balut & natto

Garandee's Kawawang Undies

2009-09-07T21:33:00.009+08:00

Garandee and I have been doing our own dusting, packing and moving the past few days, and we are totally exhausted! So far we've got 75% of our stuff moved, mostly my wife's junk... Tomorrow I finally get to move some of my stuff.

Though the past week has been totally hectic and difficult, it was also a great opportunity for some husband and wife bonding.

Garando: "Phew, that's definitely the last batch we're doing today. I'll go back to our new home tomorrow to sort the boxes out and do some cleaning."

Garandee: "Hai... sooo tsukareta (tired)..."

Garando: "Now go freshen up and get dressed. Let's eat out tonight!"

Garandee: "OK! Something oishii (delicious) ne..."

Garando: "Yes, let's treat ourselves tonight."

Garandee: "DO!! Where are my undies?!?!"

Garando: " ??? "

Garandee: "My undies were all in this box... and it's not here!"

Garando: "We must've moved it along with the others this morning."

Garandee: "NYOOOO!!! Those were all my undies!"

Garando: " ... "

Garandee: "sigh... "

Garando: "you can use mine."

Garandee: "EEEEHHHH?!?! MAJI DE (are you nuts)?!?!"

Garando: "Here's a bikini cut. It's the smallest one I got."

Garandee: "Oh my goodness..."

After a few minutes...

Garando: "How is it?"

Garandee: "It's sooooo BIG for me!!!"

Garando: "Use a clip or something."

Garandee: " ... "

To my friends, so sorry for not being able to bloghop yet. Hopefully my life will go back to normal after we're all settled in our new home.

Thanks for your understanding!

Garando mode:
Better it was her undies than the other way around.

Kablogs Award

2009-08-22T10:30:00.008+08:00

A few months ago I happened to come across the OFW (Overseas Filipino workers / expatriates) community in the internet. I enjoyed reading blogs about their experiences living in foreign soil, their personal thoughts about home and family, and not to mention the really nice photos they share!

Recently Thoughtsmoto held the "Kablogs award" - The Filipino worker/expat blog awards to recognize the best blogs among the community. I was a proud supporter but I had no idea that non-OFW blogs could also win!

"Blog na nagpapakita ng kakaibang
impormasyon at mga kwento."
A blog that contains unique information and stories

Late last week I was very surprised when Balut & Natto was awarded with the "Astig Ng Blog Mo (Your blog is Cool)" Award!

Thank you to the Kablogs team, and of course to all those who nominated and voted for me! I really appreciate it!

I also want to congratulate all the other winners specially Isladenebz for winning the "Great Layout" Award! Head on over here to see the rest of the awards.

Garando mode:
Maraming Salamat Po (Thank you very much)!!

Garandee Has a Fever

2009-08-19T07:39:00.005+08:00

Oh my gulay...

The turnover date of our new home is in a couple of days and I had no idea the preparations for the move would be this hectic! Apart from my day job's already crazy schedule, all the requirements and paperwork that came with my mortgage application, the furniture and supplier hunt ate up whatever free time I had left.

Worst of all, I think my wife's finally got the "new home fever".

Garandee: "Oh, what's that you bought?"

Garando: "It's a cable organizer! It wraps all my PC's cables and wires together making it all neat and tidy. It's so cool! Perfect for my new room!"

Garandee: "IKAW!!!"

Garando: " !!! "

Garandee: "IT'S NOT WHITE!!!"

Garando: " ??? "

Garandee: "Why - didn't - you - buy - WHITE?!?!"

Garando: "uhh... because I was thinking about cleaning up the wires?"

Garandee: "You should have bought WHITE!!"

Garando: "but..."

Garandee: "Ask me first before you buy OK?! You didn't tell me you'll buy..."

Garando: "...black?"

Garandee: "Nyo! That... whatever that thing is!"

Garando: "I meant the cables and wires are black. It matches right?"

Garandee: "NYO! You didn't say you'll buy... Oh never mind! It's your room anyway."

That evening...

Garando: "Not bad, not bad at all! I couldn't get all the wires in, but it sure looks a lot tidier now. What do you think of my BLACK cable organizer? Pretty cool, huh?"

She gave me that "look" and I instantly knew what was on her mind.

Garandee's mind: "WHAT-EVAAHH!!"

New home fever.

Garando mode:
So sorry for dropping in and out of existence. Extremely busy right now...

Obento Po!

2009-07-23T13:42:00.007+08:00

Here's something I almost forgot to write about. A few months ago, just as I was about to leave for work, I found this taped on our front door.

Happy days are back again.

Enter Garandee Bento 2.0
Wrapped exactly the way they do it in Japan, in elementary schools to be exact. I guess now I better be nice to her all the time or else I might find some of that delectable natto in there.

Best of all, it's finally microwave safe. Itadakimasu!

I took those photos this morning, so yes, that obento sign is still plastered on our front door. And apparently Garandee's bento theme for today is "Bora-bora" (Japanized meat balls).

Garando mode:
MEAT!!

Back from Sick Leave

2009-07-18T22:32:00.002+08:00

Sorry for the looong absence!! I caught the flu a couple of weeks back and it was one of the worst influenzas I ever had to go through. It took me four days to finish watching that Angels and Demons film. I was that sick!

Was it AH1N1? Beats me. I didn't bother to have my throat swabbed because I can be very ticklish.

But one thing's for sure, when I'm bedridden Garandee loses a chauffeur.

Garandee: "DO! I'll take a TAXI going home, rest ikaw!"

Garando: "Try walking over to that gas station by the intersection. I always found it easier to get a TAXI over there."

Garandee: "Nyo, I don't want. It's dangelous!"

Garando: "Dangerous? It's a very populated area so it should be safe."

Garandee: "Nyo, might EXPLODE!"

Garando: "Explode?!?!"

Garandee: "...then I will become afro."

Garando: " ... "

Afro wife has seen too many action movies.

Garando mode:
It's dreadful how much work piles up after coming back from a long sick leave...

Conversations In Bed

2009-06-25T08:00:00.000+08:00

After a busy day at work, it's the conversations that couples have before going to sleep that usually matter most...

Garandee: "Garando..."

Garando: "Yaaawn... Yes dear?"

Garandee: "Why is your nose too small for your face?"

Garando: "It's not small... You just find it unusual because your head's too big."

Garandee: "Nyo! My head is normal!"

Garando: "Then why do you think your eyes are too far apart?"

Garandee: "NYO! My eyes are fine! It's your stomach that's big!

Garando: " ... "

Garandee: "You really need to go on a diet you know, and you have always been telling me that... that... Do?"

Garando: "ZZZzzzzzz...."

Garandee mode:
Wake up, I'm not done with you yet!

Warsaw, Poland: Series 2 (part 2)

2009-06-21T19:55:00.011+08:00

Separated by war, Iza’s grandparents struggle to survive each day with the hope of finding each other again… alive. This post continues their fascinating story through World War II.

read part one

Iza’s grandfather decided to join the ranks of the British SAS as a fighter pilot. If he was never to see his family again, he might was well fight in their honor.

Years passed and her grandfather survived mission after mission, taking down Axis planes and bombing strategic targets. Through the horrors of battle, his wife and children were never far from his mind.

He was staying alive for them.

1945 Germany surrenders. At this point, Poland was obliterated. Millions upon millions of Polish Jews were executed during the holocaust.

But the end of the war also meant that her grandfather can finally go back home. Back to that remote town in Poland, back to his family. Something he had been looking forward to for six long years.

…if his family ever survived at all.

Upon reaching the old town where they used to live, he searched tirelessly until he saw what looked like his children. After six gruesome years of fighting, his children struggled to recognize him.

He was taken to their new home, and there he finally saw his wife.

It was their first time to meet after being separated for six long years.

For Iza’s grandfather, nothing has changed. But for her grandmother, life had moved on. She had married someone else for she thought that her husband was killed at sea.

Her grandfather went back to England and settled there. Perhaps seeing his family alive was well enough, even if he could no longer live them.

Poland should and always be an inspiration to all the countries who have been or are currently oppressed. The lessons that we learn from its history should never ever be forgotten.

In these photos:
I chanced a photo exhibit called "Warsaw from Above" that featured never-seen-before aerial reconnaissance photographs of Poland during World War II. These Allied planes served as witness to the utter devastation of Warsaw, you will even notice some of its buildings continue to spew out smoke as it burned to the ground.

Garandee mode:
It's such a sad story po...

Warsaw, Poland: Series 2 (part 1)

2009-06-17T14:32:00.011+08:00

Poland’s history was nothing short of heartbreaking after being devastated by the Third Reich during World War II and enduring the hard life brought about the Soviet Communist regime. But it’s through these grueling times you will find stories of hope, courage and faith.

I want to share one of the most amazing World War II stories I’ve ever heard, told by my good friend, Iza.

Iza’s grandparents lived in a diverse town a few miles from Warsaw, where people of different nationalities lived together with the Polish in harmony.

Her grandfather was a fisherman and was out at sea when news broke out that the German Nazis had invaded Poland.

As the Nazi’s pushed deeper into their country, Iza’s grandmother had no choice but to flee the town. Not knowing the state of her husband made the already dire situation even more agonizing.

Luckily, their German neighbors who were almost like family to them, took her and her children as they relocated somewhere they thought would be safe:

Right in the middle of Nazi occupied territory.

Iza’s family posed as house servants to their German neighbors, earning them the necessary permits to prevent them from being thrown into the ghettos.

Each day they lived in fear, not knowing how long their permit will last, or if civilian spies would soon blow their cover.

Iza’s grandfather feared for his family’s safety, but sailing back home would mean certain death for him and his crew.

Fuel and supplies were running low, he made a painful decision to turn back and sail to the nearest country that has not yet been occupied by the Germans.

Iza’s grandparents had no clue that they will be separated on that fateful day. Each day as both struggled to survive, hope diminished that they would ever see each other again… But this is only half the story.

In these photos:
- Surviving Ghettos now serve as monuments dedicated to the Jewish people who died during the holocaust.
- A parade of residents in costume representing the Polish, British, Russian battalions, and a Jewish family to commemorate both the heroes and victims of World War II.

to be continued....

Garandee mode:
Do, what happened next? TELL ME!!

A Contest Entry

2009-06-13T10:00:00.007+08:00

Glenda of Oodles and Goodles, is celebrating her birthday this June and she's giving away beautiful prizes to somebody who can share the best quote. Check out the prizes and rules here.

And here's my entry! Drum roll please...

Ok, I know that's not exactly a winning entry. But it was better than the other quote I was looking at:

"She got her looks from her father. He's a plastic surgeon."
- Groucho Marx

Garando mode:
Wishing you a happy birthday, Glenda!

Special Skills

2009-06-12T12:34:00.009+08:00

Last night we were scanning through cable TV channels when we came across this live show that featured Chinese acrobats.

Garando: "Wow! These Chinese acrobats are so amazing aren't they?"

Garandee: "They must have started training at a very young age. I bet it earns them a lot of money."

Garando: "True. It takes years to develop that special skill."

Garandee: "Do... What's my special skill?"

Garando: "Complaining."

Garandee: "Complaining!! And what's your special skill?!"

Garando: "Cleaning up your mess."

Garandee: "NYO!!"

Garando mode:
I slept very well that night

Blog Awards and A Blog Feature

2009-06-11T22:13:00.003+08:00

I'd like to thank a few people for recognizing Balut & Natto with awards and for featuring my site in their blog. I want you guys to know how much I really appreciate it!

Blog Feature
Balut and Natto was featured here by Isladenebz, who's based in the Middle East and is one of the notable OFW (Filipino Expatriate) bloggers in the internet.

Interesting Blog Award and I Love Your Blog Award
from The Pope, who's also based in the Middle East and is a significant contributor to the upcoming "Kablogs" the Pinoy Expat Blog Awards.

Neno's Award and Kreative Blogger Award
from Shadowmoon, who hails from Brazil. Shadowmoon creates brilliant papercraft models, it's an amazing showcase of creativity and attention to detail! Since this is the second time I received these awards, you can read the meme here.

Garando mode:
Arigato gozaimasu! Maraming salamat po! Thank you very much!

The Japaninang

2009-06-08T19:22:00.014+08:00

There is no escape.

Now that Garandee has decided to settle in the Philippines, a country whose population is about 80% Catholic, it was only a matter of time before she became a Ninang (Godmother)

So about a year ago, she finally got the offer she couldn't refuse. She became a full-pledged Ninang with all the necessary perks included. A year later, she was invited to her goddaughter's first birthday party.

It was about an hour's drive to her goddaughter's party and Garandee was pretty excited to see her.

BUT we were late... and goddaughter wasn't too pleased.

Isn't she adorable?

She was very skeptical when I took out my bucket of excuses...

But it looks like she bought it! So we were off the hook...

Her big brother is also a cutie by the way.

...thank heavens they didn't follow after their Dad.

Garandee: "I will limit my godchildren to at most, two. The less I have the more attention and love I can give them!"

Garando: "Good luck with that. I stopped counting godkids after reaching seven."

(play Godfather theme here)

Garandee mode:
SEVEN!?!?

Re-Connected!

2009-06-08T18:32:00.008+08:00

I'M BACK!!

It's great to be back in civilization! Yes, it took over two weeks to get my internet back up and running properly.

Can you guess the reason why I got disconnected?
a) A Telecom repair person yanked my connection and forgot to plug it back in
b) My broadband modem was qualified to be traded-off in an antique store
c) A Telecom engineer messed with my account giving me blazing speeds comparable to a dial-up connection.

I'll give you the answer right now: d) All of the above!

Wasn't that exciting?!

(sarcasm mode: off)

On the bright side, at least Garandee and I were able to spend more quality time together. She got to watch all her pending Japanese soap dramas, and I got to...

got to...

uhhh...

...call the support hotline constantly and bug them to hell. Sigh.

Garando mode:
Sorry for missing your comments and blogs, I'll be on CATCH-UP MODE!

Internet Provider Fail!

2009-05-23T14:25:00.035+08:00

Yesterday I suddenly got disconnected from the internet while I was working. I checked my land phone and there was no dial tone.

My phone was dead.

I wonder if petty crooks stole the telecom cables in my neighborhood again. Sheesh!

I had no way to call our corporate DSL support number, so I drove all the way to some shopping mall just to use a payphone. I only had 7 pesos worth of coins with me, but this should be enough to report the issue.

I put my 5 peso coin in the slot and dialed the corporate hotline.

Voice Mail: "Sorry, this number is not allowed"

Sigh, apparently pay phones cannot access our DSL corporate hotline number. I'll have to go through the regular customer hotline instead.

Voice Mail: "Welcome to bla bla bla. Dial 1 to know more about bla bla bla, 2 to report a bla bla bla"

Garando: "2"

Voice Mail: "New and exciting features await you... bla bla bla bla"

The queued advertisement took about 2 minutes to finish. BUT there were three different advertisements queued.

Voice Mail: "Sorry all agents are busy. We appreciate your patience, we will get to you shortly as soon as the next agent becomes available."

Whistling along with the waiting music.

Voice Mail: "Sorry, all agents are busy. Bla bla bla bla"

Garando: "Sigh... "

Very bad music cuts in again.

Voice Mail: "Sorry, all agents are busy. Bla bla bla bla"

Garando: "Sorry, all agents are busy. Bla bla bla bla"

Very bad music continues.

Garando: "Oh, I give up! You win. I'll try calling again later."

I hung up, pushed the coin return switch, and waited for my coin to fall down to the change slot.

Nothing happened.

I slapped the side of the phone a couple of times, and still nothing happened.

Garando: "Stupid phone, ripped me off! That was 5 pesos for nothing!"

Then I saw a label at the top of the instructions, in really small fonts.

"This public telephone unit does not give change."

Garando: "You've gotta be kidding me..." (slaps forehead)

I decided to give it another shot. I only had two 1 peso coins left, so I had to make it count! Inserted the first coin, and dialed the customer hotline again.

Had to wait through the same annoying advertisements. Good thing the meter only starts when I actually get to talk to someone.

Voice Mail: "Sorry, all agents are busy. Bla bla bla bla"

Garando: "What's new?"

Voice Mail: "Sorry, all agents are busy. Bla bla bla bla... click!"

Operator: "Hello, how may I help you today?"

Garando: "Hi!! Boy am I glad to hear you! I need to report my land phone connection. I don't have a dial tone, I think I'm completely cut off."

Operator: "Have you checked your cable connections sir?"

Garando: "Yes, I did."

Operator: "And it's all connected?"

Garando: "Yes."

Operator: "May I have your name sir?"

Garando: "Sure, I am... Oh wait, I'm almost out of time, I'm calling from a payphone so I need to put one more peso in..."

Operator: "Sure, sir."

I put my last coin in the slot. I got another minute to finish up.

Garando: "Done. Let's do this fast though."

Operator: "Ok, no problem. And that number is at your residence, correct? Can I have the number please?"

Garando: "Yes, it's ###-####"

Operator: "Thank you, let me repeat that. It's ##... POP!!"

Garando: " ??? "

Operator: " ... "

Garando: "Hello?.... Hello?...."

Operator: "...."

Apparently the pay phone had lost its dial tone.

The phone was dead.

Same with all the other pay phones next to it, all three. Completely cut off with no power. Very familiar.

Garando: "NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!"

As I write this, I still have no internet at home and I am posting from my office. I apologize for not being able to reply to your comments, or do some bloghopping. Will catch up soon as this mess gets sorted out!

Garando mode:
I wish I was Simon Cowell because I really want to hurt their feelings right now!

Warsaw, Poland: Series 1 (part 2)

2009-05-20T19:40:00.036+08:00

Here's the second set of my photos, plus the continuation of my very "engaging" chess match.

read part 1

Continued from part 1...

10 zlotys at stake, my first ever Polish chess match began.

I didn’t even break a sweat.

Because in a blink of an eye, the game was over.

I got my ass kicked, dragged around the town square, and handed back to me... all in just under 5 minutes. I - lost!

He even helped me get out of five “check” situations, how pathetic is that?

Garando: “Wow, you’re very good.”

Old man: “ … “

Garando: “Ok my turn! Let’s play DAMA!”

Old man: “ ? “

Garando: “That’s a popular game where I came from.”

Old man: “ … “

Garando: “We usually use pebbles or used soda crowns after vandalizing the sidewalk to draw the pattern used for the game… but we can use your chessboard instead.”

Old man: “ !!! ”

Garando: “Don’t worry, it’s easy! Let’s play for 20 zloty.”

Old man: “ %$@#*&%# (speaking in Polish).”

Then as fast as he appeared, the chess master hastily walked away.

…with my 10 zloty.

I wasn't sure what he said when he left, but it sounded like it had a lot of consonants.

I hope he didn’t misunderstand that I wanted to vandalize his chessboard. Dama was only Chinese Checkers after all.

(more photos here)

Garando mode:
I should have just bought gelato instead...

The Hunt for Garandee's Omiyage

2009-05-17T10:54:00.038+08:00

I only had one day to explore Warsaw so I had to make the most of it. With such limited time, I had to squeeze the search for Garandee's specific omiyage (souvenirs): traditional Polish cups.

Failure was not an option, unless I want to risk sleeping in the living room for a couple of days.

Three hours into my sightseeing, I got lucky and came across this little gem.

It had the cups she wanted, but unfortunately almost all the shops in Warsaw are closed on Sundays... including this one.

In order to find my way back to the shop in the next few days, I took photos of the alley it was in...

...along with the street name.

I was bound to come back, or die trying.

Getting there was a 30 minute walk from the office, and twice I missed the closing time by about 5-15 minutes. On my last day in Warsaw, out of desperation I left the office at 4PM and finally made it!

While I was going through the cups, I remember she told me to choose based on her taste, and not mine. This was a challenge considering all the underwear and shirts she's bought me the past couple of years.

Eventually, I chose and bought three types. It wasn't that hard considering that there were only four designs available anyway.

Back home, Garandee was ecstatic that she setup her makeshift studio the moment I pulled the cups out of my suitcase.

And here's the rest of the loot I managed to "smuggle" out.

cheese, Polish dumplings & sausages

fresh bread

beer

and of course, chocolates

Thanks to my good friends Kasia, for giving those Polish chocolates, and Iza, for accompanying me back to Cepelia.

Garandee mode:
Good job, Garando!

Warsaw, Poland: Series 1 (part 1)

2009-05-14T13:55:00.038+08:00

The Polish are generally a warm, friendly and very accomodating people. This is one of the reasons why I truly enjoyed my short stay in Warsaw.

I spent an entire Sunday exploring the city watching and taking photos of people as they made the most out of the weekend's final day. I even had the opportunity to hang-out with one of the locals!

Yes, just one.

I’m shy kase.

I think he talked to me first.

Anyway, more on that after the photos.

After about 12 hours of sightseeing, I finally sat down and stretched my tired, sore legs on one of these nice benches at Rynek Starego Miasta, the marketplace at the center of the historical Old Town called Stare Miasto

All of a sudden an old man sat next to me.

Old man: “Hello.”

Garando: “Oh! Hi.”

Old man: “Would you care to play chess?”

Garando: “Uhhh… sure, why not?”

Old man: “For a moment, I shall arrange chess board.”

Garando: “Alright…”

Old man: “Ok, it is set. You know, I played chess in London!”

Garando: “Nice... I played chess in elementary.”

Old man: “Where?”

Garando: “uh.. 3rd grade?”

Old man: “Anyway, let us make game more interesting, yes? 20 zloty!”

Stakes!

I knew I shouldn’t have mentioned “elementary”. Now he knows I suck in chess… big time.

Garando: “20 zloty?! That’s a bit too high isn’t it? I only have…”

Old man: “Ok, 10 zloty! Good for cigarette, yes?”

Garando: “Deal.”

He asked me "heads or tails", tossed a coin, and as expected, I lost. And this is why I never bother with the lottery.

He gets to make the first move... and so the battle for the 10 zloty began!

To be continued…

(more photos here)

read part 2

Garando mode:
Yikes! How do these little horse things move again?

The Danger Of Sleeping

2009-05-11T19:02:00.005+08:00

Garandee: "Garando! Look at this... What's that?"

Garando: " ...GASP! That's a picture of me sleeping with my mouth open. IKAW!!! You took my photo!?!?"

Garandee: "See? That's proof that it's not only me. You're even worse."

Garando: "Well, be glad that I don't snore."

Garandee: "Hmmm... maybe."

Garando: "Now go ahead and delete that before someone else sees it!"

Garandee: "I already sent it to Mom."

Garando: " !!! "

Garando mode:
Someone will find a peanut in her bellybutton when she wakes up...

The Mega Meme

2009-04-27T18:29:00.025+08:00

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!

A Preview of the First Day

2009-04-20T04:01:00.016+08:00

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...

Touchdown!

2009-04-19T06:04:00.006+08:00

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)

Don't Miss Me Too Much!

2009-04-17T23:30:00.001+08:00

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!!

Me & Morinaga

2009-04-15T13:03:00.015+08:00

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).

Garando's Errand Challenge #1

2009-04-12T14:00:00.000+08:00

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!!

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

2009-04-08T11:49:00.010+08:00

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!

April Fail!

2009-04-02T19:30:00.000+08:00

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....

Sayonara... Friends

2009-04-01T11:07:00.008+08:00

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...

Don't Let The Wife Buy The Undies

2009-03-25T19:29:00.010+08:00

Why does she love buying me boxers like these?

I know that nobody else besides Garandee will actually see me wearing it, but what about my dignity? I had no choice but to ask her to stop buying me boxers that fall under any of these design classifications:

1) Floral
2) Pink
3) Polka Dots
4) Sanrio Characters

Fortunately, she agreed without further argument. So over the weekend she bought me this abomination instead.

front

back
Not much of an improvement, but at least the fabric was soft and light.

I wonder if she's being sarcastic about the carrot...

Garando mode:
Haju kashii....

Filipino Cooking, The Garandee Way

2009-03-22T19:03:00.011+08:00

Ok, looks like she's gotten more serious now.

Garandee decided to put more focus on Filipino dishes in her blog. So what's great about that?

1) She hopes to increase awareness of Filipino dishes for the Japanese community both local and abroad.
2) That tells me I'll have more variety of Filipino dishes to eat at home to satisfy my cravings.

And it looks like she's off to a good start because the first couple of dishes she whipped up and featured were her favorite ones.

Pinakbet
This dish contains an assortment of healthy vegetables: pumpkin, onions, string beans, tomatoes, eggplant and okra, all chopped, boiled then sautéed in traditional fermented shrimp paste.

The usual chopped pork belly that goes with it was a definite "NYO! Japanese are healthy!" But after much begging she agreed to top it with some crushed pork rinds. It turned out to be even better.

Shriveled veggies were also a definite "NYO! Japanese loves texture!" so she took extra care not to overcook 'em. The vegetables maintained a firm texture, giving it that nice feeling of freshness.

Kalabasa at Sitaw sa Gata
A rather "simpler" cousin to the Pinakbet, this dish only contains pumpkin (kalabasa) and string beans (sitaw). Both chopped then boiled before reaching the wok for some sauté action. Instead of shrimp paste, coconut milk (gata) was addded.

This time around she added meat when I wasn't expecting it! She secretly sautéed some minced chicken, onion, ginger and garlic before adding the vegetables in. The coconut milk concealed the meat perfectly. Sneaky!

I can say that both are still "Japanized" renditions of these traditional Filipino recipes, but the new ingredients worked like a charm to enhance the flavors and bring the dishes to new heights.

Now I can forgive her for putting condensed milk on our Adobo.

Garandee mode:
It's Garandeelicious!

Home-based IT Support with a Twist

2009-03-17T16:09:00.011+08:00

Garandee: "Do, Can you please sit next to me?"

Garando: "Sure dear. You miss me already?"

Garandee: "Nyo. There's something wrong with my Photoshop... Everytime I open a file it opens as black & white."

Garando: "Hmmm... that's odd. Hand me the mouse, I'll take a look at the settings..."

Garandee: "I didn't change anything, it just happened all of a sudden!"

Garando: "Hmmmm... Nothing seems to be out of place. All the settings are... BURP! excuse me! ....all the settings are at default so..."

Garandee: " !!! "

Garando: "What?"

Garandee: "KUSSSAAAAAIIIII!!! (it stinks)" Pinching her nose

Garando: " ??? "

Garandee: "I shouldn't have cooked longganiza for you today!!"

Garando: "Eeehh? It's not thaaaat baaaad. Seeeee? Haaaaaaahhhhh."

Garandee: "Oh my goodness talaga!"

Garando: "Wait, where are you going? I'm still fixing your..."

Garandee: "To the bedroom! Sooo kusai! (it stinks)"

Bedroom door: "SLAM!"

Garando: "...at least it still smells the same way when I ate it... unlike natto."

Garando mode:
Had to wake up so early to drive for Garandee today...

Meme: "Garando likes to..."

2009-03-14T18:15:00.001+08:00

A few weeks ago, I found this meme over at Alice's blog, I thought it was really FUN to do so I gave it a shot. Very simple instructions:

1) Go to Google
2) Type YOUR FIRST NAME and the words "LIKES TO" all in quotation marks... "Alice likes to"
3) Report back on the first ten things that come up for your name

I used "Garando" and ended up with zero results. DUH. So I tried using my real first name. I was surprised when Google came back with the most outrageous results! Now why does this happen to me all the time??

Results (All copied from Google as is):
1) ** likes to Beep
2) ** likes to chew the fat with Bob during coffee break
3) ** likes to enact bondage scenarios
4) ** likes to bet that's all
5) ** likes to keep fit by running, cycling, swimming, gym and martial arts (though not all at the same time)
6) ** likes to write about community, technology and changing the world
7) ** likes to study algae
8) ** likes to work in all areas of his craft, particularly illustrating children's books
9) ** likes to use repetition to highlight important ideas
10) ** likes to watch dvd's and play with the buttons on the machine

To summarize:
Garando is a sporty, healthy, and fit *beep* who loves to re-enact bondage with Bob where he chews fat and play with various buttons on a machine.

After getting his degree on algae research he now writes children's books about changing the world via altering the community, taking advantage of technology, and doing a lot of gambling. All the pages of his books are identical with the first page.

Garandee mode:
What shall I cook for dinner?

New Header

2009-03-14T17:27:00.004+08:00

I finally found the time to make a decent header for my blog. I wanted something that can showcase what my blog is all about with just one look.

Made four designs this morning and constantly asked Garandee for feedback. This is the only one that made her smile... devilishly.

Garando mode:
I ATTACK you, Garanduu!!

Our Backpack Chronicles: New Delhi (part 1)

2009-03-10T22:19:00.015+08:00

Series Two: Do & Dee & Delhi

“HOTEL RAK”, that sign you see at the background was our second hotel. This hotel is probably one of the best ones at Main Bazaar because it had knobs on its airconditioner.

Yes, knobs to control the fan speed and the temperature. The first hotel didn’t have any so I had to cover the airconditioner with pillows and blankets to control the temperature. Garandee’s teeth were chattering so hard I was worried I’ll need to thaw her out the following morning.

Garandee and her huge backpack. I worry that if she fell backwards she can never get back up... you know, like a beetle or a turtle.

One of the best things about walking around Delhi was the opportunity to take photographs of people as they go about their business. Here are a few of my favorite ones…

You just gotta love the fabulous Sari’s the ladies wear in India. They're sooo colorful! Garandee even had a couple of Sari’s when she was working as a part time waitress in an Indian restaurant in Tokyo.

One of my biggest regrets was not having enough time to visit the Hindu temples around Delhi…

Rickshaws! You will not believe how many of these I dodged while I was walking around Delhi, it was absolute “Rickshaw Rampage”!

I remember riding one on our first day…

Garandee: “Do, are you ok? You’ve been hitting the roof of the rickshaw a lot.”

Garando: “Yeah, as long as I use my hands like a helmet, I’ll probably survive. OW!!”

Garandee: “Kawawa… try to duck lower.”

Garando: “If I did that my face will hit the handle bars. YOUCH!”

Garandee: “Oh, right… how about… DO!! LOOK!!”

Garando: “Huh?? What? Where? ARAYKUPO!! (Ouch!!)”

Garandee: “There’s McDonald’s here!”

Garando: “Big deal, there’s McDonald’s everywhere. UFFF!”

Garandee: “But how can you have a burger restaurant in a country where cows are sacred??”

Garando: “Hmmm good point.“

Garandee: “di ba? (isn’t it?)”

Garando: “Driver, can you drop us off at McDonalds? I wanna get me some Big McGuru and Masala Fries!”

Rickshaw: “SCREEEEEEECH!!!”

Next stop: Delhi Belly!

Garando mode:
This is me inside the rickshaw.

The Blue Day

2009-03-05T19:23:00.004+08:00

Sorry, I thought I was done with my shirt posts, but last Tuesday...

Garandee: "Eh? I thought you were planning to wear this shirt today?"

Garando: "No, today I'm wearing this blue one."

Garandee: "Why?"

Garando: "I received an email that today's a BLUE day."

Garandee: "BLUE day?"

Garando: "Yes, the entire organization must come to work wearing Blue."

Garandee: "I see... Interesting."

Garando: "There's probably another photo session... I dunno."

Garandee: "Is there a flat-stomach day?"

Garando: " ... "

Garandee: "...then you'll be in trouble."

Garando: "It's not so bad when I tuck my shirt in. See?"

Garandee mode:
Talk to da hand!!

Garando And His Fancy Shirt

2009-03-02T18:39:00.007+08:00

Last week, just after breakfast...

Garandee: "WOW! You're finally wearing the shirt I gave you!"

Garando: "Huh? uh... yeah."

Garandee: "I can't remember... when was the last time you wore that?"

Garando: "Hmmm... almost two years ago?"

Garandee: "IKAW! You should wear it more often! It's really nice you know. Besides, that was my present!"

Garando: "Yep, that's the idea."

Garandee: "Good!" (fixes the creases and pulls on my sleeves)

Garando: "Uhh... the collar's kinda BIG."

Garandee: "Nyo. That's normal."

Garando: "Really? Don't you think the fabric's a little too glossy?"

Garandee: "Nyo! It makes it look classy."

Garando: "uh... It's a bit too PINK."

Garandee: "Pink looks good on you! That's a nice shade of pink."

Garando: "uh... um... hmmmmm..."

Garandee: "Go now! Hayaku! Hayaku! (Hurry!) Here's your bag and your wallet... Go! You'll be late for your meeting!"

Garando: "but wait... uh... I look like a gigolo... maybe I should..."

Garandee: "BYE BYE!!! See you tonight!"

Front door: "SLAM! click!"

Garando: "uh.... bye..."

Garando mode:
Getting ready for another busy week!

The Glorious Bento Days

2009-02-26T20:07:00.009+08:00

Garando: "sigh..."

Garando: "double sigh..."

I miss the glorious bento days when I still had that "magic bento box" Garandee gave me.

Why magic? Because since then, I always had the best lunch boxes ever in my entire life! Enough to make me very popular around the office. Ok, only 5 people knew about it, but I guess that's popular enough.

Nevertheless, nothing's more authentic than having a Mongolian make my Japanese Bento.

This is a tribute to some of the best the bentos that have come and gone. May their memory live forever in my sophisticated gut.

Exhibit #1
1) Chicken, hard boiled egg and radish boiled in a soy sauce based stew.
2) Baked Greek Kofta with shaved almonds
3) Salad with no dressing (I spilled it all over my desk)

Exhibit #2
1) Sauteed sweet & spicy chicken, Chinese style
2) Fried spring rolls, Japanese style
3) Salad: Greens with tomato and steamed broccoli with no dressing (I misplaced it)

Exhibit #3
1) Nikujaga: Sukiyaki beef, potatoes and konyaku stewed in a sweet soy sauce broth.
2) Rolled chicken breast katsu with mozzarella at the core
3) Steamed broccoli & a deep fried minced chicken ball

Exhibit #4
(this came with Exhibit #3)
1) Lumps of Japanese rice topped with furikake and pickles
2) Steamed broccoli & deep fried minced chicken ball again

Exhibit #5
1) Beef yakiniku
2) Deep fried prawns covered with sliced almonds
3) Rolled tamago
4) Rolled cold cuts with boiled asparagus at the core & the biggest bean I have ever seen in my entire life

If I didn't heat my magic bento box in that blasted microwave in our office pantry I would still be living the dream.

Not much Garandee can do with a warped triangle bento box. Now I have to settle for recycled plastic take-out containers.

Garando: "sigh..."

Garando: "sob..."

Garandee mode:
At least it's microwave safe!

Meme: "Have You?"

2009-02-24T12:39:00.003+08:00

Tagged by Sheng! Almost everybody else I know got tagged already so I won't tag more people. Feel free to join though!

1. Have you ever been on TV?
Apparently, Yes. My Dad said he saw me clapping my hands on primetime news.

2. Have you ever sung in public?
Yes, and they almost called security.

3. Have you ever dyed your hair blond?
Nope. If I did that I'll pass for an albino already. Not that there's anything wrong with it, I just like to maintain the contrast.

4. Have you ever eaten frog legs?
Yes, it's no big deal. Did I mention I'll dare to eat anything?

5. Have you ever received a present that you really hated?
Someone gave me a keychain with a preserved bug inside.

6. Have you ever walked into a lamp post?
Nope, but I've walked into clear glass a couple of times. Plus I've hit my head on low hanging signs and ceilings quite often. I swear to God I'll find a way to invent that rubber stopper that I can conveniently wear on my forehead.

7. Have you ever cooked a meal by yourself for more than 15 people?
No the last time I cooked for myself I got food poisoning. I cook for others and I'll likely end up in jail.

8. Have you ever fallen or stumbled in front of others?
I've stumbled on some people. Sometimes on purpose.

9. Have you ever done volunteer work?
Yes, but I probably need to do more. I volunteer around the kitchen a lot as Garandee's taste tester, does that count?

Garandee mode:
Grabe mainit! Gusto ako summer! (super HOT! I love summer!)

Garando mode:
Tottemo Achui! Watashiwa shinu! (super HOT, I die!)

New Discoveries I Despise

2009-02-21T19:50:00.002+08:00

Garandee: "DO!! Come here quick!"

Garando: "What? What?"

Garandee: "oooooooh....."

Garando: "WHAT??"

Garandee: "You have one WHITE hair in your nose, sticking out!"

Garando: "GASP! No kidding?"

Garandee: "Come look at the mirror... there! See?"

Garando: "OH MY GOD! It's true! ...DON'T even THINK about it!"

Garandee: "ummmmm... Can I pull it out?"

Garando: "NO!"

Garandee: "Eeeh?? Can I? Please???"

Garando: "Go away."

Garandee: "I'll get my tweezers... DO!! unlock the door!"

Garando: "NO! I'll cut it myself!"

Garando mode:
How many years left before my nostrils turn white...?

Our Backpack Chronicles: The Taj (part 3)

2009-02-18T13:30:00.010+08:00

read part 1
read part 2

Series One continued: Do & Dee’s quest to check if the Taj Mahal was really made of marble.

I looked left. I looked right. I spotted a shade. I made a run for it.

Running on that blasted carpet was like running on lighted coals. I couldn’t take the heat any longer so I leaped from the carpet back on to the floor. As I landed I was surprised that the floor felt unusually cool under my feet.

I looked down and realized that I was standing on…

Marble!

Yes! The Taj Mahal was indeed made of Marble!!

Garando: “Why would they even use rubber carpets? The marble’s 10 times cooler…”

Garandee: “Stop over re-acting! The carpet’s fine. I’m walking on it, see?”

Calluses does have its benefits.

We continued to walk towards the entrance of the Taj. Everything about it was spectacular!

One of the 4 pillars erected on each corner of the Taj. Though the pillars looked straight, it slanted slightly outward so in the event of an earthquake, none of it will fall on the main structure.

The river behind the Taj. One popular myth is about a black Taj Mahal supposedly built somewhere across that river… but no proof was ever found.

Garandee: “…?? Garando? Where are you?”

What was most fascinating was all the intricate designs surrounding the Taj. All were made of semi-precious stones wedged tightly on carved marble.

The same stones were used for writing the Koran on these huge arches surrounding the Taj.

Taking a closer look, I noticed that some of the stones were partially damaged, almost as if someone tried to pry it out. It will definitely take more than conventional tools to successfully remove it... heck, I could hardly touch the edges of the stone with my fingernails. It’s tightly wedged!

Taj Mahal Security: “Excuse me, Sir. May I ask what you are doing?”

Garando: “…!!!… uhhh… I was just checking how tightly wedged the stone was.”

Taj Mahal Security: “ … ”

Garando: “It’s not what you think! It was like that when I saw it. I just like…uh… touching.”

Taj Mahal Security: “ … ”

Garando: “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t wanna touch you.”

Taj Mahal Security: “ … ”

Garando: “uh…. I don’t touch people, just stones.”

Garandee: “Garando! There you are, let’s go inside already!”

Garando: “Coming dear!”

Taj Mahal Security: “ … ”

We weren’t allowed to take photos inside the mausoleum and I think it made sense because they'd want to avoid such spoilers. In fact, I won’t even write about what’s inside so you’ll have something to look forward to when you get to visit the Taj yourself.

After we finished touring the mausoleum, it was time to bid the Taj Mahal farewell. I couldn’t stop looking back as we walked through the courtyard heading back from where we came.

By this time, Garandee and I were exhausted and extremely thirsty. It was close to 40 degrees, and we forgot to bring our water bottles so we were desperate for water. After exiting the final gate, I spotted some souvenir shops selling water!

Garando: “Dee!! Water!! Let’s go!”

Garandee: “Hai! Chop chop!”

Garando’s Tour Guide: “uhh friend… May I just mention that…”

Garando: “Puff, puff…. Agua….”

Garandee: “Thirsty po….”

Garando’s Tour Guide: “uh, excuse me but you may want to….”

Garando: “Two bottled water please!”

Store Person: “Of course. Here you are sir.”

Garando: “Finally!! glug! glug! glug!”

I must have chugged over half a liter that ice cold water.

Garando’s Tour Guide: “Uh, friend?”

Garando: “Ahhhhhhhh…..that felt good! Yes, you were saying?”

Garando’s Tour Guide: “I was trying to inform you not to buy water from these stores because there is a high probability of it being fake or re-sealed. There are a few more stores over there that are authorized sellers by our tourism office.“

Garando: “ !!!! ”

Garandee: “Wow, good thing I didn’t drink it yet. Do, you should give him extra tip.”

Garando mode:
FAKE WATER?!?!?!

Dee's New Do!

2009-02-16T23:13:00.006+08:00

No, she doesn't have a new Garando, she's still stuck with THIS Garando (pointing at my nose). What she did get was a completely new Hairdo.

It took me about a minute or two to recover from the shock: Her hair was 60% shorter, I would certainly not recognize her if she hadn't smiled at me... I'd recognize those big incisors anywhere.

Hair Stylists can be unpredictable.

After reading Gigi's post about how pushy some salons in Manila can be, it reminded me of how hostile they were to me. "Why's that?" you ask...

Because I'm proud to be kulot (curly).

I'm no afro, but my hair is very wavy. When I was in high school I promised myself that I'll drop the clean-cut on my 30th birthday. The moment I reached that milestone, I stopped my regular visits to Bruno's the friendly neighborhood barber shop.

After about 8 months, I began to look like a homeless person so I thought it was about time to head to a salon and put some sense into my hair.

I tried David's Salon but came running out when the stylist told me he wanted to iron my hair.

I went to Bench Fixx Salon, but the stench of hair-straightening chemicals was too nauseating, so I left.

I didn't even think twice of avoiding Going Straight Salon.

I finally went to Piandre Salon in Greenbelt, because people there looked like they knew what they were doing....Or so I thought.

I knew I shouldn't have read that GQ magazine while they were workin' on my hair. I gasped when I looked at the mirror as they were finishing up.

I looked like Palito, one of the institutions in Philippine comedy*.

Now I go to the same salon as Garandee. I've finally found a salon who will accept me for who I am (kulot!) and so far I've been very satisfied with their snipping. It's a minimalist salon manned by two Japanese stylists. Maybe you'd want to check it out too. Satisfaction guaranteed, kulot or not.

Now should I ask if Garandee if her Stylist's dead in a ditch somewhere? Hmmmm, maybe not... looks like she likes her new 'do.

*Check out Dennis Villegas' excellent article and photos of Palito here.

Garando mode:
It's extremely hot tonight... looks like Summer's around the corner...

A Practical Valentine

2009-02-13T20:03:00.017+08:00

Garandee: "Do! Don't buy me flowers for Valentine's OK? Just save money ikaw."

Garando: "Oh... really? But it would've been nice if..."

Garandee: "Saving your money is better, you've given me too many flowers before."

Garando: "Well... Ok. How about..."

Garandee: "And don't buy me chocolates too. We can buy chocolates anytime anyway."

Garando: "Uh... Ok. Well maybe we can..."

Garandee: "And I don't feel like going through all the traffic and crowded restaurants again so let's just have dinner at home. Valentine menus are expensive!"

Garando: "Ok. Save money. I guess I shouldn't ask anymore if you wanted Häagen-Dazs."

Garandee: "WOW!"

Garando: "..???"

Garandee: "Vanilla po!!"

Happy Valentines!!

Garando mode:
Groan... My body is currently made up of 90% sipon (snot).

Your Blog is Fab Award

2009-02-13T20:03:00.016+08:00

Big, big thanks to Alice Teh for awarding me with the "Your Blog is Fabulous" Award!

Now I'd like to reciprocate this award to Alice, so please go on over to her blog and check out her fabulous book reviews, photos and food adventures! If you're lucky you might even spot "Swinger" in her posts!

This award comes with posting about 5 things I'm addicted to. So here goes...

1) I'm addicted music. I listen to almost every genre out there but my favorites are in my Flash Fetish widget. Check it out!

2) I'm addicted to computer games. Enough for Garandee to brand me as her cute & lovable "Computer Otaku (geek)".

3) I'm addicted to my Office Outlook. My unread emails are like termites. I leave it alone for a day and they triple overnight.

4) I'm addicted to the internet. I used to have a macho, well rounded and plump butt before I discovered the internet. Now it's all flat thanks to all that sitting and browsing.

5) I'm addicted to Garandee's super delicious food. So if she reads this, I get extra points at home.

Garando mode:
My nose is like a busted fire hydrant. Looks like I'm comin' down with a cold...

Our Backpack Chronicles: The Taj (part 2)

2009-02-07T12:52:00.021+08:00

read part 1

Series One continued: Do & Dee’s quest to check if the Taj Mahal was really made of marble.

I thought we were stuck halfway to Agra.

But I was relieved to find our ride just around the corner, our driver was having a smoke and some street food. I signaled him and we were back on the road in no time.

We finally reached the outskirts of the Taj around 2:00pm. At this point, these extremely persistent sandal-clad Taj Mahal tour guides came rushing towards us. They started to flock so I had to think of something quick before the intensifying aroma made me pass out.

Garando: “Eeny Meeny Miny Moe…. Which one of you’z got the tidiest toe?”

Taj Tour Guides: “ ??? ”

Garando: “You! You will be our tour guide.”

Garando’s Tour Guide: “Thank you, friend! You will be extremely delighted to learn about the Taj’s wonderful history of love and tragedy! May I ask where you are from?”

Garando: “Kazakhstan.”

Garando’s Tour Guide: “Oh! And how about the lady?”

Garando: “She’s from Mongolia.”

Garandee: “Nyo! I’m Japanese!”

No fuel powered vehicles are allowed within a certain radius of the Taj (I think around 2km) so we had to ride an electric rickshaw which I thought was pretty cool.

This was the final gate we had to go through before reaching the courtyard of the Taj Mahal. We were expecting to see the Taj Mahal behind that gate, but what we did not expect was how we'd react upon the sight of one of the seven wonders of the world!

Garando’s Tour Guide: “These massive gates were built to shield the Taj Mahal from… uh... pardon me, friend... but I am still explaining the…. “

Garandee: “Chop chop, Garando!”

Garando: "puff.. puff..." (walking really fast)

And there it was... in all its glory, THE Taj Mahal. Our jaws literally dropped, we were totally overcome with awe by this majestic monument of love.

Garandee: “Wow, it’s so white ne….”

Garando: “Yes, perfect concept for a Tide advertisement. Let’s go Garandee!”

Garando’s Tour Guide: “Uh…would you not want to hear me finish about the gate first?”

The weather was searing hot, probably reaching 40 degrees. We wished we hadn’t left our water bottles in the car, but we had enough adrenaline to hustle through the hot courtyard to the foot of the Taj, our trusty tour guide strutting behind us trying to catch up.

Visitors must remove their footwear before setting foot on the Taj. There was a footwear counter where you can conveniently leave your shoes/sandals. The counter didn’t have anyone handing out number tags for your shoes so you’ll need to dig through a pile of it when you’re done with the tour. Good thing I knew how my shoes smelled so I can just follow the scent.

A long carpet was laid out leading up the Taj. Thinking that I can probably cook an egg on the floor because of the heat, that carpet was an excellent idea!

As soon as I took off my shoes it immediately felt like the cement was grilling my soft, delicate feet so I started hopping frantically to get to the carpet! I made one big leap for salvation, and finally settled my feet on it.

Garando: “AAAAAAAGGGGHHH!!!!!”

The carpet was made of rubber. Apparently it was 10 times hotter than the cement floor.

Darn it!!

continue to part 3...

Garando mode:
My apologies for not being able to post more often... It has been crazy in the office and I've been catching up on a lot of work!

Free Japanese Lessons

2009-02-02T22:00:00.001+08:00

In order for me to make the most out of our visits to Japan, Garandee said she'll teach me a little Nihongo (Japanese) each week. She usually forgets to do it, but whenever she does remember...

Garandee: "Today I will teach you the Nihongo word for 'the day before yesterday'. Can you say, ototoi?"

Garando: "ototoy."

Garandee: "Nyo, it's close but not quite. Again, ototoi."

Garando: "ototoy."

Garandee: "Still not right. Ototoi!"

Garando: "but... it sounded right to me... Ototoy!!"

Garandee: "sigh...." (shakes her head)

Garando: ".... uhhhh.... ototoy?"

Garandee: "Nyo, nyo nyo! Listen to me! Ototoi!"

Garando: " .......Ototooo-i?"

Garandee: " ... "

Garando: "Did I finally say it right?"

Garandee: "So-so. Sigh... I guess that will do."

Garando: "Yey. Can I go use the computer now?"

Garandee: "Sit down! Ok, our next word is..."

Garando mode:
Can I just bring a pocket translator?

Our Backpack Chronicles: The Taj (part 1)

2009-01-28T23:50:00.017+08:00

I wished I had a blog when Garandee and I went on our crazy backpacking trips a few years back. Now that I have Balut & Natto, I’m glad that I can finally share our old photos and zany stories. Hopefully this will be a good break from our usual conversations and add a little variety to my blog.

Series One: Do & Dee’s quest to check if the Taj Mahal was really made of marble.

At 6:00am we were up and getting ready for the long trip to Agra!

We carried our backpacks wherever we went. I’m a very light packer so 50% of my backpack was conveniently allocated for Garandee’s cosmetics, curlers, dresses, toiletries, etc. Not bad for a mobile dresser.

This was the scene just outside our hotel at the Main Bazaar in New Delhi. A mecca for backpackers, it’s one of the busiest streets in the city. You’ll spend most of your time dodging cows, rickshaws, travel agents, and cow poo.

As people were scurrying off to work, Garando and Garandee were hustling to make it to Agra before lunch!

Garandee: “Chop chop Garando!!! Ay naku…”

Garando: “Heavy po….puff puff…. I hope I won’t get hernia from all this weight.”

Then we finally hit the highway! As expected, the view was awesome… it felt so… “National Geographic”.

One of the best things about road trips are the stopovers. This was one of the coolest restaurants we passed en route to Agra. The food was excellent, and it gave us a chance to grab some souvenirs and change into more comfortable clothes.

Garandee: "Garando, where's our ride? It's gone missing..."

Garando: "uh-oh..."

continue to part two...

Garando mode:
Yikes! We're marooned!

Honest Weblog Award

2009-01-27T23:01:00.008+08:00

"This award is bestowed upon a fellow blogger whose blog’s content or design is, in the giver’s opinion is brilliant."

My first ever blog award! Big thanks to Gigi for this recognition!

Wow, I can't believe Balut & Natto actually took off. Besides my friends and colleagues, I have met some of the nicest and coolest bloggers who actually came back and shared their comments and laughter. Thank you!

Come to think of it, 3 months ago I was already excited to see 2 unique visits... even if that second visit was apparently Garandee.

Ten HONEST things about me
(in case anyone's interested)

1) I am hairy
2) I am a bit over 6 feet tall
3) I only get a haircut after every 4-5 months
4) I love Middle Eastern & Indian food
5) I can't sleep without a second pillow. (Garandee's too bony)
6) I hate cold showers
7) India is one of my favorite mystical places to visit
8) I only change cellphones when it finally dies on me
9) I enjoy playing in a band (as long as we're not playing "Buttercup")
10) My pet dog is obese

And no, I do not look like "Bigfoot".

I now present the next awardees:
(in alphabetical order)

Anything Goes - I'm enjoying Sheng's very personal journal about living a lovely and happy life in GenSan.
Blogalag - Bley is all over the place! And I like her "personal touch" as she documents her adventures.
Dennis Villegas - Definitely one of most outstanding photoblogs out there. His photos are full of character, coupled with heart warming stories.
Kumareng Grace - Like comfort food, I keep coming back to get my fill of humor, insights, innovative ideas, etc.
My Mommy's Place - The funniest mommy blog ever!
Starting a New Life - I love how Jeanny's blog is so honest & down to earth, and you just got to love the food she posts in there. Yum!
The Doctor Is Out - ...of her mind. LOL! So what goes on in the deepest recesses of a doctor's mind?

The rules:

When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to said person so everyone knows he or she is real.

Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have 7 friends. Show the 7 random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Weblog.” Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon. List at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!

Garando mode:
I need more exercise...

Baby, You Can Drive My Car

2009-01-25T15:51:00.007+08:00

Garandee: "Garando, did you already ask about the requirements for getting a drivers' license for foreigners?"

Garando: "Uh, not yet... I was very busy."

Garandee: "Ikaw! I already reminded you so many times! Please get the requirements already. The sooner I can drive, the better!"

Wow, what a sudden change of heart. I remember she said she will NEVER drive in Manila. Anybody who's seen the state of traffic around here will immediately understand why.

Garando: "Ok, before you REALLY start driving, you'll need to graduate from Garando's Defensive Driving for Dummies."

Garandee: "Ok po. We have car insurance di ba?"

Garando: "Yes, I got that all covered."

Later at the office...

Garando: "Hello. Malayan Insurance?"

Insurance Agent: "Yes, may I help you?"

Garando: "My wife's about to start driving. How much do I pay extra for Act Of God coverage?"

Garando mode:
Maybe I should only let her drive during Sundays...

Hang on tight!

2009-01-18T14:09:00.017+08:00

Last Wednesday we were scheduled to go to the NSO office in Quezon City to follow up the endorsement that we got from Batangas, and finally request for copies of our Marriage Contract.

Since my car is banned* during Wednesdays, I told Garandee that we will have to commute this time. This got her really excited since she doesn't get to ride jeepneys and the MRT that often.

We rode in one of the jeepneys that'll take us to the nearest MRT station. Luckily this one was almost empty so there was a lot of room to get comfortable.

Maybe too comfortable.

Garandee was looking out the window enjoying the view, when the driver suddenly slammed on the brakes to pick up a passenger. Garandee launched forward, her forehead heading straight for the lady's armpit. Good thing I had quick, action-hero reflexes so I grabbed her arms and pulled her back to my side.

Garandee regained her composure and turned to me, her face all blushed like a tomato.

Garandee: "Sorry po. I'm a beginner..."

I gave her a "comforting" look, then she clung to my arm for the rest of the trip.

*in Manila private cars are banned for one weekday to control traffic in the metro.

Garandee mode:
Kawawa...

Obamiconized!

2009-01-16T00:33:00.008+08:00

Alice shared this really cool site on her blog called "Obamicon". Her Obamicons rocked, so I told her I'd make my own too! She suggested to use photos of myself and Garandee, and there is just no way I can turn down a request from one of the nicest and coolest bloggers I know.

So here it is... Garando & Garandee have been "Obamiconized"!

Thanks, Alice!

So... anybody else wants to be "Obamiconized" and be pure awesomeness? When you've dunnit, please do show us!

www.obamicon.me

Garando mode:
I'm zzow zleeepyyy....

Trifle Revisited

2009-01-13T18:25:00.016+08:00

We couldn't get our minds off the Fresh Fruit Trifle that Garandee made for Christmas so she decided to make it again (lucky me!). There's only one problem: We were out of fruits.

We also overspent during the holidays so it's not likely we were going to splurge on strawberries, mangoes and melons anytime soon (they're pretty expensive around here). Garandee had to improvise.

Enter the Choco Banana Trifle!

A cheaper cousin to the Fresh Fruit Trifle, she used "easy to acquire" ingredients making it more affordable, but maintaining the quality and overall Garando satisfaction. Hee hee.

What's in it:
- Bananas from the nearest palengke (market)
- Chocolate sponge cake
- Custard
- Whipped cream (it's often in stock at home)
- Meiji Milk Chocolate Bar

This time, she made layers of custard, bananas and whipped cream all mixed together, sandwiched between the sponge cake, then topped it off with the same stuff. Instead of choco sprinkles, she showered it with grated Meiji Milk Chocolate. It made it look more... "expensive".

Oh! I forgot one last ingredient. LOVE.

What can I say? It tasted awesome and it didn't last the weekend.

Garando mode:
Listening to The Camerawalls debut album and lovin' it!

Garando's Kawawang Trip to Batangas City - part 2

2009-01-11T00:35:00.005+08:00

read part one

Our drive to Batangas city was like a scene from one of my favorite cartoons. That scene where a little raincloud would persistently follow Wile E. Coyote, dropping rain and lightning wherever he went.

The weather was so wet & gloomy that the only stopovers we made were at restrooms, washrooms, and toilets. We even had to buy a Kit-Kat to cheer us up.

No matter, after about 3 hours and a few wrong turns we finally reached our objective.

Boy, was this NSO office tough to find! After all that searching apparently it was just right between the garbage dump and the two homeless dudes. Who would've thought of that? They should've just given me those landmarks instead of the postal address. It would've been easier to find...

After finishing our business with the NSO, Garandee and I hit the road again. It was getting late, but we were determined to experience an authentic Batangas Bulalo!

We checked out "Grace - Sister of Rose" Restaurant after seeing 3 vehicles parked outside. If these people were eating Bulalo and rice at 4:00PM, then it must be good!

There were about three big families in the restaurant feasting on a humongous bowl of Bulalo: Generous portions of vegetables and beef shanks boiled for hours in a delicious beef broth.

But when we got served, we ended up with this...

Bulalito (Bulalo Jr.)
Garandee and I just sat there, staring at it. Is this a joke or is it because there were only two of us, so we got a bowl half the size of the one the families had? It didn't even have any vegetables in it! I felt like reporting Grace to her sister Rose because I don't remember seeing a "Mini-Bulalo" on the menu. In fact, I don't even remember seeing a menu. I just told them I wanted Bulalo.

Out of sheer greed, I asked the waitress to be fair and serve us THE Bulalo. She took our bulalito away and came back with this...

Yeah! Now that's what I'm talking about! It was Bulalo with the works! We finally felt like we belonged. We felt accepted in the Bulalo eating society of Batangas City.

So how did it score? Well the broth was great, it tasted fresh. The meat was a little tough, I was hoping it would fall off the bone but I ended up struggling to slice the meat off with a tiny bread knife. Garandee on the other hand, was watching me mutilate that bone, realizing that she married a savage Neanderthal.

There was no way I could finish it... Garandee ate mostly vegetables like a good vegetarian. We just had the bone put in a doggie bag and brought it home.

Well that's it folks! That just about sums up our kawawang trip.

Total time on the road: 5.5 hours
Total time in Batangas City: 50 minutes

Garando mode:
My butt's still flat from all that driving...

Garando's Kawawang Trip to Batangas City - part 1

2009-01-09T19:33:00.018+08:00

read part two

Darn it.

She was already preparing breakfast when I woke up!

Sigh... I couldn't help it, the weather yesterday was horrible. The morning was cold and dark, and it wouldn't stop raining. I didn't even feel like getting up...

But I had to.

I also had to endure Garandee giving me THAT look and THAT sly grin while I was finishing up my extra large tortang toron. After breakfast, I hurriedly printed out the directions, grabbed my roadtrip cd's, made sure I had the house keys, and headed out the door. Garandee followed clutching her cookbooks, our chips & drinks, and more cookbooks. Everything was set! ...until we got in the car.

Garando: "Are you ready Garandee??"

Garandee: "Chu! Shempre!"

Garando's Car: " ...click..."

Garando: " ?? "

Garando's Car: " ...click ....click"

Darn it!

My car's battery finally ran out of juice, we weren't going anywhere.

Now I'm not about to let a dead battery stop us from getting our marriage contract. I already posted about the trip on my blog! Good thing they actually deliver car batteries in Manila just like they do with Happy Meals.

So I dialled the delivery hotline, ordered for a car battery, had it upsized to a no-maintenance "Gold Type" battery. Lo and behold, the battery was at my doorstep in less than 30 minutes. The delivery man was even kind enough to install it for me because I was too busy holding up the umbrella for us.

Then we were off! For real!

dark & gloomy
It took us a bit over 3 hours to get to Batangas City. Ideally it should only take about 2 if I wasn't making stop overs in every gas stop on the highway to relieve my bladder. Again, I couldn't help it... The weather was cold.

to be continued...

Garando mode:
Gone for one day, and my office inbox stack up like crazy...

Wake Up Early, Garando!

2009-01-07T21:04:00.021+08:00

Garando: "Dee, we must leave very early tomorrow to avoid traffic. Hopefully we can make it to Batangas City before noon so we get another chance to eat some authentic bulalo!"

Garandee: "Hai! PLEASE wake up early OK? You have to be up by 7am or else!!"

Garando: "Eh?! YOU wake up early! The past week I always woke up earlier than you."

Garandee: "NYO. I wake up earlier, I just sleep again. I win."

Garando: "really..."

Just getting a copy of our marriage contract requires a long road trip. I guess this is what we get for deciding to have an out-of-town wedding.

On the bright side, it will be another tiny-adventure for Do & Dee.

I better make sure to charge our camera overnight, hopefully I'll have something outrageous to post when we get back. If not, well... I'll post about a toilet.

Garando mode:
I'll sleep extra early tonight. Let's see who wakes up first! Ha!

It's Cheap and Expensive!

2009-01-04T15:28:00.006+08:00

I can iron my own shirt.

I'm fully domesticated and I'm actually pretty good at it. (after over 10 years of intensive self-training and about a dozen burnt garbs, I better be!)

Last Friday I was ironing the shirt I'm planning to wear for our family's post-new year dinner party when Garandee asked me if I can also do her blouse while I'm at it.

Garando: "You mean this white one? Ok sure..."

Garandee: "Please be careful. Check to make sure that the iron's clean to prevent stains, carefully check the heat to avoid burning the fabric."

Garando: "Ok! No worries, you're looking at an expert."

Garandee: "Be very careful! That's very expensive!!"

Now hold on a second... How come whenever we'd go shopping then I'll see her with a shopping bag, before I can even say anything she's quick to tell me, "Wow! it's so cheap, it's such a bargain!!"

Now I'm about to iron it, it's suddenly "very expensive"?

I'm confuzed...

Garandee: "Because when I put it on it becomes very expensive! ...di ba?"

Garando: " ... " (slaps forehead)

Garando mode:
This is me in the office tomorrow....

Our Last Meal for 2008

2009-01-03T12:04:00.020+08:00

How about that, my first post for 2009 is still all about 2008!

Garandee wanted to end 2008 with a bang. Since we're both crazy about Turkish food, she pulled out her favorite cookbook and cooked up these outrageous Turkish dishes for our last meal for the year.

Our Starter:

Deep Fried Mussels in Beer Batter with Garlic-Flavoured Walnut Sauce
This became an instant favorite! I mean, who doesn't like beer battered seafood? I'm a big fan of fish n' chips, but using mussels instead of cod blew me away! Best when served during drinking sessions.

What really makes this appetizer stand out from all its other beer battered counterparts is the exotic sauce that's paired with it. Its light nutty taste and semi-crunchy texture complemented the strong "oceany" flavor and chewy texture of the mussels.

Our Main Dish:

Lahmacun
An Anatolian snack with a thin crispy base smeared with a lightly spiced minced lamb on top. Eat it with fresh parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon. We didn't have lamb so minced beef was a good substitute. We also tried using lime instead of lemon for added flavor and we were oh so right to do that!

Chargrilled Chicken Wings in Pomegranate Marinade
Originally a recipe meant for quails, Garandee used chicken wings instead since it was the only poultry we had in the freezer. After marinating, she baked it in the oven a bit before grilling it on an open flame. Since pomegranate is rarely available in Manila (so we think), Garandee told me that this could be the last time she's making it. Sniff... sob...

She was pleasantly suprised to find some of the fruit in SM Makati, and bought one immediately. I've never heard the fruit, so I was looking over her shoulder the moment she opened it up to make the marinade. As she left, I stole a spoonful to get a taste. It felt like eating sweet & sour papaya seeds...

Our Dessert:

Garandee's Low Calorie 4 layer Milk Chocolate Cake
Beeyootiful! Melted semi-sweet milk chocolate mixed with cream sqeezed between 4 layers chocolate sponge cake. If that's not enough, she used the filling to coat the cake too. No butter was used in the filling, significantly reducing the calories of this monstrosity. Once you take it out of the chiller, the coating and filling hardens up a bit, but not too much that it cracks when you slice it.

For the record, she finished up to 70% of this cake. Seriously.

Anyway, I placed bookmarks on all these dishes in her cookbook. Hopefully it will convince her to make them all again this year.

Garando mode:
I hardly have 2 days of vacation left...

Akemashite Omedetou!!

2008-12-31T23:03:00.017+08:00

Garandee and I always spend New Year's Eve at our balcony watching the fireworks go off while sipping wine and eating leftovers.

But what's even more amusing than seeing fireworks light up the skyline is watching Rockwell disappear right before our eyes!

Ha! I'd like to see David Copperfield pull off a trick like that.

But seriously, this is how polluted the air gets from all that gunpowder smoke from firecrackers and fireworks. It's almost 12:00am... Time to take a deep breath and welcome the new year! Now where did I put that asthma medicine...

Garando: "Happy New Year!!"

Garandee: "Akemashite Omedetou!!"

Wet Tarsier: "Punk is not dead!!"

Wishing all of you happiness and prosperity for 2009!

Garando mode:
Let's do the "New Year Dance"! Shake it, baby!!

Dental Dilemma

2008-12-30T10:15:00.003+08:00

Garando: "Mine is on the far left of the case, and yours is on the far right. OK?"

Garandee: "Hai!"

Garando: "Great! And since we never brush our teeth at the same time, then there's a slim chance for error."

Garandee: "Hai!"

This was my strategy after "accidentally" buying a toothbrush that was identical to Garandee's. A brilliant solution if I might say, but apparently not sustainable.

Because after a few days...

Garando: "Dee, my toothbrush is wet. I saw you brushing earlier, did you use it?"

Garandee: "Nyo."

Garando: "But your toothbrush is dry..."

Garandee: "Ooops! Sorry po! But no big deal, it's like kissing anyway."

Garando: "Kissing?!"

Garandee: "Hee hee..."

So then I thought of an even better solution: The Kitchen. If I keep my toothbrush there, it's too far from hers to accidentally get switched!

It worked really well for a good couple of years, I'm particularly proud of that. Besides, I also made sure that never again will I end up with the same toothbrush as hers.

But last weekend...

Garando: "Dee, my toothbrush is wet. Did you use it?"

Garandee: "Of course not!!"

Garando: "But... how...? "

Then I saw it.

Another toothbrush was on the kitchen counter and it was exactly identical to mine!

Garandee: "Oh! Please don't keep your toothbrush in the kitchen because that's where I keep the one I've been using to clean the oven."

Garando: " !!!!! "

Garando mode:
I probably finished half a bottle of mouthwash...

The day after Christmas...

2008-12-28T11:31:00.016+08:00

The morning after Christmas:
Garando: "ZZZZZZZZZZ...."
Garandee: "zzzzzzzzzz....."

Around noon:
Garando: "ZZZZZZZZZZ...."
Garandee: "zzzzzzzzzz....."

Around 2PM...
Garandee: "zzzzz.... time to wake up, Garando!"
Garando: "ZZZZZZ uuurrnnhhhh.... again?"

After getting up I looked back at our bed and was surprised to see my body engraved on it... The form was so detailed you can trace it with chalk just like in a crime scene.

eeeeep!! Did I eat that much?!?!

Ok, now I'm seriously going on that fruit & veggies diet now! ...at least until New Years' Eve when I need to take a quick break to eat my juicy grilled steak, then resume eating plants for the rest of 2009.

And speaking of fruits, Garandee made this delicious Fresh Fruit Trifle for my family's Christmas party! As expected, it was another hit!

Originally an English dessert (hint: Nigella), no fancy recipe here! Just chop 'em all up, dump these in a container and enjoy:
Fruits:: strawberries, melons, bananas, mangoes
Etc: sponge cake, whipped cream, custard
For Luck: chocolate sprinkles
* you may want to bake your own sponge cake and prepare your own custard though

DOH! My diet is screwed...

Garando mode:
must... chop... more... strawberries!

Our Christmas Wish...

2008-12-25T00:17:00.005+08:00

To all our readers and friends, old and new
may your Holidays be filled with cheer
and may all your hopes and wishes come true

- from Garando & Garandee

*Do & Dee avatars were created using Weeworld.com

Garandee's Christmas Hit!

2008-12-24T12:16:00.001+08:00

Oh my gulay!! I never expected the last few days of Christmas to be this busy!

Christmas parties, a LOT of shopping and wrapping of presents have taken most, if not all of our time... The presents are stacking up at home and we're not even done shopping! I guess that explains my week-long hiatus from blogging.

But last week's real highlight was Garandee's first shot at baking an authentic Japanese Cheesecake. She never expected it'll become an instant hit!

If you haven't tried one yet, Japanese Cheesecake is a light, moist and spongy cheesecake that simply melts in your mouth. Think of it as the exact opposite of the rich New York Cheesecake or the infamous Filipino Blueberry Cheesecake. Its taste, flavor and texture is so light that you can easily devour half of the cake in one sitting and not feel full at all. It also has significantly less calories so you can toss the guilt out the window.

...straight out of the oven!
I know Bread Talk is selling these for a bit over P300, but Garandee's cake is definitely superior than those. Why? Because Garandee uses LOVE as the main ingredient. Now that's what makes this cheesecake so cheesy!

Sent early prototypes to some colleagues and friends to try out and now we have serious orders for 6 - 8 pcs! (Thanks to Jonie!) Now how can we even think of mass production with our tiny oven? We'll figure it out!

Garandee: "oooooh... Garandee's Pastry Shoppe!! Do you think I can start one in the future?"

Garando: "Of course! But we'll need a bigger oven for that dear..."

Garandee: "Ahhh... hai!"

Garando: "Let me go ask Santa if he can send some elves over to help out... I heard they're cheap labor."

Garandee: " ok po... "

Garando mode:
All set for Christmas Eve!

H, and what it means to Garando...

2008-12-23T21:59:00.011+08:00

It's my first blog game!! Sheng sent me the letter "H", so now I need to post 10 words that mean a lot to me, and they should all start with that letter.

I'm glad she met my request of not giving an "X" or "Z". That would've been too easy!

HTML - Something I had to learn when I started Balut & Natto

Hope - Something everyone should always have.

Hide - Something I'm starting to get good at whenever I made a boo-boo at home.

Harmony - Something I wish for the whole world.

Helium - Something I'd like to suck on before going Christmas caroling. I always wanted that authentic chipmunks singing voice!

Home - Ain't no place like it!

Hot - Garandee's goal... No, not for her, she already is! It's actually for me... but the diet officially starts after the holidays. Phew!

Happiness - Something I wish for everybody.

Hero - The Mighty Garando that Garandee can count on to save her day. Only I don't usually wear my underwear over my pants and since I'm a proud owner of genuine love handles, a tight hero suit is out of the question.

Humor - If I didn't believe in it, I would have never reached 2 blog visits/day.

Soooo... WHO's NEXT?? The "X" and the "Z" are still open for challengers...

Garando mode:
That was pretty fun!

A Little Taste of Europe in Japan

2008-12-17T10:08:00.020+08:00

I was going through some of my old folders the other day and found these photos of the Kawaguchi-Ko Music Forest. It was one of the most fascinating places Garandee's best friend brought us the last time we were in Japan.

The moment you enter, it almost feels like you've left Japan and gone into one of those fantasy novels set during the Renaissance. It's no wonder why like magic, all three of us started talking funny all of a sudden..

Garando: "Care for some tea, mi lady?"

Garandee: "Oh I'd be delighted, Sir Garando. But we'd like to see the museum first."

Garandee's friend: "It's bloody beautiful, isn't it?"

The place is at one of the mountain resorts near Mt. Fuji, and that explains why the clouds were hanging so low like my old underwear...

Garandee is a magnet for swans. Either they're just curious or they're guard swans in attack mode.

I can almost imagine Frodo and Sam happily frolicking around... holding hands, looking gleefully at each other and... never mind.

But the main reason we went there was for the huge collection of antique automated music boxes. You know those wind-up music boxes that played either Christmas tunes or tunes from Disney's Fantasia? Imagine a museum filled with these music boxes only they were a hundred times bigger! Big enough that their main attraction was an entire orchestra!

This is an orchestra of dolls playing instruments. It's one humongous music box surrounding the entire hall, it felt like we were looking at the true origin of Dolby Surround Sound!

This orchestra originated from Belgium in the 1800's and was unfortunately abandoned until a Japanese collector decided to purchase and restore it before bringing it back home to Japan. I heard all the music boxes in the museum were owned by that same collector, and to think I saw over a hundred!

I wish I had more photos, but taking pictures wasn't allowed in some parts of the museum... At least I was able to sneak in some videos. Here's a one minute video of their most kawaii (pretty) music boxes!

Garandee mode:
I want that English accent!

Tortang Toron

2008-12-14T12:11:00.034+08:00

Garandee: "Garando!! Wake up already! I made Tortang Toron!!

Garando: "ZZZZzzzz.... uurrrhh... Tortang banana?"

Garandee: "Nyo... Come here... See? It looks so authentic Filipino!"

Garando: "Ohhhh I see! That's Tortang Talong dear..."

Garandee: "Hai, Tortang Toron! Nice, di ba (isn't it)?"

Looks like Garandee surprised me again! Look what I found on our breakfast table today: Tortang Talong (grilled eggplant omelet)!

This popular domestic dish makes a regular appearance in any family's dining table, and is also a mainstay in foodcourts and carinderias (affordable food stalls) around the metro. This is officially Garandee's 3rd Filipino dish.

Garandee: "It's also Japanized!!"

Garando: "...Japa-what?"

One munch and I knew what she meant.

She grilled the eggplant on an open fire until the skin was easy to peel off, giving it a nice smoky taste. Inside that omelet is minced chicken marinated in miso, shoyu, ginger and a little bit of sugar. Net, the classification of Japanized!

Loved it! It's unique, and it's probably the healthiest Tortang Talong I've ever had!

Garando: "But Dee, you should practice saying Talong, because Filipinos might get confused and think it's a banana omelet.

*Turon is a popular snack made of banana & jackfruit wrapped in spring roll wrapper and smothered brown sugar syrup before it is fried

Garandee: "Of course not! That's different because that's Tulon!"

Garando: " ... "

Garando mode:
Listening to my favorite Blues & Bebop Christmas songs!

Close to Panic

2008-12-09T16:57:00.013+08:00

The other day I found Garandee grimacing in our bedroom. Worried that she must be in terrible pain, I immediately rushed to her side...

Garando: "Garandee, what's wrong?? Does your tummy hurt?"

Garandee: " ... "

Garando: "Are you alright? tell me..."

Garandee: "wait..."

She then changed her facial expression but it still looked like something was really bothering her.

Garando: "I'll take you to the doctor, I'll go change."

Garandee: "wait..."

Garando: " ??? "

Garandee: "aaaaahhhhhh... finished po!!"

Garando: " ??!! "

Garando: "What was that all about?? Are you alright?"

Garandee: "I did Face YOGA!!"

Garando: "Face YOGA?!?!?!"

Garandee: "Hai! It's really popular now!"

Garando: "uuuuuhhh... I think I'll have a headache... Ok, next time can you at least put a "YOGA Session" sign next to you? You're freaking me out..."

Garandee: "Hee hee..."

I checked youtube after that, and she was right. Face Yoga was all over! Maybe I'll go try it in the shower... wouldn't want her to think I'm constipated again.

Garando mode:
I have a bad cold...

Leftover Platter Surprise

2008-12-06T19:47:00.021+08:00

Garandee went out on a dinner date with one of her Japanese amigas. I guess when the wife's away... what's the husband usually left with?

Leftovers. And our fridge is packed with abandoned ulams (meals) waiting to be noticed.

But guess what, after she left I found this plate covered with foil on my ugly desk. She mentioned she was worried about what I'll have for dinner while she was gone. So the sweet wife that Garandee is, she whipped up something quick for me! YEY!

And VOILA!!

I'll call it: "Garandee's Leftover Platter Surprise!". It looks pretty good and should be enough for me to survive through the night.

I just don't remember having these things earlier in the week though. Hmmm...

...is that lipstick on my cabbage?

Garando mode:
Must stay awake so I can pick her up later!!

Jansson's Temptation

2008-12-06T15:13:00.021+08:00

The other day I thought I was just going through the usual morning routine, not knowing a suprise was coming as I sat down at our breakfast table. After my brain finished booting up, I rubbed my eyes after noticing our breakfast was so much kawaii (prettier) than usual.

Garando: "ooooh... what's thaaaaaat? (with a yawn)"

Garandee: "JANSSON's TEMPTATION!! ...and my pandesal."

Garando: "Johnson's what?"

Jannson's Temptation. According to Garandee it's a Swedish recipe that's very popular in Finland. But what's interesting is that she was more excited to tell me about the legend of the dish than have me eat it already. So I had to put my fork down and gave a listen...

Garandee: "Once upon a time, there was a monk who was vegetarian..."

Garando: "I bet his name was Father Jansson. Now can I..."

Garandee: "Don't interrupt me! So... he made this gratin dish made of onion, potato, milk, and cream. But still something was missing, so he could no longer resist the temptation to add the final secret ingredient that will make this dish ICHIBAN (No.1)!!"

Garando: "so... what was the ultimate temptation?"

Garandee: "ACHOVIES!!"

Garando: "ooohh... well better that than Angelina Jolie or else he'll be in much bigger trouble."

Garandee: "Hai! Douzo!! (help yourself!)"

a closer look...
I finally got to try it and it was AWESOME! One of the best gratins I've ever had. Creamy, yet the potatoes were firm and chewy adding some variety to the texture. Then the salty anchovies were spot-on, like bago-ong on your Kare-kare!

It's perfect with Garandee's homemade pandesal!

Garando: "Thank you, darling! That was mucho excellente!!"

Garandee: "Welcome! Next time I will make GARANDO's TEMPTATION!!"

Garando: "Oh really?? Wow, I'm flattered! so what's the secret ingredient for that?"

Garandee: "... NATTO!!!"

Garando mode:
NYOOOOOO!!!!

Communication Breakdown #2 - Her Husband

2008-12-03T21:49:00.011+08:00

If you think the typical Pinoy husband-wife misunderstanding is a challenge, here's an example of a Garando & Garandee communication breakdown.

The drive back home from our office is always a great opportunity for me and Garandee to talk about the days events/gossip, what to eat for dinner, or what to do over the weekend, etc etc (unless she remembers I haven't taken out the garbage yet, then I'll never hear the end of it.)

Garandee: "Ohhhh... You KNOW (slaps my arm), my officemate... her husband..."

Garando: " .... "

Garandee: "her husband..."

Garando: "Yes? so what about her husband?"

Garandee: "her husband!"

Garando: "Hai, so what about her husband? continue please..."

Garandee: "Nooo... her HUSBAND!!!"

Garando: "so what did he do? I won't know until you tell me"

Garandee: "I'm telling you her HUSBAND!! She's so kawawa!"

Garando: "uh... they broke up?"

Garandee: "She doesn't have a house anymore, it was a terrible accident! HER HUSBAND!!"

Garando: "OHH!! Her HOUSE BURNED!!! ahhhhhhhh i see."

Garandee: "Ikaw!! LISTEN to me! hmph!"

Garando: "but.... I heard... I thought...."

Garandee: "...can we drop by ministop for some soda?"

Garando: "but I heard... ok... how about seven ereven? it's croser."

Garandee: "grrrrrr...."

Communication Breakdown #1

Garando mode:
Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines... sigh...

Garando's Top 5 Chicken Wings

2008-12-01T09:13:00.012+08:00

I've been hunting for the best chicken wings in Manila since 2004 and I thought I'd share my list of the best chicken wings around!

Garandee says chicken wings are best eaten with your fingers and I totally agree. There's nothing more satisfying than sucking the meat off every bone, then tossing it over to an empty plate or bucket. Besides, picking on the small thing with a spoon and fork just looks really wrong.

On to the list...

#5 Firefighters
This was a small fastfood restaurant in Libis that IMO, served the best chicken wings at that time. Their buffalo wings were spicy, juicy and tasty.. match it with their blue cheese or honey mustard dip and it's a sure winner! Too bad it's no longer around, I never got a chance to take a photo..

#4 Yellow Cab's Hot Wings
Around the time Firefighters closed down, along came Yellow Cab. The pizza's ok but I'm not too fond of the after-taste that came with the spices they used. The chicken wings however, was Firefighters re-incarnated and even better! They're bigger, juicier and crunchier!! Wish it came with the dips though...

#3 Hooters' Chicken Wings
My love for chicken wings started in the U.S. during my first visit to a Hooters branch. We ordered 50 pcs of breaded goodness and I was totally hooked after that. Now you can just imagine the excitement I felt when I heard out about Hooters in SM MOA (Mall of Asia).

Though I don't think it's worthy of the "Hooters" brand ("Hootlets" is more appropriate if you ask me... ehem!) the wings are almost as good as the ones in the States. Best of all, they have the dips!

#2 Garandee's Asian Wings Trio
Dee totally surprised me with these Chinese, Thai and Japanese inspired chicken wings! Chinese was deep-fried, very crunchy with that "home-cooked" familiarity you'd come to expect. Thai was done in a similar fashion, but had a hint of green curry for that extra spicy kick. Japanese had a subtle sweet-shoyu flavor topped with sesame seeds for that authentic nippon taste. Three kinds of chicken wings in one sitting, she sure knows how to make me happy!

#1 Garandee's Roasted Rosemary Chicken Wings
This takes the cake! It's slow-roasted making it very tasty, succulent and healthy. Perfect with Dee's chili pasta with baked cherry tomatoes marinated in balsamic vinegar and extra vigin olive oil. It's so good it makes my mouth water as I type this post, not to mention this is always a big hit with our guests.

Well, that's my list of the best chicken wings. If in case you're interested in the the recipes of #1 and #2, leave a comment and I'll ask Garandee for it. Trust me, #1 is so good!

Garando mode:
Now back to my oatmeal and normalizing my cholesterol...

My precioussssss.......

2008-11-29T10:06:00.001+08:00

Garando: "....???!.... Since when did you start wearing a ring on your toe?"

Garandee: " ...... "

Garando: "wait a minute, is that my wedding ring?"

Garandee: " ...... "

Garando: "IT IS my wedding ring! How did that end up there? That's so YAK!!"

Garandee: "You left it in the toilet... again!"

Garando: "Oh! yeah, I keep forgetting... that's because I always take it off before using the tabo."

Garandee: "Excuse again!"

Garando: "Ok, hand it over please..."

Garandee: "Alright... don't lose it, OK?"

Garando: "Shempre! it's my precioussssssssssss.......*slither* *slither*"

Garandee: "You're so YAK...."

Garando mode:
Another long weekend!

Mumbai Terror Attacks

2008-11-27T09:57:00.008+08:00

I woke up this morning to find the horrific situation in Mumbai all over the top news channels. Coordinated terror attacks have targeted up to 6 sites, possibly more. 87 dead, hundreds wounded. OMG....

I have friends & colleagues there, dear ones. I am now waiting to hear if they are alright. My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the people of Mumbai.

Here are the first pictures of the terror attacks from Vinukumar Ranganathan's flickr site

*photo of the Taj hotel taken from the BBC In Pictures: Mumbai Attacks

Garando mode:
This is terrible...

Viva Bohol!

2008-11-26T11:00:00.031+08:00

Do & Dee's Honeymoon? Not likely because I was with the in-laws the whole time. This is the first time Garandee's family has ever been to the Philippines, so we had to make a good impression to encourage them to visit more often. She thought Bohol will definitely make a good first impression, and boy was she right!

Garandee's Mom and brother have never experienced a beach in their whole lives so you can just imagine how amazed they were when we arrived at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island. Read on for the photos!

Not wasting precious time, Garandee and the in-laws hit the beach pronto!

Garandee's Mom was overjoyed upon finding so many starfish. They were all over the place! Those hairy legs aren't Garandee's by the way... that's her brother.

Garandee's Papa hastily rolled up his cargo shorts eager to join the fun...

...only to be attacked by a raving, rabid starfish soon as he got to the water!

So he just went back to the resort and played with his coconuts... literally.

Bohol Tour!
Besides the beach, the infamous Bohol day tour is perfect for newlywed couples with senior tourists. Too bad it was raining all day...

First stop, Chocolate Hills of course! Garandee's Papa wasn't that interested since he said he had been to the Himalayas during his prime years... asus!

The Loboc River cruise. The buffet was awful, but at least the floating cultural show made up for it. Garandee got to dance "Ocho-ocho" and the "Tinikling" while her Mom got to play Bohol's version of the ukelele. Garandee's brother just got his sneakers wet on the balsa (raft)

The Baclayon Church. Erected in the 1590's, it's likely one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. I'm terrible with history so when her brother asked me what the church was all about, I just said "Ano hito wa okama desu, kyokai..."

Blood Compact Monument. This probably started the whole idea of "dinugu-an" (Philippines' famous pork blood stew delicacy) ...at least that's what I told her brother. We were'nt really that interested, we just went there to use the restrooms.

And finally, a Bohol tour wouldn't be complete without experiencing the adorable Tarsiers! Since it rained cats & dogs the whole time we were on the tour, the tarsiers were all wet & soggy. We didn't mind, it kinda made them look funky! Gone was the "emo" image, as you can see, "punk" is in!
Tarsier: "PUNK IS NOT DEAD!"
Garando: "Rock on!"

Our last night at the beach...

I love spending evenings at the beach! The sound of waves are so relaxing, so serene... besides the fact that Garandee's Mom got trapped in the toilet because of a faulty doorknob and me getting bitten by huge beach ants hiding under our toilet seat, it was a relatively peaceful night.

Our last day in Bohol...
Garando: "Okay, in-laws! This is your last day in Bohol, go and make the most of it!!"
...and they sure did!

Garandee's brother spent the final moments relaxing on a hammock, I guess he can't imagine leaving this paradise for the dense concrete jungle called "Tokyo".

Garandee's Mom hunted for more starfish.

Garandee's Papa played with his coconuts... literally.

and Garandee hit the beach again!

Finally it's time to bid Bohol farewell... thank you for the coconuts.
Her Papa proudly brought a piece back to Japan, that explains that huge bulge on his bag. Her brother also has a better understanding of Bohol history, thanks to moi.

Garandee mode:
I miss Bohol!!

11/11/08

2008-11-22T13:23:00.011+08:00

11/11/08
This date marks a milestone in Balut & Natto: Garandee is now a Mrs.

Yes, we finally tied the knot two weeks ago! This is also my best excuse for not being able to update my blog, it has been a very very busy two weeks!

I guess we were an unusual couple wanting a very unique wedding. We only started working on our wedding 3 months before 11/11/08, so I'm really pleased we managed to pull it off!

Here are some highlights:

Besides our couture, we didn't get anybody else to fix us up for the wedding. I ended doing my bride's hairsetting to get the flowers to stick properly, while she did all the make-up on her own.

Our wedding photojournalist is pure AWESOMENESS!
He was in on the action as well!

I soon returned the favor and helped out on some of the photo sessions.

Garandee's all set to walk the aisle...

then the ceremony begins...

No entourage...

No choir or wedding divas singing "The Prayer" (again)...

No coordinators...

Just a brief and simple 30 minute ceremony with 18 dear folks and a Jim Chappell CD.

Garando & Garandee walked out of that chapel ready to face a new life...

Every wedding should have a kilig shot

The flowers at the chapel were so gorgeous we couldn't let it go to waste!
Good thing Grandma was around...

Next stop: Garando takes the in-laws to Bohol!

Garando mode:
Dynamite!!

Manila Cashiers & Star Wars

2008-11-15T22:03:00.008+08:00

Garandee: "Garando, why do the cashiers in Manila always ask me for more money even if I gave them more than enough cash??"

Garando: "You'd better give them what their asking for dear, or you'll regret it. They're actually doing you a favor."

Garandee: "I already gave them more than enough and they ask me for 3 Pesos more."

Garando: "I was asked for 1 Peso once, because the chocolates cost Php 51. Sucks for me because I didn't have a single coin in my pocket. When I told her I didn't have any, she put her P50 bill back in the register and gave me 8 pcs of 5 Peso coins and 9 Pcs of 1 peso coins.

Can you imagine how heavy that is?? Being stuck with those coins for the entire day was agonizing... what made it worse is that it was one of those days when I forgot to use a belt. I had to balance the coins on each pocket because if I put them all in one pocket my trousers would droop so low on one leg it looked like I had polio!"

Garandee: "I see... Japan is more simple."

Garando: "By the way, did you also notice that cashiers around here are big fans of Star Wars?"

Garandee: "Star Wars?"

Garando: "They do Yoda talk:
- P300, YOUR CHANGE.
- SIR, SM ADVANTAGE CARD YOU HAVE?"

Garandee: "Who's Yoda?"

Garando: "Never mind...."

Garando mode:
Just had a nice Shiatsu massage!

The Farm: Health & Spa Resort in San Benito, Batangas

2008-11-09T23:12:00.016+08:00

Garandee always bugged me about this spa resort called "The Farm". She probably heard a lot of good things about it from blogs and friends, but it took a lot of persuasion (and sometimes blackmail) to get me to agree to accompany her on this one.

After my buddies told me that their spa package is inclusive of enemas, that unconventional way of quenching my thirst from the back-end is already a hard sell! I'd rather watch "Tyra" for one straight week than have my behind plugged with a hose. I even had nightmares that my ear drums popped and water came bursting out like a busted fire hydrant.

But Garandee got me to agree eventually. Apparently there was a package fit for me, I just pay for the room, all services are charged on a "per use" basis. Sounds good. She won't allow me to bring my PURE FOODS corned beef though, so I guess I'll have to deal with two days of vegan.

The ambiance was enough to detoxify me, so no need for the enemas really.

If that's not enough, the vegan food was out of this world because it didn't taste... vegan. Prepared by their in-house German chef, the quality and taste was top-notch.

The poor thing hid behind a rock after it noticed me staring at it funny. After two days of vegan diet, she sure looked tasty...

Garandee and I loved taking photos of this peacock that was set free to roam around the spa bullying the ducks. I'm particularly proud of this shot: based from the broken feathers looks like it was roughed up pretty bad. I guess enemas aren't exclusive for humans after all.

Garando mode:
super tired...

Garandee's Kawawang T-Shirt - Epilogue

2008-11-05T21:47:00.013+08:00

read part one
read part two

I don't give up that easily! When I found the time, I triple soaked and triple washed Garandee's green shirt using only the finest detergent I could find under our kitchen sink (it had "with OXY-BLEACH!" on the label so that's probably a good thing, whatever that is).

Garandee is the laundry expert around the house but I had no choice because she wouldn't even touch the thing. Can't blame her, you can't imagine how much two days of outdoor exposure can do to stink up a shirt. I think I used a quarter of a bottle of Downy fabric freshener to make the smell go away.

Then with a lot of persuasion, she finally agreed to use it again. Yey!

Ironic, isn't it?

Good thing she thought the "worn-out look" was pretty cool.

Garando mode:
If I wear my worn-out sando we'd look cool together!

Wagyu: The real deal

2008-11-01T11:27:00.008+08:00

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the real deal.

Authentic Wagyu Beef (a.k.a. Kobe Beef / Matsuzaka Beef). Not the kind you get to order in the restaurants around Manila, they may say it's Wagyu, but the texture remains different, and it just doesn't taste like the ones you get in Japan.

The Good: Look at that marbling! It has just the right amount of fat evenly distributed across the meat, making it literally melt in your mouth! And it doesn't have that stringy texture you get from Black Angus. Great for Sukiyaki or Nikujaga, but I get to enjoy it most as Yakiniku (grilled on a pan or fire then dipped in yakiniku or Japanese steak sauce)

The Bad: This photo is over 2 years old, and I've never had it since. sigh....

I think most of the Wagyu beef served here are from the local Wagyu breed bred in Luzon. What makes it taste different if it's exactly the same breed? I have no idea. Probably the feeds, or the "massage" the cows are given? ...or maybe because the farmers speak to them in Tagalog.

But I did find beef that is almost as close in terms of taste and quality! If you're interested check out New Hatchin grocery at:
7602 Sacred Heart St. cor Metropolitan Ave
San Antonio village Makati City
8977207/ 8905038/ 8901648
store hours 8 am - 7 pm

Look for "US Calbi", but be prepared... it's at P2,300/kilo if I remember right. yikes! Expensive, yes, but seeing your darling's eyes roll back in ecstacy as they chew on the best Wagyu in Manila is priceless right? uhhh.. at least that's what I always tell Garandee but it never seems to work. sigh...

Garando mode:
I haven't had a steak in months... getting weak... losing my powers...

Going Organic

2008-10-29T19:29:00.010+08:00

The other day Garandee came running to me with a knife in her hand. I thought I was in big trouble, but she looked horrified: her face was pale and her hands were shaking...

Garandee: "Eeeeeeeekkk!!! Garando!"

Garando: " !!!! "

Garandee: "There's something in the cabbage!! I will change our menu today!"

Garando: "Why? I was looking forward to your rolled cabbage soup...."

I went to the kitchen to check out the cabbage and found a neatly sliced worm at the core.

Garando: "Looks like you just executed a worm"

Garandee: "I HATE WORMS!"

Garandee freaks out at anything that slithers or wiggles. Snakes, worms, caterpillars, eels, catfish, you name it. I thought living in the Philippines will help her overcome that fear because these are pretty common (well maybe except snakes). And maybe I shouldn't mention that I even had to get de-wormed at age 5, but too late for that because she can read this blog anyway.

Garando: "Looks like this cabbage is organic. Zero pesticides, or else you wouldn't find these critters in it."

Garandee: "Really? But that never happens in Japan. We have organic too."

Garando: "Well that's probably because your vegetables go through x-rays before hitting the shelves. You know, to detect worms and stuff. Our vegetables just get rinsed.... once."

Garandee: " .... "

Garando: "See? I pulled it out. Just imagine it as an organic asparagus."

Garandee: "NYO!!!"

I ended up eating radish soup that day.

Garando mode:
Ryan Adams' new CD is awesome!

Shoes Off, Garando!!

2008-10-26T09:34:00.025+08:00

It's probably common knowledge that shoes are FORBIDDEN inside the Japanese home. Touching the tatame with even the tip of your shoe is a mortal sin, stepping in with a full pair will doom you for all eternity. Even if our apartment doesn't use tatame, this rule is strictly enforced...

I've lived on my own for over 6 years and enjoyed the freedom of flinging my shoes as I plop on the bed after an exhausting day at work. Obviously I can't do that now, but I don't mind seem to mind.

But do you know those days when you're in such a hurry to leave? I bet we all have the same routine...
Step 1 - grab shoes
Step 2 - find a chair to sit on
Step 3 - slip on shoes
Step 4 - grunt as you reach for the shoe laces
Step 5 - rush for the door

...and just when you're about to lock the door from the outside you realize you forgot one of the following:
- wallet
- car keys
- I.D.
- lunch box
- Whisper (with wings)

Isn't that annoying? Well in your case you can just run back in, grab the thing, head back out and be on your way. But for me... that means I have to go through all the 5 steps AGAIN!

There was one time I left my wallet at the kitchen counter. Staring at it from outside the front door was agonizing... because I already had my shoes on!

I don't have time for the 5 steps. I need to improvise!

Garandee was nowhere in sight, adding to the temptation to do the "tip toe" or the "heel walk" to get to my wallet. But she's like CSI: she detects the slightest shoe prints no matter how clean my shoes were. Too risky!

I can crawl, but I wouldn't want my trousers to get dirty... hmm...

Then I got lucky! I found a couple of our kitchen floor rags within reach!! I put them on the floor, one under each foot. Then started sliding my way to the kitchen! YES! It was actually a lot of fun, almost like Ice Skating! Getting closer, and closer... I can almost reach for it!

Garandee: "What are you doing?"

Garando: "!!!"

Garandee: "Didn't I tell you so many times that shoes..."

Garando: "Ok, ok, I'm skating back to the front door"

Garandee: "What skating??"

Garando: "Never mind. .......I was so close......"

Garando mode:
Garando is in trouble...

Garandee's Kawawang T-Shirt - part 2

2008-10-24T08:03:00.004+08:00

read part one
read epilogue

Anonymous: "Eto ba, kuya? (is this the one?)"

Garando: "Hindi, dun pa banda... ayan, yung green (No, it's over there... that green thing)"

Anonymous: "Ah, etong green na basahan? (Ah, you mean this green rag?)"

Garandee: "Garando, who's that?"

Garando: "Jet Li."

Garandee: "NYO! Really!"

Garando: "Someone who's willing to scale walls and retrieve your shirt for some cash"

Garandee: "Oh, I see..... THANK YOU, JET LI!!!"

Garando: "Shhhh! Don't say that! I was kidding!"

Garandee: "I know.. kkk kkk kkk!!"

So Garandee finally got her shirt back, but now she doesn't want it anymore because it got too filthy.

Garandee: "it's baho, I don't like."

Garandee mode:
never mind na lang...

Sayonara, Terror...

2008-10-22T13:05:00.023+08:00

Garandee's Mom owns a few cats and this one in particular, is my favorite among the bunch.

Meet "Terror"

He's big, cocky, and works as a full time bouncer. Garandee said he's anti-social and hates visitors, but Terror developed somewhat of a liking to me... which led her to think the cat might be gay.

Sad to say, Terror passed away this month due to kidney failure (heard he had a drinking problem). This is the only video I had of him, made from a first person perspective. I'll miss the big lug...

Speaking of cats, check out these hilarious clips from "Simon's Cat"

Garando mode:
stressed out at work...

Garandee's Kawawang T-Shirt

2008-10-21T13:10:00.015+08:00

Garandee: "Garando!! Garando!! come here, EMERGENCY! Hayaku, hayaku!! (hurry)"

Garando: "Wha?? ok, ok, I'm coming! What happened??"

Garandee: "I was fixing the laundry and my kawaii T-shirt slipped and fell from our balcony*..."

*behind our apartment is a big vacant lot that collects assorted junk that either fell or got swept by the wind from tenants' balconies. Enough junk has accumulated, the lot owner can actually hold a garage sale every month.

Garando: "Is that the little green thing that cat's staring at? I hope it doesn't mistake it for a litter box..."

Garandee: "Hai.... can you get it for me? ONEGAISHIMASU!! (please)"

Garando: "I can't possibly climb that wall... besides, do you see that big sign? 'BAWAL D2 ANG TRESSPASSENG!' (tresspassing not allowed)"

Garandee: "but my shirt....."

Garando: "Hmmm... what to do... what to do.... Don't worry, I'll think of something!"

Garandee: "sayang ne... it became dirty now.... "

to be continued... (part two)

Garandee mode:
Kawawa my T-shirt....

Garando mode:
Ganbari masu to retrieve shirt!

Communication Breakdown #1 - Kayumi Lotion!

2008-10-20T11:40:00.006+08:00

Garandee is lucky communication is never a problem here in the Philippines. Almost everything is in ENGLISH! It's actually the main reason why we now bump into South Koreans in every corner. ANNYONG HASEYO!!

I wish I could say the same whenever I visit Japan though...

When I went to Kobe on business trip, Garandee asked me to buy an anti-itch lotion to bring back to Manila. So I went over to the pharmacy, and when I was about to ask the lady pharmacist... I totally forgot the brand name!

I remember Garandee wrote it down on a torn McDonald's receipt and put it in my wallet. But she put it between the bills and not in the more secure pockets at the front. It was destined to get lost!

*gulp* I am so in trouble...

Close to panic, I can only remember one Japanese word that was most relevant to what I was trying to purchase... kayumi = itch

Garando: "uhhhh... annnnoooo..... kayumi bye-bye kudasai?"

Pharmacist: "huh?"

Garando: (let me try again...) "ehem, kayumi bye-bye kudasai??"

That did it! The pharmacist walked to the back, looks like she was off to get the lotion.

But when she came back, she now had a colleague with her... to help decipher what the hell I was talking about. I watched them talk to each other:
Pharmacist 1: "bla bla bla bla bla bla bla kayumi bye-bye?"
Phramacist 2: "eeeehh???"

Still no luck, they called in the heavy artillery: a 70 year-old bald man in a white lab coat, who can be either a mad scientist or the store owner himself.

Store owner: "I'm sorry, what is problem please?"

Problem?? I had to think fast before they finally decide to call the police...

IT'S TIME FOR CHARADES!!
1) I pulled up my sleeves and scratched the hell out of my left arm and said "kayumi!!"
2) I acted like I was putting some kind of lotion on it....
3) I put the invisible lotion in my pocket, used my right hand to wave goodbye to my left arm and said, "bye-bye!!"

Pharmacist 1: " ... "
Pharmacist 2: " ... "
Store owner: " ... " (insert cricket sound here)

another 3 seconds pass...

All three of them went "Ah!!" and burst out laughing. The store owner ducked under the counter and pulled out one, glimmering bottle of anti-itch. "650 Yen please..."

Mission accomplished!

edit: Garandee told me that there's actually an itch lotion brand called "Kayumi Bye-bye". Cool.

Garando mode:
...going to office on a Monday

Japan's New Diet Craze

2008-10-18T01:13:00.004+08:00

In the news: Apparently Japan is going through another diet craze...this time involving bananas. Japanese media is simply calling it "THE Banana Diet".

Yes, weight conscious Japanese are going bananas over bananas. In fact, it got so popular Garandee said Japan had literally run out of stock, and if you're lucky enouch to find one, the price is ridiculous! If anyone is interested on more details of the banana diet, let me know.

I'm lucky Garandee doesn't like bananas that much. My knees are still wobbly after surviving her 1 week no-meat detox program. Keeping my fingers crossed...

Garandee: "Garando, which is a better brand for bananas? Dole or Dizon? ......Garando? "

Garando mode:
NYOOOOOO!!!!

Tadaima! (We're home!)

2008-10-15T16:31:00.036+08:00

We're back! I'm still pooped because I probably drove a total of 4 hours each going and back... But I'm really excited to share some of the highlights of Garando & Garandee's trip!

#1 Cows
There were a lot of cows. Garandee has always been fascinated with the animal (maybe because she likes milk so much), so she really had a blast taking photos of the resting cows as they munched on melamine-free grass. It was almost like we were in New Delhi again.

#2 Buko tart
One of my favorite pasalubongs! Tried the "Rowena's" brand for the first time, it's pretty good! But I heard there's one brand that's really known for making the best buko tarts. Wish I knew what that brand was... maybe you do?

#3 Blooming Flowers
We watched flowers bloom! Garandee would take photos of buds around 6am, then come back after a couple of hours to watch in awe as they bloomed into flowers!

#4 Rocky
OMG.... saw this ad during a quick stopover in Sucat. So if ever you're feeling lonely and happened to be in town, Rocky seems to be available! With that look, I bet gender won't be an issue. Do leave us a comment so we'll know if his "massage" was up to your expectations.

Garando mode:
So exhausted...

Let's Go Garando!

2008-10-14T09:02:00.002+08:00

5:15 am

Garando: "zzzzz...."

Garandee: "wake up, Garando...."

Garando: "5 more minutes pleazzz....zzzz..."

5:30 am

Garandee: "Garando, wake up already...."

Garando: "wake me up again when you're done changing....zzzzz"

5:50 am

Garandee: "GARANDO! GISING IKAW!!!! (wake up already!)"

Garando: "HAI!! I'm up, I'm up! see? heading to the bathroom now..."

It's 6:00 am and all is ready....

Garandee: "do you have our sandwiches?"

Garando: "HAI!"

Garandee: "do you have our drinks?"

Garando: "HAI! water, tea, and more tea!"

Garandee: "do you have my..."

Garando: "Yes, yes, i have all your cookbooks."

Garandee: "OK!! LET's GO BEBE!"

Garando: "...AGH!!!! Don't lock the door yet!"

Garandee: "?"

Garando: "I don't have our house keys..."

Garandee: "ai naku..."

Garando & Garandee: We're going somewhere for a couple of days... We'll see you when we get back!

Garandee mode:
Let's GO Garando!! Chop chop!!

Garando mode:
Why do we have to leave so early....

*photos courtesy of Garandee.

The Tabo

2008-10-11T19:55:00.002+08:00

I dread the days when I get some really tough questions from Garandee that I normally would not have to deal with if we were of the same nationality. Take for instance the first time she used the toilet in my apartment...

She came out of the toilet holding something in her hand and asked me, "what is this?"

Garando: "uh, that's called a tabo"

Garandee: "I see. What is it for?"

Garando: (sigh, i knew that was coming....) "it's uh... used for a special purpose."

Garandee: "Oh really? like what?"

Garando: "You don't have those in Japan do you? Well, that comes in handy whenever my ceiling leaks during the rainy season".

Garandee: "Oh i see...but you don't live on the top floor."

Garando: "uh, right. Well, I use that to water plants too."

Garandee: "but you don't have any..."

Garando: "Let's go, we're going to be late for the movie!"

I can't blame her for being overly curious about that mysterious plastic artifact we filipinos keep lying around our toilets because when I used her toilet in Tokyo I found this...

Neat...the higher models might even have a button for automatic tampon removal.

Garando mode:
I love weekends!!

Christian Ito and Hideaki Bautista

2008-10-10T11:35:00.000+08:00

Two weeks ago we breezed through another Jdrama, "Umizaru Evolution". We enjoyed the drama so much that we ended up watching the two Umizaru full length movies too. The nice story and suspense kept me hooked, while Garandee drooled over the main character played by Hideaki Ito...

Garandee: "Wow, he is sooo KAKKOII (handsome)!! And so macho with those abs, so opposite of Garando's stomach!! *hint* *hint*

Garando: "Big deal. Did you know that behind the macho image, he comes to Manila often to sing really cheesy 80's love song covers?"

Garandee: "Eeeeeeeehhh!! Maji de?? I don't believe you, that's not even possible!"

Garando: "Oh, you want proof? take a look..."

Garandee: "NYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! What happened my Hideake-kun!?!?"

Garandee Mode:
NYOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

"Signature" Restaurants in Manila: Conti's

2008-10-08T17:56:00.000+08:00

I have this thing about popular "signature" restaurants in Manila: Alba's, Antonio's, Abe, Som's, Razon's, Amicci's, Sango, etc. All do exceptionally well in setting high expectations for food bloggers/connoisseurs by serving outstanding grub! No matter how simple or fancy their menu is, you'll always find yourself leaving with a bloated stomach and satisfied burp.

Now there's Conti's... Garandee and I would always find one around the corner whenever we'd go shopping, and the place was always packed during lunch & dinner. Did it make it to our list of ICHIBAN "signature" restaurants? Here's what we ordered...

Garandee ordered:
Chicken Roulade with Saffron Mushroom Risotto - P145 + P25 (upgrade)

Despite the generous serving of gravy, it doesn't connect with the taste of burnt, blackened chicken skin. It seems the chicken was grilled enough to achieve just the right bitterness. And the risotto, oh the risotto. I never knew you can actually mold it! kewl, but you're better off with plain rice. trust me.

Garando ordered:
Pastel de Lengua (ox tongue) - P210

What's a coaster doing on top of my lengua? Oh! It's the baked crust! I moved that out of the way and I was delighted to see at least 3 chunks of lengua under all that potato and mushroom. Taste was ok, but nothing to write home about. IMO, P210 was way too much for 3 chunks of lengua, a coaster, and 2 tiny scoops of risotto (probably cost me P80 each). So mahal, but why so Conti?

Dissapointed: Maybe we ordered the wrong entrees because I heard some good things about the Baked Salmon and the Mango Bravo. I guess we'll probably visit Conti's again someday... I kinda feel guilty for stealing that coaster and was thinking of returning it.

Garando mode:
I have a bad cold...

Shini Gan

2008-10-08T01:10:00.000+08:00

After living in the Philippines for over 5 years, Garandee has learned to love classic Filipino dishes. At the top of her list is Pork/Prawn sinigang.

Dee: "Garando, I made my first Shini-Gan!!"

Do: "...uh wow, that really looks and smells like Sinigang! But did you forget to put the meat in?"

Dee: "Nyo! That's healthy Shini-Gan!! I put more focus on vegetables! Japanese really love to eat healthy you know..."

Do: "Oh. (hmmm... can hardly wait 'till she learns how to make healthy bulalo)".

Sneaked in a few pieces of pork while she was watching NHK, and voila! Sinigang.

Garando mode:
Getting ready for work!

Balut & Natto

2008-10-07T01:09:00.001+08:00

Natto
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natto

The first time I tried natto was in Osaka around 2004. A friend took me to one of those sushi conveyor restaurants, I was eating all the sushi I could get my hands on. After about 7-8 plates, she offered me this ordinary looking maki that I seem to have missed. It had a clump of tiny round things at the top, I assumed it was fish roe (though it didn't look like it was a salmon's). I do not hesitate when it comes to food so I popped one in my mouth pronto.

.....holy %@#$!

My taste buds were stunned. Struggling not to make a scene and embarass the host, I kept it in. Eating natto for the first time is a rare moment that's hard to explain. It had this slimy texture, an "aged to perfection" taste, and it smelled like my old sneakers.

My instincts kicked in so I grabbed a glass of water to hose it down, but it was too late. The natto was so slimy it had coated my tongue and gums, and those healthy little fermented soy beans clung to the gaps of my teeth. It was going to take more than one glass of water to bring it down. Panic set in, my eyes started to water, but I was eventually saved by a pitcher of tea. At least my friend thanked me for the short bit of amusement I gave her that night.

4 years after that ordeal, Garandee often eats natto for breakfast. I've learned to live with it.

Balut*
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balut

Garandee will never touch the thing, not too many foreigners do. Balut is as gross as it can get, but I'm surprised it didn't make it to the top 3 of Discovery's "Bizzare Foods" by Andrew Zimmern (which is one of my favorite shows btw). Here's a bizarre host doing a demo on how to properly eat balut.

Occassionally I bring home a couple whenever I feel nostalgic and Dee totally hates seeing me enjoying it.

* ~~balut photo taken from Wikipedia. I've reached my balut quota (had one 8 months ago) so I am not allowed to buy one for my blog...~~
* Garandee thinks the wikipedia photo was too disgusting, so I just drew one.

Garando mode:
Thinking of blog design....