Working at Coke is laborious in the true sense of work. Coming from a company where I was already delegating and managing people, it becomes a shocker in my part to be a beginner again. Why do you ask did I agree to start all over again?
When I was starting at Manila Water, I was challenged everyday because there is so much to learn... work was never work because it was like a bigger school, your thirst for knowledge is quenched each day that you come in. I was a beginner at that time, it was my first job, and I was not over my scholarly attitude yet. LEARNING was my drive.
I brought that mentality to Coke, I took the challenge of learning the ropes so that some day, I could swing myself to higher grounds. BUT in a manufacturing set-up, everything was a routine. You do things the same way each day. You bark the same bark, maybe louder, but yeah.. same bark. And it gets boring as day passes by. And at my age and experience, it was a depressing note to do same tricks again.
I'm turning six months in the company doing the same routine week after week. The only challenge I still was not able to conquer is getting my social life back likewise the travel bug seemed to evade me since I became a Tiger. So I'm in a dilemma again... should I stay and be consumed by the uncomforting routine or should I hang up the red shirt and jump into the unknown once more?
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
BPI gives 3% rebate to EPS users
One of my strategies in building my millions is maximizing what my bank could offer me. Discounts and rebates equals savings which could add up to my purchasing power or my future retirement fund. Discounts and rebates are usually small but for me, every peso counts.
Just recently, BPI announces that with using your ATM card, one could get 3% rebate with his purchase as long as it is of minimum of 2000Php. In using their Easy Payment System (EPS), you could actually purchase without cash. IT is like using your ATM card as a debit card.
I use EPS in doing my grocery, in eat outs or paying my phone bills and often than not, I end up buying 2000Php worth of goods or even more. So the 60Php (or more) rebate everytime I spend, is a trickle to my glass of millions.
The maximum rebate BPI gives is 600Php or paying 20000Php for a purchase in a single receipt. I want to note that the spending should be for necessities and not just on the whim. Just a tip, subdivide your purchase into different transaction receipts if your total is over 20000Php so you could have more rebates.
To claim your rebate, send a SMS with the following format MX ON EPS-REBATE (space) Card Number/Transaction Date (MMDDYYYY)/Transaction Amount and send to 2800 for Globe/Touch Mobile, 216 for Smart/Talk N' Text or 2288 for Sun Cellular. Promo period is from March 15 - May 31, 2013 and you could redeem until to July 31, 2013.
Just recently, BPI announces that with using your ATM card, one could get 3% rebate with his purchase as long as it is of minimum of 2000Php. In using their Easy Payment System (EPS), you could actually purchase without cash. IT is like using your ATM card as a debit card.
I use EPS in doing my grocery, in eat outs or paying my phone bills and often than not, I end up buying 2000Php worth of goods or even more. So the 60Php (or more) rebate everytime I spend, is a trickle to my glass of millions.
The maximum rebate BPI gives is 600Php or paying 20000Php for a purchase in a single receipt. I want to note that the spending should be for necessities and not just on the whim. Just a tip, subdivide your purchase into different transaction receipts if your total is over 20000Php so you could have more rebates.
To claim your rebate, send a SMS with the following format MX ON EPS-REBATE (space) Card Number/Transaction Date (MMDDYYYY)/Transaction Amount and send to 2800 for Globe/Touch Mobile, 216 for Smart/Talk N' Text or 2288 for Sun Cellular. Promo period is from March 15 - May 31, 2013 and you could redeem until to July 31, 2013.
Sunday, April 07, 2013
Location, Location, Location
You may find this post as a cliché. But the right location is one factor you must consider in putting up your business for it to be successful.
IF you have a site found, equip yourself with these areas of concern.
Foot Traffic. How much passersby go to that site? Passersby, are potential customers. If a population frequents your site, they would be your customers in the future.
Competition. Research on the big and small players in your area. What is the advantage of your location? Is the site overpopulated with the same business as you wanted? It also helps if you are the only business in the area catering to such need. You could actually monopolize the market.
Accessibility to Transportation. Is there a terminal nearby for customers? Does the public transport go by your site? You wouldn't want your customers hire a taxi or a tricycle just to go to your store just to get what they need. And most of all, customers don't want to haul their bought goods from your place to the nearest street where there is public transport. You want your business to be convenient as possible to your customers.
Demography. Is your site located in a posh subdivision? In a public market? A mall or a school? Knowing these helps you understand the type of customers you will have, likewise their purchasing power.
Location plays big in a business especially for those who are still starting. Being in the right place gives you an edge. Get seen with just being there in the best location.
IF you have a site found, equip yourself with these areas of concern.
Foot Traffic. How much passersby go to that site? Passersby, are potential customers. If a population frequents your site, they would be your customers in the future.
Competition. Research on the big and small players in your area. What is the advantage of your location? Is the site overpopulated with the same business as you wanted? It also helps if you are the only business in the area catering to such need. You could actually monopolize the market.
Accessibility to Transportation. Is there a terminal nearby for customers? Does the public transport go by your site? You wouldn't want your customers hire a taxi or a tricycle just to go to your store just to get what they need. And most of all, customers don't want to haul their bought goods from your place to the nearest street where there is public transport. You want your business to be convenient as possible to your customers.
Demography. Is your site located in a posh subdivision? In a public market? A mall or a school? Knowing these helps you understand the type of customers you will have, likewise their purchasing power.
Location plays big in a business especially for those who are still starting. Being in the right place gives you an edge. Get seen with just being there in the best location.
I am a Businesswoman
I have started a business just after I came home from Singapore. It was timely because I was bumming around and I was desperate of finding my interest of what I really want to do.
I opened a grocery last June although I have no background with business nor have I taken business subjects in College. My experience is limited. I used to sell flowers every Sunday to Church goers when I was small when my mom was still growing roses and anthoriums. I opened my online shop with multiply a few years back. But that's about it. So who would thought I would take on the challenge of opening business as complicated as a grocery?
But I didn't jump into the opportunity right away. I researched and consulted with friends who were in the business. I searched and read through websites regarding my project. I absorbed every info I could get to equip me with a new battle.
So I decided to open this blog to share with you some learnings I have gained over the past nine months. I am not yet an expert and I am continuously learning. Join me in my journey.
I am now an entrepreneur. I AM NOW A BUSINESSWOMAN
Hot and Spicy Tuna Carbonara
One of the many things I love about my boyfie is his love for food and his love for cooking up good food. So for our 30th month, I requested that he cooks me his famous tuna carbona.
I was his assistant preparing ingredients and standing close by while he was cooking so somehow, I know his secret. I would like to share his big bite from his kitchen.
Ingredients
400 g pasta (fetuccini, linguine, etc)
500 ml all purpose cream
250 ml evaporated milk
2 cans of hot and spicy tuna flakes in oil
1 small can sliced bell button mushroom
1 stick butter
Salt to taste
1 big red onions, minced
6 cloves garlic, minced
Optional:
thyme
rosemary
pepper
Cheese
1. Cook pasta according to package instruction. Drain and set aside.
2. Suete onions and garlic in butter. Add mushrooms and saute for another 15-20 min or until mushroom is soft.
3. Add tuna, and cook until light brown. Add salt to add taste to the mixture.
4. Add cream and evaporated milk. Add salt, pepper, thyme and rosemary herbs to add in flavor and taste. And simmer for 5 minutes. Remove mixture from fire.
5. Fold in pasta into the carbona sauce and ensure pasta is well coated.
6. Sprinkle cheese before serving.
I was his assistant preparing ingredients and standing close by while he was cooking so somehow, I know his secret. I would like to share his big bite from his kitchen.
Ingredients
400 g pasta (fetuccini, linguine, etc)
500 ml all purpose cream
250 ml evaporated milk
2 cans of hot and spicy tuna flakes in oil
1 small can sliced bell button mushroom
1 stick butter
Salt to taste
1 big red onions, minced
6 cloves garlic, minced
Optional:
thyme
rosemary
pepper
Cheese
1. Cook pasta according to package instruction. Drain and set aside.
2. Suete onions and garlic in butter. Add mushrooms and saute for another 15-20 min or until mushroom is soft.
3. Add tuna, and cook until light brown. Add salt to add taste to the mixture.
4. Add cream and evaporated milk. Add salt, pepper, thyme and rosemary herbs to add in flavor and taste. And simmer for 5 minutes. Remove mixture from fire.
5. Fold in pasta into the carbona sauce and ensure pasta is well coated.
6. Sprinkle cheese before serving.
Homemade Choco Peanut Butter Cups
I grow up loving Reese's peanut butter cups. So after finding a recipe mimicking the famous dessert, I thought, why not do it and fulfill a craving.
So here goes the recipe:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate, chopped coarsely
1/4-1/2 cup all purpose cream
1 tbsp melted butter
Salt to taste
1. Combine peanut butter, butter and salt in a microwable bowl. Set the microwave on high and soften the mixture for 30 seconds. Make sure the mixture is not melted.
2. Stir in the confectioner's sugar and set aside.
3. Melt the chocolate in a double broiler. Add all purpose cream and the 1 tbsp butter.
4. Spoon melted chocolate into lined cupcake or macaroons tins, whichever size you wish. Follow with the peanut butter mixture and finish off with the chocolate.
5. Refrigerate until hard and ready to serve.
So here goes the recipe:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate, chopped coarsely
1/4-1/2 cup all purpose cream
1 tbsp melted butter
Salt to taste
1. Combine peanut butter, butter and salt in a microwable bowl. Set the microwave on high and soften the mixture for 30 seconds. Make sure the mixture is not melted.
2. Stir in the confectioner's sugar and set aside.
3. Melt the chocolate in a double broiler. Add all purpose cream and the 1 tbsp butter.
4. Spoon melted chocolate into lined cupcake or macaroons tins, whichever size you wish. Follow with the peanut butter mixture and finish off with the chocolate.
5. Refrigerate until hard and ready to serve.
An Update
It has been awhile since I have made a post.. I have been lazy or should I say I find myself uninteresting all of a sudden. BUT WHO CARES? I realized and remembered that I started blogging for myself. So that someday, I would read back through my life and relive every moment written. If somebody takes notice, it is only secondary.
So I'm still in Smiletown, Bacolod. But I have joined the rat race again. I joined Coke last November 26th as a Quality Assurance Specialist in their Kanlaon Plant making Viva Natural Spring water and it has been 2 weeks now. So far so good. Tiring but I'm learning. I think that was what I hungered for.
I was timely to join the company's Christmas Party with the Bacolod Plant and it was an experience to see the fun side of my new family.
Its too early to say really. I look forward to oearning everyday.. But I don't know how long I would tolerate the long distance travel and I find the work very routinary.
Lets just wait and see.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Ode to Manila
I miss Manila. I want my life in the chaotic city back. Minus the long stressful hours and maddening demands from work, I would like to think that my life in Manila is way BETTER than what I have today.
I miss the fact that I'm the boss of my own house. Although there is no one to boss around at the very least, I make decisions that affects no one. And I don't need to adjust with those I live with.
I would like to have chance to go back to Manila to attend all theater shows I have missed and will be missing just because I'm home. I miss my friends and the eat outs that we do. I miss going home in the wee hours of the night because there is always a place or an event up even on these ungodly hour. And I surely miss looking through airlines' website because I still do holidays and vacations. I surely hunger for another roadtrip or a 3-day getaway to the beach or a historic destination.
I'm getting bored. I have a business that is taking most of my time but it is getting routinary that I could do it in my sleep. Sometimes, I would want to vomit at my day to day activities because it is like eating the same food everyday. It gets untasteful even if that food is your favorite.
The only thing that is enjoyable is going home to a jolly nephew which brings smile to you. I wonder how such a lovable kid came out from a rotten bitch.
Enough said. I miss Manila. And I need to come back.
I miss the fact that I'm the boss of my own house. Although there is no one to boss around at the very least, I make decisions that affects no one. And I don't need to adjust with those I live with.
I would like to have chance to go back to Manila to attend all theater shows I have missed and will be missing just because I'm home. I miss my friends and the eat outs that we do. I miss going home in the wee hours of the night because there is always a place or an event up even on these ungodly hour. And I surely miss looking through airlines' website because I still do holidays and vacations. I surely hunger for another roadtrip or a 3-day getaway to the beach or a historic destination.
I'm getting bored. I have a business that is taking most of my time but it is getting routinary that I could do it in my sleep. Sometimes, I would want to vomit at my day to day activities because it is like eating the same food everyday. It gets untasteful even if that food is your favorite.
The only thing that is enjoyable is going home to a jolly nephew which brings smile to you. I wonder how such a lovable kid came out from a rotten bitch.
Enough said. I miss Manila. And I need to come back.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
I used to make choco chip oatmeal cookies even without an oven. With just an oven toaster, I often whip this delectable treat for my family and friends. So yesterday, because I miss munching on my favorite cookies, I made a batch to give into my cravings.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 cups oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 F or 165 C.
2. Cream together butter, brown sugar and white sugar in a large bowl, until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, and then stir in vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, sift and combine flour, baking soda and salt.
4. Stir into the creamed butter-sugar mixture. Blend well.
5. Add oats and chocolate chips. Mix very well.
6. With a spoon, drop a generous amount of the batter in an ungreased baking sheet. Shape into flat circles.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
So here is the recipe of oatmeal cookies of which you could use to make for you friends and families.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 cups oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 F or 165 C.
2. Cream together butter, brown sugar and white sugar in a large bowl, until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, and then stir in vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, sift and combine flour, baking soda and salt.
4. Stir into the creamed butter-sugar mixture. Blend well.
5. Add oats and chocolate chips. Mix very well.
6. With a spoon, drop a generous amount of the batter in an ungreased baking sheet. Shape into flat circles.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Home Again
I know, I have previously wrote that quitting is never an option. I still believe that. And even with my job applications in SG, quitting is not a solution for me.
But I am now home. I know it is contradicting. I haven't quit on the dream of travelling the world even if it entails going abroad to work. But I went home for a job opportunity. I was invited to take an examination for a post in the government. Because there's not much activity with my job applications I decided to grab on the opportunity.
So here I am still bumming around but now at home. Still looking for an opportunity abroad and hoping to hit a jockpot. If its working in the government is what the Lord's answer to my prayers, then let it be. I don't want to defy my fate. I'll let things be.
But I am now home. I know it is contradicting. I haven't quit on the dream of travelling the world even if it entails going abroad to work. But I went home for a job opportunity. I was invited to take an examination for a post in the government. Because there's not much activity with my job applications I decided to grab on the opportunity.
So here I am still bumming around but now at home. Still looking for an opportunity abroad and hoping to hit a jockpot. If its working in the government is what the Lord's answer to my prayers, then let it be. I don't want to defy my fate. I'll let things be.
Monday, April 09, 2012
Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
When I went to Singapore, I have been craving to bake. I was so bored that I have been thinking of what to put into the oven for another delicious treat.
So when I arrived home, I am up and eager to have the oven on the loose. =)
Banana Cupcakes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 teaspoon baking soda (add to pureed bananas)
3 pureed bananas, very ripe
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place cupcake lids in the baking pan.
2. Cream butter, sugar and eggs. Sift flour several times, then add the salt and baking powder to the flour.
3. To the creamed butter mixture, add the milk and flour alternatly.
4. Add vanilla and mashed bananas (with the baking soda added to the bananas) to this mixture.
5. Bake for 25-40 minutes.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
Ingredients
1/2 stick butter, softened
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 box powdered sugar (1 lb.)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Frosting Directions:
1. Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth, add sugar and vanilla and blend well. Spread on cooled cake. Sprinkle rainbow candies on top (optional).
Thursday, March 08, 2012
When Bumming and Desperation Mix...
It has been a month and 5 days since I left work. I'm officially bumming around for the same equivalent number of days. For the first few weeks, I felt I was just on vacation. And then I was back on my feet trying to finish some requirements for a scholarship in school and a board exam I'm trying to get my ass into taking even if I'm not sure I am qualified. I just applied and let's see come June.
And then I flew here in Singapore to look for work. And it has been 12 days of looking for an engineering job, applying to companies online, searching for vacancies in the classified ads and attending walk-in interviews and job fairs. I feel tired and somewhat desperate. I'm nearing two weeks yet I have not heard anything from the Immigration regarding my Long-Term Visa pass (allowing me to stay here for 3-12 months), giving me ample time to get a job. So are the companies whom I have sent my resume to, they just gave me their silence.
When you have nothing to do day by day but waiting, it gets to you. I get bored for awhile. I entertain myself with helping out with the chores or do some errands but that becomes boring too that you feel desperation. I cried yesterday because I feel helpless. I just hope not to cross the border of insanity.
I'm not really afraid of not finding work because I could always return to the family and help out with the business but at the back of my mind, I don't want to feel defeated. That I gave up right away..but then again..when should I say that it is enough and maybe its not for me?
I know 12 days is too early to say I quit. I am not at that point yet. We are left to wait.
And then I flew here in Singapore to look for work. And it has been 12 days of looking for an engineering job, applying to companies online, searching for vacancies in the classified ads and attending walk-in interviews and job fairs. I feel tired and somewhat desperate. I'm nearing two weeks yet I have not heard anything from the Immigration regarding my Long-Term Visa pass (allowing me to stay here for 3-12 months), giving me ample time to get a job. So are the companies whom I have sent my resume to, they just gave me their silence.
When you have nothing to do day by day but waiting, it gets to you. I get bored for awhile. I entertain myself with helping out with the chores or do some errands but that becomes boring too that you feel desperation. I cried yesterday because I feel helpless. I just hope not to cross the border of insanity.
I'm not really afraid of not finding work because I could always return to the family and help out with the business but at the back of my mind, I don't want to feel defeated. That I gave up right away..but then again..when should I say that it is enough and maybe its not for me?
I know 12 days is too early to say I quit. I am not at that point yet. We are left to wait.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Goodbye for now Phil
Today, I temporarily say goodbye to the Philippines. I have a return ticket for today but I won’t
use it. I had it to show the Immigration
that I am planning to return.
But I would return to my beloved country. In the near future perhaps but not today.
Friday, February 03, 2012
Moving on to the Next Adventure
I have walked away from the playground that I had for 4 years. Today is my last day of work. I'm sad but somewhat relieved. My decision to resign from work is simply a plan that I kept on postponing only to let myself drown into the the routine and the self pity. I was not totally happy but because of the day to day learnings I have picked up from time to time, it has held me for four years and more. And then I got into a graduate program I have been praying for for years, in UP, a stone throw away from where I work so what better way to hang around while doing the program.
But then, when you come to the a point when you find yourself back into the routine of work, questioning whether or not you are growing, until you will just find the guts to say that, I am fine and I am done. I'll move on to the next adventure.
And that's what I did exactly. I moved on to the the next adventure life will be throwing at me. I don't have a concrete plan just yet but I will surely figure it out soon. =)
But then, when you come to the a point when you find yourself back into the routine of work, questioning whether or not you are growing, until you will just find the guts to say that, I am fine and I am done. I'll move on to the next adventure.
And that's what I did exactly. I moved on to the the next adventure life will be throwing at me. I don't have a concrete plan just yet but I will surely figure it out soon. =)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2011's 11 Valuable Lessons
2011's 11 valuable lessons:
Work smarter not harder.
Kindness is not always a kindness and severity at times, is a kind of kindness.
Assert yourself and do not let the fear of confrontation censor you. This is especially true on issues of great importance. Holding your silence when you should have spoken your mind forfeits any right to complain afterwards.
The best defense to have against people who like to stand on other people's shoulders and take credit for other people's hard work is to know your self-worth.
Some people love to portray themselves as the victim because it's their way of coping with realities they can't accept. Give them sympathy therefore because that is what they want to elicit but give them nothing else.
If you don't change something about yourself, nothing around you ever will.
All great changes are preceded by turmoil. Have the courage to embrace it however unknown. You can not grasp something better if you don't let go of what is currently in your grip.
Everyone has their version of the truth. It is after all everyone's prerogative. Some truths however, hold more true than others.
Do not call it YOUR dream if you are waiting for other people to realize it for you.
Let go and believe. It. Will. Be. Alright.
Love is love is love is love. It is not something that you should ever apologize for.
-o0o-
This is a post, I lifted verbatim from a good friend, Therese Seares, which I believed made a lot of sense.
-o0o-
One of my greatest lessons in 2011,is to take chances. Risk. Trust. Believe. Fight. And do it all over again. There is nothing but bold about doing and fulfilling your dreams and believing that YOU CAN DO IT Thank yoiu 2011! Thank you for the hard lessons learned, for the strengthend relationships, awesome travels and great opportunities. 2012 will be a good year. I claim it to be!
Work smarter not harder.
Kindness is not always a kindness and severity at times, is a kind of kindness.
Assert yourself and do not let the fear of confrontation censor you. This is especially true on issues of great importance. Holding your silence when you should have spoken your mind forfeits any right to complain afterwards.
The best defense to have against people who like to stand on other people's shoulders and take credit for other people's hard work is to know your self-worth.
Some people love to portray themselves as the victim because it's their way of coping with realities they can't accept. Give them sympathy therefore because that is what they want to elicit but give them nothing else.
If you don't change something about yourself, nothing around you ever will.
All great changes are preceded by turmoil. Have the courage to embrace it however unknown. You can not grasp something better if you don't let go of what is currently in your grip.
Everyone has their version of the truth. It is after all everyone's prerogative. Some truths however, hold more true than others.
Do not call it YOUR dream if you are waiting for other people to realize it for you.
Let go and believe. It. Will. Be. Alright.
Love is love is love is love. It is not something that you should ever apologize for.
-o0o-
This is a post, I lifted verbatim from a good friend, Therese Seares, which I believed made a lot of sense.
-o0o-
One of my greatest lessons in 2011,is to take chances. Risk. Trust. Believe. Fight. And do it all over again. There is nothing but bold about doing and fulfilling your dreams and believing that YOU CAN DO IT Thank yoiu 2011! Thank you for the hard lessons learned, for the strengthend relationships, awesome travels and great opportunities. 2012 will be a good year. I claim it to be!
2011 the Great year of Travels
I think this is the year of my most expensive travelling, if combined, to date. I have been to many several places, to give in to the itch my feet has been feeling. So here are my unforgettable adventures:
1) Puerto Princesa, Palawan
I think more than the nature, the scenic view, the tan and the food, it was one of greatest escapes for the year because I spent it with my family.
2) Cebu City, Cebu
Amidst the rains, our vacation to cebu is one special because this is the first out-of-towns that me and Ron has ever gone to.
3) South Korea
I love South Korea. If there is a place with language barrier I would be trapped in, it would be South Korea. The autumn backdrop was perfect, my partner in crime Kat is all game, there are friends we could run to and we made most out of what Seoul has to offer us. It was one helluva experience.
4) Hong Kong Disneyland
Going back to Hongkong to spend a day in Disneyland was used to be an outrageous plan. But we did it. Being in the one of the happiest places on earth was a heart warming experience. I felt tears in my eyes not only once in the park everytime I feel overwhelmed of the blessing to be actually there and experience Disney! It was fabulous.
5) Puerto Gallera
This is the on-the-spot trip that me and my friends from work did just because the summer sun is so hot and we are craving for the beach. So we packed our bags, loaded it with pairs of bikinis and readied ourselves to party. It was an expensive beach escape but then, we needed it so badly.
6) Trips to Bacolod
I think I have gone home a gazillion times in 2011. And home is always a special haven for me. It is a breather from my chaotic life in Manila. =)
7) Manila Trip with Manong's Family and Mom
This is the first time that Saph has gone to Manila. Manong is going to Saudi Arabia to work and so the whole family did a send off. We visited Manila Zoo and spend most of the time at SM MOA. Saph, Manong and Graze also had a chance to visit Manila Ocean Park
8) Iloilo
Just two days ago, I crossed seas to Iloilo with Ron to attend the annual gathering of the SILAK-SILAB community. It was my first time to attend after being a member since 2003. And I sure glad I did because it was only at that party that I got to see some big shot abyans that has inspired me to who I have become today.
9) Zamboanga
I guess the reason we went is we thought it would be a waste of tickets if we won't push through with it. So even if we don't have enough money, Ellainne and I still went but I don't regret this trip at all. It is one vacation that has no planned itinerary yet we have maximized Zamboanga!
10) Enchanted Kingdom
This is the trip that I was made with bestie Lenny and my college friends Kat and Ellainne. Although, it is not my first time in EK, I still enjoyed it because of these 3 people . =)
11) Intramuros and Manila Zoo Exploration
This is my bonding trip with Rex when he visited me in Manila. Not that the places are special.. I think what made it unique is seeing my brother actually enjoy.
I'm looking forward to more adventures in 2012. I'm excited.
1) Puerto Princesa, Palawan
I think more than the nature, the scenic view, the tan and the food, it was one of greatest escapes for the year because I spent it with my family.
2) Cebu City, Cebu
Amidst the rains, our vacation to cebu is one special because this is the first out-of-towns that me and Ron has ever gone to.
3) South Korea
I love South Korea. If there is a place with language barrier I would be trapped in, it would be South Korea. The autumn backdrop was perfect, my partner in crime Kat is all game, there are friends we could run to and we made most out of what Seoul has to offer us. It was one helluva experience.
4) Hong Kong Disneyland
Going back to Hongkong to spend a day in Disneyland was used to be an outrageous plan. But we did it. Being in the one of the happiest places on earth was a heart warming experience. I felt tears in my eyes not only once in the park everytime I feel overwhelmed of the blessing to be actually there and experience Disney! It was fabulous.
5) Puerto Gallera
This is the on-the-spot trip that me and my friends from work did just because the summer sun is so hot and we are craving for the beach. So we packed our bags, loaded it with pairs of bikinis and readied ourselves to party. It was an expensive beach escape but then, we needed it so badly.
6) Trips to Bacolod
I think I have gone home a gazillion times in 2011. And home is always a special haven for me. It is a breather from my chaotic life in Manila. =)
7) Manila Trip with Manong's Family and Mom
This is the first time that Saph has gone to Manila. Manong is going to Saudi Arabia to work and so the whole family did a send off. We visited Manila Zoo and spend most of the time at SM MOA. Saph, Manong and Graze also had a chance to visit Manila Ocean Park
8) Iloilo
Just two days ago, I crossed seas to Iloilo with Ron to attend the annual gathering of the SILAK-SILAB community. It was my first time to attend after being a member since 2003. And I sure glad I did because it was only at that party that I got to see some big shot abyans that has inspired me to who I have become today.
9) Zamboanga
I guess the reason we went is we thought it would be a waste of tickets if we won't push through with it. So even if we don't have enough money, Ellainne and I still went but I don't regret this trip at all. It is one vacation that has no planned itinerary yet we have maximized Zamboanga!
10) Enchanted Kingdom
This is the trip that I was made with bestie Lenny and my college friends Kat and Ellainne. Although, it is not my first time in EK, I still enjoyed it because of these 3 people . =)
11) Intramuros and Manila Zoo Exploration
This is my bonding trip with Rex when he visited me in Manila. Not that the places are special.. I think what made it unique is seeing my brother actually enjoy.
I'm looking forward to more adventures in 2012. I'm excited.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Moist Chocolate Cake
For my birthday, I baked my first ever moist chocolate cake... physically disastrous but everyone loved its taste! The day after, we're still feasting!
Moist Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
1 cup brewed coffee
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Grease and flour 2- 9 inch round pans. Pour the batter into the pans and bake at 325ºF for 25-30 min until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 min. before removing to cool completely.
For the Ganache
bittersweet/dark chocolate, chopped (amount depending on your preference)
1 pack Nestle Cream
Bring to boil chocolate and Nestle Cream over slow fire.
Let cool to room temp.
Natilla Filling:
1/2 cup condensed milk
1 cup milk
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons Cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon butter
Procedure:
In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients for natilla filling except vanilla and butter. Cook until thick. Remove from fire. Stir in vanilla and butter. Set aside.
After cooling remove cake from the baking pan. Layer the first cake. Put Natilla on top as generous as you can. Place the second layer on top of the cake. Put icing at the sides and top of the chocolate cake. Make sure that there is
Moist Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
1 cup brewed coffee
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Sift together dry ingredients. Add oil, coffee and milk. Whisk until combined. Add eggs and vanilla. Whisk until well incorperated (about 2 min.). It will be quite runny.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 min. before removing to cool completely.
For the Ganache
bittersweet/dark chocolate, chopped (amount depending on your preference)
1 pack Nestle Cream
Bring to boil chocolate and Nestle Cream over slow fire.
Let cool to room temp.
Natilla Filling:
1/2 cup condensed milk
1 cup milk
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons Cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon butter
Procedure:
In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients for natilla filling except vanilla and butter. Cook until thick. Remove from fire. Stir in vanilla and butter. Set aside.
After cooling remove cake from the baking pan. Layer the first cake. Put Natilla on top as generous as you can. Place the second layer on top of the cake. Put icing at the sides and top of the chocolate cake. Make sure that there is
Friday, November 25, 2011
Happy birthday Luke!
Happy birthday to my inaanak, Rafael Luke George Solancho Sampang! Tita Ninang loves you much!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
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