46/365: Wok With Balut: Post Valentine Lunch Menu

February 18, 2014, 11:47 am

≫ Next: 47/365: The First Time I Let Someone Interrupt My Valentine Night Out.

≪ Previous: 45/365: HV-Day! Just Want to Greet You All!

$

0

0

15t of February

Yesterday was such a sweet day not only because of the romantic scenes visible everywhere but also of the sweet treats coming from sweet people as well.  It was such a battle not to give in to these temptation so I just taste them all starting at 3AM having my coffee with donuts given by a sweet family friend.

As if the that donut is not yet enough I also brought home some sweets and we ate all of them too then followed by my three-part Valentine celebration that includes a night out that also involves gobbling.  Come Saturday morning our taste bud doesn’t have the appetite for fancy food specifically with sweets and meat (“naumay ba”).

I rummage to the fridge and successfully found some set of ingredients that I’m sure will be appealing to our taste bud for this lunch.

Pinakbet and Pritong Tilapia with Fresh and Crunchy spices for lunch!  (I heard a “woot !” from hubby)

Vegetable and fish are the best next-day menu when you just came from previous day’s fancy-eating.
The common problem at any home in serving vegie and fish dishes is that most kids does not like them.  I myself has a history of not liking these kind of dishes when I was a kid.  Believed me I think I had master a lot of many tricks on how kids will eat vegie and fish dishes.  Let me share to you some of them.

my own recipe of pinakbet and fried tilapia that even kids will love

PINAKBET
A mixture of fresh (local) vegetables that is supposed to be cook with shrimp paste (bagoong).  However we are not yet letting our little girl to eat shrimp paste (maybe when she gets a little older) plus my son is still under medication from an allergy so I don’t normally cook pinakbet with shrimp paste except when it is just hubby and I are the only ones who will eat.

What I do is to sauté the vegies with ground meat (pork or beef).  I will put the ground meat in the pan with some water so that it will produce its own oil where I can sauté the garlic, onion and the vegies.  The vegies are the “bahay-kubo mix” which are: kalabasa (squash), sitaw (string beans), okra (lady finger), ampalaya (bitter gourd) and talong (eggplant).

I’ll simmer it in half cup of water until it is just crunchy enough to serve then add some seasoning.  The trick is not to over cook the vegies.   

FRIED FISH (TILAPIA)
Any fried fish will taste good with pinakbet but I still consider Tilapia as the best choice.  And since eating fish is not appetizing for kids, what I do is to spread the fish with (chicken) breading before frying them.  This takes away the fishy smell plus it makes the fish meat crunchy.  These breaded fish is for the kids only because hubby and I prefers the fish just as it is.

FRESH AND CRUNCY SPICES
And to make the fried fish more appetizing I usually served it with a combination of fresh and crunchy spices.  On our plate (photo) are onion rings, red and green tomatoes, green pepper, calamansi and cucumber.  Sometime I also add slices of bell pepper.

There you go!  A not so fancy but definitely yummy and healthy lunch menu that kids and adult will love!

---

47/365: The First Time I Let Someone Interrupt My Valentine Night Out.

February 22, 2014, 6:00 am

≫ Next: 48/365: Wok With Balut: A Sequel To The Tilapia for Lunch

≪ Previous: 46/365: Wok With Balut: Post Valentine Lunch Menu

$

0

0

16th of February

We were about to step out for a very late night out on Valentine night when one of the local channels feed a live screening of the 2014 SOCHI WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES.  This doesn’t happen normally in Philippine television that a regular programming will be suddenly cut out off the air to feed a live coverage of the Winter Olympic games.  The reason of course is our very own MICHAEL CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ is competing.

Hubby and I automatically sat back on the couch and hooked ourselves on the TV screen.  It was like an unspoken agreement that our night out will be delayed.  My whole family is such a sports fan.  You’ll find us absorbed together in front of the television enjoying various sports program.

When Michael performed my whole family was cheering as if we were watching the game live in Sochi.  When the scores was flashed after the end of the first set of competitors we were on standing ovation.



Hail to this UNIQUELY talented Filipino. A figure skater from a tropical country where one’s normal familiarity in snow-like ice is by eating them!



Of course Michael did not win gold nor silver nor bronze. But does it matter? He’s an Olympian for God’s sake competing in a sports that most Filipinos know nothing about.  The amazement was so obvious on the judges and commentators reaction.  The first not only from the Philippines but more so from South East Asia.

I would still give him my standing ovation even if he landed last on this competition.  Do I still need to state the reason why?  Let us just give him his much deserved support.  Hey government particularly the sports commission - wake up!  If this boy won’t still have your support you all deserved to be thrown with snow by Elsa!

~

You might be wondering why our V-Day night out seemed a little late.  It was because we did not plan anything on that day.  We don’t want to be an add on to the romantic chaos that is going on.  Besides our own schedule is a mess by itself.  Both me and hubby have work all day and apart from that he also has an early evening meeting.  So what I did was to come home early from work to avoid the traffic while hubby skipped the day’s work.  So just about after lunch we’re both at home and we’re having this conversation:

Hubby: So where do you want to go?
Me: “Gusto ko lang kumain ng kwek-kwek tsaka pisbol”
        (I just want to eat street foods)
Hubby: Huh? Seriously?
Me: Yep. I always passed by this alley of street food carts but I’m not buying because you always told me not to.
Hubby: Ok let’s go if that’s what you want.  But promised me you won’t make this a habit ok? 
Me: Yey!  Ahm where’s my flower?
Hubby: Hmn.  I thought we’re buying it together? Because last year you scolded me for buying too expensive flowers?
Me: LOL

So we spent the first part of our valentine here and this became one of my “happy place”

The other parts was me cooking pasta for dinner while hubby was at his meeting. He arrived home with my flowers.  We all enjoyed the pasta and the sweets at dinner.  Then we watched movies at home with the kids while enjoying my home made nachos, wine for me and hubby and soda for the kids.  When the kids retired for bed we finally decided to push through the tentative plan of going out (just the two of us) which as earlier told was interrupted by Michael Christian Martinez.

Simple joys, simple fun, lots of love, everyday is Valentine.

We were able to go out just before midnight and went home just before dawn.  As to what happened coming back from our night out… wink*

48/365: Wok With Balut: A Sequel To The Tilapia for Lunch

February 22, 2014, 2:38 pm

≫ Next: 49/365: Wok With Balut: Pizza Talong (Pizza Eggplant)

≪ Previous: 47/365: The First Time I Let Someone Interrupt My Valentine Night Out.

$

0

0

17th of February

I’m supposed to be writing about love songs for this love month but this food series is more important.  I need to serve the sequel while it’s fresh and hot (LOL).

What I mean is that there’s still the Part 2 for the Tilapia Dish that posted.  It is because hubby is the one who bought the live tilapia fishes.  The problem when he’s buying the tilapia is that he always buys too much – more than two kilos!  Imagine we are just four in the family! Well I can’t blame him because he’s really a fish person and Tilapia is really among his top favorites.

And because I don’t want to lose the freshness of the tilapia I asked them if they want it again for dinner which they joyfully agreed in chorus.  So here’s another version of a Tilapia dish.

SARCIADONG TILAPIA

Ingredients/Simple “how to”
Garlic, onion, green pepper, bell pepper and tomatoes sautè together then add fish sauce and seasoning.  Make sure that the tomatoe’s juice is already showing before simmering the fried tilapia on it.

If you noticed it has the same spices/ingredients from the first tilapia dish except that this time the spices were cooked.  A bell pepper is also added so it will smell good.

When we want to have taste variation, we usually top it with different spices.  Try it and you’ll gonna love it!

49/365: Wok With Balut: Pizza Talong (Pizza Eggplant)

February 26, 2014, 7:36 am

≫ Next: 50/365: Do I Wanna Build A Snowman?

≪ Previous: 48/365: Wok With Balut: A Sequel To The Tilapia for Lunch

$

0

0

18th of February

This post is for my friend and colleague Jae-Arh.  She’s the friend I was talking about on the Prelude of my "Wok With Balut" series who had been requesting for a copy of this recipe.

Every time I invite close friends to dine at home Jae-Arh would automatically ask “may pizza talong ba?”  And this is the reason why I am posting this recipe a little detailed compared to the other recipes that I posted.

So here’s my personal recipe of PIZZA TALONG.   It is actually similar to “Tortang Talong”.  I just named it “Pizza Talong” because it looks like pizza when cooked.  It also sounded more yummy. 

There are two versions of this recipe.  One is for VEGIE LOVERS and the other one is for MEAT LOVERS (just like pizza).

My Pizza Talong for Meat Lovers.  Fresh from the Pan!

My Pizza Talong for Vegie Lovers.
The Pizza Talong in this photo is already sliced because I made it as a side dish for the “Steamed Tilapia”

INGREDIENTS:
Large Eggplant - grilled, peeled and mashed
Eggs – beaten
Tomatoes sliced horizontally
Green Pepper sliced horizontally
Bell Pepper sliced horizontally
Red Onion chopped
White onion sliced as onion ring (optional)
Butter

Optional:
Giniling
Hot dog or Sausage

Procedure:
1. Sauté all garlic, onion, tomatoes, green and bell pepper in butter.  Don’t over cooked the spices.
    (If with meat, sauté first the meat ingredients before the spices)
2.  Then add the mashed egg plant.
3. Add salt and seasoning.
4.  Pour the beaten egg and wait until it formed a circle.  The thicker the better.
5. Served topped with onion rings and fresh green bell pepper.

If you noticed I don’t give an exact measurement on the ingredients for my recipe.  Because that’s how I cook.  I match the measurement of my ingredients according to the number of people to whom the dish will be served. And I just estimate the quantity of each ingredient to the quantity of the major ingredient which for this one is the egg plant.

Why don’t you try cooking your first pizza talong?

50/365: Do I Wanna Build A Snowman?

February 27, 2014, 1:53 am

≫ Next: 51/365: My Soul Learned A Little About Surfing Through “Soul Surfer”

≪ Previous: 49/365: Wok With Balut: Pizza Talong (Pizza Eggplant)

$

0

0

19th of February

Sorry to disappoint you but this has nothing to do with the latest movie craze “Frozen” and to everyone’s LSS for a couple of weeks now.

This has something to do with me gaining  a lot of weight since the Manila weather went back to its “tropical mightiness” after a short period of allowing us to display our jackets. Ang init! (It’s so hot!).

Apart from eating a lot (due to stress maybe or whatever alibi I have for eating a lot.) I found the other major culprit that is continuously causing my instant chubbiness.  I realized that while I’m enjoying slurping one of them from a Belgian Cone that I bought from a nearby grocery.

My son’s version of Banana Split! (LOL)

Hubby jokingly blurted “Did you know that there’s no ice-based food with a salty taste?  They are all made from sweet foods.  Well apart from those specialty ice cream that we don’t eat regularly”.  Then it was followed by “And did you notice how often do you eat these sweet ice craze foods lately?” (while grinning) 

Oh wham! So true!

Every time that I’m out of the confine of an air conditioned room I’m looking for something that is refreshing to eat. Be it frap, praf, smoothie, ice cream, ice craze, zagu, sago, halo-halo or whatever brand term they call it I am having them all.

What I’m wondering about is that I’m not fond of these ice-based sweet foods before.  In fact back in the days that I was working with a Chinese-owned company, I adapted their habit of drinking hot tea even during the hot weather/temperature.  I don’t know how I started this habit lately.

Summer is not even at full blast and yet I’m having an overload of these sweet ice-based food.  Any tip how can I avoid these foods?

Diet?
Naaah! Let it go! Let us just build a snowmann - in my tummy!

Oh by the way, if I frustrate you because I did not talk about the movie “Frozen” on this post in spite of my title, I suggest that you check out a well-written post about the movie from my good friend Jay.

51/365: My Soul Learned A Little About Surfing Through “Soul Surfer”

February 20, 2014, 2:44 am

≫ Next: 52/365: I’m Writing This In Real Time But…

≪ Previous: 50/365: Do I Wanna Build A Snowman?

$

0

0

20th of February

Unlike most bloggers (and other people) I don’t have a bucket list or a “50 before 50”  thingy on my profile.  Although I have a mental list of things that I want to do before I die one of which is to run a full marathon (42K baby!) – but the thing is , I don’t document them.  Probably because I’m really an spontaneous person.

Lately I’m starting to add some more adventures (and dreams) to the things that I still wan to do before I die.  There’s another one that I added today and let me share this one to you.

I want to experience…

Surfing!

This thought is kinda disappointing right now because just some weeks back I could have experienced surfing in Baler (Aurora, Philippines – which is starting to be popular  right now).  But because I’m too hooked up with work I missed an email invite from a friend for a Baler adventure – of course this is another story. 

So why suddenly surfing?

I came home one day from work and saw this movie playing on our family’s 24-hour movie screening (LOL).  As I slumped on the couch just to catch my breath and take my shoes off I saw this ocean/surfing scene that looks so refreshing plus the story seemed familiar to me.  Staying a little bit more in front of the screen I realized that I really know the story because I was following that story before from magazines and other reading materials.  Well of course it was back in the days that I wasn’t too hooked up yet in the e-world.

The movie is titled “Soul Surfer” .  It is about the story of Bethany Hamilton, a lady surfer that lost her arm from a horrific shark attack.  I got hooked watching the movie till the end while I am still wearing my  outfit from work.  It is not only the inspirational aspect of the movie that interests me, but it is actually more about surfing. There are scenes and dialogues in the movie that made me understand a bit about the sports of surfing and it perks my interest and fascination. 

Prior to watching this film, I never really got interested about surfing.  I consider surfing as a thing for people who lives nearby the sea with surfing waves.  Or.. people from Hawaii (LOL).

But let me clarify that I’m not planning to be a surfer (Goodness gracious!).  I just want to experience surfing.  I just want to experience how it feels like to be on the surfing board and with the wave.  I bet that would feel awesome.

You might also want to watch the movie.  It was cinematicaly good for a biopic plus it is very inspirational.

“I don’t need easy.  I just need possible.” ~ Bethany Hamilton / Soul Surfer~

52/365: I’m Writing This In Real Time But…

February 21, 2014, 5:06 am

≫ Next: 53/365: When I’m Down and Feeling Blue – A Donkey Always Reminds Me To Step Up.

≪ Previous: 51/365: My Soul Learned A Little About Surfing Through “Soul Surfer”

$

0

0

21st of February

I just got back today after a two-day "work-related whatever" and I am  now facing my lappy overwhelmed with the tasks that I need to do in the coming days ahead.

The first thing that I did is to check my emails specifically the ones originating from my blogs’ contact pages, (important) messages from my social media accounts and all the important messages that were sent to me through this crazy e-world.

I’m trying to finish reading the ones from the social media as quickly as I can that I don’t even have the time to “Like” or “Favorite” the statuses that made me feel good .  Does that mean that I’m “anti-social media” now? LOL!

Well the reason for my rushing is because I need to finalize the drafts that needs to be published on specific dates for this blog.  However, the list of the drafts on my writing tool made me frown.  I tried to pick one to finish but nothing seem to fit my mood.  This is bad!


Why does the topics that you were so inspired writing some days ago does not seem the same when you go back writing about it?  Is it the same with you or is it just me?  I’m a moody writer most of the time.  I usually type away what’s on my mind or what fits my mood.  And this usually gives me problem.

The reason of this ranting is of course has something to do with  my daily post or what I call my 365/blogging challenge. I’m running five days (six including today) behind by now.  Although I have all the topics drafted per day but they are not finalized yet.

As for this one, I’m writing this real time – see that date on the upper right corner?  That is the exact date that I am writing this post.  The problem is I will not be posting this as long as I haven’t posted the five days prior to today.  (I’m nuts!)

So what’s the topic on this post again?  Nothing!  I am just posting this just to let you know that I’m still on with the challenge (except that I’m not just in the mood *frown*)!

53/365: When I’m Down and Feeling Blue – A Donkey Always Reminds Me To Step Up.

February 23, 2014, 11:55 am

≫ Next: 59/365: Mac and Me: Happy Birthday Mac!

≪ Previous: 52/365: I’m Writing This In Real Time But…

$

0

0

22nd of February

It is very rare that people see me feeling down and low.  I’m the kind of person that when something disappointing happens I shake it off as fast as I could and move forward. 

But sometimes no matter how much confidence and positivity you stocked and banked within yourself there are really life situations and circumstances that pulls you down to the lowest level (sometimes to negative zero) draining the confidence and positivity your depending on.

Plus there are really (evil) people who’s goal in life is to see themselves prosper at the expense of someone else’s downfall.  And there are really people people whose happiness rely on other people’s misery.  God bless them.

When I’m having this kind of day I temporarily shut myself off from the world.  I avoid talking to people because I don’t want to drag them along with my negative being.  What I do is to lavish myself with the things that comforts me like writing and reading (No not chocolates and frap).  Then I pray… I pray that the person who caused me this misery will be struck with lightning!  Joke :)

I pray that I would be given the strength to pull myself out of this negative being.  Then automatically and mysteriously I will remember the story of “the donkey who fell down into a well.

Let me share to you this story that I chanced upon…
(Credits to the origin of this story) 


One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. 

With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

At first I thought this story is weird and cruel.  Imagine the scene where the donkey was almost buried alive!   But then, isn't that how life sometimes is?  Weird and cruel that sometimes it knocks you down and while you’re down people almost bury you alive instead of helping you up?  It’s up to you how you stand up and step up!

---

59/365: Mac and Me: Happy Birthday Mac!

February 28, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: 60/365: The 60-Day Milestone

≪ Previous: 53/365: When I’m Down and Feeling Blue – A Donkey Always Reminds Me To Step Up.

$

0

0

28th of February

It’s my BFF’s birthday and I’m cramming to get this greetings done and posted.  Well it’s almost midnight and just few more tick on the clock it’s no longer her birthday (LOL).

I’m supposed to write this earlier when I arrived home from work just before going to the celebrant’s dinner celebration.  However I was welcomed at home by the “stroke-triggering“ news that I don’t have an internet!  My DSL is down again and when I called the (cold)hot line of my “wonderful” (grrr) service provider ,  it made me wait till eternity while listening to their nauseating “voice/music prompt hold” before a human picked up the phone only to tell me that they can not provide me (yet) a concrete information why my internet is down. (What’s new?)  They robotically provided me a reference number and asked for my updated call back number which I’m sure is just a waste of time because they will NEVER EVER call you back to tell you what’s going on! I have a ton of experience and histories for this.

So my ISP did it again!  What a perfect timing!  Just when I needed it most! 

Anyways, so I scrapped my plan of writing an elaborated-brain-wracking birthday greetings that I’m supposed to post here and promote on my social media accounts (LOL).  Blame it on my ISP Mac!  

Anyways I think my idea were all drained-out by the non-stop burping caused by the buffet meal that we had tonight.

Also, I don’t think one blog post would be enough for all the words that I wanted to say and for all the wishes that I  wished Mac for.  We have been friends like forever that I know that she knows what’s on my mind. I’ll just make my greetings simple.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and CHEERS to good friendship!

Mac and ME

And oh by the way here’s some trivia.  While at the buffet dinner tonight me and another common friend with Mac realized that we have been dining together for the last four years straight during Mac’s  birthday. I have yet to check for the year that is older than four years ago.

2011 at T.G.I Fridays
I was brokenhearted because of my job and the three of us took comfort from this huge Sundae apart from the other (so much) food that we ordered.

2012 at Hap Chan Restaurant
After our adventure at Logos Hope (The Floating Bookstore)

2013 at 101 Buffet.
A sad moment when I needed to break to you the news that your childhood friend from the province just died.

This year 2014 at Tramway Bayview Buffet
Now that Mac is PARTLY NOT THE Mac that I described in the  first photo (Mac and Me) since she took over “Dora The Explorer’s” role (LOL)

No wonder it is not only our friendship have grown but also our WAISTLINE!

60/365: The 60-Day Milestone

March 1, 2014, 11:34 pm

≫ Next: 61/365: Sunday Poem and Photograph: Moth

≪ Previous: 59/365: Mac and Me: Happy Birthday Mac!

$

0

0

1st of March

Hello March!  Here you are surprising me when I’m not even done with my February postings for my “365 Day Blogging Challenge”.  Your coming made me realized that… I'm definitely nuts!

Admittedly February was a struggling month. There were days and weeks that it was impossible for me to sit down and write, even visit my own blogs or to even moderate the comments.

I tried to prepare myself for days like this by making my own heads up on how the coming hopelessly busy days will affect my posting.  Drafting some future posts was also not effective because by the time that I go back to those drafts to finalize them, the “feel” and “interest” for the topic is gone.  This is really one hell of a challenge!

But if you think that I’m backing out from this challenge because of what I had experienced in the month of February – you are wrong.  Here I am behind by five posts for February and yet I’m still NOT backing out! Yes no! Definitely not!  In fact this became more interesting to me.

I may owe five posts from February by the time that this one is posted but that does not mean that I will be owing them till the end of this challenge.  I take this as a sports.  I may have missed scoring during the early quarters or half but I still have time to fill-in those gaps, scored more in the coming quarters and half.  If basketball has the “best of seven series” I have the “best of  12 months series”.  I took it as a 365 post I will end it at 365 by the end of the game which is on December 31, 2014 or sooner.  As what Senyor Iskwater said “Kitakits sa Finals!”.

Once again, THANK YOU for all your unfailing support especially to all my fellow bloggers.  I may be missing to visit your blogs lately but I will definitely be there soon.

Care to join me in shouting another HURRAY!?

61/365: Sunday Poem and Photograph: Moth

March 2, 2014, 12:35 am

≫ Next: 62/365: Philippine Festivities in the Month of April

≪ Previous: 60/365: The 60-Day Milestone

$

0

0

2nd of March

fire is beautiful
and we know that if we get
too close it will kill us
but what does that matter
it is better to be happy
for a moment
and be burned up with beauty
than to live a long time
and be bored all the while
so we wad all our life up
into one little roll
and then we shoot the roll
that is what life is for
it is better to be part of beauty
our attitude toward life
is come easy go easy
we are like human beings
used to be before they became
too civilized to enjoy themselves

Excerpts from:
The Wisdom of Psychopaths: What Saints, Spies, and Serial Killers Can Teach Us About Success ~Kevin Dutton~




Do you agree with the content of that excerpts?

I don't. I simply don't because life is too beautiful to turn it to something horrific.

The photograph is taken from our own home.  We were preparing for dinner when suddenly these swarm of moths circled around all the lighting in our home except for the bedroom lighting upstairs.

I remember old people say that when these moths made a sudden appearance it means that the rainy season is about to start or it will rain soon. I’m not sure about that theory right now because technically the summer season is just about to start.

I’m not comfortable seeing this kind of scene.  They remind me of horror movies.  Not that I’m a person who gets scared easily.  It’s just that this kind of scene is not fun for me to see in person.  There's something in it that makes me uncomfortable.

For my son it’s a time for experiment.  He went running to fill a basin with water and put it directly below one of the light surrounded by moths.  The moths automatically soared directly to the basin with water and drowned/died.  On the other lights he placed a lit candle below and the scene was more horrific.  All of the moths soared directly to the candle and got burned.  In just  a short time all the moths are dead.

Horrific…

62/365: Philippine Festivities in the Month of April

March 3, 2014, 5:26 pm

≫ Next: 67/365: Random: The Agony of Waiting

≪ Previous: 61/365: Sunday Poem and Photograph: Moth

$

0

0

3rd of March

April means summer season and vacation in the Philippines!  And there’s no better season than to do adventure and explore regional places than the summer season.



The Lent season also falls in the month of April and the Philippines being 80% Catholic country you will notice that this month is filled with the festivities (observance) related to Lent or the “Passion of Christ”.  What I did in the list is I deleted some entries list that I think is not very unique. 

PANAGABUOS FESTIVAL April 1-3: Banna, Ilocos Norte



BANANA FESTIVAL April 1- April 5: La Castellana, Negros Occidental
KESONG PUTI FESTIVAL April 1- April 9: Sta Cruz, Laguna
SUROY TA April 1- May 31 : Davao City
FIESTA PASIKLAB April 1- May 31: Commonwealth Ave., Diliman, Quezon City
KADAHOMAN FESTIVAL April 1-May 1 : Lagonoy, Camarines Sur


MORIONES FESTIVAL April 2-7: Marinduque
HUDAS-HUDAS April 4: San Jose, Antique
LIBOD-SAYAW April 4: BINDOY ORIENTAL NEGROS
SAGRADA FAMILIA FIESTA APRIL 4: ComVal, Laak
PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS April 5-6: Jordan, Guimaras



SEMANA SANTA AT IGUIG CALVARY HILLS  April 5-6 : Iguig, Cagayan
PASKO SA KASAKIT (SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN) April 5-6: Bantayan, Cebu
SEMANA SANTA SA BIKOL April 5-6 : Calabanga, Camarines Sur
CENAKULO (CAINTA, RIZAL) April 5-6: Cainta, Rizal
PAGTALTAL IN BAROTAC VIEJO April 5-6: Barotac Viejo, Iloilo
PAK’KAAT KAL’LO April 5-6 : Brgy. Manobo, Magpet, Cotabato Province
 BUHING KALBARYO April 5-6: Cebu City, Cebu
SEMANA SANTA (DIPOLOG CITY) April 5-6: Dapitan City
CUTUD LENTEN RITES April 6: San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga

KATKAT SAKRIPISYO SA 3003 STEPS April 5-6: Dipolog City
PAGHUKOM April 5-6: Calinog, Iloilo
KAPIYA DISPLAY AND PASYON SINGING CONTEST April 5-6: Santa Barbara, Iloilo
SEMANA SANTA AT DARIOK HILLS April 5-6 : Dariok Hills, Barangay Balintokatok, Santiago City
LENTEN FESTIVAL OF HERBAL PREPARATION April 5-6: San Antonio, Siquijor
SENAKULO April 5 and 7 Maundy Thurs & Black Sat: Castillejos, Zambales
KALBARYO April 6: San Vicente Ferrer Parish Bgy. La Granja, La Carlota City
ANG HATOL . . . .(THE WAY OF THE CROSS) April 6: Cainta, Rizal
GIWANG-GIWANG April 6 (good friday): Binangonan, Rizal
GIWANG-GIWANG April 6 (good friday): Binangonan, Rizal
PAMALANDONG HA PALO April 6: Palo, Leyte
LENTEN WEEK/ "PAGPAPAKO" April 6: Baler and Casiguran, Aurora
FOLK HEALING April 7 (BLACK SATURDAY): SAN ANTONIO, SIQUIJOR
LANG-AY FESTIVAL April 6-8: Bontoc, Mt. Province
KADAUGAN SA MACTAN FESTIVAL April 7 : Bgy. Mactan, Lapu-Lapi City, Cebu
SALUBONG (ANGONO, RIZAL) April 7-8: Angono, Rizal
ALLAW TA APO SANDAWA (TRIBES HONOR MT. APO) April 7: Kidapawan City, North Cotabato
Pagay-Pagay Festival April 7-8: Saguday, Quirino
SALUBONG (EASTER VIGIL) AND PASKO NG PAGKABUHAY (FEAST OF THE RESURRECTION April 8: Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City
SUNDUAN HA CARIGARA April 8: Carigara, Leyte
SUGAT April 8 : San Carlos, Negros Occ.
HALADAYA FESTIVAL April 8: Daan Bantayan, Cebu
MT. HAMIGUITAN JOURNEY April 08 – 12: La Unino, San Isidro, Davao Oriental



RODEO MASBATEÑO (LOCAL COWBOYS) April 9-14: Masbate City
ARAW NG KAGITINGAN April 9: Mt Samat, Bataan
20th Philippine International Balloon Festival 2014 April 10-13: Brgy. Prado Siongco, Lubao, Pampanga (Lubao-Dinalupihan boundary arch)
MAGAYON FESTIVAL (“Festival of Festivals Showdown”) April 10-29: Albay
PANAAD April 21-22: Camiguin
AGOO SEMANA SANTA April 21-22: Agoo, La Union

 

PANA-AD SA NEGROS April 9-15: Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
TURUMBA FESTIVAL April 10, 16-18, 27 May 6, 18, 27 : Pakil, Laguna
ANA KALANG FESTIVAL April 13-17: Nagcarlan, Laguna
 CONQUER MT. APO April 13- April 17: San Miguel, Baggao, Cagayan
 BANCATHON SA MAGNAGA April 13: Pantukan, Comval
BANTAYOG FESTIVAL April 13-16 : Camarines Norte
HUGYAW SA KADAGATAN April 14: Kauswagan , Lanao del Norte
BAYBAYON FESTIVAL April 15-17: Sagñay. Camarines Sur
MANGGAHAN SA GUIMARAS April 15-22 : Guimaras
PANDAN FESTIVAL April 11 – 16: Mapandan, Pangasinan
 KA-ANGKAN April 16-22 : Marikina City, Metro Manila
TAMPISAW FESTIVAL (EARTH DAY CELEBRATION) April 16- April 18 : Concepcion, Iloilo
TUNGOH AD HUNGDUAN April 16 –19: Hungduan, Ifugao
GARLIC FESTIVAL April 16-20: Pinili, Ilocos Norte
BINONGEY FESTIVAL April 17 : Anda, Pangasinan



BANGUS FESTIVAL April 17- May 4: Dagupan City, Pangasinan
 TANDUYONG FESTIVAL April 17: San Jose City, Bulacan
PASA-PASA FESTIVAL April 18-21 : Monreal, Masbate
MANGO-BAMBOO FESTIVAL AND TRADE FAIR April 20-27: San Carlos, Pangasinan
 COCOWAYAN FESTIVAL April 20-25 : Isabela City
COCOWAYAN FESTIVAL April 20 – 25 : Isabela City
“LA LAGUNA” FESTIVAL April 20-29: Provincial Capitol Compound, Sta. Cruz, Laguna
GOTAD AD HINGYON April 21- April 24 : Hingyon Municipality, Ifugao
BANGKARERA (Boat-rowing race) April 21: Penablanca, Cagayan
SANDUGUAN FESTIVAL April 21- April 27: Calapan, Mindoro Oriental
 KINULOB FESTIVAL April (no definite date): Mabini, Batangas
HINUGYAW SA HINIG ARAN FESTIVAL April 22- April 23: Hinigaran, Negros Occidental
SUBIC 'AY FESTIVAL April 22-28: Subic, Zambales



PAGSALABUK FESTIVAL April 22-May 19: Dipolog City
PANDAN FESTIVAL April 3: Luisiana, Laguna
KANGAYEDAN FESTIVAL April 22-26: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
GOTAD AD KIANGAN April 23- April 25: Kiangan, Ifugao
PISTA SA KINAIYAHAN April 23- April 26: Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
PINAKBET FESTIVAL April 23: Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur
 CANGMATING SIBULAN, NEGROS ORIENTAL April 24- April 30 : Yagyag Festival
KAROSAHAN FESTIVAL April 24: Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
SIBIT SIBIT FESTIVAL April 24-30 (last week) : Driftwood Beach, Brgy. Barretto, Olongapo City
MT. APO SUMMER CLIMB “SINGGIT SA KINAIYAHAN” APRIL 24-30: Bansalan, Davao del Sur
 PISTAY DAYAT April 24-May 1: Lingayen, Pangasinan
ARAW NG SULOP April 24: Sulop



PASALAMAT FESTIVAL April 25: La Carlota City, Negros Occidental
BALINGOAN FESTIVAL April 25: Balingoan , Misamis Oriental
BAHAG-HARI FESTIVAL April 25 : Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro
 THE SABUTAN FESTIVAL AND MINI-TRADE FAIR April 25- April 29 : Mabitac, Mindoro Oriental
AKLAN DAY CELEBRATION April 25: Aklan
 PANAGAT "FISH" TIVAL April 25 : Estancia, Iloilo
SINABALU FESTIVAL April 25-26: Rizal, Cagayan
IMBAYAH FESTTIVAL April 25-29 : Banaue, Ifugao
BAGGAK SUMMER FESTIVAL April 25-30 : Bauang, La Union
PANAGSANGAL FESTIVAL April 25-May 1 : Baggao, Cagayan
PANAGSANGAL FESTIVAL April 25-May 1: Baggao, Cagayan
LILIW GAT TAYAW TSINELAS (FOOTWEAR) FESTIVAL April 26 - May 1: Liliw, Laguna
KUTSITSA FESTIVAL April 26 : Molave, Zamboanga del Sur
KAFAGWAY April 27: Baguio City
BINIRAYAN FESTIVAL April 27-29: San Jose & Hamtic, Antique
 SAKNUNGAN FESTIVAL April 27- April 30: San Jose, Mindoro Occidental
PISTA SA KINAIYAHAN April 27-30 : Sta. Cruz
MAY ILAOUD FESTIVAL April 27 - May 1 : Milaor, Cam. Sur
INDAK PADURUKAN FESTIVAL April 28 : San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
PANDAWAN FESTIVAL April 28: Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija
DIKIT FESTIVAL April 28-30: Aurora, Isabela
BUTANDING FESTIVAL April 28-May 5: Donsol, Sorsogon
TINAPAHAN FESTIVAL April 29- May 1 : Lemery, Batangas
DINAKLISAN FESTIVAL April 29-May 1 : Currimao, Ilocos Norte
KALIPAYAN FESTIVAL April 30 : San Agustin, Romblon
ANTIPOLO PILGRIMAGE April 30- May 1 : Antipolo, Rizal
MUNGO FESTIVAL April 30-May 2: San Mateo, Isabela
ITIK FESTIVAL April (no definite date) : Victoria, Laguna
KAMARIKUTAN PAGDIWATA ARTS FESTIVAL April (Fullmoon): Kamarikutan Kape at Galeri, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
CAMOTE FESTIVAL/BB. ZAMBALES April (movable): Castillejos, Zambales
 
WHEW!!! That’s a lot!
 
Source: Department of Tourism Website

67/365: Random: The Agony of Waiting

March 8, 2014, 7:02 am

≫ Next: 68/365: Sunday Quote and Photograph: It Was One of Those March Days

≪ Previous: 62/365: Philippine Festivities in the Month of April

$

0

0

8th of February 

A wife waiting for a husband driving home late from work,
A husband coming home to an empty house where usually the wife is waiting,
A mother waiting for her children to be dropped off by the school service.
A family member waiting outside an operating room waiting for the doctor to come out,
A master waiting for his lost pet to come back home…

When someone or something did not arrive or happened in an expected and scheduled time, worry immediately sets in. It is automatic instinct for human to sense that something wrong or bad is happening.

Every second, every minute, every hour matters for a person waiting.  The longer it takes, the more agonizing it is for the person waiting.

***

I woke up today with the headline news that a Malaysian Airline (MH370) with 239 people on board  had gone missing.  It has been missing for two hours when I first heard the news.  And it has been 14 hours now while I’m writing this.  The plane is still missing and there’s not even any trace of whatever from the plane.

In aviation a few seconds lost in radar monitor denotes trouble.  What more for fourteen hours?  It would be too difficult to apply optimism on this kind of situation.

Crime shows such as CSI taught us the practical analysis of “the longer the time a person is missing, the lesser the chances to find the person unhurt or (worst) alive.  But even though we have this practical knowledge we chose not to make conclusion based on this (convincing ourselves:“just this time”)  and hope against hope that the waiting will be over without the tragic news.

The most agonizing thing about waiting is that you wanted it to be over while at the same time terrified to hear the news that will officially end the waiting.  

NO ONE, no one would ever want to be in the position of the person waiting. Especially in a situation where you can’t do anything but wait.

***

My prayers not only for the passengers and crew on board Flight MH370 but also to the families, relatives and friends who are waiting.

68/365: Sunday Quote and Photograph: It Was One of Those March Days

March 10, 2014, 4:43 am

≫ Next: 69/365: All About Me: On Blogging and Writing

≪ Previous: 67/365: Random: The Agony of Waiting

$

0

0

9th of March

It was one of those March days

when the sun shines hot

and the wind blows cold.

When it is summer in the light,

and winter in the shade.

~Charles Dickens~

Wow that was quick!

It was one of those March days when I was born. Consider this as a prelude – let’s talk about me!

69/365: All About Me: On Blogging and Writing

March 10, 2014, 9:19 am

≫ Next: 70/365: All About Me: Finally My A To Z

≪ Previous: 68/365: Sunday Quote and Photograph: It Was One of Those March Days

$

0

0

10th of March

This article was originally posted on my blog "The Lucky Blog".  Since I am posting an "All About Me" series here, I believe this is the perfect time to re-post this.

***

Hey it’s my birthday week! So why not share some weird things about me?  Let’s start with one of my passion - blogging and writing!

• I write better when music is pumped in my ears matched with a mug of coffee. I have a variety of choices but on top of them are Gregorian Chant, Enya, Barry Manilow, Jim Croce and believe it or not – Queen’s Freddie Mercury.  “Queen Live in Wimbley” is plugged in my ears while I’m writing this.
  
  For coffee – not too sweet not to creamy but preferably strong!  I don’t mind about the brand as long as it smells and tastes like coffee.
• I have a 500 gig external hard that where I stock my photos for blogging.  Each photo in there has a story saved in my brain’s draft folder.
• I am a magnet to dramatic, sad and lonely post ("emo") that I am really trying to minimize.  The irony is that I am a very happy person.
• I usually don’t comment to a blog post that I did not read with understanding. I’d rather not comment at all.
• I have a habit of spontaneously back reading posts of the blogs in my roll.  I usually don’t comment on the posts while back reading so as not to break my reading momentum.  But I always try to make a mental note on the posts that I like specifically if it mention anything about the blogger’s personality.
• I have a secret list of favorite bloggers (good writers) not because they are my friends but because I really love the way they write and express.
• If you link my blog or include my blog in your blog roll,  I will link you back at least to any of my blogs regardless of your blog's page rank. 
• I don’t mind putting blog links on my sites even I am aware that they will negatively affect the SEO  thingy.  I am confident that I can pull it up by making quality posts.
• Never in my entire life that I did not have a writing desk in my home.  It is one of my basic furniture. 
• My father said that I’m in my weirdest when I’m writing.  (Back in the province when I was younger) He was always amazed whenever he stumbles upon one of my scattered drafts and he would always ask “Did you write this? with the tone that sounded like he is asking a stranger and not his daughter. LOL!
• And as Freddie Mercury says I write better when “Under Pressure!”.
• I write to express NOT to impress.

… hmn there’s a lot more. till next share!

Note:
The manual organizer’s photo is taken aboard a plane. The scribble on the notebook is a list of posts that I plan to write while on a trip.  I was surprised to find that all the scribbled topics were published on my blogs.

---

70/365: All About Me: Finally My A To Z

March 12, 2014, 8:34 am

≫ Next: 71/365: Pasinaya 2014–Cultural Center of the Philippines

≪ Previous: 69/365: All About Me: On Blogging and Writing

$

0

0

11th of March 

After (roughly) 270 days (8 months) I am finally replying to this tag by Senyor Iskwater (LOL).  Thank you for this tag Senyor.

Well it was not because I forgot about this.  I was just really looking for a perfect time to make this post.  And since I am posting an “All About Me” series in relation to March being my birth month, so this is it!

A. Attached or Single?
Very attached. Very married.  Till death do we part.

B. Best Friend?
Sorry but I can’t pick just one.  I have several sets of friends that I already considered as family and they are all my best.  Though I have one BFF that I consider my “other half” because we literally know each other too well.  I won’t mention the name so as not to be biased with my other BFF’s.

C. Cake or pie?
Cake with coffee please!
Anybody sending me one for my birthday?  It’s just few days from now so I need one to blow my birthday candle please? (**grin**)



D. Day of choice?
Any day with my family

E. Essential Item?
Lap top with net access, Camera, Mobile Phone
They are my oxygen.  I can’t breath if they are not within reach.

F. Favorite color?
I don’t own anything in the color of pink. 
My wardrobe are usually plain mostly white, black and red.  My Crocs is blue and my Havaianas is green.  Jeez I am so masculine!   The most feminine color I can tolerate is purple.

G. Gummy bears or worms?
Am not a fan of gummy.  But the bears are really cute.

H. Hometown?
I was born and came from the Land of the Braves.  Wanna guess?

I. Favorite Indulgence?
Hmn… nothing in particular.
Though I enjoy eating while watching movies

J. January or July?
OMG!   Don’t ask me about July!

K. Kids?
Absolutely!

L. Life isn’t complete without?
My awesome 3!

M. Marriage date?
I’m a June bride (**wink!)

N. Number of brothers/sisters?
Two super good looking brothers and three gorgeous sisters.  I am the (youngest) ugly duckling.

O. Oranges or Apples?
Apple-ges. I love fruits. All of them!

P. Phobias?
To own another pet.  I haven’t recovered from the the death of my cat :(

Q. Quotes?
My very own quote:
For every bit of good I share to this world will make this world a little bit better to live in

R. Reasons to smile?
When you smile at me :)

S. Season of choice?
We have just two seasons right?  Summer and Rainy Season?
I don’t want to choose just one because they both need each other. Though summer of course is the best time to commune with nature.

T. Tag 5 People.
Forgive me but I’m not tagging anyone because for sure everybody has been tagged.

U. Unknown fact about me?
I’m not ready to share it just yet.

V. Vegetable?
Any vegie but I like the green ones better.

W. Worst habit?
I love to psychologically torture a person (evil grin)

X. X-ray or Ultrasound?
I hate them all because I tried almost all of them including MRI.  That damn feeling that you are being buried alive. I don’t want anything that has something to do with medical procedures

Y. Your favorite food?
Filipino food especially the “lutong bahay” (home cooked).

Z. Zodiac sign?
I am sooo Pisces!

There you go that's one lot of information about me!

71/365: Pasinaya 2014–Cultural Center of the Philippines

March 12, 2014, 3:52 am

≫ Next: 73/365: Today and Tonight is a Prelude of Happiness Before Tomorrow...

≪ Previous: 70/365: All About Me: Finally My A To Z

$

0

0

12th of March

Let me take a break for the “All About Me Week” to make way to this important post that I wish to share with everybody!

The PASINAYA 2014 now on it’s 10th Year!



This is a one-day open house festival held annually at the CCP, the Pasinaya is the biggest multi arts festival in the Philippines featuring the participation of thousands of artists and hundreds of artistic and cultural groups.  It offers to the public a unique “Pay what you can, See all you can” donation scheme the opportunity to enjoy a sneak preview of the CCP Performance Season.

Here are some of the lively giant dioramas displayed at the open field fronting the Cultural center of the Philippines that most park-goers are enjoying with.












To fully enjoy this event be there at the CCP on March 16.  It begins with an early morning pre-show at 7:30AM with the Marine and Bugle Team heralding the festivities and will be followed by the official opening ceremonies and street parade.

73/365: Today and Tonight is a Prelude of Happiness Before Tomorrow...

March 14, 2014, 6:30 am

≫ Next: 74/365: All I Want for Today Is...

≪ Previous: 71/365: Pasinaya 2014–Cultural Center of the Philippines

$

0

0

14th of March

A morning run.




A walk in the park that I have been wanting to visit.



And a sweet surprise from awesome blogger friends!



I’m dying to share you the stories but I’m heading out for a date tonight with the man I love.

Let us just say that today and tonight is a prelude of happiness for my birthday… which is yet tomorrow.

74/365: All I Want for Today Is...

March 14, 2014, 5:12 pm

≫ Next: 75/365: Sunday Prayer and Photograph: Thank You To Both of You!

≪ Previous: 73/365: Today and Tonight is a Prelude of Happiness Before Tomorrow...

$

0

0

15th of March

Today is my birthday and I’m not planning anything special. All I know is I want to give myself a relaxing day which I started yesterday by doing a morning run and a walk in the park.

I did not even register for a birthday run as I annually do.  Because if I did I will not be able to relax because I need to train.  But this does not mean that I’m giving up on running – I will definitely NOT.  It’s just that I want my today to be simple and really relaxing.

I also did not invite friends at home or to celebrate or party anywhere.  Not because that I’m anti-social now LOL. Again, it is simply because of the same thing.  I want to relax.

I also did not plan for a getaway because the planning and the trip might stress me out as well.  If I have a choice I want my today to be quiet.  I am supposed to remove my birthday info on my social media accounts but that would mean a lot of work removing it and putting it back on.  Plus that my 365 Day Blogging Challenge will be incomplete without my birthday being part of it. Anyway checking on my social media accounts today is a part of my relaxation.

So today as my birthday will be a day that I always like it to be.  Spontaneous!  I will definitely spend it with my family but we are not planning anything big. There is one thing though that I still want to do.  And that is to have my cake and blow the candle with my wishes.

And speaking of cake Google sent me a lot!

Google made my day with this doodle!  This is a lot of cake huh!

I’ll share you the fun about this Google thingy on another blog post ok. Because as I have said I want to relax today ha ha!

There’s a lot more to be thankful for all the thoughtfulness from family and friends that also deserved a special post and I am definitely be doing that.  Let me just relax today and enjoy my cake.  I know you are all wishing me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! and that is more than enough plus a lot better with a cake (naughty grin).

75/365: Sunday Prayer and Photograph: Thank You To Both of You!

March 16, 2014, 4:28 pm

≫ Next: 79/365: Randomly Asking: Are You Happy?

≪ Previous: 74/365: All I Want for Today Is...

$

0

0

16th of March

 

“Dear God,

Perhaps, it is not too much to ask from you today. I have a good friend named Balut who is celebrating her birthday few days from now. All I wish for her is that you'd grant her all the desires of her heart - be it for anything.

I thank you God, for blessing me a friend who truly care and value friendship. Shield her whole family with your mantle of protection. Bless them with all their daily needs. Continue to allow her to be a blessing to others in her simple ways. Grant her the strength when challenges come her way. Gift her with a discerning and faithful heart when crucial matters are to be decided. Never allow evil spirit ruins her good disposition in life.

Lastly and most importantly,  grace her with a healthy body and mind as she run her journey here on Earth.

This I ask through your son Jesus Christ, with the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary and all the angels and saints. Amen”

***

The huge bouquet of flowers and the card in the photograph came from two blogger friends,  Jay of ABOUT JAY'S JOURNEY and Arvin of CHATEAU DE ARCHIEVINER - two very well-mannered bloggers that I had the privilege of meeting in person.

The bouquet and the card were delivered right at my home a day before my birthday while the prayer is written by Jay and published on his blog as a gift for my birthday. Another big big surprise for me from my thoughtful friend Jay.  He also made a special birthday post for Arvin on his birthday. 

Arvin on the other hand called and texted me days before my birthday saying that since he is on current blogging hiatus and we can’t meet yet (my fault), he was really finding ways to greet me.  I’m wordless to the sweetness and thoughtfulness of these two awesome creature.

To you Jay and Arvin- THANK YOU!  You two did not only surprised me BIG TIME  but you melted my heart with the sweet syrup of your thoughtfulness.  I so love the flowers and the card most specially the personal and printed message on it.  I also want you to know that you are definitely among my favorite people!  I feel so blessed to have you both in my circle.

Cheers to more years of blogging and friendship!