My Five Days Balanced Plan Meals with Dear Diet!

Last year, I took the challenge of a one-month low-carb diet with my daily lifestyle. It changed my perspective on being healthy, and I learned a lot from the experience.

 

This time around, I re-examined my eating habits with a test. When I was given a chance last August to try five days of Balanced plan meals with Dear Diet, I was excited and worried. I even told my officemates about it, and one even commented that I am already thin, so I don't need it. But, I love challenging myself, so let's get it on!

First day (August 1)

Breakfast: Frittata Cups and Ciabatta Roll w/ Pimiento Spread

Lunch: Lasagna

Snack: Homemade Ferrero Rocher

Dinner: Flatbread Pizza Margherita

 

Thoughts: 

I really commended their lasagna! It was absolutely delicious! One of the best I've eaten! I'm not a fan of Ferrero, but the homemade Ferrero Rocher was unreal! I liked it! 

 

Second day (August 2)

Breakfast: Liege Waffles and Fruits 

Lunch: Belgian Beef Stew 

Snack: Speculaas Cookies

Dinner: Shrimp Croquettes with Potato Fries and Salad

 

Thoughts: 

I was definitely surprised that there was brown rice! Like when I did the Low Carb, no rice at all. The Speculaas Cookies were so good, I wanted to have a bite again. 

 

Third day (August 3)

Breakfast: Singaporean Kaya Toast and Egg 

Lunch: Chinese Roast Pork Belly

Snack: Red Bean Mochi

Dinner: Hainanese Chicken Rice

 

Thoughts: 

I had two rice meals and they were alright. My favorite, though, was the Red Bean Mochi! I was addicted to it! 

 

Fourth day (August 4)

Breakfast: Pretzel and Bratwurst

Lunch: Chicken Schnitzel and Rice Pilaf 

Snack: Lemon Soufflé 

Dinner: Swedish Meatballs and Pasta

 

Thoughts: 

I had a good time with the variations of meals for that day. Probably the one that I liked the best was the Chicken Schnitzel. 

 

Fifth day (August 5)

Breakfast: The Daily Oats' Blueberry Vanilla Pistachio Cheesecake 

Lunch: Coq Au Vin

Snack: Cream Puffs

Dinner: Salad Nicose Puff Sandwich 

 

Thoughts: 

For the last day of the Balanced Plan meals, the most exciting thing for me to try was the Daily Oats because of how colorful they are. I didn't even want to taste them. Yet the winner for me was the Coq Au Vin. The name might be hard to pronounce, but the dish was easy to satisfy my taste buds. 

 

Outcome and Verdict: 

The most challenging part for me of having Balanced Plan meals was not the portion of food being prepared but rather the time of delivering the meals per day. I struggled to wake up at 5 to 6 am, especially on my rest days. Yet, I was grateful to Kuya, who called me up when he arrived in front of our gate and waited for me to get the deliveries. 

 

I learned that you can eat rice (brown and red) even if you are on a balanced meal plan. As you remember, rice was a no-no during my low-carb month. 

 

It was a short but great experience and I would definitely do the Balanced Plan Meals again, perhaps even longer because Dear Diet has different variations every week. Go check out their social media pages and try it for yourself! 

MIBF: Yes it was back for 2022!

The Manila International Book Fair has always been a favorite event of collectors, hoarders, readers, and authors. 

I was over the moon when it was announced that the biggest book event in the country was back after being absent for two years. Yay!

 

It took place from September 15 to 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. I went there on the last day, Sunday because we had a book signing and meet and greet for TBC Publications. 

My solo books were there, and though we didn't own our booth, we were glad we shared it with other independent publishing houses. 

Thank you to the National Book Development Board and The Indie Publishers Collab Ph for the lovely Indie Village area.

 

It was my first time going to an event early, like 8 a.m., because I helped my good friend and TBC's founder, Jahric, with the set-up for the said event. It was my first time too that I didn't print a ticket but had this amazing souvenir. 

Hey exhibitor! :) 

I also decided not to line up for this year's book signing for known authors.  Instead, I focused on catching up with my fellow authors, meeting new friends, and just visiting the booths.

Cute children on the stage!

Love this creative wallpaper, Summit!

Instant prize!

The National Bookstore and Fullybooked, two famous bookshops that usually occupied big areas, were not present, and many people were disappointed not to see them. But for me, it was alright because the less popular publishing houses were given a chance to introduce their books and materials to a larger audience.

 

I had so much fun with MIBF2022 because I really got to see my author friends, which I missed a lot, and meet unexpected people who bought my novels (genuinely grateful). 

Lea who came all the way from Cebu!

Finally, we met Zandro!

Lady Boss Cindy nice to see you again!

I signed some stuff and purchased a few books and things. 

Miss Marianne of Shelf Esteem bought my book, thank you!

Thank you Ryan for buying my books!

Nice to meet fellow KinnPorsche fans, Aki and DL!

 MIBF haul! I'm very behaving!

Thank you for returning, MIBF, and see you next year! Congratulations on a successful four-day event!

Hello Emergency Declaration, we meet again Advanced Screening!

It's been two years since I last attended an advanced movie screening. I still remember it because it was a week before the Enhanced Community Quarantine was implemented and everyone got scared of CoVid news. Bloodshot was the last film that I watched on the big screen.

That's why when I saw that 99.5 Play FM's Screenplay was back, I was excited and I couldn't help but join the giveaway for free movie tickets! And the first stop was the Emergency Declaration.

Two reasons why I was eager to see this Korean disaster-action movie: first, I was hooked on the trailer when it was out earlier this year, and the casting was superb! 

I was ready to jump to the moon when I was chosen as the winner of their morning show giveaway. Yay! Thank you, DJ Stan, Jazz, Play FM, fake news, and hotdog museum!

The advanced screening was held last August 26 at Cinema 3 in Robinson's Galleria, where Viva International Pictures was the official distributor. 

The movie ticket looked like a boarding pass! Nice!

Yours truly and my companion were asked to have a photo taken by the Kuya photographer before the movie started. 

Huli cam! Hahaha...

I will not spoil what the film was about and what happened, but rather I will focus on each actor who played a major key to the success of the heart-stopping Emergency Declaration.

*Song Kang-ho: He played a sergeant here. 

Photo from https://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/

As a detective, he portrayed more than I expected.  He was very smart and persistent. I applauded him for his unforgettable sacrifice.

*Lee Byung-hun: He was one of the passengers. 

Photo from https://epicstream.com/

He has a good backstory, and I was truly satisfied with what he did towards the end. Hands down, the enormous responsibility and quick thinking! 

*Jeon Do-yeon: Minister Sook-hee

Photo from https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/

She was the one who was given the hardest decision-making and yet, she made a quick response with flying colors!

*Kim So-jin: She was probably the head of the Flight Attendants.

Photo from https://en.yna.co.kr/

I liked her and how collected she was during the turbulence and the situation should be what a flight attendant is.

*Park hae-joon: Tae-su, the Crisis Management director

Photo from https://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/

He was there all the time when the disaster and decision-making were in progress, yet his character was lackluster. I felt disappointed because I know this actor is very talented.

*Im Siwan: He was one of the passengers.

Photo from https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/

I honestly heard about Siwan because he is very popular, but it was my first time seeing him act. And, oh boy! He was totally an amazing actor, especially since he did so well with his character! 

*Kim Nam-gil: He was one of the pilots.

Photo from https://www.thairath.co.th/

I would be very biased, but I am really a fan of Nam-gil, and witnessing him as a pilot was one for the books!

Verdict: 

Photo from https://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/

As a travel enthusiast who rides airplanes, this movie definitely hit a spot for me. I admired flight attendants and pilots more because of how hard they needed to make quick decisions for their passengers. They always decide for the betterment and safety of most people. And the government doesn't have the power to change the pilot's final resolve.

There is more than a disaster story with the Emergency Declaration and you should definitely unravel it on August 31! Go see it for yourself!

Hey BL series, I am a fan too!

In the post-celebration of Pride Month, I am writing this special feature of the Boy's Love series that I watched. 

I started seeing them last year, 2021, while the lockdown was still in full effect. I write down a list that you might be able to catch or somehow will pique your curiosity about this becoming a very popular type of series. 

First BL series: Together the Series

Photo from https://www.reactionchronicles.com/

-I think most Filipinos would agree that Metawin and Brights' famous high school series rocked the world with BL. Thanks to these two, the genre became more popular and accepted by viewers. 

First Taiwanese/Chinese series: HIStory 3: Trapped

Photo from https://www.viki.com/tv/36410c-history-3-trapped

-This series had fascinating characters. A mafia boss was being investigated by a cutie detective who has more than nine lives. I love Tang Yi so much! Chris Wu, who portrayed it, was very convincing! And, of course, Shao Fei. You would also love the second lead love team, Jasper and Shorty! 

First European (Swedish) series: Young Royals

Photo from https://www.popbuzz.com/tv-film/features/

-This was the most realistic actor in terms of age. The one who played Simon and Wilhelm was really appropriate for the storyline. Edvin gave exceptional acting as Prince Wilhelm, who needs to decide between following his duty or his heart. 

First Filipino series: Gaya sa Pelikula

Photo from https://www.lionheartv.net/

-Wow. Wow. Wow. Filipino BL series production and creative team did not disappoint! The story plot between an architecture student, Karl, and a film major, Vlad, might be simple, but the way they presented it was touching and very relatable. Plus, the soundtracks of every episode were the best ones that I've heard in a BL series! They just hit home. 

My Favorite BL series (so far): Manner of Death 

Photo from https://filmdaily.co/news/bl-dramas-binge-watch/

The first series that I've seen focusing on medical investigation series really hooked me up! Tul's character as the brave Dr. Bun is very remarkable, while Max's mysterious but charming Tan made them a suitable couple. The marriage proposal was definitely the best I have ever seen in a Boy's Love series! I became an instant #MaxTul fan! 

The most realistic confession of a relationship to the family: Lovely Writer 

Photo from https://www.kpoplat.com/

Props to the author of this series for creating an incredible way of confessing that Gene (Up) and Nubsib (Nine) are in a relationship with their families. The difficulty of the situation, especially since their parents are close friends, and the two had been childhood best friends. The pain between the two and the acceptance of their love was done well! 

The most supportive family of in relationship couple: TharnType Series 

Photo from https://www.tvmaze.com/

I love how Tharn's (Mew) parents and his wonderful siblings were supportive of him since he knew that he was not a straight guy. They truly encourage him and are very supportive of his relationship with Type  (Gulf)! I adored it! 

Next To Be Watched: HeartStopper

Current favorite series (I don't usually like watching ongoing series though, but this is an exception): KinnPorsche the Series

Photo from https://unlimited-tech.com/

I am looking forward to seeing my friends' recommendations. I would be very happy too if you could add some to my To Be Watched list. 

I truly believe that the Boy's Love genre should be accepted and embraced to encourage more of our LGBTQ friends to come out because their relationships deserve to be recognized and proud of. 

Have fun watching the series and appreciating the boys' love stories!

OH MY GULAY: Camille Prats’ kids love eating veggies?! Here’s how to make your kids love them too!

“I really used to struggle kasi hate na hate talaga ng kids ko dati ang veggies – ayaw nila yung taste. Taste is so important for kids, so I ensure na dapat na-eenjoy nila mga sineserve ko.”

Have you sat with your kids way past mealtime to make sure they eat their veggies on the plate? How about resorting to bargaining more gadget time for just one more bite of that carrots? Well, you’re definitely not the only momma doing that. Even celebrities like Camille Prats have to do a bit of negotiating to get her kids to eat their veggies.

Luckily, she shares some handy hacks with Spot.ph to do the trick without the crying, the bargaining, and the unnecessary drama that fills mealtime. 

Here are 3 easy peasy ways to get your kids to eat their veggies according to Camille:

1. Oh My Gulay! May Gulay! – Instead of only serving your kids veggies, partner your kids’ meals with Tang Fruit & Veg. It comes in two flavors: Orange Carrot, which has the Vitamin C from oranges and Vitamin A from carrots, and Dalandan Malunggay, which has the Vitamin C from dalandan and the Iron of malunggay. Tang Fruit & Veg has the delicious taste of fruits AND the nutrition from veggies in a drink that kids love! Camille can vouch for this – her kids love its taste so much, that they actually ask her for it themselves! Yummy na, masustansya pa! 

2. SmartMom Recipes - No need to work hard, just work smart! Incorporate veggies in delectable recipes that you know your kids will surely love. Your kids won’t notice that veggies are actually the main ingredient because of their delicious taste! 

3. Appearance is key – Kids are very visual so it’s really all about making their plate look fun! Focus on making veggies look appetizing by using creative shapes and brightly colored bowls to increase their appetite. You can even add in their favorite animal or cartoon character for that extra wow factor! You can go as simple as making trees out of broccoli or more complex as making pirates from cucumbers-- the idea stays the same: make it fun!

Oh My Gulay! Shop the NEW Tang Fruit & Veg now to get the yummy taste of fruits with the nutrition benefits of veggies!: http://bit.ly/TangFruitNVeg

Join the #OhMyGulay challenge now on IG, Mommies! Check out Tang Philippines post on how to be part of this amazing campaign!