The Home Is Now A School!

The new norm makes the home a school. Ariela who’s been home schooled ever since, shared her fresh insights about it. Her family’s experience on helping food banks is a beautiful story of caring and sharing during this pandemic.

Boodle Fight!

During this uncertain time, it’s always best to hold true to these values – camaraderie, brotherhood and equality. Boodle Fight, a Filipino tradition of eating using bare hands (kamayan) is a symbol of them, reminding us to always fight for what is good for everyone.

No Retreat, No Surrender

Life is sometimes harsh for some people. But there are those who carry and bear their burdens well, that in the end, they come out victorious from all the struggles they went through.

Looking at the photo, against the backdrop of the majestic perfect cone, Mayon Volcano, and all the hardships life has brought forth, Tatay Samuel shy smile encourages us to move forward positively into the future.

My Real-Life Mona Lisa

I believe, I’ve seen a real-life Mona Lisa. And her smile is so contagious that I keep on smiling even under pressure. I see an inspiring artist, a kindhearted, beautiful woman. Her smile beams like rays of sunlight, shedding hope and love.

Little Surprises

Expanding my circle of friends, not just from work, home or school, but even here at Word press, means so much to me. I always believe that true friends, who’d wish the best things happen for you, come in different colors, shapes and sizes.

Pinoys’ Pandemic Comedy

While battling against COVID-19 pandemic, there are a number of programs implemented by the government which caught trending in the social media. It’s only in the Philippines, we say! 🙂

The Underdog Fruit

Of all the fruits, Cotton Fruit or popularly known as Santol in the Philippines is the so-called the Underdog. Even among fruits, there’s a ‘bullying’ that exists. 🙂 Kidding aside, Pinoys would not agree to that. Sinantol or Santol Stew in Coconut Milk is a mouthwatering dish, that will give you a flavorful balance – a little sour, spicy and creamy – favorite in Pinoy’s cuisine.

An Ultimate Vegan Dish

It can be an ultimate vegan dish, without the shrimp paste. It’s a favorite dish in Bicol, a daily staple in most households being a very much affordable dish. Try our spicy and creamy Laing – dried shredded taro leaves in coconut milk!

All-Time Favorite Dessert

Back then as a child we would always see a lot of Kundol or Winter Melon in our barrio especially near our Fiesta or Feast for our Saint in May. Our neighbors would prepare Sweetened Winter Melon (Kundol) with Pili Nuts and we always look forward to having this perfectly paired dessert.

My Pandemic Resolution

So, just when I thought I could use these old coins that Father is keeping as one coin costs as high as $500-$1,000 now because of the pandemic, I decided to keep it and write a Pandemic Resolution instead. These coins are from the 18th to ealy 19th century. I hope no one won’t break the ‘piggy bank’ yet and be able to get by in this seemingly uncertain times.

The Emerging Paradise of the Pacific

Caramoan, a 2nd class municipality in the Province of Camarines Sur is the so-called Emerging Paradise of the Pacific known for its pink and white beaches. It’s where the Season 26 of Survivor which premiered in February 2013 was shot. This brought the island’s name into international fame. It is also where we discovered an inspiring story of pure determination and perseverance.

Sweet Treats in Coconut Milk and Jack fruit

Welcome to the Philippines, where most dishes are cooked with coconuts, even our desserts. Here, I feature our Ginataang Halu-Halo or root crops with ripe jack fruit and sweet corn in coconut milk. It’s sweet, tasty and carbohydrate loaded snacks!