, visible from the storefront, is a magnet for shoppers. From here, you can watch the pastry chefs create Sinfully’s signature pralines and cakes.

 Sinfully’s signature product, the Kiss.

This work of art is made from the finest chocolate with a glossy candy-coated veneer. The kisses come in three flavors of chocolate with star anise, raspberry, and amaretto and coffee. There is a reason why this is the signature product. My descriptions would definitely fail against actually tasting the Kiss.

Emoti-Cakes

A touch screen ordering system allows you to access the world of personalized Emoti-Cakes, inspired by the emoticons and elevated to a delicious layered chocolate cake or cheesecake covered in fondant. Momon and I were able to sample the two kinds of cakes. They were the best--as in the best--chocolate and cheesecakes we've ever tasted!

Macaroons? Macarons?

Aren't these simply divine? They look too pretty too eat, but it would be a sin not to try them. They are a mix crunchy and chewy on the outside and super lovely creminess on the inside. The flavors were superb, we had to ask the servers to leave us alone, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to stop ourselves! Flavors are available in green tea, purple yam (ube), mango, strawberry, blueberry, coffee, chocolate and so many more!

 Wow! Need I say more?

Various bread and bakery items are also available at Sinfully—like the cookies, traditional baguettes, Danish pastries and muffins, and some more adventurous jam flavors like Mango and White Chocolate. There are also made-to-order cakes which you can fashion to almost any object you wish.

Visit Sinfully by Makati Shangri-La at the 2nd floor or Greenbelt 5 in Makati City. It promises to be the ultimate definition of decadence and delight in Makati City–a rare find for those in search of sweet indulgence and true luxury.  For inquiries and orders, please call (63 2) 729 6626 or e-mail sinfully.slm@shangri-la.com.

The Master of Modern Chinese Cuisine

It was June 2011 when Hanna assigned me to cover a cooking demonstration featuring Master Chef Sam Leong of Singapore. I must say I am not familiar with Chef Sam, but this is obviously because of my lack of knowledge about the culinary gods of Asia. Both Hanna and I were floored upon reading his profile and even more enthralled after meeting him at Shangri-la Makati. Here is the piece I wrote for www.cookeatnow.com.

==============================================

THE MASTER OF MODERN CHINESE CUISINE

The list of awards and recognition for Singapore’s Master Chef Sam Leong goes on and on.

He was Singapore’s representative to the Annual James Beard Foundation Awards, Friends of James Beard Gala Dinner, World Gourmet Summit, Annual St. Moritz Gourmet Festival, the Flavours of Asia in Napa Valley, California and many others.

He has had the privilege to be the official chef for the visits to Singapore of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, former US presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton, and His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej of Thailand.

He was also named the Best Asian Ethnic Chef of the Year at the World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence in 2001, 2002 and 2004, and Executive Chef of the Year and Chef of the Year in 2005. In the same year, he became the first Singaporean chef to join Singapore Airline’s International Culinary Panel of world-renowned chefs.

If all these awards and recognition are making you dizzy, know that Chef Sam Leong worked his way to the top the hard way. His signature technique of infusing traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern flare was not an overnight success.

Food Portion Guide

One skill you need to acquire when you're trying to lose weight is proper reading and interpreting of Nutrition Facts. Some gadgets/equipment such as digital scale, measuring cups and spoons are necessary to get as accurate a calorie-count as possible.

Of course I don't need to tell you that you can't bring all these items with you everywhere you go. So, often times, we need to just wing it! 

Luckily, Momon came across this excellent graphic on how to measure your portions to use your God-given hands as your measuring tools. Which, as it turns out, is almost always.

 

Also visit my  favorite calorie count/nutrition facts website, www.calorieking.com

Turbo Fire Results: First 28 Days

Haller! 

It's time to track my results for the first 28 days of my new program, Turbo Fire with Chalene Johnson. 

Prior to this, I was in keto diet for 2 weeks and had 2 weeks of Turbo Fire prep schedule (slightly lighter workout rotation). Then, I proceeded with the proper class schedule. When I started doing cardio with TF, I allowed myself to consume more carbs, up to around 100 grams per day.

So, here are my results for a total of 2 months in low-carb diet, inclusive of 6 weeks of intense cardio workouts daily.

SCALE RESULTS

Starting Weight: 126

Current Weight: 117

Weightloss to Date: 9 lbs

TAPE RESULTS

I measured my arms, chest, waist, hips, abductors, butt, thighs and legs.

Starting Inches Total: 270.5

Current Inches Total: 259.5

Inches Lost to Date: 11 inches

I lost inches most on my waist (2 inches), butt (1.75) and abductors (1.5).

Hooray! I am quite pleased. Sorry there are no before and after photos. :-)
Now, on to the 2nd month of Turbo Fire! Cardio (with weighted hand gloves) and muscle training rotation. Wish me luck!

Turbo Fire Results Tracking set on Sunday!

I can't believe my last entry was almost 2 weeks ago! Days on the second half of my birthday month (still claiming) flew by so fast with so many trips, tasks and other time-wasting activities! I won't pretend every moment was spent working on worthwhile pursuits, haha! Anyway, I'm holding myself accountable for this blog and posting is a must.

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I recently embarked on a new workout program called Turbo Fire.

Turbo Fire is an in-home workout program developed by my favorite trainer, Chalene Johnson and BeachBody. Also under her belt, copies of which I have and used, are Turbo Jam and Chalean Extreme.

Turbo Fire is a high intensity workout that involves plyometrics and cardio bursts called “HIITS” or High Intensity Interval Training. The moves are based on Chalene's Elite 11 (Turbo Jam) but the pace is much faster and the jacks, kicks, jumps and lungers are more intense. With more plyometric training and more interval training, Turbo Fire will focus on lengthier intensity bursts and shorter breaks. This kind of training is similar to the ones used by athletes--so as Chalene always says, "Think of yourself as an athlete!"

There are 18 videos altogether.

• One (1) video guide on the whole program 
• Five (5) cardio workouts starting from 30 minutes up to 60 minutes
• Four (4) HIIT varying in lengths from 15 minutes to 30 minutes
• Six (6) targeted workouts covering toning, sculpting, abs, core, lower and upper body.
• Two (2) stretch videos for your recovery

All these workouts are mixed and matched within a 12-week program designed to achieve maximum results. You can extend the program to a total of 20 weeks if you desire. 

The video is filmed in a class setting, with Chalene leading as the trainer on a stage and lots of people on the floor following her command. This includes you, of course. According to Chalene, this arrangement inspires people to do more and workout to their maximum ability. If you're feeling tired, all you do is look to your right or left and match the energy exerted by your neighbor and keep up with them. I must say, it works. But you also have to really picture yourself in the class and feel the energy in order to benefit from this approach.

The very complete package also includes the Fitness Guide (overall manual for the program) 5-Day Inferno Plan (quick weightloss plan), Nutrition Guide, Turbo Tracker (a notebook to track your results) and the Class Schedules including one that mixes Turbo Fire with Chalean Extreme.

Did I say Chalene is my favorite? I follow her on Twitter, Facebook, You Tube etc. When people ask me who I train with or who my trainer is, I immediately say, with all pride and yabang, that my trainer is Chalene Johnson!

Anyway, I think I'm starting to sound like a salesperson for Turbo Fire. But can I help it if I'm really having major major fun with this workout?! Needless to say, I highly recommend it. If you're interested on having your copy, just follow the links I put above.

Now for my 4-week results... that's coming up on Sunday. Wish me luck and more energy for my workouts!