Kablogs Award

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)!! Read More......

Blog Awards and A Blog Feature

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! Read More......

The Mega Meme

I'm back in Manila!

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

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


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

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



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

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

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

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




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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

I Love Your Blog Award

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

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

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


Ten Birthday Wishes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Your Blog is Fab Award

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... Read More......

Honest Weblog Award

"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...

Read More......