fun, food, family

Today, I called for a family get-together.

third generation: my nephew and nieces

Note however that when I say family, its not just your typical mother, father, children set-up-kinda-family… it is more likely inclusive of aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews—maternal side. I’m not really that close with my relatives from my father’s side as growing up I only see them during my grandparents’ birthdays and when they died, during all soul’s day when we visit the cemetery. On the other hand, I practically grew up living with my cousins and aunts (sisters of my mom). We are soooo close that my aunts have been, at one time or another, a surrogate mom for me and my bro whenever my mom is in the province, at the hospital or just doing some errands AND also sometimes my cousins don’t feel like cousins to me but more like my younger siblings (my brother and I are one of the “oldies” in our generation)and that I try to look after them as much as I could.

typical scenario: my two nieces fighting underneath the Christmas tree

Prior today, I planned on giving a treat on a restaurant BUT knowing how LOUD and HUGE (and sometimes rowdy with little kids running around) my family is, I’m sure that it’s close to almost closing the restaurant for a private affair if I indeed go with that plan! So added with a pretty tight budget, I decided to do it at home.

My treat isn’t really something fancy…just a couple of pizzas and pasta. Some of you (especially my friends) might wonder why the need to call for a family get-tog when almost every other week they come over our place.

(brief preview for those who don’t know my family: every other week my aunt and cousins from Laguna spend the weekend with us and sometimes one or two or ALL of my aunts (from Fairview and all the way from Cavite) PLUS cousins PLUS nieces will drop by during that time…added by the fact that every now and then a cousin or two will spend the night over our house.)

The need to call for a get-tog is because I wanted ALL of them in attendance—all three of my close (in distance) aunts with their respective families.

Our house isn’t big by any chance but it somehow became the perfect gathering spot of the whole family. I always love that about our home. Growing up, our home has always been filled with laughters before, during and after a meal, shrieks and cries of the little ones, songs while singing karaoke and loud voices while telling a story, debating on past, current and sometimes fictional issues. My dad will often remark “Andyan na naman ang mga Bisaya” (“There goes the Bisayas again”) when he hears my aunts and mom talk as they gather around and with loud voices as if an argument is going on—nope, those were only their speaking voices…imagine if they shout! Hehehe

I digress again…as always!

My treat isn’t really big, I just got my paycheck from the last company I worked with. Naturally I gave more than half of it to my mom. Then I decided I want to treat my whole family…one or two cousins have probably experienced my out-of-the-blue invitation for a dinner/coffee/movie date this past week alone but this time around, I wanted to share the blessing with the whole family.

food #1: 2 boxes of 20in. JUGNOS MONSTER PIZZA

food#2: 1 big plate of AMBER'S SPAGHETTI W/ MEATSAUCE

My family isn’t really interested in gourmet meals…if that is being served fine with them but if it’s just a regular burger with fries, same appreciation will be given.

my cousin trying to illustrate how big the pizza was

Did I mentioned I have a big family—mother’s side alone! To give you an idea, the ones in attendance for today’s get-tog are: three aunts, ten cousins, three nieces, two nephews, five friends, my dad, mom, brother, sister-in-law and me…TWENTY-EIGHT (28) people all-in-all (there were three aunts and their families absent today)! And we all shared 2 boxes of 20inches, four flavored each, party-size cut (42 pieces per box) JUGNOS MONSTER PIZZA, one big plate of AMBER’S SPAGHETTI WITH MEAT SAUCE, and 8 liters of cola!

frontliners...BEFORE the attack! notice they are MOSTLY ladies

about 2 minutes after opening the boxes

food...more food!

look for your own place to eat: my cousins found the staircase!

20 minutes after: like i told a friend, food in our house vanish like magic...

one minute they're all there, the next minute *poof!* they're GONE!!!

Even now I’m amazed at how those food were shared by twenty eight people (okay make it twenty seven, given that one of those peeps is less than a year old)!

It’s the actual sharing of food that is a remarkable experience. The conversations, the laughters, the craziness of it all are actually what I sometimes miss the most…that’s partly the reason why I called this get-tog. Too bad not all of them came on time, I called for a 2.30-3pm get-tog (just in time for merienda!).

Just the same, the food, the conversations AND the company were great!

amidst the chaos, our cat Oliver slept through it all!

I LOVE IT!

My mom used to say to me that food becomes tastier and more filling—despite how small in quantity the food is served—if it is shared by the people that share love for each other. I couldn't agree more!

my very happy niece...

and the equally happy ME... :D

Bon appétit!

:D prettytwistedchick

day of pampering

Last weekend, I was supposed to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows but my movie-partner backed out last minute—leaving me all alone. I could watch a movie by myself, as I have done in the past, but I just don’t feel up to it. Thus as I was strolling along the mall doing nothing I’ve decided to go home. It’s a bit early (by anyone’s standard) around 1(pm)ish and I don’t want to spend the rest of the day watching tv or be infront of the computer. So I looked for places for me to “kill” time.

Then I saw this quaint little spa and I thought my toes are up for their scheduled pedicure.

The spa is called Pinoy Spa—naks! So nationalistic! Hehehe

I just love the ambiance of the spa…clean, slick and has a traditional “pinoy” feel with the bamboo-covered pillars and wicker chairs—making one feel in union with nature!

I was looking at my nails—fingernails—and said (to myself) that it’s been awhile since I last had a manicure.

While my toes have a regular “bi-monthly scheduled” pedicure, the only maintenance my nails have are its weekly trimming—I cant maintain long nails as I write a lot (on PAPER—yes I’m old school! And before some environmental activist protest, I use recycled paper. GO GREEN!) plus, my hands get a little bit busy with me tinkering just about anything...from crafts to home-repair—sort of! The few times I have long nails are when I have to attend an event and I want to feel “girly-girl” with a French manicure or a sultry red fingernails screaming *RAWR!* hehehe

So I said to the receptionist I’ll have a “mani and a pedi please! “. With those service only cost around 189Php, it aint bad right?!? (BUT the frugal in me wants to find a manicure and pedicure service that only cost less than a 100bucks!—is there such a place?!? Tell me where! hehehe) Oh well, I paid with whole 500 bucks and the receptionist told me to wait for my change.

While waiting, I was looking at the “packages” the spa offers. Later on, my bad mathematical skills lead me to having package #11 instead of the typical manicure and pedicure (which I originally planned).

It all started this way. As I’ve said I busy was looking over the “packages” offered while waiting for my change AND the person who will do my nails. Then I chance upon “package 11” and it stated that manicure, pedicure and foot spa only cost 339Php. In my mind, (lemme reiterate that when it comes to math—all numbers get jumbled and I get confuse rather easily even with the simplest addition and subtraction) my original manicure and pedicure costs 189 Php but my semi-twisted mind perceived it as 289Php hence when I saw the ad with a foot spa for 339Php, I thought “WOW! Foot spa only costs 50 bucks?!?” So I immediately told the receptionist that I will upgrade my salon service to package 11. YES, I’m dumb with numbers! Only later on while I was in a much “clearer” state of mind did I realized that the whole foot spa experience actually cost me 150Php and not 50Php.

my feet's version of bubble bath! hee hee hee

So on to the foot spa. First, my feet were soaked in warm soapy water for quite awhile. They said that the purpose is to soften my skin. Whatever that is!

silence... manicure is going on!

While my feet are soaking, my hands got the attention. I have pretty short, well-trimmed nails, so it didn’t take too much time before they are done. (I always bring my very own nail polish with me since my type of “red” nail polish is hard to find. I tend to be picky with the “exact” redness of the polish!)

all done! lo0veeeeet!!

After my manicure, my feet got some serious scrubbing! I tell you, my feet experienced major scrubbing that could last a lifetime! It’s my first time to have a foot spa since I don’t usually have THAT much time to spare. I thought I’d spend the whole experience laughing as I am pretty ticklish kinda gal, but to my surprised, I was relaxed, calm and continued reading my book, as if nothing out of the blue is happening. hehehe

scrub scrub scrub...yep i have ginormous legs, tseh! :P

Then my feet and legs were scrubbed with milk salt and oil extract. I must say I loved it!!! It was cool! I’m thinking of doing an experiment at home using rock salt, milk and oil—I wonder if I’ll have just as cool experience as this one….we’ll soon find out, I guess! Tee hee hee

look, i even had time to read! yey!

After the whole scrubbing experience, my legs and feet got a much needed massage! My most favorite part of the day. I guess, my money’s worth boils down to this part alone! My feet are aching these past few days as I have been walking in heels all around the city. I tell you, walking is good—it’s a great exercise if one doesn’t have time to go to the gym. Good cardio! On the other hand, wearing heels is pretty nice too, especially in a corporate set-up, wearing heels is sort of an expression of one’s feminine side amidst the testosterone-filled offices, and somewhat serious corporate attires. BUT walking and wearing heels at the same time is a complete TORTURE!!! How many times have I almost walked barefoot because I thought that all my energy has been exerted and all my strength has been drained by those cruel stiletto heels! ayayay!

Anyhow, after my massage, I had my pedicure. I’ve always believe that if a person takes the time to clean his/her toenails (even if most of the time it’ll be covered by shoes) then that person must be clean in other aspect of his life—room, self-grooming, character etc. Well, that was just a thought!

pedicure... :D

Overall, my day was spent with me pampering my important-yet-often-ignored-body parts! It was nice to have that day…wished I was with my friends or my mom!

one happy feet!!! :D

Until my next visit to the spa…all dolled up—hands and feet that is!

prettytwistedchick

FRENCH TOAST

its saturday and everyone is expected (allowed) to sleep in a little bit longer than usual... no sound of alarms ringing... just me with my fluffy pillows, a warm blanket and a slightly cool weather...NOT!

i woke up today around 4am.... yes F-O-U-R-freaking-am. darn body clock, messed up again! ayayay!

so what does one do during wee hours in the morning? well, as for me, i went online and watched my koreanovela of the month (finished it and it was GOOD! :D) after all that, I still cant sleep.

so at 5.30am, i've got nothing to do. i decided to go downstairs and rummage the fridge. "TING!" *lightbulb on top of my head* i have an idea, why don't i make myself some french toast. i looked for some bread, check. then butter, check. eggs, check. milk, check. sugar, check. and the optionals--whip cream, check and choco syrup, check. YEY! I’m all set!

i made this with one person in mind--MYSELF! Hehehehe everyone is still asleep and i'm betting it'll be hours more before anyone wakes up so why make batches of toast?!?

yum!!!

INGREDIENTS: 1 egg (BIG!)
milk (i put a little as possible because i'm lactose intolerant BY CHOICE hehe)
sugar (estimate on how sweet you want your toast)
2 pcs of white bread

PROCEDURE:
*beat the egg and combine with milk and sugar
*soak the bread into the egg mixture
*heat pan with butter, and fry the bread until golden brown

*OPTIONALS: maple syrup, whip cream, fruits or sprinkled with powdered sugar..you can also add cinnamon or vanilla in the egg mixture :) a variety can be done with this toast... just use your imagination!

another look of perfection hahaha

NOTE: what i did here is just the "basic" french toast, for lack of availability of other ingredients this early hour... as you can see in the pics, i've decided not to use the cream anymore...this is more than enough for me!

with morning paper on one hand, a coffee on the other and this french toast in front of me...my morning is complete!

…off to bed!

prettytwistedchick

remembering...

Filipinos have different ways of remembering our dearly departed ones... The important thing is that we remember them, even just once a year.

Remembering the dead are such a huge deal that it is declared a holiday! (yey! although, this year november 2 is not a holiday only november 1, darn!)

Apart from trick or treat, which is mostly for the kids in the family and happens during Halloween, in my family we usually visit the cemetery on the 2nd day of november, coz thats the real all soul's day, right? november 1 is all SAINTS day. plus, we do this to avoid the traffic and the uber crowded cemeteries. the cemeteries get somewhat "disoriented" and loses its "sacred" feel during when people swamp the cemeteries during november 1. on my father's side, our loved ones are buried in Paraiso Cemetery in Rizal. on my mother's side, our loved ones are all buried in the cemetery in Samar, very far...a fourty-five minute travel by plane OR an eighteen hours travel by bus.

since we cannot go to the province, what we do is we offer masses and prayers. plus we usually offer food in the altar and light a candle. HOWEVER today, almost everyone in my family is sick--due to the weather--(i for one was not fared and is still recuperating from almost flu, cough and colds) and there was no time to prepare. hence we just collected what we can get from the fridge.

we were able to get some pancit bihon (term derived from the Hokkien pian i sit or 便ê食 which means "something conveniently cooked fast), biko (sweet rice delicacy sometimes referred to as rice cake), suman (a native rice cake wrapped in banana or palm leaves), pan de sal, pumpkin in coconut milk soup, rice, red wine, some peanuts and water (not in the photo). sometimes we add a cigarette pack or a bottle of beer (for those souls who have vices..hehehe).

my folks used to say that the souls of our departed relatives during "all souls day" come and visit and these foods are for them to sort of smell (since they cannot eat them) hehehe it has been a tradition in my family.

how about you, what's your family tradition during these times?


prettytwistedchick

korean galore! :D

annyeonghaseyo!

first stop, i'd like to apoligize for my loooong absence in the blogging world. there has been two consecutive long weekends and one was spent in hibernation and the other (like right now) is reserved for family bonding, gathering and socializing.

last weekend, i entirely submerged myself with countless koreandramas. yes, that's the reason for my hibernation. the three days were entirely spent with me infront of the pc watching hours after hours after hours of kdramas. (i dont like downloading coz i have no patience waiting until the whole downloading procedure is done, i just find sites where i can endlessly view videos for free heehee)

in fact i have finished, Mischievous Kiss starred by Kim Hyun Joong (from Boys over Flowers) and Joong So Min (from Bad Guy). This is the korean-take of the famous manga adapted into Taiwanesedrama, It Started with a Kiss and And They Kiss Again starred by Ariel Lin and Joe Cheng. 

I must say that I've seen all dramas and I think that I love Taiwan's version more than the Korean. 

Although both has great actors, in fact i loved Kim Hyun Joong potrayal of the male lead and both portrayal by the Korean actress, Joong So Min and the Taiwanese actress, Ariel Lin's of the female lead was superb! The two amazingly captured the innocence and funny side of what the female lead should be. Joe Cheng's take on the male lead is also not bad, I just find Kim Hyun Joong more appealing hehehehe--but who am i to choose, right??? the two actors are equally handsome, i'd be happy with either of them!hehehe

thus, i'm off to another koreanovela--Sungkyunkwan Scandal. now, take that mind of that nasty gutter as this is not the scandal you're thinking of! tsk tsk tsk you, dirty mind you! :P actually this kdrama is still ongoing in Korea (as of presstime hehehe). this is a period drama (which i am not really fond of) but after watching the first episode, i was hooked! the lead characters are ALL pleasing to the eyes (not bad when eyes are strained by reading the english subs! hehehe) the twists and turns of the story is actually pretty cool and quite well-thought of, one cant help but be surprised with the trun of events. nice! i cant wait until this drama is finished.

still in Korean mode. i saw that our "pantry" is stocked with Korean noodles. i asked my mom about it and she said that she saw a Korean store and bought some. Ecstatic, i went ahead and made one for myself. it actually tasted good! a bit spicy, though. but GOOOOOD nonetheless! yum-oh! there were different varieties to choose from and since i cant understand any of whats written in the cover i just relied on the picture.

i'm allergic to shrimps so i stayed away from seafood flavors and went to taste the kimchi and the beef(i think!). they are pretty awesome! at prices that ranges from 22 to 30Php, they're not bad at all! wont even burn your pockets but will definitely fill your empty stomachs! i suggest that you eat it during cold days. yuummmm!

must be seafood because of the shrimp picture :D

i have no idea what this is! uhmmm, mushroom?!?


ta-daa! cooked and served!

my cup. :D this one is not spicy at all!

this is H-O-T!

seaweed something... taste like fish! :D

잘 먹겠습니다 (read: jal meokkesseumnida; translation: bon appetit!)

안녕! (read: annyeong; translation: bye)

prettytwistedchick