When I Lost and I Was Delighted.

August 25, 7:55PM. I took my body stats using the InBody machine at Anytime Fitness in Pioneer Center. What it showed me was a total heart-breaker: Body Fat Mass of 31.5lbs, Percent Body Fat of 19.6, Muscle Mass of 73.2lbs, and Segmental Fat/Trunk of 21% (over normal range).

It was with those figures that I decided to work on these damn-stubborn fats. The next day, I started intermittent fasting.

I chose the 10-hour eating window (i.e. 14-hour fast), missing breakfast -- knowing that this should be more manageable, considering I'd be asleep a few hours after the fasting period starts at 10pm.

Man, the next couple of days were harrowing. Just for reference, I had type 2 diabetes, and my body didn't really respond well to starvation (or just plain hunger) -- I'd get dizzy, weak, and at one point in the past, had fainting spells. So those things happened to me in the first 2 or 3 days, sans the fainting (thankfully). All I had during the fasting period were brewed coffee (say, a venti-sized cup), water....and lots of prayers!

I had to keep my mind occupied -- I went to more meetings than were necessary, I walked to and from cubicles just to keep me moving, and I worked on my tons of contracts to sign (a different story about that later!). All just so I wouldn't get focused on my hunger pangs.

My feeding time would supposedly start at 12nn -- but because of work, and some prep time needed for meals at home for lunch, I'd be able to eat by 1230pm...which makes it approximately 14.5hours fasting. Good job, Bentong. LOL

So I've done it for a while now, the dizziness and weakness got less and less. I noticed that whenever I'd eat (during feeding window), my stomach seem to be filled almost as soon as I put a moderate amount of food in my mouth -- as if it had shrunk because of the fasting. Don't get me wrong, I get hungry LIKE HELL during the feeding period. But I help myself ride these craving waves by drinking Javita Green Tea, lots of water, some more coffee, and when I've done my groceries prior, juices (e.g. my Slimer Drink: kale, kiwi, green apple and cucumber).

Tonight, I dared step on the InBody again. With a prayer and crossed fingers, the printout came out to these: Body Fat Mass of 29lbs, Percent Body Fat of 18, Muscle Mass of 75.6lbs, and Segmental Fat/Trunk of 19.5% (normal range).

I lost. And I was delighted. 

There's still a long way to go to get to Percent Body Fat of 14-15. But, hey, it's still three months till my Bali trip. So, here's to more juicing, coffee and green tea. And lots of hip-hop classes.

How to Fall In Love With Anyone

Three years ago, The New York Times published an article called "The 36 Questions That Lead to Love." This was based on a modern love essay by Mandy Len Catron (“To Fall in Love With Anyone, Do This”) and a study by psychologist Arthur Aron, which explores whether intimacy between two strangers can be accelerated by having them ask each other a specific series of personal questions -- thus these 36 questions.

Some of the questions are rather interesting, some thought-provoking, while others so-so. I've pre-selected some of my favorites, and I'll answer them here as candidly and unpretentiously as possible.

1. GIVEN THE CHOICE OF ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHOM WOULD YOU WANT AS A DINNER GUEST?  
>> Barack and Michelle Obama

2. WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FAMOUS? IN WHAT WAY? 
>> Yes, Like being part of a team that'd discover a permanent cure for illnesses like HIV or diabetes or cancers.

3. WHAT WOULD CONSTITUTE A “PERFECT” DAY FOR YOU? 
>> Quality time with my loved one/s (be it family, friend or significant other), enjoying the moment, having a good meal or drinks and laughing heartily, with no care for any worries of the world.

4. IF YOU WERE ABLE TO LIVE TO THE AGE OF 90 AND RETAIN EITHER THE MIND OR BODY OF A 30-YEAR-OLD FOR THE LAST 60 YEARS OF YOUR LIFE, WHICH WOULD YOU WANT? 
>> Retain the body -- so I can still be strong enough to explore and make new memories.

5. DO YOU HAVE A SECRET HUNCH ABOUT HOW YOU WILL DIE?

>> Either a heart attack, a stray bullet, or the adult counterpart of SIDS

6. FOR WHAT IN YOUR LIFE DO YOU FEEL MOST GRATEFUL?
>> That at my age, I am able to see the world, live comfortably, have a healthy body, meet amazing people, see my family happy, and be respected for my skills and talents.

7. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT THE WAY YOU WERE RAISED, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

>> Not being able to reason out with adults and most authority figures, that all we are expected to do was say yes and be obedient no matter what.

8. IF YOU COULD WAKE UP TOMORROW HAVING GAINED ANY ONE QUALITY OR ABILITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

>> The ability to fast-forward in time to see how a decision I'll make in the present would turn out, so I'd be better forewarned.

9. WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST IN A FRIENDSHIP?

>> Reliability, trustworthiness, fairness/impartiality, genuine concern, and respect for my time.

10. IF YOU KNEW THAT IN ONE YEAR YOU WOULD DIE SUDDENLY, WOULD YOU CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT THE WAY YOU ARE NOW LIVING? WHY?

>> I will update my Last Will and Testament, ensure that when I die, nobody will be inconvenienced/hassled; and I will book trips to Peru, Egypt, Jordan, Norway/Iceland, Africa, and as many countries I could visit with my savings. And hopefully with my partner. :)

11. WHAT, IF ANYTHING, IS TOO SERIOUS TO BE JOKED ABOUT?

>> Rape. Child molestation/prostitution. Suicide. Other people's physical flaws.

12. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MOTHER?

>> I'm a self-proclaimed Mama's Boy. I love my mom to pieces and I will move heaven and earth to make her happy (and proud of me).

13. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY IN FRONT OF ANOTHER PERSON?

>> Yesterday, when someone was telling me that I was one of the most selfless and helpful person that she's worked with, and that she can't wrap her head around the idea of me leaving.

14. COMPLETE THIS SENTENCE: “I WISH I HAD SOMEONE WITH WHOM I COULD SHARE ... “

>> my happiness, and all the love I can give.

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What are YOUR answers? I'm interested to find out 😉

The Whats of Musings from "The Hows of Us"

Disclaimer: I didn't watch the movie. I prolly won't watch it alongside a gazillion shrieking fans (my officemates and staffs included) in theaters, and will most likely watch it in my uBox android TV box in the comfort of my LaZBoy one of these days.

So there I was earlier tonight scrolling through my Facebook feed, and while waiting to fall asleep and get to 100% battery charge (I didn't want to leave my phone plugged while I sleep so I keep it fully-charged before snoozing), I came across a few promo photos of "hugot musings" from the movie (I assume) from the production house. Without permission from the owner (hehe) here are those pics:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Let's "counter-muse" on these hugot-musings. 

1.  Well, it's not a contest. Does it matter? I left you because there was a valid reason. It's not something that I assiduously and viciously pre-planned. And in saying that, it goes without saying that hurting you (when I left you) was not the primary intention. If at all, the pain was just an incidental. Like we both went to a -- hopefully not hysterical or violent -- "war" and we were both casualties. That if I stayed, it may only mean more pain for you...and quite possibly for me as well. Can't we just leave it at that, i.e. we are both hurting. The intensity of the pain -- on who's hurting more -- is inconsequential.

2.  You just do. To begin with, it was your choice to allow someone to break you. You've made your bed, so now you must lie on it. Ride the waves of emotions -- don't bottle things up. Follow the Kubler Ross Stages of Grief:  Denial - Anger - Bargaining - Depression - Acceptance. And then move on. No, I never said anything about it being a walk in the park. Or that it was going to be swift. By all means take your sweet time. Take a break, introspect, heal, be whole and strong again. Remember that your battle scars are what'll make you strong(er). Learn from your previous "brokenness". 

3.  It's related to #2. Nobody can ruin your dreams unless you let them. You're playing the victim card in saying that they ruined your dreams. It's YOUR dreams, so only YOU get to call the shots as to when, how and why YOUR dreams end. On the matter of still being able to love that person again after you've ALLOWED him to ruin YOUR dreams, I have one word for you when you do: IDIOT. Letting him back into your life in any relationship level more than civil-coexistence is really a form of lunacy: as if you never learned anything from it. Remember that a battered wife goes through this insane repetitive mobius strip of a cycle of pain that she can't seem to get out of...only because she feels helpless. Don't be that person. Rise above it. Co-exist...and do not exist just for or because of him. Know your worth. YOU control YOUR fate.

4.  Sparks WILL fade and promises MAY BE broken over time. These are as inevitable as death or rain on monsoon season will ever be. But remember: it's not "the" love that you choose; rather it's the person (and what you do with him [and him to you]) that you do. Love has become this overrated, touchy-feely abstract concept that we seem to hyperbolize and treat as an end-all, be-all matter. Love, in any relationship, shouldn't be viewed as merely the FEELING. It is the DOING that should matter. It's more than a noun/thing; it's an action word. There is nothing you can do about the noun, but a whole myriad of possibilities of actions for the verb. When the initial thrill of the "kilig" and anticipation and giggles from the first few dates, hour-long conversations, incessant instant messages and mind-boggling sex start to fade, there is nothing that you can NOT do to keep being with the person who gave you all that initial thrill. Break the old routine, make new memories, explore other possibilities, bring down dated barriers, experiment and have fun in new/other ways. The possibilities are endless. You BOTH work together to make the noun of LOVE work into what you've dreamed it to be. You BOTH exert effort in making it work, saving your relationship. Or you go to item #1.

Now, here's my own hugot musing: When you're fucking hungry and you realize it's way past your feeding window because of intermittent fasting, do you grab that Snickers bar or cry yourself to sleep? 😆

Revival

More than a decade ago, I was a prolific blogger -- writing two or three blogs a day. A DAY. You'd be like, "Does this loser actually have anything else to do other than kvetch?"

I had a full-time job back then (in an insurance company). Well, I still do now -- though not for long (that's a new blog altogether). Let's just say that back then, I used to find time -- no, MAKE TIME -- for blogging. Be it early morning before my work schedule started; during coffee breaks; right after work, while waiting for traffic to let up; or while waiting in a coffee shop.

2009 was my last post. And the next two (2011, 2013) practically don't count -- because they were merely just to test the new format of app-based blogging...which I didn't really like. Nothing beats typing away on my laptop while trying to catch up with the speed of my brain's musings.

So, here we are now. Back to blogging. Again. Let's see if I can keep up. After all, I will have more time in my hands again soon.

New beginnings

It's been more than a year since I last attempted to revive this blurb, er blog. A lot has happened since then. New people, new single hood, new condo, new realizations, new mornings and nights, and a new chance of a better life.

A lot has changed, but one thing didn't: I'm still here.

So, what now?

Mobile Blogging now?

As if my constant Instagramming (and subsequent cross-posting to Twitter and Facebook and even Foursquare) wasn't enough, I came across the Blogger app for iPhone. So there. Let's see how this mutha werks using my ancient blog archive.

Ohmy. I haven't posted here in over a million years. Must I start again? I don't even have time to finish cramming in my tiny brain all those work stuff which I have to memorize for the road shows abroad.

I remember having the luxury of time to blog 2-3 or even more posts per day. What I would've given back then for mobile blogging. 

And this fucking keypads are killing me. Thank god for wireless keyboards, albeit ridiculously pricy.

What now?

RECIPE: Pesto-Butter Spread

If, like me, you're one of those people who are constantly ambushed by visitors who invite themselves to dinner or lunch or any other meal in between, you'd of course need time to prepare a "surprise" meal...while in the mean time needing to shut their mouths so you could concentrate on your cooking. And when they're already hungry when your ingredients are just starting to thaw out and still a few hours more before food's ready, this recipe's a good one to keep them semi-full and have them stop complaining. Just make sure you have wheat bread (or any variant would do), baguettes or pita bread ready to spread these onto.

And, oh...make sure to prepare this WAY IN ADVANCE...as Ate Vi says, "you can never can tell" when these (unwanted--hehe) visitors would pop in and you'd need to serve this quick appetizer.

_____________________________________________________________________________

You will need: fresh basil leaves (young leaves preferably), extra-virgin (yeeeeah) olive oil, half a block (or whole, depending on your need) of butter or solid margarine, salt and pepper to taste

You will also need: a blender and some ice cube trays (try those fancy shapes just for fun)

FOR THE PESTO: Put enough basil leaves into a blender. Add at least half a cup (yes, I said at least...so feel free to throw in the whole freaking bottle) of extra virgin olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Blend ingredients until you get a gooey consistency--ensuring, however, that they don't end up looking like Gerber goo. (You may end up making a lot of this pesto, so make sure to save some in the fridge. This makes a really good pasta sauce, too)

Now that the pesto's ready, melt the butter/solid margarine in a teflon fan over low heat. Careful not to burn it or to make it dry up--or it won't solidify again....EVERRRRRRRRR. Remove pan from the stove. (Note that you can also melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, you lazy ass boi)

Add enough pesto mixture into the melted butter. It's not a perfect science...so just stop when you see a good amount of the greens mixing with the yellows.

Spray ice cube trays with cooking oil in a can. Pour mixture into tray and put the trays into the chiller (not the freezer, duh). In about an hour, it should solidify into a good firm form. You can keep it there or pop them out and transfer into plastic or non-stick containers.

These keep for up to 6 months as long as they're in the fridge. Serve as spread with bread, or melted as dips.

Enjoy!

The Race to the Top

[[Feature article in the upcoming issue of Hamilo Post: Official Newsletter of Pico de Loro]]

The idea of traveling on foot up the mountains never really appealed to me, especially after I've injured my left kneecap almost two years ago. So when I got a call to join a trekking exercise with friends at Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, I was not exactly fired up. Little did I know that, hours after the day was over, I would still be babbling about it...fondly.

We left Manila just as the sun was peering from the horizon. We hardly felt the two and a half hour drive, thanks to banters about office anecdotes, and comic relief from the kitschy and quirky 80’s decade. But that's a totally different story!

We knew we had arrived at Hamilo Coast when we passed by the majestic landscaped entrance and guardhouse. After a short drive of scenic, winding roads, we finally reached the Pico de Loro beach. When the trekking team was complete, we began the hike to the peak—walking on pristine white sand and passing through dense mangroves to reach the foot of the hills. The Hamilo Coast estate management (HCEM) staff who doubled as our guides, gear caddies, security, and first aid crew led the way through a lush growth of trees wild plants, dried leaves, and twigs. The idea of being in the midst of the wilderness, disconnected from the chaos of the city (though mobile phone signals were unbelievably strong) and in communion with nature was more than enough impetus to drive us higher up into the highland. Not even the thought of running into forest snakes (which we were told as very unlikely) or even encantos (nature elementals) stifled that strong impulse to reach the top. At some point, we were all quietly striding through the trail, all in awe of the sense of peace and quiescence of the woods.

While we had to stop every once in a while to take photos, we would grab every opportunity to soak in the beauty of the forest around us. It was quite a hike, and because I hardly touched my breakfast before the trek—how smart was that?—I started feeling weak. (I’m diabetic, so hypoglycemia started kicking in.) Everybody in the team, especially the HCEM staff, was very helpful: they offered water, a bite from their yet untouched Egg McMuffins from breakfast, and even helped carry my backpack. Using their two-way radios, the HCEM staff were even kind enough to be able to contact ground personnel to get my medication, which I had left in the van. Fifteen minutes later, I was back on my feet and we headed up again.

Three or four stops later, we finally reached our target—one of the numerous observation decks scattered in the mountaintops of Pico de Loro Cove. The view was astounding. No immobilizing--and not because we had acrophobia, but because you would best be completely still to absorb the magnificence of the view from the top. The surrounding mountains made us feel miniature with its majestic stretch; the lapis lazuli sky almost kissing its reflection on the tranquil waters; and the cool sea and mountain breeze embracing each other, muffling the heat of the scorching sun. For an amateur trekker like myself, this hike was utterly challenging, even daunting…but surveying the grandeur of God’s creation like that from where I was, it was definitely worth all the trouble.

We took a couple more photos on the observation deck, while at the same time imagining how spine-tingling it would be to experience the zip line (from the deck rushing down to the beachfront) once that amenity is completed. Below—luminescent flags along the shore, the unsullied powder white sand, the unruffled strides of the almost Lilliputian people enjoying the sun, and the sea competed for our attention. Since it was already noon, we decided to head back down to have lunch.

Less than thirty minutes later, we were back to where we started from—barely a quarter of the time it took for us to climb the highland. We enjoyed a feast of local delicacy, which the staff personally prepared for us. We also toured the cove’s marketing and visitor’s center—Pico Point—an architectural wonder that was like a big tree house perched on a steep cliff near the beach. After which, we spent a very relaxing moment lounging under a tent on the shores of Pico de Loro beach. All the aches we endured during the trek seemed to disappear, just sipping some iced-cold teas and vodka, and staring at the vastness of the cove itself.

In a few hours, we called it a day and headed home but not without passing through the town proper to feast on some glorious local specialties such as the renowned halo-halo and pork barbecue from Aling Seling's. The drive back to Manila was slightly longer due to the weekend traffic, but was still enjoyable and seemingly fast—what with stories of the day's trek, the gastronomic treats, and of course...more fun conversations and 80's trivia!

If I were to be invited yet again to join this spirit-stimulating, endurance-challenging, and nature-tripping experience, I will do this trek again in a heartbeat.

Ube Ba 'Ika Mo?

According to Wikipedia, The Color Purple is a 1985 drama film directed by Steven Spielberg. It is the eighth film directed by Spielberg and is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Alice Walker. The film tells the story of a young African American girl named Celie and shows the problems faced by African American women during the early 1900s; including poverty, racism and sex discrimination. The character Celie is transformed as she finds her self-worth through the help of two strong female companions.

It stars Hollywood big names (then almost virtually newbies) Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Margaret Avery, and Oprah Winfrey. With such a powercast, you would think these actors would try to "outdo" each other...but the entire ensemble makes the story work so seamlessly that you don't think of them as Whoopi or Oprah but as the very submissive Celie or the emotionally explosive (er...even implosive) Sofia.

This movie almost didn't win any award--especially in the Academy Awards. But to hell with those award-giving bodies. In my heart of hearts, this movie is one of the most moving, emotionally-contagious, and edge-of-seat-gripping movies I have watched. And thanks to the ever-dependable uTorrent client, I was able to grab hold of an über-crystal-clear copy of the DVD.

Here are the links for download--in iPod Movie format. Enjoy!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Ang Tunay na Copy-Cat

Since I've been posting versions of popular songs or timeless classics, I figured, what the hell...might as well post the more contemporary, alternative, funky covers of recent and not-so-recent hits--all with spunk and a kick in your gut.

Here's my collection of the best hits from BBC Radio's Radio 1 Established and Live Lounge (massive collection from different volumes which I've gathered all this time), which I aply called BBC Radio 1 Explosion (enter Menudo..."...My love for you.. Lalalalalalalala"). Tracks included in this "Best Of" collection are:

Athlete, If I Ain't Got You
Biffy Clyro, Umbrella
Bloc Party, Say It Right
Corinne Bailey Rae, Sexyback
Daniel Beddingfield, Somebody Told Me
Foo Fighters, Band On The Run
Franz Ferdinand, What You Waiting For
Girls Aloud, With Every Heartbeat
Gossip, Careless Whisper
Groove Armada, Crazy For You
Hard Fi, Toxic
Jamelia, Numb
Just Jack, Lovefool
Keane, Dirrtylicious
Keane, Under Pressure
Keane, With or Without You
Klaxons, My Love
Klaxons, No Diggity
KT Tunstall, Get Your Freak On
Maximo Park, Like I Love You
Mutya Buena, Fast Car
Natasha Beddingfield, Somewhere Only We Know
Natasha Bedingfield, Chasing Cars
Natasha Bedingfield, Ray Of Light
Natasha Bedingfield, Scientist
Orson, Push the Button
Paolo Nutini, Rehab
Pigeon Detectives, The Power Of Love
Razorlight, Englishman In New York
Stereophonics, Nothing Compares 2U
Stereophonics, You Sexy Thing
The Automatic, Love in this Club
The Enemy, Father And Son
The Feeling, You're So Vain
The Kooks, All That She Wants
The Streets, Your Song
The Zutons, Valerie
Will Young, Dontcha
Will Young, Hey Ya!

My personal favorites include those of Natasha Bedingfield, Keane, Corrine Bailey Rae and Jamelia.

Download here:

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Enjoy!