Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade

Our family had our first taste of the Solstice Parade last year. It was fun and unpretentious. So this year we made the trip again to become part of the Solstice Parade. We were baking under the midday sun for 4 hours or so but I had fun ... take a look...

Click here to view this photo book larger

we got GLEEK-ed

The whole family was having dinner at Katsuya in Americana at Brand and boy was it a good one...

Creamy Rock Shrimp

$15

Miso Marinated Black Cod

$24

We were finishing up with these yummy desserts...

Green Tea Ice Cream $6

Chocolate Lava Cake w/ Vanilla Ice Cream $10

And what do you know... Josh Sussman a.k.a. Jacob Ben Israel in Glee is in the house

follow Josh on twitter

Such a nice person... very down to earth.

COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET

I have a confession to make...

(image source)

I <3 Kris Aquino. And I've loved her forever. Since 1985 to be exact. Insert all unsolicited comments here (judgemental or not). I figured, in commemoration of soon to be Pres. Noynoy's inauguration, this is the best time to, sort of, come out of the closet. Some people know that I'm a big fan of Kris but it's not something I would divulge at all. Depending on the company I'm keeping. Sometimes I wouldn't even say anything to a fellow Kris fan.

I've liked her for as long as I can remember and I grew up with her "around" (meaning, in TV). My earliest memory relating to her is we used to live in West Triangle and Times St is just a 3 minute walk away and I used to walk over to then Pres. Cory Aquino's house hoping I'll get a glimpse of her. Which, btw, I never did...EVER :)

Recent events brought a lot of hateful comments everywhere and reading those hateful comments "hurts" me. Specifically, comments about her arms when she wore sleeveless during the proclamation. Who cares about her "brazo de mercedes"? I mean really??? No wonder palubog na buong bansa (the entire country is going under). If you have mentality like that the country has nowhere to go but down. What's the bigger picture here... she's giving up a lot, giving away a lot and she's keeping quiet. Her brother's elected by the majority so live with it and make the most out of it. Moving forward is not Pres. Noynoy's sole responsibility, it is the responsibility every single Filipino living locally and abroad.

I ask you, in talking smack about somebody, have you given out a single ounce of good vibe? did talking smack help someone smile? No? So stop!

This does not grow old.... If you've got nothing good to say, STFU...

Thank you for letting me vent...

FOOD BUDDHA on TLC

The DVR was set to record Chef Rodelio Aglibot's show, Food Buddha, on TLC. I was able to watch both episodes and I think (remember it is MY opinion) that the premise of the show has promise.

I believe that the main idea is that Chef Aglibot travels to different cities and dines at 3 of the city's notable restaurants and orders OOE. Now we have a new abbreviation to add to EVOO (made popular I believe by Rachel Ray). OOE stands for one of each. I think he does this to get the story of the chef or maybe what the restaurant represents. Either way, the menu tells the story and by ordering OOE you get the whole story from the cover page to the glossary. It's kind of like an expanded version of Top Chef Masters' final challenge wherein the remaining 3 masters are asked to tell the story of their life as a career in 3 plates.
And from all these tastings, he gets to go home to Chicago and create a new dish inspired by one of the dishes that he sampled.

I think it's an excellent premise for a show and I would watch it. What was unappealing at first was the thought that here's a chef who looked like a buddha would order OOE and eat all of it. What? I myself am NOT a "skinny marie" I am in fact overweight (okay, hold your horses, that in itself is a story and I'm not going to go there) but I'm not a glutton. What I realized soon enough is that they (Chef Aglibot and whoever may be accompanying him) are consuming everything that they ordered. It would seem like it but you'll see that they are sharing food amongst other diners. Now that's more like it. Whew! How exhausting trying to explain that!

So, am I fan? Yes! I am now inspired to look at the menu in a whole different light. I may not go for the OOE option but I will definitely take time in looking at the menu and try to guess what the story is. And what do you know, there goes another challenge on eating out. Dining out made more fun/educational?!? I'll take it!

Americana at Brand's StreetFeast

I wasn't planning on coming to this event as my experience with the last STREETFEAST was not so good. Translate, we went home "luhaan"(in tears) and "gutom"(hungry).

Earlier I got an email from Caruso Affiliated to its Loyalty Rewards members. The first 50 to RSVP gets the VIP Access. I called and I GOT IN. So it's going to be me and the daughter. I broke the news to her and like mommy, she got all excited.

What's making this event really special for me is the chance to sample The Manila Machine's menu offering. Finally!


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Jeepney Asian Grill

After watching "Noy" at the Cerritos Town Center, my SIL and I decided to drop by Jeepney Asian Grill for a late lunch. The shopping complex was easy to find and housed other Filipino establishments like Red Ribbon Bakeshop and Pinoy Pinay. First impression as I opened the double doors was that it was bright and airy. It's almost clinical. Made homier with big panoramics of a jeepney and fruits.

I was greeted by their gelato display freezer and I immediately knew I have to leave room for dessert. Even @carolineadobo reminded me.

I am now irritated at myself for not taking a lot of pictures. I would've love to post their choice of lighting fixture as it was very chic and modern. For seating, they did not stick to the typical Filipino choice of plastic chairs instead opted for dark stained cushioned seat. The overall feel is that of clean yet comfortable. It is not your typical "turo-turo" type of establishment.

I saw ADOBO FLAKES on their breakfast menu and I knew what I wanted to order.



It came with garlic rice, 2 eggs and the adobo flakes encased in deep fried molded lumpia wrapper and 2 slices of honeydew. Presentation was very cool for a Filipino resto. Not even Max's plate like that.

Now time for the much raved about gelato. Our server Julian (at least that's what I think his name is based on the name on the check) suggested 3 scoop sundaes and we chose the one with Sans Rival and Mango.



Should I mention how GOOOOOOD that SANS RIVAL gelato was? Nope. I'll keep that a secret.

Hahaha...NOT! I loved it so much I ordered 3 pints to go (1 for the BIL #2). Julian was very good in packing the gelato, wrapping the containers individually in foil then plastic bag and then placed inside another plastic bag with ice.



And a few hours later, ice cream's intact and ice still frozen. Good job packing the gelato Julian!

Oh and before I forget, we had the calamari to start and it was good. Very crispy.




Jeepney Asian Grill
11900 South St., Suite 101
Cerritos,CA 90703

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Happy Philippine Independence Day ... belated :)

(image source)

So yesterday, June 12, was Philippine Independence Day. At this point in my life I can truly say that I am very proud that I am a Filipino. Yes, our culture is not singularly of that Filipino but a mixture of all of the countries that colonized us but I think what makes us unique is the combination of those cultures that we share with nobody else.

Who else has Asian facial features with Spanish last names? I think only the Philippines.

Anyways, what do I know? 

All I know is that I'm proud that I am Filipino and that we have Manny Pacquaio, Charice, Rafe Totengco, Bryanboy, Cristeta Comerford, Josie Natori, Lea Salonga, and Monique Lhuillier.

This is just my opinion, ok? Shallow? So what? Move on...

letter from a happy mom

Hi Setsuko,

Just thought I'd share with you what happened after school today and in particular what Bea said...

After Bea had her after school snack she said she's ready to start reading books from her brother's Tag Junior



and Tag (Leapfrog products).



So we started reading and she started getting frustrated. It looked like it's not going to work. She couldn't understand a thing the unit was talking about. We stopped after trying for 10 mins.

I became a tad bit disappointed and my heart fell just a few notches. But then that invisible lightbulb flashed and I went to my son's room and took out Bea's old toy from when she was 5 years old. It was a Fisher Price Powertouch Learning System.










Now I don't even know if they're still selling this thing. I bought additional books on Craigslist two years ago in preparation for when my son starts to read.

What's so awesome about this "toy" is there's an option where you can just press the words and it will say that word. (isn't that brilliant?)

So now she can actually read stories on her own pace associating sounds she hear on her implant and the word it represents. Wow!

Then I said, "This was such a great idea from Setsuko. I've never would've thought avout this".

Then... get this... Bea said "She's leaving next month. I'M GOING TO MISS HER." W-h-a-t?!?! You know why I'm so surprised by this? Because I know her and she does not miss people. She doesn't cry at movies and she doesn't get attached to anybody. I mean, really, this is such a big deal for me and for her.

Oh Setsuko, why do you have to go? We have finally found THE PERFECT AUDIOLOGIST. Hahaha...

We wish you the best! And we will still you before you leave.

Much Love,

Emilie

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hey Blogger/Blogspot! I'm back

A few months ago I decided to take blogging seriously and with this I decided to look for a  different blogsite and I chose WordPress. And I stuck it out with WordPress for 6 months. My mistake was I should have tried it out before making it my "permanent" home. I couldn't post slideshow from Shutterfly, nor could I post videos without having to do a paid upgrade. Oh hell NO! Following Chuvaness' footsteps (she also said she didn't like WordPress' format), I moved back to Blogger.

So here I am, hopefully for good this time :)

p.s.
The overall look is still in construction so bear with me...

White Choc & Hazelnuts

I am familiar with Ritter Sport for the longest time I can remember. I remember we used to get it from Cartimar, Cash & Carry or Greenhills. I am clueless if the first two still exists. It is a treat whenever we can/could have it. And I remember Auntie Del would bring home some whenever she would return home from her trips to Germany.

This particular brand is home to me. Reminds me of good times spent watching movies on laser discs (remember those?) in Auntie Del’s room. Ahhh…. good times…

Original blog post June 02, 2010

shut down so shut up

photo from: http://www.libramonkee.com/internets/pics/funneh/epic-failure.thumbnail.jpg

Received a piece of good news today, not necessarily good for me but still a joyous piece of info. When I shared this tidbit to “somebody”, I was met with negativity shooting left and right, top to bottom. I can feel the sarcasm, loathing, resentment and general distate oozing through the phone as this piece of news was digested. I feel bad for the recipient of the good news. This person doesn’t know how the whole brood feels. I know there are unfavorable circumstance surrounding the “news” but I genuinely send happiness and good vibes to the “recipient”.

My point is, why be so negative? Why should you be affected if you’re just an observer. Why not give people a chance? People can change and if they don’t then it doesn’t matter because you’re still the same person. Why be so discriminatory and judgemental? Sometimes it’s fun to do so but there’s a place, time and topic for that.

I am not perfect, in fact, I’m far beyond perfect. But what I try to do is always see the good in people. I might get hurt in the process but I think it’s worth it when you find that people can change for good.

AMAZEBALLS.

My Sister’s Keeper – Mom & Daughter Sob-fest

It took me a while to watch this movie because I knew I’m going to cry. Period. Over the weekend my sis texted me asking if I’ve watched it? I said NO for same reason. So today I thought “why not?”. So Bea and I watched it together. B is the kind who does not get all teary eyed and sob-by. She’s never teared up in any of the movies that we have watched. This movie did it for her. And let’s not talk about me. I was a mess. This movie just evoked so many emotions, I think too many to jot down. All I can say is that I am glad I watched it. It was worth the tears.


Original blog post May 24, 2010

here comes the cochlear implant

Today will mark B’s journey with bionic ears. Today she’s having her pre-op physical exam from her pediatrician and vaccination with pneumovax (I presume it’s a vaccine for Pneumococcal meningitis). I don’t have a clue how this day’s going to work out or if it’s going to work out at all since it’s still STAR testing week. Oh well, we’ll figure it out.

She will be receiving the Nucleus 5 device from Cochlear Americas

What does she feel about the whole thing? EXCITED!

Original blog post May 13, 2010

I live far from Austin

I stumbled upon the website of FourSquare Grader and I thought, why not?

And here are the results…

Okay, I really do appreciate the suggestion for my next badge but WTH? I think (correct me please if I’m wrong) that badge is geo- and event-specific. I think it was created for the SXSW at Austin last March. Hmm… @squaregrader can you suggest something else??? Something appropriate? Thanks 

http://grader.com/

http://square.grader.com

http://twitter.com/squaregrader

Original blog post May 10, 2010

my own version of Nilagang Baka

It’s been a while since I cooked Pinoy food at home. The fact that I have to plan our menu for a week or two, shopping for ingredients, keeping vegetables fresh in the refrigerator, prepping and dishwashing became too much for me. So about 13 or 14 months ago I decided to go back to buying our dinners at Dream Dinners. I would order about 2 wks worth of entrees and leave the rest of the days to either take out or eat out. I liked Dream Dinners because I still get to cook without the shopping and prepwork. It’s mixed cuisine though so for a very long time we’ve been eating less Pinoy food. I ran out of Dream Dinner entrees to cook so I was forced to do some grocery shopping and decided on Pinoy food.

For my first day back on cooking Pinoy food, I chose Nilagang Baka. I haven’t had one since the last time I cooked it so that’s how much I’ve missed it.

Nilagang Baka

Ingredients:

3 lbs beef ribs, diced

2 small head of cabbage

2 stalks bok choy, washed and ends cut off

6 pcs ripe “saba” banana, end cut off and cut in half

small piece of ginger, crushed

1 head of garlic, crushed

1 tbsp peppercorn

1 medium onion, cut into 4 pcs

soy sauce, fish sauce and calamansi/lemon to taste

• Boil water in pot. Place enough water to cover the meat.
• Wash the beef ribs in cold water and let it drain
• Once the water started to boil, place the meat into the pot.
• Add onions, peppercorns and crushed garlic and let it boil until the meat is “fall-off-the-bone tender”.
• Skim off any visible fat floating.
• Add the banana and cabbage followed by the bok choy.
• Once vegetables are cooked, turn off heat and season with soy sauce, fish sauce and calamansi/lemon.

I love Nilagang Baka, so comforting and brings back good memories.

~0~ Emilie ~0~

P.S. Before I say goodbye, I have to say that my version of Nilaga is actually a hybrid of Nilaga and Pochero. Technically, it is not Pochero as I believe Pochero has chickpeas and chorizo with the option to add tomato paste/sauce.

Original blog post April 29, 2010

Obsession: Tory Burch Reva flats

I have been wearing these comfy flats called Reva by Tory Burch for a while now. I am not a very fashionable person in general but when it comes to flats, flipflops and purses I can go all out. My comfort comes first so I stick to flats. Back to the Revas. I have 3 and my recent purchase was about 6 wks ago when I bought the pewter colored Python Skin.

And now I want this metallic purple Reva… what do you think? Should I?

Original blog post April 26, 2010

Gleeks Unite!

got the tweet

saw the poster

saw the cast as they wait for the premiere of the Glee fountain show, I keep kicking myself for forgetting my camera and have to depend on my iPhone’s camera (which is not really good)

they are on the bridge...if you can even see the bridge *sigh*

zoomed in and very blurry image of the cast at the bridge *tears rolling*

click on this link for a short vid of the fountain show

http://www.twitvid.com/5H0RP

I hate it when I have to pay $60/yr to embed vids on my blog 

and click on the following link for a snippet of the montage at the big screen

http://www.twitvid.com/1BPU6

Original blog post April 11, 2010

Monterey Day 3

Our last day on vacation. Before we left the town, I wanted to go to this place…

I love this small town and their red benches

Pacific Street... small and quaint and cozy

Then off we went to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. By the time we got there I was feeling a little sick so I didn’t even take any pictures. J and B had a grand time playing at the arcade games and that’s all that matters.

I hope to go back one day to maybe just chill and enjoy the surroundings.