Contrast/OWT & WWW

Overlooking a small, crowded pier at Culion Island.  

Moved my camera frame a few inches to the left and captured this serene scene---strikingly different from the jam-packed pier.

We do not live an equal life, but one of contrasts and patchwork, now a little joy, then a sorrow, now a sin, then a generous or brave action. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Linking to Our World Tuesday and  Water World Wednesday

Moon-gazing/SWF

Moon-gazing in March under the MoA Eye.  This brought me back to the summer nights of my childhood--riding the Ferris Wheel at the fair during a town fiesta.  Eating rice cakes under the full moon at the plaza, hoping a certain boy would smile at me.

How many more times you will watch the full moon rise?  Perhaps twenty.  And yet it all seems limitless. 
~ Paul Bowles

Linking to Sky-Watch Friday

Oreo Cheesecake

Oreo Cheesecake at UCC Cafe-Resorts World Manila

Nobody can ever say no to a slice (or two) of a good cheesecake.  For a few minutes, I gave in to this sweet temptation.  A simple and delicately balanced end to a wonderful lunch with a good friend.

More yummy treats @ Food Friday and Food Trip Friday

Waterfall/Water World-Wednesday

I was at my cousin's wedding last Saturday, and got bored of the speeches at the reception.  I went out to explore Paradiso, and found this cool man-made waterfall by the courtyard.

The fat kois were frolicking in the water, probably wondering why the birds were not moving!

@ Paradiso Terrestre, Bacoor, Cavite

Linking to Water World - Wednesday

At the wedding/Blue Monday

At the reception of my cousin's wedding last Saturday---blue and pearl were the color motif. 

the blue wedding cake

Linking to Sally's Blue Monday

Monsoon sunset/SWF

Monsoon season brings not only heavy rainfall, strong winds and humid afternoons but also mild sunsets.  I was at the baywalk one afternoon last week as the sun quietly slipped into the horizon without the usual fiery display.

"Live each season as it passes; breath the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." ~ Henry David Thoreau

Manila Bay, Philippines

Linking to Sky-watch Friday

Grilled Turkey @ Sutra

From last week's appetizers, this was the main course I had at SutrA in BHS-Central.  This grilled turkey was meltingly tender, the pineapple sauce was a pleasant surprise, and the aroma, irresistible!  It was a light, savory lunch peppered with lots of girl talk.:p

 

Join foodies @ Food Friday and Food Trip Friday

Serene/Watery World Wednesday

Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past.  Rather, it is a spirit that bears things---with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.  ~ President Corazon Aquino

Linking to Watery World Wednesday

Banca/Blue Monday

The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.  The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore. ~ Dale Carnegie

Join Sally at Blue Monday

Baywalk sunset/SWF

A mellow sunset from the Baywalk at the Mall of Asia last week.  A nice break from the monsoon rains and tropical storms we are currently having.  Rain eventually poured after dinner.

Forming and breaking in the sky,

I fancy all shapes are there;

Temple, mountain, monument, spire;

Ships rigged out with sails of fire,

And blown by the evening air...

~ J.K. Hoyt

Join sky-watchers from around the world @ Sky-Watch Friday

Appetizers @ SutrA

Crab Rangoon

A pair of sumptuous appetizers I shared with my friend Petra when we had lunch at SutrA in Bonifacio High Street Central recently.  It was a hot day and I was not in the mood for a heavy meal. SutrA is a new restaurant at BHS, and haven't been here before.  I've heard positive feedback on Sutra's fusion cuisine, and it was perfect for Petra who wanted to sample something that is not available in Davao.

The Crab Rangoon was a tasty appetizer---the flavors burst in the mouth as I bit into the crispy wrap dipped in zesty vinegar sauce.

Sutra Salad is a medley of crisp greens, sweet pomelo, strips of singkamas and green mango with grilled prawns and drizzled with sweet-spicy dressing.  With this dish, i was able to indulge my taste for grilled prawns and fresh salad.

Will post the main course next week---internet is acting up again.:( 

Oh, one more thing about SutrA, they're pricey.

Sutra Salad

 

Join foodies @ Food Friday and Food Trip Friday

Nature heals/Water World & NF Waters

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.  There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature---the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter. ~ Rachel Carson

Linking to Water World-Wednesday and NF Waters

Adventure/Blue Monday

An outrigger approaching the shores of Coron Island as we were leaving for another island adventure.

The core of man's spirit comes from new experiences. ~ Into the Wild

Linking to Sally's Blue Monday

Misty/Sky-Watch

A misty morning does not signify a cloudy day.

 Coron Island, Calamian Group of Islands
Palawan

Linking to Sky-Watch Friday

Laing with Labahita

Our neighbor brought over some fresh gabi (taro) from the province, and they're perfect for laing.  Laing is a popular Filipino dish made of gabi leaves, stems and corm stewed in coconut milk, ginger, garlic, onion, chili peppers; pork, shrimps or dried fish can be added.  A palate shocker, its spiciness is determined by how much chili you can stand without breaking into a cold sweat.  Remember that it's better to sun-dry gabi leaves and stems for a day or two before cooking.  Raw taro leaves contain some poisonous compounds or irritants and should not be eaten raw.

My mother added dried labahita (surgeonfish) and some pork fat.  I don't eat gabi leaves and stems so my mom includes lots of corm when she makes laing.  The starchy corm makes the sauce thicker.  This was smokin' hot---perfect with steamed rice and Pork Adobo.:p

 

 Linking to Food Friday and Food Trip Friday

Persistence/Water World Wednesday

People are always blaming their circumstance for what they are.  I don't believe in circumstance.  The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them.  ~ G.B. Shaw

Mangroves in Atwayan Beach, Coron Island

Linking to Water World Wednesday and NF Waters