Prologue: Forgive me for the way I wrote my sentences in my last entry.  I couldn’t really think right that night so I made some nasty errors.

Grandma was buried yesterday, but I’m still jaded as to how I should feel.  I didn’t cry when the lid on her coffin was closed, even when she was already placed inside her final resting place.  Probably because I had a good cry last Saturday when I was writing my previous entry.  Tears almost always dropped each time I pressed a letter on my keyboard.

Moving on is a part of life.  I cannot dwell in it forever.  So even if it’s hard, I must not feel this way forever.  It’s a good thing I have hime-sama to listen to me whenever I feel low.  I don’t know what I’d do if she’s not there for me. Thanks Jaye, even if you feel you’re not giving me enough love, the fact remains that you’re giving me more than what I should deserve.

Well then, with that said, I’ll be reviving the Teleported Samurai novel! This time, I should really set a time for it.  I must/want write that novel.  Oh and thanks to everyone who gave their condolences: Brent, Chris, Elizel, Abby, Ria, and Joan.  You guys are always special in my <3.  Cheers people! XD

It was this morning, I was taking a bath getting ready for work.  Suddenly, my mom knocked on the bathroom door and muttered something in a sad, crying voice.  “Art? Art…?”

“Yes?”

“Wag ka muna pumasok ngayon ha? Tumawag si tita mo eh…Ayaw na daw gumising ni mama.”

My family and I immediately rushed to Bulacan to see my grandmother.  It was too late though.  When we talked to my tita’s driver upon arriving, he told us that my grandma was already taken to the funeral parlor.

We entered the room where my grandma used to stay, but I couldn’t help but go to another room.  Seeing an empty room like that, is just beyond sad.

I’ll miss all our times together, she was an excellent grandma.  If it weren’t for her and my lolo, I wouldn’t be where I am now.  They always supported my education financially.  I was always close with my grandma.  She was my first teacher in cooking.  I remember the time when she taught me how to chop garlic, which was my first cooking lesson.  Whenever I had the time, I always chopped vegetables for her until eventually, she taught me how to cook.  She first taught me how to cook my very first sinangag, the dish I always loved ever since I was a kid.  She taught me lots of things in cooking, and she loved to feed me with the dishes she made.  It’s just sad that she didn’t taught me all the recipes she knows.  Recipes that would forever be lost.

Remember the bagoong recipe I’m so proud to make? That was her recipe.  It tastes wonderful isn’t it? I never tasted anyone made bagoong like that.  I’ll always remember her when I cook that dish.  In fact, I think I’ll always remember her when I cook.

I regret a lot of things.  Things that I never had the chance to do for her.  I wasn’t there when she died, we didn’t go see an herbalist like I promised (because both of us believed that herbal medicine is 10 times better than the chemical ones), I didn’t had the chance to take her to a mall to treat her there, and probably the worst regret I currently feel right now: I was planning to feed her a pecking duck meal this Friday, which of course, I can’t do so anymore.  All she wanted was a pecking duck but I also failed to give it to her.  Oh remembering all these things, it just breaks my heart.  But what is regret? It won’t do me any good now.  These will turn to scars that only time can heal.  If time can heal it.

I was blessed with a nice, loving grandmother who always wished the best for me.  I will never forget our times, the knowledge she taught me and the support she had given me.  Farewell to you my grandma.  A farewell from the worst grandchild you ever had.

Hello everyone! It’s nice to be back. XD

Well, one of the reasons why I was away was because I decided (Abby convinced me to) to switch to wordpress.  It’s a nice move.  I realized it got lots of cooler features than what my previous blog has to offer.

One of the other reasons why I was away was…Well, I couldn’t find time to post things on my blog.  But now, I made a solemn vow to at least post something to my blog every once in a while, not once every three months.  lol!

Finally, about the theme.  It pretty much speaks why I decided for version 6 to look like this.  I was away, not literally, but there are lots of things that have been in my mind.  And most of them are very unpleasant.

I trained in the arts of physical combat.  My mind is conditioned to stay very calm in dangerous situations.  However, there is one battle that even the strongest of men cannot conquer easily.  Something (as I can’t define it properly) that attacks the very senses of your mind.  Something that will keep you awake and will always make you wonder.  Something that wants to break you, selfishly making you see it’s way.  Something that could eternally change your life…It’s something horrible.  In fact, it is the most horrible villain I ever encountered as it isolates one from any help he/she can get.  Yes, none can help me this time.  Not my martial-arts, not my sword, not even my dearest friends.  It’s a personal battle that I must face alone, conquer alone.  I am scared, I confessingly admit, but I must do it.

I was away for a while, battling it out.  It’s a shame I couldn’t defeat it yet.  I had no other choice but to go home.  It’s a good thing I’m not alone when I went back.  She had always been a sanctuary.  Someone whom I can entrust my whole life.  Someone who knows me very, very well.  Someone whom I will always love.  Someone who will always say “Welcome home.”  Probably after this, I could find strength and finally beat this horrible villain.

Oh and no, if you’re thinking I have another girl, that’s not it.  I didn’t also impregnated anyone.

Well anyway, I just needed to let that out.  For the ones who will read this, don’t worry about me.  I’m strong.  I know I can put an end to this.

Kudos Comrades! XD

Before my entry about my recent adventures in Hong Kong, let me just tell you about some people I know that gives me the creeps and gives me a certain amount of sadness whenever I remember them.

Basically, they’re people with big heads (mahangin in tagalog), who think they’re already that civilizied, wise and good people. They criticize people according to the way they see them fit and thinks that they’re practically stupid when a person doesn’t know what they already know. In other words, it’s like “Pucha yun lang di mo alam?” It’s like you have to know how to do this or you’re stupid. But the fact is, it’s them who are stupid for being so egotistically blinded by their air, probably because of their low self esteem because if you take that “knowledge (or so they thought)” away from them, they’re nothing more than people who loves to do “Intellectual Masturbation.” -1- (see footnote)

Everyone has their own talents and skills. You can’t just say, for example, Philippine history teacher: “Tanga! yun lang di mo alam? Si Ninoy binaril hindi sinaksak!” to a Japanese chef because he can also say this to you: “Baka yaro! You don’t know how to make sushi?!” Thing is, a fact for you may be trash to others. So what if you know this or that? Who cares? It’s not that they’re stupid just because they don’t know the thing you know. You can’t even say it’s general knowledge because NO PERSON KNOWS EACH AND EVERY GENERAL KNOWLEDGE. If I were to choose whom to hang out with, either from a self-proclaimed genius or a stupid person, I’d rather hang out with a stupid person. One can never learn from a self-proclaimed genius simply because he’s proud, irrational, stupid, and a jerk (in colloquial terms). It’s true that LITTLE KNOWLEDGE can lead you to destruction. People with air are very judgemental but the fact is, every bad adjective they throw to a person is actually a trait they have in them. It’s funny they don’t see it because of the air that had become a fog in front of their faces.

On the other hand, the person who is often labeled as “stupid” just because he doesn’t strut a lot of things like “Oooh! I know this and that, yeah I read that (even if they just want to say it to impress), Hey I know how to do this, ooohh I’m so eligible to do that kinda stuff, Ooooh lookie my grades, ain’t it perfect? etc.” doesn’t mean he/she’s already stupid. He/she’s just humble. I know a friend who doesn’t talk and strut all that stuff but he’s a marketplace of knowledge when it comes to life, parenting and profession. I also have this close friend who was recently awarded with a blog pick of the week award but she didn’t even brag about it saying things like “Hey! praise me! I won an award!”

Still, even literal “stupid (as labeled by society)” people are wise beings on their own. You can learn from him/her and he/she can learn from you. Why? Because there are no air barriers between you two. There’s respect, humility and ethics.

I remember a verse in the Holy Bible stating something like “Pinili ng Dios ang maliliit sa sanlibutang ito upang hiyain ang mga makapangyarihan…” Something like that, though those aren’t the exact words. Need I say more?

Bottom line is, I don’t know if its just me, but I really don’t like proud and rude people. Indeed knowledge can either make you humble or mad. But in these person(s) case, it’s already on top of the meter. I just hope he/she/they change for the better or lots of people will despise them in the long run.

Hey, if I’m like that, I can also say, “Hey! You can’t even do a correct circular neck throw?! It’s so simple like breathing!” right? I’m really sad for the proud youth today. Hey, I’m not perfect and I definitely have my flaws but at least I know how not to trample other people because of my eccentricity. Now I have a little idea on how Gary Granada feels for these type of people.

“I feel sad for that woman and those two young managers. So young, so successful, so ahead of their game, so privileged; so rude, so arrogant, so lacking in character, so bland. And I have since stopped wondering why their burgers taste the way they do.” -Gary Granada

[-1- Trillana, R., Political Dynamics Teacher, in one of his lectures stating that people who are afraid to voice out serious concerns to the people involved and just enjoy ranting about it with their circle of friends are “intellectual masturbators.”] (Apparently, it will be the only thing left for the people in my topic if you remove their self-proclaimed “high knowledge.”)

The Yagyu samurai rushed towards Takayanagi, and the latter drew his matchlock. The distance was disadvantageous for Yagyu…Takayanagi finished aiming and pulled the trigger. When he was about to get hit by the bullet, he blocked it with one of his swords, and a bright flash of light suddenly emanated between the clashing of the steel and the bullet…

*Opening song enters: Kasumi yuku sora se ni shite by Janne da Arc

*Opening song fades

(Tadaktasu is eating a meal prepared by Ruri and is now wearing modern clothing. Tadaktsu wears a plain, orange shirt and a pair of jeans)

“So let me get this straight…you’re a samurai working under the Shogun from the year 1629.”

“(Nods while eating) Hai.”

“And you’re from the Yagyu Samurai Family.”

“(Nods while eating) Hai.”

“And this crest is a proof that you’re really from the Yagyu Family and this scroll indicates that you’re indeed working under the Shogun.”

“(Nods while eating) Hai.”

“You also said that you were currently fighting against the Takayanagi private army.”

“(Nods while eating) Hai.”

“And the last thing you remember was you confronted this Takayanagi guy in his manision, challenged him, blocked the bullet he fired, then all of a sudden you passed out.”

“(Nods while eating) Hai.”

“And you have no idea why you’re here.”

“(Nods while eating) Hai.”

“IS ‘HAI’ ALL YOU CAN SAY?!” (Ruri uppercuts Tadakatsu: It was a direct hit.)”

“Ow ow ouch! Oi! What was that for?!”

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST BELIEVE ALL THAT?!”

“I don’t know! I don’t even believe I’m in the year 2007!”

“And how can I believe that you came from 1629?! What if you’re…you’re just a pervert?! What if you’re that kind of guy who pretends to be someone in need of help, (turns her back to Tadakatsu then talks loudly to herself) then if a kind, young, cute and beautiful girl helps him, he attacks her and…and…! No!!!!!

“(Clueless) Areh…? Did you say…cute and beaut-”

“(Kicks Tadakatsu’s nose) WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY?!”

*Scene changes. Tadakatsu’s nose is bandaged*

“Well, from what we’ve talked so far…you don’t seem like lying.”

“Finally…”

“But it’s really hard to believe…that you ended up here just like that.”

“Yeah.”

“Like you’ve been teleported here for some reason.”

“Tele…ported?”

“Yes, teleported. You know, like you’re in one place then suddenly, you are automatically transferred to another in a blink of an eye.”

“Is that even possible?”“Well, you’re here.”

“True.”

“But what concerns me is why you’re chasing after that Takayanagi guy.”

“(Tadakatsu’s face became more serious) Takayanagi…He…wants to eliminate all of the samurai in Japan.”

“Why does he want to do that?”

“Because most of us are against his plan on using the weapon of mass destruction.”

“Weapon of mass destruction?”

“Yes. It’s a weapon called the matchlock. It has the ability to kill a person instantly with one blow.”

“The matchlock? You mean the gun invented by the Europeans that we’re eventually shipped in Japan?”

“Yes! Do you know any information about it?!”

“Well, I learned it in our history lessons.”

“Oh…right…it was history in this time.”

“Why do you hate the matchlock so much?”

“There are 2 reasons why to hate that thing. First is that it can cause quick wars against clans…no, nations! Anyone can use the matchlock and anyone who has this thing will have no fear in waging countless wars! Second is that it destroys honor. True strength is achieved through many days of practice and correct meditation. In order to have true strength, one must train both the body and mind extensively to achieve discipline. The matchlock destroys these two factors. There are neither real strength nor discipline with matchlocks. It is only a symbol of pure destruction.”

“I see…and does Takayanagi have a lot of matchlocks to spare?”

“Not just that. He has the complete layout on how to make matchlocks. If that layout reaches other greedy merchants or warlords, all of Japan would be destroyed…”

“I see…”

(Dead silence for 10 seconds. The gentle breeze made the chimes on Ruri’s window play a delicate sound.)

“(Sips tea) Haa…Thanks for the meal, Ruri-dono.”

“Ah! Iye iye…”

“Gomen…I’ve been trouble for you.”

“(Turns head sideways) Mm, not at all.”

“…”

“(Stares at Tadakatsu)”

“Is…there something on my face?”

“Ah, gomen. It’s just that I still can’t believe a samurai from Yagyu Jubei’s clan is here.”

“Oh! You know my brother?!”

“Hai. Yagyu Jubei is known throughout Japan. We study him during history lessons.”

“Souka…History lessons.”

“Oh…gomennasai.”

“Iye…It’s just weird to hear that the Yagyu is a part of history now.”

“Yeah…”

“Can you believe that…I was in a war just a few moments ago and all of a sudden I’m here…in a completely new world.”

“I understand. It also feels weird for me to be face to face with a person from the past: a samurai on top of that! But…I want to believe you.”

“Domo.”

“You don’t seem to be lying and I never met anyone who’s as serious as you are. So I don’t think you’d be lying at this point.”

“Is there any way to go back to where I am?”

“Beats me. There are no technologies like that here.”

“I see…”

“Aww don’t be so sad. I’m sure there’s a way! I mean you got here right? So there must be a way to get you back.”

“(Smiles)”“By the way, since you don’t have anywhere to go, you may stay here at my place.”

“Honto desu-ka? Won’t that be a problem for you?”

“No not at all. As long as you help me with the chores.”

“Agreed.”

“Especially the cooking.”

“Of course! Oh by the way, won’t it be a problem for your parents?”

“I…don’t live with my parents. (Ruri’s face was enveloped in sadness).

“Oh…”

“So you don’t have to worry about that!”

“I see. Siblings?”

“A brother, but he’s also away.”

“Souka…so you really live alone here then? It’s a pretty big house for someone living alone.”

“Well, my family used to live here but moved out, so there. Anyway, I’ll give you a room to stay here ok?”

“Domo.”

Ruri stands and went in an empty room to prepare it for Tadakatsu. Tadakatsu follows her after a few moments.

“Ruri-dono.”

“Please cut the dono salutation. We don’t really use that here any longer and besides, you don’t really have to call me like that in the first place.”

“I see.”

“Ruri is fine.”

“Ruri-san.”

“Sheesh you’re so stiff! What year did you come from?”

“…”

“Oh…hehe…sorry about that. But please, loosen up a bit ok?”

“I’ll try my best.”

“Is a samurai really that respectful?”

“Respect comes first in our family, Ruri-dono.”

“Hey!”

“Err…Ruri…san.”

“Hahaha…you’ll get used to it don’t worry. So tell me about yourself.”

“Myself?”

“Yeah, what do you do aside from serving the Shogun?”

“I train.”

“Go on…”

“And train more.”

“That’s all you do?”

“Hai. I live for the Shogun, I live for his people.”

“Do you have any forms of entertainment when you’re not training?”

“Hmm…you mean when I’m at rest.”

“I read or cook.”

“Read? That’s good! What kind of books do you read?”

“Training manuals, sword fighting techniques, How to take dow-“

“Oh ok I get it, I get it. Err…what kind of meals can you prepare?”

“Sashimi, onigiri, ramen, fish karaage, teriyaki, there’s a lot more.”

“Wow so many! Make all of that in your stay here ok?”

“You like food that much huh?”

“(Glares at Art and the scene turns black) And you’re implying…?”

“Ah iye! Iye! Ahehehe…”

“…”

“Aherm! So, how about you? Tell me something about yourself and this present time.”

“Well, I’m pretty much the average student studying in college. Well the world as you can see is very different from where you came from. It’s hard to explain it in words and it’s probably better if you see it in your own.”

“Different?”

“Yes, I believe it’s much different from what you have back in your time. The environment, the people, the culture, everything.”

“Hmm…you’re right. I’ll see it for myself then.”

“Good! Oh and I’m finished fixing up your quarters. You may rest here for the night.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh and wake up early tomorrow ok? You’re going to school with me.”

“Go to school with you? Why?”

“Don’t you wanna see the world?”

“Oh right.”

“So you may come with me tomorrow and act as my Yojimbo.”

“Bodyguard? Someone’s after you?”

“Of course not. You don’t have a job do you?”

“Yes, of course none.”

“So just think of it as a part of your job in return for staying here for free ok? Besides you want to see the world right? So I think it’s the best thing to do.”

“I see. It’s no problem then.”

“Ok then, let’s retire for the night. Tomorrow, you get to see the world, Katsu-kun.”

“Hai, oyasumi then, Ruri-san.”Ruri leaves the room to Katsu.

*Ending song enters: “Miracle by BoA

“Tomorrow…I see the world then, huh? I wonder how different this is from my time…”

Episode 1: The one who challenged fate

Tokugawa Era - 1629

“Eighty seven…eighty eight! Will this ever end?!” screamed Horibe Yasubei as his sweat came running down from his forehead like tears while slashing and stabbing every enemy he encounters. “Oi! Yagyu-dono! you should head for the main chamber! it won’t do us good if both of us are slain here! Haaaah!” said Yasubei looking at his friend while slaying his eight ninth. “No way Yasu. I promised Takara that I’d protect her soon to be husband. If you die, I can’t face her again.” “Baka yaro! get out of here now! Don’t let Takayanagi get away or all of Japan will suffer!”

Yasubei’s friend was in deep awe upon hearing this because he knows that his cousin would be in vain should Yasubei die. However, if Takayanagi Matashiro escapes, all of Japan would suffer a horrible fate. But he knows his priorities. He gave Yasubei a quick bow, turned his back to his dear friend, and rushed towards the mansion to confront Takayanagi himself.

“Takayanagi!!” he shouted as he finally reached the burning chambers of Takayanagi. “Well…it looks like the daimyo’s dog finally made it. Are you sure you can still fight me with that wound on your arm?” “I, a samurai of the Yagyu clan, shall strike you down with Hayai Tora and Densetsu Tora! prepare yourself Takayanagi!!” “You government dogs still don’t understand it eh? Japan will never survive with the samurai around! But enough talk! This will be the last chamber you’ll see!”

The Yagyu samurai rushed towards Takayanagi, and the latter drew his matchlock. The distance was disadvantageous for Yagyu…Takayanagi finished aiming and pulled the trigger. When he was about to get hit by the bullet, he blocked it with one of his swords, and a bright flash of light suddenly emanated between the clashing of the steel and the bullet…

*Opening song enters: Kasumi yuku sora se ni shite by Janne da Arc

*Opening song fades

My name is Yagyu Tadakatsu. I am a samurai working under the Shogun and my current mission is to thwart the plans of Takayanagi Matashiro, a merchant who wishes to eliminate all the samurai in Japan. I remember that Takayanagi and I was on a duel when a bright flash of light suddenly came which blinded me. I don’t really know why that happened that day but after that blinding light, everything around me became white and I felt my body grew so heavy I couldn’t even use my hands to stop myself from falling flat behind my back. After that, I couldn’t breathe. Did I die? Did I get hit by that bullet? I knew I blocked it but still, I never felt anything like this. After a few seconds more, I finally fainted.

Tokyo, Japan - 2007

Now all I see is darkness. I don’t know where am I but I can feel that I’m lying somewhere. I just can’t see where. Probably if I just calm down, my senses would eventually come back…

I feel some fresh air. I can now breath much better than a few minutes ago. Oh and my fingers moved! I’ll rest a little bit more until I can get up back on my feet…

Finally! I have the strength to open my eyes! My vision is getting clearer and clearer. Ah, now I can see everything! I smiled in relief. But that smile didn’t last long as it was replaced by a sudden puzzling reaction my face gave when I looked what surrounds me. It appears I’m in a room, a room surrounded by weird animals that don’t move. All they did was smile. It was weird but somehow I wasn’t surprised that long because they were all small. They’re probably toys which are very similar to a Noh doll little girls play. I never seen bears in small sizes and in different colors contrary to what I hunt in our forests. There are also weird paintings posted around the room. Lots of paintings of a man in different poses. Oh and there’s something written at the bottom of one of the paintings. It says “Seven.” It’s probably the name of the person in the painting. Everything around me is new. It’s like I’m in a different dimension. I also realize that I’m lying in a bed, a bed so soft and so different from the ones I know. I never seen anything like this…I don’t like it. I’m probably in a foreign enemy territory. Takayanagi might have dragged me here to imprison me! I gotta get out fast!

I now feel my strength has returned to me fully. I quickly jumped out of the bed I was lying in. I saw a strangely made door, I quickly rushed to it with only searching for Takayanagi in my mind. However, when I was about to reach for the door, I suddenly rammed into someone! Both of us fell down on different directions. I immediately stood as fast as I can and drew my sword.

“Who are you?!”

“Ouch…Oh so you’re finally awake! You got me worried back there. How’s your wound on your arm?”

I saw a wrapped bandage on my left arm which stopped the bleeding. “Did you do this?”

“Uh-huh. Umm…Can you please stop pointing that katana to me? It’s kinda scary you know.”

“Oh! (sheaths sword) forgive my impudence ma’am. (bows) I am Yagyu Tadakatsu, a samurai of the Yagyu clan. Thank you for healing my wounds.”

“Samurai?”

“Hai.”

“(Laughs histerically) What are you? Are you doing a film or something?”

“…..”

“Sorry about that but samurai doesn’t exist anymore in this time and age.”

“What do you mean? This country is still ruled under the mighty Tokugawa Ieyasu!”

“What? But that was like ages ago! Tokugawa’s era ended light years ago.”

“What year is this?”

“The year 2007, umm…are you ok? Maybe you hit your head. Rest a bit more. You’ll probably remember where you came from if you rest more.”

“2007?! you must be mistaken. This is year 1629!”

“1629? Look around you Mr. Samurai. Does it look like 1629 to you?”

“Everything here is indeed unfamiliar to me. What place is this?”

“Tokyo, Japan.”

“Phew. Well at least it’s still Japan. But where is Tokyo?”

“Huh? You don’t even know Tokyo? Kyoto in ancient history?

“Kyoto? ancient history? But…”

Everything is so unclear to me. The sudden change in my surroundings, the sudden change of time, and meeting with this girl, a girl dressed in a foreign clothing.

“2007…Tokyo…Tokugawa Era ended…How long have I been sleeping ma’am?”

“Well I just found you today in front of my door. You were wounded so I immediately took you in and gave you first aid. Your kimono is all torn and bloody so I decided to run at my friend’s house and borrow some of his clothes cause I have no clothes to lend you. Then when I returned here, you were awake, crashed into me and pointed that sword to me. You know the rest.”

“I see. (sits down in confusion)”

“Hey…Are you really a samurai? Did you come from some sort of a portal? (giggles).”

“(Looks at the girl seriously)”

“So you’re not kidding, are you?”

“…..”

“Ruri. Tanaka Ruri.”

“Huh?”

“My name. I’m Ruri, a college student in Tokyo University.”

“I see…”

“Anyway, you’re still confused. It doesn’t look like your kidding and all so I’ll let you stay for a while in my place. Let me get you something to eat ok? We’ll discuss more after I get you something. Oh and please wear these clothes so you’ll feel more comfortable.”

“Domo…Ruri-dono.”

Everything’s just wrong. Ruri-dono mentioned something about me coming through a portal. Could it be even possible? Did that bright light caused all of this to happen? Whatever the reason is all I know is this is going to be one long journey…”

Ending song enters: “Miracle” by BoA

(To be continued)

I wish I could’ve asked my grandma, my first cooking teacher, to list down all of her recipes when she was a bit younger. She can still remember her recipes and is still one heck of a grandmaster in the cooking world, but she can’t remember them all now. I regret not asking her one of the most delicious dishes our clan can make: “Kare-Kare Ng Family Style.”

Sure I can learn that from the Internet now, master it, and put my signature on the dish by altering it to my style, but it’s kinda sad to think that our Kare-Kare recipe will be lost…If I don’t act fast!

It seems like I need to make the dish myself, let her taste it, and see if she can remember the taste so that I can adjust the ingredients to our traditional taste next time. Seems like this would be a challenge for me. Yooooosssh!!! (On his way to being an) Iron Chef Art episode 39! Rebirth of the Dead Dish!!! Umm…That doesn’t sound right, does it? Lol!

*Sigh* Aanhin pa ang damo kung wala na ang kabayo? Aanhin pa mouse kung wala namang left click? Aanhin pa ang GKSS (short for “Gugulong Ka Sa Sarap” Maño, 2002) na Bagoong namin kung walang Kare-Kare!

I remember the taste faintly…One can really taste that creamy peanut butter sauce, the soft texture of the meat, and the superb blending of the vegetables with the dish. I’ve tasted a lot of Kare-Kares but I guess my grandma’s will always be the best. Nope, I’m not being biased just because she’s family. Our spaghetti dishes are excellent, but my girlfriend’s mom is better in making pasta dishes than us. Pagpatung patungin mo na lahat ng pasta sa mundo, pero yung kanila talaga ang the best! (Of course my girlfriend’s mom is family to me, but I’m talking about blood relations, cause some tend to say that theirs is the best cause the one who made it is a family member or a relative.)

I just hope I can learn our Kare-Kare recipe ASAP. I’d really love to eat it with our Bagoong.

Hmm…I think I’ll list down all the recipes I know. Not to brag or anything, but just so I’ll know how many I can already make, and what I can make. (Hey! It’s my blog. XD) I currently know how to make 38 dishes. I hope I didn’t forget anything.

Korean Beef/Pork Barbeque (self-taught)
Filipino Style Stir-fried Beef/Pork Steak (self-taught)
Sweet and Sour Pork (self-taught)
Crispy Pata with special sauce (self-taught)
Pork Siu Mai (self-taught)
Stir-fried Chicken BBQ (mom)
Grilled Chicken BBQ (self-taught)
Afritada (mom)
Steamed Chicken with special sauce (self-taught)
Sinigang na Baboy/Manok (mom)
Sisig (friend and pork vendor)
Chicken/Pork/Chicken and Pork Adobo (auntie)
Hoy Gising! [Spicy pork dish] (friend)
Stir-fried Giniling (mom)
Ginataang Galunggong (self-taught)
Steamed Lapu-lapu in light soy sauce (grandma)
Fried catfish in soy sauce with gingers and chives (grandma)
Sashimi Method (self-taught)
Tuna in Garlic and Butter Sauce (self-taught)
Tuna with wintermelon (2 friends)
Halabos na Hipon with special sauce (grandma and dad)
Spaghetti with red sauce (auntie)
Spaghetti in olive oil and mushroom (auntie)
Adobong Kangkong (grandma)
Arroz Caldo (mom)
Tokwa’t baboy (self-taught)
Monggo (dad and girlfriend)
Buttered Vegetables (self-taught)
Lumpiang Toge (mom)
Egg Omelette (self-taught)
Bagoong (grandma)
Kim Lo soup (friend)
Mashed Potato (granpa)
Garlic Rice (grandma)
Fried Rice, lots of versions (self-taught)
Mango Sago (self-taught)
Banana Split (self-taught)
Hotcake (self-taught)

Not an important trivia: The first dish I learned to make is Garlic Rice.

Congratulations! you made me so pissed I’m forgetting the discipline I’ve learned from my Aikido and Karate classes. Usually, insults and provocations won’t move me but I don’t know with this person. Calm down…calm down…breath in…breath out…

The subic rape case. That long, excruciating wait for the judges’ decision (which is very common in the Philippines) was finally announced last Monday. I wasn’t really following the details on this case but the decision made me say “eh?” at the back of my mind. As one of my friends posted in his blog, “It’s either you convict all or you acquit all.” Because the other 3 marines were there, they should be considered as a part of the crime. Why, they have the strength to stop the crime if they wanted to. You can’t just say that it’s none of your business when a crime is being committed by your colleague, especially when it is done inside the van you’re also in, most especially when you’re a marine. It’s like saying “A friend of mine killed our maid inside our house. I just watched him kill her. It’s none of my business actually, even if I have the strength to stop him. I’m not responsible for my friend nor for our maid, even if the crime was done inside our house.” Kapeesh? I really think it’s unfair to have only one suffer the consequences.

However, I’m not entirely for Nicole on this one. What triggered the rape to her wasn’t entirely the 4 marines’ fault. Half of it was her fault, dancing with the marines while drunk, what can you expect? Sheesh.

***

My heart goes for the victims in Albay. I just hope some of the government’s pork barrel will be donated to them. If they do, I’m sure the people there can build mansions and run big time businesses. However, it’s been a week and I don’t really see progress.

***

…Which makes you think how “industrious” our admin congressmen are just to achieve more power. Why, they were so busy last night till early morning just to force their con-ass churvaloo, even if it meant breaking the law. I wonder if they can also be that “industrious” to solve the problems in Albay.

Heck, no wonder why other countries lack respect for us. It’s probably because our leaders won’t even follow rules. It made me remember what a teacher once said to our class during college, “If we can’t even follow our own rules, none will respect us.”

pero wala paring tatalo sa pagkalate ni Chris magupdate ng blog nya at ma late sa skul. hakhakhak.

Aherm!! Minsan lang ako mag update ng ganitong “kakaibang” entry, kaya please teddy bear with me? ok?

Wala namang strike sa internet diba? Baka late parin magupdate si chris kasi may strike daw sa internet. Di daw makasakay sa barko dahil walang “port.” LOL! get it? ayiiii! minsan lang ako magjoke, tanggapin mo na!

At ang bago naman kay abby. Alam nyo ba na may bago syang pic na nakaposing uli? hayup! parang tunay! May hidden talent ka pala abby na magposing posing sa camera, itago mo nalang tol ung hidden talent mo, para masaya! ashishishishishishi

At si mareng Elizel, kamusta na ang dancing lessons with fil-am chuck? I hope you’re endyoying der! Apir mah ol buddy!

At si Tristan, tol! Miss na kita. na mimiss ko na pag kumakanta tau ng “la la la” ni Vic n Jose. Tol, ingatan mo yang baga mo ha? baka malungkot si…

Mareng Joyce! kamusta din? buti nahagilap kita sa net nung makaraang araw. apir tol! salamat sa paniniwala mo sakin na minsan ay magiging Iron Chef din ako. hakhakhak. apir!

Mareng Mitch! Salamat sa pagpapaalala mo sa amin tungkol dun sa yearbook. na touch ako kasi ur still dedicated in being our president! apir!

ayun. nangulit lang ako. bye bye! (may maiupdate lang. anu ba yan!) hehe