FATHER'S DAY COOKING

Hi again! Here's what I prepared for all of you fathers celebrating today. A hearty pasta & salad recipe. This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare the ingridients plus 15 minutes cooking time. Serves 6-10 persons.

TUNA & TOMATO PASTA w/ CUCUMBER SALAD IN GARLIC VINAIGRETTE

The Ingredients (Tomato & Tuna Pasta):

Pasta:

1 pack 500 g. Spaghetti

1 tbsp. vegetable oil or olive oil

a pinch of Salt

10 cups water

Sauce:

2 cans Century Tuna fillet in brine (you may use the Lite variant)

2 cans stewed tomato (or tomato chunks, whichever is available)

1 cup sliced black olives (optional)

1 tbsp. olive oil or a regular vegetable oil (if you're not that health conscious)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

a handful of basil leaves, sliced into strips

1 tsp. chili flakes

a dash of pepper

salt to taste

Parmesan or grated cheese (optional)

Procedure:

Prepare the ingredients. In a pot, pour 10 cups water. Bring to a boil. Add the salt & oil. Then add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. Meanwhile, heat a pan over medium fire. Add the oil and saute onion and garlic till translucent. Add the olives, chili flakes & stewed tomatoes. Simmer for 2 minutes and add the basil leaves. Simmer for another 2 minutes and remove from heat. Set aside. Check the pasta. If tender to bite, remove from heat and drain excess water. Place on a large serving dish. Pour the sauce & tuna flakes over the spaghetti. Sprinkle with Parmesan or grated cheese & serve.

The Ingredients (Cucumber Salad in Garlic Vinaigrette):

2 medium cucumbers

1 clove garlic, chopped finely

a pinch of pepper

1 tsp. salt

1 tbsp. sugar

1/2 cup cane vinegar

Procedure (Salad):

Prepare the ingredients. Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise. The slice thinly crosswise. Place on a plastic food keeper. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, pepper, salt & sugar. Stir slowly until the sugar dissolves. Add the garlic. Stir and pour over the sliced cucumbers. Chill and serve.

Hope you liked it!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

FATHER: There is no one definition that may be given to describe a father, no criteria, no standards. Some fathers are perfect-figures likened to our Father God, some are average or a step behind, while some are being denied of the recognition. 

However, we must keep in mind that no matter how good or bad our fathers may have been or have become, they are still our FATHERS. Without them, we would not be existing in this world, you would not be reading this at this very moment. So don't waste any second and thank your father for bringing you to this wonderful event called life. Above all, we must thank our ultimate creator, our provider, our saviour, our Father God. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my father, grandfathers, uncles, cousins, bosses & friends.

Thank you to all my friends, co-workers and everybody who made my birthday extra special. I am so happy and I feel really blessed to have you guys!

This day marks my 5th year at Venvi Group of Companies.

To VENVI:

Thank you for the lessons learned, for the good times and the precious friends I acquired during the years I served you.

Happy Birthday to my Mama! =)

I might not know the pains you went through to make us what we are. But, what I know is that we all love you and that I am glad that you are my mother. May God bless you with love, care and everything you deserve. Happy Birthday Mama!

PROPER CONDUCT ON THE INTERNET - THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK. ~QTV 11

While I was browsing my Facebook news feed earlier, I came across an interesting post by a former co-worker. And here it says:

"Sabi sa QTV11... Think before you click. Kaya kung ako sa'yo, wag ka nagtatapang-tapangan na magpo-post ng akala mo napakagaling mo at wala kang kinatatakutan, bandang huli ide-deleate mo post mo dahil napag-isipan mo na di mo naman kaya panindigan! alam mo tawag sa taong tulad mo? HUNGHANG! OO... Hunghang ka! Isama mo na mga taong nag "like" at nag "comment" sa post mo, tutal pareho naman kayong mga plastic na sanhi ng mga bara sa IMBURNAL!"

Cyber attack, cyber bullying. Seen so many of that for the past 4 years that I have been on Facebook. Attacking someone online and eventually deleting your post fearing that the person you are attacking may read it is most common to fake cyber bullies better regarded as fools. You know, these kinds of people seem to have a word of everything about a person, they speak it out through social networking sites, but they could not say it upfront, right into the person's face. Cowards. They lurk in the shadow of their negative posts or comments and enjoy the invisibility and anonymity that comes with it. But what's the point of posting and telling how you feel when you decide to delete it? Nonsense. Worthless. It's like eating you own vomit or sitting on your own poo. Disgusting but true, right?

FOUR R's

Reflect.

Contemplate on your being. Think about the good deeds you have said and done. Ask your self of the of the wrong doings and wicked encounters. Did you feel good about it?

Recollect.

Remind yourself that what you do to others shall be done to you, and what you say of others speaks of yourself. If they make mistakes, so are you. You have feelings and so are the people around you. Was it worth the evil mind?

Repent.

Have the courage to say sorry. Learn to accept the guilt. Find a way to resolution. On the other hand, recognize other people’s effort to bridge the gap. Appreciate.

 Renew.

Start over again, for good. Recover. Rekindle. Be a new person and let your past self be blown away by the wind. Should your repentance be of no sense to other people, just go on and live up to it. The door shut close yet the windows expose clear skies and leads you to an encouraging light.

SUMMER ADVENTURES 2011 PART 2

*This is a continuation of my previous post SUMMER ADVENTURES 2011 PART 1

If you enjoyed the lighthouse, wait and see. But before heading to the windmills, we stopped for a quick lunch in one of the restaurants nearby. 

We ordered Adobong Pusit (Squid)

Adobong baboy (Pork stew)

Seaweeds w/ tomatoes

and of course steamed rice

Aside from those, they also serve from grilled fish of different kinds, depending on the season, grilled squid, deep fried pork chops, more kinds of sea weeds, pinakbet, etc. Not to mention, the restaurant is overlooking the South China Sea. Could any lunch be more amazing?

We finished lunch a bit fast, and we arrived on our next destination on time.

Next stop:

The Towering BANGUI WINDMILLS
(officially named as NorthWind Bangui Bay Project)

Bangui, Ilocos Norte

The Bangui Windmills are located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The windmills, officially referred to as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project, were a project by the NorthWind Development Corporation as a practice renewable energy sources and to help reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. The project is the first “Wind Farm” in the Philippines consisting of wind turbines on-shore facing the South China Sea and considered to be the biggest in Southeast Asia. The project sells electricity to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) and provides 40% of the power requirements of Ilocos Norte via Transco Laoag. http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Bangui_Windmills

 

Just imagine how big and tall these fans are. You will need around ten to fifteen people hand in-hand to hug the circumference of the base of one windmill.

SUMMER ADVENTURES 2011 PART 1

Hi bloggers! I'm back. I am finally moving on. If you might wonder what I am talking about, please check my previous posts.

So it's summertime! Well, at least here in the Philippines if you are in some other part of the world right now. Last weekend (May 7-8, 2011), I had the chance to unwind and spend a couple of days with my boyfriend and office mates in one of Philippines most beautiful beaches, Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Well, here are some pictures including our side trips. Enjoy!

First stop:

The Majestic CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE

Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure inBurgos, Ilocos Norte, that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines. It was first lit on March 30, 1892 and is set high on Vigia de Nagparitan Hill overlooking the scenic Cape Bojeador where early galleons used to sail by. After over 100 years, it still functions as a welcoming beacon to the international ships that enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north and guide them safely away from the rocky coast of the town.^[2]

The light marks the northwesternmost point in Luzon. The northeasternmost being Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan. 

The 65-foot-tall (20 m) octagonal stone tower, the most prominent structure in the vicinity, can be seen from as far away as Pasuquin town in the south and Bangui on the east on a clear day. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the highest-elevated or tallest lighthouse in the Philippines. Corregidor Lighthouse is higher at over 600 feet and among the Spanish Colonial lighthouses, the tower of Cape Melville Lighthouseis the tallest at 90 feet. In Mindoro Strait, the recently erected modern tower at the Apo Reef Light Station rises to a height of 110 feet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Bojeador_Lighthouse 

Unfortunately, the tower is closed to visitors due to current renovations being done to maintain the structure. Just look at the rustic windows and brick walls. They've stood the test of time and they have witnessed every single story the lighthouse. If only they could talk.

Upon reaching the foot of the tower, this awesome view will feed your eyes. 

Before heading to the next destination, I stopped to buy some souvenirs which the local folks sell at the parking area  at the foot of the hill.

BIRTHDAY PRAYER

Dear Lord, 

Thank you for giving me another year of life.

Thank you for my family, relatives and loved ones, for keeping them safe and for the continued blessings you have showered upon them. Thank you for all the people who have remembered me today and for all the good friends you have given to me.

Thank you for all my achievements and accomplishments during the past year.

Thank you for all the experiences and the happy memories. For the times of failure which reminded me that I too can become weak and that reminded me of my need for you; for the times of joy and success which made me believe in my capabilities and which reminded me to be thankful for what I have.

Lord, forgive me for the times I have wasted and for the opportunities I missed.

Forgive me for the times that I did not fully trust on my abilities because I was afraid of losing and wanted things the easy way. Forgive me for the times when I doubted on you and for the times when I forgot that you can always make a way.

Help me in the days that lie ahead and make this coming year better than last year. Help me make the coming year a year closer to you dear Lord. 

Amen.

In times of sorrow...

WHEN YOUR HERO FALLS

When your hero falls from grace,

all fairy tales are uncovered

myths exposed and pain magnified

the greatest pain discovered.

You taught me to be strong

but I'm confused to see you weak

you said never I give up

and it hurts to see you welcome defeat

When your hero falls so do the stars

and so does the perception of tomorrow

without my Hero there is only me-alone to deal with my sorrow

You heart ceases to work

and your soul is not happy at all

what are you expected to do

when your only hero falls.

*This poem is NOT my property, credits to the author and the publishing magazine. 

FAREWELL

February 20, 2011. One of the saddest days of my life, my grandmother passed away. Just last February 7, my uncle too, passed away after years of battling with diabetes.

With all my sorrow, I can't manage to write my own words as for now. I am sharing to you these encouraging and beautiful phrases instead.

"What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why he left this earth so soon, or why he left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that he died, but that he lived. And that his life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. "

 

"God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best."

MY FRIEND'S WEDDING DAY

December 30, 2010, a nice day for a wedding.

Today was my friend, Perlyn's wedding day. And guess what? Yes I was the maid-of-honor. How come? Yeah, how come she marries first before we (the rest of the group) do? That's fate. It was meant to be this way. I'm not being bitter, in fact I am filled with happiness when she first told me about her wedding. No harsh feelings, no emotional guilt. She's my friend, and it doesn't matter who goes first. 

Well there I was, all dressed up for the occasion. Here's a picture of my dress

The wedding was conducted in a church with both the groom & bride's family, close friends and co-workers. After the ceremony, it took about 30 minutes of picture taking & then went to the reception. The bouquet-throwing was both a bit embarrassing and funny. There was really no throwing, instead the bride handed me the bridal bouquet. At first I looked at the crowd and gave her a puzzled stare before I finally grabbed it. The bouquet was shouting out loud for itself. I need to get married next. Do you feel the pressure?

OCEAN PARK ADVENTURES

After our visit at Intramuros, our NEXT STOP: Manila Ocean Park. The day was sooooo tiring but fun!

JELLIES (dancing sea creatures)

SEA LION SHOW

OCEANARIUM

FISH SPA

MUSICAL FOUNTAIN

REVISITING THE PAST

We arrived here in Manila at around 6:30. The bus terminal is just 2 blocks away from my sister's apartment so we managed to have a short walk. When we arrived on her apartment  she was at the balcony waiting for us..

Our first stop: INTRAMUROS. My post today will include more pictures and less text. Enjoy viewing!

This is the facade of the Manila Cathedral

Interior of the Manila Cathedral

Interior of the Manila Cathedral

War relics including helmets, guns, small canons & bells

Along one of the streets in Intramuros

A small tunnel

The legendary Manila Hotel