think rainbows

When I resigned from work, we decided to visit Mindoro and our relatives there once again after almost 5 years of not being able to. It was in exchange of not going to Panagbenga this year which we have been doing since 2010, and since it would also coincide with the town fiesta. Unfortunately Kuya couldn't come because of work, so it was just me and my mom. It was a fun trip, but it wasn't how I expected it would be. I didn't even get the chance to swim although we went to different beaches. All in all I was happy that we were able to push through with the trip, but I wasn't satisfied.

I wanted to go back as soon as possible, and while summer isn't over yet. I wanted a different experience, and since we don't know when we'll be able to visit again after this trip, I really wanted to do it. After much thought and much debating, luckily we were able to go again, but still without Kuya. I was determined to make it a different experience this time, and I think I achieved it. From the moment we got there, it was all family, and just pure vacation. I was at the beach almost everyday. Although there were times that I missed some things(from past visits there) and wanted more, I settled myself with what was there and I was okay. It was fun, definitely much better than the first one.

It wasn't just fun which I got from our stay in Mindoro this time. Aside from that, being the observer and over-thinker that I am, and through conversations with some relatives, I had a lot of thoughts and realizations. It was also something that I really wanted to do while I was away from Manila. Not just about what I am going through right now but life in general as well. I really didn't get the chance to have a one on one with nature because I feel like they didn't want me going by myself anywhere. But I still got my fair share of muni muni since I had a lot of free time while everyone else were either doing something or asleep.

I haven't really been able to blog yet about one of the biggest decisions I've made earlier this year. Maybe in my previous posts I've hinted about it, but this time, it has really happened. I've resigned from work. My last day was March 16. I've been thinking about doing it since last year, and so once I decided, there was no turning back. I have been with the company for almost three years, and I'm thankful in a way for the experiences and especially for the people I've met.

Why did I do it? Because I wanted change, as simple as that. I was starting to look for something different. I'm still trying to figure out what it is, but I still haven't found it. I am happy though that now I have the time to create a different chapter in my life story. I don't know where I'll be headed next, but I'm hoping for the better. I've learned a lot of things that I know I would be able to use in my succeeding endeavors.

I feel like there's always not enough vacation, and so we just have to be content with what we're given. It is a blessing to have the time to relax, to be away from stress, and just let things be. So as I figure out my next step, as I'm nearing the end of this temporary bum life, the feeling of wanting to go on but needing to stop arises. And so as not be saddened, I have to be content, accept the things that have to happen, and just enjoy everything that life has in store.

There is fear in me, because of not knowing where I should be going. That I might not be able to do what I want to do, or it's not something that I'd love. Right now I'm trying to conquer the fear and replace it with excitement; clear my mind so as to be able to see the horizon. I always think that things happen for a reason even though the reason may be unknown. I turn to Him for help because I know He knows what's best for me. In all the decisions that I make, I seek for His help and guidance. Because at the end of the day, it'll still be Him to whom I turn to.

I started this bum life with a vacation at our province in Mindoro, and now I am ending it there as well. All I wish is that we enjoy this trip once again. Even better than the first one. And that it would make me ready for whatever I'll be facing once we get back in Manila.

*another late post*

February 11

Whenever there's a special occasion or a celebration with the whole family, great food will never be out of the picture. I'm lucky to be part of a family which such great cooks! (I'm not sure if I will ever be able to do what they do.=P)

This time, one of my mom's uncles (which makes him my Lolo) came here for a visit from the States since he had a class reunion to attend. This means...family reunion...and food!!

my niece's work of art

Food courtesy of my Tita, and my Mom of course. =D
Shrimp, Pansit Malabon, Fried Chicken, Bopis, Lumpia (Vegetables), Salmon(Sinigang?), Lechon, and fruits and kakanin for dessert. =D

 Since it was also almost the birthday of one of my second cousins, we surprised him with a small impromptu cake and ice cream birthday party. More food!

The birthday boy (in yellow) with his brother and second cousin.


Awesome day spent with the family, and food! =D

Next food feast: February 25, Ate Libay's birthday =D

*another late post*

Well, what do you know, New Year is ushered in, Chinese New Year passes by, and then it's Valentine's Day. Honestly, every year, I always think if I'd be spending Valentine's Day differently than the last. So far, it has always just been the same, just another ordinary day. (Except for the surroundings probably.)

This day still had a different atmosphere to it even though technically it's still an ordinary day. Early morning I keep on seeing people carrying bouquets of beautiful flowers, which made me realize when will I receive another beautiful bouquet.

At the office, some of my officemates gave chocolates to everyone in celebration of Valentine's Day. The Ferrero and the M&M's are still in our refrigerator. Thanks Alvin and Kevin!

On my way home it was the same, people with different Valentine's day gifts were all around. I decided to stay away from the mall, which was a good idea I think. We had a some sort of a special dinner at home. Mom cooked pasta and bought a cake, and I bought some roasted chicken. Perfect way to end a day dedicated to love, to be with the ones you love, and those who love you.



Mom and I also had a pre-Valentine date the Sunday before Valentine's Day. Since we were fans of the Star Wars series, we decided to watch Star Wars Episode 1 3D at the cinemas then had dinner at Joey Pepperoni, her treat this time. Thanks Ma! =D

As what they always say, Valentine's Day is not just a day for couples and the like. As long as you have the people you love around you, friends, family, partners, you can always celebrate Valentine's Day in any way. Feel the love! =D <3

*late post*

Sundays are usually rest days for us at home. But this time, we decided to go out and pig out. =D

February 5, 2012, Kuya was craving for some Papa John's pizza, so after we heard mass at Malate Church, we decided to have an early dinner at Papa John's Greenbelt branch.

Would you trade your car to start your own pizza business?

Schedule has been crazy ever since December started; just like how it has always been in the past years. This year's extra special since my Dad is here for the holidays after so many years. He arrived last December 7, and now it's only about 9 days before he leaves again. Yes, time flies. And ever since he arrived, we've always had somewhere to go during the weekends. So we really haven't had a free weekend that much. 

I'm going to take a little break from basketball, and blog about some of the yummy food I have discovered over the past few days. There's food for main course, for afternoon break, and of course there's dessert.

Frostings Cupcakes (http://www.frostingscupcakes.com.ph/)

I have been craving for cupcakes last week, and luckily I found this little stall in MOA. It's called Frostings Cupcakes and they've got a number of cupcake flavors. There's Regular cupcakes, Premium cupcakes, Fruit cupcakes which features different fruits such as banana, mango, peaches, etc., and Extra Premium cupcakes.

Regular Cupcakes

There wasn't much left of the cupcake flavors for that day when I arrived since that was already a bit late. Luckily the regular cupcake flavors were just enough for six cupcakes, so I ordered one of each. The regular cupcakes are the cheapest at 45 pesos a piece. The others (premium, fruit, extra premium) range from 65-75 pesos or even higher. There were seven flavors to choose from actually, but I didn't order the Choco Strawberry cupcake since I wasn't really a fan of choco strawberry combinations.




(clockwise from top right) I didn't get the flavor of the first one and it's not in their website as well, but the others are Lava cupcake, Smores Choco Caramel, Braso de Mercedes, Double Dutch, and Lemon Meringue. My favorite is the Braso de Mercedes cupcake, but all the others taste good as well. The first one kind of had an orange flavor to it, so probably that's the least one that I liked. The cupcakes itself weren't that sweet so it goes well with the right amount of sweetness in their frostings. Craving satisfied! :) (They also have other pastries such as brownies, pies, and bars.)

First week of August has flown by really fast! Don't you think? And I know it's about time I update my blog!

Though this is a bit late, it's worthy of a blog post, really. This doesn't happen very often and I'm very happy that it did!

Last July 30, I had a long date with Mom. Actually this has been going on for a while now, spontaneous mall visits, movies, and food trips of course. Wala, nahihilig lang gumala. It won't be complete without the food trip. =))

Our agenda for July 30 was go to Mercato to support Joyce, my college friend who is currently studying at CCA (Center for Culinary Arts), and to watch the UST-FEU game. Yes, I got my Mom, finally, to watch a UAAP game with me. =)) Our next project is the Shakey's V-League.

Physically, they may be gone. But in our hearts and minds, they will remain forever.

When a loved one's sick, and the doctors have already told you that they're not going to last very long, how do you prepare yourself? Simple. You just can't.

It is always hard to lose someone you love. Even though each time you see them you think that they're not going to last very long, when that moment comes, it just happens, and will still take you by surprise.

Me and my brother, together with our cousins (in our mom's side) are lucky to have a number of grandmothers and grandfathers to whom we've grown very close to. We owe it all to our parents, uncles, aunts, and of course to our grandmothers and grandfathers. They did a very good job of keeping the family close; keeping the family together. Lola Felisa and Lolo Entong must be very happy and proud of their bunch. :) We'll do our very best to continue this.

I have this Bo Sanchez Soulfood Newsletter that I receive in my email frequently. I think it was my mom who got me into it. I'm not sure if it's weekly or monthly, but what I'm sure of is that I don't really read them, thinking that they're too serious. I just open the message, browse through it, and sometimes even delete it, or just simply ignore it. But this time, I actually cared to read one because I was intrigued by what's written on the subject: Warning: If You Don't Design Your Future, Someone Else Will

It turned out to be a really nice article. Not that serious really, and it made me remember the life stories that was at the back of the Kerygma magazines we used to get at school which had some really good stories. The short article made a whole lot of sense, though I'm sure only those who are or will be committed to it could actually do it. Below is the actual content of the email.

For many, Sunday is usually their family day. For us, it has to be any time of the week, as long as we’re together sharing nice stories with good food.

January 15, 2011 marked one of my Lola’s 83rd birthday. She is one of my mom’s aunts, and we are very close to her as well. She is the one who always cooks good food for us whenever we have family gatherings at their place. But that has now changed.

She is battling with the big C (lungs). She has had it for quite some time now, and she’s not taking medications anymore. She has done chemotherapy before, but has now refused the oral chemotherapy. We, as a family, have accepted whatever decision she’s made. All we could do is pray for her, care for her, and make her happy while she’s still with us; thus, the birthday party; and just let her do the things that she wants to do her way.

Angry Birds time!

JJ,Dei,Ella (Dei is supposed to be JJ and Ella's niece =P)

*No, I am not singing ala-Troy/Gabriella. :))*

I am back blogger world! I am officially blogging in to the year 2011. Hooray! How has it been for you guys? We’re already in the 6th day of 2011, will you look at that. Have you started with your new year’s resolutions yet? I haven’t even listed mine.

Anyway, if you’ve noticed, I’ve changed my blog’s design. New blog for the New Year, well, not literally new but at least I’ve given it some makeover, right? I’m still not 100% satisfied with it though. Help me, what do you think of the new design? Comments and suggestions are very much welcome! :)

As this is my first ever post for 2011, let me share with you some pictures from our holiday celebrations!

Christmas eve with my mom and kuya; my uncle who lives alone in at the house in Pasay; my tito, tita, and cousin next door; my other cousin and her family who lives a street away from us; and my uncle and cousin who came over all the way from the States to spend their holidays with us! Food, pictures, laughter, and pure fun!

*I'm trying to revamp my blog so forgive me if I won't be posting as much for now. :)*



....and Quadricentennial Celebration na! :)

*The title actually came from a priest’s homily during the Feast of the Holy Family. :)*

How’s the holidays been treating you guys??

It has been a blast for me! Just spent most of the time with family, and of course, eat, eat, and eat!

Holidays have always been family time for us; and for most of us in that case. Friends also come into picture, be they from college, high school, or even elementary. The holidays always bring people together to share laughter and good ‘ol company with each other.

Let me share with you how I spent the first part of the holidays.