Finding bliss in White Forest

I am a fan of anything white.

I used to have a big crush with Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White, love watching Redford White’s slapsticks when I was young and would feast on fried white leghorns anytime of the day.

But lately, I noticed that I was hitting a snag with a lot of “whites in my life.” First, I found out that the whitening facial wash that I bought last month was down to its last drop and I can’t even see any effect on my face at all. Then, I read a college bud’s Facebook wall post that it was snowy now in Canada that means she just beat me in our who-will-first-experience-white-Christmas race. To top it all, my white polo office uniform is still missing up to this day since our home in Pasig City was soaked in flood water two weeks ago.

But in the midst of these sort of unfortunate events, I have learned a lesson that I want to share: there is White at the end of a tunnel!

Last week, my wife and I, with the help of her sister and some friends, decided to conduct a relief goods drive for the victims of the flood. I wrote an open letter and posted it to different social network sites asking for help in behalf of my neighbors who that time were experiencing difficulties in getting food due to the chest-deep water in our area.

Good Samaritans answered our plea and we conducted the distribution of the relief goods last October 10. It was not an easy task because of the many obstacles that we met along the way. It started when our vehicle was flagged down by two traffic enforcers but was later “pardoned” when told them that we will deliver donations to flood victims. Next problem was we were outnumbered by the sacks of donations but found helping hands who offered assistance when they learned about our intention.

The biggest issue came when it was time for us to cross the 4 feet-high dirty water for us to go to our site. Thank God for those creative people who turned truck tire’s interiors, plastic containers and even busted airbeds into boats that carried us to reach our target area. We were able distribute bags of groceries to more than 70 families in Lupang Pari in Brgy. San Miguel, Pasig City. It was such a great experience to be able to help those in need with the fact that I am also a typhoon Ondoy victim.

It was a tiring but worthwhile Saturday and I just have two things in mind on our way to our temporary home (house of my in-laws in Q.C. while we wait for the flood in Pasig to subsides) --- a hot shower and a great merienda.

When we arrive at the house, another snag… brown-out for the nth time that week! I did get my hot shower since I was perspiring to death. But God knows how to reward good deeds, alright.

On the table, we saw a box of Red Ribbon cake. When I opened it, I saw light! It’s the new Red Ribbon’s White Forrest just like the ones I see in news paper ads and tarpaulins that always get my attention every time I pass by the Red Ribbon store in Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong on the way to way.

Somebody must have been listening when I told my wife one time that I wanted to try White Forrest and will buy a whole next pay day. I found out it was my mother-in-law.

And soon the whole afternoon was filled with exchanges of stories of what happened that day and in spite of the power outage, everyone was perked up. I know Red Ribbon’s White Forest has something to do with it.

I know because with all the troubles we've been through that day, all the ill feelings we had were white-out with every bite of delight of this great new dessert experience called White Forest.

A Meryenda Dilemma at Red Ribbon: Salisbury Steak or Carbonara?

Call me crazy or what but I think, Red Ribbon is stalking me.

Before you raise those trimmed eyebrows of yours, why not listen to my story first. It all started when I used to work as a copywriter/ publicity officer for VIVA Entertainment in the late 90’s. Our office was in E. Rodriguez Sr., Q.C. and just beside our building is Red Ribbon – New Manila Branch. After several years, I found my self working for HTMT, a call center in E. Rodriguez Jr., Quezon City. A few yards from work is Red Ribbon – Libis. Today, I am now employed by a NGO in Mandaluyong City. And two blocks away from the office is Red Ribbon – Shaw Blvd.

Am I complaining? Of course, Not! I am just sharing this crazy thought that in case I will be applying for a job with a new employer, my chances of getting hired will depend whether there is nearby Red Ribbon shop in the area.

Ahhh…too much thinking made me hungry so I went out to get Meryenda at RB. When I looked at the menu on the wall, I can’t help but notice the “new-improved meals” tag at the Salisbury Steak and Carbonara entries. There must something special in these two yummy delights that I have already tried during my previous trips to the store--- but there was no “new-improved meals” tag then.

Hmm… now here’s my dilemma. What will I try first? I may be a little chubby but my stomach can accommodate just one set meal that afternoon.

After quite a debate between my leaf and right brain, I decided to order the Carbonara Meal set for take out. In my cubicle, I spent 15 minutes of heaven. The last time I had RB Carbonara was last month but the moment the first bite landed in my mouth, I can tell that there is definitely something different with it. Creamier…yummier… more delicious… bitin-er (translation: craving for more)… simply a bargain at 120 pesos (I got a slice of Black forest and Coke light with it).

If you’re thinking that I will get Salisbury steak tomorrow. I can’t say yes. Because I might order Carbonara again. It’s another Meryenda dilemma tomorrow at Red Ribbon and I’m not complaining.