HannDs-on-Mama: 2014

Monday, September 1, 2014

Remembering Tracy: Pizza Republic

If there is a vice that I share with my two best friends (Tracy and Anabel), that is to try something new - be it places, activities, food, etc. Whenever Tracy was in Cebu, our first question to tackle as always, "What's new in Cebu that we could try?" In celebration of our friendship, we continue this tradition knowing that she is always there with us whenever Anabel and I get together.

We've been out a couple of times ever since Tracy's passing but the camera ditzes that we are, we always forget to document our outings. That was Tracy's role. This will have to change moving forward.

So here we are, in Pizza Republic. The newest pizza craze in town where you get to make your own 10-in (or was it 9) pizza from an assembly line of their freshest ingredients. When I first saw this place being constructed, somehow I knew it'd be a hit especially with the Giuseppe branding. And true enough. When I got there, the place was still closed. Was the second car to park but it didn't take too long before we could come in, chose a table and just wandered around. I was just starting to enjoy that feeling of "exclusivity" when all of a sudden a drove of crowds came rushing in. Anabel popped in a few minutes later and so began our journey to the assembly line.

We first picked the ingredients which I can no longer remember right now except I know there is no way mushroom would escape the list. I also remembered picking arugula leaves as toppings. We also got dessert of mango cheesecake flan or something like that. This is definitely not a food blog.

Overall, with the ambiance, food and experience (of making your own pizza), I would say satisfaction was accomplished. Except maybe for the dessert which, in my opinion, did not live up to our expectations especially with its presentation. It was placed in a plastic container. Nuff said!

I hardly remember what we ate, which is usually the case when Tracy, Anabel and I get together. It was always about the company for us. The stories - good, bad and ugly- we get to share. That day, I just remembered we were laughing so hard, as always. And I know, Tracy was there in our midst.

Pizza Republic gets a thumbs-up and a smiley. Will bring the family next time around.

Pizza Republic is in Salinas Drive Lahug, (Cebu, Philippines) just before JY Square.

Contact Nos. (63 32) 2663397

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Autism news: Study links pesticide exposure to Autism

*. cartoon by Joe Mohr

News about autism generally overwhelm me maybe because until now it is still, generally, a mystery. Most of the studies put out there all end up as theories. However, this news-study, I believe is worth paying attention to if only to have a reference on autism and even developmental delay prevention as studies on pesticides are previously strongly linked with developmental delays but not necessarily with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

When I find myself looking back during my pregnancy with Super A, the use of pesticides come to mind. We were living in a 29 square-meter unit with less than ideal ventilation and I remember how OC I was with pests. I am not presenting absolute conclusion here but somehow news like this gives you a piece of the Autism puzzle.

Click here to read the article.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Efren Peñaflorida and the 17th Educ Summit

2009 CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Peñaflorida, at the
17th Educ Summit

Attended the 17th Educ Summit last May 9 hosted by the pioneering IT system integrator in Cebu, Ng Khai Development Corp. I am a HannDs-On-Mama (do not take this literally, read my definition in my first ever blog entry) but I also value my being a working professional. To me, it is necessary so that I am able to define myself further.

When we got there, the emcee announced the next speaker and I was pleasantly surprised when she called out 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Peñaflorida. Since I was there for business, I really didn't get the chance to sit down and listen to him talk. As I was about to, I was ushered to meet some principals and guests instead and all I could hear were snippets of Efren's speech and videos.

The few snippets I picked up were how as a boy he has observed that education among his peers was becoming the least priority because they were more excited to be in a street gang. There was also a video shown during his speech featuring a young boy who was poverty-stricken but rose to this challenge and eventually received awards for overcoming his circumstance.

The story of this boy is not far from Efren's who as a child lived in slums, bullied but still championed education. But his poignant heroic mark was defined when he elevated his goals for education beyond himself and extended it to others.

At an age where a typical teenager would mostly spend time in the malls or play video games, FB was still non-existent during his time, he founded the Dynamic Teen Company, which offers education in "unconventional locations such as cemeteries and trash dump sites " and unconventional means with the use of a "kariton" or the Filipino push cart.

Efren in action with his "Kariton Klasrum" (Pushcart Classroom)
*. photo courtesy of CNN

Efren the Educator-Hero
*. photo courtesy of ficariv.com

In my very rushed moment of listening to Efren, I wondered about his mother (parents) and how I would love to meet her (them) and tell her "great job" for raising such a man; but mostly, I was just basking in the inspiration and resilient spirit that Efren embodies. I can only hope and pray that, together with my husband, we will be able to raise our children with the same values, valor and passion.

I never really care for pictures with celebrities but I was the first in line to have our picture taken with a real-life hero.

Efren flanked by myself on the left and Elsie Ababon

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Sweet Hope's 1st birthday

I only had a couple of months to prepare for Sweet Hope's 1st birthday because of what happened on the latter part of last year. When it comes to planning a children's party, I guess experience makes you wiser, more in control and more relaxed. NOT REALLY. But definitely with the help of a bunch of people, this preparation was a little less stressful.

THANK YOU

To Cherry Ann Go-Dy of Penta Graphics for being so patient and understanding of my needs. Cherry was the wizard who put magic in the venue and making us feel like we were really "somewhere over the rainbow". She really goes the extra mile and not just because we were high school batch mates but she and her crew go all the way to make your birthday special even if it means just a few hours of sleep. Thanks for introducung me to Jericho (the host) who was a blast and brought so much life to the party and lastly, thanks Che for the gift of souvenirs. Click here to know more about Penta Graphics and their services.

To Riza Pepito and the Hotel Pier Cuatro staff and waiters who gave top notch service. Click here for more info.

To Country Basket for the sweet treats. Click here for more info.

To my parents, AE Mila, MIL Mama Alma for taking care of my kids while I am at work and to my SIL Tita Mimi and Ikay for ferrying all the way from CDO to attend the celebration.

To all those who came and took time to be part of the celebration; relatives (dear Lola Peling), friends (Anabel and Tracy, I know you were with us that time) and all who greeted online, text and call, facetime (Achi Tiffany, Terry and Nessy) thank you so much.

Thank you for the gifts most especially to Di-ma carmen Lee, Uncle Ted-Auntie Conchita and the Uy family, AE Haydee, Si-e Helen, Auntie Lintoy and Ms. Edna Lee.

To my children for bringing us joy, pride and inspiration.

To my husband who helped me in the preparation even if he is miles away.

And lastly, to God-Allah for all his blessings.

So here's a peek at Sweet Hope's 1st birthday celebration.

Happy birthday to our sweet Annika Hope!