I’m not really much of a “mac ‘n cheese” person, but this tells me otherwise. Trying Mr. Jones’ Mac and Cheese after a day’s work (not to mention an event to attend after) was just so satisfying!

If I remember correctly, a platter costs around Php 300-400 pesos which is not bad, and is good for two considering someone who generally eats in small proportions like I do. It’s packed with ham bits, green peas and of course, cheddar cheese! Since the serving is really huge for me to consider devouring it in one sitting, I just had half of my order to-go. I enjoyed eating it whilst it’s hot, albeit I felt a bit jittery as soon as it ran cold. Anyhoos, the pasta’s really al dente which made me enjoy nibbling it piece by piece, whilst the ham bits served its purpose—nixing the jitters and adding more flavor to the dish. I didn’t enjoy the green peas though, only because they’re a bit overdone. Had they been cooked just-right, this comfort food would have been perfect!

I highly recommend having this dish to-go, as it tastes much better when reheated and served the day after.

It’s been more than a week since I cast my vote for the third time. Being the apolitical yet cynic me, I’m very proud of myself for not giving up on our system yet. Speaking of which, there’s actually a new system that was introduced, in which ballots are automatically counted by a machine called PCOS—which stands for Precinct Count Optical Scan. Sounds like machines are making things a lot easier, eh? Well, not really for some people who happen to fall into an unruly precinct like mine.

I had to brace the scorching heat and long queues for 4-5 grueling hours before taking my turn to vote. But heck, the sacrifice was worth it, I hope. I’m proud to say that I have exercised my right to vote, which every Filipino of legal age and a capacitated mind has.

A week has passed and the election has spawned so many issues—good and bad. It’s more of the “bad” to be honest. But, given all the negativity abound, one must be vigilant enough to circumspect all the possibilities of such being feigned and fabricated and not fall abruptly into the abyss.

I’m falling my face flat onto this deep quandary. I could never get this poetic! Lolol. Maybe, it’s because of the hormones and the unusual sleep patterns (I’m an insomniac btw). Hence:

I still do not have a slightest idea on who to vote for as President.

My mind is boggled especially at this very moment. May 10 is just less than a week away, and I hafta make up my mind before shading the first circle. Pressure is rising as I’m deeply contemplative on resolving this crisis of what it seems to be more of a conundrum that my noggin just can’t handle.

It’s easy to separate the grain from chaff, but what if there are too many chaffs to see and none of the freshest, highest-grade grain available? Am I overlooking at something?

You see, I’ve got like 4-5 candidates who seem capable of handling such position, but issues have been thrown here and there which constantly put their names into question. False Denigration or True Claim as they appear, they cloud my judgment still.

Anyway, here’s a roundup of some of these presidentiables:

One had already been convicted of plunder. You can already consider him a senile, and thus he is somewhat off my list.

One clearly seems to be the Michael Bloomberg of our country, yet his impoverished-then background and reputation are being put into question. Is he struggling for more than the bounteous wealth he possesses at this day and age?

One was considered a taciturn. But, thanks to his mom and dad, he has risen up from oblivion, and has come out from his shell and claimed the spotlight. Still, am I fighting for this own person’s goodwill, or am I precariously fighting for someone else’s hidden agenda in the guise of the mom and dad’s imagery?

One is considerably the most ideal of all. He’s got the brains, the fervor and drive, the indubitable skills and capabilities, and the clearest platform. But then again, I don’t want this hobbit and her lust for power reign supreme for another year, decade, score or even a century (if she can)! Lolol. But seriously, there is doubt, namely the present government, which clearly besmirches his good name.

One has a proven track record on a certain province back then. He’s also considerably competent, has the required skill set, and is up for a challenge. But then again, I cannot help but consider his indirect (or covert) connection to the present administration.

Anyway, I may rather be cynical about this, but this is what is exactly in my mind right now. Anyhow, I still have six days to go to make up my mind…

When you go to this ethereal place of Coron Island in Palawan, think about working out and backpacking. This place is filled of, uhm, water and land adventures that you have to be physically fit and prepared to climb and swim through the rest of the day (or depending on your itinerary).

Here’s the deal:

All lakes and beaches are teeming with corals, schools of various kinds of fishes and other forms of marine life. Witnessing such marine biodiversity will wow you and make you think twice on wasting precious water in the future.

I wanna try scuba diving in Apo Reef next time, but hafta take scuba diving lessons first!

Anyways, here’s my favorite spot: Kayangan Lake. Do not miss this should you go to Coron.

I know, my pics don’t do much justice. That’s why, you hafta go and see it yourself!

White Hat’s Blueberry Cheesecake version

The blueberry puree wasn’t that bad, though I opted for the “real” fresh thing. What I liked about this blueberry cheesecake froyo version from White Hat is the homemade cheesecake that tasted really delicious–neither too sweet nor too cheesy.

I’m a sucker for froyos, and I would trade in a slice of blueberry cheesecake for a cupful of this.

Some random house in Kennon Road, Baguio City, Philippines

To be honest, I wasn’t really all that excited going back to Baguio. The place just looks like Manila. It’s sad that it’s too commercialized already. Maybe it’s just me, ‘coz I yearn for some rustic type of place whenever I go out-of-town.

Anyway, what’s nice about being in Baguio is the weather. Summer heat is much more bearable there than in the city.The weather was nice and a bit chilly when we got there, so strolling around wasn’t much of an ordeal. I also love Baguio’s ukay-ukay, lengua de gato, peanut brittle and even the sundot kulangot (some thick, sweetened coconut preserved encapsulated in a small circular fruit-like container).

If Manila has Luneta Park, Baguio has Burnham Park where you can enjoy a nice picnic under the less aggressive sun.

Burnham Park, Baguio City, Philippines

Teacher (and studio owner) Joy Geronca doing Padangusthasana

Experiencing Bikram Yoga was one of the biggest transformations I had early this 2010. I could not have asked for more, as though not totally, but it sort of changed my lifestyle and disposition.

I’d been living in a typical sedentary (read: couch potato) lifestyle as soon as I stepped out from school. Y’know, PE’s not around anymore, so why bother? I was so engrossed into facing before the computer, since my work requires me to do so. I love lying around or burying myself on the bed whilst devouring something—some fast-food that’s highly rich in calories. I didn’t mind then, until I just realized that lazing around just put a toll on my body.

First and foremost, the obvious—I felt lazy. Rising up from bed took so much effort [lol]. I was feeling anxious and frazzled most of the time. I also packed in some pounds. The latter proved to be the warning sign. And so, the first thing that came into my head was yoga, coz I wanted to do meditation as well.

Since Eastwood’s the nearest landmark from my place, I gave Bikram Yoga Eastwood a try. I even enrolled for a month, though I kind of put it on hold since I couldn’t withstand the overwhelming summer months we have right now in the Philippines. Bikram is a hot type of yoga, so comfy attire is highly suggested. The first time was really hard, as I got really woozy all the time. I couldn’t even reach the tip of my toe with my legs all stretched up while sitting. I couldn’t bend backwards. I always ended up like a total mess, which is expected because of the buckets of sweat dripping from everywhere. My body was aching, particularly my back since after all these years, it was my first time I did a tedious exercise. But, despite of all the troubles I had, it’s all worth it. My yoga teachers are kind of strict yet very nice and motivating. They’re really watchful as they try to correct my posture whenever I do it wrong. They entertain any sorts of questions I have even outside the class. I love the fact that they do not allow cellphones inside the room and chide students from talking whilst in class. I was able to meditate and try my best to accurately follow instructions that way.

I always ended dead-parched and aching, but I felt light and energized in a weird way after class. I didn’t give up anyhow, and I managed to attend classes as often as I can until I can somehow bear the room’s heat and the wooziness was all gone.

I’m proud to say I could do some of the postures somehow with more ease. I can finally reach my toe and even grab my heels whilst sitting with my legs all stretched up. I can do toe stand (Padangustasana) which is the most amazing feat I achieved to date! I can do backward bending as well—though maybe not the “acrobatic” type lolol. To sum up, I’ve become flexible for the first time in my life.

My endurance has quite improved as well. I lost some of the weight I gained to boot. I start to drink more water, and eat less junk food. My old skimpy clothes start to fit me well! But, the most important thing of all is that I always feel happy and lively. My sleep patterns improve a lot (my insomnia was at its worst before). It’s like I have some extra energy to spare to do more activities on a typical day than I had before practicing yoga.

I miss doing Bikram yoga to bits! Though I prefer working out [in the gym] come May, I might return to practice this June or July or as soon as the weather starts getting better (less warm). I miss my Savasana moments. I miss getting all parched and motivating myself to finish the class and do all the postures in return of rewarding myself with a huge drink to guzzle afterwards! Most of all, I really want to find my way on doing complex poses perfectly. Ha-ha, it may sound far-fetched, but with regular practice and unwavering determination, I think I can handle it.

Monkey @ Fontana Resort in Subic, Pampanga

Hello blog, I miss you terribly! It’s been a month since I made a post, and I still could not think of a decent post at the moment as I had a lot of stuff on my plate since the onset of 2010. I have been trying to balance out everything and manage my time efficiently but somewhat to no avail.

I just succumbed to my wireless broadband dongle, and finally get a cabled broadband connection which will add to the roster of bills I need to pay every month. My Skull Candy perished, so I planned getting a quaint pair of Sennheisers. After all, it’s functionality more than aesthetics. Recently, I got a wi-fi router here at home, and currently there are 2 wi-fi connections within the compound I live in, so I can wi-fi here and there without worrying about losing either one of the signals.

Also, my phone is starting to freaking give up albeit I’m not that paranoid to get startled and be alerted on what to grab in lieu of the four-year-old mobile device. I just jotted down an incredible list of things I need to shop without getting overblown—gadgets, appliances, clothes, makeup[lol]. So, here I am, budgeting every single penny I have at the moment.

Anyhoos, I have just been into Bikram Yoga for the past months, and I really love it! I’ve been trying to find something to do which will help me release all the stress and keep me energized. I stopped doing yoga for a tad while though, coz I’ve been getting super exhausted as soon as summer kicks in. The surging temperature stifles and scorches my body badly, so is my determination. Anyhoos, I decided to give it a breather and start working out effective this May.

On the other hand, I’ve had lots of out-of-town trips this summer—from Coron to La Union and Baguio. I’m still eying to go sometime soon in Bohol, Sagada or Vigan, whichever’s the most feasible for me and my friends. Ha-ha, it’s getting a bit tiring somewhat, but I can’t say “no” to get myself clicking for a nice snapshot or two.

Anyhoos, I’m gonna be back again as soon as tomorrow!

Here’s what I got for dinner during our second night. Well, I was able to try Coron’s finest seafood, so I opted for something way different that night—a French deli called Coq Au Vin in some place called Coron Bistro. It’s a braise of chicken, carrots and mushrooms swimming in red wine sauce. I paired it with french fries, which is a little Belgian of moi.

(click on the image to enlarge)

Verdict: It’s actually tasty and yummy! I love how chicken was braised soo perfectly, as ’twas really soft and tender. I also love the just-right taste of the red wine sauce. It’s not overpowering at all. My only concern was the so-so frites (french fries).

Before, I was somewhat annoyed that our house is slowly becoming a forest laden with all the plants hanging by and sprouting from their own pots. I wouldn’t complain anyhow, since there’s no point and justice in doing so. The plants won’t do harm, plus I don’t think I will bar the old people from doing their hobby.

As I grow up, I become more appreciative with what we call our “cage”. It’s filled with different flowers and foliages. Best of all, the once long gone colorful insects flying by are now returning to their newfound habitat. Like this one, for instance. And so, I did not hesitate to take out my camera.

“I will not miss a chance like this”, I say to myself.