Thoughts to ponder:


A simple note, from a resto in Tagaytay, that we should all live by.

Smile always

Win a cake for mom!

How to join:
Anyone who has a mom, or knows a mom is invited to join. Only (1) entry is allowed per person. Simply post your entries on this WALL PHOTO ONLY. All entries will only be counted here. Indicate the name of your mom (or the mom you would like to describe) along with your completed statement.

Entries may be in english or tagalog:
e.g. Mommy Maria Cruz is the best at making yummy paella!
Si Nanay Maria Cruz ay pinakamagaling kumanta ng kundiman.

How to win:
The entry with most votes (likes) wins the contest so make your "best mom" statements unique, funny, heartfelt and beautiful. Also you can just get your friends to like your entry (easy!). Entries will be accepted from Apr24-May6 2011. Voting will also end on May 6, so gather those votes fast! Results will be announced on May 9,2011.

How to claim your prize:
We will contact the winners about the cake design and date of delivery which can be redeemed on May 10-16,2011.

Post your entries and get those votes today!

Double-Check Your Daily Regimen

Double-Check Your Daily Regimen
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD April 2011

Cleanse, tone, moisturize. Brush your teeth daily, three times a day. We all know these beauty and personal care daily drills. We all do them. But are you doing them right? Sometimes, you might be bothered by an irritating pimple growing, or a toothache. If you’re confident that you are taking care of yourself, check again. There might be something wrong with your daily regimen.
We asked two experts, Dr. Mia Nuqui of Dermaline Facial and Skin Care Center and Dr. Cherrie Anne Cruz of Metrodental, on the proper ways of taking care of yourself.

Skin Care Wash machine. According to Dr. Nuqui, your daily facial skin care regimen should depend on your skin type. There are four skin types—oily, normal, dry, and combination—which means you have an oily T-zone, while the other parts of your face are dry. She says, “For normal skin, washing with soap and water is usually enough. For oily skin, a toner or astringent might help minimize the oil. If you have dry skin, use a moisturizer.” Product adjustments. Says Dr. Nuqui, “It is just basic soap and water or facial cleanser adjusting to your skin type. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize is the usual regimen. Most Filipinos have combination skin.There are areas that you need to moisturize and tone down. You may adjust the product you use depending on your skin type. The usual is the cream-based moisturizer and gel-based and water-based moisturizers. If you are on the oily side, opt for the water-based moisturizer which is not as heavy.” Show off your back. A common skin problem is also the acne on the back and the chest. Doctor Nuqui says not to worry as it’s most commonly seen in teenagers and those in their early 20s. “Some say it’s because of the shampoo that has not been properly washed off, but it is all hormonal,” she adds. “You can’t really prevent it, but it can be managed through back cleaning and applications to dry up the pimples.” She said it is best to avoid stress and to get more sleep to beat acne. Real peel. Our skin has natural exfoliation every two weeks. There may be times, though, that dead skin cells would not peel off. On the use of exfoliating products, Doctor Nuqui says, “Basically, if you have normal skin, you may use exfoliation two to three times a week. If you have oily skin, you may have more than that. If you have dry skin, it would strip off more oil, which would make it more prone to skin problems.” Ban the sun. Doctor Nuqui stresses the importance of sunblock, not only when swimming or going to the beach, but in your daily skin care. She says, “You really need sunblock. When you have it, it prevents a lot of skin problems, and helps diminish skin aging and photo aging. Your skin will really age—it has natural aging. But when it is constantly exposed to the sun, mas bumibilis because of photo aging.” Hair care Wet look. For clean, smooth hair, cleansing and moisturization are of utmost importance. Doctor Nuqui advises the use of mild shampoo, and conditioner if you have dry hair. She adds, “It’s not advisable to repeat shampoo because after a while, there would be build-up. So from time to time, return to baby shampoo and scalp-cleansing shampoo.” Bye bye, dandruff. Dandruff has no known cause. Some say it’s because of growth of yeast or irritation on scalp, while some say it’s because of stress. To prevent dandruff, Doctor Nuqui says, “Avoid getting too sweaty and using the wrong shampoo. The wrong shampoo is breeding ground for yeast, as some say, although this is really not the main cause of dandruff.” Dental Care Smile like you mean it. How do you get those pearly whites? There’s neither a preferred toothbrush nor toothpaste, but there’s a proper way of brushing. Says Dr. Cruz, “It is not the number of times you brush. If you brush your teeth for fives times, but it’s not the proper way—quick brushing, and not up and down motion and not reaching the gums—then it is useless. You always brush up and down or in circular motion, sa labas, then you go sideways sa loob, normally for three to five minutes. Then you have to have your toothbrush changed every three to five months.” There will be blood. Dr. Cruz says there’s an adverse effect of overbrushing. If you brush sideways or too vigorously, your gums tend to shrink. There would be a recession, which leads to sensitivity. Don’t be scared at the sight of blood. Bleeding is an indication that you have healthy gums. But profuse bleeding because of improper brushing is a different story. Floss and rinse. Apart fom brushing, there are other ways to clean your teeth. Dr. Cruz says mouthwashes and rinses are okay, but they are more of mouth flavoring and they have an antibacterial effect, although it’s not that potent. “Flossing helps because it removes all the plaque and debris in between teeth or what we call interproximal spaces or those areas that cannot be reached by toothbrush,” she adds. “Floss at least once a day, even at night.” The dental chair. Go for dental checkups twice a year or every six months. Dr. Cruz recommends a visit to your dentist not just for cleaning but for checkup. “There are some patients who neglect to see the dentist every six months. You may not know it—especially when you don’t feel pain—but there could be a cyst growing inside your mouth. Have your dentist check whether you have cavities, gum diseases, and infections,” she says. Dermaline Facial and Skin Care Center is located at EDSA Greenfield Pavillon, Guadalupe, Magallanes, Tutuban, and Araneta Cubao. Metrodental is located at Robinsons Manila.

SETTING THE CURVES

SETTING THE CURVES By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA Published MOD April 2011 WHO says thin is in? The notion that one has to be reed-thin to look good in clothes is so passe. Women who are on the heavy side do not always have to look like a hanger because of loose-fitting silhouettes. It is the way you carry yourself and the clothes on your back that matter.

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What’s more, clothes that are for plus-size women have evolved. Women who are large in size can now play up various styles and colors. “Before, plus-size fashion here in our country had always been conservative and loose. Now, plus-size fashionistas are creating the demand for a fresh and new batch of designs,” says Raisa De Guzman, co-owner and designer for Erzullie. Raisa adds that plus-size fashion is not that different from the fashion of those with small body types, but is also quick to note that, right now, plus-size fashion is becoming more edgy. “Plus-size women get to show off more of their fierce curves. We will see more body-hugging silhouettes for them. For this summer, sleeveless anything is in! Wide-legged pants are also becoming a trend.” Erzullie is available through http://erzullie.multiply.com, and at Backstage Store, Serendra, and Sueno, Makati City. You Asked... Having always been on the heavy side, I find it hard to find dresses to hide my bulges. Got tips on plus-size dressing? — Deedee, Marikina Raisa De Guzman, co-owner and designer for Erzullie, answers ... Plus-size fashion is not really different with the regular-sized one. Just like with the regular size, the right kind of fashion for the plus-size woman depends on her body shape. The big difference is that plus-size fashion needs more exploration by designers. We are still at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to knowing what looks good on plus-size women. But this is where the exciting adventure begins as this gives room to experiment and explore.

Bolinao’s Prime Destination

By ANA VALENZUELA
Published MOD March 2011



BOLINAO, the farthest town in Pangasinan, boasts of one of the country’s premiere resort destinations: Puerto del Sol.
A four to five-hour drive away from Manila, Puerto del Sol is one of the town’s premiere resort destinations for foreigners and out-of-towners.






“Our guests are 50% foreigners and 50% locals or balikbayans,” says Puerto del Sol manager Raymond Malapitan.
The place is a solitary hideaway. A secret garden. Here, you would find yourself walking to and from your room and the pool to admire the resort’s garden flowers and the majestic view of the beach.




“This is the only place where we have a natural breakwater,” says Malapitan. “It is 250 to 300 meters away from the shoreline. So it is not dangerous for guests, especially the kids, to enjoy the activities by the sea because you can be sure, even at high tide, that the area is safe. It is a natural pool, where you are secure.”

Puerto del Sol is not just a place to relax but a place for adventure. “The resort offers activities outside the breakwater because of the water’s ‘biglaang lalim.’ If you are fond of diving and surfing, you can do it there outside the breakwater,” Malapitan recommends.
The resort also offers adventure trips around the island as well as tours around Bolinao and Hundred Islands with a Department of Tourism-accredited tour guide.

“Here on the other side of the road, leading to the mountains, we have the Tara Falls and the Bolinao Falls,” says Malapitan. “If you go farther, there is a natural cave that is big enough to accommodate big groups. You may even take a dip at one of the natural cool springs.”



The area also has a natural rock formation that serves as a natural barrier of Bolinao against the strong current. It is not coral, but it grows through time. “The structure of the stones depends on how the waves crash through the rocks. It is the ocean that builds the rock. This is where the tip of the natural breakwater ends,” Malapitan explains.

Puerto del Sol is located at Barangay Ilog Malino, Bolinao, Pangasinan. Call 6378963, 6352547, or 09178937157, or telefax 6312861. You may also email info@puertodelsol.com.ph or log on to www.puertodelsol.com.ph.

On their Skin-on Fries:


A perfect companion whenever you would be waiting for anyone or anything. Hindi nakakaumay ang lasa, especially with the ketchup. :)

On their wedges:


A lot more flavorful than their fries, a must try,. :)
On their Mushroom Loco Burger:

What i hate about beef, is its fat oozing off your taste buds, eek! And this is what exactly how the burger's meat was like.

Ambience: Fast food/ Diner like
Where I ate: Big Better Burgers SM Cubao
Rating: 31/2 out of 5

Lucy: You will not go wrong when you are grounded on the right values’

You will not go wrong
when you are grounded
on the right values’

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD March 2011

SHE may be pushing 40, but Lucy Torres-Gomez still looks as radiant as the first time she graced our television screens in a shampoo commercial opposite her now husband, Richard Gomez. Lucy, who is, nowadays, wife, mother, TV host, and Congresswoman of her hometown Ormoc, Leyte, manages to stay energetic and youthful-looking as she attends to her responsibilities. She shares some of her life secrets to looking as beautiful as ever and living the good life.


Don’t fight the aging. “There are certain changes women my age can’t help dealing with. So although we already sweat the small stuff, we also become more mindful with the choices we make, especially when it comes to food and lifestyle. We may be past the insecurities of youth, but we also have to face the realities of aging.”

A good health supplement matters. “If you survived with little or no sleep in your teens or early 20s, lack of sleep at this age will immediately manifest its unflattering effects on your skin and energy level. I find the multivitamin supplement Immuvit, for example, helpful especially now that I have a busier schedule. It gives the maximum amount of health benefits women my age need.”

Make informed choices. “I stay out of the sun as much as I can and likewise use my eye cream religiously. Like with the vitamins and supplements I take, I am also mindful of what I put in my body. Like most women my age perhaps, I am forever reading labels and product briefs because I want to make informed choices.”

Eat healthy. “I have been eating brown rice for a few years now and have a better appreciation for fruits and vegetables. I like juice and I try to munch on healthy snacks like dried and fresh fruits and nuts.”

Control your binges. “I once read that our stomach is just about the size of a big fist and we are supposed to put just that much food into it at a time, too. I try to think of this when I am tempted to go on a binge. I also try to always eat fruits first, instead of last, as is the norm. I read that they have to be consumed first over fish or meat because they are easier to digest.”

Grab a quick nap. “If you have that sleep in the bag, then staying mentally alert is not a problem. I can say that I have also become an expert at taking naps whenever I can. Grabbing a quick doze really helps a lot when you have many responsibilities to attend to in a day.”

Find a happy space. “When I dance or do yoga, I feel totally carefree and energized. I feel like a child again. I feel so good about myself and my life and at that circumstance I actually feel I can take on anything. The natural high dancing gives me is the reason I keep going back to it. It makes for a happy space for me.”

Keep yourself grounded. “The world being so small and all, the very people you meet on your way up are also the ones you will meet on your way down. I also strongly believe that you will not go wrong when you are grounded on the right values.”

Home is where the heart is. “Family is important. I cannot say that often enough. The world can go all crazy, but as long as you have a family to go home to, a family to anchor you, you have a safe haven.”

ETC

Am appreciating ETC on free tv (on RPN 9), cause before I can only watch it in out cable TV. Now, since it is on channel 9, I can easily access it on the other TV, which does not have cable.

What more it offers variety, as other local channels serve drama--- from afternoon to primetime, teleserye nalang ng teleserye. Please! Think about us, me in particular, who would want a good laugh. There are many problems in this world---the weather, money, work , and even those politicos are even adding to the list---so honestly, I really don't need to cry about a teenage girl's fake death anymore.

Cafe Breton

On their La delice

On their Cafe Mocha



Khay and Mela: Masarap, it has more whipped creme than other cafe mocha,

On their Poseidon Crepe(not photographed)

Khay: has been craving for this because of the pink salmon, am guessing, but she detests the maasin at maalat capers

Where we ate: Cafe Breton Tagaytay
Ambience: We stayed out doors and with the cool Tagaytay Breeze, Cafe Breton is the perfect place to relax, talk and
Service: Fast
Rating: ****and a half / 5 stars

‘Half of My Body Was Paralyzed’

‘Half of My Body Was Paralyzed’
By Dina Bonnevie
As told to ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published March 2011

LATE 2009, I woke up one evening with my right side paralyzed I could not move. I tried to use my left hand, picked up my cell phone, and called my son-in-law Marc. I said, “Marc, you just rush here. You take me to the hospital, I don’t know what is happening. I can’t move.”

Marc brought me to the emergency room. I was diagnosed of suffering a mild stroke. Half of my body was paralyzed. Doctors recommended that I stay in the hospital.
I told them, “Ayoko ng ospital.”

Once you’re in the hospital, they will say you’re sick. I can’t be sick. Come on, I am a health nut and have been endorsing wellness products.

Then I realized, I was loaded not only with work but with other things. I didn’t have any sleep, I overworked myself, I was going through the worst time of my life—coming from a breakup, my business suddenly failing, filming more than 24 hours a day. That was it. I thought, this has to stop. I asked myself, do I want to be the richest person in the cemetery?

I had no choice. I had to go back. The doctors did Magnetic Resonance Imaging and everything. They told me that I had a stroke, while another doctor said it was whiplash. One thing was sure—there was something wrong.

I am so glad to have met Dr. Rolando Balburias, who heads the Medical City’s Center for Wellness and Aesthetics. That began my journey toward adapting a good diet. He also cured my acid reflux, as I was taking a lot of steroids, for my allergies. Then I found out that the steroids were bad for me as they were making me bloated, fat, and ugly. Doctors prescribed a medicine that got rid of my blotches, dark spots, and allergies.

My neck was stiff, so my doctors prescribed some exercises which I followed. At first I thought this was silly, but the exercises helped me. As we moved forward, they had to remove a lump from my back.

I’m still recovering right now. Recovery is not easy. There are times when I ask myself, babalik pa ba ako? Recovery is about committing to whether you want to get well or not, committing yourself to the right diet, the right routine, everything. What made me continue was the assurance of the doctors around me that I was getting healthier, from week to week. I am getting well. There are changes in my body, the way I feel. I feel lighter, healthier. Now, there is a balance not only in my diet and lifestyle but also with my time schedule, among other things.

Antonio's Grill

Two hours drive from Quezon City (My friends Cy, Khay, Mela, Tin and I came from SM Sta. Mesa) is Antonio's Grill in Tagaytay. My friends were craving for Bulalo, and so,...


On their Bulalo:


Khay: Malabas
My Take: Am not really a Bulalo eater, but the meat was good, it was tender, plus it was tasty,.


On their Liempo:


On their Tawilis:



My take: It was my first time to eat tawilis. So I didn't really know how to, should I dip it in soy sauce? eat it with bulalo? after all Khay was giddy when she ordered this dish right after bulalo. So i deboned the fish and dunked the white meat in toyo. That was when I was told that it should be eaten as a whole. But hey, whether it be dipped in soy scuce, or eaten with bulalo, it just tastes good although not the same. Try it! :)

On their Laing:
Tin: Maasim
Khay: baka sira na yung gata

But no it was no the gata, it was just made that way, made to be maasim, so if you like suka (although it does not taste that way, ha?) on your laing, maybe this is just for you.

Drinks
Mango Slush:
Mela: Mas masarap yung watermelon slush, maasim yung Mango Slush. Kulang ng asukal, at gusto ko kasi yung may gatas.


Antonio's Grill: Aguinaldo Hi-Way, Tagaytay City

Ambience: Relaxing sounds compliment Tagayatay's cool winds
How to get there: Take SLEX, exit to Santa Rosa, then turn right after paying the toll. Drive straight on until you get to the Tagaytay City,...

Wet and Wild Workout

Wet and Wild Workout By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA Published MOD March 2011 Summer is the perfect time to hit the beach, and water sports are perfect tricks to shed off those unwanted bulges!

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Parasailing “In 2012, there will be 10 sailing events at the Olympics. Six men’s events, and four women’s events. Not many other sports can match that,” says Peter Capotosto of the Taal Lake Yacht Club. “It is more of a mind sport than a body sport, so it is perfect for Filipinos because we are not anatomically-disadvantaged from the start. Agility and tactics are much more important than height or weight.” What to bring. Sailboats and kayaks that are for rent and relatively inexpensive, sailing lifevests that are different from most other lifevests, and sailing harnesses Where to go. Taal Lake Yacht Club, a parasailing hotbed. Sailing classes are by appointment, year-round. It has Hobie catamaran Regattas every second Sunday of the month, and it’s less than an hour and a half from Makati. The club organizes regattas in other areas from November to April. Other common destinations are Punta Fuego, Tali Beach, Corregidor, Puerto Galera, Anilao, and Boracay. For details. Taal Lake Yacht Club (website: tlyc.com) or Puerta Galera Yacht Club (website: pgyc.org). Windsurfing “The latest craze is kitesurfing, where the sail is a parachute-like giant kite, high in the air, that you control while zooming along the top of the water on a wakeboard. Windsurfers and kiteboarders like lots of wind,” says Peter. What to bring. Peter says the only gear you need that is “sailing-specific” is sailing gloves, and these are usually available at the club where you will learn to sail. He adds, “Your feet will get wet, so if you have diving booties, bring them. But any shoes that you don’t mind getting wet will do.” Sun protection is important, so cap, sunscreen, and sunglasses are highly recommended. Peter also advises to bring a couple of shoe laces. “The instructor will show you how to tie your cap and glasses so you won’t lose them,” he says. Where to go. Boracay, and Pagudpud in Ilocos. For details. Taal Lake Yacht Club (website: tlyc.com) or Puerta Galera Yacht Club (website: pgyc.org). Surfing Says Paolo Soler of Philippine Surfing Academy, “Surfing is uniquely different from other sports since it is essentially non-competitive and better described as a lifestyle rather than a sport. It’s the most natural human recreational activity that requires no audience or point system.” He adds that although there are surfing competitions that involve scores and rules, free-surfing only needs the natural and invisible energy of waves that push water molecules to propel the surfer on a constantly moving environment. Being immersed in nature and invisible energy rewards the surfer with a blissful feeling usually referred to in surfer lingo as the feeling of being ‘stoked.’ What to bring. Sunblock, a lycra rash guard, board shorts, and a soft surfboard when taking your first lessons. To avoid unnecessary injury, Paolo advises to make sure to take your first surfing experience under the guidance of a qualified professional surfing instructor and use the safer versions of surfing equipment such as a soft surfboard. Where to go. According to Paolo, the top beginner spots are Club Manila East, Taytay wavepools, Real, Quezon, San Juan, La Union, Zambales, and Baler, Aurora, while top intermediate to advanced level spots are Cloud 9, Siargao Island, ABCD Beach, Calicoan Island, and Cobra Reef, Baler. “All the rest are secrets,” he adds. For details. Philippine Surfing Academy (Cell phone number: 09175827878; website: www.philippinesurfingacademy.com; e-mail: info@philippinesurfingacademy.com). Scuba Diving Scuba (or self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving is one of the most, if not the most, relaxing water sports. “Nothing beats the freedom it offers, the feeling of flying in mid-water while scanning the contours of walls and canyons underwater,” says Scuba World’s Dale Uy. “If you have traveled around the world and you think you’ve seen everything, you’re wrong. It is a new world down there!” What to bring. Tank, BCD or a bouyancy control compensator device, regulator, mask snorkel fins, wetsuit, and led weights. Where to go. For Dale, the best dive spot here in the Philippines is still the Tubbataha Reef west of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. He also recommends the dive sites in Anilao, Batangas. His favorite is Twin Rocks, highlighted with the school of jacks which goes into a ball formation because of the massive volume—good for underwater photographers. “Anilao is also a haven for macro photographers,” Dale adds. For details. Dale or Dexter of Scuba World Inc., which offers free introductory dives at any branch in Manila (phone numbers: (02) 8953551, 09175493650, or 09082123734). White Water Rafting River sports, specifically white water rafting, is not the usual water sport. “In this, you don’t need to be good in particular skills like swimming as long as you listen to the river guide and you cooperate with the crowd,” says Jessie Jhon Magkilat, operations manager of 1st Rafting Adventure. Water rafting is also a sport where the family or barkada can have bonding moments. Says Jessie, “During the water rafting, you have only two tasks: first, to paddle, and second, to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the area.” What to bring. Helmet, life vest, and paddle. These gears are usually provided by the company. Where to go. Cagayan Valley, particularly in Tuguegarao, and Davao City. “But the best and pioneer companies for these water sports are located in Cagayan de Oro City,” says Jessie. For details. 1st Rafting Adventure (phone numbers: (088) 8563514, (088) 8571270, 09173255544, or 09088849575; e-mail: riverguide95@yahoo.com; website: www.raftingadventurephilippines.com).

Good Morning, Venus!

Good Morning, Venus!
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD March 2011

YOU KNOW her story. Born in Qatar. Growing up without a father. Hand-to-mouth life in Bicol. Darkness, her many nights. Then, just as she was about to see some limelight, a controversy, a buzz about mistakes, and it seemed she’s back in the dark.
And then splash!

Unlike beauty queens who, after representing the country in pageants abroad, seem to have been etched out of the public’s consciousness, Miss Universe Fourth Runner-Up Venus Raj continues to make news. And she’s delivering the news. Her new morning.
Venus recently joined the reformatted ABS-CBN morning show, Umagang Kay Ganda, as one of its hosts. “Okay sa akin ang hosting. Sabi nga nila, pagka-hosting, normal lang. Napapakita mo lang yung personality mo," Venus told entertainment site push.com.ph.
She added that she has no problem with the early call time. “It’s okay, because I do jogging at around 5:30 in the morning. So it’s like I’m only jogging, that’s what I think about. Plus, I am a morning person, so I don’t have any hesitation waking up early.”

Venus is excited to have started a showbiz career, via ABS-CBN. Unknown to many, she almost became a Kapatid, having been offered to be a part of Willie Revillame’s Willing Willie on TV5 as a co-host. Her mom, however, was determined for her daughter to be a Kapamilya. “She told me, ‘Anak, ang gusto ko, sa ABS-CBN ka talaga. Kasi kung hindi, hindi na talaga ako manunuod!’ She was serious when she told me that. Kaya kami ng kapatid ko tawa ng tawa, at alam ko na talagang ang saya niya na nasa ABS-CBN na ako,” she told ABS-CBN.com.

She may be focused on her hosting gig now, but Venus isn’t closing her doors on acting. “If I am given a comedy role, why not? For me, it is okay. Maybe even a dramatic role—it would also be okay for me. Or if I get to do comedy with a different role, why not? I’m willing to improve whatever it might be that would need improving. I would study different kinds of roles,” she said.
Venus also has some leading men she would want to work with—Piolo Pascual and Coco Martin.

She said of Coco, “I was still in college when he visited Bicol. I remember my barkada and I really followed his entourage just so I could get a glimpse of him. I only got to look at him for just a short while! I remember telling myself, ganito pala yung feeling na hinahabol mo talaga yung artista para magpa-picture. I wasn’t able to see him up close, so I wish that would happen soon.”
Whatever her career or lovelife status may be, Venus truly hopes in the Lord, like she did when the Binibining Pilipinas decided to sign her up with ABS-CBN. “All I’m praying for to our Lord is that He leads me to where he wants me to be going. So I know that this is where I am now, and this is what he wants for me. I’m really thankful that it is with ABS-CBN,” she said.

A Different Halohalo

Razon's started out as a resto in Pampanga but then, the number of branches in Manila are suddenly growing. They cater Filipino food.


Here's our (my friends ans mine) take on some of their food.


When it comes to the pinoy's favorite summer treat,..Halohalo,. we always think about sago, ube, ice cream, langka, and other colorful ingredients that make it sweet and just as yummy.

however, Razon's take on the famous merienda is quite different as it only has several ingredients and is paler in comparison.

so for me it is yummy, but its a different halohalo,. more like a cousin?

On their sizzling Bulalo:


My friend Khay says: " sobrang sarap, pwede bang huminig ng extra sauce?" Which she did, in case you are wondering.

My other friend Tin: Hindi Ganoon ka sarap
My take: okay! Tender


On their Sisig


Tin: Hindi ganoon ka sarap
Mela: Lasang sunog




Dinuguanno review, as our friend who ate this did not say anything, so you decide


Where we ate: Razon's Timog (March 2011)
Ambience: Clean
Service: Fast

Rating ***/5 stars

Charice

Charice: Pinoy Gleek
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD Magazine December 2010

FROM being a runner-up in a local singing contest to becoming a YouTube sensation to being branded by Oprah Winfrey as the most talented girl in the world, and more recently, to landing a recurring role in the hit U.S. series Glee, Charice Pempengco, or simply Charice, definitely is this year's Top Headliner and thus our Cover Girl for this yearender.



Charice is one of the few Filipinos who have successfully broken through the international music scene. Her-self titled international album made its way to the Billboard Top 100, reaching number 10, while its carrier single, Pyramid, reached number 1 in the U.S. Billboard Dance/Club charts.



But her biggest break this year—possibly her whole career--was when she got the role of a foreign exchange student in season 2 of the Emmy-award winning series, Glee. The whole Philippines eagerly anticipated Glee's season 2 premiere, where their kababayan was set to make her debut. And Charice sure made them proud! As Sunshine Corazon, Charice held her own against the show's lead actress, Broadway star Lea Michele, who plays diva glee club member Rachel Berry, in their Telephone sing-off. And during her second number in the show—Sunshine's audition as a member of McKinley High's New Directions glee club--a cover of Beyonce's Listen, Charice did even better, showing off those powerful vocals. Her Glee appearance so made its mark that Sunshine Corazon even became the second trending topic on the microblogging site, Twitter when the episode aired. Her and Michele's cover of Telephone, a Beyonce and Lady Gaga original, also landed at number 28 on the U.S. Billboard charts, while Listen debuted at no. 38.



And to think that Charice's scoring the Glee gig was rocked by controversy at the beginning. Her Botox and Thermage procedure done by celebrity doctor Vicki Belo to prepare herself for her appearance in Glee caused a stir and even made international news. It even made Glee creator Ryan Murphy rewrite the scenes for Charice with the message, ‘It's important to love and embrace one's naturally round face as it is.'



Prior to guesting in Glee, Charice performing in gay clubs also raised a lot of eyebrows, with some saying it was inappropriate and unexpected for a young singer such as herself. Charice, however, clarified that this was the practice in the U.S. and the best way to promote Pyramid. Apart from that, her talent fee was criticized, as Charice was reportedly worth $100,000 per show. To this ,Charice told ABS-CBN.com: “I’ll be honest. I don’t think that it is that big. I mean I’m just starting. Maybe people are just taking into mind all my achievements, that’s why they’re saying that it is worth that much. As for me, I don’t even know what my talent fee is,” noting that her managers handle all her bookings.



Charice’s mother, Racquel, didn't go unscathed with controversies, with reports saying she was controlling her daughter’s money and career choices. Charice quickly dispelled these rumors, saying she was grateful to her mother. “Thank you for everything that you have done for us. I admire her so much, because I’m only her daughter but all these negative comments are being thrown directly at her. I’m hurt by all these, I can’t imagine what more it is for her. I really admire her courage and strength. Always remember that me and Carl (her brother) are always here for you,” Charice said over a live interview in The Buzz .



Instead of letting these issues get to her, Charice considers them as a source of strength. “It’s my greatest fear. At the same time, it also keeps me going, those people who try to pull me down. That is the hard part, when you are so happy with all that you have achieved and then all of a sudden there are negative issues. It is super-super painful, but for me it is also like a source of strength. If ever you see people who are jealous of you, then you should show them that you are positive, a lot more than they are,” Charice said.



In the meantime, she focuses more on her flourishing career and opening the doors of international music scene to other Asian, especially Filipino, artists. “Sa ngayon po, iniisip ko na lang na talagang nakadepende sa akin na kailangang ipakita ko kung ano ang talent ng Pinoy. Iniisip ko na nagiging strength ko na mas lalo ko pang galingan para maipakita sa ibang mga lahi na meron din dito sa Asia na pwede ring international talaga,” she said.



Great Acclaim



THESE entertainment powerhouses have nothing but praises for Charice:

* “When that girl opens her mouth, angels fly out.” - Glee creator Ryan Murphy

* “You can smell the star on her.” – Ellen de Generes

* “In my opinion, she will put the whole of Asia on the map as a huge global superstar.” – David Foster

*“You are a force to reckon with. That voice comes from something bigger than yourself.” - Oprah Winfrey



Twitter Invasion



STARS tweet their congrats to Charice (@officialcharice) on her Glee debut:

· @officialcharice Great job on Glee! Very happy that so many people will hear your beautiful voice. - Josh Groban (@joshgroban)

· I finally saw the season premiere of Glee. Oh, the drama, the drama! And @officialcharice ROCKED! Congrats! - Lea Salonga, (@MsLeaSalonga)

· Way to go @officialcharice! You make us all proud! Keep ‘em coming!! Pinoy pride baby! - Sam Concepcion (@sam_concepcion)

· I just saw the scene of Charice in Glee where she sang Listen. Oh my gosh. GOOSEBUMPS EVERYWHERE! I'm so proud of her! - Pauleen Luna (@pauleenJLuna)

I Am Pretending That My Baby Is Adopted’

I Am Pretending That My Baby Is Adopted’ As told to ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA Published MOD May 2010 THE first time that Mirdianne* learned that she was pregnant, she cried-but they were not tears of joy. At 28, Mirdianne was at that stage which many would consider the right age to have a baby. Also, she had a stable job working for the finance department of a retail company, so she could provide for her child. But she and Lito, an officemate who worked for the logistics department, were not ready for parenthood. They were just having fun, they succumbed to their passions, but they were careful... or so they thought. At first, Mirdianne noticed her menstruation skipping. But she didn’t bother about it because after all, she had an irregular pattern. But five months after, she still didn’t have that monthly visit. So she decided to have a home pregnancy test. The test turned out positive. She didn’t know how to tell Lito. Things were complicated. They weren’t formally a couple. People in the office didn’t even know that they were going out. Nevertheless, abortion did not cross her mind. Yet, she did not know what to do. So, she searched the Internet for answers. She found emotional support. The first person she told about her pregnancy was a pro-life minister, whom she met online. Later on, she found the courage to tell her mother and sister, who were both in the province. She went home and told them, but they decided to keep it first from the rest of the family, including her father. Their plan: she would live in a home for women in crisis until she gives birth. Then she will legally adopt her own baby. She will tell people that the baby belongs to a less fortunate woman and that she’s adopting the baby out of charity. Today, Mirdianne is one of the women housed at Grace To Be Born. She found a refuge in this non-government organization which helps women in crisis, especially giving shelter to pregnant women who do not want to resort to abortion. At Grace To Be Born, she is learning how to take care of babies by looking after babies of other women in the home. Now she has accepted her baby-a boy-wholeheartedly and plans to name him Samuel, a character from the Bible who was adopted by a priest. Things are still complicated with Lito, though. He still sends her text messages, but he doesn’t give any financial or emotional support, which Mirdianne is not hoping for anymore. Mirdianne is on maternity leave, even as her officemates still do not know who the father of her child is. She has to work to be able to provide for her baby, but she plans to look for a job in another company. “I will raise him up as my adopted child,” Mirdianne says of the baby she will deliver anytime soon. “But when the time comes that he can already understand, I will tell him the truth.” Note: *Although events in the story are true, names of places, persons, and some circumstances have been altered to protect the identity of those involved. Any similarity to actual names of places and persons, whether living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

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