Maria from the (writer's) block.

I'm back! If you read my tweets, you'd know what I was up to but for those who didn't, I was in the City of the Gentle People. (See my blog post at http://theramenoodleshow.blogspot.com/2010/02/dumaguete-city-of-gentle-people.html) I figured I'd blog it over there since I was with my Noodle Boy. The food posts are what you need to watch out for because man, oh man, Dumaguete flavor is just sensational!

I was just thinking the other day of how I should blog more seriously this time, that I need to polish my writing skills and being a wordsmith. I feel like I'm getting rusty at this and rely on the pictures to paint the thousand words I used to compose. Must be writer's block again!? Dang!

So I wanted to write about love... but it's February, I think it'd be redundant and I'm sure it's going to be supperrrr cheeeezzzy (because I'm in love!) and it would probably make you guys get brain farts with all the sweet sugary corniness. LOL. So I'm not going to do that. But speaking of love, I did ask Noodle Boy what's his big Valentines Day plan for us (because I am impatient and I wanted to know, okay!?) and much to my chagrin, he said: "I'm going to bring Borg [the guy in town who sells those mouth-watering fishballs for the past 22 years] and we're going to have a date with him... with all the fishballs you can eat!" He said it with so much amore that I thought I saw his eyes twinkle and his tear ducts glimmer for a bit. I couldn't believe that was his BIG PLAN and he must have seen my jaw drop obviously as he hurriedly added, "Hey, no one has ever done that to you before, right?" And with a smirk so handsome that only he can pull off, he said, "And I know you want me to do something extraordinary to please you." He was so convinced of himself and his ingenuity that I could have kicked him in the head right then and there. Okay, mentally I did though. Tee hee. But then I couldn't muster the energy to fight him as he looked into my eyes so lovingly that my heart must have melted, so I changed the topic.

Anyways, here's the picture of Borg and the fishballs I posted in my FB. Note: These pictures were taken by Mallory. (Yup, that's the name of my new iPhone 3Gs.)

I guess we'll have to wait and see what VDAY this year would be like for the RameNoodles. ;) I do know it won't be the usual boring dinner date with sweet music plus chocolates and flowers. That's just not us. So I'm sure it'd be anything besides that. Maybe we'd go bungee jumping at Agas-Agas Bridge with cheese and wine. Who knows? LOL.

I might be busy in the next couple of weeks as I'm trying going to help in the family business and I also need to sell our residential lot in Mejia Subdivision. So guys, if you want to settle down in Ormoc City, buy our "CORNER" lot and live the beautiful provincial life! ^_^ Only for PHP 3,500 per sq. m. (negotiable) with a total of 370 sq. m. lot area! Message me if you're interested or if you want me to email you pictures. Anyways, here's the satellite view of the place.

Alright, I think I just had a brain fart so I am ending this blog post abruptly. I'll write some more next time, hopefully within the week.

Wait, if you have any suggestions on what "unique" things we could do for Valentines, do leave a comment. ;) I'll appreciate it a lot! TIA!

xoxo,

Thanksgiving lunch for Century Bangus bloggers. (Pic heavy!)

This post is waaaaay overdue. I must be the last person to blog about this. But oh well, better late than never, right?

I always knew blogging would pay someday and I think all of heaven had smiled on me when I ran into Century Bangus. But that story has been told. This time, we were invited to lunch and blessed be that I was one of the winners of the contest.

Noodle Boy and I drove for 2 hours to Tacloban so we could catch our Manila flight which was way too damn early in the morning. We aren't really morning persons so you could just imagine what it took to haul ass and get going.

The event was held at the West Side Grill in Wack-Wack Golf & Country Club.

The place is huge! And so beautiful, it makes me want to play golf again.

My cousin Tricia drove us to the place. (Hi, Tricia! And again, thanks for taking us there!) A game was held after Mr. Leo Po welcomed us along with a brief introduction of the newest Century Bangus products, which IMHO, kicks ass! Right on! You guys should really check out all the mouth-watering photos below and see what they did with the lunch menu! Damn amazing! Can't get enough of it all!

Noodle Boy was all "oohh" and "ahhh" then "mmm" with everything. I think he was at a loss for words...

...and so was I.

I mean, would you get a load of these!?!?!

Lunch is served!

Century Bangus Lumpia Shanghai & Century Bangus Tocino (MY NEW FAVORITE!)


Century Premium Boneless Bangus Pasta & Century Beer Battered Bangus


Noodle Boy's new favorite: Century Baked Bangus with Creamy Saffron Gratin

So, what do YOU think?





Gosh, I'm even salivating as I'm blogging right now. Hand me a napkin please!



You know what, if you don't like fish, I'm telling you that you can hardly even taste it! And by now, we all know it's good for us because of the low calories and the health benefits we can get from it. (Think Superbods?) I'm gonna have to go back to my diet soon because the holiday weight I gained is already killing me.

Now onto the best part...







Us lucky bloggers get to take home a spanking brand-new 32gb iPhone 3GS! What's not to love about Century, huh!? ^_^





I can't wait to buy more Century Bangus in the next few days as I go back to my regular dieting and let's see if all these goodness will help me shed more pounds. ;) Next thing you know, summer's here! And what is summer if not for showing some skin, eh? *wink*



Once again, gracias Century... and more power to Nuffnang!

Sinulog Sugbo 2010

And so... we were there... again! This year was pretty challenging because it rained a whole lot... and I mean, A LOT!

The trip was pretty nasty, too. With all those 6-meter waves (exag!) that my mom and aunts decided not to go. But I survived nonetheless. I was going to bring my camera along during the procession but the rain was making me think twice, so I didn't risk it. Although there were people bringing their cams there, I thought maybe an umbrella was a far much better choice to carry. ;) Also, my mom insisted... so there.

The route of this year's procession was different.

We had to walk all the way to V. RAMA, B. Rodriguez, etc. when before we used to take a turn at P. del Rosario... Boy, did we burn major calories there! I practically collapsed after... and got blisters on my feet. The drugstore clerk said their Band-Aids were almost sold out by the time we went to buy some because so many people were asking for it.

By evening, we hit I.T. Park just because we were feeling our age. LOL! The taxi driver made snide remarks as we watched kids cross the street and he said, "Bantog ra uwanon ang Sinulog kay unsa man pod ning mga sinul-otan sa mga batan-on! Labi na nang tua sa Mango ron!" [No wonder it rains during the Sinulog because of what kids are wearing these days (referring to the girls)! Especially the ones in Mango tonight!] I couldn't help but laugh. Yeah, I can feel it. I am getting old because I, too, sometimes say those things. Tee hee! Especially because I don't wear such provocative clothes... do I? *bitter*

Too many parties all over Cebu last Saturday night. We had dinner at Ila Puti and then went to Patio Ecila (same place we were at last year) because it was pretty much age-appropriate for us. Plus the music can't be beat. Not too loud either. (OMG! I can't believe I'm saying these things. I'm starting to feel ancient. Haha!) No Embassy, no Loft for us. But did drop by Metro (which used to be Bravio) for some poker. ;)

Damn cold night, too. (What's up with my hands/arms?)

The rest of the weekend we slept, heard mass, shopped/window shopped, and watched movies. Didn't bother to watch the Mardi Gras because you could hardly drop a needle with all the traffic going on. Tsk. Also, I forgot to take pictures of the fireworks! *slaps forehead* Man, they were awesome! Maybe next year ;)

Anyway, thanks Sto. Niño! Although it rained the whole weekend and we got drenched, still we aren't down with any kind of sickness. VIVA! PIT SENYOR!

Yuck or Yum?

The great thing about living in Asia or the East for that matter is the food we get the chance to eat. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of weird but truly delectable viands available. One of these is the exotic food selection locally.

I don't know if I'd get in trouble with Animal Rights and be charged with animal cruelty, but that sort of thing isn't really a big issue around here... especially when it comes to FOOD! I haven't really done any research about it except ask around, but people seem to get away with hunting wild boars or catching turtles to eat... or even dogs for that matter. I think you guys have seen me feast on some of that over the years. ;)

But this week's menu is not the sort of thing you see every day. Well, I don't... and the last time I had one of these had been years actually.

What the heck is that?

Looks like caldereta. In fact, it is! Mmm... But what meat is that? It sure don't look like goat meat to me. What does it look like to you?

Yep, that's right. It's a snake. A very edible one, albeit smaller than most around here. ;)

Still very delicious, especially when it's pinirito (fried) and crunchy. Yes, it does taste like chicken. Doesn't everything?

I wonder what Prony tastes like?

Just kidding, Prony Boy. He's a python, I don't think he's edible. Is he? My dad says he is. Ah well, why am I not surprised? My father was the one who made me eat frogs, birds, rabbits, iguanas (edible lizard), dogs, sharks, you name it... I ate it. Tee hee.

^_^

I wanted to post pictures of how we skinned the snake and took out its innards while its heart was still beating, but that'd be against my better judgment; I don't want to be offensive here. Y'all probably go YUCK all the way but let me tell you that perhaps the ends justify the means... and that this specialty is a guaranteed YUM for me.

You are what you eat, eh? Yeah, whatever, yaya.

xoxo,

Celebrate THE BLOG that lasted!

My blog has evolved! It used to be all talk and verbal diarrhea. Now, it's all images and more images. I just realized it and kinda like how it had turned out actually--despite the fact that it doesn't leave a whole lot to the imagination anymore. :(

Over the years, I've been writing (mostly to my heart's content) notwithstanding the fact that some people actually pay attention to what I have to say. I've been getting comments, suggestions, as well as violent reactions to the stuffs I've posted. Seriously, I didn't think anyone would give a rat's ass to my blogs. And now, even my mom is reading it! OMGWTFBBQ! Okay, *breathe*, so I guess I'll try to be "wholesome" now... LOL!

I was backreading some of the things I wrote in my Friendster/MySpace/Xanga blogs and I realized how different I am now. These blogs actually help me a lot. Not only do I get an outlet (through writing) and a record of how I've turned out to be, but now I'm actually part of something BIG! As in WWW kinda big, mostly thanks to link referrals and blog communities. Have you googled yourself lately? Maybe I should do blogging full-time. Hmmm.

But I love to write. If I had time, you guys know I'd write a book. However, that is not going to happen anytime soon as I am thinking of a career move. It's 2010! I need to make money and I know this year is going to be SOMETHING! I'm pretty sure of it, because I am going to make my own destiny. Sounds conceited enough? It's just positive thinking, you know. I just hope my viewers, readers, friends, and fans(?) would stick around long enough to witness that if one sets her heart on something, IT WILL HAPPEN. And you don't even have to ask how the hell it did!

So I'm cooking up a little something for my birthday this year. I know, I know. Isn't it too early? Well, nothing wrong with being prepared, right? So what's the plan?

Do you want to know? I bet you already do.

Okay, for those who are new to my blog, my birthdays over the recent years have been anything but ordinary. Take for example:

1. In 2007, I had a kiddie party... at 24! Just because there were too many kids in the neighborhood and MOST of my childhood friends already got kids of their own... so there.

   

   

   

2. In 2008, I spent it with the juvenile delinquents at the DSWD Holdings in the city. Plus, I gave them slippers!!! Yeah, flip-flops, baby!

   

   
   

3. In 2009, I was with the little rascals from Recla. I just wish I could give them scholarship grants when I become rich and famous. LOL. Wish ko lang!

   

   

See? I'm not all that vain and materialistic as I even claim to be. I have a soft spot, too. I'm generally a nice person. (Aren't we all?) Just don't get on my nerves and we're all good! ;)

So this year... what am I doing?

I'm not telling you yet.

You guys will have to stay tuned to find out.

But I'll give you a hint. Let's just say, it involves a contest and if that's the case... then there will be PRIZES. I'm still sorting things out but this is the plan. I need more sponsors and donors, so if you wanna help me out here, send me a message.

This will involve Twitter and Facebook, too. So you guys just might want to follow me (@MyMariaTV) for updates and add me up at FACEBOOK via this LINK or click the banner below.

MyMaria: Basta Igat, Sikat!

I will be updating those a lot in the coming weeks/months.

Celebrate with me... the gift of life, love, and everything under the sun. You could be a WINNER!

So be part of my birthday this year and let's make it happen, shall we?

xoxo,

Sinulog Festival 2010 - Ormoc City

As always, we celebrate Sinulog here in Ormoc City a week ahead of Cebu. So before we all head off to and make lugsong sa Sugbo, we get to shout Pit Senyor here in our own dakbayan first.

The dance competition in the city is always held in front of the Grand Stand at the Ormoc City Central School... as far as I can remember.

A popular theme among Sinulog dances is Queen Juana holding the Santo Niño in her arms and using it to bless her people who are often afflicted by sickness caused by demons and other evil spirits. (Wiki)

But you know, it's really not just about face painting and street partying... it's about Sto. Niño (Holy Infant Jesus).

My lola always took me to Sinulog when I was younger, and now that she's gone (may she rest in peace!) I will continue doing the Sinulog dance for her. Although, you guys know I will never be caught dead dancing, this one is an exception.

“Pit Senyor kang Mama kini, Pit Senyor kang Papa kini..”

The dance is a beat of two steps forward, two steps backward, shouting, "Sinulog, I-shagit ug Kusug".

We pray for our loved ones and dance our petitions away...

In case you're wondering, Sto. Niño comes in many, many forms...

And in all sizes.

Viva, Sr. Sto. Niño...

VIVA! VIVA! VIVA!!!

Next stop: Cebu City... Here we come!

PIT SENYOR!

Back to the future? A letter from... me.

In the light of The Time Traveler's Wife (yes, I just watched it... finally!) and joining a Facebook group of my alma mater just 24 hours ago, I couldn't help but be bothered by something. I was feeling restless and I knew there was something missing... so I searched.

Lo and behold...

OMG. A letter.

Addressed to me.

Written by me.

With an obsolete calling card. XD

And yeah, my room looked like a tornado had swept past it. I was right in the letter about my room. Hmmm. I knew myself a lot.

I guess that's why I wrote to myself 10 years ago. The first page was me blabbing about how bored I was, how paranoid I got, and how life was treating me at 16 years old! So you can just imagine what I wrote there... at the peak of my adolescence! LOL!

My, my... how times flies.

The second page was more or less sane enough to read...

But it doesn't change the fact that I was talking to myself. It felt weird... and good at the same time. WTF!

Ah life....

Remind me that the next time I write to myself, I should definitely put some ca$h in it. Dang! All I got was a lousy calling card from me. I should know better this time around. :)

Next letter coming up in 2020. Wow. I hope to be alive to read it by then.

So do you guys talk to yourselves, too? And how many of you wrote to yourselves at some point in your lives?