Veggie Talk

Okay, earlier today, I went out to buy ready-to-eat food for our lunch... Surprisingly, together with some other viand, I bought this Bitter Melon (Ampalaya) with bagoong salad. It pushed me to type into google recipe how to prepare it 'coz I would like to cook it for myself. Too bad, the search results didn't display the specific preparation, they had varieties of it: with mayo, others with eggplant or with mango. WTH!!! I simply want the simplest way to prepare it. The basic.

Done with that, now talk about veggies.

As I child, Sayote (Chayote) was present in every meal...probably because it grows just about anywhere in our community. I love Baguio bean and String beans too... And would eat tortang Talong (Eggplant). I cannot tell at what point my taste started to shift that these vegetables entered in my least eaten veggies along with Okra.

In addition, Ever since my mom became sick, our diet at home took a 360 degree turn. Pork was not included in any meal. We stuck with Chicken, Fish, Beef and other meat. My dad prefers to have veggies and fruits and least likely to eat meat. I was introduced to Broccolli. *heheh*, it became a part of my Chopsuey, although I have to admit I always single out cauliflower. I *heart* carrots, squash, cabbage, radish, turnip, etc.

So with this entry, the very picky vegetable eater B is revealed.

Dinner is almost served. Bon appetite, mi amigos and amigas!!!

Bon Voyage and more...

Bon Voyage!

M, I miss you already and its just a few hours since you've boarded the plane yesterday. Much as we want to see you off, we are far away to do so. I'm glad to hear the voices of D, K and A over a conference call. Take care of yourself there and God bless you always. Keep in touch. We pray for your safety. :)

and more...

A and L, God Bless you on your BAR Exam. You both have worked hard for this. I'm praying for you both.

and even more...

I miss my niece, Y. How great it was to talk to her over the phone. I'll have a good night sleep tonight and will play it over and over in my head the words you spoke to me...

"Hello!"
"Call ka unya ha!"
"Text back"
"Hi, Lolo" (as she speaks to my Dad)
"aylabyu!"

Euan

A tribute to my old friend, Ethan.

Almost 2 years of being together...
Ultimate conversation and text buddy...
A keeper of my secrets...

A welcome to my new pal, Euan.

New beginning.

Duaw sa Davao

After more than 3 years, I was back in Davao. First time was in 2007, I was with my relatives there for the holy week. Now I went back for a work-related, official thingie... hehehe...

I found a major transformation since the last time I was there or maybe my comparison is irrelevant since I've only seen Matina, G-mall and SM the first time I was there. Now, I've seen most of Davao ( I'd like to think and convince myself this! ) since we did a tour around the city as we visited company's gas stations in the area.

I was able to go to Davao Crocodile Park and met the stars there: Carlo the Orangutan, Silver the White-breasted Eagle, Datu the Tiger and Rocky the Crocodile (which I dared to carry)... I chickened out when it came to carrying the pythons though (much to the extent that I even imagined it similar to carrying a snake skin bag. hahaha)

I also got to enjoy swimming in the pool of Chateu del Mar for one night as we had a simple get-together party with our counterparts there in the Area...

Things I love in Davao:
1) The taxi upgrade (as compared to my last visit)
2) The food: Durian coffeefroccino @ Bo's in Torres, Lachi's Cherry and Blueberry Cheesecake

Now, can't wait to be back in Davao. Next time. Eden and Samal... Humanda!!!

Babies and Miscarriages

I am not in the most credible person to write a piece about this stuff, certainly because I am single, have not been impregnated but still I feel I have thoughts to share about the issue.

In our family, news of conception is accepted with gladness. Even if some came early than expected and some came later than planned. I've have cousins, cousin-n-laws and friends whom I know have tried to become parents, fervently praying for the li'l one. On gatherings, this usually comes up, "Kanus-a man ninyo sundan?" or "Wala pa ba?". I am sometimes guilty of asking this, until a friend confided her feelings. I learned from her that it can be stressful being asked all the time, after all, they've been trying but the maybe the time is just not right. Not having a child after years of marriage also opened up some questions in her, like, will she ever have a child? Will she have the opportunity of bearing and rearing a child? *I am not married and even I question myself these. I have an aunt who didn't marry and one aunt whose womb had been taken out for health reasons. It's scary since I want to be a mother someday.*

Some cousins and friends who have been impregnated but due to health reasons after their pregnancy have been told they won't be able to conceive again or will have a hard time trying to conceive again. Others had miscarriage in their pregnancy. I was out for words to console those who have lost their li'l one. At a gathering, a cousin looked back at her loss, she said: "Hala oi! 1 year old na tana to". I am praying for the souls of the li'l angels and for comfort for the parents. All in God's perfect time.

However, for those who chose to abort, no remorse can be seen or felt. tsk tsk tsk!