Rowling's New Calling

J.K. Rowling has been an inspiration to many readers worldwide. She gave us a vital piece of our childhood--Harry Potter, and we'll be eternally grateful. I admire her so much and personally believe she's one of the greatest writers of all time.

Having said these, it makes perfect sense that she continue writing post-Harry. In The Casual Vacancy, she ventured into the total opposite of HP's magical theme. However, it was so raw and badly realistic that most critics and avid fans were left disappointed. Ate Faye said she wanted to throw her tablet (and maybe a hissy fit) at J.K. after finishing its eBook.

The synopsis didn't appeal to me so I never read it. Now, when she released her 1st ever mystery novel, I just knew it was going to be good. All those impeccably crafted details and twisted plots in the Potter series were premonition enough that mystery is her next fated genre.

In 2013, she penned The Cuckoo's Calling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. Once again, her lead is a male in the form of Cormoran Strike, a bright albeit slightly troubled detective. His case to solve: To prove that Lula Landry, a supermodel who fell from her rooftop to her death, did not commit suicide and was in fact, murdered. Of course, I was tricked by Rowling's fine story-telling that I suspected just about everyone in the book and couldn't make up my mind on "Who dunnit?" up until the very end.

I don't care that I was practically a deer in the headlights since that heart-stopping moment of revelation has always been the best part. Apparently, it has been a success and reports mentioned a 2nd book in the series called The Silkworm coming up this June. I can't wait to see what happens next to Strike and admittedly, to be made a complete fool again by my favorite author. Always a pleasure.

-Martha

Pure Bliss

I have a question to ask and a confession to make. The question is "Do you believe in love at first sight?" and my confession is "Yes, I do." Normally, I'm not the type of person who would utter such declarations but someone made me change my belief.

Hi, Baby! :)

Although I knew of our impending meeting, I wasn't prepared when I finally saw him in person. I didn't think I could love someone upon laying eyes on them but last February, I did.

At first, I couldn't explain my feelings when I held hands with him. I wasn't afraid or anything so I just went for it. I took him in my arms and held him there for a long time. I tried to look into his eyes but they're closed. So I looked at his nose, lips, ears, and everywhere I could get my eyes on instead. It didn't take as much time as you'd think because he's only about a foot and half long.

I know I got you confused. I'm talking about my brand new nephew, of course! I was so amazed how a tiny being could bring out so much emotion from a person such as myself. I can't begin to imagine how his parents must feel. If I have to describe my 1st meeting with this little man, well, I just have to call it pure bliss.


-Faye

Tempurista

After dutifully tagging along while Ate Faye ran some errands one morning, I was rewarded with a scrumptious lunch at Tempura Japanese Grill. In retrospect, it's a bit ironic that we didn't order any tempura but it's fine since we snagged some great choices instead.

Uncle Sam's Maki (₱210) started our dining experience with a bang. Shrimp, mango, cucumber, and cream cheese bordered with rice and topped in bacon bits and mayo. It's like all good things rolled in one maki. So good! Arigatou gozaimasu, Uncle Sam (whoever you are) for creating this masterpiece.

Their Tori Teriyaki (₱215) was nice. Not the best we've ever tasted but it was nice. The chicken was moist and tender with just the right sweetness and smokey flavor from the grill.

Need to take a pic with my
new-found love,
Uncle Sam's Maki.

I was really craving for seafood, squid in particular, so I chose their Kaisen Sizzler (₱365) and was not disappointed. The platter consisted of generous chunks of tuna and salmon, clams, shrimp, and of course, squid with vegetables sauteed in a rich, savory sauce. Our orders didn't have rice yet so Ate had the Gomoku Chahan (₱75) which was fried rice and I had the Gohan (₱45) which was plain rice sprinkled with black sesame seeds on top.

Truth was, we couldn't make up our minds where to eat that day. Ate wanted rice and I wanted my squid so we went to the nearest restaurant that met both descriptions. The ambiance was unassuming and there was just one table occupied aside from us. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it so much. We walked in Tempura without any plans on doing another Japanese food review but walked out with every intention of doing one. We were pretty impressed.

Rating: 4.25/5

-Martha

Location:

Tempura Japanese Grill - GF Robinsons Place Manila, Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila