CONFESSIONS OF A PARTYPHILE

Chinese New Year Cocktails

2012-01-19T18:23:00.003+08:00

The Chinese New Year is here, and celebrations are inabundance. Whether we choose to celebrate the Chinese New Year in thetraditional way, or celebrate it with a little more creativity; the fact thatcelebrations and merry-making seems to attract good luck remains true. Andsince we are a people with a love for Chinese food, throwing a Chinese-themedNew Year Party should not be a problem. We all have our Chinese food recipesstored in some old cook book or in the inner recesses of our minds. However, Chinese-inspiredcocktails are not that common. So to help you celebrate the Chinese New Yearwith good taste, and a little alcohol, here are some cocktail recipes for yourenjoyment.

1.) ThisAsian take on the traditional Bellini was actually created in honor of the BeijingOlympics and is gaining popularity in that part of the world. Celebrate the ChineseNew Year with one of the most beloved Chinese fruits, the Lychee, in this recipefor the Beijing Bellini. To make it, combine three ounces of chilled Champagne (orSparkling White Wine) and one part Lychee Wine (or Lychee Liquor or Lychee Syrup)in a Champagne Flute. Then drop one piece of Lychee Nut into the bottom of theglass.

2.) Accordingto Feng Shui, Mandarin Oranges bring in good luck when served and enjoyedduring the Chinese New Year. Attract good fortune by enjoying the fruit in thistangy and tasty drink. To make the Mandarin Orange Cocktail you would need atleast three days to prepare, but it is soo worth it. On the first day prepareabout sixteen ounces of Dark Rum and put it in a pitcher. Then, add to it halfa cup of Mandarin Orange Peels and let it steep for three days in therefrigerator. When you are ready to serve the drink, simply strain the Rum oversome Old-Fashioned Glasses filled with Ice and add some simple syrup (makesimple syrup by heating up equal parts sugar and water until the sugar iscompletely dissolved and the mixture has slightly thickened) and add someMandarin Orange segments.

3.) Whatis a Chinese Banquet without some tea? This ingenious cocktail combines citrusflavours with the beloved Tea to create a refreshing cocktail that hits thespot. To make the Royal Tea Cocktail, simply combine two shots of Gin, twoshots of brewed and chilled Earl Greay Tea, a squeeze of lemon, and some sugarto taste. Stir the cocktail and then transfer it into an Old-Fashioned Glasswith Ice and top it off with Lemon or Lime rounds.

4.) TsingtaoBeer is one of the most popular Chinese Lagers in the world. Enjoy the goldendrink in a different way with this Asian take on the Bloody Mary. To create theShandong Mary, simply fill a highball glass or any tall glass with ice cubes andthen add half a cup of Tsingtao Beer, half a cup of canned tomato juice, and twotablespoons of Vodka. Then, finish the drink off with a couple dashes of Hot Sauce.Serve with a wedge of Lemon.

Chinese Party Horoscope for 2012

2012-01-18T15:21:00.003+08:00

Snake: This will be a great time for you. You will bepromoted and your salary will be increased. Unfortunately, your waist line willincrease with it as well. Remember to drink light beer when you go out.

Dragon: Female Dragons will have better luck than MaleDragons especially in the love department. To find love this year, Male Dragonswill have to find a stable career, a supplementary source of income, a nicecar, and a good hair stylist. Female Dragons would only need to wear shortskirts.

Rabbit: This year will be difficult for the Rabbit andunexpected surprises will make its way into your life. So when you find outthat all your friends have left you to pay for the bill, don’t tell me I didn’twarn you.

Tiger: You will be very popular this year. Use this to climbthe partyphile social ladder instead of just gaining followers on Twitter. Takeyour luck to the dance floor, and you just might be rewarded in the form ofgold…beer.

Ox: You will find this year very challenging. At work youwill find yourself in many heated arguments. If you are attached, you mightwant to take extra care of your relationship, as it is bound to be rocky. Ifyou are single, the chance of you getting into a relationship is close to zero.Remember: suicide is not an option.

Rat: This year you will be given the opportunity to shineand excel. So when your friends ask you to chug down that bottle of Tequila, goon and do it. Remember, it will make you shine!

Pig: This will be a fantasticyear for you. There will be strong indications of movement. This implies thatyou might be moving house, traveling, or relocating to other countries thisyear. However, if you are wise about it, the only movement you will be doing isin the middle of the dancefloor.

Dog: Your wealth willbe good and there will be a high probability for you to increase your sourcesof revenue. Celebrate in advance by throwing a party for everyone you know.This will attract more good luck.

Monkey: It is best notto make enemies now especially with your girl friend. Although it may betempting to date other people, remember that relationships formed inside theclub should only last until the club closes for the night.

Cock: There will be alot of trouble for you this year, but you will be given adequate time toprepare for them. SO before that hot lady pours her drink all over your face,you will be given enough time to run for cover, or grab some tissue paper.

Goat: This will be a difficult year for you. The best thingto do is wait for your bad luck and then gather all your friends for a drinkingsession as you tell them all about it.

Horse: You have great potential to do well in wealth andcareer. Make sure everybody notices the difference in your paycheck bypurchasing sixteen bottles of Patron Tequila the next time you go out clubbing.This will also attract love.

Drink of the Week: Red Lotus

2012-01-18T15:19:00.003+08:00

This Chinese cocktail is refreshing and hits the spot just right.

All you need to do is grab a shaker filled with ice and combine:

1 oz Vodka
1 oz Cranberry Juice
1 oz Lychee Liquer

Shake the shaker until all the ingredients are combined and pour over an Old-Fashioned Glass filled with Ice

Chinese New Yerar is Happening on January 23, 2012

2012-01-18T15:15:00.001+08:00

The Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and it is the perfect time to throw a Chinese themed party! Take out your Feng Shui books, and discover how to throw a party while attracting good luck.

Almost Lover

2012-01-16T22:45:00.000+08:00

So I made a poem, something I rarely do these days. Anyway, a talented young champ named AIdx Paredes (see his website www.aidxparedes.com) put gorgeous photos to accompany the words to my poem. he's gonna exhibit his work (including my poem) at Lions Club, Juan Luna Street, Davao City for a month starting January 27. Please check it out if you are in the area.

Almost Lover

With a sweet, soft whisper, you called my name
But I knew it was all a lie
A curious distraction; a piece in the game
As you waited for new passion to arrive

You gave me your night and day, and in betweens
You gave me all your time
This masked the truth I knew so well
That you were never mine

The game we played brought me somewhere new
Where life was lived in tune
You took me there, to a place where truth
Was never overtly shown

The journey’s stop took me to my mind
That asked to think of you
Where all my deeds were made specially
To please no one but you

But every heart knows how it ends
It’s all been said and done
That everything that wasn’t right
Never has begun

I thought the journey had set flight
But we were rounding rounds
Instead of taking off that night
My inner workings drowned

The truth that we both tried to hide
The facts we never faced
Came alive one night we braved
To face your lover’s face

We gave our soul and mind, and in betweens
We tried to cross the line
But in the end we fell too short
Still, you were never mine

Partyphiles Confess: Why Is It More Fun In The Philippines?

2012-01-11T14:18:00.000+08:00

I asked you earlier why you think it is more fun in the Philippines. Here are your answers:

Because people here are warm, loving, and sincere. Because half of the world's biodiversity is in this country. Because of the endless possibilities that one will discover in the country. -- Aldwin Dumago
Because we always laugh ad smile -- Christian Tuazon
Because we find humor in every situation -- Kristine Santos
Because I'm here -- Ron Chuan
Because my loved ones are here -- Kimo Pulido
Because there is no language barrier -- Rudolf
Because of the rare and beautiful things in the Philippines. i'm only half Filipino but I can't find any place like Pinas. -- Mr. Yoon.
Because in the Philippines, we can discover a whole new world of pleasure. -- Macky
Because the country is chock full of natural treasures and the people are hospitable -- Maki
Because it is the playground of storms and typhoons-- Jerome
Because in the Philippines, I'm home - Rye rye
Because we have all the fiestas like Dinagyang, Ati-atihan, Sinulog, Kadayawan, and many more -- Joel
Because of you, me, and all of us here in the Philippines. Pur hospitality, smiles, talents, and sense of humour make the Philippines more fun than any other place on Earth. -- Harold Geronimo
We have great local bands -- Enzo Villegas, Vocalist for Eevee
Because just about anywhere in the country, at any given moment, one may ask any Filipino for help and they will be assured to not only get help, but get more than they ask for. And maybe even take them to a tourist destination to prove that it's more fun in the Philippines. -- Vince
Because of the festivties, travel destinations, and people - Koko
Because people here are so hospitable and happy, it's contagious. -- Troy Torres
Because Filipinos are the sexiest people in Asia -- Geoff
Impeachment trials every year -- Carlo Yu
Because we are simple but filthy rich in fun and happiness -- Migz Pangan

Drink of the Week: Hobby Cocktail

2012-01-11T13:20:00.001+08:00

Since we are celebrating National Hobby Month, I decided to share with you a cocktail recipe for the Hobby Cocktail. It's fast, east, and tastes great. here is how you make it:

In a glass combine:

1 and 1/4 ounces of Bourbon Whiskey or any other type of Whiskey
1 ounce gin
1/4 ounce Orange Curacao (or Blue Curacao if you can't find an orange one)
1 dash of orange bitters ~~or leave it out if you can not find any~~

Stir all the ingredients with ice and then strain over a cocktail glass and serve

January is National Hobby Month

2012-01-11T13:02:00.000+08:00

January is National Hobby Month. I suggest you take this time to indulge in your favorite hobbies, document them through photos, and then post them all in a social networking album or create your own photo album that is chock full of photos to help you remember that you started 2012 doing things you truly enjoy.

Things to Watch Out for in 2012

2011-12-22T12:11:00.001+08:00

The New Year is just around the corner, and if you are not yet excited for it, here are some things that are sure to keep you waiting in anticipation for the year that is supposed to signal the end of the world. 10.) The new wing of SM City Davao in Ecoland is slated to open in 2012. More importantly, the new SM Mall in Lanang is also said to open within 2012. What does this mean? It means more jobs for Davaoenos so we could have money to spend in new shops and restaurants that are also slated to invade the city because of this brand new mall. Better news: shops that will open in the new SM mall will be targeted to wider demographic and social strata. This means, more stuff that are budget-friendly.9.) The invasion of brand new flavours of alco-pop beverages is also one of the more exciting things that 2012 holds for us. If you have not yet been informed, Tanduay Ice has actually released Red and Blue variants that are sure to be as popular as their original alco-pop outing. Antonov also released Antonov Ice and Antonov Mandarin Orange: two enticing flavours that follow the original Antonov Apple. These new flavours are the same price as the original which means that we have more affordable options to get us to that happy place we call Land-of-Non-Sobriety.8.) Although I absolutely adore my Blackberry, one of the things I dislike about it is the fact that I can’t make free calls over the internet with it. Thank god, they have now contracted Skype to provide online calling and maybe even video streaming for Blackberry handhelds. Skype for Blackberry is said to be launched on May 2012.7.) Every self-repsecting urbanite has a slew of cool gadgets that make life easier and make communicating a staple. Here is a list of some of the most anticipated gadgets to watch out for in 2012:• iPad 3: The follow up to the iPad 2 is said to run on iOS5 and features their new assistant, Siri. It is also rumoured to have a retina display, WiFi, 3G, and 4G LTE Connections, and a sleek new design.• iPhone 5: We have all waited anxiously for the iPhone 5 last year and to find out that what we have been holding out for was the iPhone4S. 2012 however marks the coming of the iPhone 5. Why is it so special? I don’t really know yet. I know nothing about the new iPhone which is said to come out during the last quarter of 2012, and neither do you. Why are people interested about it? Well, I guess they would like to greet the end of the world in style.• Dell Peju Tablet: To compete with the iPad, Dell is creating the Peju tablet which is slated to run on Windows 8. It may come out during the first quarter of 2012 in the States but there is no telling as to when it will reach our humble shores.• Wii U: The new frontier in gaming seems to be more compact, and without wires. The Wii U is supposed to act as the Wii remote control but has its own LCD. How does it work? I have no idea.6.) There are also exciting movies to watch out for this 2012 including:• The Dark Knight Rises: The new Batman movie which still stars Christian Bale as the caped crusader.• The Avengers: which, according to critics, feels more like Ironman 3 rather than a movie made for a team of superheroes. Obviously, the biggest star in this outing is Robert Downey Jr., but it also starts Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson.• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a spin-off of the Lord of the Rings franchise. It still stars Elijah Wood accompanied by the gorgeous Cate Blanchett and the effective Martin Freeman.• The Amazing Spider-man: It tells the tale of how Peter Parker dealt with his powers during his younger years as a teenager. Expect it to be awkward and filled with mushy teenage love troubles…and of course some action. Starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, this outing is definitely one to watch out for.• Underworld Awakening: If you did not enjoy the previous Underworld outing, chances are, you will not enjoy this one as well. The good news is, Kate Beckinsale is back in her tight leather ensemble and hard candy attitude in this tale about vampire warriors.5.) Diaspora*: The new social networking site is now already fully-functional but is said to hit it big in 2012. Diaspora * makes it easier for people to protect their posts, screen who can see whatever they are posting, separate friends and categorize contacts, and keep ownership of all your posts, photos, videos, and everything else you post on their site. You hear that sound? That is the sound of Facebook scrambling to kill the competition.4.) The Peak at Gaisano Mall has already opened but there are more exciting things to come. First off, the opening of one of my all time favorite Mongolian Barbecue-style restaurants are, Kubali Khan, is said to happen during 2012. Also, Happy Lemon and Red Mango are supposed to hit Gaisano Mall’s the Peak really soon. Oh, and there are talks of a new party place opening at the topmost level of the peak in 2012.3.) Music makes the world go round, or so they say. Here are some of the most anticipated albums that are slated to come this 2012:• Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded• Justin Beiber’s Believe• Madonna’s new album that is slated to come out early next year• Willow Smith’s Knees and Elbows• Ke$ha’s new album that is yet to be titled• T.I.’s Trouble Man• No Doubt’s Reunion albumListen to Confessions of a Partyphile on the radio on 105.9 Mix FM every Wednesday nights from 6 to 9 in the PM. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile check out http://party.i.ph or follow the columnist on twitter.com/zhaun

Holiday Cocktail Collection

2011-12-15T04:18:00.002+08:00

Christmas is all about merry-making. We know that already. It is about attending and throwing a thousand and one parties that all feel the same, look the same, and oddly taste the same. And even though the thought of attending countless social events in a span of two weeks or so may seem enticing, the truth is, after the third party it gets kind of boring. So here is what you can do: instead of bringing food to the regular potluck party or serving beer for the next party you host, why not try sharing the experience of new cocktails with your friends and co-party attendees? Here are some Holiday-inspired cocktails that should do the trick.

1.) Merry Christmas: The Merry Christmas may sound the most Christmasy out of all the cocktails in this list, but it actually plays on one of the most iconic flavours of another holiday—Thanksgiving. This highball drink is a gorgeous melange of cranberry, citrus, and just the right amount of alcohol. Here is how you make it:
a. Grab a highball glass and fill it halfway with ice. Then, add an ounce of regular Gin, an ounce of Cranberry Juice, and a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir the liquids until it comes together and top it off with some canned club soda or soda water. Garnish the drink with fresh or dried Cranberries or a slice of lemon or lime and serve.
2.) Angel’s Delight: This festive cocktail makes the cut as a holiday cocktail thanks to its creamy texture and dreamy color. It tastes opulent, rich, and indulgent---perfect for the Season. Here’s how you make this velvety drink:
a. In a cocktail shaker, combine one ounce of cream, ¾ ounces of triple sec, ¾ ounces of gin, and a couple dashes of Grenadine syrup ( which is now readily available in supermarkets). Shake well and serve in a chilled cocktail glass. You may opt to serve it with a piece of strawberry for garnish.
3.) Apple Pie Martini: One of the most familiar holiday tastes is the taste of apple pie. The juicy freshness of apples combined with the kick of cinnamon is captured perfectly in easy-as-pie cocktail. Here is how you make it:
a. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine one shot of Goldschlager (cinnamon schnapps with 24karat gold flakes), one shot of vodka, and three shots of apple juice. Shake well and pour over a cocktail/martini glass. Remember not to strain the drink as this will leave the gold flakes inside the shaker instead of staying in your drink.
4.) The Christmas Cocktail: This cocktail is an exciting concoction of the flavours people associate with the Holidays: Coffee, Cinnamon, Cream, and Chocolate. Plus, it comes down smooth and ends with just the right amount of alcoholic kick. If you want to feel all warm and fuzzy while chugging down this glorious cocktail, follow these instructions:
a. In a shaker filled with ice, pour one once each of Vodka, Bailey’s Cream, and Cinnamon Schnapps and shake well. Strain the concoction over a cocktail glass and top it off with some powdered coffee. You may garnish it with a Cinnamon stick.
5.) Mimosa: The Mimosa is one of the more popular cocktails in history. Thus, you would find a gazillion and one recipes of it. However, I find that the simplest recipe is still the best. Make this simple cocktail for your next Yuletide event for some added fizz and flair. Here’s how:
a. Grab a champagne flute, fill it halfway with chilled orange juice (and please do not use powdered orange juice) and then top it off with cold champagne.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile on the radio every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 in the PM on 105.9 Mix FM or www.mixfm1059.com. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or tweet the columnist at twitter.com/zhaun

Twitter

2011-12-13T14:35:00.001+08:00

Hey! Please follow me on twitter.com/zhaun

Three Party-Throwing Tips

2011-12-09T16:53:00.001+08:00

For the common partyphile, throwing hot parties seems natural. We simply create a theme, stick to it, invite a handful, pour some alcohol click some glasses, and voila--- an epic party has been thrown. However, during this season, partyphiles always have to face their worst fear: throwing a Christmas party.

Here is the deal: when we talk about Christmas parties that we throw ourselves out of our own will, we actually enjoy it. Unfortunately, when we are forced into organizing a Christmas party, it seems like all hell breaks lose and stress just comes flooding through our lives as if flood gates of stress-triggers have just been opened. For the really pitiful partyphile pushed into organizing a Christmas party for his office, school org, school mates, class mates, church mates, seat mates, cheat mates, and all other social groups sine time immemorial, a comma is inevitable. Why? Because organizing a party that is supposed to be fun for everyone is hard to do. Why? Because when you take some random group of people, it is hard to get an idea of what they like doing and what they enjoy. Moreover, it seems impossible to please each and every single one of the party’s attendees. In fact, simply gathering all the attendees before the party happens to draw names that decide who shall exchange gifts with whom is a gargantuan task all in itself. The good news is, I felt really inspired today so I decided to give you three tips on how to make organizing a Christmas party a little easier for you instead of going on and on with my holiday rants. So here are my tips:

Although it is really tempting hire a caterer to get rid of your food preparing problems, the truth is, for groups comprised of people who do not see each other often, asking for the payment for the caterer is very difficult. Moreover, caterers’ prices spike up during the season and since they are extra busy, you would need to book them way ahead. The solution: a potluck party. Again, the only problem with potluck parties is that people bring either similar food, or food that are so different they can not be eaten together. The solution is simple: throw a potluck party but set a theme. For example, you can require the party attendees to bring Pizza or Pasta ONLY. Or, you may ask them to bring some Chinese food. If you want a more diverse spread, assign each person to bring a specific kind of foodstuff. Assign some people to bring dessert, some to bring some alcohol, some to bring entrees…. You get the idea.
When it comes to exchanging gifts, it becomes very difficult to see each other at one time just to draw names to decide who gives gifts to whom. I suggest you set a price range and simply exchange gifts on the day of the party. Of course, everyone would have to bring a gift that would be good for everyone, but all the effort that goes into scouring for the perfect gift that anyone would like is part of the fun.
If you want to keep your party exciting for everyone, it is important that you follow a program. Leave all your hang-ups out the door and play silly games and give away prizes. You may also play drinking games or a trivia game involving bits of trivia about Christmas and the attendees of the party. Although eating and giving gifts is exciting, it should not be the only thing to transpire during the party. Remember, you are get together to bond with the other attendees of the party. Plan activities that will allow you to have fun while bonding and strengthening relationships with other people in the party.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile on the radio every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 in the PM on 105.9 Mix FM or www.mixfm1059.com. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or tweet the columnist at twitter.com/zhaun

Drink of the Week: Cuba Libre

2011-12-06T19:06:00.003+08:00

Since it is my birthday week (i'm celebrating my 25th birthday tomorrow) I decided to give out a recipe for one of my all-time favorite cocktails-- the Cuba Libre. This cocktail is easy to make and is quite refreshing. Here is how you do it:

Grab a highball glass and fill it halfway with ice

Add a shot of rum

the juice of half a lime

And then fill it to the brim with some coke.

Drink of the Week: Caribbean Bay

2011-11-30T07:26:00.003+08:00

Our drink of the week is called the Caribbean Bay. It has cool tropical flavors and a strong kick. Try serving on your next house party. Here's how you make it:

In a glass with ice add:

half a shot of dark rum
half a shot of light rum
half a shot of coconut rum

then fill it to the brim with pineapple juice.

Piolo: Talk of the Town

2011-11-30T07:22:00.001+08:00

Here's a photo dedicated to the talk of the town

Drink of the Week: Bad Trip

2011-11-23T14:48:00.002+08:00

The Bad Trip is one of the fastest-rising stars in the local cocktail making ad drinking world because it is easy to make an easy to drink. Here's how to do it:

In a highball glass, pour:

1/2 a shot of White rum

1/2 a shot of Vodka

1/2 a shot of Gin

then fill it halfway with ice

top it with some pineapple juice add a teaspoon of blue curacao, and stir.

Pacquiao-MArquez Scorecard

2011-11-13T16:02:00.003+08:00

I just woke up. It's 4PM. hahaha. Everybody's complaining about Pacquiao not putting up the best fight and still winning.

I dont know. Again, I just woke up. I havent seen the fight. Whatever. Here are the stats, the scorecard, whatever you call it.

Halloween Party Tips

2011-10-28T12:44:00.000+08:00

Halloween is upon us again. For some people, it is all about dressing up and attending some parties. For others, it signals the beginning of “Holiday Season” and is kind of like the majorette of the band that is otherwise known as “spend-a-lot”. Obviously, the funnest part of Halloween is dressing up. Unfortunately, it may end up in a lot of personal drama.

The thing is, for most people, inspiration is easy—the creativity to pull off an inspired look is not. For some, it is quite embarrassing to dress up because, well, it hasn’t been imbedded in our culture as Halloween and dressing up for it is still considered “new territory” for the non-partyphile. Add to that the fact that everybody in every single Halloween-inspired event WILL check your costume out; and the pressure is on.

So here is the deal: if you truly want to live it up, Halloween-style this year, I suggest that you throw a Halloween House Party. All you have to do is invite some friends over, ask them to come in costumes and bring some food. Of course, if you plan to play host, you will have to get creative ad decorate your place. And since I know that creativity is not everybody’s strong point, I have gathered up some tips and suggestions from the internet and from the Google of my own noggin’ to give you what I think are the most practical, convenient, and easy-to-pull-off tips for a Halloween party.

First off, you have to decide on a costume. You can search the web for different costume ideas, or simply visit your friendly neighbourhood department store and get inspired from the selection available this year. You will be shocked how different Halloween costumes and masks are each year. In fact, I found it quite surprising that none of the department stores sell fake fangs anymore. I guess Edward Cullen made the fanged vampire look passé. So if you plan to purchase a costume from some store, do not go there with an idea in mind. I tell you, you will be disappointed and end up buying other stuff.

However, if you plan to scour your closet to look for things that are costume-worthy, here are some of my tips:

Costume: You can come as a hunchback. Obviously, it isn’t very politically correct, but this has never been a column that considered that before. If you want to dress up as a hunchback, all you have to do is grab a backpack, fill it with clothes, wear it on your back, and then wear a large jacket over it. Zip the jacket up and voila, your look is done.

Costume: If you want to dress up as something kitschy, you could go as a Cereal Killer (Serial Killer, get it?). Simply wear a white shirt, splatter fake blood or red paint all over it, put a cereal box in the middle of the shirt and stab it with a plastic knife. Done. Easy. Cute.

Costume: You could also dress up as the Octo-mom. You know, the woman who gave birth to eight babies at the same time? She became a US Tabloid favorite last year, so she actually counts as a pseudo-celeb costume inspiration. All you have to do is look very pregnant by stuffing clothes or a huge ball under loose clothes or a maternity dress, wear a black wavy wig or set your black hair to give it soft curls and wear some wax lips. If you can’t find wax lips you could simply wear very read lipstick and over-draw it around your lips (the woman has lips larger than Angelina’s).

Food is one of the things that can definitely set the mood when it comes to Halloween parties. Although people expect some sort of creep-fest on your table, it still has to be edible. If you are going potluck, here are some suggestions for you:

Food: Bloody Fingers: All you need to do is buy some lady fingers (although local Camachile cookies work better) and smear some strawberry jam on one end of each cookie. Carefully place white pumpkin seeds on each cookie tip, using the jam as your glue, and you will end up with cookies that look like bloody fingers.

Bat Wings: Buy or make some fried chicken wings and then download a recipe for Buffalo Wings glaze. If you can’t find one you like, you can use some pre-made Barbeque Sauce or a mixture of Ketchup and Liquid Seasoning. Then, add a generous amount of Green and Blue Food Coloring or Dye to the glaze and mix it well until the glaze looks Black. Then, put your fried chicken in a large plastic container, add the glaze and shake the container until all fried chicken pieces are coated evenly. These wings will taste like fried chicken with sauce but will look blackish-green if you make it right.

Food: Paella Negra is something that you can make yourself or purchase from a store. It has nothing scary in it except for the fact that it uses Squid Ink for its sauce. If you don’t feel like eating rice for Halloween, you could also use make some Squid Ink Pasta, or if you are going Pinoy, some Adobong Pusit.

Food: You can not go wrong with grilled Pinoy favorites like Isaw (intestines), Betamax (grilled pig’s blood), Adidas (grilled chicken feet), and Helmet (grilled chicken heads). You could also serve the trusty Dinuguan (stew made with pork blood and pork innards) and Puto (rice cakes) or some Bijod and Bagaybay (Tuna eggs. I don’t know which one is the tuna testicle and which one is the tuna caviar; and honestly, I don’t really want to know).

If you make them the right way, your drink will get you drunk and will put your friends in a party-mood. This is why it is really important that you serve good alcohol with your food. Of course, you can’t skip this element of the party. You must make your drinks Halloween-worthy as well.

Drinks: Jello shots are always fun and festive. Make some black and orange jelly as per the instruction on the box, but leave out some amount of water from the recipe. Before you place your jelly in olds, add some vodka. You must add as much as the water you left out and remember not to cook or boil the vodka with the jelly as it will cause it to lose its alcohol. Then, transfer your gelatine into condiment cups or any Halloween inspired mold.

Drinks: Okay, so this isn’t really a drink suggestion; but it is definitely a fun way to make your drink extra festive! If you want to add a little creep factor to your drink, you can make ice with little bugs in it. Simply purchase plastic bugs and then place them in ice cube trays. Fill the tray with water and freeze. Use these ice cubes for your Halloween party.

Drinks: If you want to make some “Slime Punch” all you need to do is prepare a drink with two parts lemonade (instant or fresh) with green food coloring, one part soda water or lemon-lime soda, and one part vodka. Then, crush some green jelly and drop it in your punch.

Drinks: If you want something creepy floating in your punch, you can make some floating hands. Simply purchase surgical gloves, wash them completely, and then fill them with water and tie the end. Freeze them until you are ready to use them. Before serving the punch, peel the surgical glove off and dip your icy floating hand in the punch.

To finish your party off, you must put extra effort in decorating. It sets the mood of the party and must therefore look really cool and kitschy.

Decors: You can go simple. Attach pieces of orange and black crepe paper on your ceiling, and you are done. If you want to dress it up a bit, you can also go ahead and attach some black bat-shaped pieces of cartolina.

Decors: Most people just decorate their tables and ceilings for Halloween, I suggest you also consider your floor. Spread orange and black balloons across the floor or fill it with water based splatters of red paint.

Decors: You can also put some black lights in your venue and draw some creepy stuff on a black cartolina or the black side of an illustration board using highlighters. These creepy messages will glow once you turn your black light on.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile on the radio every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 in the PM on 105.9 Mix FM or www.mixfm1059.com. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile you can log on to http://party.i.ph or tweet the columnist at twitter.com/zhaun.

Drink of the Week: Slime Punch

2011-10-26T13:26:00.002+08:00

Since it is Halloween season again, I decided to give out a recipe for a simple slime punch.

All you have to do is prepare some Lemonade, drop some green food coloring or food dye in the drink, and then use it to fill half a punch bowl with.

Add some Sprite, 7Up, Ginger Ale, or Soda Water to fill the remaining 1/4 of the punch bowl, and some vodka.

Buy or make green jelly and crush it using a fork or knife then dump it in the punch.

If you want to make the punch drinking experience extra festive you may:

grab some surgical gloves, wash them thoroughly and then fill them with water. Freeze them and peel the gloves off when you are ready to serve. This will give you hand-shaped pieces of ice
you may also put some raisins in your ice cubes before freezing them to give your ice cubes an eerie feel

Halloween Three's

2011-10-25T20:51:00.001+08:00

Top three Halloween costumes that are easy to do:

1.) Swine flu: Simply attach a pig’s snout on a surgical mask and wear it with any regular outfit.
2.) Twitter timeline: Paint a piece of illustration board in baby blue, wear it around your neck, attach white pieces of blank paper, photos, and the twitter bird. Ask people in the Halloween party to write tweets on your “timeline”
3.) Octo-Mom: Dress up as a very pregnant woman with long wavy black hair ad very thick lips.

Top three Halloween Movies:

1.) Exorcist
2.) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
3.) Saw Series

Top three Halloween food:

1.) Paella Negra: just order or make paella with squid ink for the sauce
2.) Bloody Fingers: Buy lady fingers and add strawberry jam at the tip of each cookie and use the jam as glue to hold one pumpkin seed per cookie
3.) Buffalo wings: Simply add blue food colouring to your buffalo wing glaze before you coat your chicken wings with it

A Little Too Much, A Little Too Often ( A Poem About Aging Gracefully)

2011-10-25T01:00:00.005+08:00

I know this is a departure from the things I usually write, because obviously, this is a party blog. However, as i was brushing my teeth tonight I thought about aging gracefully. I thought about what it really meant, and how a gracefully aged person should/must look like.

So here is a poem presumably written by the 70 year old version of my self.

A Little Too Much, A Little Too Often

A Poem About Aging Gracefully

Aging gracefully without a scar, a wrinkle, or a flaw is akin to a clock that only tells time for it’s self.

Without a blemish or a fault, it is used by many as the measure of timeless beauty