I AM MAVER AND I AM A BENTO-HOLIC

Now this blog has it worse...

I've officially been off the air for one month, 19 days, 17 hours, 32 minutes and 50 seconds. I have no excuses except that I've been swamped, yet again, with a lot of stuff. But it's a happy kind of toxicity because I get to be creative all in one blow.

Fact is, one of the key things that have kept me busy are doing bento lunches for the Haligilet. While some parents would splurge on toys and sports and wrestling equipment, this year, I found myself splurging on these for my son...

Technically, I bought these for myself, while my son gets to enjoy the by-product. And I don't mind at all if I wake up every morning at the crack of dawn just so I can make creative lunches for my child. At least I know, he gets to carry a piece of me with him everyday.

Bento items in the Philippines may be found at Saizen, Daiso, Japan Home Center and Choto Stop

WHEELS OF CHANGE

My sib's company-issued car is up for replacement next year. She tells me that she has grown pretty much attached to their current SUV but would have to upgrade soon given the needs of their growing family.

Of course being the (meddling) ate that I am, I was quick to suggest the CX9.
It's not too big to require rv insurance--just about the ideal size for my sib's family with extra room for the lakwatsera (and again, meddling) ate, if and when. Haha!

It has been the apple of my eye for quite some time now but it's too expensive and impractical for our very small family. At least I can realize my dream set of wheels, albeit vicariously, through my my dear sistah.

FOR THE BUSY MOM

If you're a swamped mom like me, you'd probably agree that these notepads are heavensent... Available at travelessentials.info

FANTABULOUS

For quite some time, I had been on the fence as regards to the best tablet for me. Honestly, it was a tough choice between an iPad and an Android tablet, specifically a Samsung Galaxy. I even did an informal survey via twitter, only to end up more confused than convinced. Jejeje!

But when Samsung announced the debut of its 10-inch tab, a decision was finally arrived at. Come to mama, Honeycomb!

Loaded with lotsa features, including a built-in phone, I feel that the Galaxy would best address my connectivity requirements. It's pretty neat too that because of its GPS system, I don't need to ask where do I buy a trucking gps.My bff-slash-business partner was already able to find a way to connect the Tab to our furniture delivery system, making it the perfect device both for work and play.

FanTABulous!

BUFF

I got the surprise of my life when my son, the Haligilet, gained 3 lbs and a quarter of an inch during his first month at first grade. This despite the fact that he spends longer hours at school (he wakes up at 5 am...wawa) and that he was down with bronchitis for a week.

No, I did not buy testoripped for my 6 year old. It would probably take a decade or two for him to get to that. Credit goes to his newest vitamin, Restor Big Ef, which was referred by a friend. Thanks mucho K!

IN THE BAG...

Today upped the ante of all panic-buying sessions. I finished buying my son's books, uniforms, school and supplies, leather and rubber shoes, musical instruments including a steel drum, and gigantic bag to fit all those stuff into, all in one go...at just three days before school opening. Haha, beat that!

And since I maxed out my stress levels at shopping for the best school bag for my son, I think it is but fitting to treat myself to the best bag on my wishlist...
Anthracite RGGH Bbag, Bmine!

HAY, HAINANASE!

Have you noticed how Hainanese Chicken outlets have sprouted like mushrooms all over the metropolis? I guess Filipinos have become more health conscious nowadays, preferring this iconic Singaporean steamed staple compared to the usual fried number. Let's just hope though that these outlets do not suffer the same fate as shawarma and pearl shake stalls.

The Hainanese craze has allowed me to come up with a list of Hainanese Chicken establishments that I've had a meet and greet with. I was hoping I would add some more items to this list after our recent trip to Singapore. However, the Haligi was just too preoccupied with shopping and steel building sight seeing in the city, that I never got a chance to squeeze in some authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice tasting. Maybe next time.

This list should've included Toast Box but because of the recent Big Bad Blogger Brouhaha, they didn't allow me to take a photo of their dish. Bummer. So that leaves me with four...

Old Penang
4th Floor, Newport Mall, Resort World Manila
846-6063

Chicken here is served poached and roasted and costs P245 per half serving. It is served on a bed of sliced cucumbers with soy sauce and sesame oil. Meat is plump, deboned and flavorful, and is best eaten with their butter rice. It is my favorite Hainanese version to date.

Sing Hainanese Chicken
6f Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City.
710-3511

Sing's offers both the poached and roasted Hainanese chicken. Chicken is moist and tender, and serving size is generous with slices of cabbage and cucumber and the requisite side of soy and ginger saue. Best of all, their chicken is served sans the bones. Half portion costs P480.00 while whole chicken costs P850. Quite pricey IMHO.
Hawker 101
101 Campos Ruenda Bldg., 101 Urban Avenue, Makati City.
886-7329.

At just P100.00 for a Hainanese chicken bowl with soup and drink, this is definitely a good bargain. If you're a big eater, this P150.00 half chicken number should do the trick. Good enough for the daily wage earner. :D
Whistlestop Restaurant and Bar
28 Jupiter St., Bel Air Village, Makati City
896-1989

Papunta palang sila, pabalik na si Whistlestop as regards to Hainanese presence in the Philippines, as the resto has been serving the iconic Singapore dish since the 80s. I remember it being served on a silver raised dish, on a bed of cucumbers and generous amounts of sauces. Sadly, today's version is a far cry from that dish that I loved. It comes braised with some hoisin-y sauce, on a bed of flavored rice. Fail.

More Hainanese updates soon!