by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 20, 2023 | Book Reviews
Try searching for Ever Langlais online and you will be surprised at how many books she has already written about so many different types of creatures. My comfort zone, though, is with Lycans and werewolves. Defying Pack Law by Eve Langlais is the book that introduced me to her world and will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Imagine a society where the males outnumber the females and polyamory is the norm rather than a “deviant relationship”. Whether the female likes it or not, she is forced to mate with more than one male. Our girl, Dana, was in love with Nathan who from the beginning knew how she felt about polyamory. Initially, he agreed to be her only mate but when push comes to shove, he felt bound to follow the dictates of the elders and would end up betraying her.
In her horror and outrage, Dana leaves and goes into hiding for many years. Nathan, now the Alpha, finds her and truly regrets what he did. Now he is more than ready to be her only mate. Unfortunately, news flash, Dana now says she wants many mates and points at his friends, John and Kody, to be her other two mates.
It’s messed up! Does she really want them as her mates or is her goal just to hurt Nathan?
What I like about this story is that we, the readers, are given an up close and personal peep into how Nathan, John, and Kody feel, too. We know how all three are quite attracted to Dana. We know that Nathan does not want to share. And we know his guilt over the years. At the same time, we see how Dana’s feelings change from resentment and rebellion to actually wanting to be with all of them.
Seriously, though, I think what I like about this book is that Dana is in control of where the relationship would go. In most stories, women do not always have that control.
And this book is just the beginning! There are four books in the series. Thankfully, Defying Pack Law by Eve Langlais is a standalone story so we won’t be left hanging at the end. If this book interests you, you can find it on Goodnovel and at Amazon. My personal preference is Amazon where you can get the book in several formats.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 19, 2023 | Business
Excellence thrives where it is practiced consistently. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—recently honored three outstanding employees with this year’s Gold Crown Awards. This recognition is awarded to employees for demonstrating professional dedication per PCPPI’s ICARE Values, which stands for Integrity and Innovation, Care and Respect, Empowerment, and Excellence.
The three awardees for this year are (in the photo, from left to right) Faith Marie M. Zacal from PCPPI’s Cagayan De Oro plant, Lucky J. Mallari from the Central Luzon Operations (CLO) and Jona Marie S. Rollan from the Davao manufacturing facility.
PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong said of the awardees, “Our people remain at the core of what makes us proud to be part of PCPPI. The Gold Crown Awards allow us as one team to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of our employees.”
He adds, “Jona, Lucky, and Faith are among the many brilliant team members who exemplify how true PCPPI Bravehearts are. We look forward to nurturing more inspiring professionals in the future.”
For more information about PCPPI and the organization’s ICARE values, please visit pepsiphilippines.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 18, 2023 | Book Reviews
Compared to other books I’ve read from these authors, Pacey and his Unicorn Professor by Colbie Dunbar and Lorelei M. Hart is more chill. The most hair-raising/stressful thing happened in the first chapter and only Pacey was in it. Their first meeting was admittedly high adrenalin but after that everything was more or less smooth sailing.
The title misled me at first because I had the impression that Pacey was a student and Sable was his professor. It turns out that Sable is a professor in a community college, yes, and is Pacey’s “his anything” by virtue of being his mate. A better title would probably have been Pacey and THE Unicorn Professor. I confess to being a little disappointed only because I thought there would be a little taboo thrown in there to spice things up.
I also felt a little incomplete by some characters being mentioned, like Stallone, for example, and nothing more is said about him except “family friend”. Up to the end Sable never introduced him to Pacey. We also never met Sable’s brother or found out his name. Bowell is a shifter midwife but aside from the initial checkup, he had no part in the birthing, so what was he “midwifing”?
According to https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au: A midwife is a health professional trained to support and care for women during pregnancy, labor, and birth. They help you to stay healthy during pregnancy and, if no complications arise, to give birth with little intervention. Midwives also care for you and your baby in the first few weeks following the birth.
Therefore, should Bowell be even called a midwife? Why not just call him a healer? This also brings to mind Stedman, the bear shifter who, besides helping Pacey clean his house in anticipation of his return, is also a healer, or I guess an apothecary. So confusing.
That aside, it’s a HEA story so if light reading is what you are after then Pacey and his Unicorn Professor by Colbie Dunbar and Lorelei M. Hart is a good book to get into. It’s on Amazon for $3.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited. If you are into paperbacks, that is available, too!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 18, 2023 | Book Reviews
The No-Judgment Zone by Ellie K. Wilde is one of the most enjoyable books I have read (so far) in 2023. It tells the story of Jenna, a pink-haired sex goddess, and Finn, an irresistible serial dater. Both are players and fully embrace the concept of one-night stands. In their words … one night, no repeats.
So can you imagine what happens when they meet for the first time and things don’t pan out as expected? Translation: that one magical night never happened. Fast-forward to a year later and Jenna is back for the summer to attend her sister’s wedding. Jenna goes to Finn’s place with the intention of hooking up but instead ends up becoming his roommate for the summer.
Finn has been in a funk for some time and didn’t know why. The moment he saw Jenna again he realized what it was. There she was … the one that got away. Right then and there he knew that one night with her wouldn’t be enough so instead of giving in to temptation he impulsively offered his place for her to stay in, as roommates.
Friendzoned! What torture these two have set themselves up for!
The story goes on to show us their budding friendship amid sexual tension. Does it count as a slow burn when everyone knows from the get-go that they are meant to be? Cute nicknames, forehead kisses, and cuddle o’clock? Come on! Crush, what crush? It’s destiny!
And I haven’t even mentioned the super hot “not sex” scenes. fans self I swear, The No-Judgment Zone by Ellie K. Wilde is a must-read. It took me longer to read this book, not because it is long, but because I would go back to savor scenes. You can find this book on Amazon for $3.99 and free with a Kindle Unlimited account.
Highly recommended! Satisfaction guaranteed.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 18, 2023 | Art and Science
One of the galleries that will be participating in Art in the Park 2023 is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits. For this year’s art fair, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will showcase and sell an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists.
Looking to build your art collection on a budget? Don’t miss this chance as the annual Art in the Park, famed for being the most anticipated affordable art fair in the country, returns outdoors on March 19, at Jaime Velazquez Park, Makati City to mark its 17th year of celebrating and championing Filipino artistry.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) once again teamed up with Art in the Park 2023 to offer flexible payment options for fairgoers with BPI Cards when they shop for art at the exhibit-sale, which runs for one whole day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“BPI has been supporting Art in the Park for continuously uplifting the vibrant Filipino art scene and for providing a platform for our valuable contributors of art whose works truly merit more support and respect. It also makes art accessible to Filipinos, helping them learn more about art and Filipino artists,” said Jenny Lacerna, BPI Product and Sales Head for Unsecured Lending and Cards.
For this year’s edition, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists.
One of the galleries that will be participating in Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits.
“Art Cube Gallery has been a backbone of the Philippine contemporary art scene since it was established in 2012 for helping Filipino artists get their well-deserved spotlight,” said Lacerna.
The said Gallery provides a platform for talented young artists to showcase their works before an extensive roster of art collectors, as well as help promote the careers of seasoned artists by giving art aficionados broad access to their work in international art exhibitions. The gallery has so far mounted over 100 art exhibitions here and abroad involving award-winning and seasoned artists, as well as promising young painters and sculptors.
Francis Eugene E. Andrade, also known as Isko Andrade, is a young artist based in Bulacan who has been known for sharing his stories through his artworks that evoke a sense of nostalgia. He received several awards and citations such as Shell National Student Art Competition and Metrobank Art Design Excellence Competition. He is a graduate of fine arts with a major in visual communication at Bulacan State University.
For his show titled Intersections II, Andrade uses knots as his art subject to depict his own impression of ‘persevering’ by utilizing oil paint on canvas.
Lacerna said art as an asset remains an auspicious investment as it tends to hold its value over time in contrast with other asset classes whose value has the propensity to decline sharply when the market crashes.
“What’s really enticing about collecting and investing in art is that aside from having a potentially lucrative return in the long-term, they can also make stunning display pieces at home,” she said.
BPI Cardholders can enjoy an exclusive Real 0% Special Installment Plan for up to 6 months and buy now and pay 3 months later using their BPI credit cards.
Organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc. and supported by BPI, Art in the Park will continue to benefit the Museum Foundation of the Philippines in support of its projects and programs for the National Museum of the Philippines and its network.
For more information about Art in the Park and BPI’s special offers, follow www.facebook.com/bpi and www.facebook/artinthepark on Facebook, or visit www.bpi.com.ph/ and www.artinthepark.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 15, 2023 | Book Reviews
Reading Power Drilled by Stephanie Brother was a surreal experience for me because it felt like I was reading my story. No, it isn’t because I’ve ever been with triplets (I wish!) but mainly because the female lead character and I have the same name. This made it easier for me to slip into her skin and be Penny as I was reading. Yes, I am embracing it!
The first scene in the book had me falling off my chair and my jaw hitting the floor in amazement. Way to grab our attention, Stephanie! And, yes, I get why her drawing of Jackson focused on a part of his anatomy she wouldn’t normally see in a man, lol!
That moment when I (I mean, Penny) meet the triplets together I think my heart was trying to pound out of my chest. My face was flushed and I was breathless just imagining hotness times three!
Thinking about that jerk, Jeff (the ex), who had the temerity to not only become my cousin’s boyfriend but to attend the wedding as her date makes my blood boil. Good thing I have three good men who were willing to step up to the plate and be my fake boyfriend. Singular, yes. With all the work that needs to be done to meet their deadline, asking one of them to spend so much time with me at the wedding events is too much! But having 3 identical men pretending to be 1 man is perfect.
Reid, Jackson, and Hunter are just wonderful and perfect! Just like my namesake, I would not be able to choose between them. And, really, why choose at all? If reverse harems and triplet romance is your thing, then you should really check out Power Drilled by Stephanie Brother on Amazon. It’s $2.99 if you want to purchase it but with a Kindle Unlimited account, it is free!
These gentlemen made me feel so loved. Yup, still channeling the FMC.
You can check out the bonus content of Power Drilled by Stephanie Brother here. Power Drilled is book 8 of the Roommates series
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 14, 2023 | Advocacy
“What makes you wake up early in the morning?” asks veterinarian Dr. Nielsen Donato while strolling through his animal sanctuary. “It’s not work. It’s something that you’re excited about.”
When people think of veterinarians, they usually think of them tending to household pets such as cats and dogs. But Doc Nielsen isn’t a regular vet. He’s the managing partner and chief surgeon at Vets In Practice (VIP), which caters to not-your-usual pets, and he also has a background in Avian and Exotic Medicine.
But what makes him so special is his unbridled care for virtually any kind of animal, be it crawling, flying, galloping, or slithering.
Doc Nielsen’s passion started when he was around three years old. One of his favorite childhood memories was being excited about going to church just so he could see the yellow chicks and ducklings being sold by vendors outside.
Today, Doc Nielsen helps run the Laguna Wildlife Park & Rescue Center, which sits within his family’s property in Pansol. This non-profit organization houses around 100 species of farm animals and wildlife, including domestic and neglected pets, as well as exotic animals that were rescued from illegal sellers and dangerous living conditions. The wildlife park has everything from chickens and goats to monkeys and a serval cat, which he tends with the help of his staff. It’s also backed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which assists in acquiring and transporting animals to the park.
The veterinarian calls the park his “happy place,” which he visits as early as 5 am to see all of the animals and listen to the different sounds that envelop the whole park. “When I’m walking here in the morning or afternoon, it relaxes me. Nalilimutan ko yung mga stress, that’s why I call it my ‘haven,’” says Doc Nielsen.
Compassion project
“We support the animals with our own resources,” Doc Nielsen says as he shows the many enclosures in the park that the animals call home. He also provides them with nutritious food and medicine to keep them healthy while they’re living in the park.
Feeding time: Violet, a rescued tortoise, snacks on papaya.
He doesn’t do this alone. Apart from the staff he works with, Doc Nielsen’s family also helps. His kids, Cedric and Nina, are studying veterinary medicine, so they’re well on their way to following in their dad’s footsteps.
Giving animals a second chance
While giving a tour of the park, Doc Nielsen stops to feed and pet the animals he passes by. One of them is a bearcat (binturong), a nocturnal mammal with cat-like features that’s endemic to Palawan. Doc Nielsen explains that the bearcats were transported to the park with the help of DENR, and they are raised until they’re ready to be released back into the wild.
“I promised that if I ever breed any endemic wildlife animal in the park, my goal is to help repopulate their species and bring them back to their natural habitat,” he says. He also takes time to assess animals who might need medical attention and treat them right away to prevent infections.
Doc Nielsen demonstrates how to bathe a Bayawak, with his resident monitor lizard, Bruce.
It’s not always easy for Doc Nielsen to let go of animals, especially those that have been used to being around humans. Many of the monkeys, for example, lived in crowded areas and were treated as pets in their past lives. Releasing them back into the wild would be a safety risk for them because a troop of wild monkeys might hurt them.
This is why he and his staff ensure that animals like these get the care they need so they can live long and healthy lives. The wildlife sanctuary is their safe haven until they are ready to be released in a protected space.
On full display: Drake the Peacock struts around his pen.
Whether it’s at his clinic in the city or the wildlife park in Laguna, Doc Nielsen is always ready to offer his expertise and care to all types of species, no matter how scary they may seem.
“I always dreamed of being someone like [British veterinary surgeon] James Harriot. I’ve always wanted to treat dogs and cats, and farm animals as big as horses, goats, and sheep,” he said. “There weren’t exotic animals to treat yet [when I was just starting out.] Now, I’m lucky because I get to treat more exotic animals, as well as farm animals, in my clinic and the park.”
Dr. Nielsen Donato in his wildlife sanctuary in Laguna: “I’m lucky because I get to treat more exotic animals, as well as farm animals, in my clinic and the park.”
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 13, 2023 | Book Reviews
Rachel LeFevre is who I visualize as the female lead character, Emily, as I read Fated: Lycan King’s Unwanted Bride by Cool Grey, hence my using her picture here. I stumbled upon this story a while back and just added it to my library and only started reading it today. While the preview was interesting I was initially turned off by the grammar. I finally decided to give it a shot today and while the grammar is not the best, it is forgivable because the story is pretty good.
This is the first time I’ve read a story where the lycan spirit can fully take over the human that the human has no knowledge of anything that happened. It is also the first time I’ve encountered a character whose human and lycan do not both feel the mate bond for their mate.
Alpha Lucian is our male lead character and he is a widower and has no plans of remarrying. However, being the Alpha of the primordial lycans means that his pack needs a Luna … at least according to his parents and the elders. Lucian was deadset against remarrying, especially to the female lycan his parents chose, when he inadvertently meets Emily, a wolfless rogue who trespassed into their land.
At first sight, his lycan, Argus, recognized her as his second-chance mate but Lucian felt nothing. He is still heartbroken from losing his mate to a fatal illness many years ago.
Interesting yet? I’m glad I gave it a shot because it really is! I only wish that Emily would stop crying so much, seriously.
I strongly suspect that the author is Filipino and used a translator then went back and did manual edits because there are some turns of phrase that don’t make sense in English but when translated to Tagalog, suddenly do. There is also that problem with pronouns and inconsistency with gender assignment.
The story is still ongoing! You can read Fated: Lycan King’s Unwanted Bride by Cool Grey on the Goodnovel app. I believe it may be on other reading apps as well, but Goodnovel is where I found it.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 12, 2023 | Bon Appetit
Cooking pasta al dente is something many people find challenging. Even when we follow the cooking instructions in the package of store-bought pasta noodles they don’t always turn out right. I learned a trick that guarantees your pasta will never be undercooked or overcooked and soggy.
Boil water in a pot.
The size of the pot and the amount of water really depends on how much pasta you are cooking. If you are cooking just one serving then a smaller pot and less water would obviously be better. A common question I encounter is how do we know how much water to put in?
How much water do I put in?
If you are cooking pasta like fusilli, penne, bowties, or macaroni here is a trick I learned.
- While the pot is dry, pour in the pasta and shake the pot until it is evenly distributed.
- Take note of how high up the pasta goes and then transfer it to another container.
- Fill the pot with water up to where the pasta reached plus 1 inch.
When cooking pasta like spaghetti, capellini (angel hair), fettuccini, or lasagna, I honestly just eyeball it following the same principle as above. If you are cooking the whole package, following the package instructions also helps.
Can I put the pasta in yet?
Set the pot to boil. Sometimes we get impatient and want to put the pasta in when the water starts to smoke. DON’T DO THAT. Literally, wait for the water to bubble and boil.
Before putting in the pasta add the salt and a little oil to the water. The salt will add flavor to the pasta and the oil will help in preventing the pasta from sticking.
Is there a proper way to put the pasta in?
Keep the heat setting on high.
For long pasta noodles like capellini, spaghetti, and fettuccini, the trick is to hold the pasta in a fist, standing (the pasta noodles, not you) in the middle of the boiling water and then letting go, allowing the pasta noodles to fan out in the pot.
Do not make the Italians angry. DO NOT BREAK THE NOODLES TO FIT THE POT! As the noodles absorb the water, they will all slide into the pot and fit, I promise. Once the noodles have settled in the water mix them slightly so that they get coated in the oil.
If you are cooking fresh noodles you just put them in carefully so as not to tear them. For other types of pasta, you can just pour them in and mix them slightly to evenly distribute them in the pot.
How long do we cook this?
This is where several opinions usually come in but this is what we’ve found works the best. First of all, make sure the heat is set on high. set your timer for TWO (2) MINUTES.
Yes, I said just TWO Minutes. Cook your pasta uncovered on high heat. While waiting for the timer to ping you can start preparing your sauce and toppings.
Once the timer pings turn off the heat, stir your noodles (which at this point will not look cooked yet), and then cover the pot. Set your timer once again depending on the kind of pasta you are cooking from four (4) to eight (8) minutes. Pasta noodles like capellini need less time so I usually let them sit in the hot water for three (3) to four (4) minutes. With thicker pasta like penne, rigate, or fusilli you can max out the time.
Take note that at this point the pasta is cooking in the hot water but no extra heat is added. This is an important step to ensure your noodles are al dente. In the meantime, prepare your sauce and toppings. My go-to is aglio e olio as it is quick and easy. I just add whatever meat I have on hand such as marinated chicken, sausage, or leftover pork chop. You can also prepare your sauce ahead of time if it will take longer than five (5) minutes to prepare.
Once the timer pings again, your pasta is ready to be served! If you are mixing your sauce in directly then just drain the water and put the sauce and pasta together. Make sure the pasta is drained well or your dish will be watery. If you are serving the pasta and the sauce separately then aside from draining the water, you will also want to run the pasta under running water to stop the cooking process. Remember, while there is heat, the pasta will keep cooking!
Today I whipped up come capellini aglio e olio topped with chopped up hotdog and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
The only thing you have to do now is eat!
* except for the last photo, all the other photos were taken from Unsplash.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 12, 2023 | Advocacy
Jollibee Group and Manila LGU officials convened anew for the signing of a new memorandum of agreement that will create employment opportunities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Jollibee-owned stores across Manila City.
MANILA, Philippines. The Jollibee Group recently announced the resumption of its inclusive employment program to hire senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) in Manila after renewing its partnership with the city government of Manila.
The partnership is consistent with Jollibee Group’s commitment to providing equal employment opportunities to different sectors while promoting and practicing inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.
Jollibee Group will hire 28 senior citizens and 17 PWDs as customer relations staff across the Manila branches of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King through the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Manila PESO will screen and determine qualified candidates before endorsing them to the company. Applicants must also secure a medical clearance from the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, the accredited hospital for this program.
“We started this program in 2019 with the Manila LGU. Working on this program in the past few years has allowed us to see how our elderly and differently-abled individuals have appreciated the opportunity to find gainful employment. The Jollibee Group continues to support this initiative of the Manila LGU, and we have been very fortunate to have a partner that shares the same desire and passion as the company in looking after the interest of our elderly and PWDs,” said Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Vice President and Head for Human Resources-Philippines and Global Organization, Leadership & Culture.
“We look forward to forging more partnerships with other LGUs so we can improve more lives and find reliable staff who can join us in our mission to share the joy of eating with everyone,” Angeles added.
The signing of the new memorandum of agreement held last January 31 was attended by Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, and Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marlon Lacson, as well as officials from Jollibee Group represented by Public Affairs AVP Atty. Raul Academia and Philippine Region Human Resources Director Anna Prado.
Interested applicants can get more information on this employment program from the Manila Department of Social Welfare and the Office of Senior Citizen’s Affairs.
Back in 2019, Jollibee Group was the first restaurant company in the Philippines to partner with the Manila LGU in providing jobs to over a hundred qualified senior citizens and PWDs in the combined 39 branches of Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, and Greenwich in Manila. Besides Manila, Jollibee Group also partnered with the LGUs of Antipolo and Pasay in 2019 to implement the same inclusive employment program.
Compared to other books I’ve read from these authors, Pacey and his Unicorn Professor by Colbie Dunbar and Lorelei M. Hart is more chill. The most hair-raising/stressful thing happened in the first chapter and only Pacey was in it. Their first meeting was admittedly high adrenalin but after that everything was more or less smooth sailing.
The No-Judgment Zone by 
Reading Power Drilled by Stephanie Brother was a surreal experience for me because it felt like I was reading my story. No, it isn’t because I’ve ever been with triplets (I wish!) but mainly because the female lead character and I have the same name. This made it easier for me to slip into her skin and be Penny as I was reading. Yes, I am embracing it!
Rachel LeFevre is who I visualize as the female lead character, Emily, as I read Fated: Lycan King’s Unwanted Bride by Cool Grey, hence my using her picture here. I stumbled upon this story a while back and just added it to my library and only started reading it today. While the preview was interesting I was initially turned off by the grammar. I finally decided to give it a shot today and while the grammar is not the best, it is forgivable because the story is pretty good.
Keep the heat setting on high.
You must be logged in to post a comment.