The Mega Meme

I'm back in Manila!

Last week's trip was absolutely enjoyable both work and non-work. I can hardly wait to share my photos and stories! The only thing stopping me is jetlag... My body clock's all screwed up that I end up resembling a Tarsier at 3:00 AM.

Until I get my head straightened out, I'm too zombified to write anything of use.


But the 14 hour flight was a great opportunity to finish all the meme's I've received the past couple of months. To those who tagged me, I apologize for taking this long. I'm keeping my promise that I will never miss/overlook a tag.

For those who are interested to know more about me... read on for the Mega Meme. Otherwise, wait for my upcoming post.



Zombie Chicken Award
"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all..."

My thanks goes to Alice Teh for recognizing me with a rather unique and adorable blog award. I love it! I shall now forward this over to the next worthy Zombie Chicken magnets:

1. An Ardent Cosmic Journey
2. Kumareng Grace
3. Oodles of Goodles
4. Buhay Bahay-bahayan
5. Embracing Everyday

But before you check these sites, take a couple of minutes to check out my favorite Zombie Song! It's so catchy it's deadly!




7 Things Kreative Award
I'm very honored to be awarded by Little Ms. Firefly. She runs a beautiful journal of a Filipina living in Ireland, married to a kind and loving Irish man.

The rule of the game is to list 7 Things I Love, and then pass it on to & Blogs I Love.

I love:
1. to twiddle the corners of my pillow with my fingers when I am about to sleep
2. to eat a pizza backwards so my finale is always the best part
3. to peel the labels off of the beer bottle that I'm drinking
4. to listen to Garandee complain. It sounds cute.
5. to see Garandee cringe whenever I pull off the cuticles from my nails
6. to eat the stuff Garandee sets aside on her plate
7. Garandee (of course!)


Neno's Award
I was surprised to get an award from my new friend, HalfCrazy. She has one of the most adorable blogs out there. It's always interesting to see the world through the eyes of such a bright and active young lady.

The aims of this award:
• As a dedication for those who love blogging activity and love to encourage friendships through blogging.
• To seek the reasons why we all love blogging!
• Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it (I failed miserably here. LOL)
• Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.
• Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging.
• Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.
• Don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

I realized it was time to start blogging after a passing bird dropped its egg on my car’s windshield. I had no expectations when I started Balut & Natto, so I was quite surprised that it took off the way it did.
After 7 months, and 75 posts, I am now asked to write why I love blogging.

I love blogging because:
• I get to share and tell stories and conversations that I would just otherwise eventually forget and fall into limbo
• I get to meet new and interesting people
• I get very excited to find people actually return to my blog regularly
• I get even more excited when my readers share their comments and feedback

That's about it! And no, I don't blog for money. :)



100 Truths Tag
I've seen this lengthy tag go around some of the blogs I've visited. I was thinking "Wow, doing this must feel like populating a VISA Application". Well lo and behold, I finally got tagged by my new friend Mabel. I am delighted to share my 100 truths for all of you!

Basics
001. Real Name: It’s revealed in one of the posts in my blog. Well, sort of… If you’re clever you’ll find my first name!
002. Nickname(s): DO!
003. Age: 33
004. Horoscope: Gemini
005. Male or Female: Male
008. High School: La Salle
009. College School: La Salle
010. Hair color: Black
011. Long or Short: kinda long
012. Loud or Quiet: Rowdy
013. Sweats or Jeans: Jeans, torn ones
014. Phone or Camera: Camera
015. Health Freak: Not by choice
016. Drink or Smoke: Eat
017. Do you have a crush on someone: Nope
018. Eat or Drink: Sleep
019. Piercings: I once pierced my gums when I was chewing. Does that count?
020. Tattoos: Nope
021. Social or Anti-Social: Social
022. Righty or lefty: Righty

Firsts
023. First piercing: Nope
024. First relationship: Prehistoric
025. First Best Friend: My cuz
026. First Award: Loyalty Award at school. They couldn’t get rid of me.
027. First Kiss: Bleeechhhh!
028. First Pet: Dog
029. First Big Vacation: USA
030. First Love at first sight: Mom’s Blueberry Cheesecake
031. First Big Birthday: When I turned 1
032. First Surgery: None
033. First sport you joined: baby crib gymnastics

This or That
034. Orange or Apple juice: Apple Juice
035. Rock or Rap: Rock
036. Country or Screamo: Country
037. NSYNC or Backstreet boys: Masculados
038. Britney spears or Christina Aguilera: Jolina
039. Night or Day: Night
040. Sun or Moon: Moon
041. TV or Internet: Internet
042. Playstation or xbox: Playstation
043. Kiss or hug: Kiss
044. Iguana or turtle: Iguana
045. Spider or bee: Spider
046. Fall or spring: Spring
047. Limewire or iTunes: Torrent
048. Soccer or baseball: Soccer

Currently
049. Eating: Yeah, microwaved airline food.
050. Drinking: champagne
051. Excitement level: Normal
052. I’m about to: catch some Z’s
053. Listening to: airline music
054. Plan for today: survive the loooong flight
055. Waiting for: the time I settle my feet back on the ground and kiss the floor.
056. Energy Level: Low
057. Thinking of someone: My Garandee

Your Future
058. Want kids: Of course
059. Want to get married: Already tied the knot. Touch move.
060. When: 11/11/2008
061. How many kids do you want: Max 2
062. Any name on the mind: GODIVA
063. What did you want to be when you were little: Rock star! LOL
064. Careers in mind: Film Director
065. Mellow future or wild: Wild
066. Something you would never try: Natto, but I failed miserably.
067. When do you want to die: sometime in the 32nd Century

Which is better in the boy/girl you like?
068. Lips or Eyes: Eyes
069. Romantic or Funny: Funny
070. Shorter or Taller: Shorter
071. Protective or Caring: Caring
072. Romantic or Spontaneous: Spontaneous
073. Nice Stomach or Nice Arms: Nice stomach
074. Sensitive or Loud: Sensitive
075. Hook-up or Relationship: Relationship
076. Trouble Maker or Hesitant: Trouble Maker
077. Muscular or normal: Normal

Have you ever
078. Kissed a stranger: Ha! Maybe.
079. Broken a bone: Nope
080. Lost glasses or contacts: Nope. 20/20
081. Ran away from home: Yes, to chase an Ice cream vendor
082. Held a gun/knife for self defense: Nope, just a banana
083. Killed somebody: A lot. In video games. Mostly aliens.
084. Broken someone’s heart: Unfortunately
085. Had your heart broken: Yeah. Thanks to karma.
086. Been arrested: A lot. In GTA IV.
087. Cried when someone died: No
088. Liked a friend more than a friend: Maybe

Do you believe in
089. Yourself: Yes
090. Miracles: Yes
091. Love at first sight: Nope
092. Heaven: Yes
093. Santa Claus: Nope. He always gave me the wrong toy.
094. Tooth Fairy: No
095. Kiss in the first date: No
096. Angels: Yes

Answer Truthfully
097. Is there 1 person you want to be with right now?: Yes
098. Are you seriously happy with where you’re in life now?: Yes
099. Do you believe in God?: Definitely
100. Post as 100 truths and tag 10 people.

Phew! That was a long one, but it sure was fun to do!

This Mega Meme is open to everyone, so please feel free to tag yourself with any of the ones posted above. If you decide to do a meme, please leave a comment. I'd love to hop over to your blog to check it out.


Garandee mode:
Garando!! You must drive me to work early... Fight your jetlag!
Read More......

A Preview of the First Day

Phew... I spent the entire Sunday exploring the city - on foot.

I didn't bother with signing up for a tour, all I needed were my legs, my instincts, and the ever reliable hotel map. By the end of the day, I can't believe I took 2GB worth of pictures!

I spent the entire day walking, so I apologize if I am unable to share stories or visit your blogs due to extreme exhaustion. I will however, leave you with a preview of the day's events:












Hope you liked the photos, stories to follow when I'm back in Manila!

Oh, and I was able to buy a cheap belt. Now I don't have to worry about my trousers falling off during the meetings this week. Can't afford to reveal my boxers.


Garando mode:
Time to recharge...
Read More......

Touchdown!

After a long and grueling flight...


I finally made it to the hotel. I have barely enough energy to write...


Of all things, I forgot to bring my belts! Tomorrow the quest for a cheap belt begins. I hope to find one, or else I will have to "improvise".

Good thing tomorrow's Sunday, I have the entire day to explore the city. Besides, I still need to find my office! It would have been easier if all of the signs around here were in English.


Garando mode:
Oyasumi... (goodnight) Read More......

Don't Miss Me Too Much!

She doesn't really show it, but I know she will miss me while I'm gone.

Garandee: "Wow, the bed will have a lot of space!"

She's trying so hard to act normal, but I'm sure she knows how lonely it gets when I'm not around.

Garandee: "...now I can roll around the bed as much as I want!"

She's going to have to deal with having lunch & dinner on her own.

Garandee: "...and I don't have to fight to get all the pillows!"

And worst of all, she won't have a soft tummy to rest her head on when she watches her weird Japanese dramas.

Garandee: "...I finally have the TV all for myself!!"

Yes, she doesn't show it, but she will miss me while I'm gone.


Garandee: "Do?"

Garando: "Yes dear? Miss me already?"

Garandee: "Nyo. Don't forget my list of omiyage (souvenirs) ok?!"

Garando: " ... " (slaps forehead)

Garandee: "And don't miss me too much! Concentrate on your work!"

Garando: " opo... "


Garandee mode:
Bye beeeee! Gambatte Garando! (do your best!)

Garando mode:
Hai, itekimasu! (bye bye) I musn't go home without her four little tea cups... Ganbarimasu!! Read More......

Me & Morinaga

Garandee and I were so happy after finding that our favorite Japanese "P75 Store" was back in business. It was her only source for reasonably priced natto and my only source for...

(insert drum roll here)



Morinaga's Choco Monaka!!
The ice cream that blew my mind.

Now called "Choto Shop", the grocery has a bigger floor area allowing much more variety. But who cares about variety, I just want my Choco Monaka!

Garandee: "They have more vegetables now!!!"

Uhhhh.... right. Anyway, Choco Monaka has been available in Japan for ages. Considered very common among the Japanese as how the infamous Pinipig Crunch is to us, Filipinos. I can't even count my shirts that got stained when a large chunk of chocolate coating fell from my Pinipig Crunch, usually on my second bite!

So what makes me love Choco Monaka so much?



Vanilla ice-cream covered with a crunchy waffle!


And what's that inside?
A layer of chocolate between the ice-cream and the waffle, and another extra crunchy chocolate bar at the core!

Is that BRILLIANT or what?!

Choto Shop is located in Pasong Tamo St., Makati, where Little Tokyo and Shinjuku Ramen are at. If this post makes you wanna go over there pronto to grab some, chances are we already hoarded all the stock.

Kidding! I'm on a diet.


Garandee mode:
Yes, diet onegaishimasu (please)!! Your hand is so debu (fat).
Read More......

Garando's Errand Challenge #1

Garandee: "Garando..."

Garando: "Yes?"

Garandee: "I ran out of sanitary napkins..."

Garando: "I see."

Garandee: "Can you please buy me some?"

Garando: " ... "

Garandee: "Can you?"

Garando: "uhhhh... well...."

Garandee: "Don't worry, people won't think you're the one who will use it!"

Garando: "Hmmmmm... but...."

Garandee: "Just be MACHO! Talk to the cashier in a very deep and low voice. Drop the napkin in front of her and say, IT'S FOR MY FEMALE WIFE! You know, like Yakuza style!"

Garando: "Yeah, but still..."

Garandee: "I remember you bought me some before we got married."

Garando: "I did?"

Garandee: "HAI! And now we're married you don't want to buy me napkins anymore. HMPH!"

Garando: "...I did?"


Later that evening...

Garando: "Tadaima!" (I'm home)

Garandee: "Okaeri!" (Welcome home)

Garando: "Here you go."

Garandee: "WOW!!! You bought the napkins!"

Garando: "I guess it's better than asking me to buy a pair of ladies' underwear."

Garandee: "WOW! SWEET NAMAN!!" (how sweet!)


Garando mode:
Happy Easter!! Read More......

Meme: "I Love Your Blog" Award & 10 Birthday Wishes

I Love Your Blog Award

Thank you Alice, for recognizing me with the "I Love Your Blog" award! Alice's blog is also one that I frequent because of her lovely photos, food diaries and great book reviews.

Now I give this award to some blogs that I recently discovered.

1) KonnichiwaPug - I totally love this cute blog! Dahlia and Daisy are absolutely adorable and I always look forward to more of their photos and funny antics!
2) Dong Ho's Eskapo - In my opinion, this blog set the standards for adventure blogging!
3) Lantaw - One of the best outdoor photography of the Philippines, 'nuff said.
4) Travelog - A simple, beautiful and honest photoblog about Japan.
5) Alice Teh - I award this back to Alice, of course! :)


Ten Birthday Wishes

I owe Witsandnuts this tag for the longest time. Sorry, Wits!

I was asked to share 10 birthday wishes. To be honest, I stopped asking for anything on my birthday when I was 7 years old. That was when realized that I didn't have to wait for my birthday to ask for stuff! Here goes...

1) I want a toilet with a robotic 5-speed bidet and an automated tissue dispenser. I love the way how bums get pampered in Japan!

2) I want Mike Enriquez to talk like a normal person. Garandee gets freaked out everytime she hears him anchoring the news and I just can't imagine how he talks to his kids.

3) I want a bitterless ampalaya (bitter melon) so Garandee can finally add it in her pinakbet.

4) I want Philippine Jeepneys to have electric taser devices installed on their driver seats. Each time they go over 60kph or violate any traffic rules the device will send a non-lethal electric shock to their anus.

5) I want Philippine Bus drivers to have a similar device on their driver seats. Except that it's conveniently attached to their scrotum since they prove to be much worse than jeepney drivers.

6) I want 7 shirts with a muscular naked torso with six-pack abs printed on it. If I wear this everyday maybe Garandee will stop complaining about my all-natural hubby belly.

7) I want three day weekends: Saturday, Sunday and Slumberday.

8) I want a king-sized bed with Garandee-sized pouches mounted on both sides. No special reason, she just rolls all over the place when asleep.

9) I want each government office to have an unconventional complaints/suggestions box at the entrance. Instead of the traditional box with a slot, there will be a roster of employeees, and each name will have an "EJECT" button next to it.

10) I want natto to taste like a juicy steak fillet and smell like pot roast. Then maybe I can start having it for breakfast too!


Garando mode:
Getting excited for the long holiday! Read More......

April Fail!

I didn't sound all convincing in my previous post, did I?

I think the posting date on top of my "Sayonara...Friends" totally blew it. Either that or I'm a completely hopeless prankster and I should just go back to doing the things I'm better at: posting about a lot of Garando & Garandee nonsense.


I was even planning to use a title like "GOTCHA!!" for this post, but after seeing all the comments you left, it became "April Fail". LOL.

Sigh... and to think I even had to stop myself from posting anything in the past few days to fabricate just the right "atmosphere" for the drama! So much for any aspirations of an acting career...

I'll have to admit though, I was quite touched by your comments. Thank you very much!


Garando mode:
"April Fail Day"... Get it? Ho ho ho

Garandee mode:
Please no more jokes! Your pathetic drama was worse enough. Hajukashii.... Read More......

Sayonara... Friends

Some of you may have noticed that I haven't posted anything in quite a while. I've come to a sudden realization that I'm lacking the inspiration to continue my blog. Can't really say in public what has caused it, but I just wanted to to be open about the struggles I've been going through the past few days.

Maybe I will get over this soon and start posting again... or maybe not. I guess time will tell...


Thank you very much to all my readers and friends who have been following my blog, I truly enjoyed sharing your laughter and comments. You have all been very supportive, and I really appreciate that.


Garando mode:
Sorry for all this drama... Read More......