It is a holiday today here in the Philippines but I had to go to work. I am not complaining. Though the pay is not what I am expecting, it is better than just staying at home. The problem is I am manic. Something connected to my special situation. What happens when I am manic? It depends. I can describe what it is these days—– I can’t say no to food requests. Also one moment I am happy then the next I am crying. Mixed emotions which is energy draining. I can’t sleep now that’s why I resorted to writing. Anyone out there in the same boat as me? We should hang out. Let me know.

Once again we had a get together, a late celebration of Elmer’s birthday. As usual I arrived late. Eating dinner late and having wine with friends while discussing things about life in general. I enjoyed it tremendously though I was a bit quiet. I was sleepy from the night before. But when I did contributed to the discussion, one or two including me became teary eyed. It was a discussion about depression and suicidal tendencies about the son of a friend. I am no expert about it but then I had parallel experiences. My two cents on the matter:1) listen, 2) love unconditionally, 3) don’t judge, 4) join a support group and 5)ask for a second or third opinion. I guess one cannot have it all. There will always be a problem.

Anyway I wish Elmer all the best. Stay as humble as you are with all your success.

I had a lunch get together with colleagues from a previous company last Friday Oct. 18,2019. It was to celebrate the 79th birthday of Tita Rory the oldest in the group. She loves to eat crabs and Meche with Malou brought a bunch. It was potluck contributing to the feast. It was a delight to see her happy while blowing the birthday cake. I honestly don’t know if I will be reaching such an age. I just don’t want to have regrets by then. So I should live my life to the fullest and with honesty and love. Have a wonderful weekend.

I was recently invited to a wedding at San Agustin Church reception at Manila Hotel last May 13, 2019. But I wasn’t able to attend for 2 reasons. One I had to bring my mother to the province where she would be staying for a couple of months. Her cardiologist said she should be with a companion always to have ready help should she faint or lose consciousness. Secondly, I had to attend to some paperwork for some properties of my mom. Duty calls and I had to fix things if not at once but to start.Anyhow if I had a chance, I would have shared some pointers of things to consider after getting engaged. So here goes….

1) Inform your parents before anyone else. It would be heartbreaking for a parent to learn about it from somebody else if not you. So pick up the phone and call them as soon as possible or better yet do it face to face to receive a warm hug and kiss from them.

2) Do the selfie ring post. It is a special occasion for any girl so you would be excited to share it with the whole world. Do this only after accomplishing #1. Go girl be proud and happy.

3) If the ring fits. Several jewelry stores around the metropolis offers services for resizing it to fit if it is not snug. This will only take a day or two and will lessen the probability of you losing the ring.

4) Don’t stress yourself inviting people who would be greeting you after your facebook, instagram or twitter post. Just be cool and say thanks. Should they ask where and when the wedding would be, just say you are still planning it.

5) If there is ample time, take a couples seminar in church or at religious communities to learn more about each other(compatibility) and the life you would be starting after the nuptials. This usually takes 2 to 5 consecutive weekends.

6) Start a Wedding Fund. Open a joint bank account to put in all money in preparation for the wedding. Set a target amount and time frame(depends on wedding date, could be open at the moment).

7) Setting the date. This is a joint decision and sometimes affected by tradition and if you have other siblings who might be getting married soon. So consult your family as soon as possible.

8) Getting a wedding planner or not. For me, since it would be your day, you shouldn’t be stressed on your big day. Get one preferably referred by someone who did an actual wedding of a relative or friend. And meet the prospective wedding planner to gauge if you could work together or not. It is your wedding and not their wedding so it should be all about you. (Not being selfish doing that).

9) Take a short vacation. This would give the two of you a time to bond and celebrate a little before things become stressful.And last but not the least…

10) Pray. Thank God for your partner, the opportunity and that things will work out for the best in the future.

I saw pictures of the wedding at Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/p/By1bRYQnGzu/?igshid=jmgnhio9fqrn and a video at facebookhttps://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2805472872812743&id=1297192910307421.

I wish Nin and and Monching all the best. May they have a long life together filled with love, laughter, hugs and kisses. May God bless you with kids(lots). May God guide you two as you journey in life. I am happy for both of you.

Got the chance to talk with one of my cousins and she said she would be attending a baking class. I asked if I could join thinking that it would only be for a few days. She said yes. So happy and eager to do something out of the norm, I went to Quezon City on a Tuesday for the first class. There I learned it would be happening for 2 months twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 8:30 a.m.to 5 pm. The lecturer or teacher gave an introduction, taught us costing and price for selling, baking utensils and equipment. Then we started with the basics of pan de sal, pan de coco, spanish bread, cinammon, ensaymada, butter cup, boat tarts, banana bread, brownies, cookies, chiffon cake, dinner roll, swiss roll and finally brazo de mercedes. We also had a field trip to Gardenia in Laguna and a finals exam(written and actual). This coming Friday a graduation at City Hall, the culmination of our efforts. Showing pictures here of our products (our trial and take on the above recipes). Some were a success while some needed a little bit more of practice. It was fun and enjoyable. Loved the company. Looking forward to doing these at home for family and friends.

I usually go back to the school where I finished college and drop by to chat and see my old classmate Ces teaching there fulltime. Because of this I got connected with June also. This led to my attending the NDAP convention at the Conrad Hotel in MOA last February 21 and 22 , 2019. It ignited my passion for what I learned in college. I met with other schoolmates. I met fellow dietitians from around the country. I listened and learned from colleagues in the industry here and abroad. I was updated with trends and the latest researches pertinent to my field. It gave a warm feeling of being back to your roots, seeing old friends and meeting new acquaintances. It seems to put things in perspective. Looking forward to working in the industry of what I finished. This might have been God’s plan after all. I hope it unravels and works out in time. God bless us.

I know its the day of the Lord but to keep up with the times I enrolled at a computer school at the mall. My classes fall on 4 Sundays. Its my second class today. Topic is Basic Excel. I need it to make proposals and reports and to be so called “techy.”How I wish we had it when I was teaching Home Economics way back in 1996. It would have made writing the grades of 6 sections much easier and faster. Oh well its never too late. After my class, I met with my brothers family to go to a Party in Manila. The 18th birthday of a niece. She looked lovely wearing a pastel colored dress. She was very youthful and vibrant. That was me 30+ years ago. Full of hopes and dreams and innocent to the harsh realities of life. Sharing pictures here of my group at computer school, playing with my grandchild and relatives I touched based at the party. Had fun playing with my handsome grandchild. Hope you enjoy your weekend as well.

It was a lazy morning for me. The president declared a holiday for the Chinese New Year. The weather was great not hot nor cold just right. I had an appointment with the Lord from 9:30 to 11:30 in the morning at Urdaneta Village, Makati City. I wore red(because of the Chinese New Year) and proceeded to Makati with Ressie. We were heading to the house of Rhodora(leader/facilitator) for a session of Women to Women(CCF Group). Women who were more or less my age, studying the words of God. I had no excuse not to come. This was just for a couple of hours so I headed out with the purpose of spending time for God. No traffic because of the holiday thank you Lord.
We were a little bit late but it was fine because they hadn’t started yet. Before we started, Christina gave out 2019 Planners. I chose a pink one with the words “Trust in the Lord” in front. Come to think of it, something to make me focused for the year and guided. Ten women gathered sharing ideas and food and tea(I believe chamomile). Since it was new year, we had tikoy (made of sticky rice fried in egg) with sesame seeds. One suggested to add some coffee mate powder on top with a drizzle of condensed milk. I usually eat mine with a cheese spread. Also served were pancit (noodles), empanada (fried pastry with meat filling), siomai (dimsum dumpling) and some candies. With all the exchange of ideas and occasional questions we ended up the session around 1 pm in the afternoon. Did I learn something? Yes absolutely. Did I participate much? No because I was observing and waiting for signs/answers for my prayers and petitions. Will God answer me through them? It remains to be seen. This will be happening for the next 3 Tuesdays. The General Topic is about Spiritual Warfare. My heart is grateful to God for a delightful morning spent with beautiful friends. Sharing a picture or two here. Till next time. Have a wonderful week ahead!

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you;never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NIV

I can’t believe that I am starting this today. Let me share with you about the road trip we are making now. Upon the invitation of a friend who wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, we left Manila and headed off to Tagaytay.

It was an hour and a half hour drive and upon reaching our destination, we opted to eat at Bag of Beans(www.bagofbeans.ph). We ordered Bangus Ala Pobre and Beef Steak Tagalog paired off with hot garlic rice. The temperature is cool and comparable to Baguio. A much welcome change of scenery. I feel relaxed just watching the leaves of the Balete tree moving as the winds pass. Soothing instrumental music in the background added to this wonderful experience. Looking forward to checking out nearby stores for secondhand clothes and coconut tarts later. As a whole, the food menu was American with the exception of a few Filipino dishes but the famous Bulalo and fried Tawilis(fish) was missing. Considering dropping by the Mahogany Market. Sharing pictures here. Have a great day wherever you are.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton