Mini Dinner Party

Two things I love:

1) Extended Birthday Celebrations

2) Sharing a good meal with great friends

After three weeks of moving, unpacking, buying furniture plus a washer and dryer, we finally felt our home was organized enough to host a mini dinner with friends. Or we scrambled like crazy to at least get it half presentable the day of. (Which is it? I'll never tell.)

I always tell myself it takes at least 6 months to get settled in somewhere, and I'm just so grateful that we have friends and family nearby. We may not get to see them very often but I've always felt that one of the things that makes a house feel more like a home is having friends and family over. I love having people over! More so than going out, I think. Well that's fun too but I guess I'm low-key like that.

Plus we love to cook! So a post birthday celebration/housewarming was the perfect excuse to cook up a mean meal. And I do mean, a daze-inducing, stuffed-to-the-brim, I'm-so-full-I'm-not-eating-for-the-next-week, mean meal.

 Menu: Steak, Butter Lemon Garlic Crab, 

Sweet Potato Casserole, Roasted Bone Marrow, 

and White Jasmin Rice.

Oh, plus brownies and vanilla bean ice cream for dessert :D.

We had an awesome time, talking about the most random things like Evian face spray bottles and the fact that you can buy crab fat in a jar in the Philippines. And the food was wiped out!

Thank you, H, D, and J, for joining us to celebrate lots of things, our new home, my birthday, and love, laughter and friendship.

Looking forward to many more yummy dinners :D Already thinking of more occasions to celebrate! Anniversaries, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, hmmm...

Dreaming of Dumaguete

Growing up, we would always travel during vacations and special family occasions. When I was a kid, I would wonder how come we had to go away and leave my friends (it seemed to be always when we had something especially fun planned.) But these trips also had awesome perks. I got to spend time with relatives especially cousins, and I got to see the beautiful places where my parents grew up.

Photo from Explore Dumaguete!

One of these places near and dear to my heart, is Dumaguete city. It was only a 45 minute plane ride, five hour boat ride, or six hour drive away and it was always a wonderful adventure. This city, smaller than my hometown of Cebu often offered a welcome respite to the big city. My cousins and I were free to explore by bicycle, buy lip-staining bubble gum from the neighborhood sari-sari store, and play as much as we wanted.

My family would go to the beach, experience dolphin watching on a pumpboat, and eat wonderful seafood.

The Dumaguete I remember from my childhood is of  course, different from the Dumaguete I know now, but not in a bad way. We still go to the beach, go swimming in Forest Camp, and eat. Now Dumaguete has even more wonderful restaurants and eateries, such as Sans Rival (yes, they do serve amazing melt in your mouth sans rival and melt in your mouth goodies, the wonderful Cafe Antonio situated in a Spanish ancestral home, and my favorite, Pastaaang Lami-ah where my aunt serves scrumptious home cooked barbecue with java rice and the most amazing cassava cake to die for. Just thinking about all this food makes my mouth water.

If you asked me what makes Dumaguete special, I would say it was it's the historic, home town, yet near nature feel. Dumaguete is a university town, with lots of schools and Silliman Unviversity being it's main one. There are lots of students, lots of open spaces, and lots of history. But Dumaguete is also near nature, such as the Forest Camp Mountain resort and Apo Island.

Apo Island should deserve an entry in itself. It's a wonderful little island off the coat of Negros. Half of the island has a little cove with a beautiful beach and the other half is wonderful for snorkeling and diving as Apo Island is a marine sanctuary. It's one of the best diving spots in the Philippines, I've heard. My family has had some unforgettable vacations there. 

I could go on and on about Dumaguete but I think I'll leave that to the tourism pros. For more information on Dumaguete, please visit Explore Dumaguete. It's a wonderful website which gives off the awesome Dumaguete vibe. Simple yet still vibrant and rich.

I am however dreaming of going back to Antulang Beach resort and going horseback riding and snorkeling. My husband's all for it as his family is from Dumaguete too! Isn't that sweet?

We voted! Did you?

And so we Filipinos wait, glued to our TVs for news, as our election day comes to a close.

As of 7:30 this evening, we still had friends waiting for their turns to be responsible citizens and cast their votes. And we watch the tallies and polls, wondering about the future of our nation.

Voting today, was not easy, difficult for many, and even deadly for some, as the new automated system is run for the first time and violence breaks out in some provinces. People literally had to wait for hours for their turn to shade the circles, cast their ballots, and get their fingers inked.

Let us pray for a safe and honest election and deserving, honest leaders who will be capable of leading our nation.

Sulong Pilipinas!

Boracay Bliss

Last weekend, my whole family and I went for a quick hop to Boracay for some quality family time under the sun. Considering all the typhoons that have been passing by, we were really blessed with good weather!

We stayed at this wonderful hotel that my sister had gift certificates for, Discovery Shores. After that stay, I can honestly say that I am spoiled for life! The first thing that really impressed me was the staff. They were so hard-working and they were prepared for anything! From magazine for guests to arranging your beach stuff to even having wipes for your sunglasses and camera lenses! They were extremely helpful and polite.

Next thing I totally loved were the rooms. The beds were just so comfortable and they were well-stocked. Complimentary bayongs, complimentary snacks, even personalized cupcakes for little ones, which is what Ela had waiting for her. Their brownies were so good, I can still taste them. (I think they might have been made from Callebaut Chocolate, where Gerard works, since I found a box of it on the grounds haha.)

The grounds itself were beautiful. Discovery Shores is something of a two-level hotel. When you enter the complex, you are met with a splendid view of an infinity pool and the beaches of Boracay in the Horizon. Take an elevator down one floor and you're at the beach level only to find out the infinity pool was actually the top of a cascading waterfall! You have the pool before you, the restaurants, and beyond that, the blue waters of Boracay. The rooms are situated on both levels of the complex.

There was even a playroom for the kids that has daily activities. Ela paired up with her dad and Niki paired up with her Papaton to go on a scavenger hut which they thoroughly enjoyed.

All in all, this is a hotel that I really want to go back to. With most things, it's the little things that count. And Discovery Shores had a LOT of little things that added up to one great hotel.

Aside from our wonderful hotel, I was so glad I had the Boracay Staples of Jonah's Shakes as well as Myrna's Chori Burgers. Yes, we went on a banana boat ride (which Ela claims is actually a pencil, not a banana!) and we went shopping at D'Mall. (I'm so jealous that the swimsuit store, Nothing in Water, has a branch in Boracay but not in Cebu.) What trip to Boracay would be complete without doing these things? Kite-Surfing and Parasailing also looked like a lot of fun but maybe next time :).

Though the trip was short but sweet, I'm really glad I got to spend time quality with my family in the beautiful place that is Boracay. A lot has changed since my last trip there and I'm definitely looking forward to going back for a mini honeymoon.

Project Aral

I know I haven't written in ages. Mostly because I've been so busy, a lot of things happening, and life just hasn't been quite going my way but I'm trying to do the best I can.

Today, in the midst of errands, I came across National Bookstore's Project Aral, which is a project that I've always been a fan of, maybe because as a teacher, it's close to my heart.

Basically, when you reach the counter, you can buy a study pack composed of school supplies worth 20 or 25 Pesos. Write your name on the tag, attach it to the study pack, which will go to a child who lost his or her belongings because of Typhoon Ondoy.

When you think about it, 20 or 25 Pesos isn't that much. But your money will go a long way, to help a child. He or she will have new school supplies and maybe just that little bit can help them recover from the hurt and suffering they went through.

Ondoy and Pepeng were devastating to our country and we are still recovering. Just last week, my boss's boss told us that the price for a kilo of potatoes was 200 Pesos! We're still a long way from being back to 100%.

But I'm glad that there are still visible relief efforts. Even one as small as buying a study pack for a child to take to school.

Typhoon Ondoy

In the midst of all this tragedy, it is the coming together of Filipinos that brings me to tears.

Over the weekend, Typhoon Ondoy left a wake of flood and destruction over the National Capital Region. Watching the news on TV, one cannot but feel helpless, watching the hundreds, if not thousands of people now left homeless due to the heavy rains and flood.

In this time of need, Cebuanos are coming together to help our fellow country men, The outpouring of of effort has been amazing. (You can read more about Cebuano efforts at Emily Dy's site here.)

Most especially, I am touched by the efforts of my friend Jay, who is helping put together a Live Aid concert as well as coordinating donations. If we could all pitch in together like these wonderful people, there is no telling what amount of assistance we can give to our fellow Filipinos.

Let us help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

Make Your Own Havaianas 2009

It's that time of the year again!

No, I'm not talking about Christmas! I'm talking about Make Your Own Havaianas 2009!

For all you MYOH virgins out there, this is the Havaianas event where you can create your own personalized pair of flip flops. From the sole to the strap to the pins and crystals, create a pair of Havaianas that is uniquely your own!

Last year, MYOH offere letter pins so you could spell out whatever you wanted on your straps. From names to initials to places, the possibilities were endless!

This year, MYOH is brings out the Pinoy Pride. Put some local soul into your step with jeepney, Noypi, sorbetero cart, and vinta pins, (yes, as in the beautiful boats from Zamboanga, mentioned in the Tara Na, Biyahe Tayo song.) Add sparkly crystals, a lomo pin, a TV pin, a flower pin, and you've got a pair of flip flops that no one else has.

I got Gerard and myself matching pairs, brown with gold straps. (I know, cheesy, but hey! At least we're not a super matching couple!) Will post a photo when I have time.

See you at MYOH 2009 at the SM Atrium!

Salamat, President Cory.

For the past two days, my family has been glued to the TV, watching the coverage of the wake and funeral procession of President Cory Aquino. I know my previous post was also about President Cory but the wave of emotions are just so strong that I have to write again.

I am just so deeply touched and amazed by the unity of the Filipino people in honoring her. She was an amazing woman who did amazing things for our country.

In the heat, in the rain, thousands of Filipinos wait for their turn to honor her.

Watching Kris Aquino's farewell to her mother, I could not help but tear and wonder at how she shared her mother with the world. President Cory may be our icon of democracy, but she was also a mother who loved and supported her children.

I am always proud to be Filipino. But today, I am especially moved. What a sight, to see all Filipinos honoring President Cory in solidarity.

I may not remember the People Power Revolution as I was still a baby. But these are days that I will remember for the rest of my life. Today, I am reminded again, of what it means, to be Filipino.

Salamat, President Cory.

A Yellow Ribbon for Cory: 1933-2009

I was a pre-People Power baby. Meaning, I was born before the Philippine's People Power Revolution in 1986 and I was only four when it happened. If I search through my memories, I only come across glimpses of yellow shirts and the famous sketch of Ninoy. I remember the inverted letter "L" sign we used to make with our hands signifying "Laban". Honestly, I don't remember much from first hand experience.

But as I grew older, I began to understand what People Power meant and why it was such a big deal to everyone. I began to take pride in the triumph of our country and I began to understand the price we paid for our freedom.

Most especially, the price paid by Benigno Aquino Jr., and his wife, the late president Corazon Cojuangco Aquino.

The whole country mourns the death of our beloved former president, who passed away Saturday, August 1, 2009, after a long battle with cancer. To many, she is the mother of our democracy. To many, she is our symbol of hope. She played an amazing part in releasing our country from the hands of tyranny. And she will forever be remembered by the country that she helped bring to freedom.

May you rest in peace, Madame President. May we never forget your sacrifice and bravery. May we never forget the lessons you taught us through your example. And may you forever live in our hearts, in the hearts of the Filipino People.

Filipino Fashion Statements

I am very proud of the fact that I am Filipino. I will delve deeper into this another time, but for now, I'll keep it light.

These days, I love the fact that people show their patriotism and love for our country through what they wear, for everyone to see. In honor of Independence day, I have compiled a list of my favorite fashion statements that showcase our love for our country and our fellow men.

1. Number one on my list is the Adidas Philippines Jacket. Nothing screams that you're Filipino and proud of it like this bright blue, white, and red jacket emulating our Philippine Flag.

Photo from http://winterheim.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/adidas_philippines_track_jacket.jpg

2. I absolutely love, love, love the My Pilipinas clothing line of Collezione, designed by Rhette Eala. His pieces mostly prominently display a map of the Philippines in classic and funky designs. You can check out the official website here.

Photo from Collezione Website

3. Of course, we have our tribute t-shirts to our world famous boxer, our champion, Manny Paquiao, made specially by Nike.

Photo from http://www.dubdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/qs_manny_pacquiao_tees_redtif.jpg

4. Last but definitely not the least, I have to mention the limited edition Havaianas Filipinas collection. Wear the world's best flip-flops and show off your national pride. Get one with a stylized Philippine flag symbol, or even better yet, get the pair which features our ever loved Phillipine Icon, the Jeepney. You can check out the official website here too.


Now I know as of now I only have four on my list. What's your favorite Philippine pride fashion statement?

Purses from Payatas

I want a Rags2Riches purse. I love the idea, I love the concept, not to mention the purses themselves.

So what is a Rags2Riches purse? Well, Rags2Riches is a company founded by a group of Ateneans (of course) in 2007. This company works with the women of Payatas, Manila's main waste management site. Thousands of families call Payatas home. (Images from this post courtesy of Google. Click on them for better viewing.)

Photos from Rags2Riches Website and Write Ups

These women of Payatas used to forage through the Payatas dump site for scraps of cloth which they would then weave into colorful rugs. Of course when it came time to sell these rugs, these women had to go through middle men and ended up only earning one peso for every rug they sold.


What Rags2Riches did was partner with these women and bring their work to the mainstream market. Instead of rugs, these women now weave beautiful purses and clutches which are available to the public. Moving even one step further, many of their purses are now designed by the likes of Philippine design icons Rajo Laurel and Amina Aranaz. These items are currently sold in many high end stores in Manila. And according to their website, each product comes with the Rags2Riches story of transformation and a handwritten signature of the mother who made the product.

All of this has enabled the women of Payatas to earn a livelihood, help support their families and send their children to school. As of this year, Rags2Riches has expanded exponentially and they are gearing towards exporting their products to cities like New York, San Francisco, and beyond.

Rags2Riches is a wonderful example of what can be achieved with a little ingenuity and a lot of hard work. With Rags2Riches serving as an inspiration, think of all the things we are capable of doing. The possibilities are endless.


So buy a purse and let's help support the community of Payatas today.

For more information, you can visit the offical website of Rags2Riches here.