Weekend Cooking

When I'm not busy or feeling lazy, cooking is one of the things I enjoy doing. Yesterday, while I was bored and hungry, I decided to make Champorado. But instead of the usual cook-and-serve, I decided to have a little fun and tried to make it more appealing. I served it on a special dish, and sprinkled it with milk powder, trying hard to make it look more than what it really is. I'm not sure if I succeeded on my attempt, but I can assure you that the taste was a sure hit.

This afternoon, I had the chance to do a little baking, so I whipped up some muffins. I don't know what is it with me and muffins, but I'm so obsessed with them! Maybe it's because their flavor is never too overpowering, or because they go well with coffee. Either way, it's one of my favorite pastries. Today I made Chocolate Chip & Almond Muffins. I still can't get it to look the way I want it to, so I guess I'll have to practice some more. It tastes good though. I just can't get it to peak higher. Bummer.

The kitchen has always provided me a temporary escape, but now it's all over and Monday morning's drawing near. I will have to get back on my horse for another week of toil, but I know there's always the weekend to look forward to, and for that I'm glad.

A Morning in the Opera

The magic of the stage is felt when you are transported from your seat to the scene it portrays. With the right set, song, and actors, that isn't so hard to do. The first time I saw the Phantom of the Opera was almost ten years ago, done by the juniors from my school. Their set wasn't at all great. They were mostly cardboards and curtains--it was a high school production after all. It wasn't anything like the elaborate spectacle that it was supposed to be, but when the music started playing, I was hooked. When the title song came on, I was on the edge of my seat, and I knew then that I've fallen in love.

Since then, The Phantom of the Opera has become one of my favorite musicals (and stories). I've been obsessing over Erik, Christine, and Raoul (yes, there was a time I liked Raoul) for years. I've read Erik's back story, and the "official" sequel to the original novel. I've spent hours listening to the recordings of Phantom and Love Never Dies. I've even watched Joel Schumacher's film adaptation countless times. So when I finally found a way to secure a copy of the 25th anniversary concert, I was all giddy with excitement. I've decided, as a treat to myself for Easter, to enjoy The Phantom of the Opera in the Royal Albert Hall in spite of all the work that's waiting.

So before I go on with my date with the Phantom, let me share a little bit of the experience. The video above is from the 25th anniversary concert, and it stars Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo. The same actors who originated the same roles for Love Never Dies. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an Easter morning to enjoy.

Happy Easter!