I do not deny that the Manila police failed in the recent hostage taking incident inside a tourist bus. It’s a failure because some of the hostages died.

I do not deny that Venus’ answer during the Q&A of the recent Miss Universe pageant was disappointing and cost her the crown.

But I do not deny the fact that my country is just like the other countries; that there are crimes, shortcomings, and stupidities some place else as well.

It feels like it’s about time that I do my share in putting the Philippines in a better light. In what way, I’m not yet sure, but it has to be something online.

I have been watching a lot of Good Eats lately and that show really stoked the fire of my wanting to learn how to cook. Up to now my kitchen skills are just at the novice level, but watching Alton Brown make cooking both seem easy and fun, I want to improve even if just a bit.

I already asked my wife if we can “invest” in some really good kitchen equipment and tools. By invest it’s my code word for “buying expensive stuff”. She said yes, but one item at a time.

Sounds fair to me.

Yes, that’s how many rice cookers we got for our wedding gifts. Three rice cookers of different sizes. I find it really ironic as Nhil and I are planning on limiting our rice intake so as to lose some weight.

Anyway, we are still very much thankful for getting them because these are still gifts.  :)

What I still can’t believe is that people would give a very basic appliance. What I mean is, isn’t it a given that there would already be a rice cooker in a newlywed’s home? After all, we Filipinos cannot live without rice and every house in this country has at least one rice cooker in the kitchen.

Again, I am not complaining. I am just thinking out loud with wonderment.

My friend Acey took this very beautiful shot of me and Nhil sealing our wedding vows with a kiss:

I have yet to receive the photos taken by Vik, also a friend and the professional wedding photographer who covered the ceremonies. But until I’ve seen Vik’s photos, Acey’s picture of us will be my favorite.