Kanin Club: Gimme More Gimme More

Gosh, I’ve been on a rice binge lately. Yes, that means carbo-overload which in turn translates to fats!!!

One of my favorite Filipino restaurants that have a myriad of rice specialties is Kanin Club.

My favorite dish at Kanin Club restaurant is Sinigang na Sinangag (P200), which is closely a rice version of dry Sinigang. Sinigang inspired fried rice complete with pork liempo and vegetable tempura. The vegetable tempura on top of heap of rice surprisingly adds a different crunch to the whole dish. It was a complete meal on its own with the pork liempo adding the meat to the dish.

Vegetarian Curry (P140) is another must-try at Kanin Club. It’s basically the vegetable you find in Pinakbet with delicious Filipino curry sauce. There is a choice of chicken or vegetable and I opted to get the vegetarian one to make up for all the rice I was going to eat.

My friends tried the Crispy Diniguan, which I didn’t touch at all because I don’t really eat Dinuguan. I guess working at the hospital, my imagination can run pretty gory and Diniguan would never be on my order list.

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Coffee Breaks the Heart

After my shift, I marched to Robinson’s Galleria to check out Bayo store.

Last time I shopped at Bayo was a few years ago. In some blogs though, I saw that Bayo together with Johnson’s Body Care came out with a new summer line called, Soft Skin Collection. I like the pieces that I saw and got so intrigued that I wanted to see the clothes up close. Thus, the sudden shopping visit at Galleria.

After walking around and checking out some other stores, I got thirsty and decided that I need my caffeine fix.

I remembered the coffee breaks I take with Erik at Starbucks all of a sudden. Sigh, his shift ended a couple of hours earlier than mine today. We barely talked because it was a frenzy day in the hospital.

I walked towards Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and wondered if I should just go to TGI Friday’s instead and order the Three-for-All appetizer and a milkshake. I don’t need the extra calories so I opted to veer left and buy my coffee.

After placing my order and waiting for my change, I did a double take when I saw Erik at a corner of the coffee shop. I thought my mind was playing tricks on me because I was just thinking about him.

A smile creeps in the corners of my mouth but fades as quickly as an ice cube melting in the heat outside when I saw who he was with. Sitting beside him was Kate!

Yes Kate, one of my two bunkmates at La Corona de Pagsanjan 2 weekends ago! I didn’t even realize these two were close. Erik was pretty friendly with everyone but I thought I was his best buddy there. He didn’t mention he was getting coffee with Kate. I’ve never seen these two get coffee together at Starbucks so what was going on?

They were so glued in their discussion that they didn’t even notice that I stopped in my tracks a few tables away. I debated whether to go to their table or sit on another and wait for them to notice me. Anyway, I decided to just leave.

I wasn’t really that bothered. Erik can choose who he can have coffee with. He’s a good buddy at the hospital but I don’t own him or his coffee time. I think Kate is nice anyway. It’s a bit surprising to see them get coffee AFTER shift though.

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Take Some Heat Off

The heat outside is so crazy!

In this heat, anything cold will do. But I suddenly thought of a frozen dessert made from sweetened water flavored with iced fruit or juice or puree… strawberries in this case.

I’m craving for Antonio’s strawberry sorbet!

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Oh Rafael, Rafael, Let Down Your Hair

I’m getting really so frustrated with Rafael. The other night when he picked me up from the house to have dinner, we had to stop by a PC shop along Aurora Blvd so he can get something for his friend Russell. He could have done that prior to picking me up but decided that I should wait for him in the car while he runs an errand for a friend.

Aren’t we having “quality time” issues? And yet, here we are spending time not really spending time with each other? That 1-hour at the store waiting for the counter guy to process his order would have been a good time for us to talk and catch-up. Geez.

I was already in such a lousy mood that I didn’t have an appetite for dinner at all.

In the car, I started telling him about a UST classmate’s sister who tried out for the Amazing Race Asia show. He didn’t even look like he had any interest in what I was telling him. At some point, I heard him humming to the music playing in his radio while I was talking. I suddenly stopped yapping and stared out the window.

He asked me about how my reviews are coming along. I answered curtly that it’s taking a lot of my time but last time I studied was right before the Pagsanjan trip. He started complaining about not being able to spend time that he wants to spend with me. He also added how I don’t make an effort to make time for him.

What?! I did a double take.

He continued with how I spend more time with others like when I spent the weekend with other medical interns instead of taking a trip with him and my impromptu coffee meet-ups with Vanessa and Charlize. He was visibly upset.

Excuse me, where was this coming from? Does he take time to meet up with me or ask me out lately?

I argued that me and the other medical interns needed a break after quite a busy month at the hospital. Besides, it was out first time to ever go out. What was the big deal? Why was he being so uptight about the trip to Pagsanjan Falls?

We further squabbled and I kept pointing out the fact that he spends so much time on his running and hanging out with friends on his past time when he could easily be the one to adjust his time for me.

I take one trip out of town and he makes it a point of his argument? Chill.

You're asking me to make time for you? Why don't you take the initiative and make time with me?

Dinner was quick and tasteless. Both of us were occupied with our own thoughts.

It was a quiet drive back home.

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Spicy Fingers

I believe in retail therapy. It’s really quite therapeutic to have purchase power. I especially enjoy shopping if I find a number of interesting items for such a small price.

After spending time shopping in Greenbelt, I headed to Spicy Fingers for some snacks and to rest my throbbing legs.

I ordered cheeseburger with fries. It was really yummy particularly the sweet barbecue sauce they served on the side. The delicious beef patty was juicy and meaty. I had sauce dripping on my fingers as I chomp on my burger.

My bill was less than P300 and my afternoon snack was well worth it.

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Pagsanjan Trip with Team Med

We checked in at La Corona de Pagsanjan a little before 12nn. Check-in time was at 2pm but Erik was able to swing the receptionist’s mind to allow us to do an early check in. Erik really has his charming ways –and probably good karma too because he’s such a sweet and uber nice fellow.

I was bunking with Kate and Steph, next door to Erik and Mike. The other 6 settled in their rooms as well.

After lunch and a bit of rest, the afternoon activities started. Rope marshals oriented us on some safety guidelines. They assisted us in most of the rope activities but we basically did all the rope challenges as a team. It was fun to see the girls belaying the boys. Erik was surely heavy but I didn’t mind at all carrying his weight in my arms as he traversed the rope line.

The highlight of the whole Saturday afternoon was the Slide for Life. Everyone had to climb about 25 meters of the mountainside slope in order to get to the top or the take-off point. I was pretty scared at first but Erik’s calming voice and soft reassurance soothed my fears.

I jumped. The slide hurled me forward. I screamed. Not in fear, but in complete utter joy.

That weekend ended and I was beaming from ear to ear come the next work day.

The Doc is out! :)

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I Need a Break!

I’ve been pulling again long long hours at work that I barely find the time to write or have any more fun. At least, outside work. Not that I’m really complaining. I also love being in the hospital. There’s some kind of rush at certain peak hours that I really take pleasure in.

I really can’t whine anyway because Erik has been such a great company. During down times, we talk endlessly about anything under the sun. We talk about the patients. We talk about how we’re so tired of the food choices in the area that’s within walking distance. We never run of things to talk about.

We actually were talking about personal travel plans. It’s been a while since Rafael and I took a trip anywhere. Our schedules don’t really match these days. I know he has more leniency to adjust his schedule but he doesn’t seem to take the initiative to do so. I digress.

Anyway, I have never been to Pagsanjan Falls and I’m thinking of going there for a day trip.

Erik hasn’t been there either.

The Doc is Out!

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Banana Fritters Ala Mode

I was at Serendra the other night with my school friends and we ate at Polu Kai.

The dishes were average to me but I really liked the dessert we ordered!

The banana slices were coated with sweet syrup and it was served warm, which is the reason why the vanilla ice cream on top easily melted.

I didn’t mind because I totally loved the yin yang of cold and warm on my tongue.

Besides, I need the sugar intake. Still pulling long hours at the hospital.

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Love in the Time of Cholera

A 65-year old man, who I named Mr. C, got admitted last week. The last few days, Mr. C was under Erik’s watchful care. Last night, Mr. C was in terrible shape and he suffered exhaustive diarrhea.

I saw how Erik was so hands-on with the patients whatever the situation was. He already ended his shift and already timed-out when Mr. C pooped all over his bed and his room. The incoming nurse should actually be on top of Mr. C’s affairs but she was too sick of the whole thing to move a muscle. She just kept standing there frozen like staring at it will eventually vanish the mess.

Erik heard about it and changed back into his blue uniform. He really didn’t have to because it wasn’t his responsibility anymore but he cleaned it anyway. Mr. C left a long trail of brown and green goo from his hospital gown to his washroom. Erik took the initiative to give Mr. C a bath and clean his bed. I called the janitor to clean the rest on the floor.

It was really heartening to see Erik do all that. He went on another half-shift to monitor Mr. C’s condition.

During my break, I went out and bought him warm croissants from a bakeshop nearby.

I really see the love Erik has for his work and his patients.

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Dear John

The Dear John movie stars Channing Tatum as John Tyree, a young soldier of the Army Special Forces who falls in love with a young woman Lynn Curtis, played by Amanda Seyfriend, the girl from Mama Mia. It’s a 2010 American romantic drama that happens at a time of war.





The movie really brought buckets of tears to my eyes. John Tyree’s love for Lynn was exceptional and Lynn’s love for the special child of her husband was so admirable.





If you’re really meant for each other, Love will find a way. Distance and time are of no essence.



Gosh, Channing was even hotter in this movie than in Step Up!

Getting Stroked After Work

I’ve been pulling long hours at the hospital. My back really hurts most of the time after my shift ends. It’s such a bummer.

I love my days at the hospital because I got great company. But a lot of times, I wonder if all the stress and hard work and worry are all worth it… I guess it is when I get my license.

There are a lot of massage places in Manila but a few good ones really. Neo Spa is really one of those to go to for consistent spa massage. I also like Thai massages but it’s quite hard to find one that has really good facilities.

I’ve heard of massage centers that offer “extra” services. It’s usually those who have trained male masseuses. I’ve never been touched by a male therapist. I wonder how that feels. I mean, without the “extra” service of course.

Massage is the simplest form of therapy that I can look forward to and it is basically all about stroking, kneading and pressing on certain areas of you body in order to relax and relieve any stress or pain that might have built up in your body.

This fairly new Quan Spa at the Marriot Hotel is making waves in the spa scene. I wonder if the masseuses there really have the hands that can make me sleep like a baby.

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UnCut

Circumcision has always been such a big thing to a lot of men –and women. It’s such a taboo among men’s macho-istic ego to be an adult and still have the foreskin. Movies often portray most women being supposedly turned off with an uncircumcised “penis.” Men with the foreskin are usually men with smaller “private.” This is not true.

A half-Swedish half-Filipino guy was in the hospital a few weeks back and he was uncut. Let’s just say, it was such a BIG deal in the hospital.

HUGE.

Humongous.

Sizeable.

Sizzling hot.

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Rafael with His New Toy

Rafael has been yakking about his new gadget for running he bought at RUNNR. RUNNR is a recently opened store at the Fort Bonifacio that sells anything that has to do with running. Running has become such a trend as a healthy lifestyle activity.

Rafael purchased a complete miCoach Pacer system at about P7,000. I think the set includes this miCoach Zone, which is a wristband device that makes it easy for Raffy to read his heart rate and monitor his pace with the color-code LED display. It also has real time coaching! How cool right?

On their website, miCoach.com, one can actually create their own individualized training plans, set goals and keep a watchful monitor and document your actual progress over time.

I super want to tinker with Rafael’s new toy!

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Clean Bill of Health

The RH Bill is such a hot topic since last year, particularly in the field that I’m in. Definitely, the church is against the lobbying of this bill to become a law. When this gets enacted, contraceptive pills will be more visibly available in the market (even at your town or village’s store).

As a budding doctor, I am constantly pro-choice in terms of the use of condoms or other contraceptive means. However, being brought up in a conservative family, despite having these options available to me, it’s always safe and better to be pro-abstinence. We cannot have Filipino young boys feel that because of these means, they can already be comforted with the idea of not getting girls impregnated when they follow their curiosity.

But against a different target segment, like I think a friend of mine belongs to, it’s good to have protective pills accessible in the market.

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Getting a Cut

For almost all the ladies, every new cut is important –picking the right salon to do it is key.

For men, there is only one cut that they remember for the rest of their lives. And it’s not a haircut.

There is a big buzz in the hospital now about this 27-year old half-Swedish half-Filipino guy who arrived in the hospital a few days ago in grief. I don’t know how it leaked but I had my lips sealed when the news broke out. I was there to witness it all since I assisted in the simple operation.

Of course I cannot discuss in detail but in general, he hasn’t been circumcised and his foreskin became too tight and developed a rash. He was pretty uncomfortable that day he came to the emergency room but obviously in pain.

The doctor suggested getting a circumcision.

Shoot, my mobile phone just beeped and I have to run.

Hey, I got to cut this short.

The Doctor is out! ;)

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A Visit to the Hospital (But Not for a Check-up)

Pulling an all-nighter can be quite a strain. Mind and body are both tired. More like, exhausted.

Being in the hospital is such a busy place to be in. But it’s not always as exciting. There can be long stretches in the shift that have a lot of down time. Thus, it builds boredom.

When there are nights that are just plain uneventful, that’s the time the staff catch some good rest or quick sleep in the “sleeping room.” Sometimes, they call that room the “on-call” room. Rumor has it that a few people sneak in their partners and do the “deed.”

Well, right after that studying-cum-kissing-cum-no-cum-frustrated session fiasco with Rafael, he decided to give me a surprise visit in the hospital one night. He arrived in the wee hours of the morning and brought me food.

It was such a sweet gesture that I decided to sneak him in the “on-call room.” Good thing that nobody else was using the room so we had it all to ourselves. I planned to catch some 40 winks anyway and it would be great to have it beside Raf.

He gave me little kisses on the forehead and cheek… and eventually made his way to touching my lips. A soft and lingering kiss. He paused and asked me my review sessions and how I’ve been getting along with my friends in the hospital. Then another short kiss ensued. He would break away time and again to talk.

It was such a great quality time with Raf. Mind you, we didn’t do the deed but I was glad that he was by my side while I took a break at a place where my time is usually spent.

He didn’t stay long. He left after an hour or so.

I accompanied him to the exit. And gave him a quick loving peck on the cheek.

I was really careful not to let anyone see him.

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Burning the Midnight Oil

Gawd, it was another sleepless night spent studying.

I was going after notes and notes. I’m going to get fat snacking on so many chips while reviewing.

Boredom is the biggest enemy. After reading and reading, my mind goes on “safe mode” because it can only take so much information.

Well, this time I didn’t let boredom get the better of me.

I called Rafael. I was so glad he was still up watching some late night rerun of an NFL game. He sounded excited to hear my voice. I’ve been pushing long hours in the hospitals lately –thus lesser quality time together. By QT, I meant good bonding time (no hanky panky!).

But that night, I couldn’t stop teasing Raf on the phone. It started out as a really light banter on missing and kissing. The conversation started packing some heat when I told him how I like looking at his sweaty body after his run. How I want to be touched by his strong sculpted arms. I don’t know how I got to the point of suddenly inviting him over.

The usual drive from his house to mine was cut to one-third of the travel time. He got to my house really fast.

I guess we missed each other really bad. I needed time to relax too.

We kept on kissing and kissing and kissing.

We were almost in the couch “more than kissing.”

But I stopped.

I needed to go back to studying.

Raf left a bit frustrated.

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The 5th Judge on American Idol Season 9

I wonder if “Idol” fans and critics are still divided over Paula Abdul’s replacement or have they started to accept the dynamics that Ellen DeGeneres brought to the show? Of course, out of all the judges, Ellen has the least music industry credential. Sitting beside a record producer (Randy Jackson), a songwriter (Kara DioGuardi) and a record label magnate (Simon Cowell), Ellen has her popular TV hosting skills to her name.

Behind all that panel controversy, this season has a bunch of good talents.

Michelle Delamor’s rendition of Creed’s With Arms Wide Open really wowed the judges and the audience. She was sporting a cutesy rocker outfit with a leather jacket and the judges loved the fact that she listened to their advice. But enough with the girls, let’s look at the men who’s rocking our eyes and hearts this season.

John Park sang John Mayer’s gravity but didn’t make much of an impression on me. I guess I’m not big on Asian features anyway –that’s why I am not really crushing on John.

Let’s take a look at the other male contestants.

Alex Lambert –what’s with the checkered jacket and three layers of clothing? That get-up hurts the eye. I’d rather see you naked behind that guitar you strum ever so gently.

Casey James. He sang “I Don’t Want to Be” and with that long stretch of blonde hair, he’s everything a girl can dream of –a rocker and a surfer dude all rolled into one. Does he have a surfer body built underneath his clothes? Can you imagine his blonde locks touching a woman’s soft body?

Kara is so lucky to be getting front seats to an imaginary peek show.

Tim Urban is another crooner to watch out for but what’s with his Beatles hair? Only a girl with wild fantasies about the Beatles can really date a guy with that hairdo.

And what about Simon Cowell? He’s looking hotter and hotter as he gets older. If I get to win an American Idol promo and get a chance to see the show LIVE in Los Angeles, I wouldn’t mind meeting Simon Cowell backstage. I’m sure he would have a strong grip when he shakes my hand. If only I can push him aside, suddenly shut him up and smother him with kisses behind the big curtains. He always has a sharp tongue on the show. I’d run my hand around his private area for a quick check if he really does have BIG balls to be making big critiques. Haha, I'd be the judge of that! ;)

My oh my, where are my thoughts going to? I was merely speculating on different scenarios. It’s not like I’d have the guts to do it given the chance.

The Doctor is Out!

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Grind to a Halt

I had the most amazing dinner at Antonio’s with Rafael.

We traveled to Tagaytay with no hitches. Traffic was surprisingly light in the South Luzon expressway. We arrived just in time for our booked schedule.

Antonio’s have different dining areas. Our reserved table was in the garden area with the Koi pond overlooking the black and white motif dining room below. Service was excellent and knowledgeable. Our wait staff was able to help us browse through the menu and picked our choices for entrée.

Food was superb. We both love the grilled certified Angus steak with loads of toasted garlic. Conversation was light and we were connecting in so many levels reminiscing our first few dates. We were feeling so open and oblivious to their guests on the other tables –I guess the wine gave us a bit of a buzz.

The wine we ordered had a fresh straw yellow color and inviting spray of berries with a hint of green apples and a typical aroma of white pepper. Medium bodied, contains a well-balanced acidity with pleasant fruits on the finish. A droplet of wine stayed on my lips glossing it against the soft light from the candle. Rafael, whose attention was all over me, took notice and kissed my lips lightly –I tasted the acidity on his plump lips and felt a gust of warm breath.

I pulled away shifting my attention to the chocolate dessert that the waiter just placed on the table. Rafael took my right hand and caressed it with his strong hands. Despite the cool Tagaytay breeze, I can feel the temperature in my body rising. He softly lands several quick kisses on my hand then in my arms… my eyes flickered and I could feel my ears blushing.

Rafael looked so hot.

I felt the sudden urge to go to the washroom and check myself in the mirror.

I excused myself and when I stood up, Rafael suddenly was on my side, pushing the chair aside to help me. I was thinking, “what a real gentleman…” when he suddenly grinded against my back!

I suddenly felt like an angel whispered to my ear to take me out of this nonsense! This is just too much public display of affection at a public place such as Antonio’s. I kind of nudge him away and made a beeline to the ladies room.

Before I went back to our table, I motioned to the wait staff and ordered a sorbet.

The strawberry sorbet cooled the moment and it was a quiet drive back to Manila.

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Running in Heels

My old Nike cross-trainers are worn out. I’m not really into wearing running shoes because I feel that it makes me smaller, especially the big chunky ones. Unlike strappy sandals that add height and slim up the figure, rubber shoes, as what we used to call them in grade school, make me feel shorter, which in turn makes me feel like a kid at 26.

I found these nice semi-sexy stilettos in Stella Luna store at Powerplant Mall the other day and eye-love it! The tag price though hurts the eye. But I’d rather spend 6 grand on those high heels than 4 grand on running shoes!!! They just get dirty anyway, while the stilettos are so pretty on the eyes.

I checked out that Running shop in Bonifacio High Street where they have that treadmill and video that gauge your running style or form. There’s a rack in the window display with a brand called Newton. I think it’s a play on “defying gravity” while running. I was shocked to see the tag price at P8,200!!! And I thought, Adidas or Nike shoes are expensive.



But I think I really have to buy new kicks. Raf has another run coming up in a few weeks time and if I’m also joining that then I should start gearing up.



Or else, I’d be running in heels.

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Get a Dose of Pam Everyday

Hola Blogosphere!

The doctor is in. Actually, not quite yet but getting there!

This is Pamela Evangelista Yap taking up this space here. Yes, I’m a Filipino-Chinese, born to a family of doctors –the very reason why I took up Biology in UST. I love reading Nicholas Sparks books.

Going on a steady relationship with Rafael for three years now. A cool, level-headed guy who is a family friend.

Do check in every so often.

A Pam a Day keeps the apple away! ;)

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