Pesto is a sauce originating in Genoa in the Liguria region of northern Italy (pesto genovese) [Source: Wikipedia.org]. Traditionally, the ingredients used are basil leaves, garlic and European pine nuts blended with olive oil and Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan Cheese) and Fiore Sardo (cheese made from sheep’s milk). The reason why pesto sauce is so popular is due to its versatility. You can use it on your pasta, baked chicken, and other recipes.

Unfortunately, in the Philippines, some of these ingredients are only available in high-end supermarkets and are  very expensive. So here’s my ‘Filipinized’ version of Pesto sauce recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Basil leaves
• Olive oil
• 3 tbsp of roasted Peanuts (optional)
• 2 cloves of Garlic
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

The good thing about making pesto sauce is that you don’t really have to open your stove. Estimated time of creation is about 20 minutes or less.

1.) Roast the peanuts in a heated frying pan (without oil or anything) til it turns yellow to medium brown. Be careful not to burn them. This should only take about a minute or two.

2.) In a food processor (or blender if you don’t have one), add the basil leaves, peanuts (a cheaper substitute for pine nuts/walnuts), and garlic. Blend in low speed and slowly add in the olive oil. I did not give an exact measurement of how much olive oil you should use. I like my pesto sauce a little loose while others like to keep it thick. It is best if you pour in your oil gradually til you get your desired thickness.

For an added kick, you can use extra virgin olive oil. I like the flavor of basil to stand out more so I prefer using the regular one. Some use canola oil as a substitute just in case olive oil is not available. It is cheaper. However, it has a distinctly different taste than olive oil.

3.) Gradually add the Parmesan cheese. If you are a little ‘OC’ like me, make sure you taste your sauce every time you add a new ingredient. You want to regulate and neutralize all the flavors so that your sauce wouldn’t end up too salty or too stale.

4.)  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Viola! There’s your Pesto sauce!

In Google’s quest to eliminate spam content in search results, social signals are now strong factor to consider in order for a site to rank. And by social signals, we mean getting your content shared and cited by active social media users.

From social networks (such as Google+, Facebook, & Twitter) to web2.0 properties as well as file sharing and streaming sites (Flicker, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.), being active at the right platform can help get your site up and ranking.
Here are3 reasons why you should start working on your social media:
1. Authorship markup –Those who have an account in Google+ can claim their written blogs/news articles through authorship markup. You will be given a set of codes to implement on your site which helps improve your appearance in the SERPs.

If you’re an ordinary internet user searching for recipes, which search result would you click first—the search result with plain, boring texts or the one with the author’s picture?

2. Quality, relevant inbound links – Social media, if done successfully, can result to thousands of relevant, quality inbound links for your website. If you share your new content via Twitter or in Google+ (profiles are set to public viewing of course), it will be crawled and counted as a backlink. This has always been the goal of Google: naturalize the link sharing process and eradicate manipulated ones (paid, automated, etc).

3. Rank pages on social media websites – Since these sites rank very well on search engines, you might want to consider ranking a page on a social media site instead. Especially if you’re fairly new in the online world, obviously it will take some time before your site ranks (considering the millions of competition you’ll have to face). Take a shot and start uploading videos on YouTube or creating an appealing fan page on Facebook. You’ll reap from its benefits even from the most competitive keywords

At the end of the day, social media is your best buddy in terms of reputation management. Get your brand active on social networks and you’ll see a great shift in site traffic and conversion rates. Although you might not be able to see that immediate boost in sales, your followers will see you as an expert in the industry.
This is why you have to post relevant, informative content on your page as well as raise strong opinions. Once you have established that reputation, it is easier to introduce your own products and services.

Interior decorating is a fun and worthwhile activity. Especially when your friends start noticing it, you’ll feel the pride as a homeowner. Remember, the home is the extension of oneself. You don’t want your house looking like crap if you want to leave a good impression on your friends.

Ways on How to Decorate your Home

Here are several things you should consider before starting on your home decoration project.

Look and Feel – Who wants to live in a house that has a stressful ambiance? Of course, you want something that is calm and relaxing as if you’re living in a rest house. Start collecting home décor ideas from design magazines or even online. Talk to your buddies or watch the Lifestyle Channel.
It is better to cut out these designs (or print them) and pin them on the wall. It would be easier to eliminate which ones you would want to copy.

Style – Interior decoration experts actually prefers to stick to a theme. This works perfectly if you have zero experience in home design. Whether it’s cultural theme, TV program theme, color theme, or music genre theme, you can literally run wild with your imagination. You can do your own sketch or grab inspirations from famous designers, stars as well as your friends. But of course, never forget to put a little touch of your own creative taste in your house design.

Furniture – The most crucial aspect of home decoration is investing in furniture. These home furniture and appliance unites the whole design concept of your home. In order to select the right furniture for your living room or bedroom, you should inspect your space first. See what are the downsides and assets of it. Check the lighting and placement of windows, power outlets, and doors. Furniture and appliance should be strategically placed to make your home look coordinated and bigger (especially if you have small space).
Those with large spaces can buy large furniture. However, for those living in small apartments with confined spaces, you may want to buy multi-purpose furniture such as folding beds and multi-drawer cabinets.

Lighting – Your home’s atmosphere can depend on your house’s lighting. If you want a bright home, you should purchase more lights or bigger chandeliers. Invest on blinds and curtains as well. Even the minor accessories can help you brighten your property during the day.

These are just a few of the items you should consider before to starting up your home decoration. Home decor is an excellent way to renew your apartment and also refresh your property. Make sure you redesign your house every once in a while.

Tattoos are one of the oldest art form that existed. Since the prehistoric times, tribes used body art as a trademark to make them distinct from other groups. It has also been used to honor warriors who fought with their heart and soul at battle. You can even determine a soldier’s rank by merely looking at his tattoo. Today, this symbol of bravery and nobility has been downgraded to just body art. Or is it?

Merit for the Unsung Heroes

For me, tattoos remain a symbol of nobility for the unsung heroes. It is our own little star or award for being brave and staying strong in a battle called life. Life is a fight that is more difficult to win compared to wars. Its scar remains deep in our soul. It knows our strengths and most specially our weakness.

I got my first tattoo last March 17, 2012. I had the first verse of my former band’s song imprinted on my left arm.

It says:

He said don’t face down

I don’t want to see you frown

You are worthy as who you are

Don’t ever say you’re no one

The song title is My Only One by Mangoosteen. Music and lyrics by me. Arranged by my former bandmates. I wrote this song as a form of thanks to the Almighty One. Unlike what most people think, I am very faithful and God-fearing person. I may not go to church everyday or say my prayers at night, but I do believe in God and I do my best to live my life according to His word. For me, the most powerful prayer is a song. So, one morning, the song just came to me. And so My Only One was born.

At my young age, I had quite a few bouts with life. I sinned a lot not just to God but also to my friends, my lover, my family and most especially myself. I wasn’t a very good daughter. I wasn’t a very good friend. I came to a point that I thought I was really worthless. I thought I didn’t deserve anything. But I was wrong. He gave me more than what I needed or even wanted. He just proved to me that He did carry me through the fire.

I got my second tattoo last July. To be honest, I forgot the date. And, I know you’re not going to believe this but I got that tattoo for fun. It was a spur of the moment thing that I had. I was in a coffee shop at a nearby mall when the idea hit me in the head. But most likely it was out of boredom. There was no wifi connection anywhere because of the storm.

It’s another script type tattoo saying ‘Ignorance is Bliss’. I have long been in love with this phrase. There were times in my life when I wanted to quit. I am not equipped to be an adult just yet. The stress is killing me everyday. I rushed into work and didn’t really take the time to rest after graduating college. We are not that rich and we have a handful of financial problems to take care of.

Sad to say, it didn’t heal as beautiful as I have envisioned the tattoo to be. So I had it covered up last August 11.

Actually, I have been contemplating on what design I would use as a cover up weeks after my second tattoo. But then I saw this amazing arm and back floral tattoo on a girl at the train station and it just hit me. I wanted a rose on my wrist. Aside from the fact that the color can easy erase the red ink ‘Ignorance is Bliss’, it is also my favorite flower.

For me, a rose is the perfect symbolism for my personality. You see, I’m a very guarded individual. I have a lot of ‘thorns’ to protect my fragile petals. I filter people who I want to be a part of my life in that level. And you’ll be surprised to learn that for a tough, badass chick, I’m as weak as a baby inside.

Only a few knows the real me. I rarely talk about my life especially if you haven’t really earned my trust. Yeah, I do have trust issues. I could only talk to selected people aside from my boyfriend of course.

And by the way, I got the design from DeviantArt.com. The original design has no color. I had my artist have fun with it and colored it up.

Battle Scars

Regardless of what other people might think, yeah, we all know the stereotypes, I am proud of my body art. And I don’t believe that I would find a hard time finding an employment because of it. And that includes careers outside the IT industry.

Well, as a journalism graduate and an artist, I don’t really think I would get involve with something that does not relate to art. If ever SEO gets killed by Google entirely, I could still write. I’ll be a copywriter for websites or for an AD agency. There are plenty of job opportunities out there. All I have to do is find them and prove I am worthy of their time.

But no one, I say no one, should ever belittle me or my kind because of our battle scars.

Tonight (May 21, 2012) and tomorrow (May 22, 2012), Gaga is bound to perform at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Inspite the protests and shout out by the Catholic church and religious groups, thousands of Filipino fans are still attending the concert and ecstatic to see their idol perform live.

Why Gaga should be left alone?

I admit. I used to be a fan of Lady Gaga during ‘The Fame’ days. Aside from her catchy tunes and easy-to-memorize lyrics, I really loved her style. It was bold, fresh, and very edgy–which is rather rare for a pop star. Growing up watching Britney and Christina with their sexy, all out costumes; Lady Gaga pushed the boundaries in terms of style and edge. For me, she is the Madonna of my generation.

But eventually, I just had to lose interest in her.

Aside from the fact that her act is getting a little too dramatic and ‘staged’, the repetitive vibe no longer appealed to me. And just like any other ‘trending’ things, her star is dimming in my eyes.

Unlike what most people say, Gaga is not a satanist. Neither is she an Illuminati or disciple of the Devil. She is just a ‘fame’ addict who wanted to be talked about and stay on top as long as possible. I have seen old videos (these are recorded before she became a skinny, blonde girl covered in meat). Gaga or Stefani Germanotta is just another sweet, young girl wanting to make it in the industry. Her sound is as good (or even better) as Norah Jones and Alicia Keys. She knows how to tickle those keys like a fuck-nut! When I first heard and watched these videos, I literally had goosebumps. She was that good. And her voice is already awesome even without the autotune and other effects.

But her image was simply too common for the American audience.  So, the producers had to change her. They sold her soul to the devil and made her the ‘Gaga’ and Mother Monster that she is. (Insert sarcasm here.)

All of these offensive / heretic performances, lyrics and music are simply an ‘act’ for her to be talked about. This is her lifeline. As long as people are talking about it, and making a big deal out of it, she converts it into her fuel–to ignite her flame into fame. It’s like the concept of terrorism. The more you fear them, the more powerful they feel like. The more you give attention, the more they feel special.

Gaga feeds on these controversies and turn it into her own money-making machine. And it does work for her. It gives her exposure. She is being talked about. She is feared by religious sects. The public watches out for anything she says or does. As we say in Journalism, the people love sensationalism. And people love drama.

Generally, a sore throat is characterized by an inflammation of the pharynx accompanied by scratchiness in the throat. It is communicable in most cases and can be caught by air. This is why if you have children, it is a must for you have to learn how to get rid of your sore throat fast.

On the other hand, a sore throat is not the disease in itself. It is a symptom of an upcoming illness. It can also be our body’s way to fight cold or flu. If your condition persists for more than 2 days, and is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea or vomiting, you should visit your doctor right away.

 Home Remedies for Sore Throat

One popular home remedy for sore throat is gargling thyme tea. Thyme tea is a powerful antiseptic or antibacterial, which can help soothe down an irritated throat. Or, you could also try drinking lemon juice as well as eating well-beaten egg whites.

Drinking a lot of fluids can also help relieve any sore throat. Boost your consumption of water, juices and other liquids. However, do stay away from sweets for these will intensify the irritation.

Installing a humidifier in your room will help you get rid of a sore throat. Sometimes, a sore throat is caused by dry air. The humidifier helps keep the air moist, which then keeps the throat wet.Thus, it makes it easier for you to blow or cough out the pleghm.

However, do not take antibiotics to cure a sore throat or any over-the-counter drug unless a legitimate physician advices you to do so. There is no cure for sore throat. These medications can only provide temporary relief to the patient. Sometimes, in order to get prolonged relief, patients pump up the dosage. This may put your health at serious risk.

Learning the Cause of Sore Throat

Viral infections are the most common cause of a sore throat. Samples of these infections are flu, cough and cold. Other possible causes are weak immune system, food allergy, dry air, singing abusively, and bacterial infection. A  runny nose dripping onto the back of the throat (post-nasal drip) may also lead to an inflammed throat and eventually, a cough.

If your sore throat is viral (or the result of a bacteria that’s not strep), herbal medicines can help provide relief. One of the best home remedies for this type of sore throat is gargling cayenne pepper mixed with water about 3-5 times a day.

Don’t let your sore throat hinder you from being productive. Learn how to get rid of sore throat now before it gets worse.

Watch the raw footage of Raymart Santiago, Claudine Barretto, and Mon Tulfo fight here.

Read the full story here.

UPDATE!

Panoorin para di tayo humusga agad!! Tulfo… by MicAngelo_Sato

The first step into swimming is learning to relax oneself in the water. Most beginners tend to panic instantly thinking that they will drown. Try your best to relax and get comfortable with the water on your face and ears. Stand in the water at a level you are comfortable with; chest level or waist level. Splash your face and your head with water. Blowing bubbles in the water also helps to get you relaxed.

Next step would be learning how to move in the water. Try to get assistance in doing this to prevent any accident. Hold on to the side of the pool and practice laying face up in the water. Do not be disappointed if you don’t float. Floating depends on your body’s level of relaxation and body fat. Body position is important as well. Make sure you are following a straight line; head back till your ears are underwater. Relax and let the rest of your body to float.

Most important thing to learn in swimming is learning how to breathe. Have your assistant hold your arms and dip your face in the water. When you need air, turn your head to the side and inhale. In exhaling, position your head under water and blow bubbles. Do this over and over until you get used to it. Practice moving and kicking in the water as you turn your head and then breathe.

Arm stroke is easy to do once you’ve mastered the aforementioned techniques. Stand in chest high water. With your face in the water, put both arms in front of you. Blow bubbles. If you breathe on the right side, lift your right arm first and vice versa. Pull your right arm down through the water to your waist. Face to the right and inhale. Keep the arm in circular movement. Face the water to exhale.

For the real test, do all of these at once. Begin with your face down float, blow bubbles, kick and breathe while doing arm strokes. The key into learning how to swim is to relax. Once you’ve gained confidence in the water, swimming a lap or two will be easy.

The world’s most prestigious beauty pageant has recently opened its doors to transgender models. 23-year-old Jenna Talackova has finally been accepted as a candidate in Miss Universe Beauty Pageant this Spring 2012. This decision came about after a wave of debates and criticisms received by the organizers of the said pageant from the advocates of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community.

Talackova was a contender in Miss Canada Beauty Pageant who was disqualified after admitting that she was a naturally born man. Judges have been suspicious about Talackova’s true identity after she wrote ‘female’ as her sex in the application form. Eventually, Talackova admitted that she is a transgender model which led to her disqualification last March 2012.

Inspite her appeals and pleads, Talackova was denied application to the pageant. According to her, “she was born in the wrong body”. Donald Trump, head organizer of Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, strictly emphasized the ‘natural born’ rule of the pageant, which was implemented since its baby steps. Before the pageant agrees to let her in, Trump has to sign it first.

And after a month’s battle, Miss Universe Organization changed the rules and allowed Talackova to compete. This was the first step to abolish discrimination at all cost in the contest and provide equal rights to all races as well as genders to enter the competition. Talackova is now back in the Miss Canada pageant and is hopeful to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.

Talackova first underwent surgery when she was 19. She completed her transformation 4 years later and acquired a passport wherein her gender was stated female.

Miss Universe Beauty Pageant

The Miss Universe Beauty Pageant is a long running, prestigious contest, which had its humble beginnings inLong Beach,California. This local bathing beauty competition was spearheaded by Catalina Swimwear in 1952. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, the Miss Universe Pageant is like the queen of all beauty pageants. Every hopeful dreamed to be part of this prestigious event. Inspite all the controversies, this event remained an important tradition and a part of every culture’s history. Every contender brings pride to their nation; win or lose.

Loss of Credibility?

Some say that this move by the Miss Universe organizers has stained the reputation and credibility of the contest. It is the search for the most beautiful women of the world; so why allow Talackova, a natural born man, join the contest? Though she is stunningly beautiful, Jenna’s physical appearance and beauty (which is the key requirement in entering such competition) is a result of the numerous cosmetic surgery procedures.

On the other hand, the abolishment of the ‘natural born’ rule will definitely please the number 1 supporter of the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. Obviously, aside from females, the gays and transgenders comprise over 50% of the event’s audience and supporters. Here in thePhilippines, more than 75% of the gay / transgender population watch and support the said pageant.

This still leaves us with the question: Is this a good move for the pageant?

Let me know your opinion! Shout it out on my FACEBOOK wall!

In the mean time, please do visit my photoblog at Tumblr: http://365daysofrock.tumblr.com