Chocolate review: Auro 42% milk chocolate with banana chips

I've often wrote in this blog that we are more into dark chocolates rather than the sweeter milk or white chocolates. This chocolate is again one of the exceptions as it is a delight to eat. I was also curious how the banana chips blended with the chocolate. We eat bananas (the saba) with hot chocolate and you can definitely dip them like they do apples and other fruits in fondues.

The chocolate comes in this nice packaging. There's something elegant in the design that has Philippine design elements (as I recall from my college humanities class).

Nutrition and ingredients information at the back of the box.

Ingredients including allergen information are written at the back of the box. The chocolate has also been certified as Halal (permissible or acceptable under Muslim law).

Nutrition information about the chocolate

I think this is our last bar of Auro chocolates from the pack I ordered last April or May. I already ordered and received a few bars from the 10.10 sale earlier this month. That replenished our chocolate cache and should tide us by until December (we do get our 'regular' chocolates from the supermarket).

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Changing the watch band of the Seiko UFO

I acquired my Seiko 6138-0017 with its original watch band. However, it was too small for my wrist and I couldn't adjust the strap or find links for it. And so I purchased leather rally straps for this UFO so I can use it. While it looked good on the rally straps, there's just something not quite right about it. The watch is something that in my opinion deserved to be with a stainless steel band. Fortunately, I had a spare one from a watch band change I made with my 6138-8000.

I have used this chronograph infrequently. There's something about the stainless steel band though that seems to appropriate for this watch and a joy to wear on the wrist.

The stainless steel band came from my 6138-8000 (slide rule). I replaced this band with another and that freed this one up to be used for the UFO.

Not related to the band change but what the heck...here's a lume shot of the UFO that I recently took.

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Gone to the dogs

We love dogs and especially our dogs at home. Each has his or her unique 'personality'. Here are a few recent photos of our dogs.

An afternoon walk with our daughter pairing with our maltese-poodle mix and I with our Golden Retriever

Hiccup is 3/4 Golden Retriever, which would explain his size and fur. He is also very smart, which is probably among the things he got from his mother. He grew very quickly during this pandemic (born during the first lockdown last year) and fortunately he was quick to learn and remember how to take walks outdoors without mixing it up with other dogs especially the strays in our neighborhood.

These two are practically inseparable and are usually affectionate with each other. I guess this is the dog version of spooning?

More on our dogs in future posts!

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First lunch back at the office

It's been about 2.5 months since I have been at the office. I finally went to the university to hold my class from there as well as to pick up some books and notes I needed to be able to continue mostly working from home. Since I was the only one in our laboratory, I checked if anyone close was also at the office so I could have someone to have lunch with. While I don't have any problem having a meal by myself, I thought it was a good idea to do a catch up. Fortunately, one close friend was there and we ordered a nice lunch via Grab.

Katsu meal set from Yabu - we both had the hire katsu, which was the lean one (the rosu katsu is the one with fat)

Looking at the packaging, I saw that they printed reheating instructions for their (Yabu)  products and those from their other restaurants. This is for Elephant Grounds and Hannosuke.

This one's for Ippudo, Yabi and Hachibei.

I miss eating Japanese food at our favorite restaurants. While many of these restaurants like Yabu and Ippudo are still in business (others have not survived the pandemic), we are still hesitant and refrain from eating out (dining in at these restos). Take out or delivery meals like these will do for now.

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Rediscovering prayer and thoughts for the new normal

I think the recent bout with Covid-19 made me closer to God. I don't deny my faith but perhaps I have been quite busy that prayer and other forms of meditation were not as central to my  Of course, not everyone share this faith and view, and I respect that. This is not to preach but just sharing my own experiences in my blog.

This rosary was among the items the wife brought back home from her trip to Rome, Italy a few years ago. It still very fragrant as if the roses were still fresh.

This booklet came from the Shrine dedicated to Padre Pio of Petrelcina in Eastwood, Quezon City. I frequented this shrine before as I made my way to my office after dropping off the wife at her office at BGC (traffic wasn't as bad then). We even heard Mass on some Sundays here. This was truly a place of refuge and meditation for people needing some "time out" in their daily grind.

One close friend shared that one thing we should realize, if we had not yet done so, is that we are not in control. I tend to agree with this view especially as we reflect on what is happening around us with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, science and medicine have proven that we can meet this head on but with so many variables and new strains (i.e., mutations) to this virus, even scientists and medical experts admit that there is so much we do not know yet about Covid-19. It is good that we have had breakthroughs in vaccinations and treatments though, and at the least reduced the number of very serious or desperate cases. And yet hospitals are already full or overloaded with Covid patients to the point of the health care system being overwhelmed. Hopefully, these troubled times will ease for most of us and perhaps we can live with Covid-19. That will be the true new normal we must embrace and adjust to.

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Vintage Helvetia with sub-dial and H64 movement

I've had a couple of Helvetia watches before. I only featured one in this blog. I've parted with both, with the other very quickly as I didn't like what it looked like when I finally got it. That one sold quickly as it featured a signed crown and signed Helvetia movement, and was perhaps attractive to those collecting vintage watches. The aesthetics just wasn't okay with me. Here is something that suited me from the dial to the fancy lugs.

The watch features raise hour markers and dauphine hands. There are no day or date complications but there is a second sub-dial.

Side view showing the crown. This is supposed to be original but it is unsigned.

 

Case back with what appears as a serial number but then there are only three numbers

The other side view showing scratches on the lugs

Inside the watch is a signed Cal. H64 movement. This is one of Helvetia's in-house movements that run at 18,000 beats per hour with a potential power reserve of 47h when fully wound. The movement also dates the watch to the 1950s when this caliber was produced by the company.

 

The watch is gold-plated. The hallmark may be seen at the top of the body above 12 o'clock.

Close-up of the dial

A wrist shot with this elegant dress watch

 

I've timed the watch on several occasions and it runs 46 hours on average when fully wound. Not bad for a watch from the 1950s. I also recently changed the strap as the faux leather straps the watch came with were already falling apart. This one looks to be a keeper for now and I've worn in on weekends so far.

For those interested, here is a link to the Helvetia website for stuff like historical notes: https://www.helvetiahistory.co.uk/

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Hello there, Covid-19

I hesitated writing about us getting Covid-19 until we were all in the clear. Our entire household got infected with 3 batches. The first batch was my wife, our daughter and two helpers. We suspect our daughter and one kasambahay were the first as they had fevers the same day. The other kasambahay, who is also the nanny of our daughter didn't have symptoms except coughs but probably got infected because she shared a room with the other kasambahay.

It truly takes just one mistake for the virus to infect one and spread to others in a household. We could only suspect where we got Covid and who got it first. We suspect that the first one infected was one of our kasambahays who had only one dose of the Sinovac vaccine. She probably got it from the village's Sunday talipapa or perhaps when she went to send money through the Palawan Express near the village gate. While it may not be from the farmers-vendors or staff of the pawnshop, it may have been from one of the people buying or transacting from them. The virus spread to our 7-year old daughter who was unvaccinated and then to my wife who was fully vaccinated but with Sinovac, too. The fourth was another kasambahay who seemed to be asymptomatic with the resistance likely coming from her being fully vaccinated, too, but with the Pfizer vaccine. I manifested symptoms (fever mainly and then coughs) a week after them and when the four already were clearly getting well already. 

Only the four had the formal test to determine if they got Covid-19. As we were living in the same house, we were advised by our doctors that we should already assume that everyone was infected. And so we did home quarantine and informed the barangay and local government of our circumstances. To their credit, the latter checked on us almost everyday and have issued our clearances over the last few weeks, certifying our completing the quarantines.

As of this writing, the two seniors in our household, my in-laws, are also already clear in as far as the most critical stages of Covid infection is concerned. Both also had their vaccines (Sinovac) and that probably saved them from more severe illness and hospitalization. There's just so many sad stories you read or hear about people being hospitalized for being seriously afflicted with Covid-19, especially those with comorbidities. Even healthy people who have no history of complications like hypertension, heart disease or diabetes can become seriously ill and some have died from Covid-19. I have lost count of those whom I know who have lost their lives to Covid-19. It seems that everyday, I learn about someone I know who or who have relatives who have succumbed to the virus. That makes us very sad if not depressed.

It took a while for me to write this and not all the details are here. I would say though that we are thankful that we had our vaccinations and that our doctors were quick to anticipate how the infection would play out. No one ended up needing to be hospitalized. We are also very thankful of our relatives and friends for the support they gave during that very testing time. The care packages we received were very generous and helped a lot as we strictly kept within the premises of our home.

Perhaps the next question now is whether boosters will be allowed. I am aware of the controversies and allegations of how immoral this may be but I think the most vulnerable people need boosters and whenever they are available should be given to those needing them (prioritize senior citizens and people with other serious conditions like diabetes, cancer, hypertension, etc.). My niece and nephew got their first shots of Pfizer today as they were part of the pilot program vaccinating minors. Hopefully, all our children can be vaccinated, too, and this will surely help build immunity for everyone. 

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Vintage Zenith automatic watch with Cal. 7542C movement

A recent addition to my collection is this automatic from Zenith. The brand needs to further introductions but it is worth noting that at one point the company was sold to the Zenith television company of the US and eventually folded until it was revived in the 1980s, with the production of perhaps its most famous model - the El Primero.

The watch has a rather simple dial with a date complication. It is actually missing its second hand, which I don't really mind.

Side view with the signed crown

 

Case back - there are no serial numbers or other information etched here. I suspect that maybe this was over-polished.

The other side view. There are no visible hallmarks on the case indicating if this is a gold plated watch.

Close up of the dial

The watch is powered by a Cal. 2542PC movement, which runs at 21,600 A/h with a potential power reserve of 46 hours. The movement dates the watch to have been made between 1964-1969.

Another photo of the movement. I haven't had the opportunity to open the watch or have it checked. It's running quite well so I guess the check with my watch guy can wait for now. The photos of the movement came from the seller.

Inside the case back there is something that indicates this watch to have a gold filled bezel.

This one's another keeper. I mentioned that it's quite difficult to find vintage Zenith watches in good condition (even more for those in great or mint condition). More so if you're looking for bargains. The jury is out there regarding the market value for these watches but they won't come cheap especially in the Philippines. I got this cheap at perhaps 1/3 or 1/4 of the market value.

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A Philippine serpent eagle in Antipolo

We've seen this bird several times but just couldn't get a decent photo. We finally got a few nice and clear photos one weekend when the bird swooped across our path to settle unto a tree branch nearby. It appeared to be hunting and did not mind our presence as it focused on its prey. It eventually raided another tree that sent the squirrel scampering about. Unfortunately, it didn't catch one. Maybe it will eventually and have a nice weekend meal.

The bird perched on a branch and was eyeing the squirrels in another tree

Close-up of a photo taken by my wife

There are many other birds in our neighborhood and there are more arriving this time of year as we welcome the migratory birds that typically flock to the country and our area. Already, we've spotted cranes or herons that you see in many rice fields and near bodies of water (e.g., Hinulugang Taktak). There also seems to be an increase in the crow population. We now regularly hear the familiar "wak" or "uwak" with a couple usually perching on our narra or other large trees nearby. I jokingly mentioned this to friends who I was with while we were studying in Japan that the sounds make me feel as if I were just in Tokyo or Yokohama.

Replacing watch bracelets

Last August, I received my order of original, model specific bracelets for my Seiko chronographs. After some procrastination on my part, I decided to purchase these from a seller in Spain.

These came from Spain where I found a seller of original Seiko bracelets. It took some time to ship and processed for release but it was all worth it when it arrived and I replaced the bracelets of my favorite chronographs.

I have my tools at home for quick resizing of the bracelets.

Here's my vintage slide rule with new bracelet.

And here's a bullhead with the fish bone bracelet.

I have a couple more of the bracelets in reserve, and the ones I replaced can go to other watches. There are watches that I feel really require the stainless steel bracelets than the leather straps. These include the big Seiko chronographs (the 6138s) that are among my favorites and highly collectible. That, of course, should not take away anything from the high quality straps I get from my favorite leather craftsman (Two One Four Straps). These straps I think are most suitable for the vintage Swiss watches including some hand-wound chronographs in my collection.

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K-Pop coffee?

I went to a nearby convenience store to get some ice cream. I ended up picking up a few of these to sample the coffee with the wife who was quite amused about the variants for the hot brew and cold brew.

We have to admit that the Vanilla Latte was good even if its not heated.

Found these in the refrigerated section.

The Americano proved to be strong so I think it can substitute for 'barako' for a wake up effect.

 

I am not familiar with the members of BTS but I have heard and watched them on TV. Pretty catchy tunes and nice dance moves! Our daughter seems excited about them despite her being only seven. Our teener was more familiar with the names, which I forget easily. I assume they're the most popular group in the world now? No matter... the coffee is good!

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Thinking about Covid-19's impact on our lives - Part 3

A lot has been written or said about our state of mental well-being. Depression is still generally misunderstood in the country. It is often equated to being sad (as opposed to being unhappy) and not being able to cope with that sadness. In certain cases, the person might get blamed for not having an outlet or outlets for this 'sadness'. That tends to oversimplify or trivialize something that is much deeper and which requires much more attention than what it looks like to many.

Each one of us may have different ways to cope with the various feelings we experience. Those who have hobbies and other outlets might be giving these more time. Some may pick up a new hobby or more depending on the person's disposition and personality. These can be the simple ones like reading, drawing walking or biking (if allowed depending on the guidelines for outdoor activities). Others can be expensive like gardening (i.e., the plantita/plantito types) or sports biking.

Observing the behavior of my students helped me at least to try to understand what many of them might be feeling but that was when classes were face to face. During these times, it is really difficult to do the same. You cannot 'feel' for someone you are not physically in contact with. Virtual is basically impersonal unless you already know a person and can imagine the body language, how he/she thinks in a variety of situations, how he/she grew up and the environment around him/her. But people also change and a person you knew from 5 years ago may not be the same one now.  Covid-19 certainly changed us. It practically changed the world and how we view life and survival. Sadly though, it does not seem enough to move people to act in order for certain officials to take responsibility for letting the pandemic linger, mutate and infect more as it is doing now. That also needs to change if most of us will survive this ordeal.

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