by witsandnuts on June 28, 2010
(We were flipping the pages of this free teaser magazine while waiting for the 4:30 PM screening of The Karate Kid last Saturday.)
I think that it is odd that I got surprised when I learned that the third installment of the Twilight Saga, Eclipse, is going to be shown in the cinemas soon. I mean, I used to be very informed of anything Twilight related. While it is debuting on the 30th of June in most of the countries, we got the 8th of July playdate here. It is odder that I did not take it as a big deal like when I did when the first installment was shown here few days late. Really, the delay strained my patience and even pained my sleep. I even made pre-screening preparations like re-reading the book, having the ticket in advance, at a minimum. It is interesting though that there is going to be an advanced screening (which is rarely happening in the UAE) of Eclipse on 1st of July. The oddest thing was that I did not even consider that. Wow, I think I have matured a lot (*facepalm*).
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Popularity: 20%
by witsandnuts on May 23, 2010
(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.
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.
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Popularity: 23%
by witsandnuts on May 18, 2010
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.
(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.
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Popularity: 34%
by witsandnuts on March 16, 2010
(Photo taken at Welbart Exhibit in the Philippines, 2008). These men are like the politicians during the campaign period, trying to market themselves to the public.
I’ve registered for the absentee voting last August and now that the election is near, I still don’t have my final list. Although it’s only one vote that’s coming from me, I reserve my right to be choosy about the candidates. The possibility of cheating in the canvassing of votes is beyond my control. I think that one of the better things that came up now is the availability of several means to get oriented with the salesmen (aka political candidates).
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Popularity: 5%
by witsandnuts on January 11, 2010
Our basic Arabic course is over. Now, it is time to find and practise the ways to improve it. I am thinking of:
(a) Watching the Arab Channels, at least the news and not the teleseryes.
(b) Reading the broadsheets (which I have already started). Nosebleed!
(c) Talking (more) to Arabic speaking friends and colleagues.
(d) Reading Arabic comics, if available. I remember one of the better means that improved my reading before I enrolled to gradeschool was the comics, particularly the ones in Filipino. How can I forget the hahaha (ecstatic, laughing), hehehe (plainly happy and sometimes on a mischievous tone), hihihi (female, sometimes in flirtatious tone), hohoho (for Santa Claus), huhuhu (crying), hik-hik-hik (drunk), etc. Even the foreigners who want to improve their Filipino read comics.
(e) Buying a CD and book-guide for intermediate Arabic. I already did (the same day with a set for French).
(f) Reading the Twilight Saga (at least the first book, with the apple on the cover just like in the photo) which is written in Arabic. I am doubtful though that it will be effective because maybe I have memorized the English version.
Popularity: 20%
i can still be updated about your goings-on 
On 24th of August, this is how the UAE reporters put it.
We CAN always rebuild
Pasalubong from Malaysia
Bukit Bintang
Mini Malaysia
