April 2011 Round-Up: Is the Blog Dying?

Just 4 posts (minus the March round-up post) this month??!!  Wow, we're losing steam.  Blog stats are not worth looking up (too unmotivated to do it).  Here's the round-up, if you still care to know:

5 Random Interesting Things I Found in the Internet #3 by Bernel

- my only post this month.

Keeping My Summer Cool by Niki

- the Chief loves cold deserts for summer.

I ♥ CEBU FOOD-- Part 2 by Maddy

- another epic food post in list form.

A week of prayer by Niki

- post for the Holy Week (i.e. when it's okay to have no activity in this blog). 

No need to bother with rank changes in the team.

Hope we can drag this blog back to good health in May.

A week of prayer

It's the start of the Holy Week and people are rejoicing. For some, its a few days off from work. But more than letting the physical self unwind, people should also take time to renew their relationship with God and spend some time with prayer and asking forgiveness. Even if it isn't the Holy Week, we should.

Matthew 28:1-10

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." (NIV)

I ♥ CEBU FOOD-- Part 2

I ♥ CEBU food

Part 2

Writing this post is making me hungry by the second.

Why not? For once again I will be talking about food and as I have promised on my earlier blog post I ♥ CEBU FOOD-- Part 1 I will create PART 2 and this time giving you a list of the Top 10 most popular Cebuano food based on my interview on some people that I knew-- mostly Cebuanos, some from other provinces who have stayed in Cebu...and of course based also from my own preferences.

But yeah, just like how I felt, ranking and scoring to get the Top Ten was really difficult. There are some of my Top which didn't make it to the overall Top 10-- even if i was a little (only a little) disappointed, I have to post the list based on all my interviews...haha...however I have to admit, I have some biases, but in time you will surely agree that these food should make it to the Top 10 Favorite Cebuano Food.

Are you ready to rumble??? My stomach has already started to ...

Let's start on.....

10. Otap and Rosquillos

Waaa? two delicacies in one number... I admit, there's a tie on this one. Hahaha!

Both can be eaten as merienda / snack and as dessert!

Otap ~ is an oval shaped crispy biscuit. It's crispiness is from the fragility of its wafer like crust, it could actually be messy to eat. Hahaha! Made from flour, shortening and coconut, it is also sprinlkled with sugar. Otap originated in Cebu but is also popular in other provinces of the Visayas. It is one of the favorite pampasalubong. More of Otap? you can visit The Otap as A Snack

Rosquillos ~ are ring shaped cookies from flour, eggs, shortening, baking powder and sugar. Some are made chewy and some are mady extra crunchy or crispy. The most popular Rosquillos is from the town of Liloan, Cebu wherein they also have a Rosquillos Festival every end of May. For more information about Rosquillos and its history you can check out http://explorecebu.com/content/rosquillos-festival. ^_^

9. La-maw

What??? Lamaw? Yes, lamaw. It is a snack/drink/dessert from coconut juice or milk and buko or young coconut meat. Ok what's the difference between lamaw and butong? Actually, there isn't much except-- butong actually is misconcepted as lamaw where in fact lamaw has added sugar or milk while butong has no added sugar or milk. Really really? Yes, really... I learned that when I asked my Aunt about it... Aaaaah! Now I know! It is best served chilled while eating other snacks or meal, other fruits can be added to it too. ^_^ Fact is La-maw is the simplest form of buko salad. Perfect for summer! ^_^

More awesome Summer quenchers check out

8. Su-Tu-Kil

Oww! I just hit three birds with one stone. But hey, you have to agree that SuTuKil will always be a favorite Cebuano food trip. Mainly seafood on the menu, SuTuKil actually is Sugba- Tula- Kilaw.

Sugba/ Sinugba~ simply means broiled or barbecued

Tula/ Tinuwa~ is the food with hot sabaw or broth/soup cooked with spices

Kilaw/ Kinilaw~ a big favorite, is raw fish or other raw food mixed in vinegar and other spices

SuTuKil is very popular especially in Mactan Island of Cebu where there are seaside places that offer the SuTuKil way--- by choosing your own fresh fish or other seafood to have them Sugba, Tula, or Kilaw... ^__^ ♥ Seafood!!!

7. Dried Mangoes/ Mango Chips

Yeeeey! For me I have this in Number 1 in my own top ten list. And it's just the on the 7th? Noooo!!! Hahaha...Oh well, dried mangoes is an all time favorite...simply because Mangoes are number one favorite fruits amongst Pinoys. Drying the mangoes make it more sweet and have more texture. More so, it is easily carried around and eaten as snacks or treats. Mangoes are sun-dried after cutting them into slices or into chips. I so wanna have a big pack right now! ^_^

6. Carcar Chicharon

It has to be Carcar's for the place is not only known popular for their shoes and other footwear, but also for their delectable Chicharon. Curious how chicharon is made? First let's discuss what is it made of--simply pork skin fried and refried until it grows extracrispy. The fat and the skin combined with salt and sometimes other spices then dipped into plain vinegar or sometimes hinalang or more famous Pinakurat vinegar. Next time you come to turn in Carcar's Rotonda, you might wanna stop for a while and try chicharon .

5. Inasal Manok

Wait, isn't lechon manok famous in other provinces as well? Hmmm... let me make this clear....Inasal Manok is actually quite different from the usual lechon manok. The best recipe for Inasal Manok is the one from Dumanjug.

To those who don't know what manok means -- it's chicken. Haha...wanna know the recipe? I found the detailed one at this site http://www.pinoyrecipe.net/chicken-inasal-recipe/.

However Dumanjug's special Inasal looks like this. The difference? The Dumanjoans have a special way in preparing it and they use organic fed native chickens. ^_^ A must-try and best complemented with atsara.

4. Larsian's Barbecue

Why not? Okay let's say, you can find the same kind of food elsewhere in the Philippines. But to be eating at Larsian's famous for their barbecues is a different experience. There's Larsians near Fuente Osmeña as well as in Mactan. Eitherwhich, people love to eat in Larsian's. Issues rolled about sanitation and smoke and carcinogens, but hey, stubborn Filipinos. Hahaha! Really curious what's there? try reading here http://www.cebucentral.com/cebuinfocus/Larsian.html

"So unsa man? Larsian ta? Wai blema!"

3. Siomai sa Tisa

Wait, isn't siomai chinese? haha, well of course. However Tisa has a special way of presenting it, and instantly, it has become known as Siomai from Tisa. Hmmm, though I am not so crazy about Siomai sa Tisa, I have to say I really am a fan of siomai. But siomai from Tisa has a special distinct flavor, must be the sauce or it must be the ingredients to the stuffing. Don't really know, but it's very flavorful. ^__^ heehee Cebuanos really love siomai...i mean really...

2. Lechon Baboy

Crispy and crunchy brown scrumptous skin and savory juicy tender meat, lechon baboy is always present in festivities such as weddings, birthdays and other celebrations.

What makes Cebu Lechon Baboy different from other Lechon? Aside from being cooked over burning charcoals, it is later cooked over live fire...uhuh...now you know. Another thing, Cebuanos don't have sarsa sauce made up of a liver paste base, which is the usual sauce. Cebuanos just have vinegar with soy sauce and chili dip. ^_^

......AND!!!!

1. Buwad!!!

"buntag buwad, udto buwad, inig ka hapon mag sugba tag buwad!!!"

And Taboan is just the place to be!

There's nowhere else you can get the best kind and in many different kinds than here in Taboan Buwad Market Cebu City. Danggit? Dilis? Pusit? Pinikas? Buwad is any dried fish, salted or unsalted-- young and old, rich or poor, everyone enjoys it. Aside from being a side dish or a complement to other viand...Just have a saucer with suka (vinegar) and rice, and it's already a meal!

That's it! Phew! That's the Top Ten Favorite Food amongst Cebuanos! ^__^ hahaha

however, I have to present to you the ALL TIME popular Cebuano food...

It's not in the list because it goes well with most of them...

I am talking about nothing else but PUSO...yep...that's right! the Hanging Rice... ^_^ a staple cebuano food...

Thanks guys for reading! and to all my friends who helped me too! ^_^ Enjoy Cebu!

Keeping My Summer Cool

Summer season has just started and I can feel the heat prickling my skin already. What I would give for some Halo-Halo or maybe even just a sundae at McDonald’s.If you haven't got it yet, this post is gonna be all about food. Summer food. 

One of the cheaper and faster way to cool down during a hot summer day is go to the neighboring mini store and buy some ice candy. It's cold, its convenient, and it has a lot of flavours. It's also easy to make one at home. One satisfying treat if I must say so myself.

In my pre-college days, some classes or rather cleaning activities extended beyond March. And after those activities I always remember one or two peddlers selling those yummy looking colored liquid with floating jellies (gulaman). Memorable afternoon delights that lightened our tired moods.

Another summer treat that makes me reminisce my high school days is the Mais con Yelo. There was this place a few blocks away from our school that was everyone's favorite store to buy similar treats. Students also spend their afternoon dates there or hang out with friends.

When you're in the city area of Cebu, you can't really find an ice candy in the nearby store or a "clean" looking sago and gulaman on the dusty high way. If you're in a hurry and want something cold soon. You can always go to the nearest McDonald's or Jollibee and get a sundae. Hehehehe

But the best cold treat I choose would have to be the Halo-halo. Shaved ice combined with tropical fruits and beans, add some evaporated milk and top it off with a scoop of ice cream or maybe even 2. I have a lot of memories with this Filipino delicacy and I'm sure you have too.

Apart from the top choices, I'd also go for a gelato anytime.

Sheesh, writing this post is making me hungry... Off to find a sundae. Did I say it's also available 24 hours a day? ^_^

*all pics taken from Google

March 2011 Round-Up: Saying Au Revoir to March

Wow, I think I saw the numbers hurrying up in this month. From the 572 views last month, we had about 813 views as of this post. This baby blog (3 months) sure is growing up fast. As for the month recap, I’ll be giving it a twirl. Feels like I had my own graduation. Hehehe

Anyway, here we go;

5 Random Interesting Things I Found in the Internet #1  by Bernel

- you think the internet is getting boring? think again. ^_^

Ragnarok Online ~ A Reminisce and Art Appreciation by Maddy

- Maddy recalls her Ragnarok days

Flipped by Niki
- the chief shares a cute movie

I'm a Fan by ANDoi
- a piece of ... art?

I miss home by ching
- ching shares what she misses back in the home country

Facebook is eating me alive! by Carl Cathrx
- Carl gives us the Facebook reality

5 Random Interesting Things I Found in the Internet #2  by Bernel
- another list of reasons why we stay online

Jasmine: Part 1 and Part 2 by Niki
- Niki gives us an original story inspired by the old Disney classic

I ♥ CEBU FOOD-- Part 1 by Maddy
- a post for the stomach, can't wait for part 2. ^_^

The Crappiest Song Ever!!! by Bernel
- the title says it all... ^_^ 

zombie lovin' by ching
- meet the guy who's literally... a zombie 

Top 10 Animated Movie Songs by Bernel
- his post will have you singing along with the familiar songs 

Behind the Song: DROWN by ANDOi
- a tribute to Japan that ended up as a heartbreak song. ^_^

Writers' Hierarchy As Of March 31, 2011
Founders:

Niki - "The Chief"

Maddy - Blog Manager

Bernel - Blog Manager
Espada:
ANDoi  - Primera
Carl Cathrx- Segunda 
Ching - Tres

RD - Cuatro

Another rank change for this month. Though, we didn't get a new writer for March, we're still recruiting. ^_^

Bonjour avril!

3 months have come and gone and I look forward to what the writers of this blog can come up with. This blog makes me go forth and surf other sites online and not only keep myself in Facebook.

We're keeping up despite busy schedules and other things that happens in the real life and putting so and so in writing. ^_^

Now that March has ended, I expect a lot of summer-y posts in April and so forth. And also more contributors. There's even a rumour of a surprise for this month for the readers so keep on following us to find out more. I'd also like to invite our guests to drop comments and suggestions whenever. It would mean a lot. ^_^

the cat feels so epic

5 Random Interesting Things I Found in the Internet #3

Not much stuff to share, but hey...


5.) It's Friday


I hate what Rebecca Black did.  My favorite day would be forever associated to the crappiest song ever written.


At the bright side, it makes me LOL that people with musical talents started covering the song and uploaded these to youtube.  And they all ended up better than the original!  I mean these guys PARODIED the song and their versions ended up having a better like-to-dislike ratio.  Which is like a big FU to Ms. Black.  "Hey, even our crap is better than what you can ever do!"


Anyway, here could be the best cover of the song:

If you still can't enjoy it due to the ridiculous lyrics of this song, how about this, an orchestra version, which is lyric-free (you still have to suffer some clips from the stupid music video though):

4.) Good Dose of Badassery Each Week

Here's a site that chronicles badass people (historical or fictional):

http://www.badassoftheweek.com/list.html

Entries are written weekly.

Two of the people they wrote about (and I have read) are of our Filipino hero, Lapu-Lapu, and the Bible's King David.  Could be the most entertaining bios I have read about them.

3.) Greatest Archeological Find Ever!

Whoa!  Archeologists at a dig-site in Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan uncovered a burial site for giants.  This was the first giant skeleton that they unearthed.  There could be more!  Scholars are rushing to the site as I write this.

Pretty exciting?  Well, this is more exciting...

2.) Greatest Astronomical Find Ever! 

While archeologists dug up a giant's skeleton, astronomists in Dominion Astrophysical Observatory took this picture.  See nothing special?  Well, look closely.  The astronomists accidentally took a picture of a real angel! 

Still can't see it?  Let me help you...

Amazing.  Illusion or a real angel?  You decide.

These are great Internet stuff for today.  A Friday.  

1.) However, Aside From Being a Friday, Today is... 

APRIL FOOL'S DAY!!!

That means the previous two entries of this post are NOT true.  

Anyway, here's a great April Fool's Day article...

http://listverse.com/2007/10/24/top-15-april-fools-day-hoaxes/

And some photos of hilarious pranks on passed-out drunk people in...

http://passedoutphotos.com/

Visit "The Bernel Zone" for more interesting stuff (i.e. more Bernel)...