Pulse

New Moon

2009-11-21T20:43:00.004+08:00

Watching New Moon made me realize many things.

The Twilight Saga is primarily a love story. Which is why it has a largely feminine fan base and why it appeals mostly to young teenage girls and why it doesn't quite appeal to hard core fans of the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series. While watching the movie, I couldn't help but smile at the audience reaction. They oohed and aahed, swooned even, when the characters played by Robert Pattinson or Taylor Lautner would do something charming or just take their clothes off.

It has a huge following. Wanting to get good seats, I booked tickets online. While most of the later screenings' good seats were sold out, I was still able to get good seats for an earlier screening. Thankfully for that and my Shang Cineplex card, I didn't have to line up for tickets. And believe me, I was surprised at how popular it was because the lines were long.

Forks, Michigan, if such a place exists, is not the right place to meet guys. They either end up as vampires, werewolves or worst, a dork who can't appreciate a movie.

I like Taylor Lautner more than Robert Pattinson. He just looks better to me, abs and all. Robert Pattinson looks pale and is quite skinny. Plus, I don't like his hair. I read the books before watching the movies and unfortunately, Robert Pattinson does not measure up to the Edward in my head. But Taylor Lautner fits Jacob to a T. Once rumored to be on the verge of losing the role because he wasn't stocky enough, Taylor Lautner buffed up and proves he's the right man for the job.

I'm a Potter fan through and through. In one scene, I couldn't help but think of Cedric Diggory, the role Pattinson played in The Goblet of Fire. In one scene, it looked as if Edward Cullen was hit by Avada Kedavra.

Film wise, New Moon is better than Twilight. It is better made, the story better told. It is funnier too. S2, who watched the movie with me, agrees.

What do you think? Have you seen it?

Image from this site.

Who's Your Back?

2009-11-20T23:59:00.000+08:00

Zara left today for a conference out of the country leaving me in charge when any of her patients gets admitted. She covers for me too when I go out of town. When we go on pilgrimage, we leave others in charge; in my case, Pat.

Who handles your affairs when you go out of town?

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This is my contribution to Aloha Friday.

Google Reader

2009-11-19T23:59:00.000+08:00

I used to blog hop randomly or scroll down my blogroll. But when I discovered Google Reader, there was no turning back. It made my life easier and is very helpful when I don't have much time to spend online.

Do you use a reader?

Shopping Alerts

2009-11-18T23:59:00.001+08:00

Between the two of us, Zara is the certified shopaholic while I'm more addicted to the computer. We click because I value bargains too and great finds. I feed her addiction though by forwarding her tips on where to get the best bargains locally, tips I pick up from these sites I follow.

Shop Crazy. Here is where to get information about established brands.

Shopping Finds. Aside from featuring mall sales, this site also has the most extensive bazaar listing and schedules.

Style Manila. Mostly about fashion and beauty, this blog by Sasha Manuel led me to the first Megatent Big Annual Sale.

I usually forward the tips through Zara's husband Clarence's Facebook account as it's so much easier to attach links there. I used to email them to her but she ends up missing the sales because she's not addicted to the computer at all. By the time she opens her mail, all the good stuff's gone or worse, the sale over. Good thing her husband approves and even tags along or tells her what to get from these events. For the odd thing that he might not approve of, she's just a text message or whisper away. Ha ha.

Iggi's Kitchen

2009-11-17T23:59:00.003+08:00

Lunch today found me at the Podium. Aiming for a budget yet balanced meal, I opted for Iggi's Kitchen which bills itself as fast, tasty and affordable northern Pinoy cuisine.

To have some vegetables in my meal and not spend extra, I chose what the cashier said was their bestseller Kare-Kare (PHP 89), an original treat from Pampanga with authentic homemade peanut sauce and signature bagoong paste made fresh. Although available with rice and iced tea for PHP 109, I opted for a la carte to skip the iced tea. Upon delivery, my first reaction was doubt whether it could satisfy me as I could barely see the meat amid the sauce. Dietitians will love the serving size and the combination of beef cubes and vegetables but maybe not the sauce and the bagoong. It was good but was nothing special. To complete the meal, I ordered Plain Rice (PHP15) and Coke Light in can (PHP 39).

I asked the server if the owner is Ilocano because some of the menu items were of Ilocano origin. She said no but explained that Iggi is derived from the word Igorot.

The restaurant seems to enjoy a good following from the office crowd what with its affordable dishes. I had to wait some time for a seat.

What impressed me was the vegetable options. Pakbet and poqui poqui are both available in single serve and very affordable prices. With these options, it's easier to stay on track with a balanced diet and budget. Just don't expect really spectacular meals, you get what you pay for.

Social Networking

2009-11-16T23:59:00.001+08:00

Although I prefer blogging over social networking, I keep accounts for varied reasons.

Facebook. This is how I get updated with what's happening to friends and family. I don't really post status updates myself but occasionally comment on others'. In the early days, I played Scrabble and Bejeweled.

Multiply. Before Facebook, this was where I connected with family members who are savvy netizens. What I like best about Multiply is its ability to record those who view your pages.

Plurk. I like Plurk for its simplicity and how it looks good visually. I used to be conscious about my karma but not anymore. I follow fellow bloggers here.

Twitter. I use this primarily as a news reader. Appreciated this a lot during and after the typhoons. Among the tweets I follow are those from news agencies, airlines and hotels.

Which social networks are you on? Any favorite?

Smart Bro vs Tattoo

2009-11-15T23:59:00.000+08:00

I got Dad a Tattoo some months back and largely satisfied with its performance. I feel that it's as fast as PLDT myDSL. I usually use it when our telephone line acts up, an event that has been happening repeatedly in the last year. I initially blamed it on the construction in the area until it recurred even after construction was finished. A neighbor also remarked that she hears a popping sound in their line before it goes dead. She blames our troubles on old cables.

When I learned that SandBox subscribers get free access to the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, I immediately got Smart Bro. But no, I wasn't able to connect to the site. Thinking it's a temporary problem because of heavy traffic from the bout, I logged on again late tonight and felt that I was back to dial up. It was creeping.

Design wise, Tattoo looks better. Speed wise, from where I am, Tattoo wins. Maybe I'll get to appreciate Smart Bro when I go out of town.

2012

2009-11-14T23:59:00.003+08:00

If there's one thing I look forward to in the movies, it's special effects. Because of that, I had a feeling I would like 2012, a movie about the end of the world. Its trailer showed cities being consumed by the sea, monuments toppling over. I cringed while watching it especially after Ondoy.

I thought it would be similar to The Day After Tomorrow but no, it was more similar to Deep Impact. Some of the scenes were also reminiscent of Independence Day, probably because the same team is behind both movies. Plus, there were some scenes which reminded me of Titanic and Poseidon.

This may however be explained by what end of the world scenarios bring out in people. Some emerge as heroes, forsaking their lives for those of others. Some give life to the phrase every man for himself. While the end of the world should be the great equalizer, we realize that it is not when people who are moneyed or privileged have better chances of survival.

While I liked the movie, I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. True, the special effects were incredible but there were just too many near misses that the lead characters underwent that somehow it ceased to be realistic. With the images of other movies surfacing in my mind while watching the film, I didn't find 2012 original at all to say the least.

Image from this site.

Home TV Shopping

2009-11-13T15:02:00.002+08:00

I don't watch Home TV Shopping but Dad does so I get exposed to their products anyway. Dad and I try to guess the price with Dad even promising to buy the product if it matches his price. We've never bought anything though. A mentor swears by home TV shopping, says channels who run them are her favorites and even has purchases to back up her claim.

Do you do home TV shopping?

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This is my contribution to Aloha Friday.

Prank Calls

2009-11-12T23:59:00.001+08:00

Whenever I call Zara at her place of work, I give the name of a young star to the person who takes the call. At first surprised, they have since become used to my alias. When I changed it to that of a more gorgeous personality, they were shocked and Zara almost issued a violent reaction.

I used to call my old secretary and, with the help of a friend, pretend that the call originated from South Korea where her boyfriend works. Of course, that got her excited the first few times we did it but eventually became wary of my calls.

Those are my ideas for prank calls. However, I don't relish receiving prank calls that are annoying in nature.

What is your experience with prank calls?

Law Abiding Citizen

2009-11-11T23:59:00.000+08:00

When I told Zara I'd see Gerard after Bradley, she cautioned migraine alert! I reassured her that movies don't bring out my migraine, they rid me of them. Had I been forced to choose between Gerard and Bradley though, I would have chosen Gerard because the trailer of Law Abiding Citizen left much more to the imagination.

The movie was never predictable, its story highly unusual and inventive. Both Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx turned in noteworthy performances. Viewers who don't fancy violence on screen should come prepared though.

The most interesting part of the movie though was seeing Gerard Butler's character arguing in the courtroom. I found this quite cute and I'm sure Gerard did too because if Hollywood didn't come calling, the courtroom might just be the place to find him. Gerard Butler is a trained lawyer after all.

Photo from this site.

All About Steve

2009-11-10T23:59:00.001+08:00

When I asked Zara not to bother me because I'd be busy with Bradley, she said Bradley who? I couldn't believe she doesn't know Bradley Cooper when I've been a fan from the first time I saw him. Plus, we watched He's Just Not That Into You together. Didn't he make an impression on her then? Well, at least, she didn't ask to watch All About Steve with me because I simply couldn't wait.

The movie is the story of Mary Horowitz who falls madly for Steve and follows, more like stalks, him.

Sandra Bullocks is cast as Mary Horowitz, a crossword constructor living with her parents and yet to meet the guy of her dreams. She carried the movie from start to finish and was wonderful as Mary. I couldn't imagine any other actress playing the role. She proves once more why she's the best in chick flicks.

Bradley Cooper played Steve and I understand completely why Mary would fall for him. I think I would too but Zara probably won't. I think I have more in common with Mary than she does.

Photo from this site.

Tapa King

2009-11-09T14:53:00.004+08:00

Yesterday, I was excited to try a restaurant's famous tapa, imagined a good meal but left disappointed because the tapa was more sauce than meat. Even the three people I dragged with me were not pleased. Not having satisfied my craving for tapa, I decided to try Tapa King today.

The tapa in Tapa King is available in many varieties - natural, sweet and spicy, spicy, bacon and are named after royalty. I opted for the bestseller Tapa King (PHP 125). The tapa was served, like most Filipino breakfasts, with garlic rice, egg done sunny side up and atsara. The tapa was tender, without sauce but not at all dry.

Some people hesitate to eat at Tapa King because of the misconception that it only serves tapa. Wrong! Tapa King is more than just about tapa. They serve chicken, fish, merienda fare and dessert too!

While my craving was satisfied and Tapa King is much better than yesterday's tapa, I still prefer two other restaurants' versions.

Species Adoption

2009-11-08T23:59:00.002+08:00

Here's another idea for a clutter free Christmas.

Adopt a species. It will not only protect the environment by reducing waste but will also protect life on Earth. This is an excellent gift for children because it will teach them about animals, conservation and the environment. It will also be well appreciated by adults who care for the planet. Choose from a hundred species.

Other options in the World Wildlife Fund catalog include apparel, crafts, etc.

Best of all, global shipping is free.

Games That Give Back

2009-11-07T23:59:00.000+08:00

Do you have online time to spare? If you do, then spend it playing games that give back.

Charitii. A word game that benefits charities like CARE and The Nature Obervancy.

Free Rice. Improve your vocabulary and help the United Nations World Food Program.

Games That Give. This is a collection which includes popular games such as Solitaire, Sudoku, Word Search, etc. Beneficiaries include the American Heart Association.

Platrium Games. This site offers arcade, word games, etc. Charities include Doctors Without Borders and World Wildlife Fund.

Do you know other games that give back? Share.

Cruisin'

2009-11-06T13:14:00.001+08:00

I've never been on a cruise but certainly would like to go on one. Perhaps this is because of my exposure to The Love Boat while growing up and because of friends who've been on them who swear by the endless activities inside. Not to mention the buffet meals and exciting destinations. Cousin Ariel, on the other hand, is not comfortable with the idea. He says he does not like staring into the darkness when night falls.

Have you been on a cruise? Did you like it?

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This is my contribution to Aloha Friday.

Tut's in the House

2009-11-05T23:59:00.001+08:00

Between the two of us, it's dad who regularly watches National Geographic while I'm stuck on 2nd Avenue. So when I joined Club Nat Geo's competition, I was sure Dad would be happy with the prize if I win. And I did. The book Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs arrived today via DHL. As predicted, Dad was thrilled. Thanks, NatGeo!

Cravings

2009-11-04T23:59:00.002+08:00

Cravings and I go a long way back. I was first introduced to the brand some 20 years ago by my college friend Princess back when it was just starting out in then underdeveloped Katipunan. In medical school, I remember it was a favorite haunt for my group when we would visit the then new Shangri-La Plaza. I've had many other visits and happy memories with the restaurant but lately, my visits have been few and far between. Though I longed for my favorites, the cost was enough to quash my craving.

When I heard that they were having a promotion to celebrate 21 years where all entrees are priced at PHP 210, I vowed to try it out.

While I wanted to get the most for my money by ordering the most expensive dish on the menu even if it wreaked havoc on my diet, it turned out that the steak was not available. If that was intentional while the promotion was going on, I have no idea. Plus, I was really craving for an old favorite Le Cordon Bleu Chicken (PHP 385). It was as I remember it. Served on creamy mashed potato drizzled with gravy with vegetables on the size, the chicken was crisp on the outside yet very moist and tender on the inside. It was just right for my taste although I think others would probably ask for salt and pepper.

If you think about it, the entrees don't really cost that much considering they include eat all you can salad and soup. I thought that the promotion would omit this privilege but it was included making the PHP 210 tag price very good value for money. The salad bar was well stocked, had the freshest greens and an assortment of ingredients. I would have gone back again and again if I was not watching my diet.

While eating my meal, I wondered why I could afford eating at Cravings with my school allowance; yet now, when I'm already earning, I find the cost prohibitive.

This visit confirmed what I knew all along, that Cravings serves good food. I just hope they make the prices more consumer friendly. Maybe the trip to the salad bar could be an option rather than a must.

Michael Jackson's This Is It

2009-11-03T20:36:00.001+08:00

I was interested to see Michael Jackson's This Is It both as a physician and as a fan.

When it was announced that Michael Jackson was doing a tour, many doubted his capability considering the rumors surrounding his health and emotional state. When news broke out about his sudden death, some wondered if he was really physically fit to withstand the demands of touring. The show's producers belied that allegation by providing a clip of a rehearsal video showing an energetic Michael. But one video doesn't tell the entire story. As a physician, I suspected that maybe he was really unfit to begin with. The autopsy disproved my assumptions. Michael was declared to be otherwise healthy save for a chronically diseased lung. His death has been ruled a homicide.

The movie proves many things. One, that Michael Jackson was physically fit. He danced up a storm and sang while doing that. Many of us would be less than capable. I observed if he looked more tired compared to his dancers but no, they huffed and puffed faster than he did. And certainly, anyone with heart disease will have a hard time do either activity.

Second, that Michael was a genius. His repertoire included songs he wrote himself and dances he himself choreographed. No other talent comes close. His music videos, now considered classics, were reworked to showcase new technology. He was hands on all the way.

Had the concert pushed through, observers would agree on both counts. The movie however does more than what a concert would have done. It showed Michael as passionate with his craft, a generous individual who was more than willing to share the stage and let others shine and praise them he did. And when there were moments he disagreed with his crew, he was never ill tempered.

As a physician and as a fan, I mourn the loss of Michael Jackson. I'm sad that while he got help, it was not the right kind. As a fan, I realize that Michael has a lot more to give and because of his death, we are missing out.

Project Christmas Gift

2009-11-02T22:09:00.004+08:00

Now, here's another idea for a clutter free Christmas.

I'm a big fan of Christmas lists because it helps others give us what we really want. Rather than give gifts that will just end up as clutter or recycled, why not contribute or work towards one big gift.

From your Christmas list, choose the gift you want the most and blog about it. Tell everyone why you want or need it and what you plan to do with it. For gadget freaks, it could be a new mobile or a camera. For foodies, it can be a food processor or something similar. It might be helpful if you can describe it in detail and to include the price needed to purchase your gift.

Funds may be raised either through pledges or maybe through Paypal.

When you raise enough funds to buy the ultimate Christmas gift, by all means, buy it and blog about it. Tell us how long it took you to build your present. And remember to thank the people who made it possible.

I don't have a gift in mind personally. All's there in my list right now are small items.

What about you? Got something in mind? If you do, then maybe you can start your own Project Christmas Gift.

Let's make this an open ended group writing project. Leave me a comment about your project so that I can track your progress too.

All Saints

2009-11-01T23:59:00.000+08:00

When I heard Mass last night, the priest asked Who wants to go to heaven? Everybody raised their hands. Next he asked Who wants to be a saint? Only a few raised their hands. He said that always surprises him because while people want to get to the destination, many don't like to take the sure path.

Heaven or hell? Sinner or saint?

Astro Boy

2009-10-31T23:59:00.003+08:00

My plan was to watch Michael Jackson's This is It but since all the good seats were sold out, I settled for Astro Boy. Zara immediately thought that that was a good thing because then I could tell her if it's okay to let her kids see it.

I remember watching Astro Boy while growing up and most of the episodes I saw were about him saving the day. The movie is much, much more than all those episodes for it traces the origin of Astro Boy.

There are many lessons in the movie for both young and old. These include parenting, politics, keeping secrets, fitting in, friendship, etc.

Animation is superb. It made Astro Boy do stuff I've never see him do before.

I laughed out loud in most parts and since adults are harder to please than children, I'm sure Zara's kids will be rolling in laughter. This is a must see movie for kids.

Photo from this site.

Shopping for Toys

2009-10-30T13:53:00.004+08:00

I don't find shopping for toys easy, probably because of some of my personal requirements.

I don't go for popular toys but instead fancy those which are educational.

I stick to my budget.

I usually purchase known brands because I think they have been tested better with regard to safety and other parameters.

I make sure to check the age recommendations. I steer clear of toys with small parts particularly when buying for young children.

How do you shop for toys?

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This is my contribution to Aloha Friday.

Writing Fiction

2009-10-29T20:37:00.006+08:00

Whenever I read a work of fiction and it moves me, I wish that I could write as well and get published.

In high school, I wrote a short story called Lucy. I don't exactly remember what it's about. One of these days I hope to find the manuscript.

I have this dream of someday writing a children's story. I think that's the most I can manage. Anything beyond that is an ambitious project.

Learning how to write any genre though would be interesting. Why not start with chick lit? I like the genre after all. Plus, Shai Coggins of eWritelife is giving away a copy of Will Write for Shoes: How to Write a Chick Lit Novel by Cathy Yardley to a lucky soul.

For the Bereaved

2009-10-28T23:59:00.001+08:00

Some who attend wakes offer more than just condolences. I personally prefer giving mass cards. Others give monetary donations. I do when I think it's the best option. While flowers are a popular choice, I occasionally can't help but think whether they're there to highlight the giver. Maybe it's best if they're given anonymously or if the donor's name is written discreetly or at best hidden from view. In some instances, the family asks guests to omit flowers and instead donate to a foundation.