no co-incidence

I was able to meet again an old friend, actually a batchmate during my primary years. I must say life has no co-incidence because everything God does for a purpose. Rose went to our house one night because my brother was looking for an architect to process their building permits and the architect was actually the husband of Rose. We talked about our lives and i mentioned to her that I just resigned from my previous job and doing home bakeshop as a sideline. One night, she texted me and ordered 1box of assorted brownies and food for the gods. I had it delivered to her house which is just near our place. The following week she ordered again, this time 12boxes. At first i get overwhelmed, since this is the first time i had order in bulk, but said to myself i can do it. I rushed to Quiapo and bought some of the ingredients. I only have 1 day to finished the baking, but before anything else i need to clean up first and prepare all the tools as well as the machines that i'll be needing. While i was baking, i had a hard time figuring out the exact measurement of all the ingredients that is needed, hirap pala talaga, it takes patience and perseverance. Everything should be organized, considering that my kitchen is so small and my oven can only accomodate 2trays at a time. Well finally i'm done, i started at 11:30am and finished it at around 8pm with so many distractions from my son who's reviewing for his periodical exam. The following morning, i did the packing and finished it before Rose arrived and picked it up.

The income is not that big but it's worth all the hard work especially if you know people are satisfied with your products and keep on coming back.

worried about the laptop

I've been using my sister's (Charisse) laptop eversince I'm into blogging cause our PC is already obsolete and we don't have yet our internet connection. Buti nalang, she's taking up IT and my brother (Joel) gave this laptop to her. Yesterday, i used it for 5hours and left the house to attend our dance practice. This morning, my son told me that the laptop is totally black out and i get worried thinking i won't be able to replace a new one. When i went to my sister's house, i saw her using her laptop, thank's God, it's running again!

I plan and hope I would be able to buy one before this year ends.

dinner out

There's a new restaurant located at Rockwell, Makati owned by a young and enthusiast celebrity. They offer scrumptious meals for a group of 4 to 5. We also ordered a wagyu beef meal, we call it in our culinary class as the non-stressed beef, because of its high dense marbling and intense flavor hence it results to less fats. It's soft and flavorful, but of course i go for veggies that's why i ordered my "sumosam's pride" salad. Hmmmm...it's really yummy, especially if you know that someone is going to pay for it.

Thanks Joel, and hope you'll invite us again.

home bakeshop

While out of job i do home bakeshop to earn extra money at least an allowance when we attend church. I'm glad i discovered a new store just near where we attend church in Makati. It's located inside a mall, Bakers Depot has a variety of equipments and ingredients for your baking needs. I shop there whenever i run out of some stuffs but i prefer to go to DV or Quiapo when i need to buy those for wholesale cause its cheaper there.

starting all over again

yesterday, i was so determined to write my post but unfortunately the laptop was not available. Glad, my sister got home early and here i am don't know how to start my with my comeback post.

One of the reasons why i'm back is that i realized, this is what i need to unload everything that's going on with my life that i can be able to share to all of you.

Ganito yata talaga, pag wala kang trabaho, daming naiisip...O nga noh....5mos. na pala akong walang trabaho after resigning from my previous work. Its really hard to start all over again when you are used to doing things for 14 long years. Ngayon pa lang nag sisink dahil siguro wala na kong pera...huhuhu...But I'm faithful God will provide.

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My friends inspire me to get back on blogging, SRI batch '87. Actually we will be having our reunion on Nov 8. First time palang ako naka attend ng meeting last August 30, it was their 5th meeting for our reunion. Sarap pala ng feeling when you see your high school friends and trying to reminisce those old memories. Actually, kasama ako sa dance presentation, from modern to 80's (kapanahunan ba..). We had our first practice yesterday with Cherry, Vilma and Lanie. Masarap pawisan pero mahirap pala mag buo ng steps if you're having memory gap already, hehehe...Nakabuo naman kami ng 4 different dances na medley, well, not bad.

till next practice.

I'm back....

Hi to everyone...sorry for being away for quite a long time. I'm glad i'm back and looking forward to share more about my life's recipe. Please expect that there'll be some changes hopefully with my homepage.

Thank you for your patience and continued support!

Godbless!

First day in Culinary Arts School

This day is not the usual thing that i do, not my daily routine coz i'll be out for my culinary arts class. Last month, i posted about leaving my work in the office because of so many reasons. One is for a career change and at the same time to pursue my passion in cooking. Yeah, dream come true, finally, I'm into culinary school.

So excited this morning, i wake up at 4:30am. I exercised and then have my quite time. I left our house at 7:30am to attend my class at 9am. When i got there, i'm so positive to do my very best to excel in this. We are about 20 students, different ages with different school background. We are the second batch in this course. Our instructor is a Chef, who manage the Culinary Institute of Aristocrat.

We discussed food storage, food handling, sanitation, food temperatures, costing and a lot more. Our first two days will be purely lecture and theories.

So, til next time of my schooling....Yahoo!

Global Warming

While eating lunch with my office mates bowie, fevie, joyce and jean last week, we talked about global warming. What's global warming all about? I thought it's global warning but it's actually global warming when in fact it's global warning because it's alarming how our planet would be in the next few years (sounds like a tongue twister..,hehe). According to bowie, the effect of global warming is the melting of ice in other parts of the world as the ozone layer gets thinner and thinner. I realized that as an individual our little contribution to save our planet will make a big difference.

Let's love and save our planet for our children's children, anyway, this is God's gift to all of us.

Gratitude Night

Two weeks ago in our Midweek Devotional at church we're asked, "What are the things you're grateful of?". When i think about the things I'm grateful for, there are so many to mention but the greatest is my personal relationship with God. Being a single mom, life is so hard raising up my two kids, i could have done things to make life shortcut. Thanks God! I'm reminded by his words and could still live a pure life. Truly, whatever happens, God works for the purpose...

Second, are my kids and family, they keep me going, dreaming and believing. They inspired me to do even more greater things and just love me in spite of my weaknesses.

Third, the church and my friends. I'm so much privileged for serving the church and the women God has entrusted to me. The free consultations from friends who truly speak the truth in love and gives advises on God's perspective.

And lastly, the trials and pain because it pruned me and makes me who i am today. I'm still struggling with life but it's a process that i have to go through but as the scripture says, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13

April 4 - my birthday

Myspace Happy Birthday Comments & Graphics

My birthday is April 4. Every time i reach this day, i always had mixed feelings, first, grateful because this is the day i was baptized with the Lord Jesus Christ, this year is my 8th year having a relationship with God. God is really faithful to me, all these years. Second, sighing, because I'm not getting any younger though i still feel i am, wearing my favorite get up, maong pants, white t-shirt, black jacket and favorite shoes courtesy of my youngest sister, hi-cut colored green converse, matched with a black body bag (yeah...) feel younger. Many says, i don't look my age...hehe. It's true like what i always hear from others..."if i can just turn back the clock", but i just realized it's not yet too late, we can still do greater things even more than we an ever imagined and still wear your favorite get up as long as you know how to carry yourself.

The other night, my new office mate invited me to watch the concert of Toto, i enjoyed a lot, reminiscing my teenage days through their songs, leah, rossana, africa, I'll be over you and others, really feels great. And yesterday, i hang out with my high school friends Gigi and Lilia, sadly, Malou wasn't able to make it. Anyway, we also had fun at one of the resto-bar in Market-Market in Global City, Taguig. We eat variety of seafoods...mmmm...while listening to a live band. Two nights celebration. I can say, its a bit different than the usual thing, i just cook and we eat at home.

Virgin Coconut Oil

We all know the benefits of virgin coconut oil but i just learned that it can also be used in so many ways.

1. Take 2 tablespoons before each meal can eliminated toxic in your body.

2. Its good for cooking because its one of the healthiest saturated fats available that reduces the symptoms of digestive disorders and prevent bacterial infections.

3. Its also good for allergies when intake or damped to the the skin affected. I tried it and its really effective.

Virgin coconut oil is available in the market.

Goats' milk

Goats' milk is closest to mother's milk because of it's health benefit. It's hypo-allergenic, easier to digest because it contains less lactose, strengthens our immune system and provides high calcium. Grass-fed animals such as goats are highly nutritious for human consumption even for children.

It's a hard to find product. I'm so glad this morning i discovered where to buy goats' milk and its just near our Village.

"You will have plenty of goats' milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls." - Proverbs 27:27

better ampalaya

My friend Diane told me about the secret of cooking ampalaya better and not bitter. I tried it and it's true, my family just love it...Just follow these simple steps:

Saute in oil garlic, onion and tomato. Add sliced ampalaya stirring constantly (that's the secret or technique) until its half cooked. Add egg, salt and pepper.

Try it!

kikay emo rakista

kikay alex: her classmates call her "Sharpay" from the High School Musical

emo lars: he really is at times emotional but loving and thoughtful.

rakista mommy: still looking for my picture during college days. Up to now it's my favorite get up (carry naman eh...)

crossing the bridge and boundaries

Every morning it takes me 12 - 15 minutes walking across Guadalupe bridge in EDSA to my office in Boni. It's actually the boundaries between Makati and Mandaluyong. Its where i exercise, talk to God and meditate. One morning, while praying It just came to mind the song "Teach me Lord to wait." It goes like this:

Teach me Lord to wait, down on my knees
Til in your own good time you will answer my please
Teach me not to rely on what others do
But to wait in prayer for an answer from you

Those who wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength
They shall mount up with wings like eagles
They shall run and not grow weary
They shall walk and not faint
Teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait.

Sometimes we need to be patient and wait for God's perfect timing to reveal his will for our lives. Walking across the bridge and boundaries every single day is fun and a great learning experience no matter how tiring it may seem. Surely going to miss it.

syccip park

I'm grateful i have best friends who can relate to me. Judith and I have the best time together in our soul sisters ministry and song ministry.

This afternoon we got together at the park to pray. It was one of the things I truly missed for quite some time.

From @ the park

the season 2

after 15 months from the time we had our audition and first workshop, how are you, how's your skill? our instructor paolo asked everyone. did you get better this time? I told myself, I'm still committed to serve God and the church in my song leading but i dont think my skills get better.

it's the first day of our song ministry workshop..as i call it "the season 2". was a great time, vocalizing, read notes and of course the main event...eating..joke..hehehe. thanks for reminding us of the house rules, commitments, attendance, discipline and taking responsibility when not doing good spiritually and giving us practicals on how to be an effective song leader. good to hear it onece again from the suprano's, alto's (including myself), tenors and bases...galing nyo guys, especially our teachers che, paulo and tina..it will be a 4 saturdays workshop of fun and learning new songs to God. see yah!

I have something for you!!!

My niece Zack, 3years old, encouraged our mother. This morning, habang kumakanta si mama ng kanyang birthday song, narinig sya ni Zac and suddenly sbe nya "Nanay, I have something for you!", holding his toy (a bee) and gave it to Nanay. How cute!

I guess for us, it's just right to give our mother what she deserves on her very special day. She's 59 yrs old, maalaga talaga sya sa figure and sa skin nya, sang katutak na creme, but it's worth it, she doesn't look her age...naaaks!.
My sister Tina actually planned it all. At mukang kelangan ko atang mag file ng leave to make our plans succeed. Syempre, ako ang cook. It's my first time to cook beef morcon and white spaghetti with chicken and brocolli, glad i got compliments though sobrang mamahal ng ingredients, its okey basta para kay mama (share-share naman kme sa expenses). Actually, it's a surprise dinner, so I have to take her away from home, i take her to a SPA in Market-Market while they prepare the table.

When we got home, there were visitors and lot's of food prepared on the table. Our mother was really surprised and so happy as she and Zach blew her candle cake.

Good opportunity

Last Dec 2007 I started looking for a new job. Sa last interview ko, I was asked to come back monday, last week of Dec 2007. Pero hindi ako nakabalik because i cant take a vacation leave and besides may dealines pa. Just last week, we've got this news na magkakaroon ng retrenchment, the company will be paying 100% of basic salary X no. of years and plus, others...mmmm...magandang pagkakataon yata yan ah! To cut the long story short nakasama ako dun, thanks to Janis and Sir Cris, at least hindi nko mgffile ng resignation and at the same time i'll be paid more than the regular processing. This afternoon i signed my termination paper. February 29 will be my last day in the office after 14 years. Dami kong natutunan sa Ace Promotion, salamat sa lahat for your love and support and the memories as well. Syempre hindi ganon kadali, wala pa akong sure na lilipatan but I just put my trust in God, I believe that He wants the best for all of us....and faith without deed is dead.

potipot island in zambales

it was late afternoon when we decided to go island hopping with my officemates..it took us 1 hour to travel from iba zambales to this island. sumakay kme ng bangka para makarating sa kabilang island. When we reached the place ang ganda ng beach, white din. It was a great experience with the kids...

when i prepare food for you it means i love you!

"She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls." -Proverbs 31:15

One of the things families most appreciate is good food. Mothers, who prepare delicious food are often affirmed by their husband and children. I got the most hugs from my kids when they smelled something baking in the oven when they got home from school. - Moments for Mothers by Kimberly Snider

I wake up at4am to set up Larsen for school. I want to make sure that I prepare a good breakfast for him and for Alex. Just recently, i cooked tuna spaghetti with basil and crushed tomato, my own recipe. It was a success, i love the smell of the basil and my kids love it too. It's yummy and healthy.


tuna spaghetti with basil and crushed tomato

2 cans century tuna in brine
400 g spaghetti noodles
370 g crushed tomato
2 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese
ground fresh sweet basil
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
3 gloves garlic (minced)
1 tbspn sugar
salt and pepper
1/2 cup water
parmesan cheese

Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Set aside.

Saute garlic and onion in olive oil. Add tomato, tuna, water and let it simmer. Add the remaining ingredients including the grated cheese and seasoned to taste. Add noodles and mix it. Serve it topped with parmesan cheese.

The key to tasty food is forethought and preparation, but its worth it. Preparing food simply means i love you...

Faith in Living a Pure Life

Hello moms and women out there! I'm priveleged to share a lesson, my very first topic here. Our Women Evangelist asked me to share this lesson in one of the Soul Sisters (Ministry of married to non-Christian husband, widow, separated and single mothers) devotional because she believed that I can share a lot about purity.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. God is faithful: He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up against it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13.

1. Pure life lead by faith in God
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart. Do not let me astray from your commands. - Psalm 119:9-10

Temptation can lead us to sin if we give in, but the word of God will lead us to overcome temptation if we have faith., If you have have faith you will understand "fear", from “fear” “conviction”, from “conviction” “seriousness”, from “seriousness” “expectation”.

I’m 10 yrs. separated now, time comes that I’m facing financial burden and loneliness, I miss having someone to be with. But I thought if I dis-obey God, i will not be happy and at peace. I also believed that God in stored a better life for me.

I just realized that having faith will help you understand the fear of God to overcome sin, to be committed when you have conviction, seriousness by living it out and expect that God is working out things for your life.

Psalm 128:1-2

How do keep your life pure? Are you lead by your faith in God or by your circumstances in life?

The realities of life are such that of marriages consist of hard times and good times.

2 Peter 2:18 -19 – Avoid such men.

Heb 13: 4-6 - Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer.

Do not repay evil with evil. We got to stay pure.

2. Pure life that lead others to God
Wives, in the same way be submissive with your husbands, so that if any of them do not believe the word, they maybe won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. -1 Pet 3: 1-2

Are we living a pure life that impact our neighbors? The way we think, the purity of our speech, and actions affects our children, our family and other people.

God can use us to carry out special mission for Him and to work out things for our husbands,our children and others.

Remember, the scripture says:
Watch your life life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do you will save both yourself and your hearers. – 1Tim 4:15

And, blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God. –Mat 5:8

PRACTICALS:

- Remember God,s word and be faithful.

- Pray in all circumstances, remember if you’re tempted: PRAY! – Deut 4:7 “The Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him.” Prayer is an active response.

- Be open about your life, all temptations and impurities.