by witsandnuts on July 27, 2010
I recently had another of those “if you cannot buy it, cook it” days. While buttered shrimps, garlic shrimps, spicy shrimps and the like are easy, but if you happened to have dined in dampa (I’ve been only to Seaside Macapagal Boulevard), you will definitely crave for their buttered shrimps one day. But for someone like me who is miles away, I cannot go in any seafood restaurant in the UAE and request the wonderful people there to cook it “dampa syle”. The challenge(s) of living away from home is either you enhance your self-contentment for whatever edible is available and/or you learn to recreate or replicate the dishes back home – no matter what it takes.
I really appreciate the fact that the seafoods are reasonably priced in this part of the globe; probably due to generous supply considering UAE’s proximity to Arabian Gulf. While the main ingredient is very feasible, the problem is that dampa’s recipes are not published anywhere. Options left are to ask around or use the imagination (trying it most of the time). Of course, I did not get it the first time. I am not saying that they prepare it in this manner in dampa. But after trying the other possible secret ingredients, this was the closest I got. Onto my copycat buttered shrimps I just had to have the following:
a kilo of shrimps
1/2 cup of butter
6 cloves of garlic, minced
a little amount of salt
and….. 2 cups of Mirinda (that’s the orange juice-like bottle in the photo with Arabic label)
a little amount of cornstarch (optional)
In a wok, boil the shrimps, salt and soda together in medium heat for 8 minutes. Remove the shrimps from the wok. Set aside the shrimp broth (with soda). On a separate wok, saute the garlic in butter. The smell it produces is always appetizing. After 2 minutes, pour in the remains of the broth (not all) until desired consistency is achieved. Optionally, you may put the cornstarch for thickened sauce. Pour over the cooked shrimps.
Make sure your steamed rice is ready, then you’re all set and may opt to eat kamayan style (eat with hands).
Popularity: 13%
by witsandnuts on July 24, 2010
To those who wonder, why the movie was titled like that:
The clouds I can handle. But I can’t fight with an eclipse.
[Jacob Black, Eclipse, Chapter 26, p.600]
However, that was not mentioned in the adaptation.
What day is it? I can’t believe that until now I haven’t done a review for Eclipse. Had it been shown in 2008, I probably had drafted my review already with fill in the blanks type (until I validate the other details). You know how it feels when you used to be head over heels over someone/something OR that famous realization about first love? That it actually dies, but is never forgotten. That is the current state of my Twilight Saga addiction. For old times’ sake, I willingly write this non-traditional review and random babbling into one:
(a) Would you believe that a larger percentage of the patronizers on the day that I watched were locals (Emiratis)? Their younger generation really are becoming more open minded.
(b) Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen is unfortunately depreciating. I prefer to remember Edward Cullen just as he is in the book and Robert Pattinson as he was in the first movie and as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I think most of you have heard of the joke, “Voldemort had killed Cedric Diggory and was turned into a vampire… he is now Edward Cullen!”
(c) On the other hand, Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black has became more appealing. In the book, I am with Team Edward. But in the movies, I am on the other side. Semi-Team Jasper even, in Eclipse. Members of Team Jasper increased because a portion of his admirable vampire career was highlighted.
(d) Why is Kristen Stewart’s (Isabella Swan) acting not improving? Haaay.
(e) Xavier Samuel as Riley Biers (new character) was very good. Too bad his role died on this movie, too. His acting reminded me of Vampire Diaries (Season 2 will start in September. Better than Twilight Saga.)
(f) The soundtrack is remarkable.
(g) Jessica’s valedictory address was good. But in the books, it sounded like Angela and Eric are the brainier batchmates.
(h) My most favorite scene in the book, i.e. the tent scene, which I looked forward to in the adaption, was depicted excellently. That was when they spent the night on the mountains. On that stormy hour, the sickly chilling Bella cannot be comforted by Edward since the vampires as popularized from this point are as cold as ice. Jacob being hot-blooded, of wolf descent, saved the damsel in distress. There goes the one million dollar statement: “Let’s face it, I’m hotter than you!” The man-to-man (or ice versus fire) talk happened thereafter meaningfully. How lucky is Bella eh? But I do not envy her. Heehee.
[keep reading…]
Popularity: 14%
by witsandnuts on July 20, 2010
(The restaurant revolves slowly, in a manner that will not make you dizzy. You enjoy the sumptuous meal while your eyes are fed at the same time through the panoramic and per minute changing view of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. And yes, the Norah Jones-like charming lady sings Don’t Know Why, I’ll Be Watching You, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, and other renditions that will make your stay more worthwhile.)
Since the first year I have been miles away, I have learned to celebrate my birthday with people back home simultaneously (i.e. we munch on pancit or anything that symbolizes long life and other comfort food). On the other hand, my friends-colleagues and I in this part of the globe do a sort of thanksgiving for the added year that we have wisen up. I must say that we are intentionally mindful of each other’s birthday and other occasions because these are the perfect chance for us to get together, to withdraw from the inherent monotony (we all have that eh?). We have tried something very different from last year, plus that I had a joint celebration with a colleague.
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Popularity: 18%
by witsandnuts on July 19, 2010
Before we go back to the regular programming (i.e. resume with the regular topics from the giveaway phase), I would like to share this entry from a friend whose blog is, by intention, known to very few friends-readers. We have not seen each other ages ago, but with her, the “once a friend, always a friend” cliche is very true. As I read her comment, each word struck me. I felt that she was indeed talking beside me. Not surprising though, she is one of the sincerest and warmest (but she is not a wolf!… I think only those who are oriented with Twilight Saga will get the joke) people I know. I am not sure if you noticed this entry from the at least 30 comments on the giveaway post. I am afraid that you were too intent on the “questions” asked. Haha. Anyway, here it is:
Jo, deary
Here’s hoooping I “win” this time:
(1) How we met virtually and/or in person
I remember it so well, Jo and her smile. It was your first day at work, my first few months or so. We were both early birds. You greeted me first! And so it was love at first sight for moi. Thanks, Jo, for that beautiful morning. And for all the rest of the mornings that you are a part of my life, that is, for life
(2) Why you read this blog
Because although you don’t exactly blog your more personal stories (hear my clamor, hehe), it makes me feel OK that you’re OK, then I can sleep more soundly, naks, hehe. It just warms my heart hearing from you.
(3) A link to your most favorite post from this site (and why)
It has got to be this: http://witsandnuts.com/2010/06/11/the-things-that-we-love/#more-3044
Why is it my fave? Let me count the ways:
1. It is categorized under life and I am naturally drawn to life stories.
2. I can so relate, being an immortal myself, hehe.
3. It’s so Jo
(4) Topics that you want me to write about/proposed changes to this blog
I wouldn’t want you to be any other than your good ol’ self, Jo, although this is too serious an answer, hehe. Hokey, since you’ve asked anyway, I wish you’d blog about your day to day inspirations…
(5) “A suntok sa buwan possibility”, the first thing/question you are going to ask me if we ever get to meet in person.
Does this apply to me? Hehe. I emailed you a question before.. If you just didn’t receive it that’s why it’s unanswered, it’s the same question I would want to ask you. Otherwise, it’s “How are you? Really.” And I hope the setting is as cozy as when we had our last long talk at RCBC Plaza, remember?
Then, am gonna hug yah real tight!!! I really really missed you, my friend. I’m happy when you’re happy. But you know when you’re not, you just have to holler, hokey? We’re all here for you kasi lab na lab ka namin. 
Popularity: 17%
by witsandnuts on July 18, 2010
As I mentioned initially, I was overwhelmed by the amount and quality of responses that got in. It was extra nice that it was during my birthday that I sorted through your account on how we have met, why you read this blog (thank you!), traced the links to your favorite posts, validated the topics that you want me to write about or the changes to this blog that you wish to happen, and honestly, I did not realize the “danger” of the fifth requirement when I wrote there: “A suntok sa buwan possibility”, the first thing/question you are going to ask me if we ever get to meet in person until I read your responses. Haha.
I really appreciate that you willingly embrace my no niche approach [i.e. my babbling about (almost) anything under the sun], which is not by intention. If you might have noticed, while the topics are unboxed, they are generally a reflection of my interests. And I try to write with no hard and fast rules, as much as possible, except that I do observe a sense of accountability for the veracity of things that I share even if I am writing under a pseudonym.
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Popularity: 19%
Man, the Emirates has become one heck of a place to live nowadays ( if...
17th of July
Blog anniversary and birthday giveaway
Old photographs are full of surprises
Worth watching more than once
