Another recipe from my friend Maria.
For the carrot fritters
60g/2¼oz plain flour
125ml/4½fl oz soda water
1 egg, lightly beaten
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp ground coriander
¼ tsp turmeric
1 tsp sea salt
1 small red chilli, de-seeded and finely chopped
235g/8¼oz grated carrot
8 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced
25g/1oz chopped coriander (cilantro)
60ml/2¼fl oz vegetable oil
For the yoghurt dressing
125g/4½oz plain yoghurt
1 tbsp lime juice
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Method
1. To make the carrot fritters, preheat the oven to 160C/315F/Gas 2-3. Place the flour, soda water, egg, cumin, coriander, turmeric and salt in a bowl and mix well. Add the chilli, carrot, spring onion and coriander and stir to combine.
2. Heat a frying pan on a medium-to-high heat, add the oil and heat until hot. Cooking in batches, add two tablespoons of batter per fritter and cook for two minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Cook the remaining fritter batter, adding extra oil if necessary. Place the fritters on an ovenproof plate lined with paper towels and keep warm in the oven
3. For the yoghurt dressing, place all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Spinach & Egg Soup
INGREDIENTS
1 bunch spinach
750ml water
1 cube mushroom stock
1 egg, lightly beaten
salt and pepper to taste
Boil water, drop the mushroom cube, add spinach and cook for 3-5 minutes. Let cool for while then puree using a hand blender, or whatever you have in your kitchen. Bring back to boil, add egg, salt and pepper to taste. Serve with lightly buttered toasted wheat bread.
1 bunch spinach
750ml water
1 cube mushroom stock
1 egg, lightly beaten
salt and pepper to taste
Boil water, drop the mushroom cube, add spinach and cook for 3-5 minutes. Let cool for while then puree using a hand blender, or whatever you have in your kitchen. Bring back to boil, add egg, salt and pepper to taste. Serve with lightly buttered toasted wheat bread.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Philippines: An Ashtanga Country
I heard this from one of the people I met at Yoga Thailand this summer. It actually didn't occur to me that the Philippines had become an Ashtanga country until I realized that two of the very few AYRI-certified teachers in the world are already conducting 200-hour training intensive in Manila.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a system of hatha yoga taught by Sri Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India.
My teacher Paul Dallaghan first conducted a 200-hour intensive two years ago, then just recently, Alex Medin also conducted one in Pasig. Next year, both will have their own intensives in Manila. Paul's will be conducted over a period of 9 months while Alex's will be conducted in 4 straight weeks.
The yoga community in Manila has been growing rapidly with studios opening and teachers getting 200-hour credentials. Fitness First Philippines had their 200-hour multi-style training this year. My friend Fritz joined this training and he found it good in terms of alignment and teaching techniques. He previously trained under Bela Lipat and is currently teaching at Yoga One Banilad and Fitness First in Cebu. Fritz and I were members of Team Yoga 2002.
Here's a list of Yoga Studios/teachers in the Philippines:
Studios
Namaste.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a system of hatha yoga taught by Sri Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India.
My teacher Paul Dallaghan first conducted a 200-hour intensive two years ago, then just recently, Alex Medin also conducted one in Pasig. Next year, both will have their own intensives in Manila. Paul's will be conducted over a period of 9 months while Alex's will be conducted in 4 straight weeks.
The yoga community in Manila has been growing rapidly with studios opening and teachers getting 200-hour credentials. Fitness First Philippines had their 200-hour multi-style training this year. My friend Fritz joined this training and he found it good in terms of alignment and teaching techniques. He previously trained under Bela Lipat and is currently teaching at Yoga One Banilad and Fitness First in Cebu. Fritz and I were members of Team Yoga 2002.
Here's a list of Yoga Studios/teachers in the Philippines:
Studios
- Yoga Manila
- Vinyasa Yoga Center
- Iyengar Yoga Center Manila
- Bikram Yoga Manila
- Bikram's Yoga Greenhills
- Yoga Philippines Nature Sanctuary
- Mandala Spa Yoga in Boracay
- Mandarin Oriental Yoga
- Pulse Yoga
- Ananda Marga Yoga Center
- Ra Kendra Yoga Center
- Groove Dance & Fitness Studio
- International Yoga Institute Philippines
- Yoga One Cebu
Namaste.
200-hour Intensive Course with Paul Dallaghan
A 200-hour Intensive Course with Paul Dallaghan and Neil Barker of the Centered Yoga Institute to be conducted at Yoga Manila over the period of 9 months starting May 2008.
For details, visit the Yoga Manila Workshops & Retreat page.
For details, visit the Yoga Manila Workshops & Retreat page.
200-hour Intensive Course with Alex Medin
A Four Week Immersion Course in Manila
July 14 – August 9 2008
This Intensive Course seeks to give dedicated practitioners of Yoga a deeper experience of the various aspects of Yoga. We believe teachers of Yoga should first and foremost become better students of the subject; then teaching may naturally follow like water overflowing from a receptacle that is full.
There are always new things to learn and skills to refine. But more importantly perhaps, a strong and rooted personal practice in the teachings of Yoga engenders a less artificial, more natural way of passing on the integrated experiences that is Yoga.
The purpose of this course is therefore to awaken a greater experience of Yoga in our participants. This begins with establishing a pattern for a strong daily practice and is supported by studying the Principal Texts on Yoga. Finally, we will investigate some practical aspects of Teaching Methodology in order to become clearer in our expressions of Yoga.
The course is a Yoga Alliance Registered 200-hour Teacher Training Course, but the focus of the course is not to create and churn out teachers, but rather, committed practitioners that dedicate their time and effort to spreading the message of Yoga in a clear and consistent way.
If in the future you decide to teach yoga, you will have the knowledge and techniques to do so. More importantly however, your foray into living and experiencing Yoga will mean that you will be able to share something real - the spark that has been ignited in you through a commitment to the Practice of Yoga in its entirety.
The course is structured in the following manner:
06.00 – 09.30 Yoga Practices
Basic techniques of Japa (Mantra recitation) followed by Asana Practice and Pranayama. There will be one Led Primary Series class per week. The rest of the days will be Mysore Style in the tradition of Ashtanga Yoga.
09:30 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 12.30 Yoga Theories
The first 45 minutes will be an introduction to Sanskrit – learning the alphabet and proper pronunciation and then going on to reciting mantras, chanting basic prayers and reciting the Yoga Sutras.
The second 45 minutes will be on Principles of Indian Philosophies where we will look into the Upanishads, Nyaya and Vaishesika, Sankhya, Mimamsa and Vedanta.
The final hour will be a study of the three main classical texts on Yoga: Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Bhagavad Gita.
12.30 – 13.30 Lunch
13.30 – 16.30 Practical aspects of Teaching.
The first hour will will focus on Yoga and Practicality: How can we better embody an experience of Yoga and how are the teachings of the ancient scriptures to be understood on a practical level with reference to our daily lives?
The second hour will be on alignment, fine-tuning asanas, and giving safe adjustments.
The final hour will discuss the Methodology of teaching where the students try out teaching Asana, Pranayama and Meditation practices as well as Relaxation techniques to the group.
For one week during this course we will have Anatomy class in the afternoon.
This will be taught by a guest lecturer. All the rest of the classes will be taught by
R. Alexander Medin and Vijaya Kumar.
Three written essays and one oral examination will be conducted at the end of the course.
Weekends will be taken off for personal study and engaging with your families.
Course fee is 2200 US$. Students who are flying into Manila will be provided with transfers from the airport as well as housing at no extra cost. Meals during the course are included in the course cost as is the course manual.
Please contact Joelle for further information: joelle_goudsmit@hotmail.com or +639175323972
July 14 – August 9 2008
This Intensive Course seeks to give dedicated practitioners of Yoga a deeper experience of the various aspects of Yoga. We believe teachers of Yoga should first and foremost become better students of the subject; then teaching may naturally follow like water overflowing from a receptacle that is full.
There are always new things to learn and skills to refine. But more importantly perhaps, a strong and rooted personal practice in the teachings of Yoga engenders a less artificial, more natural way of passing on the integrated experiences that is Yoga.
The purpose of this course is therefore to awaken a greater experience of Yoga in our participants. This begins with establishing a pattern for a strong daily practice and is supported by studying the Principal Texts on Yoga. Finally, we will investigate some practical aspects of Teaching Methodology in order to become clearer in our expressions of Yoga.
The course is a Yoga Alliance Registered 200-hour Teacher Training Course, but the focus of the course is not to create and churn out teachers, but rather, committed practitioners that dedicate their time and effort to spreading the message of Yoga in a clear and consistent way.
If in the future you decide to teach yoga, you will have the knowledge and techniques to do so. More importantly however, your foray into living and experiencing Yoga will mean that you will be able to share something real - the spark that has been ignited in you through a commitment to the Practice of Yoga in its entirety.
The course is structured in the following manner:
06.00 – 09.30 Yoga Practices
Basic techniques of Japa (Mantra recitation) followed by Asana Practice and Pranayama. There will be one Led Primary Series class per week. The rest of the days will be Mysore Style in the tradition of Ashtanga Yoga.
09:30 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 12.30 Yoga Theories
The first 45 minutes will be an introduction to Sanskrit – learning the alphabet and proper pronunciation and then going on to reciting mantras, chanting basic prayers and reciting the Yoga Sutras.
The second 45 minutes will be on Principles of Indian Philosophies where we will look into the Upanishads, Nyaya and Vaishesika, Sankhya, Mimamsa and Vedanta.
The final hour will be a study of the three main classical texts on Yoga: Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Bhagavad Gita.
12.30 – 13.30 Lunch
13.30 – 16.30 Practical aspects of Teaching.
The first hour will will focus on Yoga and Practicality: How can we better embody an experience of Yoga and how are the teachings of the ancient scriptures to be understood on a practical level with reference to our daily lives?
The second hour will be on alignment, fine-tuning asanas, and giving safe adjustments.
The final hour will discuss the Methodology of teaching where the students try out teaching Asana, Pranayama and Meditation practices as well as Relaxation techniques to the group.
For one week during this course we will have Anatomy class in the afternoon.
This will be taught by a guest lecturer. All the rest of the classes will be taught by
R. Alexander Medin and Vijaya Kumar.
Three written essays and one oral examination will be conducted at the end of the course.
Weekends will be taken off for personal study and engaging with your families.
Course fee is 2200 US$. Students who are flying into Manila will be provided with transfers from the airport as well as housing at no extra cost. Meals during the course are included in the course cost as is the course manual.
Please contact Joelle for further information: joelle_goudsmit@hotmail.com or +639175323972
Thank God it's Monday
While the rest of the world hate Monday because it means the start of another grueling week at work, I actually love Monday because here in Saudi Arabia, it means mid-week and it's only two days more before weekend. And because I was used to have Saturdays and Sundays as weekends, eventhough we go to work on those days here, I actually feel it's still weekend so work doesnt' feel difficult.
I've moved my asana rest day to Mondays as the evening recreation program has already resumed. I do morning asana practice from Tuesday to Saturday, and afternoon practice with a group on Sundays. Yesterday's practice at Greg's was great. I met a new yogini, Janet, who also works at King Faisal Specialist Hospital. There were 5 of us yesterday - Greg, me, Gillian, Sarah, and Janet. It's good to practice with a group once in a while to be able to share the energy and get/perform some adjustments.
It was Spinach and Egg Soup for dinner last night. It was light but the 3 pieces of toasted wheat bread with butter made the whole meal heavy that I didn't need to have warm milk before bed.
It's two hours before the Health Club opens and I'm here at the office just getting lost in cyberspace. I'm eating trail mix now and will probably just have hot milk later when I get home at around 9:30pm.
Cheers.
I've moved my asana rest day to Mondays as the evening recreation program has already resumed. I do morning asana practice from Tuesday to Saturday, and afternoon practice with a group on Sundays. Yesterday's practice at Greg's was great. I met a new yogini, Janet, who also works at King Faisal Specialist Hospital. There were 5 of us yesterday - Greg, me, Gillian, Sarah, and Janet. It's good to practice with a group once in a while to be able to share the energy and get/perform some adjustments.
It was Spinach and Egg Soup for dinner last night. It was light but the 3 pieces of toasted wheat bread with butter made the whole meal heavy that I didn't need to have warm milk before bed.
It's two hours before the Health Club opens and I'm here at the office just getting lost in cyberspace. I'm eating trail mix now and will probably just have hot milk later when I get home at around 9:30pm.
Cheers.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Spicy Tofu Stir Fry
INGREDIENTS
250g hard tofu sliced into 2-inch sticks
1 medium carrot, sliced into thin sticks
Spring Onions, sliced into small pieces
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp chili flakes
2 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
Heat oil (vegetable and sesame). Add the white part of the spring onion and stir fry for 30 seconds. Add tofu, stir fry until lightly brown. Add carrots, stir fry for 1 minute. Reduce heat and add hoisin sauce, chili flakes, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Serve over steamed rice. Simple and delicious.
250g hard tofu sliced into 2-inch sticks
1 medium carrot, sliced into thin sticks
Spring Onions, sliced into small pieces
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp chili flakes
2 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
Heat oil (vegetable and sesame). Add the white part of the spring onion and stir fry for 30 seconds. Add tofu, stir fry until lightly brown. Add carrots, stir fry for 1 minute. Reduce heat and add hoisin sauce, chili flakes, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Serve over steamed rice. Simple and delicious.
Food Journal 10-28
Breakfast at 6:30am
1 toasted wheat bread with chunky peanut butter
1 cup muesli with 2 sliced bananas, 2 cups laban, 1 tsp brown sugar
1 cup coffee with brown sugar
Lunch at 11:30am
Stir fried Tofu, Carrots & Spring Onions with Hoisin Sauce & Chili Flakes
Steamed Rice
1 toasted wheat bread with chunky peanut butter
1 cup muesli with 2 sliced bananas, 2 cups laban, 1 tsp brown sugar
1 cup coffee with brown sugar
Lunch at 11:30am
Stir fried Tofu, Carrots & Spring Onions with Hoisin Sauce & Chili Flakes
Steamed Rice
Saturday, October 27, 2007
ERAP
The PSU Evening Recreation Activity Program, aka ERAP, officially started tonight and the Health Club has almost 10 new members from Cisco. PSU was chosen by Cisco to be its partner University and had become the first Netversity. Most of the new members are first time exercisers and ask a lot of questions. Some I find interesting, some irritating. Ang daming arte.
I think it is during stressful moments such as this evening's are the best moments to observe how one handles the situation and there are really moments this evening that I found myself to be really nasty. I was an asshole in my past life and it's still resonating whenever I am in a stressful situation.
The program runs Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00pm to 9:00pm. This is just the first day and it is usually the first day that's very stressful as new member are coming in and I have to acquaint them to the facilities, equipment and the exercises. I wanted to tell those know-it-alls to just shut the f*ck up and let me do my job. If they don't want the program that I made for them, then they're free to make their own program and do whatever they want to do.
I should meditate tonight before bed and let the mind rest. It's just another day and tomorrow will be the start of a bright new one.
So until the next stressful situation.
Om shantih, shantih, shantih.
I think it is during stressful moments such as this evening's are the best moments to observe how one handles the situation and there are really moments this evening that I found myself to be really nasty. I was an asshole in my past life and it's still resonating whenever I am in a stressful situation.
The program runs Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00pm to 9:00pm. This is just the first day and it is usually the first day that's very stressful as new member are coming in and I have to acquaint them to the facilities, equipment and the exercises. I wanted to tell those know-it-alls to just shut the f*ck up and let me do my job. If they don't want the program that I made for them, then they're free to make their own program and do whatever they want to do.
I should meditate tonight before bed and let the mind rest. It's just another day and tomorrow will be the start of a bright new one.
So until the next stressful situation.
Om shantih, shantih, shantih.
Food Journal 10-27
Breakfast at 7:30am
1 cup muesli, sliced bananas
2 cups laban
1 slice toasted wheat bread with 1 tbsp chunky peanut butter
1 glass low fat milk
Coffee at 10am
Lunch at 12nn
Garlic Tofu Stir Fry and steamed rice
(3 quail eggs from Marshall)
Green Tea with Mint
Coffee at 3pm
Light Snack 1 at 4pm
2 pan de sal with Hochland processed cheese with herbs
Light Snack 2 at 8:30pm
2 pan de sal with Hochland processed cheese with herbs
Just before bed at 9:30pm
1 cup of Cadbury Mint Chocolate milk
1 cup muesli, sliced bananas
2 cups laban
1 slice toasted wheat bread with 1 tbsp chunky peanut butter
1 glass low fat milk
Coffee at 10am
Lunch at 12nn
Garlic Tofu Stir Fry and steamed rice
(3 quail eggs from Marshall)
Green Tea with Mint
Coffee at 3pm
Light Snack 1 at 4pm
2 pan de sal with Hochland processed cheese with herbs
Light Snack 2 at 8:30pm
2 pan de sal with Hochland processed cheese with herbs
Just before bed at 9:30pm
1 cup of Cadbury Mint Chocolate milk
Pranayama Sadhana Shibir with Sri O.P. Tiwari
Learning that Tiwariji will be having a pranayama workshop at Kaivalyadham made me think about not going home for Christmas and going to the workshop instead.
Maybe next time though. It would be great to study just pranayama with him and not to mention going to India as well.
Garlic Tofu Stir Fry
Had this for lunch today. I'll probably make this again tomorrow and take a photo of it in a nice plate. Enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
250g tofu, sliced into 2-inch sticks
3 cloves garlic, sliced into thin sticks
1 tsp ginger sliced into 1-inch thin sticks
1/2 cup carrot sticks
1 tsp black sesame seeds
1 tsp roasted white sesame seeds
2 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste
Heat pan over high heat. Add oil. Once hot, add garlic sticks, fry for 30 seconds. Add ginger sticks, fry for another 30 seconds. Add black and roasted white sesame seeds. Mix well. Add tofu and stir fry until tofu is lightly brown. Add carrot sticks, stir. Add oyster sauce, the mix well. Remove pan from heat if too hot to prevent burning the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with steamed jasmine rice.
INGREDIENTS
250g tofu, sliced into 2-inch sticks
3 cloves garlic, sliced into thin sticks
1 tsp ginger sliced into 1-inch thin sticks
1/2 cup carrot sticks
1 tsp black sesame seeds
1 tsp roasted white sesame seeds
2 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste
Heat pan over high heat. Add oil. Once hot, add garlic sticks, fry for 30 seconds. Add ginger sticks, fry for another 30 seconds. Add black and roasted white sesame seeds. Mix well. Add tofu and stir fry until tofu is lightly brown. Add carrot sticks, stir. Add oyster sauce, the mix well. Remove pan from heat if too hot to prevent burning the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with steamed jasmine rice.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Djorina's Healthy Macaroni & Cheese
Djorina, one of my yoga students/friends in Quezon City, shared her healthy Macaroni and Cheese recipe to the Flow Yoga QC community e-group. Joji mentioned that a lot of the students are already asking about vegetarian recipes. I'm yet to share with them this blog though.
INGREDIENTS
400g macaroni (cook according to instructions on package)
1/4 kalabasa (squash)
100g spinach (or pechay without stems)
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
2 cups pasteurized skim milk (room temperature)
200 g grated cheese (any kind - e.g. Kraft Eden)
pinch of nutmeg, salt to taste
1 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil)
1/4 cup bread crumbs (coarse, Japanese variety)
1. Cook macaroni according to instructions on package. Peel and chop kalabasa into large chunks. Boil until tender. Mash with a big fork, set aside. Blanch spinach (you can use same pot and water as for kalabasa). Drain spinach, rinse with cold water, drain again, and chop. Set aside.
2. Prepare cheese sauce: In a big pot, melt butter and add flour. Using a whisk, stir constantly until absorbed and lightly browned. Slowly add 1 cup of milk and stir until lumps disappear and sauce thickens. Stir in remaining milk. Once sauce comes to a boil, add grated cheese and nutmeg and turn off heat. Incorporate mashed kalabasa. Taste the sauce and add salt if need be. Lastly, add cooked macaroni.
3. To assemble: Pour half of the macaroni mixture into baking dish. Spread one layer of spinach, followed by another layer of remaining macaroni. Mix bread crumbs and melted butter. Top macaroni with breadcrumb mixture. Bake in oven at moderate heat, about 20 minutes.
INGREDIENTS
400g macaroni (cook according to instructions on package)
1/4 kalabasa (squash)
100g spinach (or pechay without stems)
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
2 cups pasteurized skim milk (room temperature)
200 g grated cheese (any kind - e.g. Kraft Eden)
pinch of nutmeg, salt to taste
1 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil)
1/4 cup bread crumbs (coarse, Japanese variety)
1. Cook macaroni according to instructions on package. Peel and chop kalabasa into large chunks. Boil until tender. Mash with a big fork, set aside. Blanch spinach (you can use same pot and water as for kalabasa). Drain spinach, rinse with cold water, drain again, and chop. Set aside.
2. Prepare cheese sauce: In a big pot, melt butter and add flour. Using a whisk, stir constantly until absorbed and lightly browned. Slowly add 1 cup of milk and stir until lumps disappear and sauce thickens. Stir in remaining milk. Once sauce comes to a boil, add grated cheese and nutmeg and turn off heat. Incorporate mashed kalabasa. Taste the sauce and add salt if need be. Lastly, add cooked macaroni.
3. To assemble: Pour half of the macaroni mixture into baking dish. Spread one layer of spinach, followed by another layer of remaining macaroni. Mix bread crumbs and melted butter. Top macaroni with breadcrumb mixture. Bake in oven at moderate heat, about 20 minutes.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
On Chanting
When I came to yoga about 5 years ago, I was having second thoughts whether to fully accept it as a spiritual practice or treat is simply as another exercise regimen. Deep within I was actually looking for something that will fill my need for a physical training and spiritual discipline. This is probably the major reason why I was drawn to the vigorousness and creativity of an Ashtanga-inspired practice.
As I grew in the path, I started to feel the need to incorporate chanting in my classes. However, I felt incompetent as I wasn't really trained to teach chanting. My teacher at the Yoga Foundation is a very good teacher. She taught me well specially philosophy, vegetarianism and karma yoga. Though she never taught chanting in class, I could remember her telling me that chanting is just like a long exhalation. It was at the Nayon ng Kabataan after our Sunday yoga outreach program back in the summer of 2004.
Having been raised in a Catholic family wasn't really a problem but having studied in a Evangelical Christian high school was. I was made to believe that chants which didn't originate from the Judeo-Christian tradition is of the devil's and God the Father will be upset if you bow to some other gods besides him. I came to understand that it's not actually bowing or worshiping but more of acknowledging the qualities of that certain deity.
In general, we chant to offer gratitude and ask for clarity. We chant to offer thanks, to open the heart and be receptive to what's being taught. We chant to focus the mind and clear the mental palate as most of us have come from different places and resonance of work, etc., still linger in our minds. We chant to go beyond the mere thinking level and begin to truly experience the moment. We also chant to develop concentration and devotion, to help us realize that it is not we who does, that we are merely observers. We also chant to encourage humility and offer peace to mankind.
But should we simply accept the above reasons and begin chanting? My academic training demands that I also understand chanting for its practical value. The sound must originate from the vocal chord to the lips or mouth and we are following the vibration that it creates and we try to feel the experience. Chanting soothes the nervous system and in effect calms the mind. Chanting is training us to lengthen our exhalations as well and as a result, deepening our breathes.
My teachers at Centered Yoga were right when they said that we need to work within ourselves first before we can work for others. It's the same with chanting. After learning the practical and spiritual values of chanting during my training in Thailand, I was able to teach chanting with confidence to my students in Manila and they were actually very receptive. It was also good to know that it made them experience the class in a different level.
Om Sri Gurubhyo Namah. Hari Om.
As I grew in the path, I started to feel the need to incorporate chanting in my classes. However, I felt incompetent as I wasn't really trained to teach chanting. My teacher at the Yoga Foundation is a very good teacher. She taught me well specially philosophy, vegetarianism and karma yoga. Though she never taught chanting in class, I could remember her telling me that chanting is just like a long exhalation. It was at the Nayon ng Kabataan after our Sunday yoga outreach program back in the summer of 2004.
Having been raised in a Catholic family wasn't really a problem but having studied in a Evangelical Christian high school was. I was made to believe that chants which didn't originate from the Judeo-Christian tradition is of the devil's and God the Father will be upset if you bow to some other gods besides him. I came to understand that it's not actually bowing or worshiping but more of acknowledging the qualities of that certain deity.
In general, we chant to offer gratitude and ask for clarity. We chant to offer thanks, to open the heart and be receptive to what's being taught. We chant to focus the mind and clear the mental palate as most of us have come from different places and resonance of work, etc., still linger in our minds. We chant to go beyond the mere thinking level and begin to truly experience the moment. We also chant to develop concentration and devotion, to help us realize that it is not we who does, that we are merely observers. We also chant to encourage humility and offer peace to mankind.
But should we simply accept the above reasons and begin chanting? My academic training demands that I also understand chanting for its practical value. The sound must originate from the vocal chord to the lips or mouth and we are following the vibration that it creates and we try to feel the experience. Chanting soothes the nervous system and in effect calms the mind. Chanting is training us to lengthen our exhalations as well and as a result, deepening our breathes.
My teachers at Centered Yoga were right when they said that we need to work within ourselves first before we can work for others. It's the same with chanting. After learning the practical and spiritual values of chanting during my training in Thailand, I was able to teach chanting with confidence to my students in Manila and they were actually very receptive. It was also good to know that it made them experience the class in a different level.
Om Sri Gurubhyo Namah. Hari Om.
Kitcherie Ingredients
The Ghee
The Spices: Mustard seeds, cumin seeds, ground cumin, turmeric, and black pepper.
Potatoes, carrots, lentils, dried fruits, rice, cashew nuts, ginger. Vaman & Kitcherie Weekend
Mar, Ruby and I went to have dinner at Pizza Company in Olayah Street. We ordered the usual, Salad, Pasta, and Seafood Supreme with Cheese-stuffed edges. Mar & Ruby have been my close friends here in Riyadh. We make it a point that we get to dine out once a month and guess what? The Pizza Company is our favorite place. They're expecting twins, by the way.
And as expected, my stomach was really feeling heavy with mucus this morning. So what's the solution? Do vaman. And since it's full moon today, I just did pranayama after my kriyas.
I went to Speedcash and remitted money to the Philippines after the pranayama practice. Came back home and prepared my kitcherie. Had it for lunch with fried papadum.
After lunch was nap time. Listened to music. Woke up at 3:30pm. Called my sister and received the good news that she got her visa.
Had early dinner. Of course, kitcherie again and papadum. I still have some leftover that's good for 2 more meals. I offered half to Lennard and I guess I'll just eat the rest later so I can have another freshly prepared meal tomorrow.
And as expected, my stomach was really feeling heavy with mucus this morning. So what's the solution? Do vaman. And since it's full moon today, I just did pranayama after my kriyas.
I went to Speedcash and remitted money to the Philippines after the pranayama practice. Came back home and prepared my kitcherie. Had it for lunch with fried papadum.
After lunch was nap time. Listened to music. Woke up at 3:30pm. Called my sister and received the good news that she got her visa.
Had early dinner. Of course, kitcherie again and papadum. I still have some leftover that's good for 2 more meals. I offered half to Lennard and I guess I'll just eat the rest later so I can have another freshly prepared meal tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Unplanned Dinner
I got so hungry at 4pm that I made two fried eggs and ate it with the remaining rice I had at the rice cooker. Topped with catsup, I had a filling though not-so-exciting early dinner. Will still eat pizza later though. ;-)
Another Pumpkin Recipe
Maria sent me this recipe and it sounds delicious. I will try it this weekend.
Pumpkin Recipe by an Aussie chef Bill Granger
Pumpkin Recipe by an Aussie chef Bill Granger
Ingredients
2 red onions, unpeeled, quartered
800g/1lb 12oz pumpkin or squash, unpeeled, cut into wedges
½ tsp red chilli flakes
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
For the dressing
80ml/2½fl oz honey
80ml/2½fl oz red wine vinegar
large handful fresh mint leaves, to garnish
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.
2. Put the onion, pumpkin or squash, red chilli flakes, olive oil and salt in a large roasting tray and toss well to coat the vegetables with the oil. Roast for 40-45 minutes until the pumpkin is soft and golden.
3. For the dressing, put the honey and red wine vinegar in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Lower the heat and simmer for five minutes.
4. To serve, put the pumpkin and onion in a serving dish, drizzle with the honey dressing and sprinkle with mint leaves.
2 red onions, unpeeled, quartered
800g/1lb 12oz pumpkin or squash, unpeeled, cut into wedges
½ tsp red chilli flakes
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
For the dressing
80ml/2½fl oz honey
80ml/2½fl oz red wine vinegar
large handful fresh mint leaves, to garnish
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.
2. Put the onion, pumpkin or squash, red chilli flakes, olive oil and salt in a large roasting tray and toss well to coat the vegetables with the oil. Roast for 40-45 minutes until the pumpkin is soft and golden.
3. For the dressing, put the honey and red wine vinegar in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Lower the heat and simmer for five minutes.
4. To serve, put the pumpkin and onion in a serving dish, drizzle with the honey dressing and sprinkle with mint leaves.
Vegetarian Oyster Sauce
Mama Sita is a Philippine brand but unfortunately, I can't find this in the supermarkets back home. I guess it's only for export but hopefully they'll it available in the local markets as many Filipinos are actually turning vegetarian (I think).
This is actually one of my staple cooking ingredients. Pour it over steamed vegetables, topped with fried garlic and you'll have a nice meal. My teacher Paul would probably frown on my garlic intake but inshallah, time will come when I will totally (alright not totally but 90%) omit it from my diet. I guess for Filipinos, garlic and onions are like the cumin, curry powder and other spices for Indians.
Maria's Super Salad
Maria sent me a photo of her super salad which she had for dinner last night. Looks reallly yummy. If I remember it correctly, she said she had in that salad, greens, carrots, avocados, nuts and seeds, and a little olive oil & balsamic vinegar for dressing. Haven't eaten a proper salad since I came back as I'm still in my Chinese stir-fry mode. I'm having tofu adobo and rice for lunch though, which will be in 15 minutes.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Pumpkin Ginger Soup
A variation of the Pumpkin Soup Recipe from the Yoga Thailand Cook Book. Light and gingery.
Ingredients
250g pumpkin sliced into cubes
1 tsp ginger slices
500ml water
1 mushroom or vegetable cube
1 tsp brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
Boil water, add everything. Cook until pumpkin is soft. Let cool for a while. Use a hand blender to mash everything. Return to heat and top with chopped coriander. I think I'll be having more of this in the next few months coz it's winter time.
Pumpkin Stir Fry
Simple yet delicious. Got the recipe from Yoga Thailand Cook Book but made some changes because there's no fresh Thai Basil available here in Riyadh.
Ingredients:
250g pumpkin, about 2-inch sticks
2 eggs, lightly scrambled
1/2 vegetable or mushroom cube/powder
1 tsp Thai Heritage Basil & Garlic paste
2-3 tbsp water
1-2 tbsp brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1-2 tbsp vegetable oil
Heat the oil, add the eggs and cook until no longer translucent. Add the pumpkin, stir fry for one minute, add the water, veggie cube/powder, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix well. Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes. Checking now and then for the pumpkin. Add the basil & garlic paste, stir and remove from heat. Enjoy.
Early Dinner
Came home at 3:00pm and decided to prepare dinner.
Prepared pan-fried tempeh with char siu sauce again and stir fried greens with cashew nuts and roasted sesame seeds. Heaven.
Stir-fried greens with Cashew Nuts and Roasted Sesame Seeds
Ingredients
1 bunch greens of your choice (spinach, broccoli leaves or any green leafy vegetables that you like)
1 tsp ginger sliced into thin sticks
2 tbsp water
2 sweet soy sauce
1/2 cup roasted cashew nuts
1 tsp roasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Heat oil in a pan. Add ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds, add sesame seeds, stir-fry for another 30 seconds, add water, sweet soy sauce. Add the cashew nuts. Add the greens and stir fry for 1-2 minutes.
Prepared pan-fried tempeh with char siu sauce again and stir fried greens with cashew nuts and roasted sesame seeds. Heaven.
Stir-fried greens with Cashew Nuts and Roasted Sesame Seeds
Ingredients
1 bunch greens of your choice (spinach, broccoli leaves or any green leafy vegetables that you like)
1 tsp ginger sliced into thin sticks
2 tbsp water
2 sweet soy sauce
1/2 cup roasted cashew nuts
1 tsp roasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Heat oil in a pan. Add ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds, add sesame seeds, stir-fry for another 30 seconds, add water, sweet soy sauce. Add the cashew nuts. Add the greens and stir fry for 1-2 minutes.
Food Journal 10-23
Breakfast at 7am
2 pcs toasted wheat bread topped with Hochland processed cheese with herbs
1 bowl oatmeal with milk, coco-sugar, cardamom, cinnamon and dried mango bits
Lunch at 11:30am
Steamed rice
Pan-fried Tempeh with Char Siu Sauce*
*Using 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil, fry the tempeh slices until golden brown. Add 1-2 tbsp water and 2 tbsp Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce. Mix well and remove from heat. You might need to remove the pan from the heat upon adding water and char siu sauce to prevent the sauce from burning. I had to do that this morning as the pan was really hot and the water sizzled when I added it. Very simple but really tasty. You can add carrots slices as well. I'm trying to use whatever is in my fridge at the moment so I can buy new fresh stuffs this weekend - that's on Thursday in this part of the world.
Dinner later.
2 pcs toasted wheat bread topped with Hochland processed cheese with herbs
1 bowl oatmeal with milk, coco-sugar, cardamom, cinnamon and dried mango bits
Lunch at 11:30am
Steamed rice
Pan-fried Tempeh with Char Siu Sauce*
*Using 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil, fry the tempeh slices until golden brown. Add 1-2 tbsp water and 2 tbsp Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce. Mix well and remove from heat. You might need to remove the pan from the heat upon adding water and char siu sauce to prevent the sauce from burning. I had to do that this morning as the pan was really hot and the water sizzled when I added it. Very simple but really tasty. You can add carrots slices as well. I'm trying to use whatever is in my fridge at the moment so I can buy new fresh stuffs this weekend - that's on Thursday in this part of the world.
Dinner later.
Just Another Day
Woke up at 4am. Originally planned to just do pranayama but eventually did standing, backbends and closing. It actually felt good because I didn't have to rush and still had time to prepare lunch - steamed rice and pan-fried tempeh with char siu sauce.
In the office at the moment, just finished the first class for the day. Still got 2 more, an orientation pe class at 10 and a volleyball class at 1:10pm.
The boss came to talk about the launching of the new falcon logos on Sunday. Seems like we have a new logo every semester. I already feel tired listening to all the blah-blah-blah. There's simply too much energy wasted on unnecessary things.
Om.
In the office at the moment, just finished the first class for the day. Still got 2 more, an orientation pe class at 10 and a volleyball class at 1:10pm.
The boss came to talk about the launching of the new falcon logos on Sunday. Seems like we have a new logo every semester. I already feel tired listening to all the blah-blah-blah. There's simply too much energy wasted on unnecessary things.
Om.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Food Journal 10-22
Breakfast at 7:30am
3 pieces toasted wheat bread topped with peanut butter and coconut jam with pili nuts
1/2 cup muesli with banana slices and 250ml laban/yoghurt, 1 tsp coco-sugar
1 cup milk tea with 1 tsp white sugar
Woke up at 4am. Did my kriyas then pranayama for 40 minutes and asanas for 2 hours. Practice was great as the mind was really calm and the breath relaxed and deep. Winter surely brings the mind into another realm and makes it very conducive for meditation.
Lunch at 12nn
Steamed rice
Thai Basil Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry with Black Pepper Cashew Nuts
3 pieces toasted wheat bread topped with peanut butter and coconut jam with pili nuts
1/2 cup muesli with banana slices and 250ml laban/yoghurt, 1 tsp coco-sugar
1 cup milk tea with 1 tsp white sugar
Woke up at 4am. Did my kriyas then pranayama for 40 minutes and asanas for 2 hours. Practice was great as the mind was really calm and the breath relaxed and deep. Winter surely brings the mind into another realm and makes it very conducive for meditation.
Lunch at 12nn
Steamed rice
Thai Basil Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry with Black Pepper Cashew Nuts
Dinner at 5pm
Pumpkin Stir-fry with egg
Pumpkin Ginger Soup
Steamed Rice
Fried Vegetable Springroll (courtesy of Mhar)
pumpkin stir fry with egg
Pumpkin Ginger Soup with Nori Sunday, October 21, 2007
Food Journal 10-21
Breakfast, 7am
1 bowl oatmeal with muesli, banana, laban and brown sugar
2 cups coffee with brown sugar
Lunch, 11am
1 big Felafel with egg from Tuwaren Restaurant
Heavy Snack, 5pm
1 big Felafel with egg from Tuwaren Restaurant
garlic mayo-chup on the side
carrot-orange juice
Light Dinner, 7pm
1 bowl miso soup with tofu cubes, onion, spring onion and nori
Meals today are very rajastic because of garlic and onion. The carrot-orange juice was old and I guess it was the reason why my stomach became a bit uneasy after the snack. I've become more sensitive about the effects of food in my system and I'm actually enjoying the journey. It would be good though to slowly learn how to make the diet more sattvic but I guess I don't really have to be very stringent about it. As Tiwariji said, "don't be so rule-obsessed".
1 bowl oatmeal with muesli, banana, laban and brown sugar
2 cups coffee with brown sugar
Lunch, 11am
1 big Felafel with egg from Tuwaren Restaurant
Heavy Snack, 5pm
1 big Felafel with egg from Tuwaren Restaurant
garlic mayo-chup on the side
carrot-orange juice
Light Dinner, 7pm
1 bowl miso soup with tofu cubes, onion, spring onion and nori
Meals today are very rajastic because of garlic and onion. The carrot-orange juice was old and I guess it was the reason why my stomach became a bit uneasy after the snack. I've become more sensitive about the effects of food in my system and I'm actually enjoying the journey. It would be good though to slowly learn how to make the diet more sattvic but I guess I don't really have to be very stringent about it. As Tiwariji said, "don't be so rule-obsessed".
Rest Day
Woke up at 5am. Did my kriyas then a full pranayama practice with preps for an hour. Had a good breakfast and nice cup of coffee though didn't have time to prepare lunch. Just made 2 peanut butter sandwiches.
Last night's dinner was great though. Spicy Indonesian Tempeh, spinach leaves with garlic oyster sauce and steamed rice.
I'm supposed to have an orientation pe class now but I only have 2 students in this class and I haven't seen any of them today.
I decided to have felafel for lunch. It needs more garlicky taste on it so I'm going to eat the other one later at home. I ate one already at the Tuwaren Restaurant, a 5 minute walk from the University, and got another one to go.
Just noticed that the back of the neck is a bit sore. Probably from sleeping on the chair last Friday while waiting for the connecting flight to Riyadh. It shouldn't be because of yesterday's practice but anyway... will just rest it later after work.
Last night's dinner was great though. Spicy Indonesian Tempeh, spinach leaves with garlic oyster sauce and steamed rice.
Indonesian Spicy Tempeh
Spinach with garlic oyster sauce
Saturday afternoon practice is usually done with the group at King Faisal's Specialist Hospital Housing compound but decided to do it alone yesterday as I missed practicing alone. Breath was deep and slow. Practice was good. Not really into discussing success in asanas anymore.
Spinach with garlic oyster sauceI'm supposed to have an orientation pe class now but I only have 2 students in this class and I haven't seen any of them today.
I decided to have felafel for lunch. It needs more garlicky taste on it so I'm going to eat the other one later at home. I ate one already at the Tuwaren Restaurant, a 5 minute walk from the University, and got another one to go.
Just noticed that the back of the neck is a bit sore. Probably from sleeping on the chair last Friday while waiting for the connecting flight to Riyadh. It shouldn't be because of yesterday's practice but anyway... will just rest it later after work.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Today
I'm back in Riyadh and regular classes start today. Did vaman again this morning before pranayama. I had to return to 50 pumps in kapalabhati and 40 pumps in bhastrika to focus on the quality of the pump. No attachment though but I'm glad to be back on the mat.
No asanas this morning as I was thinking of attending a group practice this afternoon. I'll more likely have a solo practice though as I miss practicing alone. It's been 3 days since my last practice. It was good to share what I've learned at Yoga Thailand with Joji and the flow yoga community.
No asanas this morning as I was thinking of attending a group practice this afternoon. I'll more likely have a solo practice though as I miss practicing alone. It's been 3 days since my last practice. It was good to share what I've learned at Yoga Thailand with Joji and the flow yoga community.
Kitcherie Recipe
Basic Kitcherie recipe that I used today. Had it for breakfast topped with fried onions, and for lunch with hard-boiled eggs.
1 cup uncooked rice
1/4 cup split yellow lentils, soaked for at least 20 minutes
1 medium potato, diced and microvaed for 1 minute
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp salt
4 1/2 cups water
ghee
Instructions:
1. Heat the ghee in the rice cooker.
2. Once the ghee is hot enough, add the mustard seeds and allow to it to pop. Then add the rest of the spices (ground cumin, cumin seeds, turmeric, salt).
3. Add the diced potato, mix, mix, mix. Add the rice and lentils, mix, mix, mix.
4. Add the water.
5. Cover the rice cooker and just let the rice cooker do the rest.
6. Serve it with ghee, top it with fried onions (not sattvic but adds more excitement to it), add sliced boiled eggs or steamed veggies on the side.
7. Enjoy.
Friday, October 19, 2007
5 USD Coffee and the Colors of Actions
Since I didn't have my caffeine shot today, I decided to get a cup of coffee from Costa Coffee and I've just finished my 5usd coffee while typing this entry. I think this is one unsattvic thing that will take me a long time to let go of.
My flight to Riyadh is still at 6:25pm so I still have almost 3 hours to linger here at the Dubai airport. Kept me thinking about getting a job here since it's more multi-cultural compared to Riyadh and life might be a bit more exciting. This thought, however, made me reflect on my inner journey. I still find things boring or exciting, good or bad, etc, etc... but as they say, it's a lifelong process.. one cannot simply be free from the dualities of this world.
I've been reading Iyengar's Light on Life and today, I learned about the 4 colors of actions, (1) black actions which results to ill consequences; (2) grey actions which results to both bad and good consequences; (3) white actions which brings about good results, and (4) colorless actions of which the action itself does not result to any reaction.
Made me realize about my original plan of going back to the Philippines and opening a studio in QC with Joji. I thought, in a bigger picture, this action will benefit a lot of people... it's a white action... but even white actions can bind us in thinking about the future and always wanting to experience good results.... talking nonsense... aaarrgh... too much coffee or simply not in the right frame of mind while typing this entry. Just typing the random strings of thoughts that come up in the screen of the mind.
Manila
Learned my lesson the last time I flew from Manila to Riyadh. I have never requested for special meals before as the menu usually has some fish or vegetable options but after my Etihad flight back to Riyadh last August, I think I'll be requesting special meals whenever I fly.
I have been true to my vegetarian diet in Manila and I'm quite happy I was able to do so. Mitahara wasn't practiced as regularly though because Rj and I would dine out and most of the time I end up eating a lot. Food was always vegetarian although not sattvic. I'm not complaining.
I guess the only unyogic thing that I did was when I drank too much red wine. It was two nights ago. I had too much drink and ended up throwing it out. I had to do vaman the next morning to remove the excess mucus that had accumulated in the stomach. That, I guess, will be something I should avoid in the future. A glass or two should be fine but not too much.
Practice was ok. Did mysore with Joji most of the time and with Tesa twice. Tesa had some good news though I hope they can extend the offer as my eyes are all set for Thailand. It was good to know there's another option though.
I have been true to my vegetarian diet in Manila and I'm quite happy I was able to do so. Mitahara wasn't practiced as regularly though because Rj and I would dine out and most of the time I end up eating a lot. Food was always vegetarian although not sattvic. I'm not complaining.
I guess the only unyogic thing that I did was when I drank too much red wine. It was two nights ago. I had too much drink and ended up throwing it out. I had to do vaman the next morning to remove the excess mucus that had accumulated in the stomach. That, I guess, will be something I should avoid in the future. A glass or two should be fine but not too much.
Practice was ok. Did mysore with Joji most of the time and with Tesa twice. Tesa had some good news though I hope they can extend the offer as my eyes are all set for Thailand. It was good to know there's another option though.
Dubai
I'm glad to have found a free reclined chair here at the quiet lounge of the Dubai International Airport. The connecting flight to Riyadh is at 6pm so I have more than 12 hours of doing nothing here. Kindah depressing going back to the desert. How I actually wish I can fast forward this to mid 2008 but I suppose I'll be missing the lessons along the way. Just have to keep telling the self that this is part of the entire journey.
Will rest now.
Will rest now.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Depressed about going home
I'll be on my way to the King Khaled International Airport in 4 hours. Unlike my previous journeys back home, I'm actually a little depressed about going home this time. Probably because I'll be spending again and I'm hoping to be able to save enough money for 10 months so I don't have to extend my stay here, or still an aftermath of the MSG-laden dinner three nights ago.
I have to attend to some personal business though that's why I decided to go home this month. After 10 years of contemplating on migrating to Australia, it's only now that I'm actually doing something about it. Got to have my master's diploma and have it translated into English, get certified true copies of my credentials, etc. I'd be ready to send my papers to VETASSESS for the assessment of my qualifications in a week or two.
Still not sure if I'm going home to Davao... I'll be spending most of my time in Davao come December so maybe I should just spend this time with the partner.
Food was great. Garlic tofu & egg fried rice with stir-fried spinach with oyster sauce. Having a bar of hershey's crispy wafer. Practiced with Greg and Sarah this morning. Had a great time adjusting and being adjusted. Glad to meet a group of ashtangis here in Riyadh. Got to take my afternoon nap now.
I have to attend to some personal business though that's why I decided to go home this month. After 10 years of contemplating on migrating to Australia, it's only now that I'm actually doing something about it. Got to have my master's diploma and have it translated into English, get certified true copies of my credentials, etc. I'd be ready to send my papers to VETASSESS for the assessment of my qualifications in a week or two.
Still not sure if I'm going home to Davao... I'll be spending most of my time in Davao come December so maybe I should just spend this time with the partner.
Food was great. Garlic tofu & egg fried rice with stir-fried spinach with oyster sauce. Having a bar of hershey's crispy wafer. Practiced with Greg and Sarah this morning. Had a great time adjusting and being adjusted. Glad to meet a group of ashtangis here in Riyadh. Got to take my afternoon nap now.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
An Upset Stomach
That's what you get for eating prawns and fish last night.
There was a University function at 3:30pm which ended at around 5:30, just in time to break the fast. Buffet dinner was served and although I was conscious about what I put in my plate, I was sure I would eat seafoods that night and this is what I get.
Woke up an hour early and the stomach feels like it has an excessive secretion of mucus so I might do vaman in a while.
I won a Dell 6400 laptop, by the way. Not that it justified the decision to eat sea animals.
There was a University function at 3:30pm which ended at around 5:30, just in time to break the fast. Buffet dinner was served and although I was conscious about what I put in my plate, I was sure I would eat seafoods that night and this is what I get.
Woke up an hour early and the stomach feels like it has an excessive secretion of mucus so I might do vaman in a while.
I won a Dell 6400 laptop, by the way. Not that it justified the decision to eat sea animals.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Air Arabia flight to Bangalore
I've just checked the Air Arabia website and they don't have flights to Bangalore anymore. Weird as I just checked the website last night. Hmnnn.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Processed Foods & Depression
Weird. I felt a bit depressed after the dinner today. Yeah, I wasn't very healthy with my food choices today. Had veggie burger sandwich using processed vegetarian veggie patty for lunch and afternoon snack, and instant noodles for dinner. How healthy can that be?
In my pursuit to educate myself, I searched the net for articles on the effects of processed foods on mood and found this article.
Instant noodles are laden with MSG, and from this article, I found out that MSG causes depression and mood swings. It was probably the reason why I had regular mood swings when I was still in college. There was simply too much MSG in the diet.
Cheapest Flights to India
I've been researching on the cheapest way to go to Bangalore from Manila and I've come across Nok Air Thailand. They have a cheap flight from Bangkok to Bangalore which will cost approximately 8500THB. If I can avail of Cebu Pacific's Piso Seat Sale come February 2008, I can probably buy the Manila-Bangkok-Manila ticket for only 3911PHP.
Nok Air flies daily from Bangkok to Bangalore:
BKK-BLR 23:25 (DD4100)
BLR-BKK 03:35 (DD4101)
The cheapest ticket costs THB8461.54 as of today.
The flight duration from Bangkok to Bangalore is 4 hours and 40 minutes while it is only 3 hours 55 minute on the return route.
Baggage allowance is only 15kg for the economy class and 30kg for Nok Air plus class. What's cool is that you can pre-select your seat online. The Nok Air plus cost 13500THB which will entitle you to a bigger seat, 30kg baggage allowance and free snacks. I think I can get with 15kg of luggage to India. It will be time to travel smart, travel light.
Cebu Pacific flies daily from Manila to Bangkok:
MNL-BKK 22:35pm (5J931)
BKK-MNL 01:35am (5J932).
Regular fare as of today costs only 6673PHP roundtrip.
I've checked Air Arabia as well to see if it would be way cheaper and I think it is. Well, of course it is since India is only 3 hours away from Saudi Arabia. It will only cost 1300AED from Riyadh-Sharjah-Bangalore and return.
They fly to Bangalore only on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Flight details as follow:
Riyadh-Sharjah Tue ETD 18:40 ETA 21:15 same day
Sharjah-BLR Tue ETD 23:05 ETA 04:20 the next day
BLR-Sharjah Tue ETD 05:05 ETA 07:30
Sharjah-Riyadh Tue ETD 17:10 ETA 18:00
Baggage allowance is between 20 to 32kg depending on the destination.
I think I need to fix my schedule so that I can still return to Riyadh and fly out to Manila. I'm planning to stay in India for 3 months and I'm not sure if I can still get an multiple entry visa since I'm not planning to extend my contract anymore.
As of now, Air Arabia is the cheapest way to go to India.
Nok Air flies daily from Bangkok to Bangalore:
BKK-BLR 23:25 (DD4100)
BLR-BKK 03:35 (DD4101)
The cheapest ticket costs THB8461.54 as of today.
The flight duration from Bangkok to Bangalore is 4 hours and 40 minutes while it is only 3 hours 55 minute on the return route.
Baggage allowance is only 15kg for the economy class and 30kg for Nok Air plus class. What's cool is that you can pre-select your seat online. The Nok Air plus cost 13500THB which will entitle you to a bigger seat, 30kg baggage allowance and free snacks. I think I can get with 15kg of luggage to India. It will be time to travel smart, travel light.
Cebu Pacific flies daily from Manila to Bangkok:
MNL-BKK 22:35pm (5J931)
BKK-MNL 01:35am (5J932).
Regular fare as of today costs only 6673PHP roundtrip.
I've checked Air Arabia as well to see if it would be way cheaper and I think it is. Well, of course it is since India is only 3 hours away from Saudi Arabia. It will only cost 1300AED from Riyadh-Sharjah-Bangalore and return.
They fly to Bangalore only on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Flight details as follow:
Riyadh-Sharjah Tue ETD 18:40 ETA 21:15 same day
Sharjah-BLR Tue ETD 23:05 ETA 04:20 the next day
BLR-Sharjah Tue ETD 05:05 ETA 07:30
Sharjah-Riyadh Tue ETD 17:10 ETA 18:00
Baggage allowance is between 20 to 32kg depending on the destination.
I think I need to fix my schedule so that I can still return to Riyadh and fly out to Manila. I'm planning to stay in India for 3 months and I'm not sure if I can still get an multiple entry visa since I'm not planning to extend my contract anymore.
As of now, Air Arabia is the cheapest way to go to India.
Veggie Burger Sandwich
Vegetarian burger patty
Cheese
1 tsp sandwich spread
tomato and cucumber slices
2 pieces whole wheat bread
The vegetarian burger patty was processed. Not very healthy, I know but I saw that box at Al-Jazeerah Supermarket 3 nights ago and thought maybe I should try it. It probably doesn't have that much prana in it but atleast I'm not eating a cow, hehehe.
Which is better? Eating processed vegetarian foods or eating meat from an organic, free-range cow or chicken? You decide.
Cheese
1 tsp sandwich spread
tomato and cucumber slices
2 pieces whole wheat bread
The vegetarian burger patty was processed. Not very healthy, I know but I saw that box at Al-Jazeerah Supermarket 3 nights ago and thought maybe I should try it. It probably doesn't have that much prana in it but atleast I'm not eating a cow, hehehe.
Which is better? Eating processed vegetarian foods or eating meat from an organic, free-range cow or chicken? You decide.
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