Penny Angeles-Tan, Author at Slvrdlphn.com

On A Pale Horse by Piers Anthony

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 1, 2007 | Book Reviews

On A Pale Horse by Piers Anthony is the first book of the Incarnations of Immortality series that puts a spotlight on Death.

The Grim Reaper has compassion! That is a pleasant thought. And he only comes for those souls in balance. Other souls can make their own way to heaven or hell, depending on their “accumulated points” of positive or negative thoughts and deeds.

Somehow, death isn’t as scary a thought as it used to be. This anthropomorphism of the concept of death is unique for its time. It tells us that death is not a killer. He is just there to fetch souls.

When we (meaning my sisters and parents and me) read this book in the 80s we had quite a philosophical discussion. It also led to us actively seeking out the next books in the series.

It’s an old book so you might be able to find On A Pale Horse by Piers Anthony at a thrift shop or you can just go to Amazon and get a copy in Kindle, Audible, hardcover, or paperback.

Hysteria is not what I thought it was

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 8, 2007 | Video reviews

Warning: The topic is meant for an adult audience.

A few months ago I downloaded this video called Turn Me On: The History of the Vibrator. Never mind why I downloaded it. That isn’t relevant to this post, hehehe. I finally got around to watching the video last night and, of course, I got to see thousands upon thousands of dildos and vibrators in all shapes and sizes. But I was surprised to discover just how interesting the history of the vibrator was going to be.

And then I saw online this movie starring Maggie Gyllenhaal called Hysteria. This movie shows us how the vibrator came about.

Once upon a time there were women who would be diagnosed with an illness they called hysteria. Symptoms would be fainting spells, flushed skin, enlarged genitals, sleeplessness and moaning (as if in pain). Turns out that what they labeled as hysteria was actually an arousal without attaining an orgasm.

It seemed that a lot of women back then couldn’t get off. Their families would bring them to doctors who would then massage their genitals for them until they get off. This was not a sexual act back then because there was no penis involved. For the doctors and patients it was a clinical procedure.

Strained hands and several patients later a doctor invented a device akin to a small rolling pin about 2 inches wide with a handle. From the photo it looked like the roller had little nubs all over it. The doctor would then use this contraption to stimulate the patient. Years later, the first vibrator was invented. It looked like a cork screw with a funky bend and on one end was a spinning disk. Scary .. but apparently effective. They discovered that vibration speeded up the “healing process” so that patients would be in and out of their office 10 minutes tops!

A gynecologist they interviewed said that a woman suffering from hysteria is just like a man with an unfulfilled arousal. When a man gets aroused his genitals get filled with blood. Once he ejaculates, he goes into paroxysm, the blood drains and he goes limp and he is fine. When a woman is aroused her genitals get filled with blood, too. Until the blood is drained (in other words, once she has an orgasm) she suffers from hysteria.

Here is a timeline I saw at bupipedream.com

1653: Doctors recommended the following as an ailment for hysteria: “…we consider it necessary to ask a midwife to assist so that she can massage the genitalia with one finger inside using oil of lilies, musk root, crocus or [something] similar. And in this way the afflicted woman can be aroused to paroxysm…most especially for widows, those who live chaste lives, and female religious…it is less often recommended for very young women, or married women, for whom it is a better remedy to engage in intercourse with their spouses.”
Early 1800s: Doctors try other strategies for arousing women including rocking chairs, a swing, and vehicles that bounced the patient rhythmically on her pelvis.
1870: A wind-up vibrator is made available to both spas and physicians, but it has a tendency to run down before the treatment is complete.
1872: An American physician patents the “Manipulator” – a steam-powered massage and vibratory apparatus. He warns treatment should be watched to avoid over-manipulation.
1880s: A British physician invents the electromechanical vibrator for use as a medical instrument.
1900: Other physicians follow suit with contraptions intended to serve as vibrators. Articles and textbooks on vibratory massage technique praised the machine’s versatility for treating nearly all diseases in both sexes and saving physicians time and labor. These vibrators reduced the time of “getting there” from up to an hour to approximately 10 minutes.
1905: Convenient portable models become available, permitting house calls.
1900-1920: Vibrators were advertised in Home Needlework Journal as a health and relaxation aid with which “all the pleasures of youth will throb within you.”
1918: Sears and Roebuck & Company Electric Goods catalog advertises a vibrator attachment for a home motor that also drives attachments for churning, beating, buffing and fan operating
1920s: Stag films started using vibrators as props. Physicians realized that orgasm didn’t necessarily involve penetration. And once they connected “arousal to paroxysm” with eroticism, the vibrator’s era as a medical appliance ended.
1960s: Vibrator re-emerges and is openly marketed as a sex aid.
1970s: Medical authorities still assure men that a woman who does not reach orgasm during sexual coitus was flawed or suffering from some physical or psychological impairment.
1990s: research shows that more than half of all women, possibly more than 70 percent, do not reach orgasm by means of penetration alone.

Whether or not you actually use one or are contemplating using one, this is an interesting video. I recommend it to open-minded adults.

Chef Tony – A whole lot of poppin’ goin’ on!

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 29, 2006 | Yummy Reviews

Note: Because of the recent disaster of my site (March 3, 2016) I actually had to reconstruct my posts and lost a lot of pics. There are many pics below that I could no longer find as the flavors are also no longer available. 🙁

There are some types of food that we associate with certain activities. Hotdogs make people think of sports. Cake brings birthdays to mind. Cotton candy makes us all think of the carnival. But all will agree that popcorn and soda are meant to be eaten while watching a flick. Whether a movie or TV marathon … or just as pica-pica for a party POPCORN is definitely a hit!

Last night, October 28, we had a popcorn party here at my place. SEVEN FLAVORS of Chef Tony’s popcorn were spread out on the table just waiting to be eaten.

The original taste of caramel with the slightest hint of saltiness that sets the buttery, crunchy popcorn goodness in every bite. – from Chef Tony Brands

#1 – Original

Choosing the flavor I liked the best was so hard! I just liked them all! For conservatives, it is always good to go original. You can’t go wrong there. It’s your classic popcorn flavor without the mess!

#2 – Light

Those who are “watching their weight” will enjoy the light. It isn’t exactly guiltless ’cause it still has butter and sugar, but Chef Tony guarantees 50% less of both! I worried at first that it would contain artificial sweetener and I was relieved not to encounter the medicinal taste of Nutrasweet, Equal, or Splenda.

#3 – Cinnamon Butter

Opening the tub of Cinnamon Butter was surreal. The distinctive smell of cinnamon just wafts into your nostrils, and in my case, made me think of cinnamon rolls and coffee. I thought it tasted good, too, but perhaps on the sweet side. I like it but I don’t think I can consume a small tub on my own.

#4 – Pesto

Pesto, pesto, pesto! It makes me think of pasta! To complete the pasta experience, though, I would recommend the addition of maybe pine nuts or more basil into the mix. Also, I think it could afford to be less sweet and saltier. Nonetheless, I CAN finish a whole (small) tub on my own. I know I have in the past, hehe.

A sweet and salty blend of cheese with creamy Italian taste that is reminiscent of delicious Carbonara. – from Chef Tony Brands

#5 – Parmesan

When I heard that there was Parmesan flavor I admit that I was a bit apprehensive. I know that sounds weird, but … I just don’t like getting my hands dirty, hehe. I hate it when I buy cheese flavored popcorn and they pour on this powdered orange-colored cheese that just stains everything and is extremely messy. Dirty hands are a guarantee.

To my surprise, Chef Tony’s Parmesan flavored popcorn is nothing like that! In appearance, it looks a lot like the ORIGINAL flavor. And then you open the tub and the smell of the PARMESAN hits you. Every bite is a harmony of cheese and butter!

We loved this flavor so much that we almost consumed the contents of the tub in 5 minutes! This was while recording our comments, mind you. None of the other flavors went as fast! Hooray for parmesan!

Now it is time for some nuts!

A crispy Chef Tony’s Popcorn coated with light White Chocolate perfectly paired with whole Walnuts. – from Chef Tony Brands

#6 – White Chocolate Walnut

We now open the tub of White Chocolate Walnut. I have to tell you right now … I’m not a fan of white chocolate, per se. I’m more of a dark chocolate kind of gal. But I do love chocolate and I do love walnuts, and the way the flavors blended was just perfect!

You still can’t get me to eat white chocolate in bar form but on Chef Tony’s popcorn, I will eat it by the handful. The sweetness of the chocolate and the bitterness of the walnuts made an interesting contrast. I think this flavor is perfect to give as a gift.

#7 – Roasted Almond Mochachino

The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee joins a shot of chocolate for a crispy mocha-latey snack. Plus a bunch of whole almonds to top it all off. – from Chef Tony Brands

We are down to the last flavor for the day … Roasted Almond Mochachino. To say I was excited about this one is an understatement. From the name itself, I knew to expect something fun! Think about it, coffee-flavored popcorn … with whole almonds! How can you go wrong? I tried eating this flavor today while enjoying a cup of coffee and it was perfect!

Roasted Almond Mochachino is the perfect blend of coffee, chocolate, popcorn, and fresh almonds. Coffee lovers everywhere will definitely enjoy this flavor.

Some people say that the best food critics are kids. It isn’t true that they will eat anything. As a matter of fact, they are quite obvious when they hate something! There were 4 kids sampling the popcorn with us, and the youngest of the bunch was my nephew Gene. At a year and a half, he knows EXACTLY what he wants! He tried all the flavors, and did not turn any away!!! As a matter of fact, he came back for seconds and thirds! Actually, he DEMANDED for seconds and thirds, hehe. I’d say he ate about as much as a small tub full of popcorn.

Now to the packaging …

The labels are a mite confusing, and the color combinations don’t always work. The original design is good, though. But the background has a tendency to make me cross-eyed, especially the green and red combination.

The containers are top-notch! Most people don’t notice this but … his containers are marked 5 on the recyclable scale. This is good! If your plastic containers are marked 5 to 7 then that is definitely recyclable. Most plastic containers of foodstuff nowadays are rated a 1or a 3 and those are ideally just for one use. This makes buying Chef Tony’s popcorns not only a delicious decision but a practical one as well! We noticed, also, that the containers are “child-proof”. This is a good thing because it means that the container is airtight and will keep the contents fresh longer. Oh, and it means the kids can’t sneak a bite without our knowledge, hehe. Is there an easier way to open it?

How to open a tub of happiness

Conclusion …

Chef Tony’s popcorn is gourmet at an affordable price! It is the perfect date snack, the perfect viewing companion, and the perfect gift! If you haven’t tasted it yet, I promise you, you are missing out!

Chef Tony’s has 2 more flavors we didn’t get to taste: Macadamia Swirl and Caramel Pecan. Based on the seven above, these 2 are bound to be great! I can’t wait to taste them, too! Watch out for the Christmas flavors coming soon.

You can find Chef Tony’s outlets at Tomas Morato (Quezon City across the street from McDonald’s), Metrowalk (Ortigas Center near Pancake House), and Mega Mall Building A (near National Bookstore. For inquiries, you may call them at 0917-500-CORN.

Did we have fun? Was the popcorn good? ABSOLUTELY! I can honestly say, I haven’t tasted anything better! Kudos, Anthony!

ZsaZsa Zaturnnah (Ze Muzikal)

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 27, 2006 | Theater Review

8 pm … February 26, 2006 … CCP Studio Theater … my friends (Madz, Alz (Madz’ friend), Nudge, Silverhakai, Dekya, and Maigaray, and I watched that AWESOME musical play ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH (Ze Muzikal). I’m actually having some difficulty writing this review because, so far, everything about it is not just good, it’s great! The set, the costumes, the actors, the lines, the music … everything!

In any case, I will try my best to break it down into coherent components … for the benefit of those who may want to see this play. By the way, as far as I know, the tickets are sold out already and they may not extend the show ’cause of the schedule of the actors. Info taken from Carlo Vergara’s blogsite.

Carlo Vergara‘s Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah is considered by many readers and critics alike as a tour de force among the recent crop of Filipino comic books. Combining irreverent humor, pop culture sensibilities, and nuanced writing, Zsazsa Zaturnnah has been postively received by readers of various age groups and economic backgrounds.

Zsazsa Zaturnnah tells the story of Ada, a cynical resident of a small provincial town, who gains superhuman abilities through a stone that falls from the heavens. With the ability to transform into the voluptuous and powerful Zaturnnah, Ada defends his hometown from dangerous otherworldly threats.

Adding color to this simple tale is the fact that Ada is a homosexual, proprietor of his own quaint beauty salon. Joining him in his extraordinary adventure is his frilly-mouthed assistant Didi and his secret love Dodong. Because of strong language and suggestive imagery, the comic book is strictly for mature readers.

Zsazsa Zaturnnah was first released in December 2002 as a two-part limited series, and since then has been prominently featured in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Businessworld, Manila Standard, Art Quarterly Manila, Culture Crash, etc. as well as the television show Knowledge Power.

After winning a much-coveted National Book Award, given out by the discriminating Manila Critics Circle, the two part Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah has been compiled into a single trade paperback by Visual Print Enterprises, and should hit the shelves of major bookstores within the first half of 2004.

For more information on the Collected Edition of Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah , please email Visual Print Enterprises through bo**********@******nt.net

The Author

Carlo Vergara — I have a funny feeling he is not only a Trekkie but also a lurker member of Via Astris. Trek references are all over the place! We are Amazonistas (a.k.a Borg).

The Story and The Play

Very funny, very entertaining, and beautifully adapted from a comic book to the stage by Chris Martinez. I don’t normally watch anything in the vernacular, but this is DEFINITELY a show to watch.

The Songs/Original Soundtrack

I LOVE the songs and the arrangements! This is superior work by Vincent de Jesus, folks! I loved the songs so much that I bought the soundtrack.

The Actors

Eula Valdez in the title role as Zsazsa Zaturnnah

Eula Valdez

Eula will always be remembered by me as that lovely girl in Bagets. I was frankly surprised that she sings so well. And she plays gay so well. I knew she could sing, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t know she had those pipes! Excellent acting as ZsaZsa Zaturnnah. If there is any downside, all I can think of is that she doesn’t quite fit the top of the costume so well. ZsaZsa Zaturnnah is supposed to be top-heavy and Eula is supposedly well-endowed also, but I guess the skin suit she was wearing must have suppressed her “endowments”. But that is a minor detail. I’m sure that in succeeding shows they will fix that inconsistency with the character. Overall, fantastic performance!

Tuxqs Rutaquio as Ada, the gay parlorista and secret identity of Zsazsa Zaturnnah

Ricci Chan, Lauren Novero, and Tuxqs Rustaquio

Ricci Chan, Lauren Novero, and Tuxqs Rutaquio

Tuxqs’ (on the right) rendition of Ada is very soulful and moving and at times quite saucy. He was not the greatest singer in the group but he sang very well. He was able to project Ada’s emotions so well that I felt as if I was going through them with him. The pain of rejection, the anxious hope of love, and the fear of disappointment. He was just fantastic! I would love to catch him again. I can imagine that life has not been kind to Ada. He was lucky to have such a class act of a friend like Didi (played by Ricci Chan).

Ricci Chan as the irreverent Didi

Ricci, Ricci, Ricci (on the left in the picture above with Ada). All I can say is … I love you, I adore you. The first time I ever saw you perform was in Rent (by New Voice) as Angel. In my opinion, your star was born on that day. If I could I will watch every play you are in. Ricci as Didi is the SCENE STEALER of the show. In just about every scene he is in, he steals … but you forgive him for it. He is just too adorable. In my opinion, the best singer in the show … and the best actor in the show. At the same time, Ricci’s acting reminded me so much of Miao. It was actually eerie, ’cause Miao was sitting in front of me but I was seeing and hearing him on stage as well. If Miao were to audition for the part he wouldn’t be acting at all … he would be himself.

Arnold Reyes as Dodong, the hunky boy-next-door

Sigh … sigh … sigh ulit. I word to describe him Y-U-M-M-Y! I realize it doesn’t seem like it in the picture (he does not photograph well) but believe me, under those clothes, is your favorite dessert dripping in honey. He isn’t as beefy as the other guy who plays Dodong (see picture above. He is between Ada and Didi), but that is immaterial. What he has is good enough for me! When I saw him by the (fireman’s) pole making sexy poses I was thinking — cheesy but sexy still. And then he takes his shirt off and I almost lunged out of my seat. WHOA! Especially later when his shirt got ripped to pieces right by our (VA peeps) feet. Singing was not stupendous but I can forgive him for it. Pretty good acting. I really loved the part towards the end when he was declaring his intentions to Ada. He looked unsure and nervous — exactly how Dodong would be in that situation. There is speculation in the group if he is straight or not. Truth is … I don’t really care. I just think he is great! It’s not like I have any chance of intimacy with him, right?

Agot Isidro as Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux, the antagonist

Agot is an established singer and I was curious to see how she would fare on the stage. I am happy to say she plays the role of Queen Femina magnificently! She was able to maintain the accent even when she sings. Actually, her acting and singing really reminded me of another actor (and friend of mine) — Lynn Shermann. On a side note: she looked really good in the “battle gown”.

There are only 3 performance days left and from what I hear all shows are sold out. I hope I can watch it again. I’m still trying to score tickets from Vince.

The remaining playdates are:

March 3 – 8 pm
March 4 – 3 pm
March 4 – 8 pm
March 5 – 3 pm

Battlestar Galactica 2003

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 19, 2005 | Video reviews

I’ve been marathoning Battlestar Galactica (2003) Season 1 since yesterday and I must admit I have found it quite enjoyable … and quite addictive. It isn’t even the actors that draw me but the stories themselves. I did recognize some actors from other shows/movies. Capt. Lee “Apollo” Adama (Jamie Bamber) was in Band of Brothers, Number 6 (Tricia Helfer) was Farrah Fawcett-Majors in The Charlie’s Angels Story, Lt. Karl Agathon (Tahmoh Penikett) was in Dollhouse, and Gaius Baltar (James Callis) was in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.

This version is not quite a continuation of the 1978 version. It is really more of a remake. If you’ve ever watched the original version, I think you will enjoy this one, too. The difference, though, in my opinion, is that this version should have a PG-13 rating. There are a lot of sexy/sexual scenes interspersed within the show. Quite a bit of nudity. Adults, particularly adult males, will have a blast watching this show — intrigue, action sequences, and nudity — all the elements needed to attract the male audience.

Lt. Kara “Starbuck” Thrace (Katee Sackhoff) is one tough chick — but she is also pretty, strong, efficient, and an ace pilot.
Lt. Sharon “Boomer” Valerii (Grace Park) has a child-like beauty …. possibly because of her being Asian (Korean, I think). I speculate that she may be related to Linda Park (Ensign Hoshi Sato of Star Trek: Enterprise).
Capt. Apollo and Lt. Karl “Helo” Agathon (Tahmoh Penikett) is eye candy for the ladies.

Lucy Lawless as D’Anna Biers

A big surprise for me is the appearance of my warrior woman, Lucy Lawless, yes! This probably made me happiest. I miss Xena, Warrior Princess, so I am glad to see Lucy working again after the series ended after 6 seasons.

It doesn’t seem like Battlestar Galactica will be shown on local TV anytime soon, so for now I will have to be content with downloads. I wish more people could get to watch this, though, if only so I have more people to talk to about it.