When he joined the family, everyone was instantly in love with the doe-eyed furry creature that he was.
He grew up roaming freely around the house and within the gates of the apartment.
Maxi was hyperactive and would always play chase with me and my brothers and sister.
I would even let him sleep sometimes on the bed with me.
.jpg)
Early this year, my younger brother and sister moved in to the new house in Bulacan. Maxi moved in with them. He had the whole lawn to himself and could move about freely, but often, they had to keep him leashed to keep him out of the house.
And then last week, the accident happened. My sister, Mikee, was tying him to his leash when he tried to break free and bit her on the hand. She managed to break free but was left with a couple of small gashes on her fingers. The next day, Maxi died for still unknown reasons.
Out of fear, we had his cadaver checked. Thank God the results came out negative for rabies. We will never know how Maxi died. But he will always be remembered.
Maxi was the family dog.
He was my dog. And he will be missed.
.jpg)
I worked very closely with the Philippines' prima ballerina, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, and principal danseur and BM's Artistic Associate, Osias "Shaz" Barroso throughout the filming of the search.
I tell you, it was quite an eye-opener. It was very inspiring to watch real, professional ballerinas and danseurs rehearsing and performing on stage. These are artists in the truest sense of the word. It made me wonder how and why I could have missed out on this classic art form!
At the shoot, I was able to watch the company's Hi-Skul Musikahan at the Star Theatre, which was the setting for the final task of our Top 2 applicants.
I was also able to catch the Dress-Technical Rehearsal (DTR) of the show they were performing in Korea. It was spectacular! It is no wonder that Ballet Manila has grown so much in reputation not just in the Philippines but worldwide. It is truly a world class dance company.
As you would see in the video, there is much to expect, especially since the show involves the aristry of some very established names in the fields of dance and music, including Tony Fabella, Mon Faustino, Joey Ayala, and Ryan Cayabyab.
Had some friends over for dinner after the holidays soon as I recovered and got back to cooking. Thought I'd do something Filipino and whipped up a smashing combo: guinataang sitaw at kalabasa, crispy-fried tilapia, and oven-baked chicken pandan.
This is the guinataan dish, which is stringbeans and squash, sauteed with ground beef, and cooked in coconut milk. Guinataan, of course, means cooked in coconut milk, or gata in Filipino. Very flavorful.
Crispy-fried tilapia. Crunchy and tasteful.
They swear, of course, to the very pleasant gastronomic experience we all shared. 'Til the next dinner!
Posts
