One for the Books

I never thought life could get this busy. The past few weeks have been packed and the coming days full that when I get home, all I want to do is help the kids with schoolwork and go to sleep. My schedule has taken its toll on my blogging and writing life and although am surviving, am not exactly that happy.

The Manila International Book Fair is on-going at the Mall of Asia area and I have no desire nor energy nor time to even plan a trip there. That's one for the books or pretty strange for a person like me who has been patronizing the book fair yearly since college. I remember my college friend who used to be my book fair partner way back when it was still being held somewhere in the Manila area. Then, when she went to law school, I would go by myself and now that I have kids, the trip to the book fair became an annual family outing.

I miss reading and I miss writing. These days, the only reading and writing I do is largely work- or school-related. Never mind. This too shall pass. No matter how busy the days get, I do try to find something that will make each day more interesting.

Yesterday, a Saturday, I went to work. There's something about working on a holiday or a non-working day that I kind of enjoy. Things are quieter, no phones to answer, no client calls to make -- hardly any distractions. Except perhaps an occasional phone call from someone out of the country who isn't aware of holidays here in the Philippines. All things summed up, I seem to be more productive on such days.

As I arrived at the office, I discovered that I forgot part of my lunch at home. I took that as an opportunity to walk to the nearby famous Salcedo Saturday market. I eventually bought some lengua for lunch and was happy.

I also tried this new dessert called the Brazo Bomb from Vargas Kitchen. Vargas Kitchen is known for one of the best butter cakes which come in the floral blue and white box. When I see that box being delivered to our home at Christmas time, it makes the holidays more merry for me.

Anyway, Vargas Kitchen regularly sells at the Salcedo Market so during my lunch break, I got the family some butter cake and saw the Brazo Bomb. The Brazo Bomb comes in a pack of 6 for P180 or P30 a piece. I think the price is a bit on the high side considering the size of each bomb. A single person could actually eat all six pieces in the whole pack, I think.

The Brazo Bomb has a polvoron base, followed by the yellow yolk part and then topped with cream and chewy meringue. It is yummy but quite messy and challenging to eat. The polvoron base kind of explodes (that's probably the bomb part of it) as you eat the whole thing. The product has to be kept in the freezer.

If you wish to order butter cake, the Brazo Bomb, and other home-cooked food for parties, you can call the Vargas Kitchen at 810-75-29, 817-84-83, and at 0917-811-0712. Call hours are from 7:30am to 8pm. They likewise have outlets at the Salcedo Market, Rustan's Supermarkets at Makati and at the Powerplant Mall in Rockwell, and at 49 Pili Avenue, Forbes Park.

So when life throws lots of work your way, don't fret and take a short walk. Get some butter cake and goodies so life can still be sweet. You'll be reminded to be thankful for your work and for having the resources to buy things like books, even if you may not have the time to read them in the meantime. Eventually, you'll get to it.