Ending 2009 with Cyma's Greek Feast

You can never go wrong with Cyma's Greek cuisine. The other day, Uncle Peter, Jake, Kim, Kev, Beljo, Yagi and I ate at Cyma at the 2/F Eastwood Mall. Everything's yummy and feels healthy. Admittedly, this is one of my favorite restaurants in 2009. :) Enjoy the photos of the food. You really should try out Chef Robby Goco's Cyma! XD

Hummus - velvety chickpea, Tahini, and garlic dip. One of the must try dips in Cyma; Roka Salata - Fresh arugula, chopped Romaine lettuce, sun dried tomatoes, candied walnuts, served with shaved Parmesan in traditional Greek vinaigrette. My favorite salad in Cyma :)


Solomos Angel Hair - One of Cyma's original recipe, it's made of sauteed salmon with tomato, basil cream sauce, fresh, lime juice, Feta and Romano cheese; Chicken Gyro - one of Cyma's best, with Tomatoes, Red Onions, Tzatziki and pita.


Paidakia is the most popular dish in the restaurant. It is char-grilled lamb ribs,served with your choice of riced stuffed peppers or Greek roasted potatoes. Of course, go with the potatoes!; Sea bass - White, high fat fine flesh, sweet buttery flavor, melts in your mouth. :)

A Night Before Christmas

A night before Christmas, we were, as usual, reunited. Celebrating each other's love and bond. Stories and experiences. Cousins, absolutely! :)


Colors. A shot, a glass, of love, of you and me. Christmas in our hearts. One at a time. Each time, a different tune. Each time, a different ending. Each ending different, but very much the same. Merry Christmas! XD

CHIZmas Party at H2 Malate

Last December 21, Team Chiz, Move My Chiz, Youth for Chiz, Friends of Chiz and other supporters and friends gathered and celebrated Christmas, friendship and each others company over food, sounds and stories at H2 Bar Malate. It was great to meet all of the people again. I'm excited about next year! :) Cheers!

AND1 Ultra Light Low Black/White Shoes

I got myself a pair of new shoes last week. It's an AND1 Ultra Light Low Black/White size 13 shoes. It got it at 40% off. It's a really good deal. Whenever I see a size that fits me, I immediately consider buying that because of the size more than the price. It's rare that I spot size 13/14 shoes in the retail outlets so when I see a good one, I buy it immediately (that is if I have the money, if not, I reserve it and go back for it). Now, the search for an affordable pair of black leather shoes is on! XD

Food Lovin before Christmas

After Goodles, some of us bloggers headed for dessert at The White Hat. I ordered a large yogurt with almonds (my favorite) and strawberry mochi (something new). I enjoyed the chewy mochi paired with the crunchy almonds. I was in dessert heaven. :3


The day after, my parents brought home these Chinese red wine and champagne. They're both yummy and heavy. I decided to cook some pasta. Plain red sauce with herbs and spices with cream dory. It was fabulous, everyone liked it.. Success! We also had salad, and of course, the red wine :) Oh, and I ate the cashew tarts given by the parents of Barbie (thanks!) XD

Juana Change tackles the Maguindanao Massacre

Mae Paner a.k.a. Juana Change tackles Maguindanao. I really praise her for her courage and creativity. She's truly one of our modern-day heroes. :) More power Juana Change! We wanna wanna change this country badly.

Goodles: Pasta on the Go!

To get a really good pasta nowadays means that you have to go in and eat at a casual sit-down to a posh fine dining establishment, with an atmosphere or ambiance of being in Italy, and usually ranging above 200 pesos for a dish. Goodles is a new establishment in 4/F Robinson's Galleria near Movieworld that aims to serve pasta dishes on-the-go, without compromising the quality of the food. It is an urban noodle-to-go shop offering delicious, healthy and filling meals in the form of unique pasta creations you can get fast and freshly-cooked.


Thanks to Sharlene Tan, owner and the brains behind this very hip, creative and yummy idea, we were able to try her menu. As of today, they serve 10 great pasta concoctions (Chicken Vodka, Creamy Sausage and Mushroom, Garlic Shrimp and Chorizo, Goodles Classic, Grape Carbonara, Mediterranean Tuna, Moroccan Beef, Salsa Rossa Shrimp, Seven Layer Lasagna and Spinach Pesto) Surely, there's one that would suit your taste. For me, I like everything! XD


The Mediterranean Tuna (left) is made of Mediterranean-inspired tuna sauce with black olives and capers, drizzled with garlic-flavored olive oil and served on top of hot linguine noodles. I like it spicy. The Chicken Vodka (right) on the other hand is made up of farfalie noodles with cubes of chicken, ham and black olives in a mouthwatering vodka-infused cream sauce, topped with bits of parsley and Parmesan cheese.


The Seven Layer Lasagna (left) is of extra special cheeses with towering layers of chunky meat sauce and bechamel with gooey mozzarella cheese; while the Salsa Rossa Shrimp (right) is made of penne pasta sauteed in creamy tomato sauce with juicy white shrimps and sweet basil and fresh mozzarella. Some likes this spicy.


Last pair but definitely not the least are the Moroccan Beef, hearty Moroccan beef sauce slowly simmered in a flavorful mix of herbs and spices tossed into linguine noodles, drizzles on top with cream, cheese sauce and chopped chives; and the Grabe Carbonara, mushroom and bacon cream sauce done carbonara-style tossed with conchiglie pasta and green grapes for a juicy bust of sweetness, topped with bacon bits!

Prices of the pasta dishes range from Php 125 to Php 170 only. :)

Sol Gelato at The Venice Piazza

After our dinner in Little Asia at The Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill Fort Bonifacio, we trooped for dessert at Sol Gelato, the newest Gelato parlor in town.

They have more than 12 flavors to choose from (Coconut, Strawberry, Green Apple, Ferrero Rocher, Mascarpone, Tiramisu, Almond, Mango, Green Tea, etc). You don't have to worry because all of them are really rich and yummy. I've tried all of them thanks to owner Kathlenn Gaw. :) I heard that they have new flavors in store for everyone (I have to come back soon and try them)




Aside from the gelato (which costs 95 pesos for the small container and 150 for the bigger one, and 160 for the sugar cone), they have a mix of the gelato and pastries (Al Forno) - Carrot Cake Al Forno with Cream Cheese (Php 195), Banana Walnut (Php 195), and the Molten Chocolate (Php 225).


Lastly, but definitely not the least (because this instantly became my favorite), the Affogato (Php 150) - Coffee Espresso and 2 scoops of gelato of your choice (you mix the espresso with the gelato to have a very delicious drink) XD

University of the Philippines Lantern Parade 2009

Last year was the Centennial Lantern Parade, and this was the float/lantern of my college, the National College of Public Administration and Governance, depicting two heroes defeating red tape, corruption in government, crab mentality, and other ills we find in government service. This year's theme is a little bit different, focusing on environmental issues our country and the world are facing. Now, as to what my college has in store, it'll be nice I can assure you. I won't spoil the fun, so be there later 4pm in the University of the Philippines, Diliman, to witness exciting lanterns and floats. :) You can view the live streaming here courtesy of the UP Computer Center and the UP Diliman Interactive Learning Center through its isktreaming service.

Lantern Parade's History

The UP Lantern Parade has a rich history, dating back to 1922, when UP was still in Padre Faura in Manila City. Since then, the tradition was upheld and still celebrated until today. It signals the end of classes and ushers the Christmas break for the students. It has been one of the events before Christmas the students really prepare for and celebrate with the whole community.

Lanterns were first paraded by University of the Philippines students, faculty, employees, and campus residents way back in 1922 in the Padre Faura, Manila campus. The practice is said to have come from a Filipino custom during Spanish times when people going to church to attend the traditional Misa de Gallo carried specially designed lanterns to light their way.

The College of Music would have a choreographed band and the UP Babaylan would parade in a mock beauty contest. In recent years, the presentation of the College of Fine Arts has become the festivity’s piece de resistance. The whole college takes months to conceptualize its lanterns and their presentation. (which still happens up to today)

A much-awaited annual event, the UP Lantern Parade has come to symbolize how UP constituents, residents, alumni, and friends gather together to present the best they have to offer while celebrating the holidays as one community. (Jo Florendo B. Lontoc)

2nd Photo courtesy of Joseph Pascual

Getting There: The 2010 Opportunity Agenda

We hold this forum ten days before Christmas Day. Kaya’ t hayaan niyong batiin ko kayo ng isang mapagpalang hapon, maligayang pasko at matiwasay na bagong taon.

Alam niyo, di ako umalis buong umaga sa bahay. Isip lang ako ng isip. Sulat ng sulat. Ano nga ba ang dapat sabihin sa inyo? Ano ba dapat marinig ninyo?

Para sa akin, mahalaga ang talakayang ito dahil ang halalan sa Mayo ay tungkol sa inyo. Inyong kinabukasan, inyong pera, inyong kalusugan, inyong edukasyon, at higit sa lahat, inyong karangalan.

Ang totoo – wala namang iisang tao na may alam ng lahat ng sagot. Walang iisang taong may alam kung paano baguhin ang sistema na diniligan ng korapsyon, hanggang sa tumubo at yumabong at lumaki, hanggang sa natakpan pati ang araw ng pag-asa.

Maguindanao. Isang OFW umuwi para umattend ng graduation ng anak, hininto ang kotse, binaril sa bibig, hinulog ang bangkay sa hukay pagkatapos isinunod ang kotse na pinalantsa na ng isang government-owned backhoe.

Death by backhoe. At dahil lang sa may gustong magfile ng certificate of candidacy at labanan ang isang mayaman at makapangyarihang angkan.

Mura na ang buhay sa Pilipinas. Yung mga journalists na pinatay sa iisang araw na iyon --- halos isang classroom ng journ students siguro dito sa UP.

Ang 2010 ay tungkol sa Maguindanao.

Ang 2010 ay tungkol din sa pagtutulak ng kariton ni Efren Penaflorida.

Ayon sa statistika – sa isangdaang bata na papasok ng grade 1, 68 lang ang makakaabot ng grade 6. Doon sa 68 na iyon, 43 lang ang makaka-kompleto ng high school. Doon sa 43 na magtatapos ng high school, mga 16 to 18 lang ang makakarating ng kolehiyo.

Kaya’t marami-raming kariton pa ang kinakailangan ni Efren dahil sa dami ng mga bata na hindi nagiging edukado.

Si Efren na din mismo nagsabi, sa mga drop-out sa elementary school, yung iba ay umaalis dahil di kayang magpakita ng birth certificate o kaya kumuha nito. Yung iba, pagnasira o napunit ang textbook, di na pumapasok kasi walang pambayad ng kapalit. Yung iba naman walang pang-xerox. Yung iba di talaga kayang pumasok dahil ni pang-almusal ay wala sila.

Ang 2010 ay tungkol din sa mga nanay, tatay, ate, kuya, bunso na nasa ibang bansa. Doon nakikisilong ang 12% ng ating workforce dahil walang disente at sustainable na trabaho dito sa Pilipinas. Kung meron man, napakaliit ng suweldo. Kung meron man, dekada bago umasenso.

Ang 2010 ay tungkol din sa ating mga OFWs.

Ito ang target natin dapat pagdating sa edukasyon –

Every child a reader by Grade 2
Every child numerate by Grade 3
Every child with a solid Science and Math foundation by Grade 6
Every child proficient in English and Filipino by 2nd year High School
Every HS graduate fully prepared to be university-bound or work-bound.

Kulelat tayo. Ang international standards ngayon sa formal education ay at least 12 years of basic education. Tayo, 10 years lang pag sa public school at 11 years sa private school.

Dehado tayo. Research shows that the single most influential factor in determining how well schools perform and students learn is the quality and performance of our teachers. Yet, how can our teachers perform when they are overburdened with work, saddled with debts, and work in abominable conditions? Ang average ratio raw ng student: teacher ay 36:1. Pero sa Antipolo City, normal na yung may teacher na nagtuturo sa 60 students. Dehado siya dahil overworked, dehado ang mag-aaral dahil underwhelmed.

Ang sagot? Good governance, increased revenues, better quality of life, and a more equitable economy.

Malamang, paulit-ulit niyo na naririnig yan. Ako din.

Good governance. Hindi ito sa salita, kungdi sa gawa..

Si Lee Kuan Yew, tinanggal ang isang opisyal sa Singapore. Bakit? Dahil pumayag siyang tumanggap ng pabor – yung business class ticket niya pina-upgrade ng first class. Iyan ang good governance.


Yung Tatay ko nung labor secretary nang panahon ni Marcos. Sinabihan ang aking mga kapatid – di kayo puwedeng magtrabaho sa DoLE o sa isang recruitment agency, di kayo puwedeng makipag-partner sa sino mang recruiter, bawal kayong humingi ng pabor sa department of labor habang ako ang namumuno dito. Iyan din ang good governance.

Nasa gawa yon, hindi sa dami ng press release. Minsan, iniisip ng nasa poder, pagnagpresscon at lumabas sa media, tapos na ang problema.

Increased revenues. Lahat ng magagandang dapat gawin may price tag. Katulad ng national budget natin para sa 2010. P1.5 Trillion, P255 Billion nito ay para sa debt servicing. Sobra-sobra sa budget ng DepEd na P162-M. Barya lang ang budget ng SUC, P22.3-M. Kaya nga yung mga studyante, nasisingil ng laboratory fee, maski di sila pumapasok sa laboratory. Kasi kulang ang budget. Kasi maski nakalagay sa Constitution na pinaka-malaki ang porsyiento para sa edukasyon, di pa rin nasusunod.

Seksi pa nga ang pangalan. Debt servicing. Pero di siya service with a smile dahil hirap tayong tulungan ang mahihirap, dahil panay bayad natin sa mga utang na minana pa mula sa mga ninuno.

Paano natin makakayanan ang P1.5 Trillion? Uutang ulit.. Vicious cycle yan.

Kung baga sa pagong, hindi lang shell ang dala-dala natin. Condominium, may penthouse pa. Yung nasa penthouse, iyan ang mga nangungulimbat ng pera, andiyan din mga smugglers, mga warlords, mga anak ng anak ng politico na naka-wang-wang at mga kabit ng politico na may mga bodyguards.

Better quality of life. Bakit ba ang mga senior citizens kailangang isama pa sa EVAT pagbumibili ng gamot? Di na nga natin mabigyan ng mahusay na health benefits, pinaparusahan pa natin dahil sa kanilang pagtanda. Yung mga yan nagsilbi na maski papaano sa kanilang mga pamilya at sa bayan. Tanggalin na mga senior citizens sa pagbabayad ng EVAT sa gamot.

Edukasyon. Sa Amerika, maski anak ng magsasaka nakakapagtapos ng college. May study now, pay later. Pagnagkatrabaho, doon magbabayad. Dito meron din ang CHED. Alam ba ninyo yon? Kaya lang 2,000 lang ang beneficiaries at nasa 2% lang ang repayment rates.. Baguhin natin. Palawakin ang programa at higpitan ang koleksyon.

Equitable economic opportunities. Ang mayayaman sa Pinas lalong yumayaman. Ang mahihirap, umaalis. Kaya’t 3,000 ang Pilipinong umaalis bawat araw. Bukod pa diyan yung umaalis sa backdoor. Kasi mas mabilis umasenso ang umasenso na. Sana mas patas ang laban. Merit system, hindi paramihan ng calling card sa wallet. Isang malaking dagok ang SC decision dito sa pagpapapayag sa appointive officials na tumakbo maski di magresign. Umpisa na ito ng pagbaba ng morale ng mga matitino, at pagmamayagpag ng mga malilikot ang isip.

Tumatakbo ako dahil ayokong kung ano ang sistemang kinalakihan ko, ay yun din ang dadatnan ng inyong mga anak. Ngayon, mabigat ang feeling ng pagiging Pilipino. Kasi, we have lost our way. Para tayong talahib sa hardin ng rosas. Ang Asya ang rosas. Tayo ang talahib, na walang gustong mamitas. Gusto kong gumaan – di lang sa timbang ha? – gusto kong gumaan ang feeling ninyo bilang mga Pilipino.

Gusto kong makita na sa loob ng anim na taon, mas kaunti ang umaalis ng bansa by design, hindi by default.

Bilang isang maka-manggagawa, ito ang aking 5-point agenda:

Boost local employment by developing together with the private sector, a 6 to 10 year national strategic employment plan. Use our embassies, the recruitment industry, and economists to forecasts job trends and align our voc-tech and educational curriculum to reflect the same.

Stop abusive labor-only contracting practices. Mahirap bumuhay ng pamilya sa pa-5 months, 5-months na kontrata lamang. Kailangang may tripartite agreement sa kung anong uri lamang ng trabaho ang puwedeng i-supply ng agency. Bawal din dapat ang isang korporasyon na magtayo ng sariling in-house employment agency. At dapat sana, kung ano ang basic rights ng isang regular employee, ganun din ang matamo ng isang contractual employee.

End human trafficking. Tougher sanctions versus immigration and airport officers who serve as escorts of trafficked victims; amendment of section 6 of the Anti-Trafficking Act to remove the right of the accused to privacy.

Reintegration program for returning OFWs in all provinces with private sector participation. “Golden Guros” – ex-OFWs can fill this role. Those in dire need of legal and social welfare assistance must be helped by both the national and local governments.

Labor justice should not take years. Higher professional standards and a more specific and transparent selection criteria will lead to a less corrupt NLRC and POEA.
Marami pang puwedeng gawin. Marami pang dapat sabihin.

Sampung araw na lang Pasko na. Sana ang Pasko natin sa 2010 ay higit na mas masagana, higit na mas masaya, higit na mas matiwasay, dahil tama ang pipiliin natin sa darating na halalan.

Salamat at muli, Merry Christmas!


*This is a speech given by Susan "Toots" Ople at the forum HER TIME IS UP: 2010 Election Forum Series yesterday at University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

Little Asia at Venice Piazza

One of the restaurants already open at the Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill is Little Asia. Little Asia started their first branch in Tomas Morato, then opened in Promenade Greenhills. Now, they're at The Fort, catering more to people from down south.

Since it had opened in Tomas Morato, our family has been a fan of their dishes and their unique ambiance, distinct from one branch to another. Owner Charlemagne Lim says that they wanted to achieve a different "Asian scene" among their restaurants.


(L-R/Up-Down: Pineapple Fried Rice, Boneless Tilapia with Honey Mayo Sauce, Little Asia's Crispy Chicken, Vietnamese Crispy Squid with garlic and Beef Tenderloin Rolls with Cheese in Teriyaki Sauce) My personal favorite was the Beef Tenderloin Rolls with Cheese in Teriyaki Sauce. The cheese is imported, fried to perfection with the beef tenderloin strip. Definitely a must try. :)


Besides having good food, they have great interiors. I already mentioned that they wanted to achieve different looks with Asian inspiration in every branch. In the Fort branch, these noticeable decors greet customers as they dine in. They're both imported and cost really expensive (6-digits). I'll leave you guessing how much it actually costs. ;)