Bangkok Hangover Hat Part Deux

One of my favorite places to go to is Bangkok, particularly if there's a Hat tournament. Another one-day tourney lined up in October. I wasn't in the first one but knowing how the Soidawgz party, this one will be a blast. Boat races, delicious Thai buffet on the field, and of course, free-flowing Singha beer!

When: October 17, 2010

Where: Ror Neung Phan Neung Field (aka TorBor) Click for map

Registration: 8:30pm

Games: 9am to 5pm

Fee: 500 Baht for on time players, 600 Baht for late players

RSVP: svenvnhanoi@mac.com

Visit the Facebook page for more details.

Simple Beef Taco Recipe

"Stop, Taco time! Dun dun dun dun..." (to the tune of MC Hammer's "Can't Touch This")

My homemade taco! 

I've been craving tacos for the longest time. Instead of paying $2 for one small taco at Pancake House, I decided to make some at home. The online recipes I found were not simple enough so I came up with my version.
This recipe takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. 


Ingredients:
1/2 kilo ground beef 
2 tsps. oil
1 pack McCormick's taco seasoning (follow instructions on pack)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 small head of lettuce, shredded 
shredded/grated cheese (depends how much you want)
salt and pepper to taste
1 pack taco shells


Heat oil in medium-sized sauce pan. Add the ground beef and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the taco seasoning, salt and pepper. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes and make sure the beef is completely combined with the seasoning. Drain to get rid of any excess water. 


Scoop meat mixture into taco shell and top with lettuce, onions, tomatoes and cheese. Really easy, right?


If you decide to follow this recipe, let me know if you like it. Or, if you have a better taco recipe that I can try myself,  feel free to send me the link. 

Homemade Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Once you've tasted homemade mashed potatoes, you'd never want to eat those instant ones you buy at the supermarket. I know that some of you don't want to be bothered with all the prep, however, this recipe is really really simple.




Choose your potatoes wisely. A few tips:

• make sure the potatoes you buy are solid and firm
• it's better if you select from the potato bin rather than buy those that are pre-packed
• avoid potatoes with bruises, cracks or wrinkles

Recipe below is good for 2 servings.

Ingredients:
4 medium-sized potatoes
2 tbsps butter (approx. 3-4 small cubes)
1/2 cup milk
salt
pepper
a dash/pinch of nutmeg

Boil water in a pot enough to cover potatoes. Peel potatoes and cut them in half (quarters for big ones) so they cook faster. Throw them in boiling water and cook for 20 minutes or until tender. How do you know they're done? Stick a fork or a small knife into a potato--if it's soft, then it's done. Drain and put in a bowl.

Add butter while it's hot and roughly mash the potatoes. You may use a wire masher or even a fork like I do. Add milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Mash some more until your desired smoothness. Don't forget to taste so you can adjust the amount of salt and pepper.

The nice thing with mashed potatoes is that it goes with just about anything. For a simple dinner, you can eat it with fried chicken and lettuce drizzled with olive oil and balsamico.

Insalata Caprese

I am seriously craving for this antipasto. It is a really simple salad made of freshly sliced buffalo mozzarella, basil, tomatoes and seasoned with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. We'd usually make this at home as we could buy large fresh tomatoes and the mozzarella from S&R. Unfortunately, a few months ago, the distributor stopped supplying S&R with said cheese. Now, the only other place I know of that we could get it from is Santi's which, as we all know, is not that cheap.

As this is a ridiculously simple recipe, it's important that fresh, top-quality ingredients are used.

Easy Pork Sinigang Recipe

Here's my version of pork sinigang. I like it sour and with a lot of veggies. Since I haven't cooked this in a long time, I kinda forgot what some of the ingredients were as I was in the supermarket. Good thing the lady weighing the veggies was there to help me out.

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo pork, cut into chunk cubes
1 medium onion, sliced
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
2 eggplants, sliced
1 bunch of kangkong (I usually cut off the thick stalks)
1 bunch of string beans, cut into 2" long
1 small radish, cut into thin round slices
1 liter of water
1 packet of sinigang mix (I used almost 2 packets since I like it sour)
2 tbsps patis (fish sauce)


In a pot, add water, pork, onions and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until meat is tender. Add sinigang mix, fish sauce, string beans, radish and eggplant and simmer for another 10 minutes. Throw in the kangkong and simmer for another 2 minutes.

The Wedding Singer in Manila

Warning: If you're not into musicals, then this post is not for you.

9 Works Theatrical announces its new production-- The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy set to open on October 23, 2010 and will run until November 17, 2010 at the Meralco Theater. There will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows at 8pm, with a Saturday matinee at 3:30pm and a Sunday matinee at 4pm.

Cast:

Robbie Hart - Gian Magdangal

Julia Sullivan - Iya Villania/Shiela Valderrama-Martinez

Holly - Nikki Valdez/Analin Bantug

Glen Guglia - Jeremy Aguado

Sammy - Lorenz Martinez

George - Johann Dela Fuente

Linda - Myrene Santos

Rosie - Enchang Kaimo

Directed by: Robbie Guevara (Songs for a New World, RENT)

For block buying and show buying inquiries, contact:

586-7105

557-5860

0917-5545560

You may also visit www.9workstheatrical.com or call Ticketworld at 891-9999 for more details.

Simple Spaghetti Bolognese

Here's a quick and easy recipe that everyone can follow. It's so simple that you really can't mess it up even if you don't know how to cook.

Ingredients:

Sauce:

1/4 kilo ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

3-4 cups tomato sauce (I used Del Monte Original)

2 tbsps oil

salt

pepper

Pasta:

150g spaghetti

oil

salt

Heat oil in non-stick pan over medium heat. Saute garlic and onions. Throw in the beef and separate clumps. Cook for another 3 minutes and pour in tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper and keep stirring until it is gently bubbling. Switch to low heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning.

While the sauce is cooking, boil water in another pot and make sure it's enough to cover the pasta. Add about a teaspoon of salt and oil. Once boiling, add the pasta and simmer for 10 minutes or according to package instructions, until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and put on a bowl or plate.

Scoop sauce onto pasta and top with grated parmesan.

Buon appetito!

Manila SWAT: Epic FAIL!

Update 8:51PM: Hostage situation finally over. Rolando Mendoza, the hostage-taker, killed in assault. Survivor count now at 5.

Status updates of some friends about the recent hostage situation in Manila, Philippines particularly on the pathetic performance of the SWAT team:

"YOU DO NOT MAKE A MOVE IN A HOSTAGE SITUATION IF YOU CANNOT SEE ANYTHING INSIDE...AND THE TAKER COULD SEE YOU VERY WELL! GO SWAT TEAM, YOU ARE SUCH EINSTEINS!!!!!!!"

"when trying to assault a bus, it does you no good to drop the effing hAmmer..."

"Rules in assaulting a tourist bus: Don't choose the big fat cop with the thick vest to be first through the small emergency exit.'

"How many policemen do you need to assault a bus? a hundred to stand around looking stupid, and one to hold them all off."

Supafest Manila 2010

Sean Kingston, T-Pain, Flo Rida and Kelly Rowland in one kick-ass concert! That's over three hours of non-stop hits and partying!

Head on to the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on September 18, 2010 8PM.

Buy your tickets early and enjoy 20% off on early-bird prices until August 31, 2010.

For more information, contact Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit Supafest Manila's Facebook event page.

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Tabacalera, Makati

For cigar and scotch aficionados, visit Tabacalera on the 6th floor of the Alphaland building in Makati. The ambience is that of a hotel bar minus the exorbitant prices. For non-scotch drinkers like me, the Alpha, located right beside the place, offers local beer, cocktails and wine on their menu.

Recently checked out the place and had this:

Photo from Elmhurst Pub

A dry martini with three olives (drool). Great tasting (has become a fave) and reasonably priced at only P165.

Tabacalera and Alpha are located on the 6th floor of the Alphaland Southgate Mall, 2258 Pasong Tamo Ext., corner EDSA, Makati City. Contact numbers: +632 310 5201 or +632 310 5614

Things I miss from my European Summer...(Part 1)

the BOOZE!

Amsterdam: Amstel at one of the pubs near the RLD

Italy: Birra Moretti at Lake Garda

Barcelona: Spanish San Miguel on the way to the beach

Germany: Bit Copa--tastes like shandy

At a Biergarten: Eichbaum

Stuttgart: Lösch-Zwerg Bier

(a bit of a tongue-twister so I call it "Dwarf Beer")

No schnapps and grappa on the list because I don't miss 'em at all =)

BIGFISH Godskitchen Worldwide Tour

Partyphiles unite and party like there's no tomorrow! One of the most anticipated dance events of the year is a few weeks away. Bigfish Godskitchen Worldwide Tour is happening on August 27, 2010 at the A-Venue Hall in Makati. Guests can avail of the VVIP table good for 10-15 pax which is right beside the DJ booth and has full backstage access.

For ticket inquiries, you may contact BIGFISH Manila at
02-6327762 or 02-6348238.

A-Venue Hall:
7829 Makati Avenue, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

View Larger Map

1st Figaro Fun Run: Race to Save the Barako Tree

Race to save the Barako tree. Join the 1st Figaro Fun Run on September 4, 2010 (Saturday) at the Bonifacio Highstreet , The Fort.

Visit the following Figaro stores for registration:
- Emerald (F. Ortigas, Jr.. Ave.)
- Glorietta
- Greenbelt
- Shangri-la
- Festival Mall (Alabang)
- Tomas Morato
- BF Pergola
- Brickroad
- Alabang Town Center

- SM Megamall

- Bonifacio Highstreet

Registration ends on September 1, 2010.

Races and Fees (inclusive of race singlet, bib number, certificate, goodie bag):

3K -- P450

5K -- P500

10K-- P550

Download Registration Form

For more information, email figarofunrun@gmail.com or visit the Figaro website, Takbo.ph or their Facebook page.

You may also contact them through the following numbers:
mobile: 0917-5237893

landline: 6338740/6375969

Simple Pork Adobo Recipe

Adobo is a Filipino national dish that is very simple to make. There are several ways Filipinos cook their adobo. There's the dry adobo, the wet (saucy) one that's heavy on the soy sauce and the brown saucy one which I'd like to call the carinderia-type adobo.

I have been craving for adobo for weeks now and unfortunately, I couldn't find the carinderia-type in the restaurants close to where I live. So, to satisfy my craving, I decided to experiment.

Below is the recipe for the one I made:

400 grams pork

1 cup water

3/4 cup vinegar

3 tbsps soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

4 bay leaves

1/2 tsp black peppercorns

salt

Add all ingredients except meat into a pot. Bring to a boil. Add meat, cover and simmer until meat is cooked and tender.

It's as easy as that! This recipe is good for 2-3 people and is best served with rice.

Let me know what you think!

I was in-between jobs....

but instead of spending most of my time searching for one, I played these highly addictive Facebook games:

Maybe I should have a career in the gaming industry as a beta-tester =)

Paul the Octopus Oracle's Prediction A Fake

Update: The world-renowned psychic octopus, Paul, has now picked Spain to beat Germany during the World Cup semi-finals tomorrow. Watch the video here.



Paul, a 2-year old octopus oracle residing in the Sea Life Aquarium in Oberhausen, Germany has become widely popular with his predictions for Germany's WC games. Many believe this is a joke, however, Paul has so far predicted five of Germany's games and all of them are spot on--even Serbia's upset victory over Die Mannschaft.

The psychic octopus makes his prediction by choosing between two containers with food that are lowered into his tank. Both boxes are identical except for the flags -- one is with a German flag, the other, with the flag of the opponent. The box where Paul gets the mussel from is the winner.

On Sunday night, the blogosphere became abuzz when photos of Paul choosing Spain over Germany floated around. This caused quite a frenzy and some people actually thought it was real. Why do people say it's fake? Well, upon closer inspection, the image seems to be photoshopped as it is identical to the prediction image during the Germany versus Serbia pick. Also, unlike the previous picks, there was no video evidence available online to support this pick. Lastly, Paul usually makes his predictions the day before the game. Since Spain and Germany won't be meeting until Wednesday the 7th of July, it's safe to assume that the prediction will be released tomorrow.

Forever 21 Now Open in Metro Manila

Women really go gaga over clothes and shopping. The photo above shows the long line of fashionistas excited over the opening of the Forever 21 store in Mega Mall.

Kinda looks like a line for the newest iPhone, don't you think?

Germany vs England Last 16 WC 2010

In what was a classic match against long-time football rivals, Germany and England, Die Mannschaft totally outclassed the Three Lions 4-1. The young German team played a different brand of football with technique that shamed the English. The latter appeared slow, dull and clueless on the pitch while their rivals demonstrated excellent passing, flawless technique and utter patience.

Some claim that Lampard's disallowed equalizer in the first half could've changed the outcome of the game, however, with the way the English were playing, many believe that the Germans would still have won.

Germany are now through to the quarterfinals where they will play the Argentinian powerhouse.

World Cup 2010 Slovakia vs Italy 3-2

Just finished watching the Slovakia vs Italy game and all I can say is "What a heck of an upset"! Who would've thought that a not-so-powerful team like Slovakia will be the reason for the early exit of the reigning champs in this WC? After this heartbreaking defeat, Italy have become only the fourth ever defending world champs to be eliminated in the first round.

Sad sad day for Italians!

Brazil vs North Korea 2010

Watched the game last night and I must say that I was pretty impressed with North Korea's showing. Not only did their excellent defending prevent the Selecao from having a goal in the first half but they also managed to have the Brazilians concede one goal. Another thing that I liked with the NK team was that they didn't have any "drama queens". Jong Tae-Se was down and in pain with a nasty gash on his left knee after clashing with Melo, however, Tae-Se played on. If that would've been a star player from say, Portugal, he would've been lying on the grass for ages and milking the incident for all its worth.

The game ended 2-1 for Brazil with North Korea scoring near the end of the match. Kudos to the North Korean team for making the Brazilians work every step of the way in a match that a lot of people thought was gonna be a walk in the park for the Selecao.

2010 World Cup

The biggest football event ever is only two days away and I can barely contain my excitement. In anticipation of said event, I have been browsing through different sports sites for any World Cup-related news and have even started a betting pool among friends on who will win.

I am rooting for Germany all the way. I think it's about time that they win another WC since it's been too long since their last one.

While site-surfing, I found this predictor that Castrol has come up with. They have supposedly calculated the chance each nation has of progressing through to the knockout stages by using in-depth objective data on past team and player performances.

Drogba in the 2010 World Cup

The Ivorian Football Federation has said that Didier Drogba will be rejoining the Ivory Coast World Cup squad after a successful surgery on his fractured ulna.

The Chelsea striker injured his arm during a friendly game against Japan on Friday and had a weekend operation in Berne. Doctors described the operation as successful. Drogba's recovery has been encouraging and at this point, the team is very hopeful that he can join them as soon as possible. It remains unclear however, if Drogba will be fit to play in the opening match against Portugal.

UEFA Champions League Semifinals Leg 2

Lyon will face Bayern Munich tonight in the second leg of the Champions League semis at Olympique Lyonnais at 8:45PM CET.


Watch the game online for free here.

First Annual Labor Day Run

Run for a better Philippines. Join the 1st ANNUAL LABOR DAY RUN on Saturday, May 1, 2010. 3k and 5k races start at the Katipunan Circle, Bonifacio Global City.

Get your race entry forms from April 22-30 at:

R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street
Figaro Coffee at Emerald Building, Pasig City
Figaro Coffee Tomas Morato, Quezon City

For more information, email labordayrun2010@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page.

The Next Apple iPhone Uncovered

Here's an article about the newest iPhone from Apple--the iPhone 4. Is the story real or is it just a plant/stunt orchestrated by Apple? If it's the former, someone at Apple is probably having a stroke right now. What do you think?


This is Apple's Next iPhone

Job Interview Questions

Ever been in an interview where your mind totally went blank when the interviewer asked "Do you have any questions?" Some might think that the questions asked during this time do not have much bearing whether you get the job or not. On the contrary, more and more employers base their decision to hire you not just on skills but also on the kind of questions an interviewee asks.

I've listed down some important questions I've found from different sources that you can ask next time you're in that situation.

1. What are the top 3 qualities that a person needs to be successful on this job?

2. What would I do on a typical workday? -- if the interviewer says something like "every day is different", you may want to watch out as this may cause confusion about your responsibilities. Ask the interviewer to mention the kinds of the things you might do over a period of a week or a month.

3. What is a typical career path for this job?

4. How will I be trained or introduced to the job? -- You need to find out if they expect you to be that independent by being on your own your very first day or if there's a plan for getting you up and running successfully.

5. What are the goals and objectives of the company in the months ahead?

6. Who would I work with and how big is the team I would be working with?

7. What hours do people typically work? -- Some people like getting to work at 9 or 10am but if the company expects you to be in at 7 or 8, then there might be a mismatch. You also need to find out how much people work--do they clock out after 8 hours or is working long hours expected.

8. How would my job performance be evaluated? If I meet or exceed expectations, will there be additional opportunities to expand my responsibilities? -- Most, if not all companies, have a process for performance evaluations. You should be able to get a clear answer to this.

9. What can you tell me about the culture and the environment?

10. What are the next steps? -- Ask whether there will be another round of interviews or if you are to hear back from them at a certain date.

Dating Mistakes

Have you or a friend of yours met a guy and thought that it will end up in happily-ever-after only to be disappointed? Let's face it, it's not always the guy's fault. Even smart women tend to make mistakes when it comes to relationships and dating.

Click on the article below for some tips on how to make that new relationship last.

8 Dating Mistakes Even Smart Women Make

Stuck in the City

It is a bit frustrating to be stuck in the Metro during a long weekend while most of the people you know are having a grand time at the beach. To save myself from boredom next time there's a long weekend and I'm still not able to go anywhere, I've prepared a list of things to do for a more productive time at home.

1. Clean your closet -- Get rid of those old clothes that do not fit you anymore. Or those clothes that you bought two seasons ago that you have never worn. Sell these clothes or give them to charity.
2. Spring cleaning -- This is perfect for those yuppies or professionals who live by themselves and are too busy to clean on a regular week. You'd be surprised how much dirt accumulates beneath your bed or your couch.
3. Grab a good book -- Now is the time to start reading a book you've always wanted to read or finish a book that you've started weeks or months ago.
4. Call old friends -- Catch up with your college buds or friends outside of work whom you rarely see. This is the perfect time to update each other about what's going on in your lives.
5. Cook -- Grab a cookbook or get a recipe online and learn to cook some dishes. Show off what you've learned by hosting a party for friends or by surprising your significant other with a home-cooked meal.

Let me know if you have other suggestions for a more productive long weekend in the city.

Electric Shocker

How many of you have received your Meralco bill this month only to find out that it has almost doubled? Haven't received ours yet but I'm assuming we're gonna have the same problem. Click on the link below to read a blogger's own experience with this crazy sudden power hike.

Power corrupts

Posted using ShareThis

Pinoy Food with a Twist

Last night, I attended the graduation dinner of two of my sister's nieces-in-law. It was something that I really didn't wanna attend since it would just serve as a reminder that I am getting older until I found out that it was to be at Bistro Laudico. I have heard of the accolades, praises and have seen his ice cream commercial but have never really sampled any of his creations. Because of this, and the fact that it was going to be a free meal, I decided to accept the last-minute invitation.

Dinner started around 7pm. They have a promo for P788 where you can order whatever you want from the menu. The dishes may be shared for as long as the people you are sharing it with are also availing of the promo. There were a lot of choices from appetizers, soups, salads, rice dishes (silogs), pandeninis, main course, desserts and drinks.

Most of what's on the menu are Filipino dishes but with a twist. Some of what we ordered were the Angus beef Kare-kare, Binagoongang Cripy Pata, Wagyu and Lengua Estofado, Maja Blanca Cheesecake, Banana Q tart, Suman cake, Paella Arrozcaldo and a whole lot more.

While a lot of the guests loved the food, I, on the other hand, thought it was just ok .Call me unadventurous but a lot of the Pinoy dishes I grew up eating are what I'd consider "comfort food". I want them to taste exactly how I remember them to taste when I was younger. I guess there are just some things that are better left unchanged.

For the more adventurous, I recommend that you call ahead and inquire about their eat-all-you-can promo.

Bistro Laudico is loacted on the Ground Floor of the Net Square building in Bonifacio Global City.

The Evil Hangover

Have you ever gotten up the next day after a heavy night of drinking wishing you could just chop your head off while the rest of your body recovers? It has happened to me a lot and every time it does, I tell myself that I should have more self-control. Of course this rarely happens. I guess my friends and I are just thick-headed buffoons who never learn our lesson.

Photo from Guzer.com

Over the years, I've tried several hangover "cures" to alleviate the pain and suffering. Are they effective? A few are, although, it may just all be psychological. I've listed them below so you may try them yourself.

Hangover cures some friends and I have tried:

1. Drinking a bottle of Gatorade.
2. Taking 1000-1500 mg of Vitamin C before going to bed or Berocca which is a mineral supplement.
3. Switching between a cold and hot shower.
4. Alka Seltzer
5. Drinking lots of water before doing some sort of exercise that'll make you sweat a lot.
6. Plenty of fruit juices.
7. Hair of the Dog--drinking the last thing you drank the previous night. The idea is, adding more alcohol makes your body stop and concentrate on the new alcohol coming in so you get a brief reprieve. As soon as the new alcohol is processed, you're back to where you started though. Maybe even worse.

Let me know if they work for you.

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