La Belle Aurore.. a bookworm’s nook

For those book lovers out there who are constantly on the look out for great book finds but at a cheaper price, head off to La Belle Aurore, a quaint little bookstore along Hernan Cortes St., Mandaue City.

But don’t get fooled by its size from the outside for inside it is brimming with books from a wide selection and unique finds from each genre, from mystery thrillers, love stories, children, non-fiction, trivia, travels, self-help, cookbooks, lifestyle, decorating, how-to’s and religious books. The store also carries hard to find titles and they have cherry picked some of the books like the Autobiography of Che Guevarra. The books are sourced locally while some are from the United States. They come out with new inventory every two weeks. Most of their books are cheaper than other second hand stores and yet looks new.

Joseff Bryant Lee, a confessed bookaholic has always been attracted to bookstores and books. He marvels at other people’s excitement over books. He admits that this is not a lucrative business but he gets his greatest satisfaction when you he gets to meet different book lovers out there. Joseff’s inspiration for the layout of the store is Shakespeare & Co., a well-known bookstore in Paris. Check out their store now and have fun in discovering hard to find books.

Candice Sandiego-Acuna
February 17,2010

Magdalene's Plea

As darkness overshadows the day
I lay quietly like a gentle baby
Firmly cradled on mama’s strong arms
And yet sleep escapes my grasp

Hush, hush
Be still my disconcerted heart
Muffled voices from within
Silence cuts through my heart

For a sinner I’am
Searching for Divine wisdom
Yes, it is a crime
A transgression to my faith

But oh what greater sin it is
To go on living with a lie
Condemn me, cast your stones
For with each drop of blood
I live again…

Candice Sandiego
February 15, 2010

Luk Thai Restaurant

A lot of Thai restaurants have started to sprout out throughout the country and it has recently gained much popularity. Credit goes to the fact that a lot of people are now health conscious and Thai cuisine is known to be lighter plus it has herbs and spices which prove to be medicinal. But most of all, its because of Thai cuisine’s amazing and distinct taste. And one Restaurant in Cebu was able to capture that distinct taste and has already made its mark here in Cebu – Luk Thai Restaurant.
It’s success can be credited to its famous chef – Chef Anton.

Antonio Alcazar or more famously known as Chef Anton , came from a big family. He is the 2nd to the youngest in a brood of nine children. The whole family which is originally from Bayawan Negros Oriental, loves to cook mostly Filipino and Spanish dishes. So it’s no wonder that he got inclined in the field of cooking as well. He even has a sibling who also went into the food business.

When Anton was Eighteen, he went to Manila to study Mass Communications at one of the Universities there. But due to financial difficulties, he had to give it up and work in order to survive. He landed a job at SAWADEE Thai Restaurant – it’s a fine dining restaurant situated in Greenhills. This is where he learned the ropes of his craft. For three years he worked at the Greenhills branch before moving to their other branch at Shangrila Edsa Mall. During the first three years, he worked his way through the ranks. He first worked as food checker, then Food Preparation, rice and noodles cook and then appetizer cook. One day with a sudden stroke of luck, the Head Chef then was absent and he was made to cook the entire menu for that day and that was the break that he needed. His cooking abilities were discovered and from then on, he was promoted as the Head Chef of SAWADEE Thai. This was from 1993 to 2003. He had a total of thirteen years wherein he really learned and mastered the craft of cooking – specifically Thai cuisine.

Along the way, Chef Anton took up basic short term cooking courses where he learned the basic knowledge in food preparation. But he credits most of his expertise from the years he had with hands on experience. Although these courses did contribute to his proficiency but actual experience gave him the right techniques. Actual day to day work proved to be much better in honing his skills than what he learned in the four walls of his classroom.

Chef Anton considers himself as the kind of chef who closely follows the native way of Thai cuisine. He only uses authentic thai ingredients and doesn’t use MSG. He doesn’t use alternatives or takes short cuts in the food preparation. He is proud to say that even if he is a Filipino, he has mastered thai cooking. Even his Thai customers swear by the authenticity of the taste of his dishes. He believes that you don’t have to be a Thailander in order to cook Thai food. Just like Ms. Cristeta Comerford, the first Filipina head chef at the White House under President Obama’s administration. She is made to prepare various International cuisine for state dinners and other official functions. She is a Filipina and yet she cooks International cuisine and does it excellently that even U.S. President Barrack Obama praises her. This fact only validates that you don’t have to be a native of its country in order to whip up real authentic dishes.

In 2004, Chef Anton partnered as an industrial partner with the daughter of one of the owners of SAWADEE Thai and opened Thuk Thai Restaurant. This restaurant has an al fresco concept as compared to SAWADEE Thai’s fine dining. But despite it, he had a lot of celebrity clients like John Lloyd Cruz, Liz Uy, Dennis Trillo, the parents of Billy Joe Crawford are just to name a few. It just shows that as long as you serve exceptional dishes, the ambiance really doesn’t make much difference. But Chef Anton’s biggest break came last December 2008. Pepsi Herrera first discovered his sumptuous food at Thuk Thai Restaurant and she immediately told Kris Aquino about him. She brought some dishes to Kris for her to taste and evidently, Kris Aquino got hooked. Since then, Chef Anton became the first real chef to be featured and guested on the Boy and Kris show as one of their featured celebrity chefs. Not only that, he twice graced the self titled magazine of Kris Aquino and from then on he became an instant celebrity. For days, his cellphone kept on getting inquiries and orders. Even work offers came piling in.

Chef Anton became Kris Aquino’s favorite Thai Chef. In fact, he already cooked in Kris Aquino’s house during family gatherings and was lucky enough to have met the Late ex- President Corazon Aquino. Kris always orders Tom Yam Mee soup whenever she or her family has colds. This is because this soup has fragrant herbs in its ingredients, which has medicinal properties that has long proved to be a cure of the common cold.

So with all the success and celebrity status that he got, what brought Chef Anton to Cebu? He used to visit Cebu regularly especially during Sinulog celebrations. And although he already had a lot of offers in Manila, he first offered the business to his close family friend here in Cebu – Ms. Clynia Ingan. Clynia’s main business really is into foreign exchange but she grabbed the opportunity to open a food business venture with Chef Anton. She had always wanted to go into the food business that’s why she immediately grabbed the opportunity.

And so last June 18, 2009, Luk Thai first opened its doors to the public. It has a total seating capacity of 50 and is open at 11:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. for lunch and opens again at 6:oo p.m. till 10:00 p.m. for dinner. They are open daily. The ambiance is very calming and uncluttered. The cleanliness of the kitchen is visible through the glass panels. We could see the chef preparing the dishes and if we are lucky to catch him in a singing mood then we could also see the other side of Chef Anton. For during the younger years of Chef Anton’s life, he used to be part of their church choir in Redemptorist Church in Dumaguete City. Aside from that he has won in various amateurs singing contest not only during those days but until now.

Despite the restaurants infant stage, it already has a lot of regular customers who just couldn’t resist the delectable thai dishes of Luk Thai. Thai Cuisine is well-known for being hot and spicy and for its balance of five fundamental flavors in each dish - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty, and sometimes even bitter. So far, Luk Thai was able to pinpoint its best sellers as the Pork Spareribs (which is cooked in slow fire for it to be really tender), Pineapple Fried rice, Grilled Lapu-lapu, Mixed Seafoods and for the vegetables, stir fried kangkong. My personal favorites are the spare ribs, Khai Yat (diced pork omelet) and the Yam Sam –O (pomelo Salad. And for a truly refreshing iced tea drink, try their Lemon Grass Iced tea.

Luk Thai has an extensive menu of 85 dishes, but chef Anton still has a lot of other dishes up on his sleeve. He plans to serve exciting new dishes from time to time. Right now, he has affordable rice toppings for the students but without compromising the taste and authenticity of the food. For curry lovers out there, Luk Thai also has an extensive menu for curry dishes. Chef Anton’s personal curry dishes are the GAENG KHEAWAN if he likes it hot and spicy or GAENG PED for a milder alternative.

Luk Thai offers delivery service so call them now at Telephone number 032-238-9839. Or better yet head off to the restaurant at St. Patrick’s Square, R. Aboitiz St. Cebu City. It’s at the back of Redemptorist Church fronting gate 3 of St. Theresa’s College and experience for yourself a whole new world of Thai cuisine.

KRIS AQUINO’S FAVORITES
1. GAI BAI TUEY – Chicken Pandan
2. PHAD THUA NGOK – Beansprouts with fried beancurd and sliced pork
3. KHAO PHAD SAPPAROD – Thai Pineapple fried rice
4. KHAI YAT SAI MOO SAB – Diced pork Omelet
5. THOD GRATHIAM PRIG THAI MEUK – Fried garlic and Pepper Squid
6. TOM YAM MEE – Hot and Sour Soup with lemon grass, herbs and spices
7. YAM SOM-O – Pomelo Salad
8. PHAD PAKBOONG FAI DANG – Stir fried kangkong in oyster sauce

CHEF ANTON’S PERSONAL FAVORITES
1. GAI MANAW – Thai Lemon Chicken
2. SIKRONG MOO TOD – Fried Pork spareribs
3. PHAD THALAY – Mixed Seafoods
4. PLA PHAW – Grilled whole Lapu-lapu with sweet & sour tamarind sauce
5. KHAO PHAD NAM PRIG – Fried rice with chili oil
6. PHAD THAI – Rice stick noodles with ground pork, shrimp and peanuts
7. TAB TIM GROB – Crunchy waterchestnuts with macapuno strips in coco cream
8. KHAO NEAW MAMMUANG – Sticky rice with ripe mango


by: Candice Sandiego-Acuna

Love and Luck in the year of the Metal Tiger

In a life full of uncertainties, we all need a guiding light to point us in the right direction. Especially when it comes to love which on its own can be as confusing as a myriad of complex mazes. We can’t help but wonder, is there really someone out there meant for us? Thankfully our animal signs act as lamppost which illuminates our path towards love and our life in general.

SunStar Plus and Specials Supplement were lucky to have had the chance to talk to Marites Allen, A Feng Shui expert for more than a decade. She had trained for years and had mentorship from various masters in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong kong and China. Ms. Allen is the President and CEO of World of Feng Shui Philippines.

SunStar: Since Chinese New Year falls on Valentine’s Day, what can we expect in terms of love for this year?

Maritess Allen: The elements of the year calls for so much love.. too much that it can cause infidelity especially for those born under the year of the Rat. Rat people will be super extra attractive in intimate things. Singles can easily find love and their soul mates this year. Married couples on the other hand, have to be very careful since it would be affected by external romance. The star of external flower of romance indicates the possibility of extramarital affairs. We should avoid being autocratic and should be more patient and romantic. We need to safeguard our relationship.

SS: What are the primary enhancers for those individuals looking for love?

MA: To be able to find love, you must activate all love enhancers, symbols such as love birds with golden flakes and a pair of mandarin ducks which could be placed in the Southwest area of the house. Singles who are trying to find love needs the double happiness bag and other items with the double happiness sign, these items all available at The World of Feng Shui store in SM. You could also put pictures of your crushes in your room, put a peonie flower in the southwest part of your bedroom or wear a peonie bracelet.

SS: What about married couples?

MA: Put something red or purple in the bedroom. You could also use the double happiness sign and the mystic knot which has no beginning and no end. For rocky marriages, wives should tie an Amethyst crystal gourd at the foot of the bed on your husband’s side. A rooster should also be placed in the west to ward off politicking and jealousy.

SS: what can we expect this year?

MS: In the year of the metal tiger, the missing elements are water and fire. Thus it is very critical to have a water feature in the house like fountains, aquarium and fish ponds. If it’s too expensive then you could put a painting or picture of a fountain in the center of the house. Businesses which will prosper this year are resorts (water) and restaurants (fire). And this year is not the year to change jobs no matter what animal sign you are.

SS: What does this year hold for each animal sign? And how could we increase our luck?

MA: RAT – Mixed year - To attract legitimate love and romance luck, display the Trident with Mandarin Duck Vase in the North corner of your home; For singles, wear the Phoenix with Double Happiness symbol in gold to enhance marriage prospects. Display images of your secret friend, the OX.

OX – Average year - There will be health issues and thus they must carry the Heaven & Earth Energizer as an amulet and must wear the medicine Buddha. Secret friend, Rat.

TIGER – Difficult year -The year brings competitive pressures and intense politicking. Also brings ill health. Carry the Tai Sui Talisman. To protect against sickness, wear the Antahkarana Signet Ring. Secret friend, Rooster

RABBIT –Above average - You will have a generally smooth and productive year. Enhance luck by placing 6 Big Smooth Coins in the east corner of your home. Secret friend, Dog.

Dragon – Not an easy year -Good fortune will reduce, improve your luck, carry the water globe keychain. Display the Double Horned Rhinoceros & Elephant Plaque in the Southeast area of your home. Secret friend, Rooster

Snake – Good year –A great year for you. Place 6 pieces of the Wish Fulfilling Toad in the southeast of your living room and carry the Heaven Seal Amulet. Secret friend, Horse

Horse – Good year -A strong year for you but should develop more patience by wearing the Lotus Mandala Pendant. Your secret friend, the Sheep

Sheep – Difficult year -Obstacles block your progress all throughout the year. Counter these misfortunes by hanging the 5 Element Plaque in the southwest of your home. Secret friend, Horse.

Monkey – Not a good year. Hang the 5 Element Plaque in the SW of your home. Carry the Tai Sui amulet at all times. Secret friend, Snake.

ROOSTER – A good year filled with achievements and auspicious events. Enhance it by carrying the Good Income Amulet for Wealth. Secret friend, Dragon.

DOG –Mixed year - The dog enjoys the Luck of Small Auspicious which means there will be a series of small but meaningful reasons to celebrate. Wear the 9-Eye Dzi Bead. Carry the Bejeweled Mystic knot keychain. Secret friend, Rabbit.

BOAR – Average year -luck both in your career and personal life. Be careful of thieves. Display the Vairocana Plaque in the northwest of your home. Secret friend, tiger.



LUCKY MATCHES:
Rooster & Dragon “Match made in heaven”
Horse & Sheep
Monkey & Snake
Rat & Ox
Boar & Tiger
Rabbit & Dog

UNLUCKY MATCHES
Monkey & Tiger
Ox & Sheep
Boar & Snake
Rooster & Rabbit
Dragon & Dog


WHAT’S YOUR ANIMAL SIGN?
RAT – 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996
OX – 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997
TIGER – 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
RABBIT – 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
DRAGON – 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
SNAKE – 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
HORSE – 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
SHEEP – 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
MONKEY – 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
ROOSTER – 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
DOG – 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
BOAR – 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

by: Candice Sandiego-Acuna
Published last February 11, 2010
SunStar's Plus and Specials Supplement

SET HER FREE …. A poem for Maeng

You hanged on the memories
To the dreams you’ve made
To the plans you’ve weaved
Across the immense sky

You’ve hanged on
To the smell of her hair
To her quirky smile
To every inch of her whole being

But the time has come
Rise from the dead
And pave your own path
Carve your own destiny

Stand up and reborn
The time has come
To set her free
Your destiny awaits you…


Candice Sandiego-Acuna
Dec. 14, 2009

Redemption

REDEMPTION

A multitude of seeds we planted
Different seasons came and gone
A garden of sweet dreams
Meticulously tended through the years

With each season, I became stronger
As you have weakened
The dreams once built on a fortress
Easily shattered by betrayal

Crumbling all of my beliefs
Crippling all of my defenses
As the days past
Insanity gently creeps

The man I was, destroyed in an instant
Countless questions raced through my mind
Crazy thoughts haunted me
Self doubt questions my self worth

But time is the miracle healer
As dawn slowly brightens the horizon
A glimpse of light illuminates
Telling me… “The best is yet to come…”