To eat or not to eat -- that is the question!

For several days, I have been craving for Filipino dishes. The thought of it creates a strong urge to go to a Filipino restaurant that will surely satiate the hungry parasites in my stomach. Fortunately, there is Manila Restaurant here in Perth. It is situated in 1236 Albany Highway, Cannington. Parking space is available for customers. It is open all days of the week from 6pm onwards. In addition, for music lovers, Friday-Sun is allotted for the Karaoke night. So, if you have the singing "prowess" like me....hahaha or if not, you simply possess that so-called oozing confidence or that annebisyosa-like-attitude ... please don't hesitate to share your musicality --- grab the microphone and belt at the top of your lungs like your favourite divas.

Notice the bamboo way of writing the restaurant's name

The restaurant's interior ---tsaka TFC subscriber yan (Nasaan ka Elisa?)

My Mowwddeeellll!!! Tubig pa lang, busog na!

I couldn't help but order the food I used to eat in the Philippines. WARNING: The food is high fat, high protein, high calories, high in everything...hahaha A total cheat day slash pig-out experience.

Here are the food we ordered.

--KINILAW NA ISDA--

( I miss how my father prepare this dish)

-- CHOPSUEY --

(to relieve our guilt of eating "unhealthy food")

-- SISIG --

(The Casa Verde sisig is still the best for me.)

-- LECHON PAKSIW --

(No one beats the lechon paksiw of my father)

-- HALO-HALO --

(Eating halo-halo reminds me of Chowking and Perpings)

If you think, only Filipinos come to dine in here...oopppssss.....Australians are also avid customers. One of the tables was occupied by an Australian Family who was celebrating a birthday....take note no Filipino was with them ....isn't it COOL?

I know I will be eating more of our dishes as soon as I come home. But I will definitely annoy my mother in preparing the delicacies -- biko, sapin-sapin, cuchinta, palitaw, budbod, puto, bingka, moron and cassava. My drinks will be sikwati, buko juice and SPARKLE (haha!).

I will see you soon, Pilipinas kong Mahal.

~*~manelle~*~

SHHhhhhh......

If a word is worth a coin, silence is worth two.

— Hebrew Proverb —-

For several months now, most of the people who knows me are wondering why i rarely talk…. Some give speculations like family problem, love-life issue, workload demands, and the like…. However, I want to say that for 23 years of living I just learned NOW to value SILENCE. Yes you heard me right… I CHOSE TO BE SILENT! Whatever experience that made me to this realization, simply accept my humble decision "I JUST WANT SILENCE". Furthermore, this will lead you to a question… WHY BE SILENT? Well, let me share to you some points about the GIFT OF SILENCE.

1. SILENCE brings serenity to your heart.

For this semester, my work is from Monday to Saturday. I rarely have a chance to spend time alone with myself. I’m not complaining about my workload. It’s just that from Monday to Saturday I’m so engross of talking…talking…talking. Why am i doing a lot of talking??? it’s because my work demands for it and my friends always question me if i’m silent. If i remember it right, it was last august 21 that this realization happened. In silence, i learned to keep a quiet heart. I learned to be more forgiving and to be more understanding.

2. SILENCE allows you to spend time with GOD.

It is only in silence where you can hear the voice of God. If you are too busy or too preoccupied of a lot of things, the tendency is that you least likely give thanks to God. This is the best time to assess and to evaluate your current relationship with Him. Try to ask yourself these questions: Are you close to His heart or are you distant to Him? Were you grateful to His goodness or did you ignore His presence? Silence allows you to grow spiritually in love with God. He talks to you even if you are not talking to Him. God knows when to tap your shoulder, when to hold your hand, when to embrace you and when to touch your heart. He is so wonderful because He knows the right timing for everything.

3. SILENCE heals all wounds.

A friend of mine told me that i don’t either need to explain or seek for explanation. Sometimes there are life events that we don’t understand. Some appears hazy and some seems so vague. Whatever may be the case, just simply accept it. I would testify that if there is silence + acceptance + forgiveness + time, it will lead to the healing of your heart. Life is too short. You don’t have to hold grudges, anger and pain in your heart. This time i learned to let go of feelings that can make me bitter because i know it is not beneficial for my personal growth.

I just hope that you learn something from me. I may not be an expert about living this life but i am a learner who never get weary of venturing to new ideas. If you lose track or if you are confuse….simply sit down, breathe deeply, free your mind of your baggages and pray for silence in your heart.

****REPOST from my old blog ( 08 October 2008 )

~*~manelle~*~

Day Tour to THE PINNACLES

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

06 October 2011 ---Paowee and I decided to head north of Western Australia (WA) to go to "The Pinnacles." We had been browsing brochures, websites and travelling agencies just to find good deals with this trip. Finally, we came up with a decision and .......bravo..... "Booking: 2 Adults --- Confirmed by Graylines Australia.

We waited in Shop 1, Old Perth Port, Barrack Square (departure point) @0745hrs. We stood there for few minutes until we approached one of the men and asked if one of the coach is going to Pinnacles. Then the gentleman, quickly browsed on his list and yey!!! he found my name -- Reserved for 2 Adults.

Exactly 0800hrs, we left the City of Perth. During the trip, there was live commentaries about facts and history of the places we visited. It was a good avenue to get to know better WA. We passed through the town of Guildford where the first courthouse of WA is located. Then a wide array of grapevines was also seen in Swan Valley. I thought we are going to stop for a while and experience wine tasting but end up "disappointed!" The first stop was Caversham Wildlife Park in Ellenbrook, WA.

We had close encounter with koalas, kangaroos and wombats. These animals are very sensitive. For koalas, we were instructed to touch only the body with the back portion of our hand. Their body feels like a soft foamy cotton. We were told also not to touch the leaves because once you touch it, they will no longer eat it. (arteh teh!!!) And this is important --- Koalas are not bears, they are marsupials.

Kangaroo is a national symbol of Australia (AU). You will see its emblem in the currency and other souvenir items. After 2 years in AU, I had a chance to feed and touch them. The male kangaroo is called jack, buck, boomer; females are does, flyers and jills. The young kangaroos are called joey. The collective noun for kangaroos are mob, troop or court. Kangaroos are said to run a speed of 40km/hr. Wow!!! That's the speed limit if you drive along the residential houses here in AU. Just like the koalas, we were only allowed to touch their body on either side of our hand. We were cautioned not to touch the joey because the mothers are very protective. If you don't follow, mind you, you get a peculiar face art from the kick of the mother.

Wombats are another Australian marsupials. They are short-legged, muscular quadrupeds with short, stubby tail. The muscular quadrupeds is due to their burrowing nature. Their teeth are somewhat resemble like the rodents. They are herbivores. And they smell like "pig". You can only touch their body and legs.

Ayan, close up photo!!!!

After Caversham, we headed to the Cervantes. We passed by vast pasturelands. We saw horses, sheep and cows along the way. We had a quick stopover to check on wildflowers.

Did we see wildflowers?? Yes, we did but we don't know their names. We hardly appreciate it because it was like walking along the bushes.

We passed by the windmills in Cervantes.

Around 1300hrs, we arrived at the Lobster Shack in Cervantes. It is the famous source of Rock Lobster in Australia as well as in other countries especially Japan. We had our lunch (thank God!) and a 5-min video about the lobster processing. Unfortunately, we did not see the actual processing of the lobster.

Then a 10-min stopover at Lancelin Beach. I can say that the sand was finer compare to Cottlesloe and Fremantle.

1415hrs -- We arrived at "THE PINNACLES". We had an hour to go around the place. Pinnacles is the home of limestone formation within Nambung National Park. The best season to see Pinnacles is spring from August to October. In this season, you will see wildflowers that starts to bloom. It is best viewed in the morning or late afternoon as the play of lights brings out their colour and features. The moment I stepped on the area, I felt like I was in Egypt (kulang na lang ang pyramids at si Tutankhamun!!)

The next set of photos are the "PASIKLABAN of Paowee and ME". I am Elle and he is Tyra...haha!

Thanks to the beautiful lady who was kind enough to take this photo.

THE BEST SHOTS of PAOWEE

My moment as a MOWWWDELLL. gosh!

Behold! You will see our jump shots ... dugo at pawis to'

After our tour around the Pinnacles, we saw this signage.

ohhhhh!!! too bad we saw it late....tsk tsk tsk :)

At 1600hrs, we arrived at Lancelin Sand Dunes. We had a 4WD adventure. I love the feeling when we hop from one hill to another and then the steepest hill......waaaahhhh!!!! In loud voice I said, "Serious?" Then Paowee called my attention...hahaha Paowee was teasing me that the Chinese man is my father because we have the same reaction. Listening to the Chinese man, weeeehhh, yowwwwwww, ahhhhhhhh .... was totally entertaining.

I thought we won't be having the sand boarding because it was around 1700hrs already. But with my heartfelt and sincere prayer, it was granted....hahaha!!! Eto na....weeeeeh!!!!

The first try was a bit nerve-racking but the second try --- sus, no sweat...yun lang pala!!! hahaha

Before heading home, I convinced Paowee to have a shadow-like,

silhouette effect shot.

We are the shadow MOWDELS!

Indeed, it was a magnificent and splendid experience. The 12-hour day tour was all worth it. I had a marvellous time learning and enjoying every place we visited. Til' the next adventure....Can I hear South of WA???? hahahaha

~*~manelle~*~

Theatre Experience: WICKED

I'm neither addicted nor obsessed. I'm just an enthusiast. Yes, an enthusiast who finds joy in watching amazing and world-class talents. Maybe you might ask: Is this the only thing I do in my spare time? Hmmmm....To tell you honestly, NO. There are other things that keeps me busy like --- laundry, housekeeping, cooking and etc..(haha...hang-korny!) Kidding aside, I thoroughly plan my DAYS OFF. Prawmis!! It just so happened that the wonderful world of theatre have irresistible offerings this month. The shows are something I shouldn't miss because of its "once in a lifetime chance". (grabeh!) The outstanding reviews of the audience made me vulnerable and weak. I don't tend to squander my muh-nhey but I can't help it. I just can't....haha!

This WICKED experience took two months of planning. Yes, two months -- because of the expensive ticket (price is equivalent to a fortnight grocery spree) and most especially our busssyyyyy schedule (naman!).

Finally, last September 11, I together with my super and overly fabulous buddy evvaaah -- Paowee went to Burswood Theatre to be wicked-fy (is there such word? hehe!!). We were thinking to dress up for the occasion but decided not to push through because we don't want to be highly publicized. (the audience might ask for autograph and pektyur...gosh!!) So, we wore our ordinary pambahay...haha!! Seriously, it was smart casual that feels so comfortable for the whole duration of the play. Scroll down, bebe....tindididing......ayun o!!!

Feels like in a "red carpet" premier ... yikes!!

background story -- a gorgeous and kind stranger took this photo for us...awww!!!

WICKED is a musical, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz based on the novel written by Gregory Maguire - Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The story revolves between Elphaba (Idina Menzel) and Galinda, later became Glinda (Kristin Chenoweth). Elphaba is the emerald-green skin girl while Glinda is the most-loved, popular blonde. Their unique features was not a hindrance to their blossoming friendship. Elphaba and Glinda have grown to be the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch from the North, respectively.

I won't really go into the details of the whole play, however, I will share to you what makes it "a must-see-play-at-all-times".

1. The production design was great. The top of the stage had a dragon's head with fierce red eyes that emits smoke from its nose. (That was totally a WOW!!) The stage layout and stage design were beautifully crafted to make it realistic. Ooopsss! I won't forget the lightings that was properly executed to add life to the play....purhfeeecttt!!!

2. The music was soulful. The lyrics can be funny and the so-called "tagos sa puso" effect..haha! I deeply fell in love with the songs -- I'm Not That Girl, As Long As You're Mine, For Good, Defying Gravity and Dancing Through Life. Because of my hangover with the songs, I decided to purchase a WICKED CD. ***please try to listen to their songs...give it a try!!!

3. The main characters Elphaba and Glinda were played by the original stars of the Broadway Musical....isn't it great? Yes...like I said...once in a lifetime chance to watch the original lead stars of the play. The way they exchange their lines and sing their songs were exceptional. Most of the time, they get applauded in between their interactions. But, my personal favourite is Glinda because I could picture her out like the Legally Blonde character..haha! Her lines and characterisation was hysterically funny and rib-tickling.

Idina Menzel as Elphaba

Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda (previously Galinda)

The show ran for almost 4 hours with 20 minutes interval for Act 1 and Act 2. Which lead me to my next point ---- I'm trying to say that prolong sitting will activate the useless leaseholder in my tummy....so, it's CHOW TIME!

Me and Paowee while waiting for our order.

Indeed, WICKED was fantastic, magical, marvellous and superb play. Young and old will definitely enjoy it. This is one of my experiences that I will forever keep in my heart...aawww!!!

~*~manelle~*~

Theatre Experience: TENDER NAPALM

The first time I saw the poster of Tender Napalm, I got intrigued of the naked couple embracing each other. Several questions crossed my mind, such as: What's the plot of the story? How can two characters run the show? and my ultimate 1 million dollar question is --- Are they going naked on stage? That's why, without hesitation, I immediately searched for forums about the review of the play. Huwaaawww!!! The public gave them good reviews, like: Indeed, controversial yet exciting. The word "controversial" had triggered the inactive neurons in my hypothalamus. Hmmm...the more it heightened the curiosity within me. So, I decided to purchase my ticket online as the only option left because it was like two days before the actual play date.

On the day of the play, I still have to do 7-3 shift. I looked like a "dragged queen" rushing to the venue because it will start around 4pm. My hair was like hit by a tsunami and my nostrils were blown by the strongest wind. Gracious! That 1 hour gap time feels like I was in marathon.

Finally, I arrived at State Theatre 20 minutes before the play commences. I was joyous that it will be in Studio Underground. It was my first time to be in that area so it was an added excitement on my part.

Because of my "pleasantly disaster look", I made sure to fix myself first. Thanks God for powder room! This time I look a bit presentable compare to the first ever theatre experience I had. Eto na! (pagbigyan nyo na!!! minsan lang eh..hehehe)

The 1 km dash I ran was very exhausting. I looked for something to quench my thirst and Bravo! I had a cold glass of Lemon & Lime Bitter before the show started.

When I entered the Studio Underground, I was surprised on the layout. It was a small venue about 70-80 seating capacity. The stage was located in the centre of the audience. The lead stars namely Joshua Brennan and Anna Houston were standing on opposite sides while a heart pounding sound kept on playing. The only thing found in the stage was a bath tub with a faucet. The characters were clad in white tank top, blue trousers and snickers.

Tender Napalm is play written by Phillip Ridley. It is a story of a man and woman who are in love and they hurdle together shortcomings and violence to prove that love truly conquers all. It is not a typical story that is predictable. It has series of turns, twists and flashbacks that keep your mind 100% alert. It will lead you back to the first time they met; the first time they said "I love you"; the problems they went through and the resolution in each problem they dealt. The way the characters exchange their words was very creative and poetic. The opening line was delivered by Brennan, he said,"Your mouth ... it's such a wet thing. I could squeeze a bullet between those lips." I was sincerely impressed on how these two actors portrayed the character. I was a bit apprehensive with the warning that their will be profane language coupled with nudity and sensuality. However, the story itself and the delivery of the actors will not make you think of "BED" but you dwell more on the content of the story. I enjoyed watching their hurling of funny words with some touch of whimsical stories about their own trials. In addition, the couple tried to cope with pain, loss and grief, and the coping mechanisms they utilised to combat it. The acrobatic stunts they did was second of the best things in the play. And lastly, the highlight of the play is the stripping of their clothes on stage and their love scene in the shower. Here are some photos I found online:

The play ended with their opening line, however, it was Houston (the woman) who delivered it. When the lead stars made their final bow in front of the audience, for unknown reason, I was teary-eyed while applauding them. I admire their professionalism in performing their characters. It was extremely a courageous act to flaunt their entire body to the public. They received a standing ovation from us.

I was alone watching the play yet I do love the experience. This will be one of the plays I will never ever forget. This is something extraordinary, something I'm proud to watch it. More to come!!!

~*~manelle~*~