Arts...Travels...Writing

Michael Jackson died yesterday. Not surprisingly, most media programs and contents are about him. There are news of internet bogging down because of too many downloads. I’m one of those who caused the bog-down I guess. As I watched Michael’s oeuvre, I couldn’t help but think of the generation he helped define. He probably influenced Gen X more than any other age group. Many of us Gen Xers were adolescents or about to cross that critical stage at the height of his popularity. At a time when there was no internet nor mobile phones, his popularity was such that even kids in rural areas could relate to his music. Who wouldn’t remember Thriller, Billie Jean, Bad? Or the most popular dance move of the era, the Moonwalk? But listening to old interviews of Michael, I couldn’t help but feel sad about the tragedy and irony that was his so-called life. He had such an unparalleled talent, and yet he claimed to be insecure. He said he’d rather wear mask during his performances than show the fac...

Last night I attended this barbecue sponsored by Mini Cooper. I had very low expectations going into the event that I did not even bother to check who Chef Robert Rainford is. I was going there for the main thing – which for me is the barbecue itself, what else! Before dinner, there was Chef Robert Rainford himself demonstrating to the guests how to get the grill right. I’m not a good cook nor do I have passion for the stove though I do love good food! My belly fat can very well attest to that. But Chef turned out to be extremely entertaining! I was laughing hard at all his well-contextualized jokes…and of course his practical tips are really so helpful, specially to someone like me who does not know much around the kitchen: 1) Soak the skewers in water before starting to grill – this is to prevent skewers from turning into charcoal, i.e., catching fire easily (Well, I know many might consider this basic knowledge, but to me this is NEW!) 2) Put aluminium foil...

What food is to the stomach, traveling is to the soul. At least to some wanderlust just like me. Travel always has its way of reviving me, changing my perspective about many things, places and cultures. For me the fun of travel does not start upon reaching the ultimate destination but begins with the trip itself. Of all the modes of transportation, I enjoy roadtrip best. The drive to a destination affords me to be one with time, moving along the road with each second. I enjoy feeling the speed and motion as the car traverses each mile of winding road; I bask at the freedom of a vast highway, bounded only by the white and yellow lines dividing the lanes. I like seeing the ray of the sun directly hitting a melting asphalt on a hot summer afternoon. And those stops at makeshift cafes along countryside dirt roads remind me that a warm cup of java does not always have to be in a Styrofoam cup with the green logo. It can also be had in aluminium cups or recycled instant coffee jars eff...