Girl bonding at Chocolat

Me and my girl pals went to SM Mall of Asia before unpacking our stuff and arranging the tables in our new office at PICC. While looking around, we spotted Chocolat and decided to eat dessert there after a light lunch at Max's. We ordered for three (3) cakes: Deep Dark Chocolate, Bailey's and Kalhua.

Kalhua cake

Deep Dark Chocolate cake

Bailey's cake

The cakes had similar taste and appearance. Plus they were not too sweet. Based from their names (Bailey's and Kalhua), we thought that we will be able to taste the strong flavor of the liquor while eating the cakes, but we didn't. The restaurant has a good ambiance. If you look from the outside, their cakes are presented infront to attract people's eyes. And it worked... for us! We were quite satisfied and plan to go back again to try other cakes.

Visit their multiply site, http://www.chocolatcakes.multiply.com/ for more information.

Self-evident Computing

Jason Hiner's article , Self-evident computing: What does it mean in the future, has a good point.

I think that IT workers should create products that are user friendly. Yung hindi kumain ng tanga! Many IT users are teenagers and professionals who use these technologies in their everyday lives. I use MS Word and MS Excel everyday in preparing reports and memorandas in the office. I can't live without them! On the other hand, people who are in their late 50s, are not so interested in technology because of their age and simple lifestyle.

One of my immediate supervisors, who is in her late 50s, has a computer but she doesn't use it because she always tell me the same old excuse... Matanda na ako para matuto niyan at mahihirapan akong gamitin yan. I find her reason so lame! The office bought the computer for her to make work easier but she refuses to use it or even learn how to use it. Sayang ang computer. The computer became an opportunity cost for the office.

According to this survey conducted by the British Telecom Home IT Support, 71% of Britons has up to 10 gadgets lying around the home unused, as they find them too hard to use. Over half of Brits have abandoned gadgets because they don’t know how to use them properly. (http://www.uselog.com/2009/01/survey-consumers-abandon-complicated.html)

If IT companies will start producing easy-to-use products, I'm sure consumers will buy them most especially the old ones. I think that tech companies should also include them in their list of target markets to further increase their market shares and sales. For example, Nokia can create a cellular phone that is so simple to use but chic. The company may hire Christian Siriano (Project Runway winner) to design a phone for them. EASY but FIERCE!

The First Internet Browser Wars

I'm glad that the "The True Story of the Internet Browser Wars" was available in Youtube. The video was cut down into 5 because it was quite long. The documentary is about the first Internet browser war, Microsoft's Internet Explorer versus Netscape's Navigator.

Reminiscing... When I was still studying high school in OB Montessori Center in Greenhills, me and my classmates used to hang-out in Virra Mall. After class we went straight there to kill time while waiting for our sundo or school bus. The mall was a haven for kids because there were plenty of computer game shops and internet cafes. I always used Netscape Navigator whenever I searched the web because it was the only browser available in the PCs at that time. Though I am a user of Internet Explorer, I don't have negative comment against the Navigator.

Going back, the competition was similar to David versus Goliath, but with a different ending. Netscape, a small corporation, had a good start when they introduced the Navigator in the market. Success came when there usage share increased, but that success threatened Bill Gates' Microsoft. It was a pitty moment for Andreessen, Clark and their engineers because Microsoft introduced their Internet Explorer, bundled it with its Windows OS, and successfully knocked them down. Obviously there wasn't a healthy competition during those times because any company who may want to compete against the monopoly giant will really go down.

Bill Gates succeeded, but there were more problems ahead of them. The US Department of Justice filed an anti-trust lawsuit against them for monopolization. Microsoft lost this round. It's karma for them. For me, this lawsuit didn't have any negative effect to Microsoft because until now a lot of commercial businesses and individuals use their Internet Explorer. Plus... Bill Gates is still one or the richest man in the world!

Another pitty moment for Netscape when it was bought by America Online (AOL). I think that AOL tried its best to revive it but to no avail. Early 2008, AOL announced it will no longer give support to the brand, hence, brought Netscape to its death. RIP....

The anti-trust lawsuit benefited others because new browsers entered the market like Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, etc. And this opened the way for the second browser wars.

For me, all browsers are just same regardless of their features. As long as it helps me explore the World Wide Web, its OK.

I also don't find Rain SEXY at all!

PopSeoul is a blogsite that I always visited... I think almost everyday?... because it updates me with the latest Korean entertainment news. I learned this site from my mom who is also a Korean fanatic. I just read this news about G.Na, a rising Korean pop-star and she was quoted saying...

"Personally, I don’t find Rain sexy at all. He is tall, good-looking and very charismatic but he feels more like a family friend to me. I find Korean-American model-actors Daniel Henney and Dennis O’Neil very cute and adorable. The two of them have very chiseled features and good bodies.” (http://popseoul.com/2010/10/01/g-na-exclaims-i-don%e2%80%99t-find-rain-sexy-at-all/#more-85082)

Rain

And I totally agree with this...

I always see Rain as a talented singer, dancer and actor. Obviously he has the complete package which made him one of the most popular Asian artists in the world (though all his international films were flop in the market). I heard that he underwent a very strict diet and exercise program to lose more weight, in preparation for his films, but he is still ain't sexy for me.

I think that G.Na and I have the same taste. Daniel Henney and Dennis O'Neil are really sexy! When I watched their TV dramas, My Name is Kim Sam Soon and Sweet Spy, I started to like them. I had observed that Dennis looks like Superman's Brandon Routh.

Dennis Oh

Daniel and Rain are currently working in a TV drama "The Fugitive". They went in the Philippines few weeks ago to shoot some scenes in Boracay and promote the TV drama as well. Ruffa Gutierrez is so lucky cuz she got the chance to interview Daniel for her Paparazzi show.

Daniel Henney

My mom is a big fan of Rain and I'm sure she will not agree with me! :D:D:D

THE PINOY IT MANAGER

The Pinoy IT Manager is a case study about Mr. Emerson Siscar, an IT Manager who works for a prominent educational institution. His responsibility is to ensure that all IT services work efficiently. Further, he needs to provide enterprise systems aside from computer units to various offices. However he is facing a big dilemma: the IT staff is starting to quit their low paying jobs. Mr. Siscar consulted the HR Director, but it provided more challenge because HR cannot increase the salaries.

This kind of situation is very common in the IT industry. Since IT is highly in demand plus the economic instability around the world, IT professionals, especially the ones who are highly experienced, tend to leave their companies and seek more satisfying jobs locally or abroad.

So...

How can the Pinoy IT Manager prevent his staff from leaving their jobs despite work demands and low pay?

Mr. Siscar can apply ANY or COMBINATION of the following alternatives:

1. He may allow his staff to do or accept IT job from small or medium businesses that are also in need of IT services during the weekends to increase their income;

2. If the school is in need of IT professors, he may allow his staff to apply and teach students. Through this, the staff can increase their income and also feel satisfied because they are able to share their knowledge/skills to others; and

3. He can recommend his staff to participate in international or local IT training/seminar if HR permits so he can help in their career development.

A Banapple Moment

I invited my officemate to eat in Banapple and I am glad she accepted it. I knew she hasn't tried eating in Banapple so I was confident that she will not reject me. We left the office early because it is always full with customers who work around the area.

Banapple is a local restaurant located in Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City. It is one of my favorite eating place within that area aside from Burgoo and Amici.

As we arrived, the restaurant was full and lucky enough that there was a single empty table outside for us to dine. We ordered a slice of Banoffee Pie (P85), a slice of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake (P90), one Lasagna Roll-ups (P170), Baked Creamy Cheesy Penne (P175) and 2 Ice Teas.

The cakes and ice teas were served first. The Banoffee Pie was great! My officemate loved the combination of the bananas and chocolate.

Then came our pasta orders. The serving was big so we decided to share. They were tasty and delicious. My officemate said that she found the penne dish a little spicy, however, it wasn't even spicy at all for me.

Soon our tummy was starting to feel full so we paused for a minute. Afterwards we decided to take out all the leftover cakes and pasta. Sayang naman kasi.

We returned to the office in time. I was so sleepy while we were on our way back.

I will truly miss Banapple and hope that it will not be the last time I will set foot in their restaurant. :)

x

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

After buying some fruits in the supermarket at Robinsons Place-Manila, I stopped by Ya Kun Kaya Toast to have a snack. Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a kopitiam that originated in Singapore and it sells kaya toast, coffee and bottled kaya. My brother introduced me to this kopitiam few months ago and since then I keep coming back. I love their kaya toast especially their coffee because its creamier. Singaporeans use condensed milk for their coffee instead of powdered creamer or sugar (because it is expensive there). I lived in Singapore for 3 months and I used to eat snacks in Kopiroti at Sun Plaza in Sembawang. There is also Kopiroti outside Robinsons Place-Manila but Ya Kun Kaya Toast is way better. I also like their staff because they are very friendly just like me! hehehe... I always order their Kaya Toast Set, but this time I ordered for the Butter Sugar Toast Set - Butter Sugar Toast+Soft Boiled Egg+Coffee (P115.00) for a change. After eating, I think that I like the Butter Sugar Toast more than Kaya Toast. I also think that Ya Kun Kaya Toast is also a good alternative for Starbucks, Coffee Bean, etc... if you're out of budget.

Korean-style Sauna and Spa

I went to Lasema Sauna and Spa with my Korean friend, Winnie Ho. She also brought her kids, Kyung Jun and Kyung Che, and Yaya Annie with us.

Lasema Sauna and Spa is located at the back of Ara Korean Restaurant. I've tried eating in Ara just once when I treated my OBMC friends for my birthday and the food was so good.

I paid P940 for the whole package that included Jjim Jil Bang+Sauna+Massage. The lady gave us a red robe for the massage; pink shirt+shorts for the Jjim Jil Bang; and key for our locker.

Jjim Jil Bang (JJB) is a Korean-style sauna and spa. Lasema has 4 types of JJB: Chungito Room, Salt Charcoal Room, Oak and Clay Room and Ice Room. Obviously the first three mentioned JJBs are heated rooms and each have different temperature. In every room, you can stay at about 5-10 minutes, then go to the Ice Room and enjoy the same method again. What I did was after leaving a heated room, I take a rest for 5 minutes then go to another heated room. It is advisable to drink water during rest time. Winnie also told me that a JJB experience will not be complete without eating hard-boiled eggs. Well we took a short break, ate eggs and drinked a lot of water to keep us hydrated.

After JJB, we took a shower in preparation for the massage. The massage room was dark and the service was so good. Nakatulog ako ng konti hehehe. Afterwards, we all went to the sauna or jacuzzi pools made up of hot green tea pool, hot ginseng pool and cold pools. You can relax in a hot pool for 3-5 minutes, then go to a cold pool and do the same routine again. Lastly, we took a bath and prepared to leave.

Aside from the spa and sauna, Lasema also has a restaurant. We ate Jjajangmyeon, Udon and Fried Pork with Sweet and Sour Sauce. Everything was Mashta (yummy)!

Expect a lot of people in the afternoon. Couples brought their kids with them so expect noise in the JJB area. There were also mothers and daughters having a bonding moment. Teenagers hanging out were also present.

If you want to sleep, there are caves where you can lie down and rest. They have this big television if you opt to watch Korean dramas and other programs. If you are hungry, they have a snack bar pack with Korean instant noodles and drinks.

I hope to go back to Lasema if I have a free time. The best time to go there is in the morning. Its a 24 hour sauna and spa btw.

Bread, Love and Dreams

I just found out yesterday that Bread, Love and Dreams gained a TV rating of 44% in Korea. Ang taas! My mother and I were watching this entertainment news program in KBS World and they featured some of the leading casts of the drama - Yoon Si-yoon, Joo Won and Lee Young-ah. I wondered where was Yoo Jin?

What I like about this drama is that the story is unique from other korean dramas that have been made through the years. The story don't only evolve mainly on love or romance but about baking the tastiest bread! For me bread is just a simple food that you eat for breakfast or snacks with marmalade or jam as filling. But this drama showed me how baking breads can be so important and challenging for bakers who have the passion just like Tagku. The story is also touching. Tagku was separated from her mother since he was a child. He has this hope in his heart that he will see her once again and maybe reunite with her. Its very inspiring.


The leading casts are very young except for Yoo Jin. Joo Won's character is a devil! I hate him! I know that karma will get him in the end of the drama. Lee Young-ah is so cute! I love her hair cut and it suits her well! I like the way her role supports Tagku. She just wants her close friend to succeed as a baker. But I don't like her taste because she has a crush on Joo Won's character. Love is blind! Yoon Si-Yoon is also cute but I don't like his voice. His character as Tagku is so inspiring! It gives me hope that one day I will fulfill my dreams and succeed.

The drama deserves the rating it receives from its viewers! And I hope that more people will watch it. I can't wait for the next chapters. Tagku just met his dad after many years of separation. I want to see what's goin to happen next!

=)

A Korean Dinner

Eva and I went to Hoaro 92 last night. My Korean classmate first introduced me to this restaurant few months ago. We ordered two sets of samgyupsal cuz one order will not be enough. I wanted to grill the bacon but the waiter was very nice that he grilled all of them just for us. Aside from samgyupsal, I also love the side dishes like the steamed egg, kimchi, coleslaw, and the spicy miso soup. I wanted to order a big bowl of cold noodles but Eva was so full. We went home with a big tummy! Obviously! We paid 640 for everything and it was worth it.

Hoaro 92 is near Robinson's Place-Manila and St. Paul's University. The service is fast and the waiters are very nice and courteous. The restaurant setting is very korean. I just found out after few visits that the owner is Chinese but her husband is a Korean.