high.school.friends

great times with great friends

How I wish we could spend time together every single day... ^.^
Nothing as in NOTHING beats spending time with these people..

Early Graduation Pictures

Toga Shot

Formal Wear Shot

Creative Shot :)))

Can't believe I am finally graduating soon.. Looking forward to what life after school would bring to me! :)


photos taken by Relans Digital Photography..

Merry December

A lot has happened since my last post.. I have been moved to the cold kitchen of Manila Hotel. It is fun and tiring at the same time. A lot of things are getting done since everyday we have to serve a ton of guests since monday until tomorrow. So far I have rendered 325 hours and I only have 175 hours to go. Now think about that, how fast time flies and just a few more hours and I'm don with my internship and I just simply have to do some paperwork and I'm already a graduate! 

But enough about school stuff.. Let's talk about December and Christmas. Honestly, I don't feel Christmasy this year and I am a bit sad that I feel like so but I guess it will come sooner or later. I did part of my Christmas shopping for my tutees and I still have to do another one for close friends and family. Today, I got my first Christmas gift and I surely loved it! It was the Starbucks 2012 planner from my second brother! ^.^ I really love it because I don't have a planner for next year yet. I really like it because it is small, light and above all, ECO FRIENDLY!!! hay.. what a great gift..

This post is to be as simple as this.. ^.^ Thank you 2hya!!

175 hours to go..

262 hours and Happy Feet 2

So! It's been quite some time since I posted something and since my last post, I have been reassigned to another kitchen. From Banquet Kitchen to the Hot Kitchen, particularly, the Thai Kitchen. So far, my routine is to help the coffee shop during breakfast buffet where I refill the dishes that are about to run out. By 10:30am, I will be pulling out the dishes and help out in the kitchen for the preparation for lunch. By 11am, everything is ready and I am to help in setting up the buffet area and have my lunch and some more things similar to that.. ^.^ I just got too lazy to talk more about it... ^.^ (forgive me) So to sum it up, I think I'm going to enjoy this week's assignment. So far, I have learned a lot, especially today. Maybe I might extend. o.o

Last Sunday, I got to meet up with my two good friends where we watched Happy Feet Two!!!!! In 3D!!! It was so cool and the movie was also great. It was very light and the story gives you bits of moral lessons. :) Above all, Eric is sooo cute! (his the one in the picture below) ^.^ If you ask me on whether to watch the Twilight Saga or Happy Feet Two, I would definitely say happy feet two! ^^, My friends and I also ate a lot of food! Too bad I wasn't able to take pictures of it :( We at Mexicali (not good), ChaTime (good), Big Daddy's Chicken (great), and CBTL's Blueberry Cheesecake (good)... That was a lot of food for a Sunday afternoon don't you think?? hahaha.. I was just glad that I was able to have a great day with my friends.. :)

262 hours to go and I don't want it to be over yet...

Less than a month before Christmas.. 

321 hours..

At some point, I do think that my internship is going by real fast! I only have 321 hours to go. So far, I have been assigned to two areas which are the Korean kitchen and the Chef's office. I really love working in the office because I feel like I got to know a lot more on how things work around in a hotel and how vast the operation can go. I also learned that being the Executive Chef is not as easy as I thought it was. There was this routine that our EC had to go to everyday and one of his tasks is to make the market list EVERYDAY.

After my almost a month internship at MH, I am now assigned to the Banquet kitchen which is a bit scary because this is where the chefs cook tons of meal everyday from small to big events. The number of pax can range to 10 to 1200 pax per event and imagine how many events happen in a day! But I'm sure that everything's going to be fine especially since, I won't be the only intern there and we might just be asked to slice and clean stuff! ^^,

321 hours to go and I know I can do this! ^^,

Here is a photo of my nephew while he was swimming.. I just wanted to share it with you guys..

Something Sweet..

Something from Cafe Ilang-Ilang Dinner Buffet we had last Sunday..

Scoops and scoops of ice cream!!! ^.^

strawberry*, ube, vanilla, kiwi

banana, raspberry, yogurt, pistachio

sorbet, passion fruit, pistachio, strawberry

Strawberry was my favorite!!! ^.^ It was berry good!!

November

It is finally November and 40+ more days to go, and it's already Christmas!!! And its just so sad that I can't feel the Christmas season yet! In other news, yesterday was my 80th hour for my internship and I now have 420 hours more to go! :) I have been assigned to do office work at the chef's office and will be there for a week, after that I will be back to kitchen duties. So far, I am really enjoying my stay at Manila Hotel. Everyone is so nice to us trainees and what's even great is that I have been gaining a lot of new friends, not pounds, friends! ^^, Since I am the only FEU trainee around, I need to make friends with other people, which is really not bad. All the chefs here are so nice to us. As well as the guests. There was even this one time where I was asked to sing a happy birthday song to one of our guests. There was also a lot of instances where guests thought that I'm a Korean girl! o.o Doing office work isn't that bad at all too because I get to explore the different departments of the hotel and get to know other people other than those who are in the kitchen. By the way, we are currently staying here at Manila Hotel for a night and will be dining at Cafe Ilang-Ilang for a dinner buffet. Will try to share photos about that. ^^ 

Counting the Hours

Having my internship is nothing but tiring and fun ^.^ Today is mt day off and I still have 468 hours to go and at some point I want it to be really over ^.^ So last night, in order to give myself a relaxing night, I decided to watch a movie and it is my all-time favorite.. The story is light and heart-warming. The Holiday was what I watched and I simply love it. The setting, the story, the characters just played the whole thing great. If you have never watched this film then you should give it a try.

To let you know more about my internship at Manila Hotel, can I just say that I was assigned for the Korean  kitchen of Cafe Ilang-Ilang and I am a bit happy that I was because I get to learn a lot of new things and the people whom I am with are really nice! :) There are also a lot of people who we call chefs. Chef ____, Chef ____. Sometimes, I'm not even used to it and mistakenly call them sir or ma'am. ^^ I have a working shift of 7am - 3pm that's why I am suppose to wake up by 5 am and prepare myself!  It is really hard to wake up that early!!! I even think that since I am really tired, I might not be able to read 10 books this year and only stick with 9! :( I might have a different station by next week but Korean Kitchen would definitely be the first. I miss my school professors and friends badly..

First Day

Today marks the first day my journey for my OJT at Manila Hotel. I can't believe that I am so tired for this day but I guess I just need to get used to it.

Here are some words and phrases that sums up my experience.
Tiring!
Scary.
Shocking.
Fun.
Lot of new acquaintances.
tiring.. :)

But I know that I can do this and finish the 500 hours required from us!! :)

492 to go.. ^.^

For the Shelf

i bought. i read. i donated.

books..

During the last weekend plus today, I bought three books that interested me. The first one was Ellen's newly published book entitled, Seriously... I'm Kidding. The other two books are One Day by David Nicholls which I really wanted to but a copy of ever since the movie was shown. I haven't watched the movie yet, and I'm planning to read the book first before watching it, since it is already tried and tested that books that are turned into a film is far better when read than watched! The last book from my splurge is John Grisham's The Partner. There really isn't any reason for this purchase but I am currently and once again addicted to the TV series Law and Order (do you know that TV series?). Its where lawyers defend their case and there are also detectives who investigate a case. Sometimes the case goes through a trial while on other episodes, the criminal just end up dying even before he gets caught! (I'm rambling already, sorry about that) 

Anyways, I thought that since I am currently interested in a law kind of stuff and shows. Why not try reading one :) John Grisham is known for lawyer related novels and since I saw a bargain at Booksale, I immediately bought one.. I bought Ellen's book and John's book on the same day which was yesterday..

I just can't stop myself in buying Ellen's book because she kept on talking about it on her show and since it was on a bargain (thanks to Citibank).. I just can't help but buy it. It is still quite pricey but just like what I have said a while ago, I can't help and stop myself. And guess what?! It is also the 9th book I have read this year! Yup! I finished the book in less than a day.. 

Seriously..I'm Kidding gets 4.5 out of 5. I am a bit sad because it wasn't something that I really expected but it sure was a great read! There were times when you really can't stop yourself to smile all by yourself. I was reading this book at my school while I was falling in line for my enrollment and I was able to finish it! 4 hours to be exact ^.^ Imagine how I looked when I was smiling and even laughing by myself! o.O haha.. It is also my first time to read a book that is not romantic or fictional. It's the first book where there are A LOT of stories (mostly funny ones) that are binded together in one great book!!! You must read this when you feel like you want to relax. It actually feels like you are reading Ellen's script for her show. That's how hilarious and funny this book is! It would also be a great gift to your friends who have the same sense of humor like yours.. ^^, This book is totally recommended to everyone and you too should read it and learn and laugh!! 



I also donated books to my school's library today. Most of the books were from my previous classes. While I was donating them, the librarian was like interrogating me. She asked me where the books came from, why I wanted to donate it, am I a student of FEU and did I use the books.. Scary but at least she took it! :)

2 more days to go before OJT starts.. Really hoping that everything will go smoothly! ^.^

p.s. happy happy birthday to my dad! It's his 61st.. ^.^ 

Easy Asparagus Dish

A dish that is cooked for just a few minutes and above all, tastes good! All you need is wok with hot oil, add in a few cloves of minced garlic, then add in some scallops (dried ones soaked in hot water for a period of time). Once the scallop starts to fill up the whole room with its great essence, set aside in the wok while adding the fresh asparagus. Season with salt, chicken powder, and sugar. I cooked it on medium fire for a few minutes and plated it. It is just that simple! ^^, enjoy!!

less than a week to go...

Book Review : Safe Haven

Still in pursuit of having a fruitful 12-day vacation and to be able to read 10 books this year, I have read Safe Haven by none other than Nicholas Sparks. ^^, This is my 8th book this year and I just have 2 more to go to accomplish my goal! 

Overall, I still believe that Nicholas Sparks' The Wedding is the best novel he has ever written. But Safe Haven, has a different feel and story line and it just shows how great of an author is Nicholas Sparks. Out of 5 stars, I give this book 3 stars! What I can get from this book is that you know that love exist when you feel safe and no matter what the circumstances are, that is all that matters - being safe..

a good read for vacations or rainy days! :)

S & S Fish Fillet

Making my goals accomplished, I cooked sweet and sour fish fillet this morning and I used another recipe for the sauce and actually got it from my Yummy Magazine ^^. I find this recipe very easy to make and not only that, but it also tastes great!

So without saying anything more, here is the recipe.

For the fillets:

450 g fish fillet (I used dory fillets)

salt and pepper to taste

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup cornstarch

2 cups cooking oil

For the vegetables:

half of an onion

carrots

2 cloves garlic

onion leeks

red or green bell peppers

pineapple tidbits

For the sauce! 

2 Tbsp cane vinegar

1/4 c. pineapple syrup or juice

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. tomato ketchup

1 bay leaf (optional)

2 T. sweet and chili sauce

1 cup water

*1 Tbsp cornstarch with 1 1/2 T. water

Procedure:

Slice your fillets to bite size and season it with salt and pepper. After that coat the fillets with the beaten egg and dredge it or roll it in the cornstarch until well coated. In a frying pan with hot oil. Place the fillet pieces and wait until it is golden brown on both sides. Then set it aside.

Combine all the ingredients for the sauce and let it come to a boil and reduce a little. Once it boils, add in the cornstarch solution then stir continuously until sauce thickens. 

You can  now add in the friedgfillets and vegetables. Place over a bowl of rice, garnish with thinly sliced leeks then serve and enjoy! :)

Notes:

* I added more ketchup so that it can have a redder color. 

* I did not use that much oil for frying. It all depends on you.

* You can also add carrots but I didn't like so I omitted it. ^.^

* Instead of fish, you can pair it with prawns! yum!

Something great when paired with plain rice! :) Try it. Okay?! 

10-day plan

Since I only have 10 days of vacation left to enjoy. I've decided to make a plan or a goal for myself so that I can say that I have been productive! ^^, So, I have come up with the following goals..

o Cook as many dishes as I can and blog about it!
   - I'm planning to cook a fish dish tomorrow and I just hope that it will be a success!
o Finish reading at least two books and share something about it... ^^,
o Go bond and catch up with my high school as well as college friends..
o and simply have a great time and enjoy every second of this short vacation..

I just really wanted to post something to this blog, that is why I am telling you about this goals.. Let's just hope that I could accomplish most of it ^.^ Especially the cooking part, since as of this moment, I am a bit inspired to cook..

I also just realized that this post looks more like a lecture note than a regular post!! ^.^

blogging more soon..

12 days.

School is finally done and I only have 12 days of vacation to find myself again. During these days I would love to do what I really love doing. Cooking. Reading. Blogging. Taking Photos. and just spending time with my family and friends without having to worry about deadlines and stuff. My friends sam, karlo and I are planning to have a Binondo food trip next week, some kind of last bonding before going are separate ways for our internship. 

I am planning to bring them to Ying-Ying teahouse for some dimsum, Lanzhou La Mien for some hand-pulled noodles, and other places for quick stop for snacks and drinks. I guess this is also the time for me to get back with my taking shots of things that inspires me.. ^^ Aside from that, during these 12 days, we will be celebrating my mom and dad's 35th wedding anniversary as well as my dad's 61st birthday! Which reminds me that I don't have a gift for my dad yet (uh-oh). BUT I already have a gift for my mom and dad for their anniversary and I just hope that they would love it. ^.^ 

I went to Manila Hotel yesterday to submit my requirements and I have been asked to report to the hotel on the 26th at 9am on my complete chef's uniform.. ^^, Still having mixed emotions about this one but I'm bit more excited now than scared! :) I can do this! I know I can! :)


As of this moment, I am reading through Safe Haven by Nicholas Spark and it's gonna be my 8th book if I finish it :) 

OJT found and other stuff

Don't you just get inspired whenever you've just finished watching Julie and Julia? Well I always do get inspired! It just makes me want to cook and believe that I can actually really cook good food.. ^^, Anyways, a hotel has finally decided to give me a chance to have my OJT and it is none other than the most historical hotel in the Philippines, Manila Hotel! ^.^

I am having mixed emotions about this. A bit happy, a bit scared and a bit excited. I just had my orientation a while ago and I was with employees and I was also the only practicumer there! At some point, I just want to finish this whole thing instantly, but its gonna take me 3 months and just like what I have said a while ago, I am excited. I think this type of mixed emotion is normal for everyone who's going to try out or experience something new.

I already got my name plate but I have to return it by the time I finish my training, so no souvenirs for me. :\ Might as well just take a picture of it ^.^ I just have to submit the other requirements before this week ends! :) wish me luck everyone!!

till next time...

October : First Week

I sure have been gone for a while and I can't believe that September just flew away like that! I have been busy with a lot of stuff some of which are defense, tutor, and OJT hunting. So far, I am in a vacation from my tutoring duties, since they just finished their exams! ^^, I also am done with my defense for our laundry detergent product for EBP and I just hope that we get a good grade from our panelists that day! ^^, The only problem I have right now is that I still don't have a hotel to have my OJT at.. :( But the bright side is that I have an interview on Monday for Manila Hotel and I wish that this is finally it.. ^^,

The picture above is by far one of the greatest group I ever had the chance to work with in my college life! :) Thanks to them for always being there through all that we've been through during this first semester. Its just sad that I won't be able to really see them next semester because we will be going our separate ways.. some for OJT while some will stay in the university... BioScents Manufacturing Company has surely changed our lives! ^^v

One final week before first semester is finally OVER! :( Time for OJT, then graduation! good luck to us all! :)

posting more soon..

Game 1

We watched the UAAP game yesterday and we lost.. :( big time! and it really made me sad but I was happy because I was with great company! ^^,

we surely were all out. all heart.

picture by brosigonzales.blogspot.com :)

How I wish we will win the second game! charge Tamaraw!! Fight!

Photoscape

Have you ever heard of Photoscape? Well, I have just heard about it today and these are some of the photos of I have come up with. Surely, I will be exploring this FREE software and improve my photo-editing skills! :) 

Do you like it? Till next time!

a nice poem

Forest Matins
by: Bliss Cua - Lim

Trees are best at prayer.
They lift their boughs towards Him
And sing their canticles in green.
They are proud, unbowed.
Their faces upturned, their roots
In soil, they live well,
And life, the whole life,
is a prayer.
Children, be like to the trees in your prayer.

:)

Banapple Experience

Being able to find a time to have a food trip with my college friend seems to be an impossible task but last Friday, I was able to go out with my friends and scratch out of the things in my bucket list which is to eat at Banapple! :)

We ate at Banapple - Ayala Triangle and it was Friday lunch time meaning there were a lot of office working people who had their lunch in the same area and it just that they all seem to be at Banapple that same time and day. This means that we had to wait for more that an hour to be seated since there were only a few seats available. At first it was very frustrating because it was very hot outside the restaurant, but my friend Khaye and I can't let go of the chance to accomplish one of our wishes. :) And to be able to talk over lunch and get updated with each others life is just GREAT! :)

When we were already seated, we just had to wait for our food to be served since we already ordered while waiting to be seated. ^^ (fyi: they don't have table service, you have to order at the counter). And these are the food we ate. One thing is for sure, they had big servings and we were sooo bloated afterwards.

Hickory Smoked Barbecued Country Ribs (P 185)

Chicken Breast Parmigiano (P185)

Garlic Beef Tapa with Creamed Parsley Eggs (P 170)

Trio of Sausages Fettuccine (P 180)

All of the food or entree were great! :) The serving size was really big and I really liked all the dishes except for the pasta but my friend Dee, who ordered it, said that it was good. So maybe something was wrong with me.. ^^ We were really full by the time we had our last spoon of our food but we had dessertS coming and a lot of people say that Banapple offers great dessert so we surely had to try it! ^^

Blueberry Cheesecake (P 100 / slice)

Dark Chocolate Tiramisu Cheesecake (P 110 / slice)

Banoffee Pie (P 95 / slice)

Cherry Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake (P 110 / slice)

Apple Caramel Crumble Pie (P 100 / slice)

Our verdict for all the desserts we ordered is that it did not meet the expectations we had. The first thing that I noticed was that the cake was served near room temperature and some were even tasteless.. :( The only cake we liked was the Dark Chocolate Tiramisu and I personally liked the Apple Caramel Crumble Pie, though Dee told me that they seem to use preserved apples and not real fresh ones.. :(

Overall, we loved the entree and we did not like the desserts. The wait was very long and maybe it was just the right place at the wrong time.. :\