Training

I finally got a promotion, 8 mos into my job. I am very happy. The new schedule gives me my weekends back and no work during holidays!!!!

I have so much to be happy about and so much to be thankful for! But that's another post.


Pic dump soon!!!! About my trip and my food trip... like I said after my 7 day work week. (I'm on day 4 BTW!)

I'm having a hard time concentrating on work! My trainer looks like Mickey Yoochun!
Hahahha! Help! Hahah, it's a hard job so I should work extra hard!


Laterzzzzzz


Ren

ALIVE

I know I promise to update every week. And I will. I will just finish my 7 day work week, transitioning to my new post(I am so happy!)-- and I will overhaul this blog I promise. And food porn soon!!! heee!!!


See you soon loves!

Ren

I'm Back?

Hello loves! I'm back.... and I'm going to try my best to update at least once a week! I got a new camera. I'm still learning to utilize it though but I sure hope it can inspire me to make more photo posts whenever words are not enough!

I'm excited and I hope i commit to it this time. Maybe I'll start during my annual vacation to Singapore! Woohoo!!! In 6 days!!!


Oh and I'm thinking of doing a 365 project starting next year! I got plans ahead and I well, I will do my best to realize them!

See you soon! I need a blog make over!!!

Outie.
REN

BACK from Limbo!

Hey everyone! I am still alive. I've actually been updating my personal journal rather than ranting on this blog.

What happened to me? Real life lulz.

I got a job that demanded most of my time and during my rest days, I'm off somewhere trying to get over the week that was and trying to forget the work that will be. HA!

I have a broken cam and I got tired of capturing crappy mobile pictures. I am working on getting a decent camera to take pictures of new things I experience.

I also lost the ability to cook, well I lost the luxury of time to cook. Which is okay cause I get to go on food trips only my camera is such a big FAIL. So it isn't fun either.

It's funny, I take loads of pics with my crappy mobile cam... I'm scared of the image overload I'm going to have when I get to buy my new camera!!!!

So many things to look forward to!


Bah. Humbug!
REN

Work

Work is all I do lately. It's tiring but apart from the pressure and the total information overload, I see the rewards of hard work.

I'm always tired. Geeeshhhh.... I don't want a life like this....

Anyways for pay period I got something nice for myself...



Will try to blog tomorrow, promise.

Sigh

I really want to blog. It's just that I am sooo busy... well and lazy too.

I always fall asleep post work, it's too hot and my brain gets fried so much that when i get home I just fall into a deep slumber with my mouth open!

I didn't expect the new job would be more technical... aish!

I got robbed, I lost a pair of shoes. =( But it didn't faze me, studying in Manila for for university had me jaded... so what if I lost 200 bucks and shoes? I laugh at that robbers misfortune... he had to choose me... I don't have any money at all... In the end, I think he was more pissed then I was...


I will blog this weekend I promise. =)

Keep safe everyone! Ta!

BIR Pasay adventure

short post...

Was suppose to wake up at 5:30 to treck to Pasay City so I can go submit my form 1905 at RDO 51 in Pasay. Woke up at 7:30 instead: Major Fail!

Got to the train station to Taft around 10:15 ( had breakfast at KFC) got to the BIR office at 10:20... out by 10:25... Yes, 5 whole freakin minutes in Pasay...

Was tempted to head out to Mall of Asia (I've never ever been there!) but it was exhaustingly hot so decided to head home and bum in front of my TV and fan while drinking cold iced tea!

Used the Cubao route so I can go home early, had some ice cold cantaloupe shake thentexted Ate Grace who was in school being Mr. Schue... so decided to go straight home.

Very hot today but my friend Jean from New York is expecting 3" to 6" of rain and snow this week, Heeyoung in Korea is expecting a Blizzard in Seoul and Amy from London is still experiencing loads of snow... who am I to complain? Well, maybe an inch of snow would be lovely... but that's never gonna happen so... i should snap out of it!

Boys Top 12 at idol tonight... I can't wait!

Enjoy your day sweeties! TTYL...

I dream of HongKong

Apart from the 7 degrees Celsius-opportunity-for-winter-fashion weather in HongKong, this is the reason why I wish I was in HK right now...

I am obsessed with this over sized sweater!

Ahhhhh...knits, stripes, pinks, blacks and yellows... sigh...

If you're in HK, H&M x Sonia Rykiel

Pictures and Stories buffet...

...take only what you want! =)

Hello everyone! How are you guys doing this week? I have been so harassed this week. Here I am thinking I've done all the things I need to do before work starts and I could just bum the week away but nooooooooo... tomorrow, I'm heading out way into the city just to change the district office of my TAX returns. I don't know where it is, but I see it as an opportunity for adventure. >.<

Baking

I knew my mum was a good baker and a good cook. I only got the cooking part (not even at par with my mum's standard I bet!) but I love watching people bake. I love watching baking shows from Lifestyle and Discovery Travel and Living, I can't get enough of them. But watching my very close sister-friend Nuna Grace is far better cause of the following: the smell of the cookies roaming the entire house is intoxicating--trust me the smell is always perfect. She has kookie cookies and we'd always have profound conversations in the middle of mixing flour, butter and her secret ingredients. I think at the back of my mind, I kind of remember when I was young and my mum would bake and we'd watch her. It is such a stress reliever watching her bake, help her from time to time. The best part? Tasting the delicious cookies! Yummy!

Macaroons with almonds and Macaroons with cranberries

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie with walnuts

Jollibee

Delicious Filipino burger chain. I love eating here, there's a Jollibee store everywhere. I think this was 2nd week of February, I was craving for burger and was frustrated because companies were offering me jobs in the south and of course I won't take it cause I live in the east... and blah blah... So I asked Nuna Grace to share the afternoon with me and have burgers and fries at Jollibee. Summer was fast approaching, I love how the Jollibee store in my town has a cool ac and a new kick ass interior.

My burger meal

Filipino Tasting Burger

Fries *drools*

I also love the cheap rice meal here, 49 bucks in pesos, a buckeroo in US dollar and a dollar and 50 in Singaporean currency. How cheap is that? I can just order, sit in the corner enjoying the cold ac (it's really hot in my country now!) and eat. No washing of pots and dishes. I love the convenience. But not to eat everyday, we don't want to gain some more weight.

Beef and mushroom with loads of fried garlic

What I had for lunch last Monday! ^.*

Cheezwhiz diet and Lunar New Year

The week before Lunar New Year, I have been suffering from severe acidic reaction to food. The only thing I can eat without suffering from that burning sensation in my stomach was slice bread and cheezwhiz. By Saturday, the acids have died down and I had me some good old baked chicken. By Saturday, I was a happy bunny!

Looks like crap but tastes awesome!!!

Then since it's Lunar New Year, I had some sticky rice cake for breakfast before joining the festivities in Chinatown! Awww man, I want some right now~

So that's it for me. I'm really hungry now... I should go out and grab some grubs! Enjoy your dinner everyone! I'm out! =)

Whole Week Round-up

Hi guys! I know I've been gone a full whole week. I got so busy, I didn't have time to log in. I also had a 3 day problem with my internet so I haven't updated you guys with what's up.

It's so funny, now that I am not bumming... I am having a hard time to write about new things. I was out of the house everyday this past week yet I couldn't find anything interesting to blab about.


Monday:

I got a job interview in some company I was worried about because of the Valentine's Day/Chinese new year fiasco. I woke up a little late (was thinking of going there at 8, ended up coming in at 10) but the day went pretty well as it progressed. Everything was finished by 4:30 and by 5 I was signing my job contract. I will start on 22nd of February--there goes my plan with Oma to go with her to Daphne's prom.

Well, this isn't really Ren's blog without Renism... I was in the process of being interviewed by the British client. His accent was so beautiful, I was just staring and smiling thinking he was still talking about the interview process when i realized he was already asking the questions. It was funny. Finished signing the contract around 5:30 in the afternoon after we were informed that we will just receive a sms for our schedule, I went home immediately cause it was hot and I was tired.

I'm excited to work again, I hope my job is not as stressful as the first one. But there's one thing I'm bringing with me on my first day-- Ma'am Cel's advise. Bring the good things to work and learn from the bad ones. I can finally get a new pair of Havianas!!!

Tuesday:

Spent the day with Ate Grace and Mama Eds (Mama is uncle in my hometown). We went to Ateneo for Ate Grace's appointment. Then we went to Riverbanks so I can get my NBI Clearance for my new job. The line was so friggin long, I decided to wake up early the next day and just get it from the neighboring town. It's easier when I have to come back for it. We also headed to Chocolate Lovers which was perfect and deadly. I had to control myself from all those sweets. It smelled heavenly too. After that trip we headed to our last stop which was the mall where we had KFC (Yum-o!) and a good conversation.

"Yummmmmy!"

I also suddenly remembered my uncle (My dad's youngest bro) so since I was heading their town the next day, I plan to drop by and bring some fruits.

Wednesday:

Woke up bright and early to go to the nearest NBI kiosk and get my name cleared. It turned out, everyone had the same plan as me. When I got to the office, the line was more outrageous than the office in Marikina. I decided to go to Megamall to get my clearance instead. I've been hearing that even though the line is long there it moves faster. Dropped by my uncle's place and saw both My uncle and his wife. Talked for a while, even got complemented that I was losing weight. (Yay! Slice bread and cheezwhiz diet!) Stayed for two hours then headed off to Dianne's place to get some stuff I needed from my old office.

I got to Megamall around 12 and the line was really long. It reached the 3rd floor. I had to line 3 times, first one was to pay for the clearance, second one is to get my picture taken and the last one was to get the printed clearance. I was really hungry so after I paid for my clearance, I went to KFC to get something to eat then fell in line again for the second time to get my photo taken. It took an hour to get my photo taken then the shortest line ever was the third one. After 1 hour and 45 minutes, I got my clearance. Yey!

I was done around 1 in the afternoon. Went around the mall to look for clothes. Tuesday night, I went through my office clothes and found out I got a few left ( some went missing after Typhoon Ketsana) so I went around the mall to look for new ones. This is a new for me, ever since my sister moved to Singapore I don't bother clothes shopping anymore except when I am in Singapore. I had fun shopping by myself. I got a few pieces I really like. I'm going towards the Ugly Betty Fashion I think. I can't wait to earn money so I can buy more.



In the afternoon, I got a call that tells me we were moved to March 1 (Bummer!) and had to go back to the office the next day to sign a new contract. Geesh!

Thursday:

Boring day ever. I stayed at home until 2 in the afternoon then left for the office. Nothing exciting. Stayed home all day Friday to. Told Oma I can finally go to Daphne's prom on Friday. My last hurrah for bumming!

Saturday:

4 malls in 6 hours. My body is still aching right now. We looked for stuff for Daphne's prom.




We couldn't find age appropriate prom dress in the first 2 mall we went to so we hopped on the tram and headed down to Makati. We found the one all of us liked. It was on sale too! 70% off... Oma was so happy.Daphne was finally prom ready!

We can't wait to go to her prom, well bring her to prom and go home with her after the prom. While Daphne enjoys her prom, Ma and I are off to Shang to watch JLC's new movie or the Meryl Streep "It's Complicated" movie.





That's how my week went. This is my last week of bumming, I;m using it to organize things I need to do before work week starts next Monday. I still have some posts I need to upload or to write. I need to find time to do that. But I am happy to say, Tyler Grady is part of the AI Top 24!!! Woohoooo!!! And John Park too!!! It's so hot already, I think summer is here! Roadtrip!!!!

Valentine's Day FAIL!

Valentine's Day and Year of the Tiger!

Happy Lunar New Year Everyone! I had some sticky rice cakes today so I am a very happy girl! ^^

oh and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!

Why thank you for the gifts my valentine!

Anyways, enough about dreaming back to my topic. So since it's Lunar New Year, I decided to do something new with my looks.When I got home from my China Town Festivities, I colored my hair Chocolate gloss. Yummy!

BIG FAIL. EPIC.

I wanted my roots to be covered so the color was smothered all over my forehead and also in the eyebrow area cause I wanted them to match. I left the color for an hour! And Yay! I love the color of my hair. It matches my eyebrows and unfortunately...my forehead. The color won't leave. I have a Bradley Cooper face! T.T from my eyes down, my natural face color but my forehead looks like I stood in the sun for hours. Oh no... And I have an important job interview tomorrow! I hope it fades tonight, but if it doesn't... I hope powder won't let me down. =/

Tyler Grady

Just caught AI on TV. Yay! He survived group performance. 1 more to go and he's ready to shine in the top 24! John Park made it too!!! Yay!

Blog Watch: A Singapore Taxi Driver's Diary

Riding a cab is like gambling. Sometimes lady luck is on your side and you get kind, talkative drivers and sometimes, well you get hustled out of your hard earn money.

When I visit my sister in Singapore, we take a lot of taxi rides. It's great cause I'm with her but when it's my time to head out to the airport to go home... I get worried because I ride the cab alone.

I'm painfully shy and when I am not spoken to, will not talk to strangers. Don't get me wrong, when you smile at me and talk to me--I will talk to you too. But I am not the type to start conversations. >.<

Visit Uncle Cai at http://taxidiary.blogspot.com

He has a simple blog layout, but the content of his blog is priceless. Some said it's like chicken soup for the soul penned by a former scientist-turned Singapore cab driver.

I's really a good read...

Reminded me when I was heading home to the Philippines April of 2008. I had to take the cab by myself to the airport. Usually, I don't give tips to cab drivers but uncle who brought me to the airport in less than 30 minutes deserved the 10 dollars he got from me. He was very kind and comforting. I think that was the best cab ride of my life.

Wednesday's K-pop

Can we say blog overload much? I still have two posts that needs to be posted. I guess I finally sorted out the stuff I need to blab about! ^.^

I just want to hare a new song that has been making its rounds in my ipod.



It's 2ne1's new single, Try To Copy ME! Their surprise single for a new Samsung CF. The song is already #1 on the online music charts a few hours after the song's released.

2ne1 is one of the bands I like listening to. I totally love their mini album, you can just bob your head to the beat. I also loved their individual singles. Hahaha! Fangirlism at its finest. So before I embarrass myself some more, I leave you my K-pop song for the week:

TV Watch: American Idol

I love American Idol (though I was pissed when Glee had to take a break to give way to AI Season 9!) I followed Season 2 to Season 9. I didn't catch Season 1 because it wasn't televised in my country. Out of the 8 idols, only 1 of my bet won the title, Taylor Hicks. Hahaha!

The New Judge: Ellen is awesome! She's honest but in a nice and funny way. ^^ If I was a contestant on the show and she tells me I didn't make it, I'd smile and leave the stage. Then when I am back in my hotel room, I'd go "Oh Shit! I just got cut from AI!" Hahahahahaha!

Anyways, My early fave Tyler Grady made it to the first week of Hollywood WeeK! Yay!



And here's the reason I like him:

Down With Love: Episode 2

Episode 2 of Down With Love is already up at MY Soju!

The drama is still interesting to watch. It's not very draggy and you realize you fall in love with the characters more. I find myself liking Ella in this drama and you begin to see signs of spark between the main characters.




Ella's older sister who loves money is so mean to her but you know she's only doing it out of love. Jerry's best friend is a cuter version of Shaggy from Scooby Doo (Love his style and sometimes you'll root for him too!) and Jerry's idol girlfriend's voice is irritating to listen to. Oh! and I still melt when Jerry flashes that dimple!

I can't wait for the other episodes, it's still reminiscent of Coffee Prince to me but with a touch of something else. It hits the drama spot for me though. So if you liked Coffee Prince, give this one a try. ^^

Public Service

Hi guys! I know I said I won't be posting anything political anymore but please indulge me. For my friends abroad who are absentee voters and are complaining for the lack of information regarding presidential candidate's platform and stand on issues... I give you this website: http://ph.politicalarena.com/



It contains information about the people who wants to be president, vice president and even senators. Check it out, information is just a click away. It's not just for OFWs but also for us in the Philippines to help us in making our vote. I hope it helps us Filipinos make smart choices. ^.^

Spotted: Manny Villar

Pardon the lack of updates, I have to sort out first the stuff I want to talk abouthere. It feels like I have 10 million ideas in my head but when I sit in front of my lappie to start my posts, I tune out blanks.

Tomorrow marks the official start of campaigning for politicians dreaming of running my country. Not like they weren't doing some campaigning before, some had an early start. There is one politician's name you will not see on my ballot paper. I was just bitchin' about seeing him everywhere just over the weekend. The name is Manny Villar. I know it's campaign period already but his campaign strategy is irritating. His "get in your face" strategy gets to my nerves. Geesh, you see him on TV every 10 minutes, you hear his stupid jingle everywhere... Aurgh! He's irritating as hell.

I will not vote for him for 2 main reasons. One is because his campaign is expensive. When he gets to be president, how will he get back the tantamount amount of money he spent during his campaign? How much has he spent on premiere TV and radio spots? Second, The C-5 extension project he refuses to clear the issue

He is even freakin everywhere online...

He is in Cluster Map



In Google



In Facebook



Even in YM



Please choose wisely Philippines....

And now a conundrum, Is it worth to vote for a candidate you believe in the most even if he is not winnable? Or vote for someone who has fighting chance so the one you dislike the most will not win? 3 more months to go...

Okay, I will not blog about Philippine Politics for a while, I want a lighter topic for this blog. ^.^ Will post about what I've been doing after my week round up of interviews.

Short and Sweet

Fuck this, I swear on my grave, I WILL NOT BE VOTING FOR VILLAR. He is everywhere. It's getting on my nerves to see his fake smile. All the websites I've been to has his face plastered all over, not to mention every 3 freakin minutes he's on TV? Can you say desperate?

TV Watch: Pinoy on Project Runway 7

Hi! I'm Ren and I am a TV addict!

I love to watch TV! I'd watch anything entertaining. When you're saving for expensive things you like, say A Korean/Japan/London trip-- TV is the best form of entertainment in the world.

I also like fashion! I love to draw and design on the side (I am not very good though). I like clothes, shoes and bag but then all girls do so that's still normal.

Soooo I guess it will not be a surprise if I tell you I love Project Runway! My most fave contestant is Austin who now works for Kenneth Cole Bridal. I also have a crush on Daniel Volsovick. I have seen season 1 to season 6...

Season 7 will be the most interesting because there is a Filipino Contestant, Jay Sario!



To Quote Abs-cbn:

Jay Sario, 31, is the first Philippine-born designer to ever make it to the show. Sario said representing Filipinos was his goal when he auditioned for Season 7 of the popular reality show.

“I'm proud to be able to represent and be part of history. I am history!” Sario said.

Sario was born and raised in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. He and his family moved to the US when he was 17.

I love it when Filipinos are proud of their heritage and their goal in joining international competitions is to represent their countrymen. I can't wait to see Project Runway Season 7! He won the Burlap Competition... I hope he goes a long way!

That's Very Hot: Choco Boy and Random thoughts on a Friday

First of all, I want to share with you something that's making me laugh lately. It's funny, sometimes in a weird, gay awkward way but it's addictive! It's probably the background beat, it's very hypnotizing. At times, I find myself dancing and saying

"That's very hot! That's very hot!"

I haven't been blogging much lately and that's because I want to give you guys polished posts. Or informative posts... I need inspiration so for now, random ramblings will have to do

• I won that 7 for mankind calendar that was being given out at some website I am following. Hahaha! I told you I love joining contests.
• I am so happy because I found out that my old scanner is working! Yay! FInally! ( Well I did change to XP from Vista...when I was using Vista-- the program said it was incompatible and won't run!) This one is a great discovery because I needed a scanned copy of my passport sent out before 5 pm. I was so relieved and happy!
• MY cable TV has a new channel. Yay! I just discovered we got FOX Asia. How awesome is that? Dear cable company, you rock! Yesterday, I saw The Simpsons, White Collar, The Unit, Reaper...
• I love spam! I had some spam and some Christmas Ham sauce to go with it. Here in the Philippines, we have this condiment we mix with rice when we don't want to eat it dry. The sweet Christmas Ham sauce was a great contrast to the Spam's saltiness. (Not a food connoisseur, I just like sweet and salty foods)Not very healthy, eat only once a month, or twice if you really must.

• I think we finally hit Summer Season, the days are hot but sometimes at night, it's windy. I like it though... Not sooo hot, my fan can still handle it. ^^
• Down with Love was great! It was funny, romantic and crazy. You should check it out at MY SOJU! It's funny and I die a little when Jerry flashes that dimple (fan girl much?)

Hahahah! Well that's it my dear friends. Let me go and look for something interesting to write! ^^

*edit: I forgot to be excited for the return of CSI Las Vegas! My fave character is back!!! Sarah Sidle!!! Yay! And this season She's Sarah Sidle-Grisom!!!! Yay!!!!*

Side Serving: My 2 cents on Philippine Politics

I am not always an airhead talking about useless stuff. I am very much into politics. I believe the voting is a great privilege and I make sure I do it responsibly. After all, we the Filipinos are the ones who will have to suffer the consequences of choosing our leader.

I am saddened by the choices we have for presidents this year. I am not totally sold on Noy because I have yet to see his platform. His TVC's are made up of Filipino Showbiz personalities, but no platform. I want to vote for him but I would like to know why I should. I think that's one of the problems why his popularity is decreasing. We don't know what is his plan for the country. Yes, he promises not to be corrupt but what is his plan for the country? In the end, I think if it boils down to making educated choices-- I will vote for him because he is the lesser evil.
(**He goes to our clinic for PT treatment, he's very nice, very simple and only has one security guard who stays outside of the clinic when he gets treatment. Aside from being treated by our chief Physiotherapist, he has no other VIP requests. He even wears whatever gown is asked of him, once he wore pink! He is even easier to work with than those rich Filipino patients. He is very likable!**)

Part of me would like to vote for Gibo. I like his platform but I am turned off with the washing off his hands when it comes to the current president. When asked if he would convict her when she steps down--he says it is not his place to convict her. Yes, I know there is the judicial system but there is also such a thing called PRESIDENTIAL PARDON. She may be guilty but she may not serve her sentence. Ring a bell ERAP Estrada? (Now third on the presidential race!) Don't even get me started...

And now, another man who may possibly be my president in a few months... Manny Villar



So who do we pick? Good leaders are so hard to find nowadays...

Drama Watch: Down With Love

Here I go again... Talking about things I like. Hahahah! Well, I did warn you that I write about my current obsessions and stuff.

Anyways, Let's steer away from anything Korean. I do like other stuff you know like Philippine Big Brother and Glee (FYI: I have all 13 episodes in my laptop, I've seen all episodes at least 6 times each and I am dead obsessed with Kurt and Finn!)

Okay--about my recent obsession, let's go back 6 years ago when Meteor Garden was the craze among Filipino people. Hahaha! I love Meteor Garden and I love Jerry Yan! Hahaha! I loved him as Young master Dao and he is the reason I watched the 2 other Hana Yori Dango dramas. I used to have a poster of him up in my dresser wall. I really think he's handsome and he aged beautifully...he still looks as young as he did 6 years ago. I was so happy when I found out that he has a drama with Ella! Well, I am not a fan of Ella but I think she's funny (and has the best drama boys, Ni hao Wu zun!) and I am sort of intrigued by their odd pairing.



The new drama is called Down with Love. Jerry plays a ruthless divorce lawyer who is cold, selfish and cynical. When he lost his older brother, he was left to care for his nephew and niece. All the Nannies who took care of the children ends up quitting because of the mischievous children or they end up falling for him. Fed up with the events, he asked his secretary to find him a nanny who will fit his requirement. Ella on the other hand is the typical poor girl who will do any work just to earn money. She was hired as the Nanny under the impression that she hates boys. Well, we know where this is heading right? ( Maybe I shouldn't jump to conclusions?)

It feels like a throwback of coffee prince but we'll see. This started airing in Taiwan last January 24 but MY SOJU is just airing the English subbed episodes. I am so excited, Episode 1 is up now!



I have high hopes for this drama. I can't wait to watch it. If you catch it, tell me if you like it too! =)

What I had for dinner...

Ha! Ha! Ha! I know, I know... I said I was going to have corned beef and rice for lunch but I found spam at the grocery store and decided to have spam for lunch and dinner...tomorrow!

I woke up early and did my usual rounds of checking my mail, FB, Twitter, blogs, etc. and made today my day of chores--like laundry ( which I still have to do some more tomorrow cause I have a month's worth of laundry to finish!), writing letters to friends, walking to the post office to send out letters, etc. To make the long story short, I had time for lunch at 2 in the afternoon. I was really famished and the most convenient way to get my food fix is to eat lunch outside. So there, no picture for lunch cause I was so hungry when the food was served, I attacked it immediately. I had breaded pork chop by the way. It's my go to meal when I am lazy to cook or just plain hungry.

Anyways, tonight for dinner, I am having me some good ol' trusted Ssamgyeopsal. Or also known as Korean Pork Belly!



I had some left over Pork Belly from last night's ramyeun. I also got some Kimchi in the fridge waiting to be devoured. This meal is perfect for people who have college student on food stamp budget like me. Heehee! It's cheap and filling at the same time.

What I do? I take some 150 gms of pork belly and marinate it over with some salt, pepper, sesame oil ( a staple for Korean cooking) and sliced garlic around 20-30 minutes.





Then heat that non-stick pan, place all the meat in it and wait till the meat tunrs golden brown...



Of course the fun is eating it straight from the pan with friends. You have to eat it with Kimchi on piping hot rice or delicious veggie leaves like lettuce.



Voila! 잘 먹겠습니다, ready to be enjoyed! =)
BTW, I think I'm getting better at taking food pictures with my phone cam. Hahahah! I still need a new digital camera for life in general.

Blog Watch: Eat your Kimchi

I love reading blogs. I especially love blogs about living in Korea. Hahaha! You're probably sick and tired of listening to me rambling about anything Korean. The blogs I follow are of expats living in Korea. I just like knowing what foreigners think about the country and also the experiences they have staying there.

One of my fave blogs I like to share is about 2 Canadian couple teaching in Korea, Simon and Martina. Their website is entertaining and educational at the same time! One of my favorite post is about popular k-pop dances!





Head on over to their website, Eat Your Kimchi, and enjoy their funny videos and helpful advice. Know what to expect when you visit-- At least when you get to visit Korea, you won't be WTF-ing all the time! ;-)

What I had for dinner

I didn't get much sleep last night, I was agitated for no reason. I got an hour decent sleep then scattered 20 minutes shut eye. I woke up feeling sick, like I am going to be down with something.

I wasn't going to post what I had today cause I was thinking of just having corned beef with rice, nothing special but then again things change.

Anyways, since I've been feeling like I was going down with something-- I didn't have an appetite for lunch. It was around 3 in the afternoon when I decided I should eat something because my stomach was grumbling.

I had chips and a glass of water. Pretty stupid because I felt like crap all day long. I think my body wanted decent food. So for dinner I decided to have: Shin Ramyun: Pork and Potato Ramen


It's perfect. Like Chicken Noodle soup for the sick. Delicious broth with a touch of perfect spiciness.

So I boiled some Sukiyaki cut pork together with the flavoring and the veggies. When the pork was soft enough to eat (which is like between 5-7 minutes cause it's thinly cut already) I added the noodles and let it simmer for 4 minutes and 30 seconds more. Put it in a bowl, then you are good to go!


Delicious! Now tomorrow, I'm really having that corned beef with rice. Yum!!! What did you have for dinner?

Contests

Oh I've gone post crazy! Too much excitement. I know in the days to come I will crash and burn and silence will rule this blog but for now, indulge me please.

I want to share to everyone that I love joining contests. I don't care what the prizes are. I just like the high I get when I win even if I get the consolation prize. My rationale behind this is there will always be someone I know who will need/appreciate the prize I get.

I've won loads of stuff from this peculiar hobby of mine. I got Honda shirts and MTV shirts from MTV, Concert tickets to see Black Eyed Peas, Hoobastank and Boyz II men, Movie premieres like Home Alone, Chasing Liberty, calendars, bags etc.

So what is the point of this entry? I don't know but if you're living in the Philippines I want to share that Studio 23 is once again sending friends on a trip. Gimik Spot this time is to Dubai! Just answer the questions posted on the TVC via e-mail and you're good to go. But you should hurry because today is the last day.

Last Year, They were sending friends to Korea. I was a finalist but I didn't win. I really really wanted that trip but I guess there's another time for visiting Korea. Winning an all expense paid trip to another country would be so awesome! I love to travel and traveling for free would just be great!

So what are you waiting for? You don't lose anything when you join contests! Try your luck... it might be on your side! =)

Joo Ji Hoon Starting his Military Service Tomorrow

I admit I am a fan of Princess Hours. I love watching the series and after watching it, I became an instant fan of Yoon Eun-Hye and Joo Ji Hoon. I know by now, you figured I love Korean Entertainment. I seriously love anything TV but I follow Hallyu closely.

I love him as Lixin Prince, as the tough Bakery Owner in Antique Bakery and as the Sexy Chef in Naked Kitchen. I think he really is a good actor.

After his turbulent 2008, where he got his suspended jail term for pleading guilty to using drugs in Korea, Joo Ji Hoon will finally start his Military Service tomorrow, February 2 at 1pm KST. He'll be training for 5 weeks then will be gone for 2 years.

It's good to know that he still has fans, some even heading to Korea from Japan to give him a send off. Maybe when he gets back from military service, he's not banned from the Korean TV stations and gets to do what he loves the most--act.

See you in two years Lixin Prince. =)

What I had for lunch...

This will definitely be one of the staple posts I will have here on my blog. I love food, I love to eat and I love to cook. I learned how to cook so I can eat what I want. I think it's the best reason to learn how to cook, to get to eat the food you want whenever you crave for it.

Over the weekend, I had Japanese Chicken Katsu Kerri...



I know, it doesn't look appetizing. Sorry, My only available camera is my 5MP mobile phone which seems grainy. But let's not talk about that. Back to the Japanese curry. This looks like crap but it turned out delicious. It's easy to cook and perfect for sudden Japanese cravings. Well at least for me because I love curry!

I love all kinds of curry, but the most delicious curry I tasted was from one of those restaurants found at the Peak in Hong Kong. Spicy and sweet. Yum! Too bad I didn't take a photo. Maybe when I go back to Hong Kong I'd definitely have it again.

Today, I decided to have my left over creamy dory. It's just simple dory fillet. I marinated it in lemon, salt and pepper for 20 minutes then did the usual breading routine and voila, I have fish nuggets.




It's dark cause I used Italian bread crumbs. Sorry, I only had a few. I'm cutting back on food. Hahahah! Anyways, I cook only for one so what I have for lunch is what I usually have for dinner too.

How about you? What was for lunch?

Oh SNSD!

I love K-pop. But I hate Girl groups. Well at least I used too.

But Since 2009, since every boy band has hit a snag… I’ve learned to like them. Hahahah! My favorite is 2ne1 but they’re on break right now because they are getting ready for their full album launch. I used to hate SNSD a.k.a Girl’s Generation with conviction. Probably because I loved suju a lot and there were news of pairings between the group. Soon as I realized I was too old for those fan girls shananigans… I was hooked. It didn’t help that Gee was so addictive! Hahaha!Now I like listening to SNSD… It’s like listening to pink bubble gum and anything cute.

Now after I have been Lss-ing (last song syndrome) to Gee and Genie—they’re back with OH! And guess what? It has been occupying my brain since the song came out. A lot of people thinks it sounds like Rihanna’s Shut Up and Drive, sometimes it does but then the Girls’ tiny voices makes the song unique. Hahaha! I won’t pretend I am good at critiquing music. I am just a plane Jane who enjoys k-pop like everyone else.

It’s a fun song, check it out for yourself. Tell me if you don’t get LSS from listening to it. I swear when I listen to SNSD all I can think about are cotton candies and bubble gum.



“Oppa, Oppa I’ll be down…down…down…” Aurgh! HELP!

Another Home

Wow! The plan of moving to a new blog has finally happened. I didn't know it would happen soon because I didn't know anything about blogger. I had the idea of moving about 2 years ago but it never materialized cause I was so busy doing other things and so lazy about learning new things.

I actually love blogging. I have been blogging since 2004 and with everything else, change is inevitable. My posts are usually scattered so I hope moving would actually help me organize my thoughts. I'm excited to start this blog!

When I first started blogging, I was too shy to share my thoughts. But since 2010 has started, I promised to do one brave thing at a time and I think sharing my thoughts publicly is one brave move.

My sister also inspired me to blog more. I used to be lazy, thinking my life is such a BORE and no one would read me. But I am just putting it out there for me. She does recipes and stuff in her blog which can be helpful to busy people like her. You can visit her at http://jinginsg.wordpress.com. I just like people to see what I cooked for lunch and if you would like the recipe, you can politely ask and I would happily obliged.

So here's to the new blog. I hope you would enjoy it!

Hugs,
Ren