Thursday, October 31, 2013

October's Best

Another month has come to an end. Half bitter, half sweet. I assumed it was the best but really all was the same. How awfully boring. I had finished reading 3 e-books for this month each has 400+ pages and have watched my favorite cartoons over and over again.  I've been downloading movies in Pirate Bay that took a day for each downloads to finish. (Patience is a virtue lol) Also, discovered an online site where you can watch online movies - VIOOZ. It was pretty cool coz i had watched some latest movies from there. If you haven't heard of it yet, well then visit it now you may like it too.

Anyway, since i have really nothing much to do (bumming around lately) i really find this 30 day blog challenge quite interesting and somewhat accomplishing for me to do..for a change and maybe something that can motivate me, let my lazy mind be busy thinking of random things rather than some nonsense whatsoever. Ugh. Back when i had my POTD "Pic of the day" i ended up a bit stressed for the daily photo i should post, well this one is kinda easy, i guess so. I'm so thrilled to start.. I've been wanting to do this yet i never got the perfect time, well not until now..tomorrow and for the next 29 days of November. Try it too!

Btw, here's the list of my 30 day blog challenge. I hope i can answer them all right and that i won't miss a day of posting it. (But i do scheduled posting hahaha) Honest cheat.. mehehe!

Day 01 - The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 02 - List your guilty pleasures
Day 03 - Define True love
Day 04 - A weird habit of yours
Day 05 - A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06 - A picture of you when you were still young
Day 07 - Five songs that are currently at the top of your playlist
Day 08 - Five things you do when bored
Day 09 - If you want to change your name, what would it be?
Day 10 - Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyper, mad
Day 11 - Birthday bash
Day 12 - One thing you're excited about
Day 13 - Five things you’d like to say to five different people, without using names.
Day 14 - Describe your most embarrassing moment
Day 15 - Unforgettable childhood curiosity moment
Day 16 - Favorite quote
Day 17 - Your first crush
Day 18 - React to this: Letting go
Day 19 - Look up your horoscope today and tell how accurate you think it is
Day 20 - Your ideal date
Day 21 - A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22 - Bullet your day
Day 23 - Something you crave for a lot
Day 24 - Someone you wish you could meet
Day 25 - What I would find in your bag
Day 26 - Choose: Goodbye or Hello
Day 27 - If you only had 24 hours to live, what would you want to do?
Day 28 - One person you can trust
Day 29 - In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30 - Three good things that’s happened over the last 30 days

So me again saying: Goodbye October, Hello November..please be good to me!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Haunted

We chase after ghosts and spirits and are left holding only memories and shattered dreams.  It's not that we want what we can't have, it's what we've held all we could want and then had to watch it slip away.....

Too much for haunting wishes.. Happy Halloween everyone! o_0


Monday, October 21, 2013

Butter Cake inspired

My common favorite. I had tried other simple cake versions. Here's another inspiration i made. Nothing so special, i just added more butter than usual. Every now and then, i usually make these simple cake especially when we run out of bread supply since we had a lot of flour in stock. It's very easy to make, see for yourself. Btw, i used oven toaster in cooking it.. as always.
Here's how:
  1. Sift flour in a medium-sized bowl.
  2. In a small pan, heat milk and butter until bubbling at edge.
  3. Let it cool for a few minutes. Set aside. 
  4. Combine flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder and vanilla.
  5. Mix throughly using an electric mixer, gradually add the milk and butter mixture.
  6. Pour mixture into greased cake pan.
  7. Cook for 15 minutes or until the top part turns golden brown and toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Add frosting and candy sprinkles as desired.
Yummy? Grab a slice!or you may try it too. ^_^

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Lost Beauty: Before and After Bohol-Cebu Earthquake

Rappler: MANILA, Philippines - Some of the oldest churches in the Philippines fell to the force of a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that shook Bohol, Cebu and other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao on Tuesday morning, October 15. 

"We call on the Philippine government to allot funds for the proper reconstruction and restoration of these heritage churches which are priceless Philippine cultural treasures. We also ask government cultural agencies, particularly the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, National Historical Commission of the Philippines and National Museum, to take the lead in restoration efforts and move as one," the group said.

They said the destruction should convince the national government to fund "periodic maintenance and preventive measures, such as retrofitting of our built heritage, to protect them from incidents of this magnitude in the future." -from source


Image belong to its rightful owner no infringement intended
300-year-old Church of San Pedro Apostol, Loboc, Bohol
Image belong to its rightful owner no infringement intended
Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Baclayon, Bohol 
the second oldest stone church in the Philippines
Image belong to its rightful owner no infringement intended
Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Loay, Bohol
locally referred to as Santissima Trinidad Parish
Image belong to its rightful owner no infringement intended
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Dauis, Bohol
Image belong to its rightful owner no infringement intended
Church of Our Lady of Light, Loon, Bohol
Image belong to its rightful owner no infringement intended
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu

Will they ever look and feel the same again?
 
Disclaimer: Photos and info source belong to its rightful owner, no infringement intended

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Heartbreaking: Heritage churches in Bohol & Cebu heavily damaged

MANILA PHILIPPINES - Bohol, one of the country's top tourist destinations was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake this Tuesday morning damaging property – including historic churches. 

The quake struck at 8:12 am, and was centered 2 kilometers southeast of Carmen, Bohol (09.80°N, 124.20°E). The quake's depth of focus was 33 kilometers, and was of tectonic origin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in its initial report."

According to Heritage Conservation Society, at least 10 churches were damaged by the quake. They include:
  • Church of San Pedro Apostol, Loboc, Bohol 
  • Church of Our Lady of Light, Loon, Bohol 
  • Santissima Trinidad Parish, Loay, Bohol 
  • Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Baclayon, Bohol 
  • Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Dauis, Bohol 
  • San Nicolas Church, Dimiao, Bohol 
  • Santa Cruz Parish Church, Maribojoc, Bohol 
  • Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu 
  • Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Cebu 
  • St Catherine's Church, Carcar, Cebu 

A 400-year-old structure of the San Pedro Church in Boboc, Bohol.  Photo by Robert Michael Poole

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon, considered to be the oldest churches in Bohol.

Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño

Santissima Trinidad Parish, Loay, Bohol 

Chocolate Hills viewdeck

City Damages





It was really heartbreaking. I've visited Bohol and Cebu and these said churches last time and terribly sad to see the damages. It was quite a different feeling when you actually visit the place and then saw it in total wreck.  It's really hard to believe that it actually happened. -_-  The big question is why include many catholic churches and historical places? These churches that had stood for decades and centuries.  So depressing to see our own heritage went to ruins.

Let us do pray for all the affected people and may God give them the strength to recover from all of what had happened.

 Everything in life is temporary, in just one blink, we may lose it.. 
Pray always and Trust God.

Disclaimer: Photos and info source belong to its rightful owner, no infringement intended

Friday, October 11, 2013

No-Bake Cheesecake

In the mood for experimenting again, this was my first attempt of no-bake cheesecake. This time, my cousin sponsored the ingredients and he spent almost 500php. Yey! But with the condition that it should taste good haha or he'll ask his money back..haha! (He wont really, just to pressure us) Along with the help of my sister and cousin-in-law, we made this first ever cheesecake that may doesn't look much presentable but it was really delicious, yet it was! So check out how we made it.
For the crust 
  1. Put graham crackers in a plastic bag. Roll with a rolling pin until finely crushed. This may be done in small batches. Or, you may use a food processor to make fine crumbs.
  2. Add melter butter and sugar.
  3. Stir until all the ingredients are moist. 
  4. Press crust mixture into pan.
  5. Set aside, you may put it in the freezer to cool it for a few minutes.

For the cake filling
  1. Use an electric mixer, to beat the softened cream cheese, nestle cream, condensed milk and vanilla on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  2. Pour the cake filling into the pan with prepared crust. Spread the filling evenly with a rubber spatula or spoon. (haha!)
  3. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, 4 to 6 hours.
  4. Prepare with cookie crumbs on top.. Enjoy and satisfy your cravings.
 
 Not so perfect but yummy indeed.
There are lots of version of making cheesecake. Some has eggs and flour but it is for baking it. And since this version i made was a no-bake, i only include ingredients that doesn't need cooking with heat. Though i would love to try those other versions, in that way i can make a very perfect looking cheesecake next time.

Till next!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

TOP 11: All Time Favorite Cartoon Movies

Always had been a child at heart, i'm very fond of collecting cartoons movies in cds and dvds. Nowadays, i just download them online and save some in the ipad so i can watch it before bedtime. So here's the list of my most favorite cartoons ever. Oh I think you will like it too.

 11. Toy Story
 Toy Story 1 (1995) A cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman figure supplants him as top toy in a boy's room.

 Toy Story 2 (1999) In the film, Woody is stolen by a toy collector, prompting Buzz Lightyear and his friends vowing to rescue him. However, Woody finds the idea of immortality in a museum tempting. The film returns many of the original characters and voices from Toy Story and introduces several new characters, including Jessie, Barbie, and Mrs. Potato Head.

 Toy Story 3 (2010) The toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home.

A movie that tells about true friendship and self worth and a bit of jealousy in between. True friendship was when they rescued Woody no matter what and how far it takes. Self worth was when Woody doesn't want to be just a play toy - he wants to be something else that will make him feel worthy. And yes, from the first movie, there had been a jealousy when Buzz came, Andy loved Buzz than Woody. In the end, they figured it out and be the best of friends.
 "We toys can see everything, so play nice."


10.  Gnomeo and Juliet (2011)

The greatest love story ever told, starring...garden gnomes? In the upcoming "Gnomeo & Juliet," Shakespeare's revered tale gets a comical, off-the-wall makeover. The neighboring gardens of Montague and Capulet are at war, but the gnomes, Gnomeo and Juliet, are in love.

I truly enjoyed this movie. It was quite unbelievable yet it makes me wonder what if those garden displays really become alive at night time or when no one else is in sight? I think that's really interesting and weird at the same time.

"Every day they sit and wait. But when we're away their adventure begins."

9.  Rio (2011)

From the makers of the hit Ice Age series comes Rio, a comedy adventure about taking a walk on the wild side. Blu is a domesticated Macaw who never learned to fly, living a comfortable life with his owner and best friend Linda in the small town of Moose Lake, Minnesota. When Blu meets the fiercely independent Jewel, he takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams.

♥ So that's Blu, who fell in love unexpectedly and would go anywhere just to be Jewel - the bird of his dreams, even if he cannot even fly.
"He's going to the wildest, most magical place on earth ...home."


8.  Coraline (2009)

An adventurous young girl walks through a secret door and discovers a parallel reality that is eerily similar to the life she already knows, yet deeply unsettling in a number of ways.

♥ At first, i find this movie very unusual. I didn't watched it when it was newly released. I guess just a year ago after it was. For kids to watch this, it may be quite scary for them. Especially with the fake mother with button eyes. Sounds unreal but i love the moral lesson of the story. When you wish or want something, be sure to be responsible for the outcome and circumstances it may bring.
"Be careful what you wish for."


 7. The Princess and the Frog (2009)

 A fairy tale set in Jazz Age-era New Orleans and centered on a young woman named Tiana and her fateful kiss with a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again.

♥ Randomly downloaded this online years ago, it was an entertaining movie. I have had a few laughs over it. Especially the part when they both become a frog. No wonder, love comes the least you expect it to be. It happens when it happens and you meet the love of your life by the magic of fate. Oh well.
"Every love story begins with a kiss."

 6. Up (2009)


By tying thousands of balloons to his home, 78-year-old Carl sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years younger, inadvertently becomes a stowaway.


♥ Very heart warming story. it got me teary-eyed, almost.

"I've never been in a floating house before."



5.  Barbie Movies (2001 - 2012)

Always inspiring.  I love them all!

Barbie in The Nutcracker (2001)
"Anything is possible."

Barbie as Rapunzel (2002)
"Love and imagination can change the world."

Barbie of Swan Lake (2003)
"You're braver than you think."


Barbie as The Princess and The Pauper (2004)
"Live your dream."

Barbie: Fairytopia (2005)
"What makes you different makes you special."

Barbie and The Magic of Pegasus (2005)
"There is always hope."

My Scene Goes Hollywood (2005)

The Barbie Diaries (2006)

Barbie: Mermaidia (2006)
"Trust your true self."

Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)
"There's a difference only you can make."

Barbie Fairytopia: Magic Of The Rainbow (2007)
"Together, we are strong."

Barbie as The Island Princess (2007)
"There may be miracles awaiting, they may be closer than we know, 
when we have love to guide us as we go."

Barbie: Mariposa (2008)
"The most beautiful thing you can be is yourself."

Barbie and The Diamond Castle (2008)

"Friendship is the true treasure."

Barbie in A Christmas Carol (2008)
"Keep the beauty of Christmas in your heart every day of the year."

Barbie Presents: Thumbelina (2009)
"Even the smallest person can make a big difference."

Barbie and The Three Musketeers (2009)
"True courage is pursuing your dream, even when everyone else says it's impossible."

Barbie in a Mermaid Tale (2010)
"What makes you different just might be your greatest strength."

Barbie: A Fashion Fairy Tale (2010)
"Magic happens when you believe in yourself."

Barbie: A Fairy Secret (2011)
"Forgiveness lets you fly."

Barbie: Princess Charm School (2011)

"There is a princess in every girl."

Barbie: A Perfect Christmas (2011)
"Being together is what makes a perfect Christmas."

Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2 (2012)
"It feels good to be part of something bigger than yourself."

Barbie: The Princess and the Popstar (2012)

4.  Tinkerbell (2008 - 2012)
 Tinker Bell (2008)
 "Enter the world of fairies."

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure (2009)
"Adventure beyond Pixie Hollow."

Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue (2010)
"An enchanting encounter unfolds."

Pixie Hollow Games (2011)
"Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust.."

Secret of the Wings (2012)
 "Two worlds. One magical secret."

♥ I love fairies so much..especially Tinkerbell. Claiming to be a fairy that my nephew calls me "Tita Fairy" and he does promise me all the time that he's gonna get me some fairy wings. 
"Your talent makes you who you are. You should be proud of it."

3.  Epic (2013)

A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group characters in order to save their world -- and ours.

♥ Sometimes when you get used to a place that makes you feel good or with the people who makes you feel appreciated, it's always hard for you to leave and go back to your very real world. Don't you think?

"Discover a world beyond your imagination."

2.  Brave (2012)

Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.

♥ It's not everytime that we are given the chance to change our fate, and if we do, sometimes it happens by force or because we are left with no choice at all. Bottomline, we all need to be responsible for our own actions and accept results from the choices we make. Brave is a good movie that being selfish sometimes can make us be more selfless at the end.

"Change your fate."



1.  Tangled (2010)

The magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is.

♥  And my number 1 favorite is Tangled. Yey! Why? Because i find this movie really very entertaining. Most of the scenes give me a really good laugh especially the part of Flynn Rider and Maximus, the horse chasing each other and all. It may sound unbelievable but i have watched this movie over 10 times and it still make me laugh like it was the first time.

"They're taking adventure to new lengths." 


Photo and movie summary text source belong to respective owners, no infringement intended.
Reviews are written based on my own opinion.   

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

No-Butter Sponge Cake inspired

After the first attempt of making a pound cake, here's another try - sponge cake. I wonder if it is really possible to make a cake without butter.  Luckily, google said yes it does so i'm off to this another attempt to satisfy my pastry cravings. Though, I was really not hoping for the best result i just expect it to be edible enough so it wont be a waste.
Here's how: 
  1. Sift flour in a medium-sized bowl.
  2. In a small pan, heat milk and butter until bubbling at edge.
  3. Let it cool for a few minutes. Set aside. 
  4. Combine flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder and vanilla.
  5. Mix throughly using an electric mixer, gradually add the milk and butter mixture.
  6. Pour mixture into greased cake pan.
  7. Cook for 15 minutes or until the top part turns golden brown and toothpick inserted comes out clean.
For the frosting:
Mix small amounts of confectioner's sugar, butter, milk and coffee then that's it.

Yummy ✓ Nice Texture ✓ Satisfied ✓