Taco Tuesdays

Watching several American TV shows both on youtube and on television, one of the things I noticed is that they often mention "Taco Tuesdays."

I'm not sure if it's a big thing in the U.S. And I have to investigate what it actually means. Do they get discounts on Tacos on Tuesdays? Is that the only thing they eat on Tuesdays? Is this a U.S.-wide thing?

Thinking about it makes me miss those authentic tacos we used to eat at Mexico. Those were top notch, and definitely not Taco Bell.

But since we don't get these types of Tacos here in Manila, well, see you in Taco Bell.

Just a taste

Since I spend the whole day at home, youtube has become my best friend.

There's nothing really good on free TV, and the cable shows tend to be repetitive. So, youtube is a good place to get fresh content.

I've been following several youtube channels, and one of them is an appetite-inducing one:

Yes, there's a channel called "Tasty." And it lives up to its name.

I'm getting hungry just thinking of it.

Sundazed

When I was working, the weekdays would be so busy - and Saturdays would sometimes be busier - that I'd look forward to Sundays.

This was the day when I'd just sit back, relax, empty my mind, and just enjoy a day of doing nothing.

The past month that I was at home recuperating, this relaxed, "doing nothing" exercise was what I did almost everyday. Thus, I missed the magic of Sunday.

Conclusion: I miss working. And I miss appreciating Sundays.

Thankfully, that'll change really soon.

Missing School

For more than a decade, I'd spend Saturdays waking up super early (even earlier than weekdays) to go to school.

To teach, that is.

On a fateful weekday in 1999, Prichy visited me at my office in Vito Cruz and asked me if I'd be interested in teaching part-time at St. Scholastica's College. Because Prichy is one of my bestest friends - and because a lot of our batchmates were also there - I obliged.

It was one of the best decisions that I made. And it was something I continued to do for more than a decade.

I'd still be doing it if not for this recent health issue. One thing I realized this morning is how much I miss it. I really miss teaching so, so, so SOOOOOOO much!

But that feeling of longing turns into anticipation when I think that I'll be back in school next year.

Wait for me, SSC! I'll be back.

FMM: Just can't stop it

If there's one thing this experience taught me, is that there might be huge, daunting obstacles that may face you, but if you're determined to push through, nothing can stop you from doing it.

That's why this Friday Magic Madness, we celebrate the fact that there are certain things you can't stop.

You can't stop dreams. You can't stop happiness. You can't stop hope. You can't stop living.

And in the words of The Village People, you can't stop the music!



Music has been a large part of this journey of mine, so this ditty is so apt this Friday.

New Year, Old Frendz

What better way to spend a new year in life than with old, reliable friends who have been with you through the thicks and thins and highs and lows in life. Just like true and genuine friends do.

A lot has changed since our Block I-1 days. And I'm glad that despite that, the things that matter hasn't changed at all.

Sixth Sense

Celebrating my birthday right after the life-altering and eye-opening realization that happened to me, I face another year with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation.

This year is the year when I can truly say: "I'm still here, so I must still have a mission and purpose in life."

And I'm definitely making sure that I'll fulfill it.

High Flyer!

Today, the family's high flyer celebrates another year!

Happy Birthday, Kev! Keep soaring and reaching for your dreams!

Star Struck!

After seeing the final trailer for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” I’m even more psyched to see it!

Check it out!

Aren’t you Star-struck?

Oreo glad?

Everyone’s all agog about Red Velvet Oreo in Manila these days.

Thing is, that flavor is a few years delayed. They’ve had that - and we’re lucky to have enjoyed it - for years now.

What I really want are the Halloween Oreos.

Wonder when they’ll carry these here.

Soul food

Visiting memorial parks on All Soul’s Day was a lot different when we were younger.

Before, it was very solemn. People would go to the memorial parks as families, reminiscing and remembering the times they spent with their loved ones who’ve passed. We’d roll our mats and eat home-cooked food, which made it an intimate family affair.

Now, you go to a memorial park and it feels more like a state fair! It’s crowded, noisy, and people - especially the younger set - are more focused on having fun than remembering their dearly departed ones.

And another thing I noticed, food stalls are everywhere! Heck, you can even have food delivered to your lot! With the name of your deceased as address. Strange, but true.

Oh, how the times have changed.

FMM: Busted!

Since it’s Halloween - and Friday Magic Madness day - I thought of the theme song of one of my favorite spooky shows as a kid.

The Ghostbusters!

No, i’m Not talking about the modern take, but the O.G.

This:



Classic!

Now-vember

If you’ve noticed, there were gaps in my blogs.

There were months when nothing was written, no activity tracked, and there was just silence.

Simple explanation: I got sick.

And because I was sick, I couldn’t write. My focus had to be on recovering rather than wordsmithing. Now here’s the rub. When you’ve been absent for writing for a time, you ask yourself whether it’s worthwhile to go back to writing or just enjoy the free time that non-writing accords you.

Then I thought, this month is the tipping point. It’s now or never.

Because I’m a journalist at heart, I CHOSE to write.

And as we enter a new month tomorrow, a new chapter of writing begins.

I’m excited about it! So should you! (Harhar)

L-elementary, my dear Watson

You’d think that “Grilled” would be a simple word to spell.

Apparently not.

Proofreader, please.

Blog, Interrupted.

We interrupt this blog’s regular scheduled programming for some internal realigning...

Programming will commence soon.

Crabby

There are folks with interesting names.

And there are folks like these:

At least, you won’t forget her name.

Following a calling

One of the things that we first researched on was the mass schedules in JKT.

Apparently, their anticipated masses are on Saturday at 3:30pm, way earlier than the usual 6:00pm mass that we're used to.

Luckily, that church was near our hotel, so we decided to hear Mass at Gereja Santa Theresia on Saturday.

The church was a very quaint, very peaceful place of worship, which made it a joy to visit.

Definitely one of the high points of this trip.

Meals with Mark: Fridays on a Saturday

We have this tradition.

When we'd go out to a different country, we have to go and eat at a TGIFriday's.

We went to several locations in Japan, including Yokohama. We ate at TGIFriday's in HKG, and in BKK.

And because traditions must be honored, TGIFriday's JKT was our venue for dinner tonight.

Here's the traditions!

Meals with Mark: Bread and Breakfast

On our first day in Jakarta, Mark and I decided to walk around our neighborhood - Gajah Mada.

As we traversed down the road, we encountered a lot of Padang Padang, street food stalls, and quaint, little restaurants.

But when Mark saw Suisse Bakery, he said that he read about that ,and it was one of the oldest and most popular bakeries in Jakarta. So, risking life and limb, we crossed the busy highway to get there.

What Mark read about is true. It was around 9am, and the bakery was packed! And it was packed with people who looked like regulars, because they're buying a lot, and their purchases are carefully curated. It's the handiwork of long time Suisse bakery fans!

Mark eventually got the quiche, while I went to the blueberry bread. Then, we decided to share a cinnamon roll.

And that was our first breakfast in JKT.

FMM: Anggun-a get you!

Since Mark and I are spending the weekend in Indonesia, I thought today's Friday Magic Madness song should be inspired by that.

Indonesian Pop will never be complete without Anggun! The first time I heard her in the 90s, I was already enamoured by her voice and style. It had this otherworldly, yet regal sound to it. And one of her biggest hits - Snow on the Sahara - captured that perfectly.



Listening to this song, it's difficult to believe it's already 22 years old!

Then again, great music is timeless.