One fabulous fact I realized about traveling during August is that peak season is over! Yes, I will be missing the best weather, but I will be saving a ton of money! Apparently, travel prices decrease quite a bit during the rainy season (I guess people don't want to brave the monsoons and typhones??).
This logic obviously has it's pros and cons....
P.S. Round-trip ticket to the Philippines right now: $1591...
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
What you've seen on Fear Factor
I've given my spiel about the foods I can't wait to devour, but I have yet to tell you about the foods I simply can not eat.
(Warning: The following material contains graphic content. Those with weak stomachs should not read further.)
I'm a rather picky eater so I've narrowed it down to two things that would stop my 'exploratory' side dead in it's tracks.
1. Balut. You've probably seen this Filipino delicacy on Fear Factor before, but if you haven't, let me give you the scoop. Balut is a fertilized duck egg with a nearly developed baby duckling inside. It is then boiled and eaten right out of the shell, usually with salt or vinegar.
2. Dinuguan. This dish is a stew made of blood and meat. That's right, it is a blood pudding stew. It is made of a dark pig blook gravy, chili, vinegar, and pork meat (and sometimes intestines, eats, and snout).
My family enjoys both dishes. In fact, my grandpa loves, loves, loves balut. I, however, just don't have the guts to even try them.
(Warning: The following material contains graphic content. Those with weak stomachs should not read further.)
I'm a rather picky eater so I've narrowed it down to two things that would stop my 'exploratory' side dead in it's tracks.
1. Balut. You've probably seen this Filipino delicacy on Fear Factor before, but if you haven't, let me give you the scoop. Balut is a fertilized duck egg with a nearly developed baby duckling inside. It is then boiled and eaten right out of the shell, usually with salt or vinegar.
2. Dinuguan. This dish is a stew made of blood and meat. That's right, it is a blood pudding stew. It is made of a dark pig blook gravy, chili, vinegar, and pork meat (and sometimes intestines, eats, and snout).
My family enjoys both dishes. In fact, my grandpa loves, loves, loves balut. I, however, just don't have the guts to even try them.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
A Wild Ride
The seating on the jeepney is awfully crowded. In fact, if an individual can not fit into one seat, and must take up part of another, they are charged for both seats. This can make for a rather embarrassing moment, as some of my relatives have told me.
Some people even jump onto the moving vehicle, and hang on to the back.
As you can see, this is not your typical transportation service!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
EVERYTHING UBE
This post is dedicated to my all time favorite food: UBE.
Ube is made of purple yam (see below). It's known for it's bright purple color and a scrumptious ingrediente in desserts.
There is an unlimited amount of ube desserts that I love more than anything.
My favorite to make at home is a simple ube jam called Ube Jaleya:
Here is a simple recipe my mom gave me:
2 cans condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup grated cheese
In a big wok, melt butter or margarine. Place in the mashed ube; pour the condensed milk and sugar over it. Keep stirring on low heat for at least 30 minutes or the until mixture is well blended.
Add evaporated milk and continue mixing until well blended and thick. Stir constantly to prevent sticking to the pan. Let cool and transfer into a large greased tray or pans Sprinkle with grated cheese for extra flavor. Chill and serve.
You can also enjoy:
Ube Cake
Ube Ice Cream
Ube Puto Bumbong, which is made from sticky rice and ube, dipped in coconut shavings, and served with brown sugar
These desserts will often turn your mouth purple, but it is so worth it!
Ube is made of purple yam (see below). It's known for it's bright purple color and a scrumptious ingrediente in desserts.
My favorite to make at home is a simple ube jam called Ube Jaleya:
Ube Ingredients:
2 packs purple yam2 cans condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup grated cheese
Directions:
Cook ube in boiling water until soft. Peel and mash ube until smooth in texture. A blender can be used for a better result.In a big wok, melt butter or margarine. Place in the mashed ube; pour the condensed milk and sugar over it. Keep stirring on low heat for at least 30 minutes or the until mixture is well blended.
Add evaporated milk and continue mixing until well blended and thick. Stir constantly to prevent sticking to the pan. Let cool and transfer into a large greased tray or pans Sprinkle with grated cheese for extra flavor. Chill and serve.
You can also enjoy:
Ube Cake
These desserts will often turn your mouth purple, but it is so worth it!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Why daydreaming gets the best of me...
Let's go back to my major dilemma.
So, I'm sitting here, daydreaming about all of the wonderful places I'll be visiting.. the beaches, the markets, the list goes on and on.
But, here's the deal:
I'll be sending out my resume to a million and one companies in the beginning of June, searching desperately for my dream career. Then, I graduate at the end of July and I'm off to the Philippines!
but, what if....
The employer at my dream job is literally calling me while I'm off enjoying the sun on my face?
What if he is offering me the opportunity to be interviewed for this dream position?
What if, had I been here, I would have landed the perfect job?
What if I just blew my chance?
My mind is about to explode.
So, I'm sitting here, daydreaming about all of the wonderful places I'll be visiting.. the beaches, the markets, the list goes on and on.
But, here's the deal:
I'll be sending out my resume to a million and one companies in the beginning of June, searching desperately for my dream career. Then, I graduate at the end of July and I'm off to the Philippines!
but, what if....
The employer at my dream job is literally calling me while I'm off enjoying the sun on my face?
What if he is offering me the opportunity to be interviewed for this dream position?
What if, had I been here, I would have landed the perfect job?
What if I just blew my chance?
My mind is about to explode.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Queen City of the South
Cebu, known as the Queen City of the South, is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It is home to some of the biggest shopping centers and skyscrapers, and boasts a beautiful white sand beach. Two perfect worlds combined in one great city.
First things first: the shopping centers!
The Ayala mall holds many stores and restaurants, and even has two supermarkets.
It also has SM City Cebu, which is the fourth largest shopping mall in the Philippines. It is four stories tall and has over 200 stores and restaurants, a movie theater, and a supermarket. Talk about doing some serious shopping!
Olango Island:
When you're done shopping and desperately need to relax, all that's needed is a quick ride over via pumpboat to the Olango Island. This place is ideal for snorkeling and loving life!
You're day can't get much better than this. Ultimate shopping and some time in the sun?? Sign me up!
First things first: the shopping centers!
The Ayala mall holds many stores and restaurants, and even has two supermarkets.
Olango Island:
When you're done shopping and desperately need to relax, all that's needed is a quick ride over via pumpboat to the Olango Island. This place is ideal for snorkeling and loving life!
You're day can't get much better than this. Ultimate shopping and some time in the sun?? Sign me up!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
What's cookin'?
In addition to enjoying the sunshine and the time I get to spend with my family, there is one very important aspect I can not wait for:.... THE FOOD.
Nothing beats freshly prepared food; rich in culture and absolutely delicious.
Here are the top three foods I'd love to devour:
Chicken Adobo:
Chicken slices cooked with vinegar and soy sauce. My mom makes this dish all the time, and it's my absolute favorite!
2. Adidas (Grilled Chicken Feet)
The chicken feet are prepared by removing the tough skin and sharp claws, and grilling them. I've never had it before, but I've heard that the meat on the chickens palm is delicious. (Yes, I understand that this may seem very strange..)
3. Lechon (roasted bbq pork)
While it looks a little terrifying, you must try the roasted pork. It's crunching skin, layers of fat and tender meat make a great combo.
Nothing beats freshly prepared food; rich in culture and absolutely delicious.
Here are the top three foods I'd love to devour:
Chicken Adobo:
Chicken slices cooked with vinegar and soy sauce. My mom makes this dish all the time, and it's my absolute favorite!
2. Adidas (Grilled Chicken Feet)
The chicken feet are prepared by removing the tough skin and sharp claws, and grilling them. I've never had it before, but I've heard that the meat on the chickens palm is delicious. (Yes, I understand that this may seem very strange..)
While it looks a little terrifying, you must try the roasted pork. It's crunching skin, layers of fat and tender meat make a great combo.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Timing is everything
I've run into quite a few problems as to when exactly I'm going on this fabulous trip:
1. How long?
2. What dates?
3. What if I get a job? IN FACT, WHAT IF I GET MY DREAM CAREER? (whatever that may be)
4. Should I walk at graduation?
Let's address these one at a time.
Problem 1: How long will this vacation last?
My mother would like to go for a month. I concur.
Problem 2: What dates will I be going?
Now, here are some dates I need to keep in mind:
Last day of school for my undergraduate education: July 29
Graduation commencement cermony: August 20
Now, these dates pose quite the dilemma. We would like to go for 30 days. We can only go for 20 day. This is not okay.
Problem 3: What if I land my dream career the second that I graduate?
How could I possibly TURN DOWN a job???? This is not an option. But I need to buy the tickets a few months in advance. This is a serious issue- for I can't predict the future.
Problem 4: Should I walk at graduation?
This is not a question.
I will be walking.
I spent a long, hard four years and one quarter at this school- and I want EVERYONE to know that I am finally done.
These are issues I'll need to discuss with my mother. We will come back to these later.
1. How long?
2. What dates?
3. What if I get a job? IN FACT, WHAT IF I GET MY DREAM CAREER? (whatever that may be)
4. Should I walk at graduation?
Let's address these one at a time.
Problem 1: How long will this vacation last?
My mother would like to go for a month. I concur.
Problem 2: What dates will I be going?
Now, here are some dates I need to keep in mind:
Last day of school for my undergraduate education: July 29
Graduation commencement cermony: August 20
Now, these dates pose quite the dilemma. We would like to go for 30 days. We can only go for 20 day. This is not okay.
Problem 3: What if I land my dream career the second that I graduate?
How could I possibly TURN DOWN a job???? This is not an option. But I need to buy the tickets a few months in advance. This is a serious issue- for I can't predict the future.
Problem 4: Should I walk at graduation?
This is not a question.
I will be walking.
I spent a long, hard four years and one quarter at this school- and I want EVERYONE to know that I am finally done.
These are issues I'll need to discuss with my mother. We will come back to these later.
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