July-August issue by Metro Post

ASIAN classic

ut o g n i eat

by yvette tan

EVERYONE IS FAMILIAR WITH LITTLE ASIA, THE RESTAURANT LITTLE ASIA has been one of Manila’s more popular HOUSED IN THE ROUND BUILDING ALONG TOMAS MORATO dining hotspots for some years now, and it only keeps WHOES CRIMSON AND GOLD INTERIOR CHANGES COLOR getting better WITH EACH MOVEMENT OF THE SUN. People have come from far and wide to partake of Little Asia’s fusion fare, and many a celebrity, socialite, and politician has waxed poetic about the divine cuisine that this not-so-little Asian restaurant offers. Personalities who enjoy Little Asia’s fusion cuisine include Sharon Cuneta and Mother Lily; as well as Dolphy and ZsaZsa Padilla. Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda are also regular customers, both having praised Little Asia in their respective columns. Even international celebs can’t get enough. The restaurant’s walls are lined with framed autographs of visiting artists, all of them accompanied by praises for Little Asia’s unique cuisine. Pop and R&B performers such as Boyz II Men, The Corrs, Incubus, The Black-Eyed Peas, and 98 Degrees; as well as more mature singers like Stephen Bishop, James Ingram, Patti Austin, David Pomeranz, Rex Smith and Angela Bofill are all fans of the restaurant’s Crispy Chicken. In fact, it is this dish that started the restaurant in the first place. “(The recipe) was taught to us by grandfather’s cousin’s wife,” Charlemagne Lim, Little Asia’s General Manager says.

Still, this hasn’t stopped Charlemagne from his pursuit of unique and great tasting food for Little Asia’s menu. Some of these dishes, like the Vietnamese Crispy Chicken Wings with Garlic, have origins that sound like fairy tales. The recipe for this dish was taught to Little Asia’s chef by an old Vietnamese refugee who had settled in Hong Kong. Before the refugee woman bestowed upon the chef her culinary secrets, she first had to be wooed and pleaded with before she allowed him into her kitchen as an apprentice for one week. The result - a gastronomic delight whose light garlic-flavored coating envelopes thick, flavorful pieces of chicken wing. Of course, nothing beats the restaurant’s all-time bestseller, Little Asia’s Crispy Chicken. A lot has happened since Little Asia first opened its doors. The restaurant has garnered a host of awards like the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Best Restaurant by the Philippine Tatler. Charlemagne himself was named one of the 10 Most Outstanding Entrepreneurs of 2005 by Entrepreneur magazine. Charlemagne, of course, is very happy. “I’m very blessed,” he says. “I owe a lot to my ang kong’s Cripsy Chicken.” And so does the rest of dining Manila.

When it comes to running Little Asia, Charlemagne is very hands on. He taste-tested all the dishes that went into the menu, and is still active in the resto’s R&D. Until recently, he personally trained all his staff. As anyone can see, all his hard work has paid off, with the restaurant being written about in newspapers and magazines and being featured on TV.

LITTLE ASIA Tomas Morato cor. Scout Funtabella Streets in Quezon City 373-0609 and 410-4937 2nd Level of the Promenade, Greenhills 727-5265 and 727-5785. metropost 03

ut o g n i eat

rice paper

pesto

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tuna

tes a d p chea

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T O H s ’ that

I’M GLAD

WE’VE MET BY PIA YATER

MET TATHIONE MAY BE THE ANSWER TO THE FILIPINO’S QUEST FOR FAIRNESS, INSIDE AND OUT A lot of Filipinos long to have fair complexions. As the famous mantra ”maganda ang maputi” shows, here, white is equated with beautiful. In answer to this dream, two admittedly vain friends who appreciate the aesthetics of white beauty partnered in bringing in high grade whitening products from Japan. What started as a quest for the best whitening product for personal use became a business venture. Met owners Olai Espiritu and Vannie Patillas, with the support of their husbands, worked hard to give the Filipinos the healthy and revitalized skin they have always wanted. Catering to a vast market, Met tathione is really raking in publicity and customers. Having the likes of Ruffa Gutierrez, Cory Quirino and other real-life users as product endorsers, Met has been appealing to those who aspire for white beauty. As Met tathione marketing man Mr. Paul Chuapoco puts it, the honesty of the product is its staying power. Although other glutathione products has been coming in and out of the market for a long time now, it is really Met that established the glutathione craze. “When we say we have 250 milligrams, we mean it. That means our products is truthfully effective,” Mr. Chuapoco says. This is only one of the reasons why the public loves this latest breakthrough in the industry of health and beauty.

Finest Ingredients

The food supplement produces radiant white skin from within, while the soap works on he outside. When used at the same time, Met products successfully Metathione is premium-grade reduced Glutathione from Japan. leave users with glowing healthy It’s a small protein composed of skin inside and out. Aside from its whitening effects, Met users amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine that’s is used to also get other benefits that can be derived from glutathione, prevent oxidative stress in most cells and helps trap free radicals including the prevention of diseases such as skin pigmentation, that can damage one’s cells. freckles, acne, skin allergies, and blemishes, among others. Contrary to its name, reduced glutathione does not mean it is Met uses advanced Japanese less effective than the average technology that goes beyond the dose. It simply describes the usual whitening system known highest grade and safest from to Filipinos. With Met, you can of glutathione available in the enjoy the silky smooth skin of market. youth while living confidently with your new inner glow. Gluthathione can be used in food supplement or soap form.

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Officewear 2.0 Styling by Sarah Katigbak Photographed by Che Katigbak

Ramp up your office style without breaking the dress code

e l y t s y t i c

A tube top over a classic black dress is a great way to modernize a wardrobe staple.

Layering is a trick that can create different looks out of a few key pieces.

Wear a simple wrap dress over a longer one for a look that can take you from office to party.

accessories nuiclothing.com All clothes from 8818 Fashion Design Studio 8818 Kamagong cor. 9748 Sampaloc Streets San Antionio Village, Makati 8976296

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licke city s

Ricci Chan first caught the attention of showbiz bigwigs when he played Angel in the initial run of the Philippine’s version of the Broadway musical Rent. Then he stole the show from Eula Valdez when he played the comedic Didi in the first run of Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzikal. But that’s not all he does. His day job? This Business Economics graduate from the University of the Philippines is an expert in… make-up. Ricci shares that it was while filming Eric Quizon’s Markova: Comfort Gay where his interest in make-up began. Urged on by his friend Marlon Rivera, Ricci learned the basics in Propaganda Salon, where Marlon was Creative Director. A year later, Mega Magazine, upon the recommedation of Propaganda, asked Ricci

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BY KC ABALOS PHOTOGRAPHED BY XANDER ANGELES and MARLON RIVERA

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to style and do make-up for an editorial. “I found out that makeup was a passion that I wanted to pursue intensely and completely.” Ricci said. His impressive resume as an actor, makeup artist and even television personality [Ricci has also dabbled in hosting!], eclipses his second love: music. He has not only shared the stage with Sitti and other performers in the past, he has also produced the albums of artists like Nancy Jane, Julia Duncan, and David Pomeranz. He reveals, “... As a producer, it’s all about the over-all finished product...” This is a belief which he is able to apply in his almost two-years in the making project-his own album. “My sound, they say, is not far from the

sound of Julia Fordham, the ballads of Incognito,” he answers, “I’ve always been a contemporary jazz type of person.” He is halfway through his concept album, which is going to be a showcase of his talents as a recording artist. “It would be wonderful if I can sell but... I’m not here to make money. I’m here to show my music. Secondly, it would be nice to let other people know the different side of me that they’ve never heard. Literally.” Not everyone gets the chance to pursue their passions so Ricci is well aware that he is indeed a lucky guy. With the help of people who believe in his talent and skills, he is able to boldly conquer anything he puts his heart and mind to, whether it is onscreen or behind the camera, in front of the mike or behind the recording glass doors.

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: A Z I U Q R T H G I L H MARI A T I W IC S U M G N I K A M

TAN BY YVETTE QUIZA AR I AR M GRAPHY BY

PHOTO

ASK PHOTOGRAPHER MARI ARQUIZA WHY SHE LIKES SHOOTING ROCK STARS AND SHE WILL SHRUG AND SAY, “”I LOVE ROCK.” “I love the excitement of a rock concert,” she says in Tagalog, “I also shoot conventional artists, but it’s shooting rock musicians that I really love.” Mari started out as a web designer, creating and maintaining websites for different companies. Her serendipitous love affair with photography started in 2004, when, while working on a music website, she was asked to photograph a few gigs. “They didn’t have a photographer, so they asked me to do it instead,” she says. Mari grew to love photography, so much so that she admits that nowadays, she spends more time behind the camera than in front of the computer. “The hard part about shooting rock musicians is that I tend to get carried away sometimes,” Mari admits, “On one hand, it’s harder to focus because your subject is moving so much, but on the flip side, you get a lot of interesting shots that way.” Name any band in the Philippine music scene; Mari has probably shot them. But her real muses are women who have carved their names into the local music industry. We know then all, strong, musically inclined women such as Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Sitti. What is it about these artists that gets Mari so creatively fired up? Once again, it all comes down to music. “I personally like their music,” Mari says, “It’s fun to shoot artists when you like their music.”

Mari’s talents aren’t reserved for the people she admires alone. Always game, she will shoot anyone anywhere. “I don’t mind shooting bands or artists that I don’t know or like, but it’s definitely different if you know or like who you’re shooting,” she says. “I’m fond of shooting up and coming bands,” she adds, “That way, I’m able to capture their early days, the ones before they become famous.” One of the artists who she has been photographing even before she hit it big is Sitti. “I met Sitti’s manager during one of her early performances,” Mari narrates, “He asked me to shoot her on stage, and I’ve started photographing her ever since.” Being a photographer isn’t all fun. Sometimes, especially during a rowdy rock concert, there can be an element of danger involved. “Sometimes the fans can get a little rowdy,” she says, “I back off when that happens. It’s not worth it to risk my health or my equipment.” Another one of Mari’s favorite subjects is Kuh Ledesma, who she met in college. She later ended up doing the latter’s website. Kuh was so impressed with Mari that to this day, she is one of the few people who are allowed to photograph the diva. When asked which artist Mari would love to shoot, she immediately says Lea Salonga. “It won’t be easy, but I hope to shoot her one day,” Mari says. Knowing her talent and her penchant for making friends in the music scene, that day might not be far ahead.

spotlight

A Different

Side of...

Sitti

K.C. Abalos photographed by Mari Arquiza make-up by Ricci Chan styling by John Lozano She is literally the voice of bossa nova in the Philippines. Intelligent, charming and darned cute, Katrina Sitti Navarro has singlehandedly introduced the genre imported from Brazil in the local music industry. With such eclectic taste in tunes, Filipinos have easily embraced bossa. It isn’t surprising then that the audience have also become instant fans of the petite beauty simply known as Sitti. But if we separate the music from the muse, to whom or which did we fall in love with first? Sitti or bossa nova?

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“I’m not really sure. I can’t really say,” Sitti says, “I would have to say that they like me first than bossa.” metropost 17

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The answer was not stated in unfounded pride. Sitti is being honest, as a real artist should always be. She explains, “because... when I get to talk to people, when they email me, they always say na they didn’t know bossa nova existed until I sang it.” This much is true. Who heard of bossa nova before Sitti sang her versions of “Mas que Nada”, “Girl from Ipanema” and “One Note Samba” in her platinum album, Café Bossa? Sure, we recognize the names of Astrud Gilberto, Stan Getz, and probably, the more popularly known, Sergio Mendez. But we know them more as individual recording artists rather than representatives of a different type of music. A challenge for this dean’s lister of Business Economics from the University of the Philippines is how to tailor bossa for the Filipino ear. If there was any doubt if she could do this, her hit, “Para sa Akin” dispelled it all. But a problem arises—is she still being true to the essence of bossa when she tries to “play” with it? “ I don’t think (bossa nova fans) like me. For one, they don’t want bossa to go main stream... Secondly, they don’t like the kind of bossa nova that we’re doing. I understand. Cafe Bossa is a kind of pop, bossa fusion, not the authentic bossa nova. I think na-miscommunicate somewhere na akala ng mga tao, this is bossa nova.” It is obvious that she is not just any random performer. She is a, self-confessed, true-blue fan of music in general and bossa in particular. “Iba kasi ‘yung rhythm, the rhythm moves me. When I close my eyes, and when I sing, when I hear the chords, it moves me.” As such, it cannot be helped that Sitti has become synonymous with the genre. Though it is a good thing, it also creates a problem for the young singer. She shares, “there’s a pitfall there because they would think that everything I sing is bossa, ako naman, every time I get the chance, binabago ko iyun. Of course, not all the songs I sing are bossa nova.”

Beyond Bossa

My Bossa, Sitti’s third album heralded a slightly different sound. “It’s more easy listening although the beat is still slower,” she describes. “Kung bibigyan ako ng album, gusto ko bossa nova or standard, pop jazz or light jazz, or any of those genres rather than pop or R&B.” She adds that she has educated herself before she started singing bossa nova. She learned how to speak Portuguese and various bossa artists. She can confidently say that she intimately knows bossa, which is why she is hesitant in simply changing her tune.

Money on Di$play words and photography by Anson Yu

The Central Bank Museum holds a wealth of history about our national currency

This gem of a museum was founded in 1974 and was tasked to collect and study the various forms of coins and paper notes found in the Philippines during different historical periods. You can find everything here from the pre-Hispanic piloncitos, the first recognized form of local coinage to the 100,000 peso Centennial note, which is accredited by the Guinness Book of Records as the world biggest legal tender.

Aside from historical coins and banknotes, the museum has a special display that teaches visitors how to tell the difference between genuine and counterfeit bank notes. If you ever wonder as to how we came about with the design for local currencies, there is a newly opened gallery that explains that process. Highlights here include actual samples of coins and banknotes that have never gotten beyond the designs stage. The museum also houses the Central Bank’s collection of commemorative coins and medals, as well as its collection of foreign currencies from around the world and coins from ancient civilizations. Aside from coins, banknotes and medals, the museum also showcases paintings from the BSP art collection, including rare examples of a unique art form known as “Letras y Figuras”. Other facilities housed within the museum include a numismatic (coin collection) library which provides information regarding local and foreign currencies. But what is probably the best thing and most paradoxically about this money museum is that it’s open free to the public. Mon -Fri 9am -12nn, 1pm -4pm, Bangko Sentral Complex, A. Mabini St. Malate, 5249534.

There are whispers of a new Christmas album and another more jazzy cd for Sitti. Regardless of her next project, she is sure though that she wants to sing more original songs. Bossa or not, she is not the type of gal who can be tied down to only one facet of music. “I really don’t wanna be boxed there kasi God has given me the gift of singing and I can sing other genres naman.” But again, before branching out, she insists that she needs to educate herself before claiming to be a recording artist of another genre. “More experience, more exposure, more research, more listening, more of every thing,” she answers when asked if she is ready to try jazz or the like. Then adds, “at the same time, I think I’m not really sure about the audience, parang biglang paradigm shift.” With such deep respect for music, it is no wonder Sitti is successful in her chosen art. Whether she sticks with what she knows or goes beyond bossa, we can be sure she is giving it her all.

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ves o m r e re

Saving 101

There are a lot of people out there who are facing financial difficulty nowadays. Many people spend a lot of time worrying about how to make ends meet. It’s difficult to face the reality of not having as much disposable income as you once might have had, but rather than going into debt and getting yourself into further financial trouble, there are some simple steps you can take to start saving money.

Quit buying drinks

Spending P20 a day on bottled tea adds up to P600 a month. That’s P7200 a year! In all my financial seminars, most of the major expenses do not come from big ticket items. Instead, they come from the small expenses that are not noticed because the amounts are too small and negligible. (This also applies to your favorite coffee shops, just do your math.)

Pack your lunch

Bringing your own food to work will save you lots of money in the long run. Pack your lunch at least three days a week and you’ll be surprised at how much you can save. Not only is home-cooked food cheaper, it’s healthier, too!

Get your groove back at work! “Your job’s a joke, you’re broke, your love life’s DOA…It’s like you’re always stuck in second gear…”

If you’re one of the unfortunate few who can relate to the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. theme song, it’s not the end of the world. While a love life revamp may take more time, a career rehash isn’t rocket science. Here are a few ways to get your groove back in the workforce!

Talk to your boss.

Letting people know your intentions is a smart move to reach your goal.

Flaunt your contributions.

The higher-ups have to KNOW you are an asset. If they are clueless of your contributions, chances are they will give the promotion to your officemate.

Update your resume.

You’ll never know when you’ll need it. It’s better to be prepared for a resignation than be totally unarmed when the need to transfer arises.

Find variety.

These days, it’s not uncommon for people to have two to four jobs, as long as they are equipped with time management skills. Freelance work or hobbies provide variety to your main job, let20 metropost

your m

by Chinkee Tan

Saving isn’t hard... the key is to just start!

BY JILLIAN Q. GATCHECO

ting you approach it with more vigor and enthusiasm.

Volunteer.

This will not only show what kind of worker you are, it will also expand your know-how which could help you in the future. You wouldn’t want to be the employee who only does what he or she is told, just because it’s “part of the job description.” Plus, you get to widen your network. This way, when you need help in the future, you’d know whom to contact.

Socialize.

All work and no play is a bummer. Spend some time with officemates and make it a point to NOT talk about work once in a while. If you’re friends with your teammates, going to work will be much more pleasant and enjoyable.

Be proactive.

Target an unresolved challenge in your company and make it your “project.” Of course, you have to consider a situation that is compatible with your skills. Share this with your boss and tell him or her how you plan to deal with it.

Dress to impress!

Just because you do not have a dress code doesn’t mean you can wear anything you want. Dress up as if you will get your “big break” any day! Be prepared to impress daily!

Don’t shop with credit

Statistic show that we tend to increase our expenditure by 30% if we use our credit cards. Take cash instead. It will make you think twice before buying something you don’t actually need.

Supermarket lists are your friends

It is important to list down all the things that you need – not want -- to buy, then stick to it. Not only will it save you money, it will add a sense of purpose to your trip as well.

aketeer

the r oney +

Be an online entrepreneur! By Jillian Q. Gatcheco

For those who aren’t ready to shell out millions for a start-up biz, fret not—the Internet makes everything possible. Almost any website you can blog and post pictures on can become a FREE venue for your online business. Rica de Ramos of “The Tree House,” an online shoe store she co-owns with Tin Samson, gives us a 101 on how to sell on the Net.

“Do research. Know your target market as well as the competition.” Consider the shopping budget of your product’s customer. Set yourself apart from commercial establishments through a competitive, cheaper pricing scheme.

“Make sure you have contact and product details, FAQs, and ‘How to Order.’ Post pictures of your products and give the complete description. Consumers get turned off when the price isn’t divulged.” “The Tree House” ships orders through Air21, and “meet-ups” are done for those who live nearby. Don’t worry if you’re not techsavvy; all you need is basic computer knowledge since networking sites make communication easier. “If you know how to get around Multiply then you won’t have a problem. Multiply also has a good help desk. You need not bother yourself with learning HTML,” says Rica.

“Have enough capital.”

Stop eating out

An online store is good news for those who don’t have the time and resources yet to have a tangible store. Without worrying about rental fees, your capital will go straight to business improvements.

Cancel your gym membership

Take advantage of this non-traditional means of selling to reach a specific target market. There are thousands of e-groups on the Net dedicated to a common area of interest. Join the ones that apply to your business, and plug away!

Eating out wreaks havoc on one’s pocket. If you eat out to meet up with friends, why not throw a Pot Luck Party? Invite your friends to hang out at your place, but have them bring a dish or a drink to share each. Everyone saves and everyone is happy.

If you pay your P2,500 a month by direct debit from your credit card and you use the gym three times a week, great. If not, cancel your membership immediately. We just cancelled our membership since we only visit the gym 3 to 4 times a month. We will be saving at least P30,000 a year. You’ll soon save enough to buy your own bike and, if you’re so inclined, a rowing machine. Consider running, push up or sit ups three times a week. It’s free.

“Promote [through] text and email blasts, or [even] TV and print.”

“Update regularly.”

Answer inquiries ASAP, and update your inventory conscientiously. Although some customers still prefer to “touch” an item before purchasing, selling online has advantages that beat the traditional mall set-up. It’s Cost-effective, convenient, accessible 24-7, and multimedia compatible. And what if it doesn’t work out? Just close the online account!

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reviews music

GURU T E G D GA

books

DVDS

MUSIC REVIEWS

By Alex Almario Accelerate by REM Despite their lifetime membership in rock’s aristocracy, REM’s rock-cred has nonetheless been hurt by their reputation of not rocking “hard” enough. With “Accelerate”, these indie-rock pioneers may have come up with their loudest rebuttal yet. The album features some of their hardest-rocking songs since 1994’s “Monster”, and perhaps with even more consistency. The result is a band that sounds rejuvenated. Tracks such as “Man-Sized Wreath”, “I’m Gonna DJ”, and “Supernatural Superserious” display an exuberance we haven’t heard from them since “Radio Free Europe” and “It’s the End of The World As We Know it”. 14 albums and counting, REM continues to reinvent themselves for the new generation. Jukebox by Cat Power

mobile messaging The internet didn’t start out with a bang. Having access to it was initially a luxury only a few could enjoy—especially in the Philippines. But with the continuous improvement of technology comes the next phase in globalization: mobile messaging, getting connected to whomever, whenever, wherever. YehBA Mobile IM, backed by D3 Systems, is one such service that’s focused on bringing the dream closer to reality, even with some heavy competition from the mobile industry giants. But how exactly is YehBA moving forward with their system that would make anyone, anywhere, reachable? Text messages are already popular with today’s generation, and that’s just the first step to the future of messaging. Vice President of Technical Operations Roger C. Delgado, Jr. explains that “ever since mobile operators got the opportunity to serve the internet through mobile phones, the natural tendency was for whatever was accessible in the PC will also come to the mobile platform.”

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Dubbed as ‘Mobile Web 2.0’, YehBA is setting out to take all that is popular in messaging, mobile or web-based, and compacting it all into the palm of your hand—or both hands, depending on how big your cellphone is. “The next big thing is to embrace the internet—but away from the desktop or the notebooks.” Mr. Delgado points out that notebooks still look for wi-fi connections, and the smallest notebook is still bigger than the biggest mobile phone. And in our generation, most people are with phones, “it’s always there, [and] it’s always on. Plus, it’s easier to use!” YehBA is a downloadable application that uses your mobile operator’s GPRS capabilities. This means access to IM features anytime, anywhere, as long as your phone has signal. This also means the ability to communicate with friends worldwide for less cost, as if your mobile was your PC. And YehBA wants to make it easier for the users to move from desktop to mobile: “The platform that we are making here is configured in a way that you can transfer the internet services you use to your phone without breaking a sweat.” Download Yehba now by logging on to www.yehba.com by Jason Lim photographed by CHE KATIGBAK

Very few cover albums can tiptoe between reverence and iconoclasm as gracefully as Chan Marshall’s (A.K.A “Cat Power”) “Jukebox”. From Frank Sinatra’s “New York”, to Janis Joplin’s “Woman Left Lonely” and Joni Mitchell’s “Blue”, Marshall manages to reinvent each old standard seamlessly into her dark seedy brand of folk-soul. She transforms Hank Williams’ country classic “Ramblin’ Man” into the sultry “Ramblin’ (Wo)Man” with such seductive panache that the original swiftly dissolves into thin air. To call this a mere collection of covers, however, would be selling the album short. Upon further listening, “Jukebox” becomes less of a cover album, and more of a solid concept album about love and desperation.

BOOK REVIEWS

By Alex Almario Chuck Klosterman IV: A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas by Chuck Klosterman Reinventing pop criticism and changing how people view pop culture seem like ridiculous ideas in this post-post-modern age. That is, until you read Chuck Klosterman. In this his 4th assault on the hipster establishment, Klosterman deconstructs pop icons and pop ideas as if matters of social import, since, as he claims, pop culture is important. Through a series of compelling articles and essays, Klosterman further expands his thesis on the irrelevance of the “underground” snob culture, as he rants on about why punk rock is overrated, why Billy Joel is “great”, and why pop culture, however unpalatable it may be right now, can never be wrong. Teach Me by R.A. Nelson Reinvention can be a complicated thing. Just ask teenager Carolina “Nine” Livingston. Heavilyinfluenced by her math-obsessed father, Nine is seduced into the exciting world of poetry…and her poetry teacher, Mr. Mann. What follows is a student-teacher love affair which, however ostensibly scandalous, is nonetheless tempered by R.A. Nelson’s tenderly innocent prose. He vividly captures every exhilarating and painful second of Nine’s transformation from awkward math geek to passionate lover, and inevitably, to functioning adult. With a self-conscious narrative that grows more and more anxious with every page, “Teach Me” is at once sweet, disconcerting, and humorous; just as anyone’s teenage years should be. metropost 23