Cooking at Mui Ne

Xin Chao everyone!

I am here to give you a short update about my Vietnam adventures lately. Living in Saigon for quite a few months is fun but more often than not, I always crave for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. To be honest the first escape I had was Mui Ne. Since then I can say my heart was smitten by this place. It's the best thing that you can get if you have a 6 hour trip away from Saigon. To cut the story short, I had a great experience during my Mui Ne trip and that was when I met a good executive chef named Tom. Sir Tom works in a hotel resort (where I stayed) for a couple years but also worked for other hotels in other countries. He shared me his kitchen, his staff and his cooking methods. He felt grateful to have known the internet's one and only Artist Chef. He likes Filipino people that's why he's very cheerful and accommodating after he found out that I am a Filipina. Though prior to that he was telling me that I look like a Chinese or Singaporean. He said, he will never mistaken me for a Filipino. Well, you're not alone chef, most Vietnamese people would tell me the same thing.

I was happy that day to have a short tour in the kitchen and a short cooking stint. Another thing that made me happy was the moment he brought out the toque and allowed me to wear it. Whoah! I feel I am really in the heat of the kitchen! I really felt like a cook for a day. Chef Tom said he often goes to the city of Saigon and he told me that if I have or if he has time too, we can exchange cooking lessons. He is fond of learning the Filipino cuisine and same with me, I am enthusiastic to learn the Vietnamese cuisine as well.

Thanks for that moment Chef, 'til my next adventure.
Maybe Na Trang soon...

hugs,
joanie xxx

David Droga

"David Droga, the closest thing the advertising world has to a rock star!"

 Before you begin to read my post, I am happy to share that --I was happy to receive an email this morning from Mindy Liu of Droga 5, New York. She corrected me on the last paragraph of this post regarding David Droga. I stand corrected as some of my knowledge are inaccurate. So I revised the blog entry for a more precise information about the man I admire. I am flabbergasted and flattered that his assistant stumbled upon my blog and hopefully he had read it as well :)

I think everyone loves this guy not just Saatchi & Saatchi creatives but the advertising people from around the world. David Bjorn Droga--A 40 year old Australian who is the product of a Danish mother and a Jewish businessman father. He began his advertising career from the bottom rung of the ladder -- the mailroom boy at Grey Advertising, Sydney who wanted to write, saw the work on creatives' desks and thought he could do better. He signed up to the Australian Writer & Art Directors School, came top in ranking in the entire Australia then he was immediately offered a job at FCB. Three years later, at 21, he became the youngest Creative Director (based on what I know.)

At age 26, he was offered the job of Regional Executive Creative Director of Saatchi Asia, based in Singapore. Not the typical creative person, Droga put the region on the map by winning more awards than other offices in the network, including London. So, after invading Asia, Droga once again given a fresh challenge. He became the Executive Creative Director of Saatchi & Saatchi in London, where the agency was shaking after they lost their major accounts and staff. It was a difficult start for him, the British ad community asking 'Dave who?' and wondering what on earth this young Australian had to offer. He proved so much than what was asked from him.

With his continuous success, Droga is now based in New York as the founder and Creative Chairman of Droga 5. An indpendent and fastest growing ad agency in America. It opened in New York and Los Angeles year 2006, then another one in Sydney, Australia around 2008. In Australia, Creative Magazine has named him as "AUSTRALIAN CREATIVE PERSON OF THE DECADE."

Aside from having a wife and three children in Manhattan, building a new venture, David's favorite topics are ART, Environment and anything Australian.

During his show off in the Philippines with Filipino Creatives as his audience

Yesterday,  Droga was in Manila. All Saatchi people and the rest of Filipino Creatives were giggling while this guy held his talk. But the real story behind those giggles was, David took off his shirt and tried to fit one of Team Manila's shirt during his talk for the creatives in the Philippines. Team Manila was the sponsor of David Droga's Talk. So after his talk, I vehemently agree, after several argument with friends that David Droga is not only a HOT creative but soooo HOT as man! (common, after he shown those muscles - who will not be convinced?!)

One of my biggest life dreams is to work for David Droga Sydney. It may be very difficult as passing the thread in to the needle hole --- but when you dream, dream bigger since it's FREE! They may not need me as additional in the creative but I will be more than willing to take an internship as tea lady or food lady and share them my exciting recipes on food and maybe they will be interested to have my creative recipes in mind as well.

Is still on high with DROGA!

hugs,
joanie xxx

TWINS - My Boxing Gears

These are my boxing gears that came from Thailand. The famous TWINS! I asked my friend Warren Santiago who's working in Bangkok to buy me gloves and hand wraps. He went all the way to Lumipini stadium to buy them. Surprisingly he gave me additional stuffs as his pasalubong, the kick boxing ankle support and the sando tank top. I'm sooo touched. Warren never fails to give me some pasalubong wherever he goes. I just can forget the first pasalubong he gave me during college, the small koala bear from Australia. Since then this friend of mine constantly gave me pasalubongs through the years. On the other hand my good friend Paolo Garcia brought it here in Saigon from Bangkok. He had his online in Bangkok for his TVC. He also had the chance to see Warren after how many years already. These two guys were classmates during college. To think they were never my classmates, they have been my good friends through the years.

Sando Tank Top (For the Lady Boxer in Me)

Ankle supporters & Hand wraps

Family shot photo which I took in my apartment

I already started my boxing class mixed with some cardio. I was able to meet the famous David Minetti, a French fighter. He's the owner of K1 Fitness Factory where I box. He's very accommodating and very nice to me. I also met his brother FX Minetti. He's my instructor in my boxing class. After having my boxing class, I can't imagine on how to be a Manny Pacquiao! Honestly, my class was very tiring and made me a bit dizzy but I was able to survive. I have never been this happy and fulfilled with what I do. So I am keeping this up.

Now I am ready to punch and kick some ass! :-)

hugs,
joanie xxx

QTV 11 Food Fair

This is my long over due post. It took me how many months to remember that I had this fun and exciting experience at The Beat's TARA LETS Food Fair last October 18, 2008. The event took place at Eastwood City, Libis. I cooked several foods and brought to the venue. I didn't earn much but I gained so much fun with this happy experience.

Chicken Curry Fried Rice PHP 100.00
Chorizo Jalapeño Fried Rice PHP 100.00
Veggie with Mango Penne Pasta PHP 150.00
Mango Jelly Brulee PHP 100.00
Eggplant Caviar PHP 100.00
Lemon-Cinnamon Pastillas PHP 120.00

The hosts of the TV program THE BEAT
Tonipet Gaba & Ivan Merina

The interview and the I.D.

It was really dead tiring selling my food but on the contrary I was happy despite being tired. This experience is something new on my part and another additional adventure to my library of The Artist Chef memories.

These two Chinese dudes just checked out on me and asked several questions and I was reminded that these two guys didn't purchase any. Hehe! :D

With the very nice and accommodating Macoy. Thanks for always remembering me and making me part of QTV 11 event and TV shows :-)

Aside from my family who came to grace my food fair, good friends Marni & Pam visited and purchased some of my foodies. And I was very glad that they came. I gave them some foodies for FREE!

Thank you so much QTV 11 and to the TV program THE BEAT for not forgetting me. Thank you also to good friend Tonipet Gaba and Macoy. This experiece was very memorable, it added another joy and learning on my part.

Am I going to have my next FOOD FAIR here in Saigon? :)

hugs,
joanie xxx

Advertising Life - Saigon Style!

Vietnam is truly a challenging experience for me. The day I left my advertising career in Manila, I do believe that there are a lot of hurdles ahead. It scared me at first because I have no idea how it feels to work in Vietnam. I do heard a lot of funny and challenging stories from my friends who have been working in Saigon for quite a few years. I can’t relate to their stories back then but being here for more than three months made me fully understood what they meant when they narrated their stories few months ago. My everyday life here is a roller coaster ride, anything goes.

Life is anything goes here in Vietnam but not when I’m in my office. I was mentioning about hurdles, and the first major barrier I encountered was their language. I don’t know how to deal at it first and it gave me several headaches almost everyday. I have people under me who cannot speak English and cannot understand English. How about that? And unfortunately I lost one Art Director whom I didn't approve the probation because of his negative attitude and can't speak English. Then I also had a designer who disappeared out of the blue maybe because I asked her to do key visuals. I think she didn't understand it. Anyway, I don't get it too either. Account Managers usually help me in translating the message but most of the time it’s not accurate.

There are a lot of funny anecdotes about my day-to-day work. Every time I encounter one, I’d tell myself “I want to blog this!” So let me cite one example. Whenever we had a meeting or presentation the language medium is always Vietnamese because few people can speak and understand the English language. Maybe you guys are wondering what I felt then, I felt like a friggin’ flower Vase! I was just smiling and nodding with whatever topic they are having in that discussion.


So presentations, long meetings and discussions often give me headaches. But as days go by, I manage to get used to it. Just like now, I am currently having my FGD and the consumer are all Vietnamese. Sitting next to me is the Account Manager translating the consumers reaction. Actually the system of work I have now turns to be an exciting adventure.

In terms of the people under me, often times they are stubborn. Most locals have this “cannot” attitude. A couple of instances I asked them a very easy task and they often give me the word “cannot.” So as I learn there language I’d always say “can!” The people and the system of work here are very different from what I am used to in my advertising life in Manila. In Manila everything is possible. But here, I have to undergo major adjustments. I am starting to get used to some of the things that I think is part of their norms but there are some things that I still have to make an adjustments.


So I am taking things one day at a time. It may take a while to fully adapt to Vietnam’s culture but I am sure I can get there in due time. What I often do to break away from all these hurdles and stressful predicaments, I’ll have my lunch out and perhaps ride a motorbike and meet a friend to share the bits and pieces of my stories. I really need that. Otherwise, it will pile up inside my mind and heart and will explode one day. Then I might give up if that thing happens. So I’m glad to enjoy the ride of my lunch out whenever I can have one.

with my Designer Vinh Tran Quang

with my 3D Artist Tin Cong Nguyen

All photos were taken by Vinh Tran Quang

Winners do not do different things, but do things differently. Do you guys agree with that? Well I do. For us to be able to win with flying colors in this battle called life, we have to face adversity with a thankful heart. In that way you can do something differently. And that’s what I did and will continue doing it and will make sure that defeat will not get in the way. A positive attitude will surely take you to places.

So lemme enjoy this ride and jump on every hurdle. Will keep you posted!


hugs,
joanie xxx

About my Patriotism

It was Aug 21, 1983 when Ninoy Aquino died and I was in my kindy at that time when the cortege passed by near where I live. I witnessed the vigorous pandemonium of crowd marching along España. I wasn't fully aware who was Ninoy then. All I knew was he had a very significant role in politics. I later found out that Ferdinand Marcos was accused of his assassination. I grew up admiring Ferdinand Marcos because of his undeniable brilliance. A great man inspite of his very dirty political history. A few years after Ninoy's death, Marcos was ousted as President of the Philippines. People power by millions of Filipinos in February 25, 1986 changed the landscape of Philippine government. From a dictator leader to a democratic one. It was Cory Aquino who continued the legacy of her husband Ninoy.

The very first woman president of our republic. A very God-fearing individual, a nurturing person and the symbol of democracy. She had her six year term from 1986-1992 as our president who served her country without any corruption and survived six coup d'état. In Aug 1, 2009 she died after struggling from her Cancer of the colon. Being away from my country I only rely news from the internet and the news I can get from my sister who is working in the Archdiocese of Manila. I always watch youtube and the updates from online newspapers. All of a sudden I saw how history repeats itself. I saw how the entire archipelago mourns and how Philippine flag turned into yellow. The love of millions of Filipinos to our Democracy Icon were over flowing.

I never cared about Philippine politics and to prove that I remember one instance when I had a lunch with Rex Lopez & Bob Guerrero at Cafe Breton sometime last year. They were trying to challenge me with some dares. They were asking me to choose based on the two extreme options that they provided. They asked me which one you will choose: A. Have a one year cooking lesson with Jamie Oliver or B. Save Filipinos from having a chaotic country. Undoubtedly I chose A. Have a cooking lesson with Jamie for a year in exchange of having a systematic country. I never gave a damn care with my country. I feel that it's hopeless because we are already in the brink of orderliness extinction. A lot of things are unfixable. Today I ponder that I was wrong.

Seeing the videos of Cory's burial in Manila Memorial Park while the song "Bayan ko" was sung, I suddenly wept. First time in my life I got emotional about my country. I really felt that we lost a great model of purity in the Philippine government. It's a rare chance that we can see huge Filipino crowd convene without being paid like all the rallies we had in the past years. All of them sacrificed there time and made big efforts to demonstrate their mourn about losing one great icon in Philippine history. We all love Cory because she's the reason why we are enjoying our democracy now.

Now as I write this blog I want to share to my readers that I was reflecting on some thoughts the past few days when I read Bob Guerrero's Facebook status about Patriotism. And I am quoting his status:

"I hope that we all show our patriotism and nationalism not only when it's cool, easy and when everyone is doing it but also when it's hard, unglamorous, unfashionable, and unrecognized."

While still updating myself about Cory's burial, I stumbled on a photo of a very interesting yet funny coincidence. Is this an honest or intentional mistake by the writer who wrote the caption in Manila Bulletin newspaper? And by the way, Arroyo is the current President of the Philippines who is currently accused of plunder cases and the Filipino people want her oust.

As I live my life, I often feel that I don't want to be a Filipino. But instances like this and seeing my country unites for a common goal still makes me proud to be a Filipino. And being here in Vietnam and working hard makes me feel proud that I am a FILIPINO in so many ways.

Artist Chef is proud to be PINOY!

hugs,
joanie xxx

Paolo Mendoza

There are three more couples that I need to post very soon. It took me a while to fix a lot of things about my life and career but after I post all the customers I had last year, I will post my first Artist Chef stint here in Saigon. Will definitely keep you posted.

Thanks Paolo for giving me my favorite cake---The Mango Torte from Dulcelin. But I love the Tony Cuerva better if I have a choice :p But seriously, most of my customers are very sweet. They do love me that's why I love them also in return. Actually this is not the first time for me to receive a present from my customers and I just want everyone to know that I am happy and thankful for that. I am also grateful with all the customers I had through the years. I know I'll be having more of them soon here in Ho Chi Minh City :-)

hugs,
joanie xxx

Bastille Day

Le Quatorze Juillet - Fete de la Federation

Today is a bad day for me. That's what my Vitenamese officemate told me when we chatted on Facebook a few minutes ago. Why a bad day? Because today my condo had a temporary water disconnection and doesn't have a water supply for few hours. So how can I go to the office without taking a shower or brushing my teeth. Then few minutes later, I was reminded that I still have the keys of my old apartment. I hurriedly went there to take a quick shower. Then when I arrived in the office I found out that I don't have my celfone in my bag. I just assumed I left it in my condo. I was wrong, I actually left it in the cab this morning. I asked my Vietnamese officemate to call my celfone, then she said that somebody answered the fone. It was the driver who kept it and will give it back asap. Well thank God the driver is kind. Things get fucked up but I noticed that the situation find its way to fix things at the same time. Without forcing the situation, good things work on its own. Although history wise, this day screwed up my life but I am very thankful that after a year here I am rising up and learning to stand with heads up. Like my favorite saint, St. Joan of Arc who is also one of the heroes of France---I faced adversity with courage and a thankful heart. Today things fucked up in someways but I am with the French people in celebrating their Independence day!

I am writing this post because I am a not just a great fan of France, but I am a lover of French films, desserts, foods, wines, cheeses, macaroons, friands and mustards. This post is just my way to be with them in commemorating their freedom. I feel them. After realizing that I am actually working in a country that was greatly influenced by French culture. That fact delights me each day and makes me appreciate the Vietnamese root more. As I appreciate their culture, I one day found out that their language is a mix of Chinese and French tone. Sounds complicated but everyday I try to speak some of the words I learned so that I can communicate with the locals. Experiencing my day-to-day life here in Saigon with the strong presence of French architecture and French baguette (which they call here as Banh Mi) reminds me about the good things that French people left for this country.

Artist Chef's Fried Tofu and Stewed Papaya Relish with French Sausage Tidbits

Artist Chef's Curried Sweet Vietnamese Mango with Coconut Ice Cream

Photos above are some of the few dishes I concocted lately for The Artist Chef intimate dinner. It started last Saturday here in Saigon. I hope the situations in my life will cooperate as I pursue my dreams and as I create a new threshold to diversify my passion. I hope people will support me as I make my first step in globalizing The Artist Chef concept. I am looking forward the day that our world will embrace the idea of the internet's one and only Artist Chef.

Happy Bastille Day!!!

hugs,
joanie xxx

Happy Feast Day!

It's been two months already since I arrived here in Saigon. My two months were not just about work but also about my cooking saga. I cook almost everyday and will usually go in the supermarket every weekend. It's pretty much rewarding to feed people and meet their satisfaction. I think I cooked dinner feast around four times. And one of those is cooking for some Aussie mates!

The Grilled Peppered-Paprika-Pork with Legumes

The Sagada Fried Rice that never fails to amaze hundreds of stomach

The dinner table awaits the guests. Mango & Shrimp Medley, Fusilli Pomodoro & Strawberry with Dark Chocolate awaits the grilled herb Moroccan Chicken!

Angel with Marcus & Adrian

Our Aussie guests, Marcus & Adrian. They are Angel's colleagues from her office. I'm a bit sad that my housemate will soon fly back to Manila to wait for her visa for another job. On the other hand I am glad because she introduced me to Marcus so I can have my future customer for the Artist Chef Saigon style. I am also happy to have known someone like Adrian, who helped us moved our stuffs out of the house without any reproach. And for his unexpected company in watching a teenybopper movie with me and Angel. Hope we can run soon around Phu My Hung. I am aiming for 5-10 kilometer run every weekend. But first of all I have to buy a new running shoes.

Joanie with Marcus & Adrian Ammendola

There are more dinner feasts to come for me to blog. I promise to blog more as often as I can. There's so much stories to share and needs to be written soon. I hope to find enough time for all those things. Like what I always tell to my Facebook fellas, Manila is just a keyboard away.

Warm hugs to all the Manileños who are experiencing a lot of bed weather :-)

hugs,
joanie xxx