Its Christmas time!

Christmas is finally here! Here is a photo of me at the Hello Kitty mini village at the Sm north Edsa The Block. What's your Christmas wish? :)

The Fine Art of Truth or Dare

by Melissa Jensen

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Others described this book as 'Pretty in Pink' meets 'Anna and the french kiss'. The description itself made me want to read the book. Well, we all loved the book, 'Anna and the french kiss' but the story of The Fine Art of Truth or Dare is nowhere near it.

The first few chapters were okay. Along the way, the story became boring and I started flipping pages and only read the interesting parts of the book, I don't even remember how the story ended.

I'm sure there are lots of other readers who'll love this book. I'm just really not into the story so I'm giving this book: 2-2.5 stars.



View all my reviews

Cook Oyakodon at home

 
I've been a huge fan of Japanese foods. My favorite Japanese food includes ramen, sushi and oyakudon. The first time I got to eat an Oyakodon was when my mama was admitted in the hospital. My brother introduced me to a Japanese resto, Maguro Sushi Bar and Restaurant. It is located in Matalino St, along East Avenue, Quezon city.

Kuya and I decided to make our very own version of oyakodon. We've searched the internet for the easiest recipe and where you could find the ingredients on your own home. Alas! we found this recipe from Visual Recipe: Oyakodon Recipe by Godsmullet. Here's the step by step and my inputs in  bold italics

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Chicken Thighs
• 4 to 5 Green Beans (optional)
• 1 small1 small Yellow Onion (sliced into thin strips)
• Ginger to taste (minced)
• Garlic to taste (finely chopped)
• 2 Eggs (beaten)
• 1/2 cup Dashi or Chicken Stock (I used the chicken stock)
• 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (we used 4 Tbsp)
• 2 Tbsp Mirin (optional)
• 1 Tbsp Sugar (we used 5 Tbsp)
• Green Onion for garnish (optional)

Note:
 In our version of Oyakodon, we didn't put any green beans.  For the chicken stock, we used Knorr chicken cubes and dissolved 1 cube is 3 cups of boiling water. For the Mirin, since its not available. The taste will be just the same with or without it.

STEP 1:


You can pretty much add to it what you please, like mushrooms, snow peas, green beans, etc. I have some green beans that are going to turn in a few days so I'm going to use that in here. Skin and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You should be able to pull the skin off with relative ease, and then cut around the bone.

(as the author wrote, you could put any thing you want, but my brother and I decided to put less to preserve the taste.)

 

 STEP 2:

Saute the onion, garlic, beans, and shallot, and ginger in the dashi for about 5 minutes.

(Instead of dashi, we used chicken stock a.k.a Knorr chicken cubes.)








 STEP 3:


Add the chicken. About mid-way through cooking the chicken mix the Soy Sauce, mirin, and sugar, and slowly add 1/2 of it too the chicken. BTW, if you want a more yellowy-oyakodon, use a light soy sauce instead and water down the stock a tad (otherwise it'd be too salty). I'm using standard dark soy here.

(for the soy sauce, we used the Coconut brand fermented soy sauce)



 STEP 4:



Once the chicken is cooked, check the flavor and add more of the soy sauce mixture if it needs it. If you prefer a more thicker sauce, add about a Tbsp of flour or 1/2 Tbsp of corn starch and let it simmer for 5 minutes while stiring it constantly. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs on top of the chicken. Let it cook until the eggs start to harden. Flip the Oyakodon onto a bowl of hot rice - follow the recipe for sticky rice on the first page, however, don't cool it off and don't add the vinegar-sugar mixture to it. The heat of the rice should finish cooking the eggs. Garnish and serve.

 If it's too salty, try adding more sugar. It is too sweet, add a little soy sauce. Adjust it on how it will suit your taste. :) Once you've tried it. Make sure to let me kow how it goes and leave a feedback! :D

 Photo and picture credits to: VisualRecipes.com


MAGURO
28 Matalino St., Teacher's Village
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone Number
(+63 2) 922-0129
Operating Hours
Open from 11:30am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday;Open from 5pm to 11pm, Sunday

EverythingMattBomer

Some of you may not know that I'm a HUGE Matt Bomer fan. ohyesIam! 

 It all started after watching an episode of White Collar of USA Network and I was instantly in love with him. I've even made a tumblr account for him. So, If you have a tumblr and a Matt Bomer fan. Please follow, EverythingMattBomer

We also have a twitter account. 
EveryMattBomer

Don't forget to follow us! :)

Deleted post

Hello readers,

For those who are wondering why some of my posts are missing. I've deleted some of my previous post due to some personal reasons. I've also edited some posts and remove certain parts which includes my past relationship. Hope you guys understand. ;)

anyways, I've been busy recently so I haven't had any recent post lately. Well, I've got a job (yey!). It's my dream job. So, I'm giving all my time focusing on my new job. I haven't also finished and written any book reviews too. But don't worry. I'll be posting it soon. :) 

You Don't Have to Say You Love Me

by Sarra Manning

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I read the book in two days and two sleepless nights. The story is good and somehow realistic. Neve wasn't the typical female lead. She wasn't the slim, long-legged and perfectly looking type of lady that you always read on other novels. Well, she thinks she isn't. She always see herself as fat which made her feel inferior than others. Max is a sweetheart. Though having a habit of sleeping around which changed in the end. He was very kind and understanding of Neve's insecurities and weight issues. He even agreed to their pancake relationship to help Neve in time for the return of William. William, whom Neve loved since college or she thought she did.



Note:

This Review is also posted on Goodreads.com.

Testing.

Trying to post via email. :)

Abrahamn Lincoln : Vampire Hunter

By Seth Grahame-Smith

I decided to read the book first before watching the movie. I'm not really familiar with Abraham Lincoln and into vampire stories but the title got my attention. I enjoyed reading the book. This is the my first book of Seth Grahame-Smith. He also wrote, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

I like how the author incorporated fiction with history. How the author started the story with store owner and Henry's friendship.During the writing of the manuscript, I thought it was a bit fast and I remembered that there was a scene where Henry brought the store owner to a place with they did not tell where and what happened. Somehow, It just started with the story of Abrahamn Lincoln, when he was a kid. While reading the book, I must say that I got teary-eyed in some scenes. I felt what Abrahamn felt at that moment and that's a good thing. For me, It means that the book is good.

In the end of the story, I felt the author left out a few information. He didn't include why Henry choose the owner of the store to write the manuscript and the purpose of it. It just ended when Abraham was killed. But nonetheless I enjoyed the story.

off-topic:

I'm a bit disappointed with the movie. :( The book was so good. I felt that movie butchered the book. The story was off. Some of the important characters and scenes that shaped Abrahamn in the book was nowhere to be seen in the movie.

The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus Series #1)

 By Rick Riordan

After the success of Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, I had high hopes for this new book series of Rick Riordan; Heroes of Olympus. As expected, Rick Riordan never fail to amaze me with his exceptional writing skills.

Heros of Olympus first book, the Lost Hero started with new set of characters; Jason (son of Jupiter/Zeus), Leo (son of Hepeastus), and Piper (daughter of Aphrodite). Jason, woke up in a school bus holding a girl's hand, his girlfriend, Piper and with his friend Leo. But the problem is, Jason can not even remember anything from his past, not even Piper. As the tour pushed through, The three got their first glimpse of who they really are. They got to fight a Venti (wind spirits?) and they got away with Coach Hegde (a satyr). When the pick-up team (Annabeth & Will) got to Skyline. They were expecting an answer to Percy's disappeance (yes, Percy is missing) but what they got is the three new demigods. They all went to Camp Hafl Blood and the rest is for you to find out *winks*

If you're expecting Percy in the first book. Don't get you're hopes up because now, I'll tell you won't any Percy in this book. He'll appear on the second book, The Son of Neptune. So, you have to read the Lost Hero first to be able to understand the Son of Neptune.


I'm giving this book:  4 out 5 Stars.

Author's Note:

Yes, as you can see. This is my first published book review here in my blogger account. This review is also posted in my Goodreads.com account. I've been addicted in reading books for a while now. It started last month, around June 2012. So far, I've read 16 books in a month, some of it I've already read twice, some maybe thrice already. I'll be posting more of my reviews in my future posts. Xxx :)

My National Museum Adventures!

March 2012, Albert and I decided to visit the National Museum, a month before his flight. We've always planned to go there but due to our different schedules our plans never pushed through. After 5 months, we we're able to make time for this field trip. yaaaay! :)

 

credits: Google Maps

To start it off, first we need to know the location and find out how to get there. If you're going to commute your way to the museum, I advise that you take the LRT and get off at the UN Ave station. The museum is in between the Central Terminal and UN Avenue station. From there, you will see the Manila City Hall and walk in that direction. You'll pass by a children's playground and a relief map of the Philippines. The National Museum of the Philippines is located in P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila. The National Art Gallery is currently undergoing renovations so entrance fee is FREE until renovations are completed. 

According to the NM official website, The National Art Gallery was originally designed as the public library by Ralph Harrington Doane. In 1918, the construction begun and was suspended for several times due to lack of funds. Later on, the building was decided to be used by the legislature. Revisions of the plan was done by Juan Arellano. The building was inaugurated on July 16, 1926. costing only four million pesos. In the mid-1996 the Senate of the Philippines moved out of the building. In 2003, the renovation started to transform it into National Art Gallery of the national Museum.

Sergio Osmena by Guillermo Tolentino

 Before entering the museum, you'll see two sculptures done by the artist Guillermo Tolentino. They are the heroic monuments of Manuel Quezon, former Senate President; and Sergio Osmena, former Speaker of the House.

There are different rooms/halls inside the museum. Each caters to different artists, artifacts and historical pieces. One of my favorite room is the Hall of Masters 

 According to the NM official website, the Hall of Masters, "This room is dedicated to the 19th-century Filipino painters Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo who achieved prominence at the 1884 Madrid Exposition. Luna's Spoliarium received one of the three gold medals and Hidalgo's Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho (Christian Virgins Presented to the Populace) received one of the fourteen silver medals" 

My panoramic view of the Hall of Masters (Spolarium, not included.)

Another favorite of mine is the Amorsolo Gallery. According to Kilay-diwa.com, "Fernando C. Amorsolo, named National Artist in Painting in 1972, was the first Filipino to ever be given that distinction. He was also called the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art” at the inauguration of the Manila Hilton’s art center, where his paintings were exhibited, on January 23, 1969. His works covered a wide range of subjects, but he was best known for his idealized female images of the dalagang Filipina. He also painted scenes of traditional Filipino customs, fiestas and occupations, and series of historical paintings on pre-Colonial and Spanish Colonization scenes. He preferred to paint in natural light and developed the backlighting technique, which became his trademark. "

My panoramic view of the Amorsolo Gallery.

Other galleries includes the Arellano room, dedicated to the prolific-painter Juan Arellano, who is also one the architects of the building. The Beloved Land, "This room introduces the scope of the history of art in the Philippines through a timeline." (Nat'l Museum website, 2011). The Vessels of Faith, "This room presents the various expressions of Philippine spirituality." (Nat'l Museum website, 2011). The Hall of National Artists for the Visual Arts, "This room is dedicated to the visual artists who have been named National Artists by the government." (Nat'l Museum website, 2011). The Freedom Yearned For, "This room expresses the theme of struggle of Filipinos against colonialism and the forms of oppression that persist to this day." (Nat'l Museum website, 2011).

I won't be posting pictures of the other galleries because I want you, readers to visit the Museum and see it you own eyes and hopefully be able to learn from it. Anyways, We weren't able to tour the whole art gallery and see the other art pieces due to renovations. Some of the hallways are also closed due to the constructions inside the building. After we finished the National Art Gallery, we went to our next destination, The Museum of the Filipino People.

The Museum of the Filipino People

Across the National Art Gallery building is The Museum of the Filipino People. It houses the Anthropology and Archaeology division. The Museum of the Filipino People houses different exhibits. From the origin of the islands of the Philippines up to the arrival of the Spaniards. The building formerly housed the Department of Finance. Here are a few of my pictures inside the museum.

Paintings from different artists

From the burial jars

A replica of the San Diego

 

Re-enactment of how the relics/artifacts were acquired  from the San Diego

 

Paintings from different artists

 

To be able to see them up close, please visit the National Museum Art Gallery and the Museum of the Filipino People. Entrance fees varies from 30 pesos to 100 pesos. Both museum are open from Tuesdays to Sundays. From 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Admissions is FREE on Sundays.






Author's Notes: 

Am sorry that I wasn't able to finish this blogpost on time. Its been overdue for a month because I am currently having a writers block (yep, poor me :c ).

5-minute mug cake

Have you ever had a craving for a cake at midnight? But the problem is pastry shops are closed. Well, if you are lucky enough to have these ingredients at home, might as well make a 5-minute mug cake. :)

Here are the ingredients you'll need:

4 tbs flour
2 tbs sugar
2 tbs cocoa
3 tbs milk
3 tbs butter or oil
1 egg
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 tbs choco chips (optional)
1 large mug

1. Add dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, choco chips) and egg. Mix well.
2. Pour milk and oil. Mix well. Then add vanilla.
3. Place on a microwave (high mode) and set time to 3-5 minutes.

Have you tried it? :)

-_____-

Hello dearies,

A few weeks ago, I promised that I'll be publishing my post on my experience visiting the National Museum of the Philippines. But sadly, I wasn't able to finish it on time due to familial reasons. I've been busy taking care of my mother who is sick. We've been admitted for 9days and just got discharged from the hospital earlier today and still waiting for the results of her diagnostic procedures done a few days ago. Please pray for her..

testing :)

trying to upload a picture via email :)

testing. :)

Next blog post: My National Museum Adventures!

Stay tuned for my next blog post. My first time to visit the National Museum of the Philippine! will try to finish this within the week :)