Crazy Good Movie

I saw the poster on our way out after watching Mission Impossible last month and told Rich: "Okay, that's a DVD material." Meaning, we just watch the movie when it comes out in bluray around 3 months after its movie theatre release.

Then I learned that Kris Aquino is in the cast.

As a Filipino living in Melbourne, I relish my Pinoy moments. I smile whenever I hear local dialects spoken on my trams, trains and even on the street. I never interrupt but I just listen and feel homesick. Sometimes "Are you Filipino" is a question I ask people who resemble my kababayans. Even camouflaged with thick make up and coloured lenses, as soon as they speak - I'd know. Nine out of Ten - a joyful YES to my q is the answer. One and only one in my 18 years in Melbourne, someone said, avoiding eye contact: "My mom is." So is your dad, mate. So is your dad.

I am Pinoy. I am a proud Pinoy-Aussie. And being proud means supporting Pinoy artists in a Hollywood movie even when it is just a cameo.

I admit I want to watch it in cinemas because Kris is there. The hype was strong on this one. So! On the 3rd day of its release in Australia, Rich and I watched it at Highpoint Hoyts. We love watching movies together. I go w him to his dude flicks so he comes to my rom-coms. :-)

It was a cold, wintry Saturday. The weather ignored the memo that it should be Spring the next day. We rugged up and went to watch early to avoid traffic and the throngs of crazy Asian movie-goers like me. :-)

The start of the movie gave me goose bumps. The entire movie captures the universal longing of being accepted. Lots of laugh-out-loud moments, tender and sweet scenes, roller coaster of emotions - even angst. It is a very relatable movie. I love it. I love it, I even cried at some scenes.

Kevin Kwan did a great job. I am in awe of how he pieced it all together in that book. The chaotic drama and the hard names flowed seamlessly. :-) (*applause*) Palakpakan.

Kris only had a couple of minutes exposure. I would have loved to see more of her. Long ago, she helped campaign for my father. That was a lifetime ago but that's my only recollection of us meeting in person. She is not a favourite actress but in the movie, I could not get enough of her and wanted to say: "Come back, Kris!" As would any Pinoys all over the world. I hope that they will cast her again on the next ones since this movie is a part of a trilogy. Princess Intan could offer loan to Nick if that helps w the plot! Paging Jon Chu!

Please watch Crazy Rich Asians. It is very good. I heard the first week was when we Asians went on full force, but the 2nd week and the 3rd - all other nationalities followed and enjoyed the movie. It is still going strong and knocked down big Hollywood productions.

“These character interactions depict a common experience for young Asian women entering a new family, that “every female in your family feels like they own you”. This hold that parents have on their children is a specifically Asian thing. It presents itself in really aggressive ways sometimes, but it comes from a place of deep devotion.” - Adele Lim CRA scriptwriter

To some who said it is Over The Top. I think this is a muted version of crazy rich Asians. I am a living witness that they are more extravagant, much more arrogant, more problematic and more hilarious than the movie.

About time we are represented without bones breaking, flying kicks and subtitles - although this one does kick ass. We deserve the exposure.

Everyone from the top - producers, cast, crew, down to the lowly water boy if ever there was one. To everybody involved with the production of CRA, please take a bow.

Coles Mini Toys

The Struggle to complete a set is real! :-)

We have been shopping at Coles for 18 years now. I was never a fan of their promotions. Until this time.

Last month when the craze started, I was on it right away. Coles mini toys are not just cute but well made, accurate miniature of the real thing. I am partial to toys because of my work. I appreciate things that make the little ones smile. I have 2 full sets and another one slowly getting there. Rich and I rely on our own shopping and the goodness of 2 Coles Staff (just 2, the others, nah) who would ask: "what haven't you got?" Then expertly put their hand in the bag, pull and say: "here ya go, shampoo, vicks & yoghurt." ☺️

I do have doubles and spares but I don't trade. I sent spares to friends before I decided to start a new set. 😂 I have other doubles which I am thinking of crafting into jewelry or visual aids at work to assist children's communication skills. 👍

A few days into the promotion, a young man in his 20's was at the checkout and said he doesn't need the free toys. I was behind, swallowed my pride and said: "Can I have it?" He said okay. Then another older man yelled: "No! I need it!" He was the dad, buying cigarettes. He was angry at his son! Oh dear. Drama.

(Thing is: he was that same old man who begged me during my garage sale last year and got an original prada bag, 5 brand new Nine West shoes for $15 because that's all he had. I remember him.)

Anyhow, Rich and I bought food storage and so much more to get the minis. Rich would get the heavy ones after his work, collect the toys and wait for me so we can open these small packs together. Pantry is full w sacks of rice, boxes of drinks etc just to get these minis. 😂

People are raking in money on eBay with full set up to a grand! The display box was $4 but selling at $75 in eBay! Binuang! 😡

I have heard: "I don't understand people's fascination w this plastic dumb things. So dumb. What are they going to do with it?" <--- This kind of negativity got Australia 7 Prime Ministers in 11 years.😒

But have you seen the tiny jar of vegemite? Omigosh gorgeous. 😍

Let's all just be little happy vegemites.

2 full sets and growing...

Almost complete!

Happy birthday, Ding!

I love my sister very much. Today, her birthday I am reposting what I wrote 10 years ago. The feeling is still the same, just maybe 10x more. I hope you have the happiest birthday ever, Ding! We love you to the moon & back.

❤️

Our parents named her Angeline. Little angel. Those close to her calls her Buding which means Little Buddha. :-)

There is 8 years between us so we never really grew up together. She would even casually mention many times, "I do not remember you, Neng". Not to sound mean or anything but we never get to do things together when she was little. Not until we were grown ups and I moved away from home to build my own.

She would come here in Melbourne for a visit. She'd accompany me early for work and earlier for shopping sprees. We take trains, trams and buses and talk non-stop in Surigaonon. What fun! Revenge with some loud senior Europeans and God forgive them: noisy Asians screaming their way to get the full attention of someone sitting next to them. And that someone would scream back. Mga bungoy man siguro ini sila. Probably hearing impaired? But all of them in different trams? I don't  know, but one thing for sure, it was absolutely annoying. 

With Buding I do not have to sit, grin and bear the annoying people, I can be one. Kon todo katawa gajud and if we see mga upaw, kuyang rakan na mu-salute.

Buding is like Papa, disciplined, hard working, organized, loving, affectionate, wise with finances, well-dressed, great singer - all that, with a temper. They are also very kind, generous, funny and source of strength sa amo pamilya. One friend Toni,an American who lives and operates a Pub here in Australia said "OMG, Angie is sooo together, how can you look and smell this good in the morning!". 

Buding is the self-appointed eldest now. Reversal of roles. Nabali an kalibutan as she is the youngest. She took over the affairs of the household, the school, the gym, family’s health, etc. She is able. Very able, in fact she'd forget herself to aid others. Much like Mama, too!

Sija an ako pinaka-love na sister. Not just because she is my one and only sister. If I had other sisters I'd still love her more. In times when I falter, she not only help me up but tells me off as well. "Neng, ako role sa kalibutan an madepressed. Dili imo." Just like Judge Judy, she tells me to get over it. She would send me messages of comfort and inspiration when I least expect it. Many times I beam and tell Rich- ako ini bubby sissy. Baby sister. She is also a fan "Neng, I like reading your words kay it is like reading a book, tuwaw dajun ko." 

I love a few people but I like fewer. I love and like Buding.

One day once again, we can lie under the ceiling fan and belt out tunes that would bring any house down, raid the factory outlets for a dozen pairs of shoes, or organize a party in the house where over 15 Aussie youth played Pinoy games and broke my spoons, or we can sit in at the Conservatory for all you can eat steak, go to an outdoor zoo and ask for the rancher to put that snake on your neck…or just sit at church silently together and casually say "Neng, you smell like chorizo"…

Buding is one of a kind. No wonder she is Pare Bob’s favourite..

Come back soon Ding, and maybe stay longer, kay kalisod when I do not have anyone to sit in the hospital with. Simbako laman. Or maybe Rich and I can go for a trip again and stay there to savour once more barbq sa pier, sayongsong sa Ipil, dagat sa Mabua, lechon sa Togbongon, latik sa Lanuza. SM, Ayala, or stay up all night, as in all night because we consumed 2 liters of coca cola each, spread eagled on the banig and asked for heaven’s intervention: Diyos ko, Ginoo ko, pakatuyuga na kami!

And how about when we scared Mama of Papa visiting us that night, prompting her to drag her mattress on to the floor with us? Richard was oblivious of the commotion that happened that early dawn in Lanuza. Tuyog sija in the middle bed. The katawa and hagikhik, then tuwaw-tuwaw. Panga-useless gajud nato! Let’s do it again!  

I do not really have a lot of friends, but  with Buding, it's more than I need. Friendship is a blessing. I am more than blessed to have a sister and a friend in her. Ab yu my Bading. Happy, happy birthday! May our Heavenly Father bless you always, everyday and forever.

Wonder Woman

 

When I was 8 years old, my young mother studied her PhD (Education) in Cebu City. We live in Surigao so it was decided she take my 2 younger siblings and I with her. I was enrolled at University of Southern Philippines. My father would visit us from time to time, especially if he has court hearings in Cebu.

 

On long weekends we take the ferry Friday night and woke up home in Surigao early Saturday. Then we ferry back to Cebu Sunday or Monday night, just in time for school the next day. 

I have lots of good memories of that time. It was a good experience, although I hate it when there are storms. The ship and the waves like to play tag. I still remember that awful feeling of being sea sick even at this moment.

Mama while studying also taught English at the University. Most nights she'd come home late but we had a nanny called Flora and an Aunt who helped look after us. Auntie Iddy was Mama's cousin. She was studying to be a teacher at that time, too. Though petite with a big smile, she was tough on her rules of us taking a bath first thing in the morning. Everyday. We actually do not have a tub so it was really shower with "kabó" - a small bucket easily held by one hand used to scoop water for bathing. :-)

Cebu is always hot & humid. We'd bathe at the back in open air using water from an artesian well. She'd scrub my brother Kingay with soap and a porous stone called "lugod". While my baby sister Ding, was on a walker right next to us. Sometimes she'd wander under the house where there are ducks and their nests. The upstairs family owned them.
 

At night we go back out in the back and scrub our feet clean ready for bed. Never go to bed with dirty feet. 

In that small 1st floor apartment, we had literally nothing. Just a small fridge, tables & chairs. No TV. 

Stark contrast to our house in Surigao, where we had TVs, library of books & music and lots of food.

Life in Cebu was very quiet. I love watching TV so I would walk out to the neighbour's house every dusk to peep on their window to watch soaps. Many times they would pull down the curtains, even shut the window on me. Sometimes I would just go home, but if Wonder Woman (Lynda Carter) was on, I find a way. I watched it many times looking through a hole. I would stand peering through that hole for an hour or so until Auntie Iddy calls me for dinner.

One night Mama was walking home from work and saw me peering through a crack of our neighbour's wall. She did not say anything. She did not even scold me standing in the rain. I ran back & followed her home. 

That weekend, a big TV arrived in the house. That retro one with built-in-cabinet-doors kind. It was black & white. It was the best TV of them all. Papa sent it all the way from Surigao.  

After school I'd ran home to watch my favourite shows. Sesame Street, Electric Company, Chinese Shaolin movies and of course Wonder Woman.

I'd leave the door & windows open just in case some children in the neighbourhood do not have TV. 

It was a short stay in Cebu, the following year we went back to Surigao where we had TV in all areas of the house. 

Today, Rich & I have a huge one. In fact it covers a whole wall. It is like a cinema in our house in Melbourne. Sometimes when we watch old movies I never realize how blurry they were. All I remember is how it was always great. :-)

A few days from now, when the frenzy subsides - we are going to watch the latest Wonder Woman movie starring Gal Gadot. I am beyond excited. I heard it is amazing.

 

Of course it is. I know that from the moment I was little, watching through a hole in a wall. 

And I'll celebrate the fact that I was raised and surrounded by wonder women.

Rock Lobster

I love that song. I even danced to it with my church youth group years ago. So many years ago. In fact a life time ago. When we were young and beautiful hahaha. I do not dance now. :-)

There's a different lobster. A much better one. Succulent and delicious. I dream about it all the time and even started a savings fund for next order. :-)

We are spoilt for choice here in Melbourne. So many food places to go. You need not leave the city to get to different cuisines. My favourites are Asian of course, Vietnamese and Chinese. Filipino food I just cook at home. ;-)

Rich and I personally love going to Melba at The Langham. Our friend Aimy highly recommend this place. We used to just go to The Conservatory at Crown. We tried Melba and now we always go there for special occasions. We have been a few times this year. Thanks My!

Okay back to the details - last Tuesday was our 17th year wedding anniversary. We are so busy with so many pressing matters that we have forgotten to book anywhere special. Normally weeks before we already have a confirmed booking. We laughed and just said well there is always Nando's. Yummy as it is - it is kind of an everyday thing so I silently hoped it is not going to be there. Any other time will do, just not on our anniversary. :-)

So in between panicking (pressing matters, remember? Will blog another time) and making things in order - I checked a few of our special favourites. Can't do lunch on weekdays and our next few weekends will be hectic.

We need to find a place for dinner. But good luck with last minute booking!

We like a few places in Crown so maybe, Crown it is. I want something else though and I think there's no better time to be spoiled than now. I was tossing between Long Chim, Silks and Mesh. Parking at Crown Complex is easier than most places so it is always there that we spend more special occasions.

I looked at different sites then went back to our faves. That's when I saw Melba's Tuesday night LOBSTER.

Lobster. Are you kidding me? Lobster! I love seafood. I grew up next to a wet market where fresh seafood are still breathing and blinking. I need it. I need this.

As a good wife ;-)  I rang Rich before I booked. We both know it is expensive. I gave him options. When I mentioned it is lobster's night at Langham's, he said his usual: "okay sure, why not." :-)

I was so quick ringing the number, you'd think I dialled triple 0.  :-)

There was a place for us. Yay! I guess not a lot of Melbournians want to go out on a freezing Tuesday night even for lobsters. :-) We also have a 25% voucher from my Entertainment Book for Langham so another yay!

We parked with no problem. It is always good to dress up from time to time. I do not get to do that since casual is my middle name. :-) Tonight we also made sure we dressed warm.

It was windy too as we walked towards the Hotel. I was so glad I had a warm coat on.

As I slowly walked to the foyer I said a quick prayer of gratitude.

17 years. Wow. Congratulations us! We have ups and downs and it is not always an easy ride. But we have more ups. More important is that we love & enjoy each other's company. We try not to let external problems affect that. We are best friends and we look forward to 17 x 17 more years together.

And with lobsters from time to time - ain't life sweet.

Thank you, Rich. Love you to the moon and back.

We had the freshest seafood while growing up and I can tell you a thing or two about them - but these lobsters made me speechless...yum.
Steamed then grilled to order. I am proud to say that I upheld my family reputation of eating well and hard. 3 servings. Oh la la. :-)

Succulent. The garlic butter sauce was just so mild it did not destroy the whole lobster experience :-)

This is my seconds served with Bokchoyy and mushroom stirfry. The made to order stir fry is just next to the lobster grill so I asked if I can get it on the same plate. It was one of the happiest dinners I have in Australia! :-)

Melba's fresh seafood is very delicious. They also have a wide selection of Sushi.

Food Safari Part 2

We watched a documentary early this year by the BBC UK. It was very interesting and I found out I belong to Constant Cravers. That - I am always hungry (but I do not eat much and I am very picky no lamb, no sweets), just having lots of food thoughts all the time. I guess that is good, better than other thoughts like negativity towards others, lol.

So that explains why some people just like me, posts more food in their social media accounts, as opposed to others who put same old, same old selfies. I want variety. I was told I should just become a food blogger, but food is not my main thing though. I just post it more because my love ones value their privacy and I have a shy hubby who rather take photos of me than me of him. Though I have a life aside from just eating and sometimes I rather keep those moments to myself, one day I might just do a food blog. :-)

So food it is...

Fried lemongrass pork chop not fatty nor oily but all so delish with rice, lettuce and clear broth. Dumplings Plus

Honey chicken and rice Dumpling Plus

I just love Tabouleh and I know when the fresh delivery is at my local Coles Deli :-)
(I tried to make this at home but for some reason I always end up making my parsley taste a bit like diesel when mixed with the other ingredients hahaha)

Grilled Pork neck, super easy just marinate in soy sauce, sesame oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice, brown sugar. Then grill to perfection! This one is served with saffron rice. When making normal steam rice, just add bit of chili flakes, saffron powder, dried parsley and butter.

My first food court food in Australia was these yummy sweet n sour pork. From time to time I reminisce :-) The deep fried squid was discovered later on. Still in food courts near you :-)

Grilled pork ribs. Filipino style :-)

Sushi Sushi ebi tempura is love. These prawns really died for me, this is real love :-) LOL

Rich and I love to make things much yummier to suit our palate, I love how he mix different nutty cereals to create much higher level of deliciousness. This mix alone comes from 4 different boxes. Plus Soy Milk. Gotta be Soy Milk.

My go to when down and out. Or just plain down. Or senti. Or ...nah...anytime this is my comfort food. I love you Pancit Canton re Mee Goreng re 2 minute noodles.

Rich's homemade sausage rolls is different from the rest because of carefully chosen mince and  sausage meats and spices but also the caramelised onions. A patient cook's version. This is not easy to make but the love can be tasted on first bite. Oh lala.

I've only just discovered Sicilian Olives! OMG so good. I think I am addicted.

trust my Ceasar Salad to be upside down! With croutons, ham, bacon and parmesan - this Cos is the boss.

We eat in front of TV. Please judge me. Our TV is the whole wall so how can we escape that? We live to enjoy and be happy. People may frown at this but hey who cares...

We are each other's fan club. Rich though does not have any social media to show this off lol :-) but I do. When he makes his home made chicken soup, he uses the whole chook and takes the chicken skin off. He then fries them crisp for me. He knows I love crispy chicken skins. He only started doing this after the crows stopped visiting our yard and throwing the skin is wasting. lol :-) Not all the time though, only sometimes. Judge me. :-)
 

Food Safari, my style...

As I was clearing up my phone of photos I noticed that these past few weeks Rich and I have been eating out more than ever. Though we both enjoy cooking, we also look forward to date lunches and dinners out. Here's some of the photos, nothing fancy but highly recommended.

Fresh seafood at The Conservatory, Crown Towers are always so delish, we are regulars.

 

 

Nando's what more can I say. Always a fan.

Vermicelli Noodle Salad with crispy roast pork at Mama's Buoi, GPO Bldg. is fresh, delicious, crunchy and at the same time - comforting! :-)

Nene Chicken has the best Korean Fried Chicken in Melbourne. The service is tops and also the extras are just so delish we do not stop with just one! Try the Swicy (sweet and spicy) or the Freakin' Hot or both. We have gone through the whole fried chicken menu and always come back with this two. Try them. :-)

The Churrasco BBQ chicken ribs at Nando's always hit the spot. Thanks, Nando's.

Congee with salted egg, pork, pickled vegs and crunchy wontons at Ten Miles at Crown is hands down my favourite congee. I have tried others around Melbourne but this one has the most toppings so it is my fave.

The rice dishes at Thien An in Footscray is our fave in the whole menu. This is the Lemon Chicken and Fried Rice. They have other choices and all oh so good. Oh la la.

Already famous as Rich's fave. Roast Duck in egg noodle Soup at Dumplings Plus is a staple this winter. Delicious does not even describe it. Heart and belly warmer :-)

Vegetarian Pho at Mama's Buoi has the yumminess of Vietnamese Soup sans the meat. Delish!

I do not have secret guilty pleasure, as all of my food choices are all out there for everyone to know - but if there is one - I'd have to say the grilled salmon and scallops of the ever simple but delicious Sushi Sushi. I cannot get enough of them! Plus the ebi tempura! Oh dear, yum!

Hainanese Chicken Rice, Roti Telur and Chicken Laksa at Roti Road. Very delicious, service very good too, but easy on the dips & spices as the after taste lingers :-)

Porter house, salad and chips at The Millers Inn Bistro. Deliciousness in a plate!

Veal schnitzel with mushroom sauce + roast and steamed veggies at The Millers Inn. Yummo :-)

Beef Pho at Hao Phung, Footscray. I just love how Vietnamese Soup touches your belly and makes you think everything will be well with the world. It makes me smile and feel so content!

Although our first choice is always The Conservatory, this seafood in Melba Restaurant at The Langham Hotel has also a wide array of fresh deliciousness to choose from!



Lemongrass fried chicken at Thien An! Yum and the serve is huge! Worth every penny.

Satay Chicken at Roti Road is not that spicy which is to my liking! Tender, juicy and veg crunchy. Delish!

These makes us grateful and eager to share with love ones. Salamat Lord.