I have been hearing about the book and movie called “The Secret” for the past two years. It was a bestselling self-help book and movie with a catchy title that can easily dupe someone into buying. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by the title? What secret? And whose secret? Everyone wants to be in the loop.

It was only this evening that I was able to watch it. My friends have been telling me about the good things written in that book – the law of attraction, the universe and stuff. While it did seem to work wonders on their outlooks in life, I remained unimpressed. Deep in my heart I know, with all the talks of attracting good things and imbibing positive energy, there are two things in this book that don’t fit right in my head.

Miss Universe

Joe Vitale, one of the authors of The Secret, said: “And the universe will start to rearrange itself to make it happen for you ..….If you turn it over to the universe you will be surprised and dazzled by what is delivered to you. This is where magic and miracles happen”.

Now, who’s this “universe” they spoke about so endearingly like a magical genie, a god/goddess, and a Santa? According to the dictionary, the universe is defined as “all matter and energy, including the earth, the galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space, regarded as a whole”. If it’s all matter and energy, how is it capable in influencing your luck? Does an algae have a say to your quest for love? Can a black hole tell someone to send you a million dollar check? The light bulb to light up when your electricity was cut off?

It was all about waves, vibes, thoughts, signals and magnetic fields, but none of these authors explained the true nature of this so-called “universe”. If that’s so, why would you trust your life to a duck? Why not find out who created this powerful universe and send him your credit card bills?

The Magnetic Field (Ho ho ho!)

Excuse my manners. I can’t help it.

The Secret basically dedicated itself fully to understanding the Law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction teaches that your thoughts influence chance, and it has been widely-talked about since the early 19th century, in 1994 when I went to church, and then in 2004 when its authors had some sort of a light bulb experience. (Hello, you were not that original.) Here’s how it works: If you think you’re born loser, everything else in your life follows that route. That’s why the authors of the book advise that you should ask the universe for what you desire, believe that you already have it and then receive it.

“You know, this secret gives you everything you want: happiness, health and wealth,” says Bob Proctor. So be careful with what you’d wish for as the universe relies solely on what you feed it – a BMW, Gucci, a Christian Louboutin shoes, a European trip or Ondoy. Because this universe does not think. It does not know reason, therefore whatever you do, you can’t hold it responsible.

But since you’ve been wanting so much of the good life, go rub your lamp. Now. Pfft.

How does The Secret fit in with Christianity?

I knew you’d ask.

They don’t. They remain two different things and you cannot combine them. You can’t have a piece of this and that, and blend them into a secret formula. The end result could be diarrhea.

The Secret attributes your rise and fall to your ability to create your life, with the help of the “universe”. It is verging on too much self-absorption and materialism, feeding on worldly appetites and your fears of losing. “I want a new house, designer clothes, a high-paying job, and expensive holidays. Give me a nose job too.” No problem, the universe will bring it to you. But what if it doesn’t? The blame still falls on you, you of little faith.

The Bible spoke of life filled with tribulations. Your tiny universe can never be perfect because the truth remains that we have always been in this cycle of decay. That’s reality since Day One. But the Bible raised the bar higher than self and went beyond our own appetites to something that is far more everlasting: “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Asking for a blessing and receiving it has always been in parallel with who God is – your Father, and not some universal genie. (Mathew 7: 7-11)

I’d like to share this video with you to remind you of the proper perspective of things when it comes to God and manna:

Manny Pacquiao sure did enjoy himself there with Jimmy Kimmel’s band and an audience chanting his name. It was fun to watch him belt out an old George Benson song, “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You”, and you probably wondered if it was meant for Jinkee. Or Krista. But who cares? Everyone enjoyed watching Pacquiao sing all smiles just 9 days more before he enters the ring with Joshua Clottey.

But nothing beats the enthusiasm of 90 million Filipinos throwing their support to the reigning pound-for-pound king. Pacquiao’s scheduled fights are sacred days to most Filipinos. The March 14 title bout is going to be quiet and crime-free because everyone’s glued to their television sets. Everyone takes a break from their chores, chasing after a very important life insurance lead, or even forgo breathing for the meantime. Even the most vile takes a day-off from spreading terror to see Pacquiao beat another opponent. So far, no one has ever done that here. Not even the Pope.

Now you know.

That lazy orange cat we all call Tito Red is turning 5 this month. We thought it was appropriate to celebrate his birthday together with Buboy, his official masseur. We can’t remember the exact date when he decided to live with us. He just came around as small hungry reddish kitty who stayed outside our door feeding on leftovers. Before we knew it, he was already inching his way inside the house and slowly establishing his territory and position as the 5th member of the family.

Wherever the family goes, Tito Red goes. We have plans for him concerning his diet, grooming and lodging. We will send him to a vet next month to prepare for his transfer to Avida Settings, christen him Tito Red Ayala, being the first pusakal to live in the village, and probably prepare his first communion invitation eblast. Kidding. But what keeps him busy these days is the time he spends on watching Tito Mong work on his computer. He likes Mac.

While we were partying at home, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake shook South America with its epicenter in Chile. Tsunami created by this quake threatens to wash over the islands in the Pacific Ocean, including Japan and the Philippines in 24-hour time frame. Warnings have been issued to the residents of low-lying areas, particularly those who live along the coastal lines of the Pacific to abandon their places and move to a higher ground. Maybe next time consider those Outer Banks beach rentals or any inland summer getaway. But who’s safe these days?

The Chilean earthquake is the fifth strongest on record since 1900. And there were more devastating quakes than that.

1) May 22, 1960
Southern Chile
Magnitude 9.5
Death toll: 1,655

2) March 28, 1964
Prince William Sound, Alaska
Magnitude 9.2
Death toll: 113

3) December 26, 2004
Northern Sumatra
Magnitude 9.1
Death toll: 227,898

4) November 4, 1952
Kamchatka Peninsula
Magnitude 9.0
Death toll: none

5) February 27, 2010
Maule, Chile
Magnitude 8.8
Death toll: to be determined

6) January 31, 1908
Ecuador
Magnitude 8.8
Death toll: unknown

7) February 4, 1965
Rat Islands, Alaska
Magnitude 8.7
Death toll: no reported deaths

8 ) March 28, 2005
Northern Sumatra
Magnitude 8.6
Death toll: 1,400

9) August 15, 1950
Assam, India and Tibet
Magnitude 8.6
Death toll: 780

10) March 9, 1957
Andreanof Islands, Alaska
Magnitude 8.6
Death toll: none

That very familiar spot along SM Megamall’s bridgeway is now home to a 250-seater hawker center whose often busy open kitchen draws in curious passersby. The thrill of flames and clanking woks of this place called Orchard Road are distinct reminders of Singapore’s hawker centers, along with a variety of authentic regional Asian dishes prepared right before your very eyes. The only difference is that Orchard Road is an improved version of a typical hawker center in Singapore – it’s comfortable and relaxing, clean, well-staffed and air-conditioned. There’s none like it around Metro Manila that makes dining experience unique and a bit more exciting at a price one can easily afford.

Orchard Road’s flavorful food offers are basically of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western influences that represent the cultural diversity in Singapore. They have Singaporean chefs in the house that work with local cooks in making these dishes fit the Filipino tastebuds without compromising their authenticity. For starters, check out their appetizing deep-fried spring rolls or the White Carrot Cake made of diced and stir-fried radish with an egg mixture. Try their house specialties like the steamed Hainanese Chicken served with rice, chili sauce, dark soy sauce, and ginger paste, or their hot and spicy Laksa with shrimp, egg and chicken in coconut curry gravy. For dessert, order their Thai specialty called Iced Red Ruby. It is usually made by boiling pieces of water–chestnut covered in tapioca flour and red food coloring, served over shaved ice, rose syrup, and evaporated milk. The Kaya Toast (coconut jam-filled grilled toast) is perfectly paired with the classic “Teh Tarik” or “pulled tea”. These tempting offers could certainly make you forget about your calorie count, but let the most effective diet pill in the market take care of your dietary worries, or just simply jog the following day. That should solve your problem.

Ordering from their extensive tick-list of 60 plus food items can be quite a daunting task. But they have hosts that can assist you with your choices and take you to a self-serve counter where you place your orders, pay and get your number. While waiting for your food be delivered to your table, enjoy the sight of their classy Southeast Asian-inspired interiors and the fragrant smell of oriental flavors wafting through the air.

Orchard Road is the brainchild of Singaporean TV celebrity Vivien Tan-Vaca and her Filipino husband, Dudo Vaca. Together with local investors, they named this restaurant “Orchard Road” after the famous entertainment, retail and food hub of the country.

Wow.

That was my reaction when I played his “Straight Up” Hollywood piece. It was a Paula Abdul original but Andrew Garcia turned it around into something that made everyone gasped. Because it was oh so good you won’t believe your ears. Even Simon was floored by his performance, ” “The only person who’s walked through today who I genuinely believe is a good singer…a genuinely, genuinely, good, good singer…”

Of course, after that audition piece went on air, I’ve read a couple of queries on his ethnic background. Most people back here asked if he is a Filipino. Sure he does look like one – with dark hair and a built that seemed to be in need of weight loss products prescription. But Andrew Garcia is a pure-blooded Latino. His girlfiend/wife, according to news, is a Filipina named Christine Concepcion. Satisfied?

Andrew Garcia is already a dad living with his family in Moreno Valley. They say that his parents grew up in the streets of Compton and were very active in the gangster lifestyle. But somehow life changed a bit and we can see how Andrew cherished his young family by spending more time with them.

Watch out for this guy.

GMA 7’s SOP (Sobrang Okey, Pare) will have its final episode this Sunday, February 28, after 13 years of live Sunday noontime entertainment. SOP lost the ratings war to ABS-CBN’s ASAP over the past few months.

I used to be an SOP fan, until the program’s format slowly became boring and predictable. The program simply stopped evolving creatively from the stage set to their segments. There seemed to be a dearth of new good artists while pioneers Regine Velasquez, Jaya, Janno Gibbs and Ogie Alcasid started to lose their luster already as the years go by. You see them grow old doing those back-to-back segment and one can’t help but change channels. It sort of evolved into like a German Moreno 80’s show, or any program that carry home TV shopping segments selling diet supplements. Now, who wants a recycled show?

What SOP needs is a major makeover – from their creative team down to their hosts. Getting it off the air was a smart move. But the challenge remains – whatever the management replaces it with should be really really good.

If it weren’t for the humongous EDSA traffic yesterday, I wouldn’t be able to watch the movie “Valentine’s Day” in Megamall. Not that it was a great movie. It was an okay movie that allowed room for a few laughs and twinkling thoughts about the beloved. The best part was I had the whole back row seat for myself and was able to stretch my aching legs comfortably.

Back to Valentine’s Day, I can only say that the movie lacked substance. If it weren’t for big name stars like Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Taylor Swift, Anne Hathaway, Jamie Fox and Taylor Lautner, I’d say it was completely forgettable. I don’t really attribute that to the complex story of a dozen lives in Los Angeles that sort of connect with each other. It’s a Facebook movie plot. Too predictable, a no brainer. It’s like buying a phentermine without prescription. There’s nothing really special about it.

Ho-hum. But the trip to the cinema was certainly worth the time spent waiting for the traffic to die down.

Here’s the shocking thing. I found out I weighed 10lbs heavier these days than I did a year ago. I pretty much have the idea that it was not just stress or lack of sleep. It was my bad dietary habit of starving myself during daytime and getting into a full meal at night. Not to mention that I move less these days, spending hours in front of the computer either working or just facebooking.

I have recently implemented a “no work at home” weekend policy, to reduce my stress levels and idle time sitting. Quite successful there. And I managed to include regular servings of fruits daily. And just today, we took off extra pounds of beef and meat from our grocery list, and diverted the budget to fruits, vegetables and fish.

While finalizing my gym enrollment, tomorrow is going to be the start of my “walk week”.

I’ve searched around and found significant amount of information about walking. It’s easy, simple and rather cheaper than your weight loss product. All you need is a pair of good shoes, a schedule, and a route. Then you’re good to go!

Here’s my Walk Week 1 plan:

- 15-minutes of brisk walking for 5 days
- Destination: just around the neighborhood
- Time: 6AM

Now the diet: Strictly NO RICE and heavy dinner. All in the name of fitness.

It has been a family tradition to have Pancit in every celebration – from birthdays to Halloween parties. Mind you, there are varieties of Pancit out there to choose from – bihon, canton, sotanghon, malabon, and recently the cup variety. Pancit in Hokkien is “pian i sit” which means “something conveniently cooked fast”. In the past, it would take us at least an hour to prepare the dish. But the advent of instant noodles changed the way we look at it. The dish lived up to its reputation as something easy to prepare. In fact, it’s just one cup of hot water away.

Every Filipino family honor this culinary practice since the time the noodles reached our shores from China in the 19th century. Yes, this particular dish is Chinese in origin introduced to us by these enterprising people, among other things like tikoy, firecrackers, abacus and probably an mmf drawer. To give it a marketing edge, they added a special meaning to it – long noodles symbolize long life. Who would refuse that? Cut the noodles short then you change its meaning. Have none, you run against fate. But these days, it took a different meaning. Eat more of it then you gain weight, plus interest. We have become a carbo-conscious generation.

But no matter how you look like it, this is not your ordinary Pancit. It’s versatile. Eat it with bread and rice. Fry it or boil it. Take them raw too. Put chicken, meat or seafood. Or just plain water. It’s filling and appetizing, not to mention cheaper at P5. If rice is a staple in this country, this one probably lands second.