Menudo!

Canonball.
Explosion.
Please Be Good To Me.
If You're Not Here.
I'm Going Back To The Philippines.

These are but some of the songs popularized by the famous boy band during the 80's, Menudo!
Kid of the 80's here! And yes, I can sing some of their songs with that 80's feel! LOL. But my post today is neither about their music nor their group. You see, this morning while working from home, I craved. So, I decided to cook! But how? It is my first time to be trying this menu so I did search on the web where I can find easy to follow MENUDO recipe!  Take a look at my first Menudo cooking. Didn't capture everything on video but yeah, the two-minuter(+) clip will give you a good glimpse of a very amateur 'chef,' trying out a recipe for the first time! Enjoy! ...and I hope I will be able to make you hungry for a menudo meal later when you finish watching. 😆

Happy Birthday, My Favorite Sibling!

It's my Ate B's birthday today... hooorayyy!!! Almost April 25 here in Manila but to my ate's place, it is still an hour to noon time, April 24th! So there!

I decided to make my first ever chicken macaroni salad recipe. Why? Because I was craving for it for the past few days already. :( I only have a few knowledge of how to do it so I needed to consult my friend, Google, and look for an easy recipe to follow. Found one!  So I headed to the supermarket earlier to get some ingredients and after finishing my day job (from home), my little "assistant" assisted me in making this masterpiece after dinner! Look!

Chick-mac salad made with love <3 nbsp="" td="">

Those raisins give the extra taste! The pineapple bits didn't really contributed to the overall look but it gave the taste and extra point! I really love pineapples (even on my pizza!)  Kulang daw ng carrots sabi ni wifey :(  Next time, meron pa namang susunod na pagkakataon. We'll make sure it's perfect by then! ;)

Will eat some tomorrow, best when chilled. Can't wait!

Thank you, 2017!

I'm just glad and thankful that before this year ends, better things started pouring in.  Frankly, I can say that I had a not-so-good 2017 start and until the 3rd quarter of this year, some things were still difficult to understand.  But my hope kept its fire burning--- that good things will come to those who patiently wait.  And indeed! God never fails to amaze me with His bountiful blessings in His right timing!  All glory and praises to HIS Name!

One of the best things that happened this year is the birth of our second child, a bouncing baby boy!  This cheerful baby resembles her mom a lot.  Always smiling, always happy.  He's truly a blessing to my family!  And I couldn't thank God more for this gift!

DJ's offering day, Feb. 25, 2017.  Photo with Bro. Benefrido Santiago
& Taytay resident minister, Bro. Jericko De Jesus

I had the chance to go back up to Baguio again this year, through the company of my best church buddies.  We really are supposed to stay in Pangasinan and Baguio was just a side trip.  One of the most memorable times of my 2017--- vacation with good friends!

Baguio boys: MJ, Khel, Mayor Carford, Xian, Narvin
(not in photo: Czyrus & Czarwin)

Mountain of houses has never pleased my sight :(

had a good faith matter discussion with MJ's tito, with Razel

bed sharing

early morning view from your place

...and the smell of the green rice field

never forget the worship services wherever you go!

batis na malinis... there is still hope to preserve nature's beauty!

career-wise, i get to visit Iloilo again for a very touching CSR project / experience.  A community we nurture, together with Gawad Kalinga, gave me a different perspective about "less fortunate" families--- families who live in a community where there is no electricity, and school travel for kids becomes a reason for their frequent class absences.  i, together with two good men, were assigned to document this "reality" but was instructed to avoid producing a pitiful story angle.  seems difficult but that "reality" made our assignment naturally easy to accomplish.  Kids greet you with smiles on their faces whenever they come across you, elders do likewise and acknowledge your presence cheerfully.  NO TRACES OF POVERTY, even if they have lesser than the standard households here in Metro Manila.  Children knows their responsibilities at their young age--- domestic responsibilities even.  Children are eager for education, and the community as a whole has been supportive of this.  Youth organizations established weekly tutorials for the younger ones, and "bayanihan" community services are regular on weekends.  Time well spent each day.  This is how they live without television, computers, laptops, and other gadgets--- simple but fruitful life.  More social interaction and community awareness.  One could wish to live in the community and forget all the complexity that modern living has to offer.

documenting their story w/ Joaquin, Raymond & Issa

Early morning pose with the neighborhood

community service FTW!

the regular Zumba session on weekends led by the Youth organiztion

Another blessing before this year ends, I finally got my long-awaited "movement." It has been three years and many thoughts of giving-up when this has been finally realized. although, the official paper confirming this "movement" hasn't been distributed yet.

For the many, many times I've traveled by plane, this is the first time I got really upset over a local flight.  Yes, i've had numerous and countless delayed flights before but this one topped them all!  I was scheduled for the earliest flight last October 16 to discuss an upcoming company activity in our offices in Iloilo.  I got the earliest possible flight so I can start my rounds early and have ample time to stay there in case needed, before the scheduled flight back to Manila.  Then this happened:  arrived in NAIA Terminal 3 at around 3am.  My boarding time reads 0350.  I checked in and waited for the boarding time.  It was a little past 4am when people began inquiring at the Cebu Pacific desk which at that time was manned by a couple of the airline staff. We were supposed to depart at 0420 and no advisory was yet to be announced.  A few minutes after numerous desk inquiries, announcement said that the flight will be delayed (as we expected) and that we should wait for  the next flight announcement at 7:00AM! Like, huh??? 7:00AM and WAIT for further announcement??  So do we have much choice?  After waiting for another three hours, we approached the airline desk to inquire.  We were told that an announcement will be made in a few minutes.. then the much-awaited information was announced: "...please be informed that your flight will further be delayed.  Please wait for the next flight announcement at 10:00AM"  Another 3 hours???  I've called my boss already to inform this unacceptable situation, but told her i'd be waiting until the next (and hopefully the last) flight status announcement.  I began inquiring on the updates about the situation at Iloilo International Airport, since I began hearing comments  from other passengers that the flight will be cancelled and that they are opting to reroute to Roxas then travel by land to Iloilo instead.  A few days earlier, a Cebu Pacific aircraft overshoot the runway of Iloilo International Airport and was stranded there for days.  Perhaps it would be possible to clear the situation from there rather than waiting for the delayed announcement from the airline?  And besides, I've checked PAL website earlier and they already announced cancelled flights to all of their scheduled Iloilo-bound trips.  Why not do the same, Cebu Pacific?? Whyyy??? So even before 9AM, the airline desk was already being swarmed up by irate passengers.  I've decided to wait and wait until they finally announced, minutes before 10AM, that the flight will be cancelled already.  7 hours of waiting in vain is just... WOW.

no sun has risen yet, i was already waiting near the boarding gate

Cebu Pacific desk getting busy attending to irate passengers
and at the same time inquiring about the flight

1-pc chicken joy-rice, and a bottle of water to ease our disappointment
plus one-way trip voucher to any local flight of destination

my boarding pass stamped with "claimed meals" isa lang naman yung meal na ibinigay :P

I've struggled to find a perfect business to 'supplement' my monthly income.  Things have been uneasy, financially speaking, this year and the blessing that came toward the end of this year should change my financial storyline--- for the better.  But I still need to plan for a long-term (savings) goal.  The numerous buy and sell products have somewhat helped me go through the year.. some of them are the following:

ladies shorts... managed to sell a few pieces  with a very
generous supplier willing to settle on a consignment basis

had one buyer but i had to recall since product wasn't original

good products, but not really the business product i was hoping for.
we still use these at home. really very good products.

the most successful among the products i sold. pagkain pa rin
talaga ang love ng mga Pinoy customers!

in one of the most 'sensationalized' crime stories that happened this year, one story (un)fortunately happened in one of our projects.  so when media reporters have to come and cover the story, I needed to be there.  Other than the bad story that the news covered, it was a pleasant reunion with one former colleague, Chino Gaston, and meeting a new face from the other network, Jasmin Romero.  The latter had the juicier detail of the drama though as it was their network who had the first exclusive coverage of the developing story.

friends by profession: ABS CBN's Jasmin Romero (leftmost)
and GMA's Chino Gaston (middle)

Health-wise, I haven't been a hundred percent healthy this year.  Found out that my triglyceride, uric acid, and bad fats have sky-rocketed after I submitted myself to a doctor's check-up when I felt once that my blood pressure also shoot up.  I was given numerous medicine prescriptions which I had to consume for a month.  Then I have to undergo a series of blood chemistry to monitor its improvement.  In the end (or after three blood chem results) I decided to just restrict myself to a strict diet (and veer away from the daily meds) as the doctor advised anyway:  LESS rice, NO softdrinks, LESS coffee... and some other things i love, i have to give-up--- or at least LIMIT, LIMIT, LIMIT:  peanuts, sweets, PORK (bye, sinigang), BEEF (or any red meat for that matter).  Then FORCE myself to physical activities.  Since I am not a very sporty guy, I decided to take the stairs always when going down, and walk the stretch of Shaw Boulevard after work--- from our office (Puregold Shaw area) to Kalentong, or sometimes up to Starmall.  Yep, it's traffic anyway. I also got a second-hand bicycle courtesy of my ever-reliable dad, and got used to take the stairs of the LRT station going up. Yes, going up!  I also forced myself to drink a lot of water not caring if I go to the restroom more often, and take my daily dosage of buco juice.  After a few weeks of keeping this routine, results are quite pleasant--- I even lost my frequent heartburn!  Now all I have to do is to maintain this discipline unto the coming year.

February 3, 2017

December 19, 2017. pwede na ulet lumamon!

In a few hours, it's going to be a new year.  A couple of things to look forward to for the 1st month of the year:  DJ's 1st birthday; mom's homecoming.  Then, let's take it one at a time.  God is good always, all the time!  As for me and my family, we will serve Him faithfully.

A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL!

2016: Page 17 of 366

Today has been a tiring but great day.  Little Aya went with me in my Sunday school assignment in Dividend.  Then we had a short but worthwhile bonding at the mall in the afternoon.  I really love spending my time with my little girl.  She takes away my exhaustion and makes me happy even when I am tired.

Earlier after our officers meeting in the locale of EGM, we had a minor road accident going back to Taytay.  The van we were riding bumped into a vehicle crossing the roundabout of Kaytikling.  Fortunately, everything was settled by a calm talk between the two parties and one traffic officer.  Sad thing though, the bumper of the van we were riding fell off.  We have to tie it before we can proceed driving to our destination again.

Mentioning the officers meeting, I was so moved by the gestures of my former co-officers in the locale of Centennial.  Upon seeing me in the meeting, they all approached me and gave me that "we miss you" look.  Then most of them told me to come back already.  Two of them even had the guts to chant "Iiyak na yan! Iiyak na yan!" urgh! Miss these kids!

- - - - - - - - - - - -

There is this new juice kiosk that makes me want to drink until my tummy is "super full tank." Juice Avenue, which apparently is a part of Fruitas Group offers delicious, thirst-quenching all-natural juice drinks.  Looking at its website, it also offers a variety of fruit shakes but the one in SM Taytay only displays juices.  I don't complain not having shakes because I prefer juice over shakes.  My favourite flavour--- MELON!  Then of course, Buco comes in a close second favorite.  I have yet to try their Apple flavour which should be another favourite of mine, and they also have Watermelon & Yellow Mango flavours.  Next time. ;)

2016: Page 2 of 366

Iglesia Ni Cristo, Lokal Ng Taytay, Rizal

Feels good to perform spiritual duties first thing in the morning.  Since I transferred locale, I always love driving to church with my performance schedule:  morning schedule on weekdays & weekends, I get to drive on no-heavy traffic roads at dawn, leading to the church.  This is my 3rd time to perform in the choir in our new locale and my first choir performance this new year, 2016.   Today, the church commemorates the 91st birth anniversary of our beloved former executive minister, Bro. Erano G. Manalo.  It is always good to remember our leaders, as advised to us by the words of God:  "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."- Hebrews 13:7 NIV  Bro. Erdy was my living role model of a good leader and it played a big part on my learning of how to love the church whenever I perform my duties to God.  Today, we thank God for giving us a leader in the person of Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, who is in union with the former church Administrators.  Their love and care for the church continue and never fade.  This we genuinely feel whenever we stand before the presence of God to worship Him.

After performing my church duty, I drove to my in-laws' place to get the sopas which my mother-in-law prepared for the wake of Papa Rey.  When I arrived at my in-laws' place, I still had time to take a good sip of coffee with Papa Johnny.  Regular coffee, creamer and sugar on a hot water and there goes my coffee fix for the day!  When the sopas was ready, I left for the memorial chapel.  Seeing the parking area almost empty, I was able to park conveniently.  Saw the people sleeping so I just left the hot soup there and sent messages to the family so when they wake up they'll know that it came from us.  I then proceeded to our favorite car wash place and had the car washed.  Chose to eat pancake for breakfast while I wait for the car's turn to be washed.  The place is full for a holiday weekend.  When the car was ready to go, I drove to the bank and to the supermarket beside it to do a couple of chores.  Now I get to rest at home until the afternoon then leave with my little girl again later when it's her mom's turn to attend church services and perform her duty in the finance department.  In a couple of days, it's work, work, work again!  Better cherish the moments of these two remaining days with my two girls before I get busy again.  And yeah, looking at the 2016 Philippine calendar, most of our official holidays fall on a Sunday.  What a bummer.

Habagat - August 2013

Today is the 2nd day of continuous rain. Classes in all levels and work were suspended yesterday and today, and today the flood has risen. i saw my neighbor's photo of our flooded street in facebook so i decided to check it out myself. yaiks! it's almost an Ondoy repeat! but water subsided faster this time and i hope more are safer today than Ondoy time.

[caption id="attachment_3092" align="alignnone" width="300"] flood watch with neighbors[/caption]

fortunately it's an official non-working holiday tomorrow. people affected by the flood still have an extra day to attend to their homes and belongings before reporting to work again. the holiday has been extended too much due to bad weather. since we will be having the first worship service in our locale extension tomorrow morning, we offered our home to church officers who were affected by the flood and will perform their duties tomorrow. we're accommodating a total of 8 persons tonight, so wifey quickly prepared the food for the guests:

[caption id="attachment_3096" align="alignnone" width="300"] food for the guests[/caption]

earlier, the KADIWAs did rounds to the brethren affected by the monsoon rains. braving the rain and not withstanding the flood, they happily rode the boat and saw how the brothers and sisters were doing.

[caption id="attachment_3095" align="alignnone" width="300"] kapisanang KADIWA doing visitation amidst heavy rain and flood[/caption]

yes, the Filipino spirit is waterproof, and brotherhood in the church is really something to be proud of!

Going Back to Iloilo

AUGUST 14 - 16... I went back to the Heart of the Philippines---Iloilo with two of my team mates, Akina & Miko. Our mission: handle two events with media invitees.

August 14: weather was cooperative as the sun smiled after taking cover behind dark clouds a few days back. it will be my team mates' first time in Iloilo. as usual, i was early at the Terminal 3 eluding the rush hour traffic from the east. upon arrival at the departure area, i immediately noticed some push carts with our brand on it. cool! i usually take my morning meal at Kopi Roti but this time i let my companions choose where they want to eat. As soon as they both arrived, we just decided to dine in Kenny Rogers. i had their corned beef breakfast and partnered it with pineapple juice. upon going to the boarding gate after our hearty meal, we met the (company) officers that are boarding the same flight with us to Iloilo. Our chairman was also present and greeted us with all smiles! When we arrived in the province, we checked-in our hotel first and refreshed ourselves, then off we went to do media rounds. visited the offices of Bombo Radyo, The Daily Guardian, ABS CBN, and Panay News. We personally invited them to attend the two events we're holding for the next couple of days. it was already evening when i got the 2nd advertorial approved and it was just then that i have called it a day. King, Miko & I decided to spend dinner time inside Smallville and Miko & I tried this "Medical Spa" within the area. I wasn't really impressed with their 'relaxing massage' which i availed.. feels like my little daughter stroking my back--- yeah, THAT SOFT. Interestingly though, they got our BP first before going to the massage routine. i guess it's the difference being labeled as a 'medical' spa. i was offered to take a shower but i turned down the offer since i just took my shower in the hotel prior to getting there. anyway, it was our first day.

[caption id="attachment_3079" align="alignnone" width="150"] one of the hundreds of pushcarts in Terminal 3 featuring Lancaster New City & Bellefort Estates[/caption][caption id="attachment_3078" align="alignnone" width="150"] the sign tells you what NOT to do[/caption]

August 15: woke Miko up and we headed to the breakfast buffet area. i didn't eat a lot compared to the previous times i was in the hotel. just had a cup of fresh brewed coffee blended with milk, that green juice which i forgot the name, and just had adobo with garlic fried rice. after fixing ourselves, we, together with Akina, headed to the venue of the ground breaking ceremony. we waited for our invited media guests and stayed with them throughout the event.

[caption id="attachment_3085" align="alignnone" width="300"] Corp. Comm. team with friends from the Iloilo press[/caption]

after the event, we needed to prepare for yet another event the following day. but yeah, i didn't forget my most important obligation of the day: attend worship service! there are numerous road and bridge repairs in Iloilo right now so traffic's a nightmare. i took a cab telling the driver to take me to the locale of Jaro. Coming from Hotel del Rio, the cab driver suggested we go to Iloilo City locale instead. i agreed and just told him to take me where traffic's lighter. so it was my first time to attend the worship service in the locale of Iloilo City, which the driver says, it's the biggest in the province. after the service, went to see Akina & Miko, then we had dinner in Smallville (again).

[caption id="attachment_3086" align="alignnone" width="274"] BG: the beautiful house of worship of Iloilo City Locale[/caption]

August 16: a bit excited for this day. we are about to complete the "Gift of Knowledge" turnover to the 3rd school-recipient which is Bolilao Elementary School in the town of Dumangas. First two school-recipients were Alapan 1 Elementary School in Imus, Cavite, and Nueva Victoria Elementary School in Mexico, Pampanga. Miko & I joined Shawn for breakfast. When Akina was ready, she and Miko went ahead to meet the press, while i rode with Ms. Tani and Sir Gus at a later time. it was an hour drive to Dumangas from the city and we were greeted by a welcome banner just before the school entrance:



everyone was very hospitable. the students were greeting us from left to right. the teachers welcomed us warmly. the ceremony started with some students performing the opening prayer and they also led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. then a series of talks followed and finally the turnover of the e-learning facilities. everyone in the room was happy. and the kids were excited to try the facilities after the turnover. the package includes the following: Netbook preloaded with K Channel educational videos, optical mouse, external speakers, Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR), and a 32" LCD TV. the gift of knowledge is really priceless. the travel all the way from the city is very much worth it. on our way home, we visited the so-called 'oldest' (Catholic) church in the province located in Dumangas. after the event, off we went to the airport to go back home--- Manila. :)

i feel blessed :)

woke up very early to start this day with a prayer and church service attendance with my two girls. upon arrival in church, i was greeted a happy birthday by co-officers even before i can turn my name tag... thoughtfulness! :D listened intently to the message imparted to the congregation and after the service, we had a hearty champorado breakfast at home, and a couple of birthday cake slices. :) then i prepared for the children's worship service. i taught the CWS lesson for today regarding the commissioning of Bro. Felix Manalo as the messenger of God in these last days to preach about the Church of Christ. Then afterwards, we had our choir practice. new hymns were taught by our choir mentor and they are very nice. It made me look back to the years when we used to sing the same hymns with its old tune, and now they were revised to an even better tune! i'm excited to sing them in the worship services! ;)

after all our church obligations, i fetched my two girls and had lunch at my in-laws. then off we went to Greenhills... spent time to stroll around and look for some "good buys." when it was about dinner time, we headed to the parking lot to leave the place. i was asked by my family where we were heading but i chose to keep it a secret until they heard the street name "Calbayog." right then they knew we were going to the very cozy, elegant, and class A Italian restaurant--- Galileo Enoteca Deli. It was my second time in the place and i already fell in love with it the first time i went there with my officemates. right then i promised to take my two girls in there and today was the perfect time!

we enjoyed the food, not to mention the ambiance was fit for any special occasion. we had pasta al sugo con salsiccia, tutta carne, penne arrabbiata, & vegetarian. we also had a taste of their primitivo the whole dining experience was very good! the crew were all friendly and accommodating even if they are all busy with the people coming in to dine in and perhaps celebrate their own occasions as well. it was my first time to give a big tip without having second thoughts. i usually look at the receipt if a service charge is already included in the bill but this time, i didn't care. the service and the over-all dining experience deserve a compliment.



Awit 36, BMBB

5 Ang wagas na pag-ibig mo, O Yahweh, ay walang hanggan,
at ang iyong katapatan ay abot sa kalangitan.

6 Matuwid at matatag ka na tulad ng kabundukan;
ang matuwid na hatol mo'y sinlalim ng karagatan;
ang lahat ng mga tao't mga hayop na nilalang,
sa tuwina'y kinukupkop ng mapagpala mong kamay.

7 O Diyos, ang iyong pag-ibig mahalaga at matatag,
ang kalinga'y nadarama sa lilim ng iyong pakpak.

8 Sa pagkain ay sagana sa sarili mong tahanan;
doon sila umiinom sa batis ng kabutihan.

9 Sa iyo rin nagmumula silang lahat na may buhay,
ang liwanag na taglay mo ang sa amin ay umaakay.

10 Patuloy mong kalingain ang sa iyo'y umiibig,
patuloy mong pagpalain ang may buhay na matuwid.

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nagpapasalamat din ako sa tatlong sumali sa aking "post-mothers day" blog contest. at dahil birthday ko rin ngayon, yung tatlong entries na nasa comment page ay kapuwa ko bibigyan ng premyo mula sa The Bonenica Shop. pakisabi na lang po sa akin sa pamamagitan ng blog na ito kung ano yung 3 accessories na pinili ninyong ibigay sa inyu-inyong mga mahal na nanay ;)

business and pleasure

This has got to be one of the most memorable trips in Iloilo for me. Since last year, I usually visit Iloilo for a business trip and it's not really different today. But unlike my former business trips here, my colleagues & I made a side trip to an island which I only used to view from a distance when we were traveling to Iloilo from Bacolod City via passenger ship when I was still a kid: GUIMARAS ISLAND! We took a boat and got off at Magic Island where we stayed until lunch time. From there we ate crab, lobster, imbaw (local shells), and the clincher--- pork sinigang! haha! drank bottomless fresh mango and buco juices, we sang, we swam, we took several photos, we did boating, then off we went island-hopping! during our boat ride, we saw sea weeds, few corals, many star fishes. water is generally clear and less salty. we also passed through the mangroves where the imbaws are bred. it's a very wonderful experience! i hope to bring my two girls in Guimaras some time! It also helped that we have our colleague, Mae, who gave us a very good deal for the day trip in the island... from the boat, land service, island accommodation with full meals, and everything! before leaving the island, we dropped by the town to see the Mango Festival celebration. too bad we weren't able to catch the "eat all you can mango" as the celebration was already wrapping up when we arrived. i just bought some favorites--- (original) Guimaras dried mango, and for my father-in-law, pure mango jam.

[caption id="attachment_3003" align="alignnone" width="300"] off muna ang diet[/caption]

but of course, the Iloilo trip wouldn't have been possible if not for the official business. we invited some media to attend the house blessing of our new house model in Monticello Villas in Pavia, Iloilo--- the Daniella.

Everytime I'm here in Iloilo, I feel relaxed. Perhaps it's because of the people, or the "laid back culture" which i love rather than the busy city life. now it's time to leave for Manila. Excited to see my two girls and i'm sure there'll be more Iloilo "adventures" in the future.



[photos credit to THE RICKY ADEVA]

Day 25 of 365

It's really nice to be in church especially after a long day at work. gives so much peace of mind and it takes you away from all of the day's worries. tonight we held our first grand evangelical mission of the year and a good number of guests attended. after which, we had a class for Sunday School. My little girl was playing with practically every one she meet in church. very playful kid. after our activities in church, we headed to the car wash to give my car a good bath as we took our dinner as well. PASTAAAAAA!!! yummy! wifey had a meaty carbonara while i got the usual favorite--- chicken pesto! indeed a great time together before calling it a day! ;)

- - - - - - - - - - - -

this morning, i saw the old lady whom we saw sitting on the sidewalk last night just in front of our house. she was skinny. she was bringing a liter of bottled water, and a long thin stick. when we got home last night, i inquired where she was staying as i opened our gate. she didn't answer. i went back to the car and parked it in our garage then wifey & i decided to go out again and talk to her. we called tita Bel (our neighbor) to see if she knew the old lady. fortunately, she does. tita bel went to the house of the old lady and told her relatives that she was on the streets. soon after, two of her relatives came fetching her but eventually left her again after minutes of argument exchanges. i found out from tita Bel that the old lady was being taken cared of by one of her child who is now overseas. she is now left with her other child, together with the family (in laws), whom she is not really close with. the old lady was talking to us in English: "it's my house and they treat me like a demonyo. they don't take care of me in my very own house! it's ok if i eat tinapa as long as they eat tinapa also. if they eat pork, i should also be served pork. but no, they leave me alone downstairs!" ...was her sentiments.

when her relatives left her, saying, "tita Bel hayaan nyo na yan, uuwi rin yan. medyo may katigasan ang ulo eh!" we decided to get in the house already. the old lady was even thanking us for checking on her: "don't mind me. thank you. just go. don't waste your time on me, i will be ok here." i reiterated, "Nay, uwi na po kayo, maginaw po hindi nyo kakayanin dito sa labas magdamag." when wifey was about to go out to offer her a cup of hot noodles, she was gone. eventually she went home already and so today, it was another day for her to wander away from her 'home.' it's sad to see a scenario such as that. :(

Day 21 of 365

tonight, my two ladies have visited ninang estela after the devotional prayer. they had their dinner at their place and ate adobo. i fetched them after attending the locale caucus and it was good to be back in their place after quite a while.

meanwhile a work this afternoon, we sealed our partnership with Knowledge Channel. they will be our beneficiary for the crystal year kick-off--- the fun run event. people from KC are accommodating and very hospitable. we did the MOA signing in their office and we had a good chat over the sandwich & fruit snack they served us for the occasion. Ren & I was talking about working for a cause--- that it is a very fulfilling job but not very rewarding in terms of monetary compensation. but both of us also agreed that we wanted to work in a cause-oriented organization, provided that we are already 'rich' and not after the monetary compensation it will offer. HOW.I.WISH.

tomorrow is number coding day. if i wake up early and leave home much earlier, i will be able to drive my car and reach my destination just before the number coding takes effect... OR... i can just leave the house at a normal (but slightly much earlier) time and just take the jeepney/bus on my way to work. let's see...

Day 2 of 365

I was expecting heavy traffic this morning on my way to work but, alas! traffic was amazingly lighter than i expected. it gave me an extra time so i decided to drop by my usual breakfast stop. my love for nutty chocolate has not faded over the years!

first meeting at work was a coordination meeting with the department that specializes in internal affairs---- the Human Resources. we discussed the activities being cooked in preparation for the company's crystal year and asked their assistance for internal campaign of the events. and to kick it off, we'll be coming up with a fun run. this run is open to everyone. I was very happy receiving inquiries about the run. before new year's eve last year, i've sent teasers for the event but this morning, I sent everyone the information that our big event is already posted in takbo dot ph's calendar of events. I do hope many from our colleagues do participate. ;)

in line with the fun run which we dubbed as "Run for eLearning," we did an ocular to the route which the participants will take in the actual event. excited much? we need to double time!

- - - - - - - - - - - -

got wifey a pink dress which she really love. it looks very elegant on her. lucky me for having a beautiful wife, and very much caring at that! that pink dress is just too little compared to all the things she's been doing for our little girl and i. time to reward her with small things, yet big enough to make her smile! :D

tomorrow's another day. still need to do a LOT of things. ok, let's do this!

Day 1 of 365

New year's day. Woke up at the normal time I usually do whenever there's work. Didn't matter that we were up until past midnight the previous day watching those fireworks everywhere in the sky in celebrating the entrance of 20-13.

Picked up the garlands early in the flower shop to be used in today's event in Bacoor. Hit the road and drove to our office. ahh... traffic's heaven! the normal 1-hour drive to work just took me 15 minutes to drive the same distance which i drive everyday!

feeling's great to see the colleagues with all smiles even if we all didn't want to work on a holiday. upon arrival in the ground-breaking site in Bacoor, the capsule was ready. so we just waited for our LGU counterparts to arrive and set-up the pending things undelivered yesterday.

people came as the day progressed, our company's VP for sales & marketing, our company president, and finally the mayor and his wife arrived. the short program for the ground-breaking ceremony commenced at almost four in the afternoon. then snack was served to the delighted guests. i chose to stuff myself with barbecue on stick and 3 servings of buko pandan *burp*

i was supposed to watch a movie with the colleagues after the event but decided to go home early since our little girl is sick. before finally going home today, i dropped by the supermarket and got a pack of diaper and fruits, and from the drugstore i got my little girl her paracetamol and four pieces of those handy fever patches. geez... been purchasing them but only a while ago that i realized that these patches are costly. anyway, it's good to see that my little girl is lively and active. nice to be home after a day's work. it's even nicer to think that i'll be having two offset days in return for this holiday work.

ending this day by updating blog while having two servings of fruit salad! yummy!

quick notes

only my 2nd update for this month, and in a not so pleasing news, this is another death post. after attending the devotional prayer last night, we (wifey & i) were greeted by a surprising SMS from my cousin: "patay na si uncle non ngayong 8pm, nasa new era gen hosp pa sya at si auntie loida." i just don't know how to react. my mom just sent them something for the month and i am about to contact them any day from now. and then this news. after getting more details, i called mom and broke the news to her. i knew she's sadden by what i've told her and three of her brothers died while she was away from the country. uncle non is the youngest among the boys, and my mom never forgets to look after him and his family. just imagine how it feels to lose a loved one, and not being there. i talked to my aunt and inquired since when were they in the hospital and she told me that they just came in there the day before. cardiac arrest was the said cause of death. it's just nice to note though that family members were immediately ready to help my widowed aunt.

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i'm currently struggling in terms of monetary savings the past few weeks. but my faith says "hold on." indeed, blessings come at the time you never expect. i'm happy to support wifey with her new online business. she's still in the process of starting it and we both hope it could at least complement and sustain our savings versus the monthly expenses. i just want to clarify that we're not spend-thrift and we prioritize the basic needs. need i mention that i don't get to buy new stuffs for me anymore? and we've also cut expenses already, and plan to squeeze out some other things a bit more. amazingly, i don't feel any sense of panic with this current situation, even if in a couple of years time, little Aya will also be going to school already. i've always held on to this: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

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after 26 years, i came back to Iloilo--- not for pleasure but for a business trip. it was nice seeing the place again, although i don't recognize any resemblance of the present Iloilo from the former. Too many changes already. It was also nice being with my colleagues Didith & Ricky who were my companions and guide in our projects there in the province. Iloilo offers a good number of great food and we didn't miss them: batchoy, seafood, and those pasalubongs that Manilenos also love. When I come back there, i still need to taste some specialty food i wasn't able to eat during my two-night stay. that would be in September!



more photos here.

Good Food, Good Friends, Nice, Nice Place!

on the occasion of colleague Rach's birthday (today), we have celebrated this as early as June 8th... excited much? :P it was my first time to go out with a big bunch of PCFI colleagues after work, and it was my first time to visit Galileo Enoteca Deli as well. Surprisingly, it is just located near our workplace. And another surprise for me... it offers Italian delicacies! Did i just say "pasta?" they serve not-so-ordinary dishes that will surely satisfy your taste buds. but that's not the end of the surprise for me. the ambiance. it's THE ambiance. excellent for that perfect proposal moments, very good for private family or friends gathering, or simply an intimate dinner date with your special someone. Galileo Enoteca Deli is also a wine restaurant. The interior design of the place will surely captivate your heart and it definitely adds to the perfect dine-in experience of every customer. Added attraction to the place are artworks (paintings) hanged on its walls, and one of them was made by our birthday celebrator. just being proud about it. ;)

wasn't able to take note of what we ordered and ate but i'm already looking forward to revisit the place, this time with my two girls. it's worth a visit for your next special occasion. no kidding.

[caption id="attachment_2676" align="alignnone" width="300"] Ren, Szantee, Tina, Nix, Mac, Didith, Jon, Rach, Ricky[/caption]

(from its FB page)

Galileo Enoteca Deli (Wine Library of wines) - Place where you can explore Food and Wine pairing. Italian Deli and Authentic Italian dishes best complimented with perfect glass of wine.

Mandaluyong Branch:
No.80 Calbayog Street Corner Malinao Mandaluyong City
532.04.82/ 534.46.33
Open from (Monday to Saturday)
11-11pm


Eastwood Branch:
Ground Floor, City Walk 1, Cyberpark, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan Quezon City (Beside Dulcinea)
0922.832.80.71
Open from Monday to Sunday
11-11pm
(Beside Dulcinea, Across Something Fishy)

Boracay Branch:
Galileo Enoteca
Balabag, Boracay
Malay Aklan
Station 2 Beach front (Near Dmall)
0923.569.65.20- Look for Naide

last working day for 2011

reality is quite difficult to accept... working on a holiday, when it's supposed to be a day with your family, has become a routine especially when i came back to my field. yeah, i need to tell my mind to sink in the fact that holidays (and double pays) are only designed to regular employees and other service-oriented jobs. it puzzles me though why we're not paid double on a regular holiday and why are our bonuses taxed?

looking at the brighter side, we're scheduled to do some last minute shopping for our media noche. i'm looking at some liempo cuts to be grilled tomorrow night and can full of fruit cocktail for our fruit salad. i'm thinking if we can also prepare macaroni salad. uhm, yeah... i just love salads on new years eve. and perhaps some sweets given by people around us.

i honestly don't know what's in store for us the coming year. but definitely for this passing year, my positive mind-setting has helped me go through all the hard times that were encountered in all aspects of my life. and i'm always thankful for my family who keeps me going come what may.

some things to look forward to next year:
> Disney on Ice family date on the first day of 2012
> 60th (surprise) birthday party for my father-in-law
> our first attempt to bring our little girl in the movie house
> additional (?) work contract
> medical insurance for the family
> new place (?)

hmm... perhaps there'll be more surprises next year. i just have a short list of what to expect for 2012. environmentalists say that mother nature will be more fierce next year so humans should be prepared for the wrath of nature. if only mankind learned to love mother nature earlier, she would have been kind to us all even at this time. but yeah, things are bound to happen--- unexpected things.

we just need to hope for the best of everything tomorrow.
>

Jon's "Mix-Mix" Recipes

This particular post must be inspired by blogger chef dads who tirelessly share their yummy recipes online. While cooking or food preparation isn't really my forte, I do prepare our food occasionally. And my "recipes" aren't really that hard to do. They just use the basic "mix-mix" principle. Here are three of them:

First recipe

The first time I've tasted this was in the canteen of the company where i work. I was amazed since two of my favorite food were mixed together--- canned tuna and whole kernel corn. So here's my recipe:

1 tuna in can (I prefer flakes in vegetable oil)
1 small can of whole kernel corn
1 tablespoon of cooking oil
1 medium (or big) onion
a pinch of Magic Sarap

heat the frying pan while mincing the onion into very small pieces. put the cooking oil, and when ready, saute the onion in oil.
pour the tuna in the pan, include its oil. saute up to your desired time for as long as it doesn't burn in the pan. pour a pinch of Magic Sarap for added flavor. and finally, pour a canful of whole kernel corn. mix-mix it until ready to serve.

[caption id="attachment_2383" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Jon's "Corned Tuna""][/caption]

Second recipe

This probably is the dish I can live with everyday, anytime of the day. My own version of cooking, of course...

1 kilo pork, cut
gabi
kangkong
sitaw
okra
tomato
onion
calamansi
pang-asim powder
pork cubes

(tagalugin natin kasi puro tagalog yung ingredients eh) :D
hugasan ang baboy at pakuluan ito. habang hinihintay itong lumambot, hiwain na ang sibuyas, kamatis, gabi, sitaw, okra (hinihiwa ko ito para mas madaling kainin), at piliin na ang pinakamagandang parte ng kangkong na pwedeng isama sa sinigang. magpiga na rin ng kalamansi sa isang lalagyan at salain na ang buto (para hindi na sumama sa sabaw)

pagkakulo ng baboy at natiyak na malambot na, itapon ang pinagkuluan. hugasan ang baboy at salinan ng tubig pansabaw (karaniwang ginagamit kong pansabaw ay yung tubig ng sinaing, pangalawang hugas ng bigas)

ilagay ang sibuyas, kamatis at gabi. pakuluan. lagyan ng pang-asim powder. pakuluan. sunod na ilagay ang sitaw at okra, panghuli ang kangkong. lagyan ng dagdag pang-asim at pork cubes para lumasa pa ang sabaw. ibuhos ang katas ng kalamansi. tama... mix-mix lang ang gawin. pakuluin hanggang ito'y maging ready to serve! :D

[caption id="attachment_2384" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Jon's Pork Sinigang"][/caption]

Third recipe

this is one of my favorite for all season! Jon's fruit salad. very easy to prepare. just mix-mix the following ingredients:

1 big can of tropical fruit cocktail
1 can of whole kernel corn
2 red delicious apples (make sure they are crispy)
2 cans of condensed milk (take note, not condensed creamer)
2 cans of all-purpose cream (i prefer the branded Nestle cream)
and oh yeah, 1 BIG bowl

so after mixing them all in the bowl, it's ready to eat! best tasting when chilled (not frozen).

[caption id="attachment_2385" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Jon's All-time Favorite Fruit Salad"][/caption]

so there. my share of recipes for all my loyal readers. i don't know when will my next "recipe" post will be but i still need to learn more recipes to be able to make another post like this one.

happy eating! *burp* :P

PEx EB

I'd just like to take this opportunity to document the PEx Buhay Pinoy EB which happened last night at Kabisera, Bonifacio Global City. It was like a time warp zone when i stepped in the EB place, but this time it felt a bit different since i was in a more "upgraded" level as a senior member and a moderator of the forum that held the event. among the EB's I attended, this is one of the most freebies-full of PEx EB's. from PEx admins, to co-moderator uptowngirl, and a couple of pex members made the event "bountiful". i just got a few items from the many freebies:



^ obviously, i love coffee. :P

more of Buhay Pinoy EB photos here.

PEx EB's are like, years back but having one some time these years ain't bad after all. ;) The attendees last night are even asking when's the next EB taking place.

Mamatay Ka Sa Sarap!

hindi ako sporty. hindi ako mahilig mag-exercise (na pwede namang makuha sa paggawa ng ilang mga bagay-bagay). piling gulay lang ang kinakain ko. uhm... kangkong. sitaw. okra. talbos ng kamote. kalabasa (gulay ba ito o prutas?) gabi (gulay ba ito o prutas?) kamatis (eto prutas ito). amplaya. sigarilyas. pechay. uhm... pansin nyo? lahat yata ng nabanggit ko eh pansahog sa sinigang, maliban sa ampalaya at kalabasa. :P ok, tuloy natin ang pakay nitong blog post na ito... hinanap-hanap ko kase nung isang araw pa yung dating pagkain na gawa ng Jack N Jill, yung Nuts and Pops. isa yun sa mga paborito kong kainin nung bata pa ako at kahit saang tindahan ko hanapin ngayon yun, wala na. naisip ko tuloy mag-post ng isang paksa tungkol sa aking mga "comfort food". ang mga ito ay karaniwan kong hinahanap at malimit na hindi nawawala sa aming grocery cart kapag may pagkakataon kaming magpunta sa supermarket ni wifey. anu-ano ba ang mga "comfort food" kong maituturing?

Salted peanut with fried garlic. eto ang pinakagusto kong nginangata kapag nanonood ng TV. ayon sa healthcastle dot com, mayaman sa calories at (healthy) fats ang mani. isa rin ito sa mabuting pagkukunan ng protina. bukod dito, mayaman sin sa fiber at antioxidant ang mani. sinabi pa ng website na nabanggit, napag-alaman ng mga mananaliksik na ang mga taong regular na kumakain ng mani ay may mababang pagkakataon na magkaroon ng sakit sa puso. samantala, ayon naman sa homeremediesweb dot com, may pakinabang din sa kalusugan ang pagkain ng bawang. ayon sa pag-aaral, ang regular na pagkain ng bawang ay makakatulong sa pagpapababa ng blood pressure, pag-control ng blood sugar at blood cholesterol, at pinasisigla nito ang ating immune system.

kape. ito ang aking comfort drink. pero gaya ng nakalalasing na inumin, dapat ding limitahan ang pag-inom nito sa loob ng isang araw. sa ngayon, tama sa sa akin ang daalwang tasa ng kape sa loob ng isang araw. kapag tatlo, dapat ay decaf na ang pangatlong tasang iinumin ko para naman maiwasan ko ang pakiramdam ng palpitation. nabanggit ko na sa post na ito kung anu-ano ang benepisyong makukuha ng isang mahilig uminom ng kape.

guapple. paborito kong comfort food itong prutas na ito (mahal kase ang mangga.) una akong nakatikim (at namangha) sa "gigantic" bayabas na ito noong kabataan ko nang kami ay tumira sa Bacolod City. tulad ng karaniwan na nating alam, ang fresh guava ay mayaman sa bitamina C. ang wastong produksyon at iba pang impormasyon ukol sa masarap na prutas na ito ay tinalakay sa pahinang ito ng Department of Agriculture.

caramel popcorn. oo, parang bata lang. pero gusto ko talaga ang lasa ng caramel popcorn. nawala lang kase sa produksyon ng Jack N Jill yung Nuts N Pops pero dun ako nagsimulang "umibig" sa sweet popcorn. tapos natikman ko yung caramel popcorn ng Glodilocks, panalo! pero syempre dahil may kamahalan ng kaunti at bilang comfort food lang naman, solb na ko sa Oishi Caramel Popcorn. ok din sa akin yung manamis-alat na Holy Kettle Korn.

anuman ang inyong comfort food, gaano man sabihin sa pananaliksik kung gaano ito 'kabuti' sa ating kalusugan, hindi pa rin mainam ang labis. ayon nga sa kasabihan, "lahat ng sobra ay masama." ayon pa rin sa motto ng mga inuming nakalalasing, "drink moderately" --- na pwede na rin nating i-translate sa "take it moderately." at least, kahit sandali lang, na-satisfy nito ang cravings mo. kapag lumabis, maaari rin itong makasama sa ating kalusugan at kung hindi pa ito pipigilan, baka magkasakit pa tayo. pero di ba, kung tayo man ay mamamatay, mabuti na yung mamatay sa sarap, kaysa hirap? :P

higit pa sa kapeng mainit

sa wakas, pagkatapos ng trabaho ko kagabi ay nasilayan ko rin ang coffee shop ng kaibigang si Edsel, ang Kafferazzo. matagal-tagal ko na ring binalak na makapunta sa nasabing kapehan (hindi naman kasintagal ng ten years) mula pa noong nagkakilala kami ni edsel sa cyberworld at nang malaman kong nagmamay-ari sya ng isang coffee shop. siya rin ang nagbubuyo sa akin para subukan ang negosyong ganito, na siya namang pinapanga-pangarap ko rin. dali-dali akong nag pack-up sa opisina para bumiyahe patungo sa kapehan ni edsel. minabuti kong huwag ma-trapik dahil kahapon din ay idinaos ang naglalakihang mga miting de avance sa iba't-ibang panig ng Maynila, kaya sumakay ako sa ever-reliable na LRT. pagbaba sa estasyon, sumakay lang ng jeep at ilang minuto lang ay naroon na ako sa bungad ng cute na coffee shop.

higit pa sa mainit na kape ang inihain sa amin (kasama si biep kuri) ni edsel, kasabay ng makukulit na kwentuhan. naroon ang nakapaglalaway na sisig, mayaman sa lasang kaldereta at napakalinamnam na grilled fish na binanatan ko nang husto. sayang walang dinuguan kase masasayang lang talaga dahil hindi ko kakainin. ang masarap naming pagkain ay sinamahan pa ng napaka-refreshing na blended coffee... aahhh... gumuguhit sa lalamunan daig pa ang masasarap na alak.


at syempre, higit pa sa mainit na kape ang kwentuhan naming tatlo. kung anu-anong kakulitan na ang sentro ay umikot sa blogosperyo. may iba pa ba? sa tuwing nag-a-eyeball yata ang mga bloggers, bloggers din ang pinag-uusapan. pero napag-usapan din namin ang pagnenegosyo na akala mo may pang capital kami lahat (si edsel lang ang may puhunan sa amin, actually.) napag-usapan din namin ang ilang bagay na may kinalaman sa "sideline" lalo na ni kuri (no need to elaborate, hehe) at siguro konting kwento tungkol sa mga nakaraan (kasama pa sa kwento si Ondoy). ayun. bitin ang oras pero syempre, dahil kaming tatlo ay mga ulirang mga tatay, kinailangan naming sundin ang kani-kaniyang "curfew". hindi kami masyado nagpa-late. katunayan, may byahe pa ang LRT pag-uwi ko. cool!

at dahil may permiso ako sa general manager ng Kafferazzo, narito ang ilang larawan ng kaniyang coffee shop:




...yan. ang cozy ng lugar. masarap magkape kung nag-iisa ka o kaya ay may kasama. FREE WI FI ZONE. highly accessible via jeepney, LRT 2, FX at lalo na ng taxi. puntahan ninyo. nasa pagitan lang sya ng UERM at Caltex station after ng J. Ruiz LRT 2 station kung galing ka ng Cubao, after V. Mapa LRT 2 station naman kung galing ka ng Recto. higit pa sa mainit na kape ang malalasap mo sa Kafferazzo. t'yak yon! at kung hilig mo naman ang pagkain ng masarap na steak, bulalo o barbecue sa abot-kayang budget, hindi mo na kailangan pang lumayo. katabi lang ng Kafferazzo ang makapagbibigay sa iyo nito:


Sa susunod yung iba namang bloggers ang eye-ballin natin sa Kefferazzo at Edong's. ;)

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