DELAYING GRATIFICATION: “Good things come to those who wait.”

The famous Marshmallow Test.

I bought this book last May and to be honest, I just started reading it yesterday. I guess I’m not really a bookworm but because I was bored yesterday while answering calls in the office, I gave it a shot. This book, “The Road Less Travelled” was referred to me by my friend Edel and based on its cover; it says “A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values, and Spiritual Growth”. Hmmmm, ahhh, okay.

Anyway, I started reading it and the first part was about DISCIPLINE. The book talked about how life is difficult (which is a truth that we all need to accept) and that problems are gonna be there no matter what. According to him, the only way to go through life’s struggles is to face the problem head on and have self discipline. He then presented the four tools to discipline and the first tool is through Delaying Gratification.

Delaying Gratification is a process of scheduling the pain and pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure by meeting and experiencing the pain first and getting it over with. He said that it is the only decent way to live. Now how does it work?

Ok, I know some of you guys (including myself) can relate to this. Let’s take the office scenario. Minsan, some of us have the tendency to procrastinate or postpone some task during the first two hours of the shift due to some factors: Checking our Facebook/Twitter account first, visiting our friends’ workstation or chatting with them first for the latest chika, feeling lazy or sleepy because we work at night or believing that cramming will give us best results in what we do. In general, we tend to devote the first two hours to the more satisfying or easy part and the remaining hours to the unpleasant (a.k.a TRABAHO) or the difficult part of it.

Based on personal experience, when I put off what is difficult or unpleasant, the neglected tasks hang over me like a cloud day after day and sometimes, there’s no more time left to accomplish it. Delaying gratification suggest that if we do the unpleasant part (a.k.a TRABAHO) during the first two or three hours of the shift , then we will be free to enjoy the remaining hours doing the fun stuff. Besides, two or three hours of pain followed by five hours of pleasure is way better than the other way around.

The result? That worry-free feeling knowing that you’re already done with your tasks, feeling effective as an individual and a small part of the organization, and the best part, much more guilt-free time to spend.

I suddenly realized, I had that feeling whenever I go to the gym. I wake up very early like 4 hours before my shift just to feel the pain of running on the treadmill. But sa isip ko, after my workout, I’ll go to the nearest Starbucks and treat myself with a slice of cake or even eat a full meal. And I feel good eating because I knew that I’ve done the hard part of weight loss already.

I really like this lesson and I’m very willing to try it out in a consistent manner.

PINOY PRIDE: Georgina Wilson and BENCH on America’s Next Top Model: ALL STARS!

Filipina-British model, VJ, and Filipino clothing brand Bench endorser Georgina Wilson will be featured on the reality hit show America’s Next Top Model: All Stars today, November 9, 2011 (US TIME). I saw this news this afternoon when I had my “wee wee break” from my sleep via Twitter (thanks to my Mom and my Boyfriend’s RT), and now, its one of the top trending topics for today.

Georgina posted on her Twitter account that she will be appearing on the ANTM All Stars episode as a guest model and stylist, and will be sharing her expertise to the semi-finalist. The episode was shot in Greece where the contestant will have their “Go-See” and “Final Runway” challenges. She said that Bench was tapped as the clothing sponsor for the episode where the contestants of the show wore Bench Body underwear for their challenge.

I’ve been watching the 17th season over the Internet during weekends. But for those of you who can’t, ANTM All Stars is currently airing on ETC channel, Mondays at 8:00-9:00 PM, with replays on Thursdays at 9:00 – 10:00 PM and Sundays at 7:00 – 8:00 PM. The said Georgina Wilson episode will be shown on November 14 on ETC.

Oliver Tolentino‘s evening gowns on ANTM All Stars.

Michael Cinco’s creations on ANTM Cycle 16.

In the past, other Pinoys were featured on the show like Filipino Fashion designers Oliver Tolentino and Michael Cinco. I’m sure that this event will boost Bench’s sales and popularity even more.

For me, the high ratings of the show here in Manila paved the way for Pinoy designers and brands to be featured in the show. I’m proud of Bench and Georgina for making it internationally. This is truly a milestone in Philippine Fashion. I hope that this is only the beginning.

A VINTAGE CHARM: Dinner at Escolta, The Peninsula Manila

I really love surprises.

It was at 4:30 PM today when I woke up to meet Isaac at Ayala Triangle Gardens. Today marks our 3rd Month as a couple and we wanted to have a simple celebration dinner, besides, we’re just gonna do it during his lunch break. So at 6:30 PM, I was waiting for him to arrive.

When he arrived, he immediately asked me if it’s ok if we pick up some gift certificates first at The Peninsula Manila for his boss. I still had a lot of time so we went there. We arrived at the Escolta, went straight to the receptionist and he handed out these two envelopes to her. Then the receptionist said “Good evening Sir, welcome to Escolta, where do you want to be seated?” I was clueless so I asked him “Huh? Bakit tayo uupo?” he replied “Dito tayo mag dinner”.

What can I say, he did his magic again. I was surprised since all this time, I thought were just gonna have BonChon, Banapple or Kanin Club for dinner.

Escolta is one accessible buffet restaurant inside The Peninsula Manila Hotel. I heard the price per head is around Php 1,500 – I didn’t know because Isaac did not tell me. The buffet was filled with Spanish and Japanese delights and I knew that tonight, we will over eat! Let’s celebrate! Oh well, let’s just go to what he had for dinner.

We started our dinner with a selection of freshly baked bread with Pate, Cheese Pimiento, and Butter spreads.

There was a Japanese food area where sushi and sashimi are available. Also, there was a display of fresh seafood: Oysters, Shrimps, and Mussels. I got three different kinds of sushi, shrimps, and I just loved dipping them into Kikkoman with Wasabi. Isaac’s favorite sashimi was sliced fresh in front of us and also, you can choose from Tuna, Salmon, and another fish (I forgot the name).

My Japanese plate. Yum!

Isaac’s Sashimi. It’s his favorite.

For the main dish, we went to the Spanish food area and asked the chef to make us Paella with Chicken and Shrimp. It was delicious.

Here’s my plate, Spanish Omelet, Spicy Potatoes, Roasted Pork, Pork and Chorizo Skewers, Bacon and Shrimp with Pimiento and a piece of Oyster (it was my first time and I must say, I really don’t like slimy raw food) .

Isaac and I almost had the same plate, except he had these giant Calamares. Hey boo, you’re allergic to Squid right? Tsk Tsk!

The dessert area is the one I’m most excited about. Escolta had lots of items to offer to people with a sweet tooth. There was a Chocolate Fondue, a wide array of brownies and cakes, a selection of Filipino sweets like Buko Pandan, Buko Pie, Buchi, Turon, and Bibingka, and an Ice cream bar. It felt like I was in heaven already.

My dessert plate. Blueberry Tart, Chocolate Cheesecake Brownie, Lemon Meringue, Pomelo-Kiwi-Orange, and a scoop of Ferrero and Strawberry Ice cream.

Isaac had Melons, Grapes, Kiwi drizzled with melted chocolate and Ferrero Rocher ice cream.

We ended the night with a glass of fresh OJ, coffee and Chamomile Tea for me.

Isaac really has his ways of making me happy. Thank you boo! Truly, It was an experience that I won’t forget.

RED CUPS & PLANNERS: The Starbucks Christmas Tradition Is Back!

I know a lot of you are waiting for this! It’s that time of the year again when the cups at your favorite Starbucks turn red!

Yes, for nine years, I have been a part of this tradition and I’m one of those who patiently collect stickers to redeem a Starbucks planner. Well, I don’t really use the planners, I’m just collecting them. It’s fun to see the different designs each year and the improvements of the planner itself.

The red cups also marks the return of our favorite Christmas drinks. I’m sure a lot of Starbucks fanatics out there will gain those extra pounds again because of sweets and caffeine overload, myself included. So what’s new this year?

Let’s talk about the drinks first. A new addition to the yearly duo Christmas beverages, Toffee Nut Latte and Peppermint Mocha is going to be introduced this year. It’s the Cranberry White Chocolate Mocha. It’s Starbucks signature espresso combined with freshly steamed milk and luscious white chocolate, then topped with whipped cream, a tart cranberry drizzle and crystallized cranberry sugar. Whew! You can also get it hot, iced or as a Frappuccino. This is what I had today. Its so-so, tastes like Praline Mocha actually with a hint of cranberry.

Now, let’s talk about the planners. This year’s theme is WOOD and instead of the usual three designs we see every year, there’s now five. Well it’s actually just one design but it comes in five different wood finishes: Poplar, Bamboo, Cherry, Spruce, and Oak.

Not only that, it also comes with a free sleeve which doubles as something you can put other stuff in. The sleeve also comes with this metal button designed with the Starbucks logo for safe keeping. It comes with the usual coupons which feature stuff like free drinks, up-size, add-on etc., and a bookmark. Also, planners this year are much smaller than last year’s, so its easier to carry with you or it will slide perfectly inside your small bag.

You can start collecting those stickers for the Starbucks 2012 Planner today, November 3, 2011. There are three (3) ways on how you can avail of the Starbucks Planner 2012:

Option 1: Buy nine (9) Christmas beverages + eight (8) core beverages except bottled drinks = 17 stickers
Option 2: Buy 23 core beverages except bottled drinks = 23 stickers
Option 3: Buy P5,000 worth of Starbucks merchandise for your holiday gift-giving needs = free 2012 Starbucks Planner on the spot!

Following the tradition, for every planner redeemed, a donation will be made to SparkHope, Starbucks Philippines’ program for early childhood care and development in partnership with UNICEF which is a really good thing; you get an amazing coffee, a chic planner with a cute pouch, and you get to do your part in helping others. Nothing cooler than that.

So go to your nearest Starbucks now and start collecting those stickers.

Good luck!

DON SPEAKS: How To Make Your Relationship Work.

So you’ve found a special someone, you’ve been dating for a while, things went well and you guys decided on taking it to the next level. Now what?

You see, I’ve been in four relationships for the past nine years. Based on experience, after the countless dinners, the sweet gifts and surprises, and getting-to-know-each other part, a.k.a. dating, when you get into that point when you start sharing your life with another person, it’s a completely different story. Entering a relationship is an easier task than staying in the relationship and making it work.

I’m not a perfect lover. No one is. But the journey that I’ve been through with those four people taught me a lot of things and I’m proud to say that I’m a better lover/person now. Having said that, I wanna share these tips on how to make your relationship work for the long-term.

Communicate. As time pass by, couples often speak to each other less and less. There are a lot of factors, work, school, family, personal space, and other things. Having said that, never assume that your “baby” knows what you want. If you have unhappy, sad, or any sort of feeling, discuss it! Keeping emotions tucked away never helps. Sabi nga ni Neyo, “never go to bed mad”. Speak it out. You’re “baby” did not fall in love with a robot.

Be appreciative. Once you’re seeing someone very often, for some, living with them, it is easy to take them for granted or forget all the great things that got you together in the first place. The trick is if your “sweetheart” did something nice for you, don’t forget to let them know that you appreciate it. Most of the time, couples talk to each other in order to complain so always remember to make note of the positive as well. You’re “sweetheart” will feel good. Swear!

Continue to do your best. Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah! So you now have bragging rights that you got your “honey” and you don’t have to impress her/him anymore. NOT TRUE!!! Remember, there are a lot of great people out there that could easily lure your “honey” away from you. Tandaan, nothing is certain. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned. There is no reason to stop trying just because you’re together now. Just continue to be the great person you were when you first met. “Consistency is always the key”.

Give each other space. You and your “habibi” are two separate individuals, both different in a lot of ways. Just because he/she chose you doesn’t mean that its now gonna be “Me & You’s World” already. Remember, your “habibi” has hobbies to do, friends to meet from time to time, personal activities to accomplish, family to spend time with, and other things that does not require YOU, and vice versa. Let your “habibi” do them, do yours, and at the end of the day, talk about it. With this, you don’t make your “habibi” feel annoyed, also you display a good trusting attitude.

Stay active. I just realized this kanina and I hate to say this… but if you were an active fit person when you met your partner, you should continue to be active and fit. Hmmm, a lot of you might say that “looks aren’t everything”, but if your partner went into a relationship with someone who went to the gym three times a week (ehem), its kinda like a false advertising if you’ll show him/her that now, you like staying on the couch munching on goodies more. Also, its showing your partner that you care and love your health and body.

Stay romantic. You aren’t just friends or buddies that can do anything plain and blah! Yes, you may do the things that you did when you were still dating like going to the movies, having dinner, shopping together, but make sure that you put a little spice on it from now on. Suprise your “mahal” with a dinner for two from time to time, watch movies on specialty cinemas which has a “lover’s couch”, when shopping, give your partner something cute just because. And above all, always remember to have sex. Alam mo, no one is going to make your relationship alive but you!

Say “I Love You”. Why? simply because, and I know you’ll agree with me, everyone likes to hear that someone loves them. So say it, and say it often. Action speaks louder than words, its true. But it certainly wouldn’t hurt to go the extra mile and let them know verbally. You’ll never know, it might be the last time that they’ll hear it from you. Again, nothing is certain.

CALIFORNIA DREAMS 2012: Katy Perry Live In Manila!

Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!

2012 will definitely not be the end of the world as it kick starts with an amazing concert for everyone. Katy Perry fans out there, raise your hands!

Her poster reminds me of the Bazooka Bubble Gum! Right?

Yes! If you miss her last visit here in Manila last 2009, here’s your chance to see her as she is set to stage another one-night “California Dreams Tour” concert on January 22, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Watch her as she sings your favorite hits like California Gurls, Teenage Dream, Waking Up in Vegas, Peacock, I Kissed A Girl, E.T., Thinking of You, Last Friday Night, Firework, and others.

As I checked on the ticket prices, its pretty expensive. Ticket prices, which will be on sale starting November 8, 2011 are as follows:

VIP – Php 15,000
Diamond (Reserved Seats) – Php 10,000
Titanium – Php 6,500
Gold – Php 4,550
Silver (Standing)- Php 2,050
Bronze (Standing) – Php 850

I’m a Katycat! So I will try my best to watch.

MY OFFICE HALLOWEEN CHRONICLES: Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid!

Last Wednesday, I woke up from a very, very bad dream. Let me tell you all about it.

The scenario was very dark. All I can see was the color black and red, red because of blood. In my dream, I was running away from a group of people and an army of huge, red-eyed, and cat-sized RATS! Ewwww! While I was running, I suddenly tripped and before I knew it, the group of people and the rats were all over me, stabbing and biting each part of my body. Wala na ako nagawa so I just let them and then, with each pain that I felt and the blood I saw, I slowly died. And then, I woke up checking my whole body for bite marks like a crazy person.

Blood, death, and rats are just three of the things that I’m afraid of. It’s very timely since Halloween, which those three are related to, is just around the corner. Halloween is one of those days when people scare people and talk about what scares us the most. So with that said, I am so curious: what scares other people? What are they afraid of?

So here’s what I did. I went around our office today with a paper, a marker, and my handy-dandy phone camera to ask them personally and they are very willing to share it to all of you guys. Let’s start:

Oh yeah, I don’t wanna die, of funeral homes, the Karo, everything about death. If only I could live forever.

Hahaha, natawa ako sa “panget na feeling pretty”. I didn’t know that they’re scary. Maybe annoying.

Isaac said, “Losing my mom, simply because my mom is my foundation”. You’re mom’s great boo, she’s a survivor.

I asked him why is he afraid of the “easter bunny”, he said, it might steal his eggs! LOL

Marian said, she’s afraid of the EDSA-Pasay footbridge because it’s very high. I can smell a fear of heights from her.

According to him, all of his dental appointments were traumatic and not pleasant. Yeah I agree, who wouldn’t be afraid of someone who’s gonna drill your teeth?

Hahaha! This one’s funny! According to her “Yung mga nakikita kong kasing lizard, kahit maliit, ANG CHUBBY, ANG LIKSI AT ANG PULA PULA PA”

At 6’2, he’s afraid of big spiders but not the small ones. Me, at 5’11, I’m afraid of spiders, even its cobweb. Who wouldn’t?

Vomit? Yeah, according to her, she got traumatized because one time, she ate one whole pack of Bubble Yum then she vomited; a multi-colored vomit.

Argghhh! And why is my name here????? How dare you! Hehe, yeah I’m moody at times, but when I’m mad, that’s when you should be scared.

Jeanne said, the puppet who looks like a little kid is creepy. I agree. Imagine being in a dark attic full of these puppets.

Emir said that he’s afraid of Taong Grasa kasi nung highschool, he was running away from a taong grasa who wants to stab him. Woooh, scary nga!

Yup Jadey, alligators scare the hell out of me too. I wouldn’t even want to see or touch one.

According to DJ, she’s afraid of rejection because she never felt the feeling of being rejected before; at work, relationships, etc. Naks!

Snakes, Iguanas, Lizards, etc., Pau finds them creepy because they’re slimey. I’m with you on this.

Jenny said that there was one time when its raining and she’s on her way into the kitchen. Suddenly a wet, slimey frog jumped on her foot! Hahaha! Since then, she doesn’t want to see one.

DC said, “Theres this one time when me and my friends were walking at the Makati Med parking lot when a crazy person (taong grasa) approached us then sinipa niya yung food na dala namin. Naklakad kami ng mabilis! Super scary!”

It was fun doing this and I wish we had more time and more participants. I would like to thank these guys for taking some time to pose for my blog and share a little something of themselves to us. You guys rock!

Have a spooky Halloween!

The Taste Of Marche @ 313 Somerset, Singapore

If there’s one dining experience that I won’t forget during my time in Singapore, it will be that night when me and Isaac met up with my friend Ruvie and her husband TJ to dine at that Swiss restaurant called Marche. Let me tell you why.

Marche at 313 Somerset is just one of the branches scattered all over Singapore. It resembles an organized market where you get your fresh picks of the day. Here in Manila, I would say that it’s somewhat close to Salcedo Market but its indoors.

By the way, expect that most of the time, you will fall in line and wait to be seated. But I’m telling you, the wait is all worth it. Upon entry, you are given a card (like a credit/ATM card) that is swiped every time you order from the food stations — salad, dessert, bread, roasts, pasta, rosti, drinks, etc. The beauty of this resto is the availability of fresh food and the ease of choosing your meal as most of them are being made right in front of you. If the food is readily available, you get it right away. If not, like in the case of pizza and rosti, you give your card to be swiped, then wait in line while the food is being prepared or you’ll be given a device which will automatically alarm, signaling that your food is ready. How cool is that huh? When you’re finished eating, you surrender the card, and pay for whatever is recorded in it.

Sayang, I wanted to take more photos pa naman. Kaso lang there was a note on the wall that says photography is not allowed. Sabi ko, hindi pwede since I wanna share it with you guys, so I became a paparazzi for that day! Also, I found some pics on the net, just for you to picture it a bit.

Here’s what we had:

The freshest Caesar Salad. The best Caesar I had so far!

The freshest Margherita Pizza that was baked in a traditional brick oven with fresh tossed dough.

This is a Swiss tradition called Rosti. Its grated potatoes cooked in olive oil, topped with sour cream and egg. You can put sausages too if you like.

Freshly hand squeezed Orange Juice.

And of course, dessert! This is their Strawberry and Dragon Fruit Panna Cotta.

The total bill for me and Isaac was SGD $56.00, not bad for a dinner for two. I really had fun here and of course, seeing my friend Ruvie and TJ too. So for you guys who will visit SG soon, or those who will come back, go visit Marche and experience this one of a kind dining activity.

NEW REALITY SHOW: Project Accessory Premieres October 27!

So Project Runway Season 9 will come to an end this week. What can I say, it’s one of the best seasons ever and me and Isaac love Anya! We think that she has impecable fashion taste, very determined young woman, and her story is exceptional. We were both rooting for her and we can’t wait for the results this Thursday.

Immediately following the season finale of Project Runway Season 9, a new show dedicated to finishing touches, innovative design, attitude, and all things ACCESSORY will premiere.

Yes, the show is called Project Accessory. It’s pretty much like Project Runway, same format, same rules, packed with intense challenges. 12 designers will compete and showcase their unique vision for accessories, and show audiences how to transform any outfit. The show is hosted by actress and model Molly Sims.

Every week, the designers must dazzle Molly and the judges — designer Kenneth Cole and InStyle Editor Ariel Foxman — with their one-of-a-kind jewelry, belts, bags, shoes, headpieces and other wares, with the help of lifestyle expert Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti as their mentor. Emmy Award–winning actress Debra Messing and fashion critic and television personality Kelly Osbourne will appear as guest judges this season, among other fashion luminaries.

The winner of “Project Accessory” will receive $100,000 from eBay Fashion to start their own line, a feature spread in InStyle and a year of professional runway hair styling courtesy of John Frieda® Precision Foam Color.

Here are some examples of the contestants’ past works:

I’m not sure if the show will be a hit, but I think, the premiere is worth watching. I cannot wait to see what the contestants will create. I read that there’s one contestant specializing in church hats. Wild!

Looks like an exciting show!

4 NEW MODERN BRANCHES: McDonald’s Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

Ok, so I heard that McDonald’s will be celebrating their 30th anniversary here in the Philippines. Let’s all admit it, Jollibee is “sariling atin”, but most of us love McDonald’s more, especially their world-famous FRIES. Put your hands up if you agree with me!

So, I’ve been hearing rumors that there will be an interesting event happening on September 30th as they will re-open up four different branches in the metro, all with new and modern designs. Its like 4 different braches opening simultaneously, defintely a first for McDonald’s Philippines. Upon hearing this, I became curious about their “new look”; will it be futuristic? A farm-inspired perhaps? Or an eco-friendly and energy efficient one? What do you guys think?

Upon doing an intensive research, I found out that McDonald’s Makati Cinema Square, Greenhills, North Avenue, and Quezon Avenue will once again open its doors to customers, bearing new modern designs setting the tone for the next 30, 60, 90 years of McDonald’s in the country. According to them, the 4 braches will have stylish furniture, colorful interiors, and dynamic graphics that perfectly suit the tastes and style of the modern Pinoy.

McDonald’s will also be giving away freebies, limited edition 30th Anniversary premium items with live performances from the UP Pep Squad (Makati Cinema Square) and FEU Cheering Squad (Quezon Avenue) to bring customers right at the heart of the festivities – all this happening on September 30!

So if you are free on Friday and you’re near those four stores, too bad I’m not because of work, go ahead and visit McDonald’s anniversary stores and join the celebration of three decades of great-tasting food, excellent service, and, now, a whole new kind of dining experience.

“Love ko to!”, I know love mo din.