A BALANCING ACT being a mom, a wife..

Stir Fried Spicy Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo chicken wings
1 pack 7 grams AJINOMOTO GINISA FLAVOR MIX
1/8 teaspoon "AJI-NO-MOTO" Super Seasoning
1 teaspoon cayenne ground pepper
1/3 cup flour
cooking oil for deep frying
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 cup onion slices
1/4 cup sliced green bell pepper
1 tablespoon catsup
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 cup water
1 tablespoon chopped siling labuyo
1 pack 7 grams AJINOMOTO GINISA FLAVOR MIX
1/8 teaspoon "AJI-NO-MOTO" Super Seasoning

Procedure:

1. Rub chicken wings with AJINOMOTO GINISA FLAVOR MIX, "AJI-NO-MOTO" Super Seasoning and cayenne ground pepper. Dredge in flour until well coated.
2. Heat oil in pan and deep fry coated chicken wings until golden brown.
3. Drain in kitchen paper towels. Set aside.
4. Melt butter in pan. Saute garlic, onions and green bell pepper.
5. Add catsup, sugar and cornstarch mixture.Add siling labuyo.
6. Sprinkle AJINOMOTO GINISA FLAVOR MIX and "AJI-NO-MOTO" Super Seasoning.
7. Stir constantly. Simmer in low heat until it thickens. Pour on top of fried chicken wings.

Makes 3-4 servings.

Chicken Curry

Ingredients:


1/2 kilo chicken, cut into small serving pieces
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 1/2 cups thin coco milk
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in
1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup thick coco milk
1/2 cup green bell pepper strips
1/2-1 teaspoon sugar
1pack 6 grams AJI-SHIO Seasoning Mix with Pepper

Procedure:

1. In a pan, heat oil. Saute onions until transparent.
2. Add chicken pieces, thin coco milk and curry powder. Cook for about 30 minutes or until the sauce slightly thickens. Add cornstarch solution if necessary.
3. When almost dry, add thick coco milk and simmer for another minute.
4. Add green bell pepper strips and sugar.
5. Sprinkle AJI-SHIO Seasoning Mix with Pepper . Mix well and simmer for another minute before turning off the fire.

Makes 5 servings.

Pasta Carbonara

This recipe is so easy to cook and your kids will surely love this.

Ingredients:

1 sprig parsley, snipped
1 tbsp grated cheese
1 pouch DEL MONTE Carbonara Pasta Sauce
2 strips bacon, fried until crisp crumbled (reserve drippings)
175 g DEL MONTE Spaghetti
2 tbsp butter

Procedures:

1. HEAT 1 tsp bacon drippings, butter, 1/4 cup water and DEL MONTE Carbonara Pasta Sauce for 8 minutes, with continous stirring. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add bacon and parsley. Combine with cooked spaghetti, bacon, cheese and parsley.


2. SERVE and Enjoy!

Fruit Pandan Ice Cream Salad






Ingredients:


2 pc buko meat, cut into 1" squares (reserve 1 to 1 1/4 cups buko water)
4 pc pandan leaves
3 tbsp sugar
1 can DEL MONTE Fiesta Fruit Cocktail, drained (reserve syrup)
1 envelope unflavored gelatin, dissolved in 2 tbsp fruit cocktail syrup
8 drops green food color
1 pack DEL MONTE All Purpose Créme
2 1/2 cups macapuno ice cream, partially thawed
2 tbsp condensed milk


Procedures:

1. SIMMER buko water (covered) with pandan leaves for 5 minutes. Turn of heat. Remove pandan and add sugar and gelatine mixture. Stir until dissolved. Add food color. Pour into 5"x8" pan and chill until set. Cut into cubes. Chill.



2. BLEND DEL MONTE All purpose Creme with ice cream and condensed milk. Combine immediately with buko, DEL MONTE Fiesta Fruit Cocktail and gelatine. Freeze overnight or for 5 hours if you want it partially frozen.


3. Serve and Enjoy!

Want a rich, creamy dessert that's easy to make? Try this recipe for Mango Custard Pie. It's easy, quick, keeps well, and is especially good for serving during the summer!

Ingredients:

2 cups crushed Graham
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup NESTL� Fresh Milk
1 250ml NESTL� All Purpose Cream
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg yolk
3 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in
3 tbsp water
1/2 tsp vanilla flavoring
2 cups sliced ripe mango

Procedure:

1. Combine Graham crackers and sugar. Add melted butter and combine until crumbly. Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture and press the remaining into an 8 inch spring form pan. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
2. Heat NESTL� Fresh Milk and NESTL� All Purpose cream. Add sugar and cook over low heat until sugar is dissolved.
3. Put around 2 tbsp of milk - cream mixture into the egg yolks to temper the eggs. Mix vigorously. Add into the milk-cream mixture.
4. Thicken with cornstarch and continue cooking while stirring. Add vanilla flavoring.
5. Pour prepared custard into the Graham crust. Spread to cover bottom of the crust. Arrange mangoes on top and drizzle to cover with the reserved Graham crust.
Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Now here's a little something that will satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 1/2 cups Carnation Evap
1 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp lemon peel
2 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup bread crumbs
Oil
Powdered sugar

Procedure:
1. In a saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch and nutmeg.

2. Gradually stir in Carnation Evap.

3. Heat over medium heat until boiling point. Stirring constantly. Let boil for 1 minute.

4. Remove from heat.

5. Stir in butter and peel.

6. Spread in ungreased 8 x 8 inch dish.

7. Refrigerate uncovered at least 3 hours.

8. Cut into 2 inch squares.

9. Dip squares into eggs.

10. Coat with crumbs.

11. Fry until light brown.

12. Drain then sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Ice Box Cake
Rich in Vitamin C- helps fight common infections.
Makes 8 servings


Ingredients:

CRUST
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup ground cashew nuts
3 pc egg whites
1/3 cup sugar
CREAM FILLING
3 pc egg whites
1/3 cup sugar
1 can DEL MONTE Fiesta Fruit Cocktail, drained
3/4 cup butter, cut into cubes and chilled

Procedures:

1. PREHEAT oven to 280ºF. Grease and flour the back of two jelly roll pans or metal utility pans. Set aside.

2. CRUST: Mix the first sugar and cashew nuts. Set aside. Beat the egg whites and remaining sugar to stiff peak. Using wire whisk, gradually fold in cashew nut mixture. Divide into

3. SPREAD/PIPE into prepared pans to form into 7”x7” squares, 1/4 cm thick. Bake for 40 minutes or until light brown. Using spatula, loosen from the pan while still hot and slide onto wire rack. Trim sides to even out . Cool. Crush trimmings to make into crumbs.

3. CREAM FILLING: Combine sugar and egg whites in a bowl and place over simmering water. Heat with constant whipping for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and beat at high speed until slightly cooled. Add butter and beat until spreading consistency is reached. Combine 3/4 cup of this mixture with DEL MONTE Fiesta Fruit Cocktail. Chill cream filling and fruit cocktail mixture for 1 hour. Divide fruit mixture into two.

4. TO assemble: Layer the first crust with half of the fruit mixture. Cover with the second crust then the fruit mixture. Top with half of cream filling then another layer crust. Cover top of cake with remaining cream filling. Chill for 3 hours. Sprinkle with crust crumbs. Garnish if desired.

A new beef recipe I came across with my favorite brand of seasoning. I tried to serve this one with plain white rice. Really good. Try this!

Hot Shredded Beef:

INGREDIENTS:

500 grams beef sirloin,sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons chopped spring onion
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons AJINOMOTO GINISA All Purpose Seasoning Mix
3 teaspoons chili sauce
1/4 cup diagonally sliced celery
1/2 cup diagonally sliced carrot

EASY:

1. Toss the beef strips in flour.
2. Heat oil, stir fry spring onions then add beef and cook until color changes.
3. Add water, soy sauce and chili sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes then add the celery and carrots. Continue to simmer for another 3 minutes. Sprinkle AJINOMOTO GINISA All Purpose Seasoning Mix and simmer for another minute.
4. Serve hot.
Serve and enjoy!

Here s another sweet and refreshing dessert I know you and your loved ones will love. Easy to prepare and very healthy.

You will need:

1 can DEL MONTE Sliced Pineapple, drained (reserve syrup)
1 tbsp toasted cashew nuts, chopped
1/4 cup sweetened red kaong (optional)
1 tbsp calamansi juice
3/4 cup sugar
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin, dissolved in 1/4 cup cold water
3 pc eggs, separated
1/3 cup all-purpose cream

Procedures:

Procedures



1. ARRANGE DEL MONTE Fresh Cut Sliced Pineapple, cashew nuts and kaong at the bottom of desired gelatin mold. Set aside.

2. COMBINE calamansi juice, sugar, 1/2 tsp iodized fine salt and pineapple syrup. Cook until sugar is dissolved. Add gelatin, then stir to dissolve completely. Set aside.

3. BEAT egg yolks. Add gelatin mixture. Cook over low heat with continuous stirring for 4-5 minutes. Beat egg whites until stiff, then add to egg yolk mixture. Remove from flame. Cool slightly then add cream. Blend well. Pour into prepared mold. Cool then chill until set. Unmold and slice. Enjoy!

Here is another parody video clip from another one talented Filipino. This video is very funny. I know you'll like it too. They are now a hitmaker in youtube with over 1.5 Million views.

See their best performance.

It is a Sunday, most Moms out there enjoy Sundays with the rest of the family. But today, I did not get the chance to go home and be with family, I am in the city I cannot go home yet since it is not payday.

I only get the chance to go home if it's my payday, like I pay the bills, do the grocery shopping for the kids, buy additional materials for the building our home.

Right now, I am feeling a bit sad and home sick. I am missing my kids and my hubby back home. How I wish I get to be with them so often. Like I can see my kids growing everyday. I have my husband lying beside me in bed every night.

Things are little different when you are away from family.

Here is another very proud Filipino talent. The new lead singer of "JOURNEY", our very own ARNEL PINEDA with "After all this years" voice so powerful, I really, really love this song. I hope you guys like it too.

Everytime I feel so stressed during my work in the office, I take a few minutes for a break. I find myself enjoying visiting my small farm in farmville at facebook.

I plant trees, raise animals, I also plant lots of vegetables, like potatoes, artichokes, carrots, and a lot more. It made me feel relaxed for awhile.

I decorated my farm with fences, flowers, and fruit trees. And I love harvest time!

You too, visit farmville and start your own farm now!

My eldest daughter Syfra whom is two year old toddler loves to comb and style her hair. But as I see it, she does not have hair that much glossy and shiny hair. Since her birth, we have not cut her hair.

When she was still infant, she used to be bald with very very thin hair, we waited until she turned one year old but still her hair never grew fast. We used coconut milk, wiped it into her hair before she takes a bath.

Now that is two years old, her hair still in her shoulder length, with waves and they are thin, they are never shiny or glossy.

Not until last Monday, I decided to cut her hair short, get rid of the curls and waves. I asked her first if she wanted to have her hair cut short, she nodded and said yes. So I get a pair of scissors and hair brush, and immediately cut her hair short.

And she liked it. She loved her new hair. I just hope this thing works and will make her hair grow faster, more glossy and thick.

Since today is my payday, I have created a list for the things needed within 2 weeks. Budget is tight today so I'm just gonna have important things on the shopping cart.
Fist on the list:

1)Medicines: 1 x 60ml Bactrim (Cotrimoxazole) Anti-bacterial, Tempra (Paracetamol),
Nasatapp (Anti-histamine & Decongestant)

2)Vitamins: Kiddie Pharmaton

3) Milk: 1 x2000g(2kg) Nido Jr 1+, 1x 1800g Nido Fortified Full Cream

4)Disposable Diaper: 1x 20's Huggies Dry

5)Milk Baby Bath: Johnson & Johnsons

6)Biscuits: 1xcan/box approx. Php160

7)Canned Goods: Sardines, Corned Beef

8)Noodles/Canton/Misua:

9)Sliced Bread:

10)Whole Squash: 2.5kgs x Php18/kl

I guess that would be all in my list. Budget on hand is Php2,000.

Charice finally has an original song that she owns. Although Pyramid is not a song that showcase a "Singer's Voice", it's nonetheless a solid (like a Pyramid) pop song with a great hook, youthful-catchy lyrics & melodies, and radio-friendly. Charice did a good job interpreting Pyramid, her vocal riffs at the song's beginning and her curlicues which are uniquely hers makes this her "song". Iyaz also did his part nicely. Kudos goes to the writers Lyrica Anderson & David Jassy, & also the producers. I'm looking forward to her debut CD which will also include "Singer's Songs."
Charice is indeed "The Most Talented Girl in the World"

by WebScribes says: Charice is strong, like a Pyramid

Charice and Iyaz fill this amazing arrangement with excitement and passion. After so many achy breaky heart songs dominating every genre, it is wonderful to hear this powerful song about True Love! Pyramid is the 2nd single to be included on Charice's upcoming David Foster produced Album to be released in May. Charice's first single was the dramatic "Note to God" which was premiered on the Oprah show last year, and was voted the "Best Performance of the Year."

A little Background

Charice Pempengco, generally known as simply Charice, is a young Filipina singing sensation who made her recording debut in 2008 after becoming an international media sensation. Though of petite figure, she is blessed with a mighty soprano voice reminiscent of her idols Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. Born Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco on May 10, 1992, in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines, she made her television debut in 2006 on Little Big Star, a Pop Idol-style talent show specific to the Philippines, and finished as a finalist. The following year she appeared on the South Korean television show Star King, another Pop Idol-style talent show. While Charice fell short of first place once again, videos of her performances began circulating on YouTube, and she was invited to the United States repeatedly to appear on television variety shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Good Morning America. Above all, repeat appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show did much to raise her profile.

Amid the media blitz, she made her recording debut in 2008 with the eponymous mini-album Charice on Star Records. The album was comprised of six cover songs, including versions of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls and "I Will Always Love You," the Whitney Houston vehicle from The Bodyguard. Her second album, My Inspiration (2009), was a Mother's Day-themed collection released in time for the holiday. Around the same time, Charice released her first single, "Note to God," written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. She was closely affiliated with Foster, who had become a mentor for the young singing sensation. She signed to Reprise for another self-titled release, this one a full-length issued in 2010 and timed to appear with another appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

I am very proud to be a Filipina! GO CHARICE!!!

Since my family lived in a mountain barangay, where most of the time do not have an easy access to market. My husband made his own version of fishing rod, using long nylon string (50 meter) with lots of fish hooks half foot apart.

He set his things ready to go to shore during the night, and wake up at 3AM at dawn and walk his way downhill and go with fellow fishermen. He has a small wooden boat where he used in fishing. His fellow fishermen help each other to set out their wooden boat to the water. Since they cannot carry the boat by themselves, it is too heavy.

They all went to the open sea, with their homemade fishing equipments. Using a wooden paddle, they paddle their way towards the deeper ocean. Trying their luck to catch fish. They were off until 10AM.

Today, my husband texted me, he was so happy he caught 3 big sword fish. One weighs over 3 kilos, the other 2 weighs almost a kilo each. They have make a fish "tinola" (fish soup with horse radish leaves) and rest of the fish, fried or stewed.

I am also happy my husband is very skillful, he knows how to live a very simple life.

Tomorrow is a special day for MOMS all over the world. Mother's Day! Honoring thy mother even just a simple greeting of "happy mother's day!" from the people we love and cherish I think will tickle every Mom's vulnerable heart. Makes me long too much for my family back home. How I wish I'd be with them this Mother's Day.

I miss the things we do..me, my husband and my kids. How sweet it is to feel warm hugs and kisses. I think though were far apart right now, just a phone call or text message will do. It is enough for me that they remember my very special day.

Let see what will happen tomorrow. See you again next time.

Beep..beep..another text message I received from my husband back home. "Hello Gat, How are you doing? I am worried you might be out of budget now for your allowance until your next payday."

I just had my dinner, I stopped by a barbeque stand on the way to my place. Got myself 4 pcs of hanged rice (puso') barbequed pork and a stick of chicken hotdog.

I knew my husband worried about the fact I left home with just Php350 in my pocket. I gave him a little money for additional materials for the house that we are starting to build. And I left myself just a little, I knew I can get a cash advance for my allowance for the rest of the week before payday.

I sent him back a message, "Don't worry Dad, I think this will do until payday. I got cash advance for my allowance, you need not worry". I told him I think I won't make it to go home this coming payday, I will save the money for my fare and add it to the budget for adding up materials for the house. I guess I just have to send you over the groceries for the kids and the money.

I wish I could be with my kids, and my husband that often. But there are things that we need to sacrifice for some reason.

As I was getting myself ready for work today 5:45AM, I heard a beeping sound for a text message on my mobile phone. I was in a hurry I was almost late for work.

I opened it quickly and read. I haven't noticed I was smiling upon reading the message. From my dearest husband saying "Mama, Good Morning, WE LOVE YOU SO mUCH". This makes a good start for a beautiful day. Little sweet gestures from our Loved ones makes us feel alive and comfortable.

Seems like I can go all day in the office and keep my head stock in a bunch of Customer Service Works. Work, work, work, I don't mind! Cause I am so inspired for the day. Reminds me that I work for the family. I work for the people I love.

Monday at dawn, I woke up 2AM...getting myself ready for work again since I have to take a bus ride of almost 4 hours to the city where I work during the week. My toddler Syfra was still in her deep sleep. While baby Blessy (my 1year old) girl woke up the time I was out of bed. I didn't know for what reason, I was thinking maybe she just wanted her milk, usually her Papa gives her milk twice during the night.

Until I was ready to leave, still Blessy is wide awake. Her Lola (grandma) is taking charge since my husband had to accompany a walk with me downhill for 20 minutes. It is still dawn and there is no motorbike to ride on to. Her Lola tried putting her back into sleep, I was also feeling a bit sad for I had to leave. I came back to my baby's room, I found her awake, I spoke with her as if she understands every word I say. "Baby Blessy, Mama is leaving now, will have to go back to work and buy you some milk. Be good always, and be healthy" Then I kissed her goodbye. I went to my mother in law and told her I am leaving.

I do my usual routine at work, got in the office, do customer service as I am working in a Call Center as CSR. Not very easy job. Customer's claim causes me headaches everyday.

After my work is done, got into my place where I stay. It is only a small room and I only rent a BEDSPACE, more of this are in the Philippines usually in the cities where people migrate from province to look for a job. I got mine for only Php800/month. Free light and water. Very affordable. But the fact, I have to share room with 3 other girls. One is my co-league whom is a single mom. And the other 2 are friends whom are still strangers for me.

Anyway, I got in my place, called up my husband on his mobile phone..."Dad how are the kids?" He answered "Syfra woke up early this morning, ran to our room and tried looking for you, asked her Lola where you are and cried after knowing you already left". I feel sad about this really. I am very much longing to be with my kids all the time, but work requires my presence also.

This is the mere truth that a working mom like me has to deal with, and it is hard. Although I can entrust my kids under my husband and my mother in law's care. I still have this feeling of wanting to be the one who "gets" most of the time with my kids.
I know mothers like me also feel the same way.

Today as I opened my yahoo mail, found a welcome message from google adsense. I am very excited knowing that goggle adsense has approved my blog application. I can now start from here.

I am very new to Blogging, first I found this as and end to express my thoughts, my feelings and emotions. Share with my friends, me and my family's daily life experiences. Sharing to the world our dream of starting our family and building our own home. Our experiences living away from technology. Living a very simple life.

I also find blogging as a way of socializing, meeting new friends in any part of the world, sharing life's experiences despite the race, the culture. I came to think that blogging has a lot to offer not just monetizing your blog.

I had a very nice weekend with my family. Saturday night, After I had all my work for the day done. I went straight to the mall to do my groceries, after all it was payday.

First on the list, Milk: 2 kilograms infant milk for my 0ne year old baby Blessy and for my two year old girl Syfra. I picked up a pack of 20's for disposable diaper. Right in the middle of my grocery shopping, My husband called me up requesting for a half gallon of ice cream as He and Syfra loves to eat ice cream. I requested the bagger to wrap the ice cream container with paper to avoid melting too quickly.

I finally got home after 4 hours trip down South of Cebu(Samboan). It was almost 10PM, I did not catch Syfra awake. Her Papa told me Syfra waited for me for hours and for the ice cream. Her Papa tried to wake her up, but Syfra was in her deep sleep.

The following morning Sunday, only my Mother in Law and Syfra had the chance to hear Mass. As it is very difficult to get baby Blessy ready on an early mornings. My father in law also woke up so early and get himself ready for the shore to went fishing with his friends.

Right on the afternoon as we get the kids into their routine, "siesta" (afternoon nap). Me and my husband get dressed up heading for the small town. We had to look for vehicle/automobile used oils for wood treatment before we can do roofing for our on going construction of our little home. But Syfra overheard us talking, she woke up and said "Papa I want to go with you and Mama" We had no choice but to bring her along. LOL

We first took a half hour in the only small internet cafe in town, I was opening my facebook and Blog account when Syfra was so amused seeing her photos in the computer monitor with the rest of the family.

We had fun together and I value my time spent with my family.

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 I came to think of my eldest daughter Syfra who is only two years and five months old. Everytime I get to be with her during my days off from work, She often wants to talk to me a lot. I can see her showing her own unique way in telling me what she wants. What she wanted to wear after she takes a bath. Specially during her meals, she is very picky on what she wanted or not to eat.

She loves to eat hotdogs. Always requests for a new pair of sandals, fliplops, or slippers. The best I love about her is she wanted to sing a lot. Even if she still don't get the lyrics right, she sings along with her favorite tune. She is very playful, and loves to eat ice cream.


Everytime I call her Papa on his mobile phone, she is running her way to him and grab the phone and then speak to me. Asking "Mama, when will you be here?" "Will you buy me ice cream?" "Mama, I am sick...my tooth hurts''. My heart melted for my young girl. I wanted to be with her all the time but I can't.


I find her so moody that there are also instances that We are together, she doesn't wanna make friends with me. Specially when she have tantrums, all she wanted is her "Lola" (grandmother).
And she also hits her younger sister, specially when she sees her wearing her old dress, or her shoes. She screams "That is mine!" "Take it off!", she even pulls away a toy that her younger sister is holding.
But sometimes she is very playful and sweet to her baby sister. She hugs her and kisses her. But the best thing I love about my moody little girl, is that when she tells me "Mama, I love you".

As I am most of the time away from family, and is working here in the city. I often think of my beloved little kids, my dearest husband. The life they have in the province( which is a 4 hours ride in a bus from the city, Samboan, South Cebu).

You can see lots of greens everywhere. Trees, grass, you can even hear birds all over. Wide land for farming. You feel very close with nature.

Knowing me and my husband and kids are still living with my in laws, the house is located in an uphill almost 1 kilometer away from the national road.

You can even see the ocean and the opposite island overlooking.  What a great view indeed! Fresh air, fresh water which comes from the purest virgin rain forest. Fruits, root crops. 
With a very rough roads to take uphill, during rainy days I prefer not to take a ride and just walk my way off downhill than to risk my life riding on the motorbike when the road gets very slippery and muddy.

While on the other hand, when rainy seasons come, my father in law prepare the fields and take "Mandy" the good young carabao to help him plow the fields. After plowing the fields, it is then ready to be planted with corn seeds. Once seed is planted and hoping for the heavens to pour over the rains, he then wait for the seeds to grow just a little about 5 inches tall from the ground. Then is needed to be fertilized. Each corn plant.


And most people have at least 2 or more pigs for fattening and takes only 3-4 months can be sold for Php 5,000-6,000 if it reached 80-100kgs.

Indeed life there is very simple and peaceful. And almost all people know each other's names. LOL. 


During the afternoons, I often caught the beautiful sunset. Slowly making its way to set in it's calm resting. Its amazing rays turned almost a shade of orange. Beautiful isn't it?!
This is our own simple way living away from the city lights. Living easy, living healthy.

My Husband called me up Saturday night, our two year old toddler Syfra is teething. Her second molars (found at the very back of the the mouth on the top and bottom) have begun coming into place. She has swelling gums and gave her a very bad mood swings. She doesn't like to eat solid foods at all.

The teething comes in wit h fever. Syfra had fever, coughing and colds associated with her teething.

Last night, I texted my husband checking on our little girls, twas almost 10pm, Blessy, our youngest baby girl who just turned 1 year. My husband had a hard time getting the baby into a deep sleep, she also have her teething process, She already has her two bottom and top middle teeth came out, and now causing again discomfort, the ones coming out from the sides of the middle teeth, bottom and top.

The teething causes her fever, cough and cold. As I am far from her, I am very much eager to take away my daughter's pain.

Good Lord, I hope they will go through with the process of teething just fine. I hope they can go through this as quick as it could get.

I have read on babycenter about teething. Though experts disagree that teething has symptoms:

• Drooling (which can lead to a facial rash)
• Gum swelling and sensitivity
• Irritability or fussiness
• Biting behavior
• Refusing food
• Sleep problems

What can I do to ease my baby's discomfort?

Give your child something to chew on, such as a firm rubber teething ring or a cold washcloth. If your baby is old enough to eat solids, he may also get some relief from cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt. Giving him a hard, unsweetened teething cracker such as zwieback to gnaw on is another time-honored trick. (Avoid carrots, as they can be a choking hazard.) Simply rubbing a clean finger gently but firmly over your baby's sore gums can ease the pain temporarily, too.

If these methods aren't working, some doctors recommend giving a teething baby a small dose of children's pain reliever such as infants' acetaminophen — but check with your doctor before giving your baby any medication. (Never give your baby aspirin or even rub it on his gums to ease the pain. The use of aspirin in children is associated with Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.)

Here is a video clip on Beautiful Beach spots in and around Cebu. Nice to have a summer getaway with family and friends.

When I first heard the song, It moved me a lot. I cried. I long for my Father so much. I love him. Though not even a memory of him, I can never recall he showed us love. I knew he loved my mother so much.

My mother had someone else, and had our family broken. I knew my father is a good man. Me and my siblings long for him so much.

I never did have a good childhood, I was left a responsibility that was supposed to be for a mother. Cared over 4 siblings as I am the eldest of five.

I somewhat understand how my father was feeling. Me and my siblings were too much affected. Specially how our father reacted to the situation our mother had as in.

When I got married to my husband, I see a "good father in him". The thing I long too much for myself, the feeling of having a loving a father. I am happy.....for I know that my children would always remember that they have a very loving and responsible father.

I wanted to dedicate this song to the two men I love.....to my father....and to my loving husband.

The music of “I Have Fallen In Love (With The Same Woman Three Times),” was composed by Jose Mari Chan from a poem written by Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. for Cory Aquino at Fort Bonifacio on Oct. 11, 1973 for their 19th wedding anniversary.

Joe Mari did the music, he said all in 15 minutes in 1987 and recorded it for his album Constant Change in 1989.

The song is again being replayed on the radio and television as background music for the coverage of Tita Cory’s wake.

“I prayed to Ninoy and to the Holy Spirit for guidance before I wrote the music,” Joe Mari said.

“Actually, I was given a two-week deadline because they wanted to play the song as part of the commemoration of Ninoy’s death anniversary (Aug. 21). The inspiration simply flowed like a quiet river. You can never fail with the Holy Spirit guiding you.”

Ninoy’s poem was actually long but Jose Mari set into music only the first portion which chronicles Ninoy’s feelings when he first met Tita Cory, when he fell in love with her, when Tita Cory gave birth to their first child and, while he was in prison, when Tita Cory stood as the sole supporter and pillar of strength and hope of the family. The second portion was somewhat political.

“When I made Tita Cory listen to the song the first time,” recalled Jose Mari, “she liked it instantly. She even wrote me a thank-you note.”

In my husband's  hometown Samboan,  located at the south most part of Cebu. Most people there earn a living through backyard swine/hog raising. Mostly they raise pigs. In just 3-4 months time, they are ready to be converted to money.



It somewhat interest me to invest in this very profitable business. Let's say I can start with a Sow (mother pig) when she conceived it takes 114-120 days, then she gave birth normally to 5-8 piglets on her first time of delivery. Weaning of piglets takes 2-3 weeks, needs vaccinations, vitamins, and deworming. 


After a month of weaning the piglets I can sell them for Php1,500-1,800 per piglet. 
A good investment. After giving birth 4-6 weeks, the mother pig wants to conceive again. 


Just takes a little extra effort, hands on, and capital/money. Will consider this one soon.

I wanted to share with you a little secret why I got my husband so in love. It's my cooking expertise. I love to cook for the family. For special occasions, and I bet you wouldn't believe, I even cooked for our Civil Wedding Day, and even cooked on our first baby's Christening Day, my kids Birthday. Love, love, love to cook.


And I wanted to share with you my list of Menu:

1.Oriental Pork-very rich in Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
Easy to prepare. Got this from Delmonte products which I prefer to use other than any brands.




Ingredients:
2 stalks    green onions, sliced into 1" pieces
1 pc    medium green bell pepper, cut into 1/4" thick strips
1/2 kg    pork lomo ( tenderloin), sliced into wide strips
1/2-1 tbsp    curry powder
2 tbsp    all-purpose flour, dissolved in 1 cup water
1 pc    chicken bouillon cube
1 pouch    DEL MONTE Sweet Style Spaghetti Sauce
1/2 cup    frozen/ cooked green peas
1/2 cup    canned whole kernel corn

2.Festive Chicken-Excellent source of Niacin- promotes normal digestion and healthy skin

 Ingredients:
1 kg    chicken breast and thigh, cut into serving portions
4 cloves    garlic, crushed
1 can    button mushrooms, sliced
1 pc each    large red and green bell pepper, cut into cubes
1/4 c    pitted green olives, sliced crosswise
1 pouch    DEL MONTE Sweet Style Spaghetti Sauce
1/4 c    chopped fresh parsley, (optional)
WHITE SAUCE
1/3 c    butter
2 tbsp    all-purpose flour
1 pc    small onion, chopped
1/2 c    all-purpose cream
1/3 c    water

3.Buttered Crispy Chicken -our All time Favorite

Building a home is like building your every dream. Dreaming of things you wanted to do once you have finished the "fruit of hardwork". Imagining living with your family the sweetest way.

Though not that easy as it may seem, starting up your own home requires hardships, patience, and a lot of love. Loving every little detail, every little step towards making dreams come true.

When me and my husband decided to start up the "project", we discussed every detail. From location, home design, size, labor, and of course billings. Money. Budget is tight.

We have chosen to the location is in Samboan, South of Cebu, a 4 hours ride in a bus. Where it is my husband's hometown.

After my husband got his benefits from a long 13 years in service at an international electronics and parts manufacturing company here in Cebu, we have used half of the money investing into buying our own small residential lot, (150 sq. meters) and decided to build our little home.

We have used up all our resources, I am glad my father in law is a carpenter, not to mention also a farmer and a fisherman as well. LOL He made a rough estimate on the materials.

As I do not have any idea about "being an architect/engineer" I leave them all to my husband as he is talented enough to make the floor plan, and a final house design through autocad.

It started 5 men at work, my husband, my father in law, 2 helpers (laborer) and also from the family with a good heart, my father in law's brother.

While I am at work here in the city, I always make a follow up on my husband as to what are the developments. During weekends, specially when it hits the payday, I usually go home and spend my weekend with family.

As I am also a mother of two. A little 1 year old baby girl Blessy, and a 2 year and 5 months old little girl Syfra.

This is called a life's balancing act, being a mom, not just an ordinary mom, a working mom, a loving wife, a good daughter in law, a very accommodating sister in law and all that. haaai....

Got to be real strong to pursue and be consistent to always look forward in achieving very goal.