WEEKLY QUESTIONS 44, 45, 46

How did you spend Palm Sunday and what were your thoughts during that day?

I honestly forgot it was Palm Sunday. I've only known it was when my sister told me over the phone. Me and the boys were out in the lawn all day, like most of our Sundays when its warm and sunny. Out there playing basketball, football, riding our bikes or just chill and lie down on the grass.

Are you a patient person? Has your patience been tested a lot of times? What have you done about it?

I'd like to say I am but I think I'm not. And yes, my patience were put to test many times. What do I do? Normally, I'd cry. Worst is when I'd scream, making my sulking much preferable.

Of course I have my sane moments, deep breathing do help and my ever dependable "mind over matter" too (Yes, luring that brain to draw out patience and give you that "control" as well as self-control over any given situation).

This question makes me guilty. Sometimes, my tolerance and restraint are extended to other people more than I do with my love ones. I hope to make amends on this.

Do you like your neighborhood? Do you like your neighbors?

I wouldn't exchange it for any other neighborhood. I love it specially when our summer neighbors are not around. You see, our little village is a vacation spot. Most of the houses here are second homes for our Italian adjoints. They only come here for the pool and the beach for May, June July and half of August. Other than that, its all cool! Its like we're not away from Baguio because its so much like Camp John Hay (with the pine trees, children's park, sport facilities etc...).

I would love to show you around. Next time, I will, when our old PC will be fixed. I am using my kids' computer now and uploading photos is quite impossible.

WEEKLY QUESTION 42 & 43

What graduation memories do you hold dear in your heart and why?

College and High School were memorable but I would say my Elementary graduation stands out. My favorite cousin Manang Marlene, became my photographer. Some of my aunts and uncles from my mother side came all along from Itogon just to attend my graduation. Looking back at it, it was just elementary but for them, its like I finished a degree (miss 'em now).

Would you believe there was a dance that night at home? May sayawan ba naman hahaha... That, I didn't have during HS and College graduation. My Auntie Mary, my Dad, Manong Nelio and Sunday were the singers/musicians ahihihi... memories. Funny thing, I was so young that time and I had a crush on Sunday. He was maybe 10 years older than me and I was imagining he'd ask me to dance nyahahaha..... he never did (that includes weddings and other dances my town had hhhmmfff).


So now I ask, “What is your favorite ice cream flavor or ice cream concoction?


I love the Ube and corn flavor back home in the Philippines. Mocha too. Any
brand, Magnolia, Selecta or Presto. Wonder if they still have Presto and Selecta.

For Italian 'icy' ( or icies(?) as how New Yorkers call it according to Russel), I like pistachio, nociola and yogurt. There's this flavor me and my husband love, sold only by Sole Mare (a restaurant in our neighborhood). I forgot what's it really called because we named it "strawberry ding dang do" and it doesn't even taste strawberry at all. Arghh, I'm drooling for it and its only 6 A.M. here, its raining too, heavily (wait, what did that last statement has to do with ice cream?)

WEEKLY QUESTIONS 40 and 41

Teacher Julie asked:

What are fun summer activities you do with your family?

A day at the beach or the pool.

Just playing or lying down on the grass outside.

Pizza day.

Meals on the terrace.

Barbecue with family and friends.

Night outings.

Ice cream time.

Long or short walks at the beach or to the grocery store.

Visiting places, friends or relatives.

Come to think of it, any activity is fun for my family during summer. With our cold, humid and gloomy winter, all you ever wish is for the days to speed up for that warm weather.

So let’s try to be a little showbiz this time and write down our thoughts when BB said that Rustom is dead when he came out.

I just remembered my cousin Monique who keeps on telling us that she used to be friends with one of Rustom's sister. She's a regular to their house and said their Mommy Eva was really a good Mom. They once lived in Baguio and Rustom was really a looker 'daw' and 'crush ng bayan' around SLU Campus. "Ngem awan, bakla man iman'(but no, I think he is gay)", Monique said long before the world knew Rustom was a "she".

Well, I have nothing against his decision. Gimmick or not, that's his life. Whatever he does with it, he has all the right. Besides, every one deserves to be happy. I'd rather encourage someone's capability of doing what makes him smile and laugh rather than his bitterness and negativity.... sabi nga ni BB(kahit na sirang plaka na), "Life is short....".... hehehe... Oh di ba showbizzz?....

WEEKLY QUESTIONS 38 and 39

Teacher Julie's GreenBucks is near it's 40th question. Here's the prior two before that entry.

If you were asked to recall the things that you do, what were the things that you think should be improved and worked on for you to be a better person?

For one, maybe to be less transparent, virtually. I need to be careful giving infos about my family and posting pictures here. There are so many weird people on the net now a days (and I just posted a lot on the next post lol).

Another is my temper out burst when my boys are getting out of control(or me lossing my control). I keep reminding myself to inhale and exhale when shouting is on the verge of breakout(which at times doesn't work).

Lastly, maybe to learn how to show my anger with other people besides my kids and my husband. This I have to work on, big time.

Do you love your job?

My part time job? Yes, I love it a million times. I'm so grateful and lucky to have it. I get to decide what to do and when to do it. Quite embarrass too for getting paid more than what it's worth.

(Sulat ko sya sa Tagalog para hindi ako matulad sa natigbak sa trabaho dahil sa Facebook lol... )

'Katulong' ni ( a maid to) Giulia (read as Julia), that's me! Kung nasa nanay sya, dun ako. Pag sa tatay, dun din ako. Labing walong taong gulang ang dalagang ito na kada dalawang Linggo ay bibit-bit ang maleta papunta sa sasakyan ng kung sinong magulang ang naka schedule sa kanya.

Pag nasa Tatay sya, ipinagluluto ko sya ng tanghalian. Binabalak ko ngang gumawa ng "Cooking Blog" para sa mga eksperiment kong Italianong - Pinoy cuisine. Kakatuwa kasi sarap na sarap ang dalaginding pati na rin ang tatay na ipinagsisilid ko rin ng ilang portions para di na sya magluto. Di nila alam, gisa sa maraming bawang at sibuyas saka may halong broth cubes kaya malasa (lol). Tsaka pag ang recipe ay halong wine, brandy or kahit anong alak - di ko nilalagyan.

Pag nasa Nanay naman, ligpit lang ng gamit at bahay ang eksena ko kasi ang mader na nya ang nagluluto. Pagdating ng dalaga galing sa school, sabay kaming tatlo na magtatanghalian. Nahihiya nga ako minsan kasi kahit anong giit kong iligpit ang pinagkainan namin, sya ring higpit ng nanay na sya na lang kasi isasaksak lang naman daw nya sa dish washer ang lahat.

Hirap lang ako dahil nagiging "taga pakinig" ako kung ano ang hinaing ng tatay, ganun din ang nanay sa sitwasyun ng pamilya nila. Nanyan din ang page-email ng kuya ng dalaga na nagtratrabaho sa Madrid. Naku mabigat sa loob minsan, katulad kahapon nagkasagutan ang mag-ama(with the said son) sa phone, sumbong si tatay sa kin tapos pati na rin ang anak. Mahirap kumampi. Mahirap ding maging shock absorber, nakakadala minsan ang kanilang mga emosyon. Pati ako nadidepress.

Pang anim na taon ko na sa kanila, di ko maiwan-iwan. Nung buntis ako sa aking bunso, pina substitute ko ang aking kaibigan ng one year. Noong mga unang taon ko, iisa pa lang ang bahay nila, ngayun naparami na. So, that's my job and I love it to the max!

WEEKLY QUESTIONS 37

OVER! lol.... Yeah I know, too much "YouTubing" today hehehe... Its even slowing down my PC. I wonder why?(*grin*)...... Seriously, My Favorite Love Songs is Teacher Julie's post for last week's WQ. Here are "some" of the songs I like and there's more, if I could only remember all their titles lol...

What are the love songs that touched your heart the most?

Not that it really touched my heart, more of it made me "kilig" at one point or still is. Enjoy (I hope, lol)!

WEEKLY QUESTIONS 36

Teacher Julie's question for Valentines Day goes:

What are your favorite romantic movies of all time?

That's a hard question because every time I liked the film I just saw, it would become my favorite hahaha... The problem of remembering too which movie I've already watched makes it difficult for me to place which one is my best. Nevertheless, here are some of the romantic films I remember I loved watching.

My Best Friend s Wedding - not that its a good film but its because its the first movie I watched with my husband.

WALL-E

The Cutting Edge

The Thing Called Love

Tristan & Isolde

The Notebook

P.S. I Love You

Titanic

Ghost (1990)

Splash (1984)

That's how far my memory could get me. I have probably miss the best ones.

WEEKLY QUESTIONS 35

Consideration to others is teacher Julie's topic this week. She took this photo while waiting for her turn to order in one of the well known fast-food in the Philippines.


What would you do if you see this in a restaurant?


Nothing, I guess, though I agree with Teacher Julie that its not proper to put shoes where food is served. She's also right when she pointed out to be considerate because what may be accepted to you might not be accepted to others.

But for me, as we speak of consideration, I will put this behind. The person who left those shoes on the counter might be preoccupied with a lot of things and she didn't mean to be that rude. She might even have her toddler throwing tantrums back on their table and she wasn't fully aware of what she did. Another is, she/he may not be as lucky as most of us who had a home to teach us good manners and and right conduct.

As my Dad always says, "You, who knows better between what's right and what's wrong, patience and understanding is much expected". He's right, it would even spare me from wrinkles and a ruined day. Then Daddy would add, "Sig-am a mas maka-aw-awat, pasensya-am laengen. Malaksed a nu idadanes tan saktan daka physically a ket naapil la ngo iman. Tama-am met ah!"(lol)....(Because you do understand, have patience to those who don't. But if they're to beat you, that's different, give them your best shot, punch 'em(hehehe, I don't really know the best translation for the last sentence but this sounds more like it)!

WEEKLY QUESTIONS 33 AND 34

Let's go back to blogging with Teacher Julie's questions from GreenBucks. Good enough I have these weekly "ask about" to answer weekly, big help when I'm running out of things to write.

If you were to “reinvent yourself” what would you do?

I wouldn't. I love what I had become. It had always been a smooth sail or things had always been easy for me. I never stopped considering myself as one of God's favorites. Cocky as it may sound, but for me, it is true because I do accept what ever comes with optimism, gratitude and laughters. Most of the time, things are far from how I want it to be, but I strive and work in making the best out of it. But if we're talking of weight gain, that's a different story.

With a long list of women’s health concerns, what is it that you dread to hear the doctor say to you?

Anything that would lead him to say I am dying now. I can't bare to even think how my young kids would live with out a mother. Its a sad and scary thought.

WEEKLYQUESTION 29, 30, 31

Before 2008 will finally go to the "archives", I'll sweep my "utang" away. Have to answer 3 questions from Teacher Julie's GreenBucks.


WQ 29: Are you happy?

Some people travel and go far places just to search for happiness. Take Liz the author of Eat, Pray, Love, she went as far as Italy, India and Indonesia. And one, among the many things she wrote that I totally agree with, she said that happiness is a "state of mind" that you yourself make. I'm just very thankful I don't need to "cross over" just to be happy.

Monotonous and equally obvious as it may seem, I will always write that my family (Boogs, Lukie, Dylan, my Dad, my brothers and sisters, my nephews and nieces, my father in law, Mama Becca and Beng) would be enough to give me that "state of feeling", needless of making it as a "state of mind". So YES, I am happy!


WQ 30: What are the Christmas traditions you and your family practice?

Nothing big but recently, we're making it official, a traditional photo shoot for that "frame-able" family portrait on Christmas eve. (How vain and lame hahaha...) Another is ordering pizza and fries for Noche Buena (that would already be a GIFT for a cooking mama).

Last one would be - just the four of us on Christmas eve. Its the second year we've done this and the kids enjoyed our full attention. Its the second year we didn't go to some invites or us inviting people. Its more intimate and relaxing. We could get to dance with Lukie and Dylan with their favorite CD - the Chipmunks.





WQ 31: How was your Christmas?


It was fun and full of surprises. WQ Question 30 is all about it for the Christmas eve aside from opening our gifts from family, cousins and friends. Then on Christmas morning, the kids opened their presents form Santa. And later, my sister's family and some neighbors came for lunch.

I have to include, Lukie enjoyed when we played Lucky 9 and Monkey-monkey after all our guests went home. Another great way to teach him Math hehehe...

WEEKLY QUESTION 28

What frugal or practical Christmas tips (does your family practice) that you can share to cut down on Christmas-related expenses but not necessarily sacrificing on quality?

Tips? I'm not good in giving one so I'll just share our Christmas decors made out of scratch. I hope its frugal enough to answer the question hehehe...

Since real live tree for a Christmas tree is NOT frequently used here, "reusing" our 6 years old artificial one is I believe economical itself. (I would prefer a real fir tree though. But transporting it from an hour travel with the boat, I'd stick with my fake ornamented evergreen).

When we first bought our Christmas tree, silver and blue were the theme color of our decors using Lukie's excess tokens during his baptism. Its a mini basket with a little baby figurine that was made in the Philippines. I just added silver ribbons to go with it.

I changed our motif into gold and red two years ago giving in to my husband's comment that the blue and silver is more of "for adults". He suggested that it would be more exciting for the kids seeing bright and bold colors(Yeah, more catchy for Dylan who runs away like a thief with the red balls).

Only the Christmas lights and the Christmas balls were bought, the ribbons were recycled. Its a gold fish net that was used to wrap a big gift before. I just cut it and made it into bows. The angel came from the hotel where my husband works. They change Christmas decors yearly so we're happy with their "hand me downs".

Out in our terrace I used real tree branches I had cut from outside. I just bought gold and red strips and made bows and flowers out of it. the blue balls were from my old blings.

Our windows too, adorned with "true" branches and old ornaments from the hotel.

Lastly, my gift wrappers. I bought a plain red paper, the cheapest in IKEA costing only 1.40 euros (10 meters long and 1 meter in width). Then a simple white ribbon(10m) for 99 cents and gold costing 2 euros more. It wrapped 3/4 of the gifts I sent to our friends and relatives. I also asked some stores where I bought some of our give aways to wrap it or they give me the wrapper and I'll do it at home.

WEEKLY QUESTION 28

Teacher Julie of GreenBucks started to gave us the mood of Christmas 2 weeks ago with her 28th question. Means I'm 2 weeks behind and blame that on the "fast days" that speedily passes by. Like its Monday - you ate and slept then you woke up and its Sunday. Whatever... Now back to the weekly question:

What special Christmas memories do you still cherish as the years pass by?

Every single Christmas for me is special. To be surrounded with the warmth of my family alone is enough for me to cherish, what ever day it is. I'm always thankful that at this point of my life, I have Boogie, Lukie and Dylan to spend this season of joy. And of course, to join me in celebrating Big J's birthday - No matter how simple it is and even chaotic at times when my kids are sick.

Below are some of my earlier memories of Christmas that might have made me fondle Christmas like a child. A child at heart who wants to pass it to her little boys - the wonders of believing in something magical and extra ordinary.

1. When I get home from school and my Mama had hung all the Christmas decors. I'm simply happy and relieved that this day of the year "finally came".

2. We go carolling and I remember when I was around 7 years old, the older kids would put me and my sister up front. Some houses would ignore and would not "PAY" hahaha. But because me and my sister are among the carollers, these houses were kind to give us an amount. "Wey, anak nun Danny"(Its Danny's(my dad) kids)", Uncle Polon once said who came out from his house to knock his sisters door. His sister didn't want to open up and we were running out of Christmas songs. Then we were "paid" 6 pesos after she had known it was us hahaha...

3. When we were kids, the whole clan (my father's siblings and their children) goes to ASIN (swimming pool or hot springs known in Baguio) and overnight at the beach on New Year's eve or Christmas at the beach and Asin on New Years Day.

4. Midnight Mass in Acop Tublay when I was younger. Then in our place in Ambassador when I was already in college. We used to organize the reenactment of Jesus Christ's birth before the mass. Me and my sisters sing for the choir and I play the guitar.

5. My Mama and Dad cooking for our Noche Buena.

6. 24th of December is probably the only night of the year we could stay up late.

7. Bonfires at home when we don't go out of town.

8. Once, my Dad held a Christmas party in his farm in Babatan. This place has no electricity and all the people there are simple farmers. We had 'bin-nunot'(I don't know how to translate it hehehe) or exchange gifts with everyone. I remember, the one who got my name gave me a hen. I was disappointed cause I gave a T-shirt in exchange for a chicken.

That hen lived and gave us so many eggs and native chickens for 'pinikpikan'. Looking back at it now, no gift could be better than that.

9. Then the T-shirt I gave with a print, "World's greatest lover!", to Uncle Dimas (everyone is an uncle in my hometown, even if you're not related), he wears it in every occasion I have seen him. From Canaos to school closing programs, campaigns during election time and even 'barangay' meetings he attends to. I gave that T-shirt when I was still in elementary. And last 2004, when I went home to the Philippines with Lukie, I saw him wearing it at my sister's wedding.

How about that to remind you of what you gave for Christmas? He wears it not for the proclamation of him being "The world's greatest lover" but because its the only t-shirt he has and could wear for any "special day".

10 ...and many-many more

WEEKLY QUESTION 26 AND 27

Teacher Julie of GreenBucks asked her 26th question:
What are the special things that you look forward to every Sunday?


Almost like everybody else, Sunday for us should start with sleeping in. Getting up when everyone's fed up lying down.

When we put up the 'taparello'(blinds)and the kids hide under the quilt, like little Draculas, afraid of the glaring Sun.

Its Papa's day off so it must be a lazy day. We're the couch family watching DVDs or just joining the kids in watching their cartoon films or shows.

If we will not go out, Its fried chicken day for Lukie. If its summer, its Barbecue day.

Most of time its having lunch at any Pinoy homes or wherever a friend or relative holds his/her party. If you will not go, your phone won't stop ringing and they will even send off people to get you.

Its also a day being with my 3 sisters as we eat, talk and eat and eat hehehe... On Monday, makes me wonder how easy it is to store 2.2 pounds.





Gift-Giving is for the 27th question:

What kinds of gifts do you give to your loved ones during Christmas? How do you choose what to give?

I prefer giving gifts that will make people warm specially so that its winter and its really cold here. I love giving out wool sweaters(cashmere 'sana' but its too expensive).

For my husband, whatever he needs (as long as I can afford it) but I make sure it will really-really surprise him.

One of Dylan's "must have" this Christmas is a toy computer. We hope it will help him quit "working" on our PC which he had already broken it's power button.

For Lukie, since he knows how to write, he makes his list and leaves it for Santa to do the magic. Last week, I told him to get a whole piece of bond paper and scribble down what he wants for Christmas. He came back with a 1/4 sheet, the small piece I tore for my grocery list.

Mama: Why.... that's too small honey! Get a whole page!

Lukie: No! Its too big for me to fill it all up!

Mama: Don't you want a lot of presents?

Lukie: Yes but... Its hard to think. 'Abiamo tutto'(We have it all)!

Cartoon credit: CSL CartoonStock

WEEKLY QUESTION 25

Its so noble to be blogging for a cause. Thanks to Teacher Julie and her November 2008 Dona Nobis Pacem Post for linking us to another GREAT writer. Mimi Lenox is the author of Blog Blast for Peace.


These had influenced our WQ that goes:

How do you pursue peace in your life?

Set aside "global" or promoting peace in a wider range for this entry, I'll answer it with "re-acquainting" myself on what peace really means. Its not just copying and pasting what Sir Thesaurus said but understanding word by word what he bombarded peace with.

PEACE is defined with the following words:

1. calm

2. serenity

3. harmony

4. agreement

PEACE is synonymous with: accord, amity, armistice, cessation, conciliation, concord, friendship, love, neutrality, order, pacification, pacifism, reconciliation, treaty, truce, unanimity, union, unity

And more: calmness, composure, concord, congeniality, contentment, equanimity, hush, lull, peacefulness, placidity, quiet, quietude, relaxation, repose, reserve, rest, silence, stillness, sympathy, tranquility

These now could make me redefine why I "chase" harmony and serenity with the great help of calmness and (note) case to case basis in agreeing with certain matters (lol). But first, I do believe that it all starts with wanting peace. That is now my reason why I want to pursue it in the first place.

My Auntie Betty, one of my Dad's older sister had influenced me greatly why I should be wanting serenity. I saw how she was able to stay sane after a deceitful marriage and eventually led to a painful divorce. How she raised her four kids and had sacrificed to leave them and work abroad to help heal herself. I thank her for "reintroducing" me to A HELPER in achieving peace. He comes with the name - GOD.

During one LSS of the Baguio Sacred Heart Community conducted by brother Julius, I've met (yet again) the 3 L's: LIVE, LAUGH and LAUGH which I've already did know from our recollections/retreats back in high school. The founder of the said community, Paul Aguas, was still with us that time.

These 3 L's had a greater meaning when Big G came into the picture. A push by the thought of having a "BIGGER ENTITY" guiding you to LIVE, LUAGH and LOVE. Sometimes it is something hard to understand. But IMHO, believing alone is one of the answers on how to "grab and keep" that peace. Then everything follows when you believe, you'll understand why husbands hear nothing when they're watching their fave sport. You will be humbled for being just a speck in this whole wide universe. Most of all, you'll get to value life, people and relationships more.

Am I still making sense? Please allow me, I'm also reminding myself with all these because the WORLD sometimes makes us forget that these thoughts do really exist(lol). Agree?

Another unique concept that I've come to add in my pursuit of peace are Elizabeth Gilbert's three word combination EAT, PRAY and LOVE. She has this best selling book talking about pleasure, devotion and acting on what will give you peace that will in turn make you truly happy.

As to personally pursuing peace as a mother taking care of the boys, give yourself your own time and nag (hahaha) the husband to take care of the kids while you take a nap, long shower or just be out of the house. Makes you keep that inner peace to calm you down when Dylan cries out loud for help(or sometimes just to get your attention)to rescue him from Lukie's bullying.

WEEKLY QUESTIONS 24

Since I am a week behind for Teacher Julie's Weekly questions, this entry should have been for the All Soul's Day. Nevertheless, we don't want to miss one question so here it is.

Who among your dearly departed hold(s) a special place in your heart?

As Teacher Julie said, "there's no playing favorites" because all my love ones who had gone to the "place beyond" will always be in my thoughts, heart and prayers. But, my dear Mama will always come first.

"How was she able to manage with six children?", me and my sister Noeda (who also lives here in Venice) would often ask specially when mothering is testing the edge of patience. Maybe she would say, "Oh, the Lord was kind, you're all girls!"

WEEKLY QUESTION 22

Techer Julie of GreenBucks mentioned about teen suicide here: Welcome To My Life . She linked this song by Simple Plan and also the lyrics in full version . Here's the chorus to give us an idea.

To be hurt

To feel lost

To be left out in the dark

To be kicked when you’re down

To feel like you’ve been pushed around

To be on the edge of breaking down

And no one’s there to save you

No you don’t know what it’s like


What comes to your mind and what do you feel about the lyrics of the song "Welcome to My Life"?

A different song came into mind when Teacher Julie's email came last Sunday. Just now, I've come to to know, its NOT "Welcome To My World" BUT its "Welcome To My Life".

As to how I felt, I fondled memory lane, the little girl I am who had to like Elvis Preysley because my parents loved him. That's with the first song. While for that of the Simple Plan, my teenybopper days were way over 'gayamen' tsk,tsk.

Seriously, teenage days would be one crusial stage. The tag of war between child like and maturity is overwhelming. Whether we like it or not, parents have the biggest part of responsibility to give that guidance.

Participants of Teacher Julie's WQ had already discussed it well about bullying, peer pressure and how teenagers are affected by problems at home and school. I can't contribute as to what should and must be done. I can only share my thoughts on being A FAMILY BELIEVER.

Its always been said that family is where everything starts. The very foundation of a child's holistic growth. Give him a loving home and he would always feel secured. Give him a broken one, so does his soul - you broke.

Mine was far from perfect but our parents would always involve us in everything they do. Like a batallion going to war, they also take us everywhere they go. During meals would always be a good time to talk everything under the sun. Specially during dinner when there's no Ginebra(basketball) game on TV. It was always doing things "together" that gave us no room to feel we're alone and blame the world for it.

Sometimes, I am convinced that my parent's time were the best times. Less complex but way a lot happier. Just compare the lyrics of these two songs from different eras!

WEEKLY QUESTION 19, 20 AND 21

Teacher Julie posted, "Man Jobs, You Say?" for her 19th Weekly Question at GreenBucks.

What man jobs can you do?

I like to "believe" I can do everything except things that will require heavy lifting. I help in painting the house, pluming jobs when husband is not around, repairing electrical gadgets which I am actually making it worst etc... etc... Insisting I can do 'em men job is annoying sometimes(if not most of the time), ask my husband (at least I know and accepting I am hahaha).

Its more interesting though - to know what women jobs men can do.

20th WQ is about Milk Scare.

Do you think NOW is really the time to patronize our locally made milk and milk products or would you still trust products manufactured in other countries?

Not only milk but all products done locally should be patronized. Its cheaper and it also helps the country's economy. To be at the safer side, specially for the children, better not consume any dairy products from China for now.





21st WQ: Was A Lesson Taught and Learned Here?

Its about a daughter, the treasurer in her class, who lost the school fund. She was about to cover-up the stolen money with her savings (a gift from her grandma) but her mom who discovered it from the daughter's teacher gave the amount. The mother said not to tell his Dad and if he asks where the money(for the back-up) went, it would be for her daughter's pair of jeans.

The daughter's reason for not telling it to her parents was not to burden them because she knew there were a lot of bills for the family to pay.


Did the mother do the right thing, giving her daughter money in secrecy, to add to what has to be paid from that stolen fund?
Was the mother able to teach her daughter a lesson or not?
Do you think the daughter is a responsible person?

Not at all! The mother should have told her husband and I'm sure he would understand considering the daughter's purpose for not telling about the stolen money before hand. I think the daughter is more responsible than the mother -given the situation of "secrecy"(hehehe). How can you teach your child about honesty and openness (in a relationship) when you don't do it yourself?

Seriously, I would be touched with the girl's sensitivity if I would be her mom. Its a merit to the people who raised her, btw.

PHOTO CREDITS: 'di Kita gusto, pero Mahal Kita. . . (milk) and Coonce-Ewing.com(sshhh)

WEEKLY QUESTION 18

This week's Weird Culinary Delights(?) of Teacher Julie's GreenBucks had brought out a memory I want to BLOCK. Yes BLOCK, as in "intentional amnesia" hahaha...

What were the worst or weird food (for you) that you have ever eaten? What were your reactions?

A CAT'S MEAT! I want to forget I had ever eaten it. I felt betrayed and abused hahaha! Again, its a memory I want to BLOCK.

Seriously, I was eleven years old back then and my Lola cooked 'adobo' out of it. My Mama and I just came from Baguio and everybody had already eaten lunch. So, just me and my Mama by the table to feast on the 'monggo' and 'adobo'(with only 3 slices of meat left). I spooned the 'adobo' to top my rice and goshhh, it really tastes good like chicken and the meat was so tender.

I was hoping(and praying heheh) that my Mama will leave the 'adobo' and have the 'monggo'. Ohh eem gee, my mom was an angel, she "sacrificed" and "denied" herself from eating the adobo so I could have it all for myself! She ate just the 'mongo'. My prayer was answered, God must really love me!

That night, our Dad asked me and my sisters, "How was the 'adobo' you had for lunch?". We all agreed its the best and Dad told us its a CAT. We were disgusted, betrayed and too late to puke!

My Lola Meding thought there's no harm in trying what our neighbor suggested that cat's meat is good for treating asthma. It was for our two youngest sisters, Jehan and Ica who were always having asthma attacks. It had always been a question to me why they have to let us all eat it! WHY?

'Isu gayam nga'(so that is why) the meat was strangely slimy when swallowed. I only realized that when all was said and done.

WEEKLY QUESTION 17

Teacher Julie of GreenBucks wrote Ugh as the title of her 17th Weekly Question. Here's why:

One day, a friend told me about her trip to a nearby province that is known for its culinary arts and expertise. She, together with her family visited a cousin who got married to a wife from that said province.

Filipinos are being known for their hospitality so we could just imagine how scrumptious the food served to them.

As this friend was well into her second serving of the very yummy and creamy lasagna, she happened to comment to her cousin’s wife (who cooked all their food) how the beef in the lasagna is so tender.

She got really surprised when her cousin’s wife relied that she did not use beef in the lasagna. She used pig brains. I would not say how my friend reacted so I am going to ask you this question:

If it were you in that situation, what would you do?

I will compliment the chef/cook! She's resourceful and creative. Who would ever think of putting pig's brain for lasagna? That's really something. Besides the story said Teacher Julie's friend asked for the ingredients when she went for her second take. Means the guest enjoyed the food regardless...

I do eat pig's brain. 'Ilocanos' use it for 'Dinak-dakan' and its better than mayonnaise. For us Igorots, I remember during our Canaos, they cook it the next day when the remaining part of the pig that will be feasted on would be the head. They just boil the brain, add a little bit of salt and I really like the different taste when added to rice. I tried feeding it to my son with soup and rice, he ate it considering he is really that picky or the only yummy food he knows are pasta(any sauce except the green ones), 'sinigang' and 'adobo'.

WEEKLY QUESTIONS 14,15 and 16

WQ 14 - Facial Regimen: What are your facial or beauty regimens that you do before you go to sleep?

Nothing extra ordinary or no "voodoo rituals"(lol), I just wash my face with lukewarm water and Papaya soap. Any Papaya soap from the Philippines will do. Then Nivea Moisturizing Cream after.

Speaking of Nivea Cream, it had been a necessity for our home back in Tublay specially during the coldest months. That's why its never missed when a parcel is sent along with pasta and Nutella hehehe...


WQ15 - Blogging for Advocacy: If you are to start a new blog focusing mainly on a particular topic or niche, what would your niche blogging be all about?

A distinct blog with a single theme won't work for me, maybe. For one, I suck in sticking with the rules and lousy to even follow it. Just like this out of topic I am about to say.

As much as possible, blogging for me is something I own which I don't want to own me. I'd like it to stay as a space for me to laugh at myself. Where I could be shallow, silly and mad with no worries.


WQ16 - Are You a Cry Baby? What makes you cry?

SI(Yes)! EVERYTHING! Its a curse hahaha...

Another OT: Lukie took his being serious all the time from his Papa. Mine are his tears that readily drop. When he started reading before he can even talk, he cries all the time after finishing the book: Are You My Mother?(By P.D. Eastman) that his Lola Becka sent him for Christmas. So we stopped reading it. Also when he watches the Ugly Duckling, same, water flows from those eyes which would also make me cry. Btw, we do share tissue paper sometimes hahaha...