Alfajores Recipe (Wiki)

• 1/2 cup butter,
• 1 cup sugar,
• 1 egg,
• 2 egg yolks,
• 1 tsp. vanilla,
• 2 tsp. lemon rind, grated,
• 1 1/2 cup cornstarch,
• 1/2 cup flour,
• 1 tsp. baking powder, and
• 1/4 tsp. salt.

Cream butter; add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well. Beat in vanilla and lemon rind. Sift together cornstarch, flour, baking powder and salt. Add to mixture and ...]]> Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:01:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/562867 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/555383
-Sumptuous meals and heartwarming KrisKringle at Darwin Padlan's condo with Bébé's Titos and Titas and Ninongs and Ninangs! Don't you just love parties with people who matter? :-) Thanks to all the gifts, friends! Lablabs!

Photographs stolen from: Ethel]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:12:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/555383 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/554307 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas
By Mary Fairchild, About.com

Keeping Christ in Christmas:
The number one way to keep Jesus Christ in your Christmas celebrations is to have him present in your daily life. If you're not sure what it means to become a believer in Christ, check out this article on "How to Become a Christian." If you've already accepted Jesus as your Savior and made him the center of your life, keeping Christ in Christmas is more about the way you live your life than the things you saymdash;such as "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays."

Keeping Christ in Christmas means daily revealing the character, love and spirit of Christ that dwells in you, by allowing these traits to shine through your actions. Here are simple ways to keep Christ the central focus of your life this Christmas season.

1) Give God one very special gift just from you to him:
Let this gift be something personal that no one else needs to know about, and let it be a sacrifice. David said in 2 Samuel 24 that he wo...]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:12:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/554307 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/553801 gate. He spoke to the Philippine Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go in and meet with President GMA."

The Marine looked at the man and said, "Sir, GMA is no longer president and no longer resides here." The old man said, "Okay", and walked away.

The following day, the same man approached Malacanang again and said to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President GMA.

The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, GMA is no longer president and no longer resides here."

The man thanked him and, again, just walked away.

The third day, the same man approached Malacanang Palace and spoke to the very same Philippine Marine, saying "I would like to go in and meet with President GMA."

The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking to speak to GMA.nbsp; I've told you already that GMA
is no l...]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:12:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/553801 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/548191 [N.B. First Published in Barkada Magazine (a Catholic Mass Media Awardee for High School Literature) November Issue]

His heart beats faster, pulse racing and palms sweating, he clicks the mouse with a fierce intensity and navigates through the map with his left hand. He glances at the screen and sees the enemy hordes approaching. Quickly, he sends a message to the rest of the team on their attack strategy. He monitors his gold resources and the strength of his electronic Hero. In a few seconds, a triple kill combo decimates the rest of the enemy team. He looks up and whoops out a congratulatory yell as his teamrsquo;s winning statistics flash on the screen.

Sounds familiar?nbsp;

For the typical massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) fanatic, it sounds like another electronic victory out of several rounds of creating a virtual world of computer network battles. Is such a campaign really worth all the time and effort? Does winning a computer game an indicator of real life...]]> Sat, 06 Dec 2008 11:12:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/548191 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/546135 This was unearthed from my dad's files, in a note from my grandmother, a traditional dish that I've never found anywhere else but in the Verzosa hometown, Vigan, Ilocos Sur. The flavor is indescribable, there's nothing else quite like it. I can't wait to go home to the province and ask our cucinera at Villa Angela to make Pipian!

A Google search describes Pipian as something of Mexican origin but the Vigan version looks so much better. A similar recipe can also be found in Wyatt's Kitchen: Pipian Manok. Thank you to Mr. Wyatt Belmonte for the Pipian photo.

"When I took a look at it, it was in script written by Manang Aca from Lola Puring [Dra. Purificacion Lahoz-Verzosa]'s dictation for a certain Mrs. Tiongson....I will therefore key it in as is in order to preserve the flavor....

PIPIAN VIGAN

I think this food originated as a delicacy from the people of Vigan. The truth is that it is special because it is only in Vigan where you find the herb called "al pasotes" which is known by...]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:12:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/546135 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/546321
Yoga Asanas or exercises are ways of moving or holding the body in different positions.

Yoga has several exercises or postures that work wonders on a womanrsquo;s health and in pregnancy conditions. Varying widely in application and style, these exercises (postures) gently stretch and explore all parts of your body.

During pregnancy, yoga Asanas are a gentle way to keep active and supple. The remarkable effects of these postures in pregnancy show the power of yoga for ensuring a smooth pregnancy, natural childbirth and restoration of body shape after childbirth.

How Pregnancy Yoga Exercises Can Help?

Relieving edema (fluid retention) and cramping which can be quite common in the last months.

Influencing the position of the baby and turning it in advance if needed. Strengthening and massaging the abdomen which help stimulate bowel action and appetite.

Raising the level of energy while also helping in slowing the metabolism to restore calm and focus.

Help...]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:12:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/546321 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/546133 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:12:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/546133 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/534981 This was e-mailed by Atty. Gerthie Mayo-Anda of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, where I spent my Summer 2007 Legal Internship. Since we spent our entire 1st semester '08-'09 on exploring the nuances of creating a mining moratorium ordinance, the developments in Palawan seems like welcome news to those who're hoping for more changes in environmental regulation. A minor victory, but a triumph nevertheless. Yay!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear colleagues and friends,

I just want to share some news ----
Last November 18, 2008, our Provincial Board passed a RESOLUTION
"Declaring a 25-year Moratorium in the Issuance of Indorsements for New
Applications for Small Scale Mining Activities in the Province of Palawan
and Declaring further its Firm Resolve to Oppose at any time any New Large
Scale Mining Application or to Press for the Nullification of existing
mineral agreements and the cessation of their mining operati...]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:11:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/534981 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/531179
Astute hunters in 19th century Europe matched their cunning against wolves using an ingenious toolndash;sharpened knives dipped in layer upon layer of blood and frozen in snow. The unwary wolf, ears pricked and hungry, licks the edge of the blood-covered knife until it melts. As the wolf licks more urgently, it cuts its voracious tongue and spills its own blood. The wolf continues to lick, not knowing that it is feasting on its own blood. Eventually, the wolf dies from blood loss as it feeds its insatiable appetite, its entrails dried out by its own greed.

Such is the case of how the Philippines is slowly killing itself through ingenious traps that prey upon a propensity to be greedy. Greed, a rapacious desire for wealth and possessions while denying the legitimate needs of others, is a necessary foundation of the laissez faire capitalist system. How greed presently manifests is a reflection of why, as a deadly sin, it kills not just the impoverished so...]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:11:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/531179 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/527635 This December... let's join THE BLACK CHRISTMAS PROJECT!
[reposted from the Philmusic forums; I know, I'm such a fangirl. But I've been such a diehard Wolfgang loyalist since 5th grade so I really can't help but plug this. Hehe. All my best gig memories have involved Wolfgang at one point or another so, to all fellow aficionados: see you there! :-P ]

featuring WOLFGANG
(with line-up Basti Artadi, Mon Legaspi, Manuel Legarda and drummer Francis Aquino)
special guest, RAZORBACK!
introducing POWERSPOONZ!
It is also the album launch of Wolfgang's 6th album, VILLAINS.
Gig Dates:

MANILA- Dec. 10 2008 @ Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City
nbsp;nbsp; nbsp;
Copies of Wolfgang's VI LLAINS, the VI th album ...released VI years after Black Mantra amp; Wolfgang merchandise will be ON SALE at the venue.

Tickets ARE NOW ON SALEnbsp; via TicketNet (Dial 911-5555)
Ticket prices are at P1000 (50 tickets only)/ P800 / P500 (plus 5% tax.)

Stay tuned... keep your ears and eyes here at Philmusic for more hot news ...]]> Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:11:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/527635 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/523711 catch phrases, but the "normal" expressions we often take for granted):

3. "Po" - Using "Po" and "Opo" is understood as a Tagalog trait, since Filipinos from other regions aren't really trained to use "Po" and "Opo" in their native dialects. It's an important sign of respect to the elderly or to persons in authority. However, when people my age or older than me start using "po" and "opo" as a pa-cute or a sarcastic gesture, it really makes me want to hurl. It comes out sounding more disrespectful and totally inappropriate.

For example: "Hu u po?" "Kasi po, miss ko na po kayo, eh." "Opo, señorita, parating na po."

2. "Ano" - How many times have you encountered people who punctuate their sentences with "Ano"? ...]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:11:00 EST http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/523711 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/517541 From: "Pete" (International Vegetarian Union)

[N.B. My favorite is really the one made by Dolly Chotrani's family but I also enjoyed the Dahl served at the International Rice Research Institute's cafeteria. I cooked a 500gram batch of Dahl for Papa's birthday following this recipe and it was a hit! The modifications I made included adding more salt, since American versions of recipes are generally bland (sorry!), and Assad Store sold yellow, not red lentils. I didn't skin the tomatoes, either, but I added butter instead of margarine. Enjoy!]

Don't know how 'Indian' it is, but here is my favourite. Haven't met a person yet who doesn't like it.

• 200 g red lentils
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 tomatoes, skinned and chopped
• 900 ml water (4 cups)
• 1 tsp coriander
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 onion, diced
• 25 g margarine
• 1 tsp garam masala

sa bubong ng tren nanbsp;kulay dilaw o sa dingding ng tren na kulay ube,

sumagot siyangnbsp;nakangiti:

Nariyan, sa loob ng sinapupunan mo.

Author: Vida Soraya Verzosa

First Published: Barkada Magazine, September 2008 (A publication of the Communications Foundation for Asia)

Indeed, if, as St. Augustine said, ldquo;singing is praying twice,rdquo; then Filipinos are doubly blessed in being such a musical nation. As a rare hybrid of Eastern and Western cultures, the Philippines has melodic roots in some of the greatest civilizations. These roots have in turn strengthened a rich heritage of artistry that continuously evolves across musical genres, from the indigenous to the avant garde.

nbsp;

As a former radio station DJ back in the University, my love affair with this Filipino auditory heritage was fueled by various radio programs, my parentsrsquo; cassette tapes and 33/45rpm vinyl gramophone records, local concerts, chamber and chorale performances, Philippine operas, borrowed songhits, videoke night-outs, and even the garage gigs in dingy bars with indie musicians. When the time came for me to go ...]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:10:00 EDT http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/511066 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/508423
This sembreak, I'm looking forward to trying out one of her patterns so I can sew my own handpainted baby sling.]]> Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:10:00 EDT http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/508423 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/498797 CUBAO EXPO Y.E.S. '08 (YEAR-END SERIES of EVENTS 2008)

nbsp;

CubaoExpOctoberFestival:

nbsp;

October 3, 6pm ndash; 12mn (Friday) = Fashion Walk-Off, Artists' Fair, Bazaar

October 4, 3pm ndash; 12mn (Saturday) = Concert, Artists' Fair, Bazaar

October 5, 3pm ndash; 9pm (Sunday) = Artists' Fair, Bazaar

nbsp;

nbsp;

October Flea Market Fiesta (Giant Garage Sale Part 5, 6 amp; 7):

nbsp;

October 11, (Saturday):10am-6pm

October 12, (Sunday):10am-6pm

October 18, (Saturday):10am-6pm

October 19, (Sunday):10am-6pm

October 25, (Saturday):10am-6pm

October 26, (Sunday):10am-6pmnbsp;nbsp;

nbsp;

nbsp;

Holiday Weekend Bazaar:

nbsp;

November 8, 3pm ndash; 11pm (Saturday)

November 15, 3pm ndash; 11pmnbsp; (Saturday)

November 22, 3pm ndash; 11pmnbsp;nbsp; (Saturday)

November 29, 3pm ndash; 11pmnbsp;nbsp; (Saturday)

December 6, Saturday (3pm ndash; 11pm) amp; 7, Sunday (10am ndash; 6pm)

December 13, Saturday (3pm ndash; 11pm) amp; 14, Sunday (10am ndash; 6pm)

December 18 to 24 (Thursday to Wednesday), 2pm ndash;...]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:10:00 EDT http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/498797 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/491539
After reporting the provisions of our final ordinance for an Environmental Regulation class under Atty. Ron Gutierrez, the stark realization of mining's deleterious effects seems even more apparent. Mining isn't just a perfunctorily chosen topic for an academic requirement. It's destroying the lives of millions of Filipinos now; it's raping the national patrimony for the sake of those who can afford Mineral Production and Sharing Agreements. It's just so difficult to reconcile the provisions of the Local Government Code with the Mining Act of 1995 in regulating mining activities in specific municipalities. How exactly can a group of gung-ho barangay leaders make the mining firms pay attention when the penalties allowed by law are so measly???

I just feel so frustrated that the constitutionality of such a stupid piece of legislation was upheld by the Court several years ago. I hope more legislators will smell ...]]> Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:09:00 EDT http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/491539 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889 http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/480587
"Your boobs've gone up 10 times in size, Your cups've gone up from an A to D, That's bad for you, but it's fun for me ... I ain't no baddie, I am your baby's daddy."
-- Chris Martin of Coldplay, sung to pregnant wife Gwyneth Paltrow

Last ultrasound (at 21 weeks and 3 days), Bébé yawned and moved around! What an indescribable miracle. Next month, we'll finally find out the gender...

Warm greetings from Bébé, Avocat and Ecrivain, our happy]]> Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:09:00 EDT http://vsorayav.tigblog.org/post/480587 14.6291667 121.098888914.6291667121.0988889