Archives for January 2020

Earthquake Bird: lambasted by mostly male critics due to the inability to understand the female psyche

25 January 2020

People who wait excitedly for the film adaptation of a book that they thoroughly enjoyed often end up being disappointed. They watch after reading — then they compare. I …

Filipino shopping habits, the “tingi” culture and plastic pollution

24 January 2020

In Philippine markets, it is possible to buy cooking oil by the cup. In Philippine neighborhood sari-sari (literally, variety) stores, it is possible to buy cigarettes by the …

Giri / Haji: masterful storytelling, stunning visuals and brilliant acting

18 January 2020

Rarely do I come across a TV series bursting with an amazing amount of artistry. From the acting to the visuals to the dialogue to the story, Giri / Haji was so good I didn’t …

Easy noodle soup with Tai O style clam sauce

14 November 2026 » Cooking» In the kitchen

Frozen dumplings and hotpot-style seafood balls, chicken broth straight out of a carton, instant noodles and fresh spinach. It would have been just another noodle soup were not for the addition of a lovely sauce I bought in Hong Kong.

Holiday paper crafts

13 November 2026 » Creating» In the den

The girls and I used to make holiday paper projects together once Christmas vacation started. Creative activities to while away the long days. It was fun. It was a great opportunity for bonding. It felt good to create something pretty; it felt even better to be able to create together.

A story about a fish, a volcano and a book

12 November 2026 » Elsewhere

This is a story about a fish that can be found in only one lake, and that lake is in the caldera of a volcano. But to tell that story, I first have to write about a book I found lying around in a house overlooking the lake and volcano.