Baking adventures...2012

Growing up I remember celebrating my birthday with homemade cake. My mom made the best chocolate cake, or so I have been told. Back then I was too busy enjoying the toys and the attention to notice the cake. Horrible I know but I was a kid so sue me! haha

So that probably explains why I've been going crazy with the idea of making my own birthday cake. Ok, not really my own personal cake but cakes for people in my family. Thank God for my sister-in-law Alay who is always a willing accomplice to my crazy ideas. :D

As I was searching for things I would love to eat I came across a recipe for Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting I knew right away I had to try it out. I am a sucker for Reese's peanut butter cups and this recipe sounded amazing. But since it was a European recipe the first try didn't turn out too good. I could not figure out what to substitute Heavy Cream with and there's none available in Manila, or at least in the places I looked. We just made it look good by filling it with icing and drizzling it with chocolate. Presentation was nice, the taste totally sucked. haha

So after failing miserably...I searched the net for a substitute cake recipe and tried it again. It was my younger brothers birthday and it was an awesome opportunity to try out the recipe. Lucky him he didn't get stuck with the gross flop that was the week before. 

We baked the cake, iced it and placed it in the fridge to set. Then off we went to dinner...

Since the layers weren't even we had trimmed the top and made a dome cake out of the trimmings. haha...in the family nothing goes to waste. :D

My brother enjoyed it, we had fun making it and I finally got it out of my system. Now I'm obsessed with the idea of making a vanilla chiffon cake. If only my schedule would settle down and I'd get a free weekend. :D

On the eve of my birthday I sit back and think how blessed I am. :D Thank you Lord for all my blessings. :D My heart is happy and content.

Must. Travel. Soon.

I have been itching to book a flight to Bangkok for the longest time now. The bu and I agreed that we would travel out of the country at least once a year. I must admit though that I'm not really sure if I just had that conversation in my head and pretended he agreed with me. And we already went to SG earlier this year so he's not that into the whole -Let's go to Bangkok this November - plan that I've been trying to shove down his throat. Yes, I'm a very very pushy girlfriend.

But because next year might welcome extremely huge changes in our lifestyle and time, I think it would still be an awesome idea to go. Now, if only I could find cheap flights to get there. I figure once they're booked he really doesn't have much choice. Bwahaha...

See, the first time I went to Bangkok I was throwing up all over the place. I was sick before boarding the plane and spent 70% of my time in the hotel. Lucky for me Jacob was still a child back then so he preferred staying in the hotel with me too! Oh, and the fact that back then I was rooming with my 2 cousins who loved shopping helped as well. They shopped for me so I eventually went home with loads of new stuff without having to go out. Awesomesauce right. But that meant I haven't really experienced the whole shopping in Bangkok thing. Yes, I'm shallow like that, I love shopping. Although quite recently I've also been thinking of going to Cambodia or something, you know, one of those countries that don't have much shops but have loads of culture. Maybe I can do that in December. Must look out for more cheap flights!

So before I continue rambling on and on about nonsense...what I really want to say is. I miss travelling and I miss the bu. He's been busy with hospital work recently and if my next few years will be like this. Meh, I don't like it. Then again, grown ups always have to make sacrifices. Sucks. No wonder I never wanted to be grown up. Hahaha...

So there. Thanks for reading my nonsense post for the day. I'm off to find cheap flights. If you've got an awesome BKK itinerary you'd love to share send it my way. I'd love some inspiration. Haha...

I miss the bu's curly hair. I miss travelling.
Must. Travel. Soon.

Are you ready for this?

Change as they say is the only constant thing in life. It's something that you can always count on. Change, no matter how big or small makes a difference in ones life. And at times when you least expect it...when change comes you just have to force yourself to adopt, learn to live with it, respect it and move on.

Why talk about change all of a sudden. Well, because a sudden shift in my life has occurred and although I would like to keep it private for now I feel like I am on the cusp of making a huge decision. Something I guess that I've been dreading. Something that will force me to face my reality as it is. A huge change is coming, I'm not sure I'm ready for it.

photo from Visualize Us

In the end, the only thing keeping us from growing is ourselves. I know I make no sense but in a way this is why I started this blog in the first place. A cathartic release to whatever pent up emotion I don't want to keep bottled up. I know what's happening, I have to face it and hopefully in the end I'll come out better for it. 

In the mean time, I want some cake.

Surviving September

A few years ago I was introduced to the concept of ghost month. Yes, apparently in our Chinese household this was not a concept we followed so it was quite foreign and well, not something I really believed in.

According to traditional belief, the gate of the “Lower Realm” or hell is open during this period and spirits of the dead are free to wander the earth “for 29 days.”

This makes August “the most inauspicious time of the year” to undertake important activities such as “weddings, engagements, opening new businesses or closing business deals, starting new construction or renovations and other major actions and decisions.” - 

Sourced from BusinessInquirer.net

 But this year was a different story. August was a slow month for me. Not a lot of things happened and well, I was able to relax and take things easy...a prelude to the hell September was going to be. Let me tell you about why this blog has been on stand still...

I personally cringe every time someone I know says "wake me up when September ends" once we hit September. Ok, ok, we get it...you know the song...move on already. But then again you never realize how true those words are until you've lived it. Maaaaan, I thought September was never going to end. Although let me clarify that, I am very thankful because I  had a busy month thanks to the many blessings that came my way. But maaaan, did it tire me out. There were actual days when I felt lost because I didn't know what task to do first. They were all URGENT! WTF right?!? Lucky for me I always had people I could turn to for help and once you put everything down and take it one step at a time things just get done. :D

So what have I been up to this month? Well, work has been awesome. This month has been my best month so far! :D See, not complaining, just saying. Work has been crazy busy, I do some things on the side too and that has been crazy busy as well. But what I personally made sure I did not miss out on was Luke's First Birthday! Yaaaaaaay!!!

See, I'm a stage godmother! That little boy will grow up to be spoiled loved and I'm going to make sure of it! For those of you who don't know, Luke is my brother's son. He is the cutest little boy ever. He knows exactly when to give you the smile making sure you don't have a choice but to do what he wants.

See what I mean...
***photo from Ninong Laya

Because I went crazy and bought him 2 football kits the parents and I agreed, yes I was part of the decision making, we would throw him a sports themed party. Both my brothers grew up as football players, they both sadly lack basketball skills but they know how to kick some balls. hehe...and you may not believe it but I used to be sporty too. "Used to" being the operative phrase. 

Since I've recently discovered the wonderful world of pinterest I thought it would be a great idea to make our own decorations. Yes, I thought it would be a great idea. Halfway through I wanted to bonk myself on the head. It was not so much a great idea as a what was I thinking idea. I need a team next time. hehe...but I think we were able to decorate the place well enough. 

I had my younger brother make the field centerpieces using a green mat that had a grass feel
the bu and I spent the whole night making the centerpieces.
Figuring out how to make those things stand was hard.

since the tables were tiny we only put the candy centerpiece

I printed out those Thank You cards and design panels and sis-in-law put them together

I bought a new printer because I wanted to try out making stuff
found awesome sports themed banners and made this myself. :D

printed out all sorts of sports themed toppers

The party was actually an adults party, Luke only has 3 other cousins his age and 1 wasn't able to come so the guests were all mainly friends and family of the parents. 

Despite the extremely busy and tiring month, I don't have anything to complain about. I am blessed beyond anything I ever imagined and thankful for everything that has come my way. :D

Look who fell asleep during his party.
As tired as Ninang.
 

But before I end this post let me leave you with my favorite photo of Luke. I had them printed out on A3 sized boards and posted them around the room. This is by far the cutest. :D

Lucas is Love. :D

Let's all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the last 2 days of the longest month of the year. Wake me up when September ends.

tvN Kpop Starhunt 2 PH Winners!

After a very long week aren't we all excited to have some "me" time this weekend. I sure am! But before that. Sources tell me the tvN Kpop Starhunt 2 in the Philippines came to an end this week too! That means 2 people's lives have been changed!

Want to know who they are?

Congratulations to Sheila Eunice Ona and Liahona Flores!!! 

tvN KPop Starhunt 2 Official List: 150 Shortlisted Contestants

Hi guys! I know it seems completely out of character for me to be publishing something like this on my blog. But I got the list and I thought it would be awesome to share. 

You see I've been quite invested when comes to this contest. We ran ads for it on the NN network during the first year and did so again this year! So having this list and not sharing it would be evil. 

So for all of you who are wondering, here is the complete list of the Top 150 Shortlisted Contestants who have qualified for the local auditions.

In no specific order:

1. Jasmine Anne Cuison
2. Camille Guiruela 
3. Grace Evardone
4. Reham Jamaica Nawang
5. Jobie Kaneesha Ko
6. Jan Issa Axibal
7. Danica Imperial
8. Jomari Mercado
9. Tamara Juco
10. Dona Umayan
11. Michael Bernal
12. Kimberly Aperocho
13. 마리아 ??
14. Shaine Glorioso
15. Nicole Anne Roldan
16. Apple Dorado
17. Joana Lu
18. James Carlson Basco
19. Aloha Nombrado
20. Salem Nissi Mayor
21. Kim Fajardo
22. Patricia Dominique Gadia
23. Jazrene Joeanne Maculada
24. Kate Tracy Magto
25. Jere Miah Ang
26. Venus Marie Ymasa
27. Sharmaine Gonzales Glorioso
28. Ian Empedrad
29. Rj Decilos
30. Kenneth Mendoza
31. Johnelle dela Cruz
32. Avigail Santos
33. Cris Jhiro Nene
34. Beatrice Nicole Guzman
35. Jessamine Daguro
36. Imnah Irah Sibal
37. Francis Adrian Florendo
38. Mark Dariel Manzanilla
39. Abby Banaag
40. Christina Marie Tiongson
41. Diane Basilan
42. Alfie Adolfo
43. Ali Jr. Baba
44. Arienne Navarro
45. Isamu Macairan
46. Giewelyn Recaido
47. Patricia Ongkiko
48. Gabriella Luzada
49. Leilani Romero
50. Mart Joachim Salero
51. Marianne Antoinette Sune
52. Michelle Angela Sune
53. Leonelle Pearl Sanchez
54. Paula Beatrice Bueno
55. Alyssa Nicole Garcia
56. Oliver Arevalo
57. Asiana Kate Elorde
58. Popa Racianne Elorde
59. Kenneth Pangan
60. Ynah Carrielle Umayam
61. Bill Bryan Pitogo
62. Alecx Louis Binondo
63. Nina Mae Pitogo
64. Ira Cheyene Conde
65. Jelly Ann Santiago
66. Nicole Chan
67. Marverick Valen Baello
68. Anne Nichole Amolat
69. Renato Duran Jr.
70. Mikko Gusi
71. Carla Dominique Mendoza
72. Joshua Valerio
73. Sylvia Gomez
74. Abigail Alvarado
75. John Arthur Labarejos
76. Anne Margaret Tagle
77. Isidro Apostol
78. John Christopher Litonjua
79. Jean Dumalaon
80. Godgiven Divina
81. Zharamar Ruiz
82. Andre Dominic Solatorio
83. Rommel Dorado
84. John Phaulo Bensan
85. Rhikky Mhae Sajines
86. Manuel Alfonso Aguilan
87. Maria Elaine Lola
88. Chryssel Donna Trajano
89. Maria Camille Caballero
90. Jesher Dizon
91. Misha Macatuno
92. Karl Mazo
93. Augie Grace Carmel Cui
94. Dayanara Lola
95. Mara Jane Lola
96. John Cristopher De Leon
97. Filbert Chua
98. Ian Baclig
99. Jemima Carandang
100. Aira Jeene Montevirgen
101. Blessel Banlat
102. Charina Angela Domasig
103. Bernadette Jane Domasig
104. Angelique Caballo
105. Khelly Gail Magpantay
106. Maria Isabel Gajete
107. Unice Robles
108. Joshua Tamayo
109. Ellyza Grace Tejada
110. P.V. Joy Del Rosario
111. Shawie Okuno
112. Krissie Catbungco
113. Charles Emmanuele Rodriguez
114. Renielle Maglayo
115. James Carlson Basco
116. Dianne Monique Pareja
117. Paula Gil-Ann Maglaya
118. Regine Encabo
119. Aimar Jane Dizon
120. Diane Matias
121. Liahona Flores
122. Dianne Monique Pareja
123. Yna Villanueva
124. Honey Lou Balanay
125. Christina Marie Tiongson
126. Angelique Cabanlong
127. Mara Grace Achevarra
128. Mark Hideki Ito
129. Karla Maye Carreon
130. Jan Mathew Bosch
131. Domingo Coralde
132. Maricris Undang
133. Hannah Heramis
134. Sheila Mae Eunice Ona
135. Jerville de Guzman
136. Mickey Blue Belmonte Puzon
137. Carlo Delfinado
138. Honey Lou Balanay
139. Ghecar Mozo
140. Julius Tomines
141. Mariz Castro
142. Amor Rodriguez
143. Val John Librea
144. Diane Jewell Malang
145. Rachel Gabreza
146. Swirtty Mae Nibley
147. Marichelle Mariveles
148. Christian David Palma
149. Princess Zuhairah Candao
150. Rugie Beth Abaigar

Congratulations guys! :D

I heard that this year they'll be having walk-in auditions too! :D That means if you're not shortlisted you shouldn't worry because you might still get your chance. Catch is, the walk-in auditions are only for a specific time. So keep following their twitter here to find out more!  

Winning at the Toy Expo!

You know that surreal feeling when something completely unexpected happens and in that moment you're dumbstruck. Yes, I'm being extremely dramatic because I won an xBox 360 Kinect in the Toy Kingdom's Toy Expo VIP event. :D

Without bias, we've always loved Toy Kingdom. When we're in the mall thinking of ways to kill time we always seem to end up in a toy store. When we have to get presents for our nieces and nephews the bu and I always seem to end up in Toy Kingdom because the choices seem endless.

So I was extremely excited when my client asked for a campaign for Toy Kingdom. Even more excited when he asked me to come to the VIP Night. One of my friends that I met when I was still in events was very much connected to Toy Kingdom too. It was bound to be a mini reunion. And apparently so much more. :)

The invites stated we should come in black tie for boys and cocktail dresses for girls. hmmm...this was not something you usually see in a toy store. This was bound to be bigger. :D

Since I'm up for any excuse to get all girly that was a plus too! Here I am with Jinoe, who was one of the few who came in black tie. Apparently, people don't follow these things anymore. Shame! Shame!

What did we find at the Toy Expo? Loads and loads of toys...and interactive exhibits!

I have more than a few family members obsessed with Lego.

And these Transformers were an amazing sight to see. 

But I personally found these guys to be way cuter! :D

There was even a display for the big boys. :D

And of course the girls would never be left out!

I had the awesomest time. From playing games at the Nickelodeon Booth. To walking around admiring all the toys that weren't invented yet when I was a kid. ahahaha...seriously though, wow the toys now a days. WOW. And thinking of all the other toys I have yet to list down for the bu to get me! It was so much fun!

If you still have nothing planned for the day I suggest you head on over to SMX and enjoy yourself with the kids. Or if you're like me and you don't have kids yet, bring your friends you're bound to find something that will entertain you! I sure did! 

The Toy Kingdom Toy Expo is a big toy store for all members of the family! :D

Yay for Ange's Baby!!!

I've been a part of the events industry for awhile now, the bu and I started out in college when I used to staff for a few events with the bu's sis-in-law.

we were all on board for the first 5 runs MYOH Manila.

After I resigned from my teaching position, I transitioned from being a part-time staff to being full on staff. 

got my co-teachers to help out in events too! With teacher KM!

My first event, these girls turned out to be awesome friends. :D

It was a lot of fun and you learn a lot of things in the process. Although let me tell you, working in events is not all party...it's a whole lot of hard work and a quick short party in the end. But if you're like me and you're into instant gratification, yes, yes laugh it out nothing wrong with that statement then working in events would be perfect because at the end of the day you get to see all your ideas and hard work come to life. In the end all that blood, sweat and tears would be worth it! :D

supporting Jenjennifermateoguiodecilli for her Khiels event! :D

I love the EM girls. :D      

So after that extensive intro, let me get to the meat of the subject. A few months back a really good childhood friend of mine told us that she was pregnant! yaaaay! You must understand, I've known this friend since we were in Kinder. Yup, kinder. So you can imagine the happiness and excitement there when someone you knew as a child is about to have a child of her own. It's...surreal. haha

just a year ago she was getting married!

So she asked a friend and myself if we could  get together and work on her baby shower with her. Her surprise baby shower! hahaha...Of course we immediately said yes! How exciting is it to plan a baby shower for someone you've known for most of your life. So after our preliminary meeting where we decided on the theme and the pegs for the shower, we went our separate lives and well, sadly work ate me up. Yes, I have been a workaholic again lately. I don't like it but it's true. :(( we all must sacrifice a little. :D

Now here's the other thing, the dates kept getting moved around and I must admit it became quite hard to keep up. I was doing too many things and juggling too many responsibilities that I lost track of the date. It's a good thing my partner Ele had my back. We planned, printed and put together an awesome baby shower. Of course we couldn't have done it without the help of everyone who pitched in! :D oh and of course all those hours I wasted on pinterest was put to good use too!

Let me share with you a few photos...

no, that is not a ball, that is a pregnant woman's belly...
and those giant blue balls are her boobs

when we decided on a theme my friend had these balls made
Ele and I strung them up one row at a time...

awesome printables are awesome. :D
Cupcakes by Ernaline's Food Haven

These cupcake toppers were so adorable we had make them!

ah pinterest, thank you for this idea.

the table cloth came from the caterer, Ange's shobe helped us with the centerpiece
We made "wishes for baby" paper for guests to write on

giveaways! :D
Ele had the hardest time mixing in those blue balls, yes I said blue balls

We had a blast, the food was plentiful enough to feed a 100 people when there were barely 30 of us...but the best part, the games. Initially Ele and I were hesitant, we weren't sure how many people would actually join. But since there were only a few of us we ended up with only 2 teams! :D Both competitive but of course the girls were at an advantage since they are girls. Which obviously means we totally rock more than the guys do. 

In the end, the party was a blast, we just kept laughing and squealing the entire time. So congratulations Ange and Dave! :D Can't wait for the little bundle of joy to come out! weeee!

Saltimbanco makes its way to Manila! Cirque du Soleil part Deux!

I have been friends with Val for more than 10 years now, quite a long time. Despite the fact that we have different personalities. I'm very nice and she's very evil. *insert eye rolling from Val here* I consider her a very close friend. I call her when I have stupid crazy stuff to share and well she does the same thing too, most of the time. I remember her whenever I see lizards, big or small, because she loves them dearly. Want to know how crazy she is, she prefers you refer to her as Master. Yup! Delusions of grandeur.

Everyone, meet Valdemort!

Isn't she pretty? She's single, call me I'll hook you up!!! bwahahahaha...I kid, I kid.

So why am I writing about Val? Well, she is one of the reasons why I love Cirque du Soleil. She is part of the awesome Hoopla Inc. team. Don't know Hoopla? They brought in Varekai, Saltimbanco and Fuerta Bruza. All world class shows made accessible to the Filipinos. :D Anyway, Val is their resident artist in other words all those Cirque things you see scattered around the Metro, she had a hand in making them. Because she works very closely with these productions we always end up talking about them. Most of the time she talks and I pretend to listen. See, best friends. hahaha

For the last few months we've been talking about Saltimbanco, all her deadlines and me nagging on her to get me a ticket. :P You can't help but feel excited about it. How often do you get to see a world class production that's a mere drive away? And because I missed my first opportunity to see it I had to make sure I would make it the next time opportunity presented itself. 

Last Saturday was THE day. Despite the worst traffic in history the bu and I made in time to hear them welcome everyone to Saltimbanco! Boy did it not disappoint. 

Of course comparisons to Varekai were inevitable.Varekai was a show filled with stunts while Saltimbanco was a show filled with acts. Varekai was more dramatic while Saltimbanco was more loud and fun. But both shows were filled with color and sound and movement and energy that when we left both the bu and I could not stop talking about it.

What I didn't realize from watching Varekai was that the music is amazing. They sing everything live and you will be in awe. They don't sing with english lyrics so you won't get distracted. If you're watching the show this run notice how amazing they sound. :D

I think it's time I share something personal, when I was a little girl I had big dreams of becoming an awesome gymnast. I would practice by myself since my parents refused to let me join any class for fear that my leg muscles would overtake the rest of my body, for that I am grateful. After watching Saltimbanco I realized, no matter how much I wanted to become a gymnast these people have managed to take things to a whole 'nother level. Their flexibility and strength are sub-human. Ask the super strong guy "Arnold Swarchenegger" who literally lifted a guy his size using his NECK. Yup, his neck...look ma no hands! It was crazy. That's as much of a spoiler I'm giving, the rest of the acts you've got to see for yourself!

The bu and I were lucky enough to score VIP tickets from a fantabulous friend, that meant we were seated right where the action was. We literally had cast members walking up and down the aisle in front of us. The bu actually had to sit up straight one time because Eddie was on his way over. Luckily neither of us were chosen to go on stage but props to the dad who did. His son's reaction was priceless. He will be hero for many years to come.

Another perk of the VIP area was that you get to enjoy food during the break. Since we ran from Shang, got stuck in traffic and ran to the Arena there was no eating time in between. Lucky for us there was complimentary grub from Manila Hotel.

 We ate our fill and enjoyed the rest of the show. It was quite an experience and I'm sure Hoopla has more in store for all of us! I can't wait!!!

Just a few more days left so get your tickets now, you wouldn't want to miss this opportunity!

SHOW INFORMATION:

Venue:Mall Of Asia Arena

Show Schedule (August 9-19, 2012):

Thursday, August 9 at 8:00 PM

Friday, August 10 at 4:00 and 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 11 at  4:00 and 8:00 PM
Sunday, August 12 at 1:00 and 5:00 PM

Tuesday, August 14 at  8:00 PM

Wednesday, August 15 at  8:00 PM
Thursday, August 16 at  8:00 PM
Friday, August 17 at  8:00 PM
Saturday, August 18 at  4:00 and 8:00 PM
Sunday, August 19 at 1:00 and 5:00 PM

Ticket Prices:

                                                  ADULT                    CHILD

VIP                                         Php 10,500                  Php 8,400

PATRON CENTER                           7,500                         6,000

LOWER BOX CENTER                     5,500                         4,500

PATRON SIDES                              5,500                          4,500

LOWER BOX SIDES                        3,500                          2,800

UPPER BOX                                    2,500                          2,000

GA                                                  1,200                             960

Purchase your tickets here:

www.cirquedusoleil.com/saltimbanco, www.hoopla.ph and www.smtickets.com or by calling +632-470-22-22.