Daily thoughts - In pursuit of finding the elusive "Tabo"

I understand that habits die hard, be it good or bad.  I was able to give up smoking. Not easy but it was worth chucking a nasty habit like that. But there are habits or rather rituals among Filipinos that are simply not that easy to "undo". One of which is using a water dipper or "tabo".

I read somewhere when in rome, do as the Romans do. In that story a guy almost lost (he actually lost and got his job back though) his job when he used a water dipper after relieving himself (doing a number 2) in the comfort room at work. Id hate to be caught in the same predicament though. I prefer not to wash my ass elsewhere except in the comfort of my own bathroom.

One thing I noticed when I got here was how hard it was to find a water dipper. I looked it up online, checked bed bath and beyond and even the chinatown stores. I couldnt find a single decent tabo. Ranting about it on Facebook incited a flurry of hilarious reactions and not so violent comments though. One of my friends from NJ even said, "THEY DONT DO THAT OVER HERE!" which just cracked me up. Nevertheless, I still looked around to find one despite my husband's relentless effort to make me give up the idea.

Then this (photo below) came in the mail from my friend who lives in California. According to her, there is a lot of Filipino stores near where she lives. I was so touched. This TABO is brand new of course (Lolz) and it came with a bunch of Pinoy goodies like chicharon, nagaraya, tamarind candies and chocnut! My friend is awesome and wonderfully UNDERSTANDING

my precious pink tabo

And sometimes when the heat is out and we dont have hot water, my husband (who initially was so against the idea of having a "tabo" in the house), is obviously happy we have one of these to use in the shower. That is when we do the manual dip and pour with the bucket. Either that or he can be Proud and use cold water in taking a bath. Pride never wins when Hot water is involved. A hot shower always will prevail and thank God we have my pretty pink tabo to the rescue. hehehe

Daily thoughts : Jessica Sanchez has left me in awe and in tears

I dont normally watch American Idol every time its aired on tv. But this season I cant help but make sure I do. I am keeping tabs on a young contestant named Jessica Sanchez. I admit it has something to do with the fact that she is partly Filipino. Im really very proud of her. However the reason I am rooting for this kid is obviously because she HAS talent. Anyone who has been watching the past American Idol rounds would know that.

And yet, despite that amazing talent, she almost got booted out. An incident that led to a controversial and probably an unforgettable stint by the judges (Tyler, Lopez and Jackson) that would further cement Jessica's image as a star who deserves to be "saved". Jackson in fact quipped "she is one of the best singers in America".

This season for american idol is really very engaging because its like the producers the rounded up the best young talents in the land and put them all in this season's contest. Not that the previous Idols werent as good, its just the fact that majority of the contenders this time around are so young and yet are so good. I love Jessica Sanchez but I have a feeling this Idol will be won by another contestant that I particularly like, Southern hottie Phillip Phillips.

I have to say the rest of the contestants are all very amazing. They seem to have their own flair for singing. Skylar Laine never fails to impress me because she is electrifying for someone that young. I also like listening to her because her country style is not something I grew up listening to. Its interesting. Joshua Ledet has a unique style that I cant quite put my finger on it. He also seem to choose the perfect song that goes well with his voice. Then there is Hollie, a tiny girl with a big powerful voice just like Jessica.

I dont know who will win this season.Idol tends to really come up with the best promising artists. But its also apparent that its a popularity contest. Also correct me if Im wrong but most winners hail from the Southern part of the USA. not that Im saying that people from that part of the country arent good, I just think its not a coincidence anymore. If you win the south, you with the contest I guess. The same goes if you must come from the south and you can justify your talent, you are more likely to garner more votes.


Its not a sad thing though. A lot of Idol finalists still managed to make it big even they didnt win the final prize (Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Adam Lambert).

Well whatever happens, I wish the best for these young artists. They are all so awesome.

Jessica's rendition of a Luther Vandross song that just left me amazed and a little grief stricken. this one hits home... I miss my Dad. I miss watching singing contests with him and betting who is gonna win.

Daily thoughts - Wonderweekend!

I spent the last 2 consecutive weekends strolling around the park, checking out the library and pigging out with my sweetie. We ate out at Boka Bon Chon and had waffle for dessert.

Twas an awesome weekend.

Let the photos do the talking.

i feel guilty taking this photo. i didnt even give the little guy any privacy.

And of course the meal

Sweetie also got me these cute orange sunglasses.