#KrisTek : Kris Aquino finally admits dating Mayor Herbert Bautista

Why am I so happy? This is why.

On the April 7 episode of Abunda & Aquino, Kris made a revelation that completely shuts all speculations about her and her mystery boyfriend.

Kris confirms relationship with Mayor Bistek (coutesy of Pep.ph)

I am such a big fan of the Queen of all Media, Kris Aquino, and her confirmation about having a special relationship with Mayor Herbert Bautista is music to my ears. I am so happy for her. For both of them.

I have been an avid follower of Kris Aquino since "Today With Kris" days. Even when I was younger, I already admire her wit, intelligence, honesty and transparency. I have always admired her openness to her fans, as though she feels obligated to share her life to every one in return of the massive support she's been getting over the years.

I feel so positive about this relationship. This time, I sincerely hope that it is for keeps. I am also reaching out to all followers (and even haters) of miss Kris to take a step back and respect her wish to stay private as far as this part of her life is concerned. We, fans of Kris, would want this to work and have a happy-ever-after ending for both of them. We want nothing but well wishes for her and success in her love life. Let us give Mayor Herbert a chance to prove himself and make Kris and her sons, Bimb and Josh, happy and a chance at forever. Together.

Let's all do the hash-tag KrisTek (#KrisTek) to show support for these lovebirds.

First Singapore Experience, 2006

Merlion

Looking back at my first visit to Singapore in 2006, I got caught up by the drastic change and monumental transformation of this first world country. A lot of architectures, buildings and theme parks has been build since.

I could clearly remember how amazed I was when I first set foot to Changi Airport. It is considered as one of the best airports in the world. My tour at Sentosa and the UnderWaterworld was phenomenal. I always thought that I have seen the best in Asia and since then, I was convinced that I will be working, if not residing, in Singapore in the near future.

During that trip, year 2006, HD cameras and selfies were not yet that popular. I had our 8MP Olympus camera as my gear to capture the sights of SG.

shots from UnderWaterworld

amazing architectures are still being built during this time

Singapore at night

I was in awe when I first saw one of these double-Decker buses in the streets of Singapore

On our way back to the Philippines, I clearly remember how the city inspired me. Everything about Singapore screams growth and success. I became determined to come back and dreamt of landing a job to this booming place someday.

And so, I did. Four years later. :)

Butter and Garlic Shrimps Recipe

Corny Butter n Garlic Prawns

Butter and Garlic Shrimps

Seafood restaurants are a growing business. Filipinos are big fans of seafood and it is a common treat on special occasions and family gatherings. Who could resist boiled crabs, grilled Tuna, oysters or backed scallops? These are only a few of the many sea food delicacies that we enjoy.

I am going to share one of my "special" seafood recipe. This dish has been revised several times until, finally, I got the perfect taste and everything else that comes with it. Here is my version of butter and garlic shrimps, although I used tiger prawns instead of the regular shrimps just for a more tasteful and gastronomic  food experience. The word "corny" comes from one of this dish's prime ingredients which is corn kernel, so don't think about the other stuff because this ain't sentimental at all.

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo Tiger Prawns

2 tbsp butter

1/4 cup minced garlic

1 cup corn kernel, drained

2 tbsp lemon zest

salt and pepper

1 pc medium red bell pepper

1 pc small onion, chopped

1/2 cup Royal Tru Orange

Directions:

1. Melt the butter on your pan and saute garlic and onions until half cooked.
2. Add in your prawns, lemon zest, bell pepper together and simmer for about a minute. Once it steams up, pour your the Royal Tru Orange and salt and pepper and cover up your pan until the sauce starts to simmer.
3. Turn off the fire, and serve. Do not overcook your shrimps/prawns.
4. Good for 3-4 servings.

The primary requisite for writing well about food is a good appetite.” — A. J. Liebling

Adobong Pusit Recipe

Squid with Black Ink Sauce
Adobong Pusit

Pusit (Squid/Octopus) is a popular seafood in the Philippines. There are many variety in cooking squid. Some like it stuffed and grilled, others liked it breaded and fried ala Calamari, and some prefer stir fried with veggies. I, personally, like squid in any type of dish at any given time.

I will be sharing a recipe that is familiar to all Filipinos using squid as the main ingredient. I dare you try this dark and "dirty" take of the Filipino favorite, adobo. This Adbong Pusit (Squid Adobo) is indeed a must-try. 

Ingredients:

500 grams Squid

1/2 cup sliced onion

4 cloves of garlic

1 tbsp chopped ginger

1/4 cup red bell pepper

1/4 cup sliced tomatoes

salt and pepper

1/2 cup vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

t tbsp cooking oil

1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. In a hot pan, saute onions and garlic until the onion turns transparent. Add in the ginger, bell pepper, tomatoes and squid together. Mix.
2. Once the squid is coated with the spices, pour in vinegar and soy sauce and wait for it to simmer. Once the vinegar content starts to evaporate, add water and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover pan, and let it cook for a good 5-7 mins or until the water starts to boil. Mix well. Simmer for another 2 mins and then serve hot.
4. Serves 3-5.

“Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne

Chicken Afritada Recipe

Blood Orange Chicken

Chicken Afritada

Chicken Afritada (Chicken in tomato sauce) is one of the many Filipino favorites. There are different versions of this dish, depending on the Region or heritage of the person making it. My family, whom mostly hailed from Davao City, normally uses chicken and/or pork for Afritada. Bell pepper, primarily, is the one setting it apart from Menudo because both dishes are almost has the same ingredients.

Here is my take on Chicken Afritada. I call it Blood Orange Chicken because once it's cooked and read to serve, the color of the dish is a bit orangey but a little darker than the actual orange color.

Ingredients: 

1/2 kg Chicken (you can use any part, or mix several of your favorite chicken cuts)

1 cup Tomato sauce

2 cups cubed potatoes

(you can also add 1 cup of carrots, but I did not put carrots on this dish, basically just my preference)

1 pc Onion, cut into quarters

4 cloves Garlic, minced

1/2 cup red and green bell peppers

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp soy sauce

salt and pepper

500ml water (for boiling)

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a medium size pot, then sauté minced garlic.
2. Add in the chicken and blend in with the butter-garlic mix.
3. Add bell pepper and onion and  sauté everything in.
4. Put soy sauce and water then cover the pot until it simmers.
5. Once it simmers, add in the potatoes and cover the pot. Slowly cook everything in low fire and continue to simmer for at least 15 mins, until the potatoes are soft and the chicken is well cooked. 
6. Finally add in salt and pepper to taste and tomato sauce. Mix well and cover the pot again for a good 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. 
7. Serves 5-7.

The Secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.

- Mark Twain

DAN BROWN'S NEW NOVEL: INFERNO

Robert Langdon is back! This is one adventure that you shouldn't miss.

'Inferno' is better than 'The Lost Symbol'---in regards to the story line as well as the theme of the novel. The truth is stranger than fiction. Reality will depend on your perception.
'Inferno' is more aligned to 'Angels and Demons' and 'The Da Vinci Code'...It could be because of the setting, which takes us back to Europe...it could also be because of the antagonists are more realistic here compared to 'The Lost Symbol'.

If Hollywood decides to make a movie out of this, I wouldn't be surprised.  I would look forward to it.

I recommend this as a must-read if you're a fan of European history, Art, Literature, adventure, suspense, maniacal geniuses, ordinary people saving the world plus the usual twists and turns...

But remember, since you'll be entering Dan Brown's creation, take with a grain of salt.

Definitely a guilty pleasure!

Steve Berry: The Venetian Betrayal and The Third Secret

Meet Cotton Malone, a cross between Indiana Jones and James Bond. He's a former agent of the U.S. department of Justice's Magellan Billet. A group of highly-talented and trained operatives working under their female boss Stephanie Nelle. He is now retired and a bookseller living in Denmark.

I've become a Steve Berry addict in the past few weeks and been reading his novels and short stories continuously.

if you like history with a dash of adventure, then you won't go wrong with his books.

For "The Venetian Betrayal:, the first few pages will reel you in especially when it involves Alexander the Great, Greek fire and the draught that can cure any disease known to man.

The story will take you places, from Denmark to Venice to China to the Stan countries in Central Asia. Its part adventure, part travel guide.

"The Third Secret" introduces as to Vatican insider, Colin Michener, who plays a cameo in "The Venetian Betrayal". The story deals with the last secret/message of Our Lady of Fatima and the impact it would have in the Christian world if it was proven that the message was deliberately changed by someone working in the Vatican. This novel should be taken with a grain of salt meaning just enjoy it as a work of fiction and not the truth.

I consider this as one of my favorite Steve Berry novels since it discusses about one man's journey in his faith, beliefs and relationships. It made me teary-eyed at the end. Decisions can change the course of your life.

One of the reasons why I recommend Steve Berry's works is that he takes the time to explain what is real and what is fiction. He does it at the end of every novel. 

His novels might be simplistic compared to Dan Brown. Not a lot of fanfare accompanies them but they certainly are addictive. (the visual traveler)