It was very ironic that this morning I originally planned to get a cheap breakfast at the nearby 711 convenient store, but was hounded by the distance and convenience of a Starbucks branch located at the ground floor of our building. Location. Location. Location. Have you ever wondered the mushroom effect of Starbucks versus those of 711 stores, granted that Starbucks is really not your one-stop practical coffee chain? Unbelievable and yet they have clinched their place in the market that it's not surprising to find two Starbucks branches in one block. Starbucks kind of resembles a life or oxygen station where people could refuel. It creates the impression of being a need rather than a want.
As I began to trot down my lazy butt, I saw a report in marketwatch.com that tickled my fancy, and yes it's about Starbucks.
We all know that Starbucks is an all-American brand, and America right now is not faring economically well. They are at their trying times, specifically on the way to recession and consumer spending in the states currently adopts a sluggish pace. As the globe feels that the biggest financial and consuming nation in the world is having troubles, I guess it would be an understatement to say that Americans are the ones who immediately feel the backlach of their trigger happy consuming country. They are now being haunted by their power and excess, and what better way to illustrate the unfortunate chain of events, than to illustrate the effects through their popular brand, Starbucks.
According to marketwatch.com, Starbucks profit slows as US business weakens. The report was made by Matt Andrejczak. In his report Starbucks said that it will close 100 under-performing US stores, or roughly 1% of its current coffee shops, by the end of September. The new strategy that by reducing the number of openings, they would be able to optimize their resources and reduce cannibalization of existing stores.
They have tried to emulate different businesses like what fastfood chain does by offering food, breakfast meals and such, but their price is quite unappealing to that of McDonald's, which is by the way already entering Starbuck's turf in providing good coffee with sandwiches at a very low cost. Starbucks has to rethink and adapt through the times.
As of now, we have to wait Starbuck's new strategy as it would unveil five major consumer initiatives on their March 19 annual meeting. I wonder what Starbuck's would do to fight this US economic meltdown, that's for us to find out.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
To fly on ATR-72-500 this Summer
I love to travel, and I guess it's a good thing that I'm not afraid of flying. Rollercoasters, airplanes, parasailing or anything air-related will not unnerve me. I guess that yearly trip to Cebu ever since I was a baby paid off. Also, it must have something to do with my mother's penchant for traveling even if she's 7-9 months pregnant with her kids.
It's really very common for people to develop phobias in flying. I could understand their irrational behavior. We all have our own phobias and quirks sometimes, as I do have with lizards. It just gets weirder and weirder.
Although there is one thing that I dare say would make me totally go hysterical when it comes to the possibility of flying. The weighing in. ACK!!! Are you serious? I never even weigh myself privately. I rely on my mental self-estimates, which are very unrealiable. I don't like numbers to begin with, and certainly I don't like numbers reminding me how much I've gained for the past year. But weighing in public, out of sheer security measure, is way too traumatic and death-defying.
Which reminds me. My friends and I are geared to spend our summer getaway in Boracay this March. Last year, the arrangements were done differently as my boyfriend and I decided to take Cebu Pacific to Kalibo, city proper of Aklan, and take a van en route to Caticlan port going to Boracay, while our friends took a direct charter flight via Sea Air airlines straight to Caticlan airport. To understand Caticlan airport means one should also understand that the planes that fly there are relatively smaller than your usual aircraft. It only has less than 30 seats. I haven't tried that yet and frankly there was no opportunity, but definitely based on my assessments, for those who have fear of flying especially in cramped small aircrafts, this might be a thing to consider.
I could take in the small structure of the plane, the whirl of the fan and engine, turbulence, or the supposed rumors that these super low budget airlines pool interns to be the so-called captains of the flight (that's why it's so low budget right?? the pilots are cheap..well you know why!). Fine, i could take that in, it could be added to my adventure book even...but except for this one thing....please....do they really have to weigh people in? Seriously, that is far traumatic and it is a certified deal breaker.
I don't know if this is true, I heard it one day from a voice in the midst, voice meaning from a real live friend before you conclude that it came from my imagination, that passengers riding in those types of aircrafts are expected to step on the scale publicly to properly distribute weight on the plane. How very logical it is and how very frightening. That would be a modern version of the boat is sinking. The difference is aside from being an odd man out, you're a laughing stock of the whole batch and did I just mention that your trip and ego would be crushed? It's like the fat guy would have to sit with the bunch of body beautiful dudes and dudettes, to cancel out his group's fat weight at the right wing. Talk about subtlety. That would be the worst ride of my entire life. Give me turbulence, give me airport food, give me backache, but do not give me that damn scale! I paid to sit wherever I please, with whomever I please, and I did not just pay to bruise my ego in that 45 minute ride in the air. And worse, the group you departed with on the first trip would be the same group you'll return with, oh boy, that's a vacation from hell.
But seriously, when I learned that we are to fly straight to Caticlan, I must admit it did raise one concern.
To confirm the hearsay, I immediately checked our reservations and confirmed that we are to ride the carrier Cebu Pacific, that has by the way initiated their first Public Offering this February 1st 2008. They give the country's carrier, Philippine Airlines a good kickass competition. In fact in a report, they have bested Philippine airlines in the number of passengers accommodated and in the number of local flights of the previous year. Cebu Pacific is also the pioneer in offering low budget, Piso Fare rates. They've increased their market by more than 50%. They've improved their ticketing, internet facilities, although personally they still have to improve their promptness, you know, being stuck in the airport for more than 2 hours last year was no big joke. Despite that glitch, they've also engaged in high cost and massive advertising. They've also expanded their horizons in opening numerous international flights. In fact, they are now covering more international direct flights to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen and Macau as of Sept-October 07. They are poised to conquer the local Philippine air.
That's not all. Cebu Pacific has announced that staring on February 29, luckily my father's birthday, they will be finally flying Manila-Boracay route and on March 28 they'll be opening the Cebu-Boracay route! Double whammy for me! Roxas - Boracay - Cebu, what more could I ask for?
But wait, does this involve the weigh in? Luckily NO! Due to Cebu Pacific's ongoing expansion, they are poised to get 10 new aircrafts this year. They are currently increasing their fleet to 4 more Airbus 320 and 6 more ATR 72-500 planes. And if you're wondering what allowable aircraft will be flown to Caticlan, it's the 74 Seater ATR 72-500.
Airbus and Beoing are familiar and trusted carriers, but just for the benefit of my friends and others who are simply curious of ATR 72-500, here's the deal on the Aircraft:
ATR-72-500, is the most environmentally friendly aircraft with the lowest emissions of any 70 seat aircraft, thus reported by Skycontrol site. ATR is a regional aircraft manufacturer based in Toulouse, Southern France. In 2006, ATR posted a turnover of USD 700 million, an increase of 30% since 2005.
Here are some images of what an ATR-72-500 looks like.
www.atraircraft.com
www.skycontrol.net
www.icfn.net
Bravo for Cebu Pacific's initiative!
Aside from looking forward to sunny and beachy moments. I think I'm more excited to experience this new addition to the Cebu Pacific aircraft collection. I hope that for those with immense fear of flying, well no fear; riding this aircraft, for anyone's quick trips to small islands and airports, will offer fruitful, safe and more pleasurable promises!
It's really very common for people to develop phobias in flying. I could understand their irrational behavior. We all have our own phobias and quirks sometimes, as I do have with lizards. It just gets weirder and weirder.
Although there is one thing that I dare say would make me totally go hysterical when it comes to the possibility of flying. The weighing in. ACK!!! Are you serious? I never even weigh myself privately. I rely on my mental self-estimates, which are very unrealiable. I don't like numbers to begin with, and certainly I don't like numbers reminding me how much I've gained for the past year. But weighing in public, out of sheer security measure, is way too traumatic and death-defying.
Which reminds me. My friends and I are geared to spend our summer getaway in Boracay this March. Last year, the arrangements were done differently as my boyfriend and I decided to take Cebu Pacific to Kalibo, city proper of Aklan, and take a van en route to Caticlan port going to Boracay, while our friends took a direct charter flight via Sea Air airlines straight to Caticlan airport. To understand Caticlan airport means one should also understand that the planes that fly there are relatively smaller than your usual aircraft. It only has less than 30 seats. I haven't tried that yet and frankly there was no opportunity, but definitely based on my assessments, for those who have fear of flying especially in cramped small aircrafts, this might be a thing to consider.
I could take in the small structure of the plane, the whirl of the fan and engine, turbulence, or the supposed rumors that these super low budget airlines pool interns to be the so-called captains of the flight (that's why it's so low budget right?? the pilots are cheap..well you know why!). Fine, i could take that in, it could be added to my adventure book even...but except for this one thing....please....do they really have to weigh people in? Seriously, that is far traumatic and it is a certified deal breaker.
I don't know if this is true, I heard it one day from a voice in the midst, voice meaning from a real live friend before you conclude that it came from my imagination, that passengers riding in those types of aircrafts are expected to step on the scale publicly to properly distribute weight on the plane. How very logical it is and how very frightening. That would be a modern version of the boat is sinking. The difference is aside from being an odd man out, you're a laughing stock of the whole batch and did I just mention that your trip and ego would be crushed? It's like the fat guy would have to sit with the bunch of body beautiful dudes and dudettes, to cancel out his group's fat weight at the right wing. Talk about subtlety. That would be the worst ride of my entire life. Give me turbulence, give me airport food, give me backache, but do not give me that damn scale! I paid to sit wherever I please, with whomever I please, and I did not just pay to bruise my ego in that 45 minute ride in the air. And worse, the group you departed with on the first trip would be the same group you'll return with, oh boy, that's a vacation from hell.
But seriously, when I learned that we are to fly straight to Caticlan, I must admit it did raise one concern.
To confirm the hearsay, I immediately checked our reservations and confirmed that we are to ride the carrier Cebu Pacific, that has by the way initiated their first Public Offering this February 1st 2008. They give the country's carrier, Philippine Airlines a good kickass competition. In fact in a report, they have bested Philippine airlines in the number of passengers accommodated and in the number of local flights of the previous year. Cebu Pacific is also the pioneer in offering low budget, Piso Fare rates. They've increased their market by more than 50%. They've improved their ticketing, internet facilities, although personally they still have to improve their promptness, you know, being stuck in the airport for more than 2 hours last year was no big joke. Despite that glitch, they've also engaged in high cost and massive advertising. They've also expanded their horizons in opening numerous international flights. In fact, they are now covering more international direct flights to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen and Macau as of Sept-October 07. They are poised to conquer the local Philippine air.
That's not all. Cebu Pacific has announced that staring on February 29, luckily my father's birthday, they will be finally flying Manila-Boracay route and on March 28 they'll be opening the Cebu-Boracay route! Double whammy for me! Roxas - Boracay - Cebu, what more could I ask for?
But wait, does this involve the weigh in? Luckily NO! Due to Cebu Pacific's ongoing expansion, they are poised to get 10 new aircrafts this year. They are currently increasing their fleet to 4 more Airbus 320 and 6 more ATR 72-500 planes. And if you're wondering what allowable aircraft will be flown to Caticlan, it's the 74 Seater ATR 72-500.
Airbus and Beoing are familiar and trusted carriers, but just for the benefit of my friends and others who are simply curious of ATR 72-500, here's the deal on the Aircraft:
ATR-72-500, is the most environmentally friendly aircraft with the lowest emissions of any 70 seat aircraft, thus reported by Skycontrol site. ATR is a regional aircraft manufacturer based in Toulouse, Southern France. In 2006, ATR posted a turnover of USD 700 million, an increase of 30% since 2005.
Here are some images of what an ATR-72-500 looks like.
www.atraircraft.com
www.skycontrol.net
www.icfn.net
Bravo for Cebu Pacific's initiative!
Aside from looking forward to sunny and beachy moments. I think I'm more excited to experience this new addition to the Cebu Pacific aircraft collection. I hope that for those with immense fear of flying, well no fear; riding this aircraft, for anyone's quick trips to small islands and airports, will offer fruitful, safe and more pleasurable promises!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
RE: The Monica Bellucci Confusion uncovered
I simply adore Monica Bellucci and her movies! But surprisingly as it may seem, I think I might have discovered something very relevant to her existence on this rather uneventful Wednesday. But first let me identify myself as a certified odd-man admirer, admiring the likes of Gary Oldman, Daniel-Day Lewis, John Malkovich, Andy Garcia, Jeremy Irons, Al Pacino, Johnny Depp as supposed to the norm admiration selection of Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom and blond blue eyed heartthrob. Yes, believe me, this is an essential part to my rediscovery about this Monica Bellucci confusion.
I know I've noticed Monica Bellucci's beauty, prowess and acting abilities way before I stepped into the maturity arms of college. And through thorough observation, I've successfully canceled out my confusion of Monica with another French Actress quite similar to her beauty, Sophie Marceau. But there is still one beauty and actress that I know who unconsciously tries to trick the visuals. I never expected I would remember her now.
As I was reading Jessica Zafra's blog, I couldn't help but agree with her full admiration to Daniel Day Lewis (one of my emotional weaknesses). The next action I realized I was doing was searching the actor through my reliable source, wikipedia. I must admit that it's been a constant habit of mine to know more about facts on people, artists, titles and occurrence as soon as it tickles my fancy. Sometimes I do surprise people of my intensity to know facts however silly and plain it may seem, just like surprising a friend yesterday by calling him out of the blue while trying to confirm after a thorough research that he is a cousin of my long lost classmate in grade school. Did I say he was left dumbfounded of this certain intensity? Anyways, Wikipedia and all other network resources nowadays are very informative. This is the actual where I get the latest info in just a byte away. I use it for spoilers sometimes. I already knew the ending of Harry Potter, the last book, through wiki even before my friends could actually get their hands on the real thing. Hehe.
Going back, as I was reading Daniel Day Lewis' factoids, I read about his personal life and his long 6 year relationship with a European actress Isabelle Adjani. Hmm...that's familiar. As I googled her in another tab, lo and behold, I totally remembered that she was the one, the face and the aura that is quite similar to Monica Bellucci's. I don't know if she is actually aware that she looks like Monica Bellucci, or vice versa. But for me, bravo for the confusion! But then again, she is pretty in her own right, if you tend to observe her a little bit closer. And here's one for a better look.
Am I right, or am i right? (Just click on my previous blog Monica Bellucci for Monica Bellucci's images...and prepare to be amazed.)
I say, do all Europeans produce beauties like this on a normal basis?
What you're about to view is the beautiful French-Hollywood actress Isabelle Adjani, my source of Monica Bellucci confusion. They're not related...although if some European family tree branch has broken somewhere, I wouldn't be surprised if they find out they are relatives.
From: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1271/642164850_e1e3097fdb_o.jpg
From: http://content8.flixster.com/photo/32/00/10/3200102_tml.jpg
I know I've noticed Monica Bellucci's beauty, prowess and acting abilities way before I stepped into the maturity arms of college. And through thorough observation, I've successfully canceled out my confusion of Monica with another French Actress quite similar to her beauty, Sophie Marceau. But there is still one beauty and actress that I know who unconsciously tries to trick the visuals. I never expected I would remember her now.
As I was reading Jessica Zafra's blog, I couldn't help but agree with her full admiration to Daniel Day Lewis (one of my emotional weaknesses). The next action I realized I was doing was searching the actor through my reliable source, wikipedia. I must admit that it's been a constant habit of mine to know more about facts on people, artists, titles and occurrence as soon as it tickles my fancy. Sometimes I do surprise people of my intensity to know facts however silly and plain it may seem, just like surprising a friend yesterday by calling him out of the blue while trying to confirm after a thorough research that he is a cousin of my long lost classmate in grade school. Did I say he was left dumbfounded of this certain intensity? Anyways, Wikipedia and all other network resources nowadays are very informative. This is the actual where I get the latest info in just a byte away. I use it for spoilers sometimes. I already knew the ending of Harry Potter, the last book, through wiki even before my friends could actually get their hands on the real thing. Hehe.
Going back, as I was reading Daniel Day Lewis' factoids, I read about his personal life and his long 6 year relationship with a European actress Isabelle Adjani. Hmm...that's familiar. As I googled her in another tab, lo and behold, I totally remembered that she was the one, the face and the aura that is quite similar to Monica Bellucci's. I don't know if she is actually aware that she looks like Monica Bellucci, or vice versa. But for me, bravo for the confusion! But then again, she is pretty in her own right, if you tend to observe her a little bit closer. And here's one for a better look.
Am I right, or am i right? (Just click on my previous blog Monica Bellucci for Monica Bellucci's images...and prepare to be amazed.)
I say, do all Europeans produce beauties like this on a normal basis?
What you're about to view is the beautiful French-Hollywood actress Isabelle Adjani, my source of Monica Bellucci confusion. They're not related...although if some European family tree branch has broken somewhere, I wouldn't be surprised if they find out they are relatives.
From: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1271/642164850_e1e3097fdb_o.jpg
From: http://content8.flixster.com/photo/32/00/10/3200102_tml.jpg
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Families "food poor" reflection
I just read an article this morning at Manila Standards online. It says in the headlines that 34% of families "food poor" and rate declining since June of 2006.
We all know that this country is developing. Poverty is present everywhere you look. The terms "poor and poverty" are sometimes even casually used in modern Makati wherein educated, supposed financially independent professionals, work and reside. But sometimes, even I occasionally use the term "budget meals, tipid meals, PG" and other different kinds of demoralizing terms to describe the personal poverty I am experiencing. But yes, I am guilty of using these terms without actually considering that these are just paltry representations of what other unfortunate people have. The usual term na "Wala akong pera" "Naghihirap na ako, Tagtuyot" for me and the majority who have appropriate jobs are just results of...most of often than not lack of proper budgeting or lack to budget implementation as my mom would say. It's easy to see where one can draw a line here which end up just your social life / ego getting affected.
But this particular news made me reflect on my/family's standard of living when it comes to food. According to the survey 34% of Filipino Families consider themselves "poor" in terms of food. The survey also showed that 34% consider themselves "not poor" in terms of food, while 32% of Filipino families put themselves on the "food borderline" or "in between."
According to the SWS survey, "self rated poverty has been on a collective downward trend since June of 2006, reaching 37% in June 2007 before bouncing to 43% in September of 2007. The latest record was on December, which hit to 34%, the record low since June 2004. Amongst the three major islands, Mindanao's majority dragged the percentage followed by the Luzon Counterparts. Visayas had only minimal to no=change.
The survey was conducted by asking household heads to rate their families on the three categories (poor/not poor/in the middle) based on the type of food that they eat.
Despite the inflation, accessibility of resources, a declining poverty threshold, "despite the rising cost of living, means that households are lowering their standards, or they are tight-belting."
As Lelaina Pierce's mom, in the film Reality Bites said "Times are hard, sometimes you're just gonna have to swallow your pride." Pride...Pride chicken!?
It's quite difficult when the changes one has to make go beyond the normal adjustments of entertainment and other activities. It's already hard trying to put your weekend shopping money to rent, to rising bills, to food, but does one have to suffer lowering the standards of food in order to live? That is a sad sad thought and very unfortunate thing to happen to any person. It couldn't get any lower than that. It's an indication that you've somehow drained of strategies to avoid the inevitable, which is tight belting on the basic thing that nourishes people physically and psychologically.
I remember, being in love with grocery shopping, a place where I successfully developed my innate trait to be a nuisance to my mother, I've always been attentive to the food that my mom buys. I know my family's specification, and I know our brands. Hence we have a certain standard to uphold, a standard that is based on our chosen food for taste and comfort. But as I grew, and as time began to change, the amount of grocery items more or less did not change, but the end total amount of every trip to the cash register right now would make my mother faint if she was to see it 3-5 years ago.
She had to do a little sacrificing here and there, subtle sacrifices. She had to take out the imported twinkies. She had to take out pounds of bacon. She even tried to experiment switching from Purefoods to Argentina (Which was a totally big mistake, and immediately corrected). We had to adjust to changes as expenses are ballooning for different purposes like medicine, electricity, travel, addition to the family etc. Just like any company, we had an early concept of budgeting.
Naturally my mom is a thrifty person, hence she's the only one who can stick up to food budgeting; and any sale or discount she could find, she'll have to acquire in an instant. But standards make everything all so human. If you ask if certain standards are important, in some circumstance like food, security and health it is important. Standards also make us unique from anyone else, it's a matter of expression. It's a matter of preference, that's why choices are available to humans.
But how poor is poor when we cannot even keep our own standards with our food? A wealthy lifestyle can be easily identified and remedied, but how does one feel when standards in food are compromised? I think when standards of food are compromised, the basic sustenance and the only natural, acceptable luxury known to man, is lowered then it's just totally depressing. It is the lowering of standards at the lowest possible sphere. It is the moment when one has exhausted all possible efforts to uplift ones life that even compromising your basic comfort, which is food, is entertained. It's a sad thought, but a fact of life. Thinking of the things I would sacrifice, I have to admit, I got so many. I could even list a couple of things I would have to sell when I'm at the poverty point, but I just cannot bear the thought of lowering my standards to food. It would be, for me, the lowest of the low. And it would be like surrendering to the times of increased hardships and more suffocating tight-belting.
The past reminds us, through the lives of war and famine, that standards in food and basic needs were close to non-existent. Present promotes standards and challenges for people to uphold them. The future remains a mystery and a great hope in the shadows that no one should be able to loose the power to choose and submit the standards to the fangs of survival.
We all know that this country is developing. Poverty is present everywhere you look. The terms "poor and poverty" are sometimes even casually used in modern Makati wherein educated, supposed financially independent professionals, work and reside. But sometimes, even I occasionally use the term "budget meals, tipid meals, PG" and other different kinds of demoralizing terms to describe the personal poverty I am experiencing. But yes, I am guilty of using these terms without actually considering that these are just paltry representations of what other unfortunate people have. The usual term na "Wala akong pera" "Naghihirap na ako, Tagtuyot" for me and the majority who have appropriate jobs are just results of...most of often than not lack of proper budgeting or lack to budget implementation as my mom would say. It's easy to see where one can draw a line here which end up just your social life / ego getting affected.
But this particular news made me reflect on my/family's standard of living when it comes to food. According to the survey 34% of Filipino Families consider themselves "poor" in terms of food. The survey also showed that 34% consider themselves "not poor" in terms of food, while 32% of Filipino families put themselves on the "food borderline" or "in between."
According to the SWS survey, "self rated poverty has been on a collective downward trend since June of 2006, reaching 37% in June 2007 before bouncing to 43% in September of 2007. The latest record was on December, which hit to 34%, the record low since June 2004. Amongst the three major islands, Mindanao's majority dragged the percentage followed by the Luzon Counterparts. Visayas had only minimal to no=change.
The survey was conducted by asking household heads to rate their families on the three categories (poor/not poor/in the middle) based on the type of food that they eat.
Despite the inflation, accessibility of resources, a declining poverty threshold, "despite the rising cost of living, means that households are lowering their standards, or they are tight-belting."
As Lelaina Pierce's mom, in the film Reality Bites said "Times are hard, sometimes you're just gonna have to swallow your pride." Pride...Pride chicken!?
It's quite difficult when the changes one has to make go beyond the normal adjustments of entertainment and other activities. It's already hard trying to put your weekend shopping money to rent, to rising bills, to food, but does one have to suffer lowering the standards of food in order to live? That is a sad sad thought and very unfortunate thing to happen to any person. It couldn't get any lower than that. It's an indication that you've somehow drained of strategies to avoid the inevitable, which is tight belting on the basic thing that nourishes people physically and psychologically.
I remember, being in love with grocery shopping, a place where I successfully developed my innate trait to be a nuisance to my mother, I've always been attentive to the food that my mom buys. I know my family's specification, and I know our brands. Hence we have a certain standard to uphold, a standard that is based on our chosen food for taste and comfort. But as I grew, and as time began to change, the amount of grocery items more or less did not change, but the end total amount of every trip to the cash register right now would make my mother faint if she was to see it 3-5 years ago.
She had to do a little sacrificing here and there, subtle sacrifices. She had to take out the imported twinkies. She had to take out pounds of bacon. She even tried to experiment switching from Purefoods to Argentina (Which was a totally big mistake, and immediately corrected). We had to adjust to changes as expenses are ballooning for different purposes like medicine, electricity, travel, addition to the family etc. Just like any company, we had an early concept of budgeting.
Naturally my mom is a thrifty person, hence she's the only one who can stick up to food budgeting; and any sale or discount she could find, she'll have to acquire in an instant. But standards make everything all so human. If you ask if certain standards are important, in some circumstance like food, security and health it is important. Standards also make us unique from anyone else, it's a matter of expression. It's a matter of preference, that's why choices are available to humans.
But how poor is poor when we cannot even keep our own standards with our food? A wealthy lifestyle can be easily identified and remedied, but how does one feel when standards in food are compromised? I think when standards of food are compromised, the basic sustenance and the only natural, acceptable luxury known to man, is lowered then it's just totally depressing. It is the lowering of standards at the lowest possible sphere. It is the moment when one has exhausted all possible efforts to uplift ones life that even compromising your basic comfort, which is food, is entertained. It's a sad thought, but a fact of life. Thinking of the things I would sacrifice, I have to admit, I got so many. I could even list a couple of things I would have to sell when I'm at the poverty point, but I just cannot bear the thought of lowering my standards to food. It would be, for me, the lowest of the low. And it would be like surrendering to the times of increased hardships and more suffocating tight-belting.
The past reminds us, through the lives of war and famine, that standards in food and basic needs were close to non-existent. Present promotes standards and challenges for people to uphold them. The future remains a mystery and a great hope in the shadows that no one should be able to loose the power to choose and submit the standards to the fangs of survival.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Calories in your face: In fast food menus
Fast Food junkies! Hear ye!
I just read an interesting article in googlenews today. It's also being talked about in Sanjay Gupta's blog. Amazingly, there is a place on earth, particularly in New York, wherein the City Board is now discussing the requirement of putting respective Calorie contents on Fast Food Menus.
Yes, you read that right. The Nutrition table that you just normally see at the back of the milk cartons, chip bags, jars of sauces and preserves, canned foods, bread etc., will all be included soon in the New Yorker's fast food menus.
How fun is that?!
It is pretty interesting to appreciate the effort if you think about it. Majority of people, sometimes me included, do not give a shit about what's written in the Nutrition Facts. Seriously! If I'm craving for something, a particular flavor of a chip, I would always result to...let's say PIATTOS. I do not give myself even more confusion and pondering moments to decipher and compare nutrition facts from one chip brand to another. Naturally speaking, that is not how humans kind of operate if they are buying food. We normally buy food because of the need, the taste and the price.
But since everything is more accessible, easily processed and made, we are somehow feeling the backlash of our buying or consuming methods. Diseases, obesity (Hear! Hear!), Gastro diseases, heart disease and such, are just results of eating without being conscious or knowledgeable about the HEALTH part. That is why countless of bloggers and nutritionists tend to put up internet sites that list the famous foods (Fast food, famous food brands in different categories) and their respective calories. People are now trying harder to get the message across.
The experts feel that the mere presence of nutrition facts in grocery items or food items is not enough for people to choose wisely. Health advocates have even used primetime talkshows to discuss on these matters. Time and again they are continuously targeting the supposed main culprits or sources of CALORIE overload, which are the FASTFOOD CHAINS.
Fast Food chains are the double faced geniuses and culprits of our century. Everyone has been to fast food chains. We have favorites. People are familiar with the menus. Changing times mean lesser times really, that's why fast food chains work. They offer yummy to goodness food, cheaper and faster. Those are the three main characteristics that are on at the top of our list. But behind those yummy bites of nuggets and burgers...we fail to consider the amount of calorie it consists. Who the freak cares right? I'm hungry. I want a burger, screw me if I don't know the calories!
Well according to research, an average amount of a good burger already consists of 600 calories...imagine BIG MAC. But who eats only a burger for lunch right? It has to have drinks and fries! It's a staple! And the meal sums up to as high as 1,300 calories, already 66% of daily caloric requirement you need. You already have enough energy to supply you for more than 12 hours. But for us, it's just lunch. As long as we don't feel full, we still have space for mid-afternoon snack.
Aside from the transparency of nutrition facts on grocery items. There are other constant efforts to educate people on how to be conscious about calories in food. They use primetime talkshows, blogs that concentrate on displaying caloric amount of famous food brands and fastfood meals and some are independent nutrition sites that provide medical explanations on the calories of food.
One time, I stumbled upon this very informative site, chowbaby.com. The site is dedicated to divulge calories of specific menus of popular fast food chains. The site is very organized and rather complete from McDonald's to Starbucks. That day, I was planning to get a Grande Caramel Macchiatto and found out that is has 320 calories, when I've already had a cheeseburger and fries at McDonald's which accounts for 600 calories. Wow, talk about remembering what my Math teacher used to say. You may not get it right now nor do you appreciate it, but Math is essential to our everyday lives. Yeah,and now I'm doing calorie mathematics in my head. I suggest you Do the math and probably get a hand of what's within the 2000 calorie limit when you crave for your next fast food combo.
It's crazy. I know. It has in a way influenced me that everytime I see food, I imagine the numbers...the calorie amount that goes with it. There's already a calorie angel in my head that keeps on buzzing. Sometimes it's annoying that "reason" over adhering plainly to "human satisfaction" outweighs everything. In the end, you find yourself poking a salad no matter how you deserve a hamburger.
My mother now, due to the plight of my rather obese brother, is already keen to looking at nutrition facts while doing her grocery shopping. Before, she only used to consume 1.5-2 hours getting everything done, comparing net weight over prices of various products, but now she finishes in 3 hours because she's already paying attention to those nutrition facts. It's insane. She told me about what she watched in some morning talkshows about how to properly read nutrition facts.
For example:
Example of a normal NUTRITION FACTS TABLE:
BRAND: CHIPS A. with a net weight of 60 grams
Total Energy/Calorie: 150 per 30 grams
Taking in consideration that you're leaning on purchasing Chips A. Since we are in a hurry or could care less of these nutrition facts, we sometimes depict Chips A to only have 150 calories, when in fact according to the label it's 150 calories per 30 grams. If you consume the whole bag...obviously you multiply 150 by two, since you consumed the whole 60 grams of chips.
It's crazy, right? I can't even believe I'm digesting all of this...a FOOD lover!
Now according to a recent news I've read, backed by Sanjay Gupta's blog, calorie amounts would already by required to be presented in fast food menu, at least in New York. But it's a step towards Global effort. I wouldn't be surprised that the next time you enter McDonald's, not only will you be bombarded by the price and endless choices, in the future you'll have calories to add up to your selection process.
HAMBURGER 35 Pesos / 290 Calories
CHEESEBURGER 42 Pesos / 340 Calories
But in general, I feel happy with the efforts. There is nothing wrong with presenting these facts to you, no matter how obsessive it may seem. It gives you an additional avenue to choose. It empowers people to make the right decisions. At least you'll know the reason why you're adding inches in every imaginable parts of your body.
It's up to the individual on how he/she would react to this. She could either be consumed by it like a psychologically demented supermodel who feeds on crackers and soup, or he or she could enjoy life through food's real glory, given the power of balance and control, which can be achieved by exposure to these sorts of information. It is a fact that as much as we enjoy food, we should be made accountable for every choices we make.
My bottomline here is that given the information and empowerment, our roles still do not change. At the end we are the still the consumers. At the end of that counter, it is our sole right to choose what we need and want. The information is just there to help us, to remind us. No one will condemn us if we get a Big Mac now an then as no one couldn't condemn us for the personal choices that we make. Just as long as we know how to stand by it, to make peace with it, and finally, be happy, empowered individuals as we make it.
Happy Eating!
I just read an interesting article in googlenews today. It's also being talked about in Sanjay Gupta's blog. Amazingly, there is a place on earth, particularly in New York, wherein the City Board is now discussing the requirement of putting respective Calorie contents on Fast Food Menus.
Yes, you read that right. The Nutrition table that you just normally see at the back of the milk cartons, chip bags, jars of sauces and preserves, canned foods, bread etc., will all be included soon in the New Yorker's fast food menus.
How fun is that?!
It is pretty interesting to appreciate the effort if you think about it. Majority of people, sometimes me included, do not give a shit about what's written in the Nutrition Facts. Seriously! If I'm craving for something, a particular flavor of a chip, I would always result to...let's say PIATTOS. I do not give myself even more confusion and pondering moments to decipher and compare nutrition facts from one chip brand to another. Naturally speaking, that is not how humans kind of operate if they are buying food. We normally buy food because of the need, the taste and the price.
But since everything is more accessible, easily processed and made, we are somehow feeling the backlash of our buying or consuming methods. Diseases, obesity (Hear! Hear!), Gastro diseases, heart disease and such, are just results of eating without being conscious or knowledgeable about the HEALTH part. That is why countless of bloggers and nutritionists tend to put up internet sites that list the famous foods (Fast food, famous food brands in different categories) and their respective calories. People are now trying harder to get the message across.
The experts feel that the mere presence of nutrition facts in grocery items or food items is not enough for people to choose wisely. Health advocates have even used primetime talkshows to discuss on these matters. Time and again they are continuously targeting the supposed main culprits or sources of CALORIE overload, which are the FASTFOOD CHAINS.
Fast Food chains are the double faced geniuses and culprits of our century. Everyone has been to fast food chains. We have favorites. People are familiar with the menus. Changing times mean lesser times really, that's why fast food chains work. They offer yummy to goodness food, cheaper and faster. Those are the three main characteristics that are on at the top of our list. But behind those yummy bites of nuggets and burgers...we fail to consider the amount of calorie it consists. Who the freak cares right? I'm hungry. I want a burger, screw me if I don't know the calories!
Well according to research, an average amount of a good burger already consists of 600 calories...imagine BIG MAC. But who eats only a burger for lunch right? It has to have drinks and fries! It's a staple! And the meal sums up to as high as 1,300 calories, already 66% of daily caloric requirement you need. You already have enough energy to supply you for more than 12 hours. But for us, it's just lunch. As long as we don't feel full, we still have space for mid-afternoon snack.
Aside from the transparency of nutrition facts on grocery items. There are other constant efforts to educate people on how to be conscious about calories in food. They use primetime talkshows, blogs that concentrate on displaying caloric amount of famous food brands and fastfood meals and some are independent nutrition sites that provide medical explanations on the calories of food.
One time, I stumbled upon this very informative site, chowbaby.com. The site is dedicated to divulge calories of specific menus of popular fast food chains. The site is very organized and rather complete from McDonald's to Starbucks. That day, I was planning to get a Grande Caramel Macchiatto and found out that is has 320 calories, when I've already had a cheeseburger and fries at McDonald's which accounts for 600 calories. Wow, talk about remembering what my Math teacher used to say. You may not get it right now nor do you appreciate it, but Math is essential to our everyday lives. Yeah,and now I'm doing calorie mathematics in my head. I suggest you Do the math and probably get a hand of what's within the 2000 calorie limit when you crave for your next fast food combo.
It's crazy. I know. It has in a way influenced me that everytime I see food, I imagine the numbers...the calorie amount that goes with it. There's already a calorie angel in my head that keeps on buzzing. Sometimes it's annoying that "reason" over adhering plainly to "human satisfaction" outweighs everything. In the end, you find yourself poking a salad no matter how you deserve a hamburger.
My mother now, due to the plight of my rather obese brother, is already keen to looking at nutrition facts while doing her grocery shopping. Before, she only used to consume 1.5-2 hours getting everything done, comparing net weight over prices of various products, but now she finishes in 3 hours because she's already paying attention to those nutrition facts. It's insane. She told me about what she watched in some morning talkshows about how to properly read nutrition facts.
For example:
Example of a normal NUTRITION FACTS TABLE:
BRAND: CHIPS A. with a net weight of 60 grams
Total Energy/Calorie: 150 per 30 grams
Taking in consideration that you're leaning on purchasing Chips A. Since we are in a hurry or could care less of these nutrition facts, we sometimes depict Chips A to only have 150 calories, when in fact according to the label it's 150 calories per 30 grams. If you consume the whole bag...obviously you multiply 150 by two, since you consumed the whole 60 grams of chips.
It's crazy, right? I can't even believe I'm digesting all of this...a FOOD lover!
Now according to a recent news I've read, backed by Sanjay Gupta's blog, calorie amounts would already by required to be presented in fast food menu, at least in New York. But it's a step towards Global effort. I wouldn't be surprised that the next time you enter McDonald's, not only will you be bombarded by the price and endless choices, in the future you'll have calories to add up to your selection process.
HAMBURGER 35 Pesos / 290 Calories
CHEESEBURGER 42 Pesos / 340 Calories
But in general, I feel happy with the efforts. There is nothing wrong with presenting these facts to you, no matter how obsessive it may seem. It gives you an additional avenue to choose. It empowers people to make the right decisions. At least you'll know the reason why you're adding inches in every imaginable parts of your body.
It's up to the individual on how he/she would react to this. She could either be consumed by it like a psychologically demented supermodel who feeds on crackers and soup, or he or she could enjoy life through food's real glory, given the power of balance and control, which can be achieved by exposure to these sorts of information. It is a fact that as much as we enjoy food, we should be made accountable for every choices we make.
My bottomline here is that given the information and empowerment, our roles still do not change. At the end we are the still the consumers. At the end of that counter, it is our sole right to choose what we need and want. The information is just there to help us, to remind us. No one will condemn us if we get a Big Mac now an then as no one couldn't condemn us for the personal choices that we make. Just as long as we know how to stand by it, to make peace with it, and finally, be happy, empowered individuals as we make it.
Happy Eating!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Hazard 101: Driving while Sleeping
It was a hellish morning for me and my brother.
Recently, our mornings are always in a crazy drill of chaos ever since my dad's driver, Mang Romy, fail to report to work for consecutive days. I thought we were saved when I saw Mang Romy this morning only to find out he's suffering from a kidney problem, which really is a dreadful thing for any person to experience. You can see it in his face, the pain and agony of not controlling the flow of your urine. We found out that he was suffering from that ailment for 7 years already. Gosh. It's just this morning that he decided to seek medical attention. It's a bummer. Health always seems to haunt everyone whose been trying to ignore it. It always goes back to you with vengeance. But this topic is not about health, it's about security...particularly me and my brother's security.
For three days now, JD and I have been gripping the edge of our car seats thanks to my father's rather crazy driving. Well, he stops when he doesn't need to...like in a middle of a free flowing highway just because he thought he saw an imaginary hump. He steps on the brakes a little too late that every turn, every corner, every hump and intersection is always a scene of suspense for us, just like in any mystery movie when the villain gets closer to his prey..without the sound effects.
Aside from the his recent exhibition of unreliable driving skills, he always seems to forget something at home. His wallet, his glasses or.. his sanity perhaps for driving while sleeping?! Unbelievable. Only my great father could do that and make a joke out of it. Well thank god he's good at it...we're all still alive aren't we?
I literally catch him driving with his eyes closed. Forget about M. Night movies...this is far scarier. What he would do is to just dismiss it and scream a very incomprehensible phrase and make JD laugh, while I can't seem to grasp on the humor. Even though in his whole life he has proven to be a very resourceful and experienced driver, it all goes to memory when he starts to form a habit of driving while sleepy. It's like a voluntary enlisting to road accidents. It's not a funny thing when you realize that every 2.5 seconds of sleep while driving makes every moment subject to sheer luck.
It is a scary experience for the passengers as they fear for the driver itself and their safety. Driving while drowsy is a very hazardous practice. Actually, the ramifications of sleepy driving and drunk driving are pretty much the same. Some say they drive better when they're drunk and far worse while they're sleepy, well, observing my father for consecutive days already, sleeping with your eyes closed now and then, 2-3 seconds while stepping on the gas while crossing intersections, just beats every hazardous driving method there is.
According to safety.com
"Many popular methods to stay awake, such as drinking a caffeinated beverage, opening windows, turning on air conditioning, or blasting the radio. Studies have shown these to be ineffective, however. The only proven preventative measure is to pull off the road and take a nap lasting at least 20 minutes. This small break is enough to restore a driver's abilities. It’s best to nap, awaken more refreshed, and then continue on to a safe place to sleep longer."
Whether you are behind the wheel or a passenger, recognize the signs of drowsy driving:
* Heavy eyelids, frequent blinking, difficulty focusing vision
* Impaired concentration
* Missing exits or traffic signals
* Repeated yawning
* Drifting into other lanes or off the road
* Irritability or jumpiness
He dropped me off at the office and told me how much he was still still sleepy. He smiled sheepishly and knew he was playing with nature again. It was a cue to tell him how I felt by snapping. I snapped that he shouldn't drive when he's sleepy. It's damn dangerous. "Delikado ang ginagawa mo, Pa." with of course a hint of concern, without the mushiness.
I call all the saints, especially the saint who guides travelers to take care of my sometimes hardheaded and risk-loving father. He just wants to spend more time with his kids even though he's depriving himself of proper sleep. I pray to the saint to take care of Mang Romy so he could come work for us again and be healthy. And I pray for the saint of employment, for us to properly hire and find the right driver for my father ASAP.
Recently, our mornings are always in a crazy drill of chaos ever since my dad's driver, Mang Romy, fail to report to work for consecutive days. I thought we were saved when I saw Mang Romy this morning only to find out he's suffering from a kidney problem, which really is a dreadful thing for any person to experience. You can see it in his face, the pain and agony of not controlling the flow of your urine. We found out that he was suffering from that ailment for 7 years already. Gosh. It's just this morning that he decided to seek medical attention. It's a bummer. Health always seems to haunt everyone whose been trying to ignore it. It always goes back to you with vengeance. But this topic is not about health, it's about security...particularly me and my brother's security.
For three days now, JD and I have been gripping the edge of our car seats thanks to my father's rather crazy driving. Well, he stops when he doesn't need to...like in a middle of a free flowing highway just because he thought he saw an imaginary hump. He steps on the brakes a little too late that every turn, every corner, every hump and intersection is always a scene of suspense for us, just like in any mystery movie when the villain gets closer to his prey..without the sound effects.
Aside from the his recent exhibition of unreliable driving skills, he always seems to forget something at home. His wallet, his glasses or.. his sanity perhaps for driving while sleeping?! Unbelievable. Only my great father could do that and make a joke out of it. Well thank god he's good at it...we're all still alive aren't we?
I literally catch him driving with his eyes closed. Forget about M. Night movies...this is far scarier. What he would do is to just dismiss it and scream a very incomprehensible phrase and make JD laugh, while I can't seem to grasp on the humor. Even though in his whole life he has proven to be a very resourceful and experienced driver, it all goes to memory when he starts to form a habit of driving while sleepy. It's like a voluntary enlisting to road accidents. It's not a funny thing when you realize that every 2.5 seconds of sleep while driving makes every moment subject to sheer luck.
It is a scary experience for the passengers as they fear for the driver itself and their safety. Driving while drowsy is a very hazardous practice. Actually, the ramifications of sleepy driving and drunk driving are pretty much the same. Some say they drive better when they're drunk and far worse while they're sleepy, well, observing my father for consecutive days already, sleeping with your eyes closed now and then, 2-3 seconds while stepping on the gas while crossing intersections, just beats every hazardous driving method there is.
According to safety.com
"Many popular methods to stay awake, such as drinking a caffeinated beverage, opening windows, turning on air conditioning, or blasting the radio. Studies have shown these to be ineffective, however. The only proven preventative measure is to pull off the road and take a nap lasting at least 20 minutes. This small break is enough to restore a driver's abilities. It’s best to nap, awaken more refreshed, and then continue on to a safe place to sleep longer."
Whether you are behind the wheel or a passenger, recognize the signs of drowsy driving:
* Heavy eyelids, frequent blinking, difficulty focusing vision
* Impaired concentration
* Missing exits or traffic signals
* Repeated yawning
* Drifting into other lanes or off the road
* Irritability or jumpiness
He dropped me off at the office and told me how much he was still still sleepy. He smiled sheepishly and knew he was playing with nature again. It was a cue to tell him how I felt by snapping. I snapped that he shouldn't drive when he's sleepy. It's damn dangerous. "Delikado ang ginagawa mo, Pa." with of course a hint of concern, without the mushiness.
I call all the saints, especially the saint who guides travelers to take care of my sometimes hardheaded and risk-loving father. He just wants to spend more time with his kids even though he's depriving himself of proper sleep. I pray to the saint to take care of Mang Romy so he could come work for us again and be healthy. And I pray for the saint of employment, for us to properly hire and find the right driver for my father ASAP.
Rocky's BDAY Bash
Rocky, Mitch's dog, friend and son rolled into one,' just had its 28th birthday last weekend.
And that led me to promise Rocky that I'd give him hotcakes for his birthday, initiate a simple hotcake party, and probably do a simple documentary in the life of Rocky "Babs" Bautista.
After skipping work on a Monday morning, I went to SM Bicutan, purchased a Maya Hotcake mix, and went home. Being a culinary moron as I am, some didn't come out right, but I had to improvise with whatever I could find like Harina and cinnamon. It was his birthday and he should only get the very best ones.
That afternoon after cooking, I happily went to his abode in Sampaguita Street; and I knew I should have braced myself before seeing the cuddly, passive, adorable Rocky, morph into a Crazed Hotcake Barking Machine. Rocky is LOCO for hotcakes. I never actually saw that side of him. It was pretty revealing.
What's so shocking? Well, I've seen him with a bone. It was a pretty normal dog enjoying a bone, but certainly not being LOCO over hotcakes. He just kept on jumping and anticipating for that every hotcake throw that only survived a milli-second in the air. He was amazing. He made my effort of cooking hotcakes priceless, and I hope he didn't notice that the hotcakes were a little bit pale due to excessive water content.
Anyways, it was short, but it was fun! It makes me want to make stacks of pancakes tuloy and just shove it in his happy big mouth. That would be a treat for both of us!
Happy quarter life birthday, Rocky! Cheers!
And that led me to promise Rocky that I'd give him hotcakes for his birthday, initiate a simple hotcake party, and probably do a simple documentary in the life of Rocky "Babs" Bautista.
After skipping work on a Monday morning, I went to SM Bicutan, purchased a Maya Hotcake mix, and went home. Being a culinary moron as I am, some didn't come out right, but I had to improvise with whatever I could find like Harina and cinnamon. It was his birthday and he should only get the very best ones.
That afternoon after cooking, I happily went to his abode in Sampaguita Street; and I knew I should have braced myself before seeing the cuddly, passive, adorable Rocky, morph into a Crazed Hotcake Barking Machine. Rocky is LOCO for hotcakes. I never actually saw that side of him. It was pretty revealing.
What's so shocking? Well, I've seen him with a bone. It was a pretty normal dog enjoying a bone, but certainly not being LOCO over hotcakes. He just kept on jumping and anticipating for that every hotcake throw that only survived a milli-second in the air. He was amazing. He made my effort of cooking hotcakes priceless, and I hope he didn't notice that the hotcakes were a little bit pale due to excessive water content.
Anyways, it was short, but it was fun! It makes me want to make stacks of pancakes tuloy and just shove it in his happy big mouth. That would be a treat for both of us!
Happy quarter life birthday, Rocky! Cheers!
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