— witsandnuts

Archive
May, 2010 Monthly archive

There’s an APO air in TGI Fridays

By: witsandnuts
31-05-2010
Food, Music

TGI Fridays Dubai Mall

After “climbing” the world’s tallest tower last weekend, we headed to TGI Fridays in Dubai Mall to re-energize. In between the chatting and munching, I could not help but (impossibly) wished that I were in the Philippines that night to savour the finale concert of APO. If only one of their farewell concerts coincided with my most recent break in Manila and/or somebody from the UAE offered to produce their concert (instead of the Marian-Dingdong and other nonsense gigs), I would be more than happy.

Picnik collage
Picnik collage

There is really such a thing as mind over matter. Just when we started consuming the appetizing lamb rack, tenneesees, fillet, lemonade and lush, some of APO songs filled the air. With the right company, generous portions of edibles and just in time music, that moment was the next best thing to being in the actual concert with this TGI Fridays branch’s view:

TGI Fridays Dubai 1

I have uploaded here a playlist (20 songs) of my favorite APO songs (special mention to When I Met You, Pag Ibig, Bakit Ang Babae and Panalangin).

Here is a very heartwarming video of one their last performances (do not miss it!):

“When I Met You” with special features from Ala Paredes on Vimeo.

Share/Bookmark

Read More

Running in my head during the 80s

By: witsandnuts
26-05-2010
Films, Philippines

I am writing this because I am a little nostalgic about the childhood photos that I have seen recently. This led me to recollect some of the stuff that consumed me in their own proportions as a child.

(a) Batibot (1984)

tayo_na_sa_BATIBOT_by_tikbaloycube
(Photo source)

Our own version of Sesame Street is and will be one of my biggest favorites forever! Kuya Bodjie, Kuya Mario, Ate Sienna, Pong Pagong, Kikong Matsing, Manang Bola, and the rest of the group: we miss them. I hope a re-mastered DVD or something similar will be produced. I am sure it will be a hit.

Read More

Vintage will save the day

By: witsandnuts
25-05-2010
Good Finds, UAE

varon3
(I think this Jean Varon 1973 vintage gown would save me.)

I am facing a major situation. That is I shall attend an ARABIC wedding for the first time. It was a mixture of excitement, hesitation and panic when I got the invite. This is the third time I have been invited during my entire stay in the UAE, but I can not and shall not refuse this one because she is a (charming) pal.

This is another side of me which is not very obvious in my blog but is known to people dear to me. I am extra cautious when attending weddings especially with the aspect that I would be photographed. What I realized is that wedding photos especially those in groups will probably remain “forever”. The smiles and faces which will be displayed on several albums and online archives will be checked once in a while by different generations. So you need to have that look which will launch a thousand words, huh; that aura that your grandchildren will be proud to be associated with you.

I have been part of several weddings already, served varied roles. Needless to say, the femme preparation is always more difficult because coordination of too many things are required. The heart of it is to find the suitable dress first and all else would follow. Since this is an Arabic wedding, it will be extra challenging because I need something that is decent enough to cover me. (In Emirati weddings, there are separate receptions for the female and male.) As I have a reasonable orientation of what they wear during the reception (there is a thin line to being too flashy and plain), I thought of going for vintage clothes because these never fail to save ladies. I started sorting from the lovable 1960s vintage clothes. It did not take so long and I finally found what I need!

dolly7651
(This Dollyrockers which is from 1970s vintage clothes will be perfect for that night.)

Share/Bookmark

Read More

Kulinarya: A Guide to Philippine Cuisine

By: witsandnuts
23-05-2010
Books, Food, Philippines

Kulinarya Cookbook

(Is it possible for the Kapampangan, Ilongga, Bulakeño and Batangueña chefs to agree with a single version of preparation and presentation of a Filipino dish?)

I have been often asked for gift suggestions for a person who will be based abroad. I would consistently remark that it should be something practical, handy and useful. A cookbook has been one of the favorite suggestions. Yes, the person taking off may not immediately appreciate it until he or she begins experimenting in the kitchen. But whether you are gifting it to a kitchen expert or not, there is one cookbook that is an absolute pleaser.

lechon

Kulinarya: A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine is a product of genius effort from six well-known and respected Filipino chefs, with its editor Michaela Fenix.  They have collaborated, debated and performed kitchen testings since 2006 to come up with precise recipes that all Filipinos would embrace as their own no matter which dialect they speak.

Read More

The 8 faces of adobo

By: witsandnuts
18-05-2010
Books, Food, Philippines

I have been intending to write about this for a long time. Not only because I am a fan of adobo, but thinking that it would help in a way those who are in the same situation.

Adobong Puti

(1) Adobong Puti (Stewed Pork and Chicken in White Vinegar) got its name from the white vinegar that it uses. However, the appearance of the dish is brown because of the frying. It is claimed that this is the classic version since it highlights the basic adobo flavors such as vinegar, garlic and peppercorns, and excludes soy sauce which outweighs the rest of the flavors.

If you will be living outside the country, would be living on your own, will be mandated to know by heart to prepare one dish, or at least because you are a Filipino, I think that it is necessary that you know how to cook adobo. While it is not officially declared as our national dish, it is often associated with Filipinos. I am particularly speaking for those based overseas, it would be very embarrassing when non-Filipino colleagues or whenever the situation would call for it that you must prepare an adobo, and you can not. Of course, simple googling  and an overseas call probably to a family member (because each family has its very own adobo) would help, but believe me, if you still have the time, do not think twice to perfect it.

Read More

Categories

Adverts

Archives

Conversations

  • kg: gusto ko yung ikea at yung white chair! haha! parang ang sarap gumawa ng miniature models ng kung anu ano! parang...
  • docgelo: louvre in abu dhabi? does it mean mona lisa will be there? haha! these plans are gorgeous! no wonder my mom...
  • arcie: paano po pumunta dito kapag galing ng calamba
  • Photo Cache: wow, i’d love to see that. it’s amazing to see the city in that perspective.
  • sheng: Very lovely! Ang gaganda lahat. I wish there would be some kind of exhibit na ganyan din dito sa pinas, kung...
  • upto6only: wow ang ganda ng place. ang daming dine-develop dyan ah galing
  • rob: .. i’ve been to penang (visited docgelo) and there is too much to see there a few days won’t really...

Sidetracks

Featured United Arab Emirates Blog on GO! Overseas

Creative Commons License

expat

Home & Living - Top Blogs Philippines

© 2007 to 2012 witsandnuts. The writings and photographs on witsandnuts.com are the author’s original literary works unless otherwise indicated. If you wish to reproduce in part or in whole any of those, please put a link back to the page or mention the source.