Recipe: Carbonara Ala Chatkick

Category:		Pasta
Style:		Italian
Special Consideration:		Quick and Easy
Servings:		10-15 persons

Description:
I just finished my Carbonara Pasta for New Year's Eve. Here's the recipe. Since, sawa na daw ang mama ko sa usual red sauce pasta, white sauce naman ngayon ang ginawa ko.

Ingredients:
1 kl. any pasta that you like ( as for me I used spiral and elbow pasta)
2 cans of Cream of mushroom
1 big can of button mushroom (sliced)
1 cup evaporated milk ( or fresh milk if you want)
1 Pack Nestle all purpose cream
5 pcs. sweet ham (cut into squares)
1/2 bar grated cheddar cheese
Black Pepper powdered ( for seasoning)
2 medium sized red&green bell pepper ( cut into 'cubes')
1 medium sized white Onion
7 cloves garlic
200 g. Bacon
2 medium ripe tomatoes
Basil leaves ( for seasoning)
Parmesan Cheese

Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to packaging instruction.
2. Fry the bacon until crispy (slice, set aside for toppings)
3. Using the oil from the bacon,(bawsan kung medyo madami ang mantika ng galing sa bacon) Sautee garlic until brownish, add onions and tomatoes.
4. Put the bell peppers, mushrooms, ham, mix a little.
5. Pour in the milk, cream of mushroom and all purpose cream. Mix well.
6. Put some of grated cheddar cheese until melted, season with black pepper and basil leaves. ( taste it according to your preferences)
7. Pour sauce into the pasta, put some Parmesan Cheese then serve.:D


*photo to follow

2008 Flashback to welcome 2009

The Killers - Human - The Killers

Looking back what 2008 had brought me made me smile. I always felt happy and blesses but 2008 somehow brought much happy moments and I am looking forward 2009 on a happier note. So many good things will come my way, I can feel it. I am excited too..hehe..

This year gave me new connections that revived my soul. I am always thankful to God that I am given everything that I need. I may say, I was well provided. Blessed to the nth power. All I can do is to pay it forward. I will never regret anything. All things happen for a reason. Anything will come into place in God's righteous time. We just have to do our task and wait for that right time.

I am thankful to all of the people who had been and will always be a part of my life. Thank you for sharing your life with me. For the trust you've given me. For the laughter and tears that made me a well-rounded person. 2009 will unfold, new year, better life, better you and me.

In all we get in life, just don't forget to look up and be grateful. We do pass through life's struggles but as opposed to what we get as blessings, problems we encounter is just a petty thing. Remember, obstacles make us stronger just always look at it on a positive note. It actually helps us to look back, reminisce and feel more attached to people and God. Life in a fast lane is hard, but it is harder if we pass through it without someone to turn to.

I love the song that I had embedded in this blog. Listen closely and you'll feel that despite being human, that is believed to be susceptible to sins, WE can look up and ask for guidance. We can dance to life's rhythm and not just accept the fact that we are 'just' human. Do something extraordinary to add spice to your Life!!...Live it the way you wanted it to be, just remember your goal is to be happy and to achieve such bliss you also have to think about other people's happiness. Think twice before doing a certain step. Walk by the light...


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



**Here's the Lyrics of the song

Human Lyrics

I did my best to notice
When the call came down the line
Up to the platform of surrender
I was brought but I was kind
And sometimes I get nervous
When I see an open door
Close your eyes
Clear your heart...
Cut the cord

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer
Are we human?
Or are we dancer?

Pay my respects to grace and virtue
Send my condolences to good
Give my regards to soul and romance,
They always did the best they could
And so long to devotion
You taught me everything I know
Wave goodbye
Wish me well..
You've got to let me go

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer
Are we human?
Or are we dancer?

Will your system be alright
When you dream of home tonight?
There is no message we're receiving
Let me know is your heart still beating

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer

You've got to let me know

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer
Are we human
Or are we dancer?

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?

Are we human
Or are we dancer?

December 30 - A Lucky Day..^_^

Yes, December 30 is Rizal's Day but as far as I can remember, nothing significant happened here at our side of town to celebrate the day. As for me, this is what I did, I cooked the recipe I posted a while ago. I made some side stories of it already. I met with my Tropa, gave them some of the pasta I cooked. Gel asked for a ride to do some errands a 'nephew-task' that is, as I too had to go somewhere near where he should go. While waiting for me to finish some 'sister-tasks', I asked him to order some fried chicken. I was supposed to text him to pick me up but I opted not to so I just walked some blocks just to see him in front of a 'sa pula, sa puti' booth smiling from ear-to-ear 'coz Gel just got lucky to win some bucks...hehe...good for him, bad for the bangkero. Funny side was, he even felt guilty for winning that much...I just told him, it's part of the game, and the bangkero knew the consequences..

So, we went back to Benchong's house to continue their drinking session, I was just resting and ate some of the pulutan when the rain started, so got stuck in there. Laughing hard with their jokes, of course I knew that already but I still laughed at it...hehe...WE still laugh about it, I guess that's the essence of it all, even simple stories make us laugh, reminiscing the times we spent together, our 'kalokohan' and all, yet still intact doing the same...hahahaha!!..people come and go but true friends stay no matter what, come rain come shine!.

Raining until we called it a day, yet we pushed thru going home as early as possible. To remain, good boys and girl..^_^, still just got lucky for not scolded much by my parents. Though I really am sorry for not going home much earlier due to the continuous quite heavy rain. Hehehe, you may laugh/smile/wonder that at my age I still am reprimanded and may think that I must be privileged to go around, stroll, afterall I am old enough and I am here on vacation...Hehehehehe...Well, parents will always be protective of their children, regardless of their age and I highly respect that and thankful too.

After I arrived at our humble abode, I made my first HDR on a person. My willing model??...Benchong...hehehehe!!:), here it is. I can still remember telling him not to move a bit, but still he does. One thing caught me, his smiles were the same, even though he asks me in between the shoot or turning his head, been serious-looking. Asking me what it was for. Whenever I say smile, he flashes that same smile, hehehe!
And I did another HDR rendering too..Here it is..Feel free to comment...^_^

Tuna Pasta Ala Chatkick

Category:		Pasta
Style:		Other
Special Consideration:		Quick and Easy
Servings:		10-15 persons

Description:
I wanted something new for new year, so I decided to cook tuna pasta. I once ate something like this months and years ago but I didn't really know the exact recipe. So I cooked hours ago to have a taste of it. I cooked 1 kilo of pasta, so much for a practice but happy dahil naubos naman...^_^

Some of them who ate it appreciated my "new" recipe but may parents didn't, so I opted doing carbonarra for the new year's handaan instead. I think I can handle that, the only problem here in the province is,,,INGREDIENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...urgh!

**Tips: you can use tuna flakes in Oil if ayaw nyo ng Hot & Spicy...^_^, pwede din na halo..:)

Ingredients:
1 kilo Spaghetti Pasta
1 Big Can of Tuna Flakes in Oil Hot & Spicy
1 Small Can of Tuna Flakes in Oil Hot & Spicy
Parmesan Cheese (grated)
1 medium sized Onion (sliced thinly)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
Salt for seasoning
Basil Leaves
Oil (extra virgin olive oil preferably) - unfortunately we ran out of stock..so I used vegetable oil

Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to instruction at the back of the package and as tender as possible.
2. Sautee garlic, onion and tuna. make sure the galic and onions turned brownish.Put salt if necessary.
3. Put the pasta and mix it well.
4. Season it with Basil leaves and Parmesan Cheese according to your taste preference.
5. Serve while hot..^_^

Christmas Is Family Time...:)

I was very busy in preparing for Christmas this past days. As usual I was the one who bought supplies that we gave to some 'unfortunate' families around our vicinity and were given to our trusted work men too. Went to market almost all-day buying things etc...took a nap after, I just felt sleepy,hehehehe! Which was good for me because 'walang tulugan' halos kapag mga ganitong okasyon.

We had our own tasks for the Noche Buena. My Kuya did the 'Kutsinta' before going to Church, my sister and I did the macaroni salad, actually late na ako...hehehehe, kasi nga natulog ako. My sister did the lumpiang sariwa, I did the Leche Flan using my sister's recipe. I was satisfied with the outcome but I really don't like having bubbles in the leche flan!...urgh...that's why, I am yet to look for things/tips that can make it PERFECT! I did covered it with foil and cooked it under low fire, so I think somewhere I went wrong. One, a friend of mine said that I should let the bubbles subside before proceeding to cooking it. My kuya prepared the Chicken for roasting and my Ate cooked the chicken. She also did the seasoning for fried chicken. We planned to do special puto but backed-off..hehehe...pagod na kasi ate ko at tinamad na...hahahaha!, She asked me to do it but I don't like to do it, hindi ako mabilis gumalaw para maging perfect yung puto na yun. Baka ma-frustrate lang ako, hehehehe...kailangan ko pang mag-training at mag-observe.

Noche Buena?Just proceeded eating and I took a single shot of them. And I did not gave justice to it pa..:(

After Noche Buena my kuya, a friend and I went to our cousin's place. So I was the one who drove the motorcycle. I was soaking wet when we reached the place...haha!We have quite a time, I distributed my gifts and sang at our videoke...:)

Slept for 2 hours. I played Santa Clause and gave my gifts to my friends. Went swimming late afternoon with my cousins ang siblings. Dinner time with my siblings before going home...^_^

Recipe: Barbecue Ala Chatkick...^_^

Sorry Guys, late post I was very busy doing errands so haven't got a chance to post this recipe for Christmas, but you can use it for New Year naman eh..:)

Category:		Barbecue & Grilling
Special Consideration:		Quick and Easy
Servings:		Depende sa mga kakain..hehe..^_^

Description:
This is a recipe I do for Barbecue and Grilling pork meats. I cooked this during my Birthday Party and I want to share it with you...:)

Malasa sya pero medyo dry, that I will think of how to make it 'saucy'. Thinking, I think I can put some more sugar but I will try it palang so I wouldn't recommend it, that is just a hypothesis...hehe...:)

Ingredients:
2 kls. Pork ( Pige ) or basta yung mas madaming meat na part at konting taba.
2-3 cups Soy sauce ( I always use Kikkoman in marinades, why?you'll know why 'coz you can see the big difference as opposed to using ordinary soysauce)
Oyster Sauce (just pour until you see it's fine enough)
Sprite or White wine
Black Pepper (powdered)
Laurel leaves
6 kalamansi or 1 Lemon
Sugar to taste
Salt to taste


Directions:
1. Hiwain ang Baboy nang maninipis.
2. ilagay ang mga sangkap at haluin.
3. I-Grill at 'wag hayaang masunog,,,hehehehehe!
4. Serve.

I can't wait a little longer...

Yes, tomorrow is the day I will step foot inside the bus that will bring me back home. But still I am wishing that I was already there with my family and friends...

I can't wait to take hold of the microphone and sing at our videoke machine...hahahahaha!!(just one of what I want to do)

I need to rest tonight, for me to condition my body for a very loooooong yet wonderful ride. Approx of 13 hours ride is tiring I know but I still opt for it.

And I am not a back-packer..wahahahahaha...I have a lot to bring with me...hahaha!!..and I know I will be very busy meeting with my fellas...

Yipppppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!...


and a teaser for future blog regarding our Christmas Party:

Here comes the sun!^_^

Who would have thought that this shots was taken just hours ago after publishing my previous blog?

To all who felt sorry for me, uhm, what can I say but just sorry and thank you! Sorry because you were somewhat bothered and affected of what I have written and somehow have had attracted negative vibes to your life though I managed to navigate my last phrase to a positive note but just to reiterate of the use of my blogs.

"I blog because it is my therapy, an outlet and I write to express my feelings at the very moment I felt that intense emotion. It is how I contemplate my life."

Just like how the planets developed volcanoes my writings/talks is just the same. If not for those holes, all planets could have just burst into pieces and for a person a rapture of soul. Everyone needs an outlet of emotion. My ranting is just inevitable. I don't tend to sulk. I tell them frankly to the person involved and right at the moment that it happened.

People have different goals in life and mine is to help other people. To be a better citizen. And to become such you must have all the knowledge to know right from wrong. You should have all the knowledge before saying anything or acting in the most appropriate manner. Pretentious acts can lead to a person's downfall. You might eat what you say, I saw many of those by the way...hahahaha!!! In, addition I fight for what I believe is right and with the proper way that I think of.

Forgive me if I sometimes become a burden, if I rant like this anymore, just let me be. I'll come unscathed just few hours later.

But I also must say, THANK YOU without much explanation. I appreciate it.

To spice up this blog:

Here Comes The Sun - Paul Simon and George Harrison

Malungkot na araw

Nagbabalak sana akong magsulat ng blog hinggil sa pangyayari kagabi sa aming party. At ang mga pangyayari pa sa nagdaang mga oras dahil wala pa akong tulog ni isang segundo. Ngunit ito ay napalitan na, saka ko na lamang isusulat ang tungkol duon s panahong bumalik na aking sigla.

Minsan may mga biro na hindi nakakatuwa. aya na lamang ng biro sa akin ng isang matalik na kaibigan patungkol sa aking walang humpay na pagtulong sa kanila. Ang sabihing may intesyon akong mas malalim kaya ginagawa ko ang mga tulong ko sa kanila ay parang bombang sumabog sa aking harapan. I didn't see it coming specially from him of all people.

Biro lamang nga daw yun ayun sa kanya. Ngunit hindi ko maikakaila na masakit yun sa aking pandinig. Lahat ng labag sa aking prinsipyo ay nagdudulot ng labis na sakit sa akin. Kahit anong pananalita na kumukuwestyon sa aking pamamaraan ng pamumuhay na sa tingin ko naman ay walang masama ay labis na nakakagimbal sa aking maayos na pag-iisip. Pabiro, lantaran o kahit anu pa man. Ang paratangan ako ng isang bagay ay hindi talaga katanggap-tanggap.

Ako ay tumutulong dahil yun ang alam kong tama. Nagbibigay din ito ng ibayong kasiyahan sa akin, masakit isipin na sa kabila nito ay may magbibigay ng ibang kulay at anggulo sa aking mga ginagawa. Hindi ko gawain ang manumbat at magbilang ng mga 'tulong' kaya hindi ko iisa-isahin ang mga ito. Simpleng pasasalamat lamang nga pwede na sa akin eh. Kahit ang ipakita lamang sa akin na may saysay ang mga ginagawa ko ayos na. Madali lamang ang lahat para sa akin. Madaling maintindihan ang lahat ng bagay, madaling kausap. Kahit sobra ang aking pag-ngingitngit, iniisip ko pa rin sya at gagawing tulungan sa paghabilin sa kanyang kapatid ng dapat gawin at hindi dapat isantabi lamang. Sana magawa ng kuya nya.

Sa kasalukuyan ako ay talagang malungkot, nasaktan sa birong kanilang binitawan sa aking harapan kanina lamang. Nagbalak pa naman akong maglagay ng picture sa kasalukyan para sa aking blog na sa kabila ng mahigit 24 oras na walang tulog ay maayos pa rin. Kanina yun habang sakay ako ng jeep patungo dito sa opisina.

Hindi na ngayon, sabog ang itsura ko at maga ang mga mata. Sana mapawi nito ang aking kalungkutan. Sana kasabay ng pag-agos ng aking mga luha ay ang pagkapawi ng sakit sa kaibuturan ng aking kalooban. Madali naman akong magpatawad yun ang pagkakakilala ko sa aking sarili, kailangan ko lamang ng oras.

And I need to this song to cheer me up to remind me of a new day full of joy:

Umagang Kay Ganda - Janno Gibbs with Vernie Varga

Sportivo undergone High Dynamic Range (HDR) rendering

Last weekend I took some photos that I will use for my next photography project -- learning how to do HDR images using Photomatix Pro. Some of my co-hobbyists were amazed that may Point and Shoot camera can capture images for HDR. Last December 15 I tried to process the photos.

Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5
Model: Isuzu Sportivo owned by a family friend.:)
Photographer: Chatkick Photography-series of 2008
Software: Photmatix Pro 3.0.1 (trial version)
*all rights reserved.

Original photos that I used for HDR to be posted later.

First try without proper knowledge of how it really works. I just know how to take photos that will undergo HDR processing. Other technicalities? Nada.

First try:
I posted it at Multiply for comments and they said it was way-off the supposed outcome. But some have appreciated it though. To the rescue were my fellow photographers who happened to be the ones who commented on it too...^_^

Echel volunteered to help me via YM, but he did the HDR rendering first before laying the inputs I needed to get a good HDR. Here it is:
Using what he has taught me minutes before going home, tada!
Not the same as Echel did but it was way too far from my first one...hahahaha!^_^

Thank you guys for all the help...:D

Getting ready for Christmas party(a re-post from my multiply again..hehe)

Well, I just made myself 'presentable' for our Christmas Party later. hehe!

And, just to post some gifts to be given away to my colleague.

Christmas time is really near yet I do not feel any difference. Maybe when I reach our hometown for Christmas vacation it will change. Spending Christmas with my family will always be my top priority and I can't imagine otherwise.

The good thing is, our organization always practice having long Christmas Vacation..

Ruined Monday??...urgh!(late post, copied from my multiply)

So here's my story. Yesterday, we went shopping for Christmas (which I hardly do, I only shop if I really need something). I was so tired so as my companions. Though I am tired I still managed to make some Christmas gift bags for our company party tomorrow. Oppps, I fitted some wardrobe by the way before making that 'project'.
(some pics of my new wardrobe for the coming Christmas season):

a baby tee and short(oh how love shorts!!)

and finally, I want to invest on some good looking dresses!!!planning to buy some addition next year, one is enough for this year...hehe!(as a teenager, I am used to pants and not the skinny type...hehe..and lose shirts, that's why many people thought I am not a 'she' but they are all wrong...hahahahaha!!!)

Back to what I needed the gift bags for, uhm, just to make some simple gifts to give away to my colleagues presentable. What else have I done before going to bed? some room cleaning and some thoughts for the paper work that my best friend needed, doing-some-'ate'-tasks-for-my-little-brother-type-of-stuff. I was so busy that I even forgot to watch Surf's Up in HBO. Still early for my sleep time, time check 11:15 p.m. this is the reason why I cannot live without a wrist watch, I don't tend to take it off often, bacause I am used to check time every now and then. I had the usual night already...(lights off)ZZZzzzZZZzzzZZz....


Then, suddenly..."BLAG!!!!!!!!!"(actually it is so loud that I was awakened in an abrupt manner, imagine how I was pissed because of that sound, it was as if he or maybe it is a she who closed the gate improperly wants to ruin the gate) someone went home late but early in the morning that ruined my good night's sleep (time check - 1:20a.m.). I know who that someone is-- he is my neighbor actually a friend too. I already told him before about closing the gates. No issue on me if it were done in the the daylight.

So what happened after that incident?


I tried going back to sleep, I barely had 2 hours of sleep and I need to go to work!!!...I did everything, usually I fall asleep so easily, but this time I had the hardest time to do so. After 40 minutes had passed with my eyes still widely open I turned on the tv and watched MTV set the volume on the maximum (actually I was aiming to set it higher if the TV would may.) Talk about noise, huh?!duh, I don't care, I was pissed and I really don't care anymore. I have a reason why I chose MTV and set the volume on the maximum. To tell you frankly, loud music can make me fall asleep. The more throb the music has the better but the output of the TV's speakers cannot give me what I want. I switched the channel and watched Discovery Travel & Living. Still cannot manage to fall asleep. (time check - 3a.m)

I decided to clean the entire house instead!!! every tiny piece of dirt, GONE!! (time check - 5a.m.)

Crap! I set the alarm 6a.m. and what?? I am still awake! I am going to work and time is ticking...


Finally, past 5a.m. I fell asleep. Still I don't want to considered it as ruined Monday. I have done some productive stuffs, just that my muscles are not in good condition due to lack of proper sleep. Thanks to my neighbor. I texted him to reprimanded him. No reply, I just hope he got it.


Office time. Haggard looking???or still managed to appear okay?