Leny's Haven

Everything happens for a reason

2011-11-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

My Digital Arts

2011-10-16T05:40:00.000-07:00

A threat turn into an asset

2011-09-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

Sept 3 '11 (sat.), a giant saltwater crocodile , more or less 21-feet (6.4 metres) and weighing 1,075 kilograms was caught in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, province of Mindanao, Southern part of the Philippines. ( See the #59 on the map that I lifted from http://www.philsite.net )

Thanks to Phil. Travel Guide for the Map of the Philippines

Photo credit: AFP

The largest crocodile caught ever in the Philippines, said the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre. And might be recorded as the biggest captive crocodile in the world in Guinness Book of Records.

Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said putting the huge crocodile in special cage at Bunawan Eco-Park and Wildlife Reservation Center in Sitio Masapya, Barangay Consuelo, some 8 kilometers from Bunawan town proper is better than killing the murderous monster.

Villagers were happy that they would be able to turn the dangerous crocodile "from a threat into an asset".

But still they lookout for other man-eating mate of Lolong.

The huge croc was named after Ernesto "Lolong" Goloran Cañete, one of the veteran crocodile hunters from the Palawan who led the hunt. Weeks of stalking the crocodile took a toll on the health of Cañete, who died of heart attack days before the crocodile was caught.

Credits for the 3 photos above: AP

"Lolong," as it has been nicknamed,became the star attraction of an eco tourism park
And the hit song of Inner Circle - “Sweat (A La La La La Long)" is now Lolong's (the croc) theme song as the music is frequently played at the Eco-Park .

Cr: YT by Reggae1008

Read more :
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/53601/giant-croc-captured-in-agusan-sur-creek
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/inner-circles-hit-song-sweat-now-croc-lolong-094006046.html

Cr:YT by KINGSWORLDNEWS

Cr: YT by filmwave

Thanks for all the photos and videos that I borrowed .

Just some Quotes

2011-08-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

Who Am I

2011-08-15T00:13:00.000-07:00

Just sharing an art from Kipasa.com and a short story from unknown author.

While praying one day, a girl asked: "Who are you, Lord?"

He answered: "I Am",

"But who are you?" she said.

And He replied: "I Am Love, I Am peace,

I Am Grace, I Am Joy,

I Am the Way, Truth and the Light,

I Am the Comforter, I Am Strength,

I Am Safety, I Am Shelter

I Am Power, I Am the Creator,

I Am the Beginning and the End,

I Am the Most High."

The girl with tears in her eyes looked toward heaven and said:

"Now I understand, but Lord, who Am I?"

Then GOD tenderly wiped the tears from her eyes and whispered:

"You Are Mine."

My Spring Rolls

2011-07-17T00:33:00.000-07:00

Hi there now I'm in the mood of sharing my Spring Roll,"Lumpiang Shanghai" as we call it.

Though am not a cook, I never consider being in the kitchen a burden but it's a fun specially when my children are participating.

My children really appreciate when I make the effort to prepare our foods.They eat every meal I replicate from the recipe books though sometimes it needs a second try,(actually they have no choice, kkkkkk)

Here's my version in preparing my spring rolls.

Ingredients :
• 1/2kl. ground pork
• 1 /2kl. ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped garlic
• 1 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• Some finger chilies
• 2 to 3 whole eggs
• salt and pepper, to taste
• ginisa mix seasonings
• lumpia wrapper
• vegetable oil, for frying

Cooking Procedures:
*For the chili first, along one side, make a slit lengthwise and scrape the seeds.
*Finely chopped all the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.

*Saute onions, garlic and ground meat until mildly done, drain and let it cool.
*After cooling, in a bowl mix the carrots and celery and add 2 to 3 eggs. Blend well.

*Stuff the chili with the mixture.

*Wrap into thin rolls in lumpia wrapper. Others stick out at one end the chili head and when it’s done they call it “dynamite lumpia”.

*After wrapping , put in container and stock in freezer. Just take some when you want to cook. But when you want to eat it right away there’s no need of sauteing the ground meat, just mix all the ingredients well and wrap then fry.

(Hmmmnn.. ready for my Mycah's bento )
http://mychikara.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-mycahs-daily-bento_23.html

*Fry in deep hot oil. Drain on paper towels. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve with your favorite catsup or Sweet and Sour Sauce.

I made some without chilies too.

Live with LOVE

2011-07-16T23:09:00.000-07:00

Just click photo to enlarge

The Three Things In Life II

2011-07-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

Happy mothers day!!!

2011-05-08T23:03:00.000-07:00

Actually I'm a day late to greet here, but still I wanted to ...

Happy Mother's Day to every woman who shares the maternal energies that help to shape the lives of those she loves.

Mothers should be honored not only today but every day, believing that she is the ultimate symbol of family harmony and unity. Pray for all mothers that she will be bless more with health, healing, virtue, happiness and power to carry on all difficulties of life.

And being a mother I want to share this to you, that I know all mothers prayed too:

My Children
Author Unknown

As my children were born,

I wanted them to be perfect.

(See my Mycah @ 1 wk.old she knows how to smile and focus on camera already)

When they were babies,

I wanted them to smile

and be content playing with their toys.

I wanted them to be happy

and to laugh continually instead of crying

and being demanding.

I wanted them to see the beautiful side of life.

As they grew older,

I wanted them to be giving instead of selfish.

I wanted them to skip the terrible twos.

I wanted them to stay innocent forever.

As they became teenagers,

I wanted them to be obedient

and not rebellious, mannerly and not mouthy.

I wanted them to be full of love,

gentle and kind-hearted.

"Oh, God, give me a children like this"
was often my prayer.

And He did.

Summer coolers

2011-05-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

Its summer time and my children are always asking for some cold foods and drinks. We always bought Ice cream,

Slurpee from 7/11 or some coolers in Pizza resto or

Halo-halo in any food chains.
(See my last post about halo-halo)
http://lenyschika.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-sunday-with-mycah.html

But sometimes I just made them some Ice drinks and Ice candy.

Here are my Ice Candies: 1st the Mango flavor

Scrape or grate 1kl. ripe Mango (you can put it too in blender to soften the texture), mix 1 can condensed milk, 1pack all purpose cream, drops of vanilla and a syrup of 750 mg sugar or more according to your taste and add 12 cups of water.

You can make 60 pcs. of ice candy. (depends on the size of plastic bag that you’re going to use). Then put in freezer to frost.

If you’re in a hurry, just chill it for a while or blend it with some crushed ice and then you can enjoy your cold mango drink now.

2nd: I made Avocado flavor, (same procedure)

And here's my Mocha frost:

Mix 4 tsps.cocoa powder or 5 tsps. Milo choco drink, 1/3 cup Cream mate or any cream powder, 1 1/2 tsps instant coffee and 3 tbsps. sugar (I want sweeter but you can adjust the measurement according to your taste). Add 1/2 cups hot water and stir ' til mixture dissolves. Then add 2 cups cold water and stir again. Pour into glasses 1/2 full and top with ice cream choco flavor (me I used rocky road as my children requested). If you don't have ice cream available in your fridge, you may just put some ice cubes . Makes 2 to 3 servings.

Blessed in Heaven

2011-05-02T00:42:00.000-07:00

"Don't be afraid to open the door to Christ."

Blessed John Paul II - the true disciple of GOD and the most loved Papa especially by Filipino people.

He was just beatified by Pope Benedict XVI yesterday May 1, 2011 same date of the Feast of "Divine Mercy". I watch the whole event yesterday through TV channels - broadcasting live.
More than 1 million worshipers assembled and witnessed the event in St. Peter Square.

Photograph: Stefano Rellandini/Reuters

Here are some of the Hi lights:

*Cardinal Agostino Vallini, papal vicar for Rome- read the biography of John Paul II and petitioned the pope “to inscribe the venerable servant of God, John Paul II, pope, among the number of blessed.”

*After reading the Formula of Beatification, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed John Paul as Blessed: “the venerable servant of God, John Paul II, pope, henceforth will be called blessed”

*The unveiling of the Tapestry of smiling Blessed John Paul II over the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica (the Image was taken 1995), the large crowd applauded.

*Pope Benedict said Blessed John Paul II was beatified because of his "Strong Faith".

*The presentation of the Precious relic,in a silver reliquary holding a vial of blood (taken from Blessed John Paul II 2 months before he died) by Sister Tobiana, the Polish nun who tended to John Paul throughout his pontificate,and a French nun, Sister Marie-Simon Pierre, who says she was miraculously cured from Parkinson’s disease after praying to the late pope.

*After the Beatification Mass, the Veneration follows inside the St. Peter's Basilica. Pope Benedict XVI prayed before John Paul's coffin, which had a copy of the Lorsch Gospels on it, an illuminated medieval book of the Gospels that is one of the most precious in the Vatican's collection.Pope Benedict XVI and the Cardinals payed their respects in front of John Paul's coffin, which was exhumed on Apr.28, 2011 (Friday) and placed inside Saint Peter's basilica.

*Lots of song sung during the beatification mass but I notice that there were 3 songs that are not sung during ordinary mass:
-The “Sequenza” - sung only once a year. The resurrection of Christ and the Testimony
ofAngels.
-Motto of BJP --Totvs Tvvs during the offertory procession.
-and after the final blessing, the Hymn for BJP with the theme: “Don’t be afraid to open
the door to Christ.”

While the Veneration inside the Basilica was going on, outside they played song that composed by a Filipina (Trina Belamide) for the World Youth Day here in the Phils last 1995. BJP II liked this song so much:

“Tell the world of His Love”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeTO6L8KArw&feature=related

Note that the Chasuble, Miter and Chalice used by Pope Benedict XVI during the mass was Blessed John Pauls.

Blessed John Paul's Short Biography:

Birth name:Karol Josef Wojtyla

Born:May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland

Motto:"TOTVS TVVS" meaning " I'm all yours"

He's a devotee of "Divine Mercy"

Became priest @ the age of 26 (November 1,1946).
Became Bishop @ the age of 38, (September 28,1958)the youngest Bishop in Poland.
Became official Archbishop of Krakow in January 13,1964.
Became Cardinal June 26, 1967 and
Became Pope in October 16,1978 @ the age of 54 (inauguration Oct.22, 1978)
The youngest pope of 20th century.
He's the 264th Pope of the Catholic church.
The only Pope from Poland.
The first none Italian Pope since 1500's.

The most popular Papa,known by some as "The Pope for Youth".
John Paul II has been acclaimed as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century.
He spoke 12 languages.
The most traveled Papa, he visited 129 countries during his Papacy,

The first pope visited the White House , October 1979.
The first pope to travel to the United Kingdom, on 1982,where he met Queen Elizabeth II.
The first pope made an official papal visit to synagogue, when he visited the Great Synagogue of
Rome on 13 April 1986.
He was the first modern pope to visit Egypt (Feb. 24–26, 2000).
The first pope to visit countries with Lutheran majorities June 1 - 10 , 1989 (to Norway, Iceland,
Finland, Denmark and Sweden)
He was the only Pope that entered and welcomed and prayed in Damascus Islamic Mosque in
Syria on May 6, 2001.
The first Pope in history known to receive a priestly blessing from a Rabbi in January 2005.
The 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) met with Pope John Paul II 8 times.

The first pope in history to visit and pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, March 2000.

He even left his prayer letter in the wall:

“God of our fathers,
You chose Abraham and his descendants
to bring your Name to the Nations:
we are deeply saddened
by the behaviour of those
who in the course of history
have caused these children of yours to suffer,
and asking your forgiveness
we wish to commit ourselves to
genuine brotherhood
with the people of the Covenant.”

Jerusalem 26, March 2000 - John Paul II

His been here in the Phils 3 times:
1st - 1973 - just a stop over when he was still a Cardinal.
2nd - 1981 - his first visit as Papa.
3rd - 1995 - the most attended World Day Youth (Jan. 15, 1995).
More than 5 million crowds attended and because of this
he was called the most seen person in Human History.

19 World Day Youth was celebrated during his Papacy.
1984 when he started the WYD in St. Peter's Square with the intention of
bringing young Catholics from all parts of the world together to celebrate the faith.

He Created 232 Cardinals.
He Beatified 1342 Blessed.
He Canonized 483 Saints.

His Papacy last 26 yrs. and 168 days, The 2nd longest documented pontificate,
of course the 1st in line was Pope Pius IX - 31yrs..

He's a poet too, he wrote 5 books since 1994 - 2005.

He died @ the age of 84yrs & 319days, Apr.2, 2005 in Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, (one day before the feast day of "Divine Mercy")in agony from an acute case of Parkinson's.

On 19 December 2009, John Paul II was proclaimed venerable by his successor Pope Benedict XVI.

October 22 was the declared feast day of Blessed John Paul, the anniversary of the inauguration of his pontificate in 1978.

By the way, there were four vials of blood were drawn from Pope John Paul.The vials were sent to the Vatican-owned Bambino Gesu Hospital in Rome in case the ailing Pope needed a
transfusion. But no transfusion done and after the death of BJPII, two of the vials went to the Pope’s personal secretary and longtime friend, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, Poland .

They presented one of the relic too during the mass they held in Poland same date of the beatification, and the other two vials remained in the custody of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul at the hospital,and one of the vial from the hospital was the one presented during the Beatification Rite and Mass.

The Vatican said the blood in all four vials has not solidified because an anti-coagulant had been
added at the time the blood was drawn.

Photo credits to Reuters and to AP- Associated Press - thanks a lot ^_^

Congratulations to Prince William and Kate

2011-04-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

Best wishes

To:

Prince William & Kate

"What therefore GOD hath
joined together
Let not man asunder"

Matthew 19:6

Happy Easter Everyone

2011-04-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

"He is risen"
Mark 16:6 /Luke 24:6

Just sharing the procession last night.

2011-04-22T23:35:00.000-07:00

Every year, one of the longest or biggest Holy week procession were done here in our place, in Baliwag, Bulacan. Big news network were covering the event.

The mobile of GMA news program.

I went to the church where all the floats gather but it's already dark and the procession was about to start so I just got the photo of Mary Magdalene and I decided to just go back home and waited the procession there because it well pass by right in front of our house. There were 94 floats participated the procession.

Mary Magdalene wears another dress now.

I planned to take a video footage but again my video cam didn't cooperate,
it soon lost it's battery.

This next float is new, actually the crucifixion was happened in Jerusalem but I notice that the characters here were wearing an English Clothes (why?, perhaps just a trip of the owner)

More photos for those who haven't seen my blog last year, go see the link.

http://lenyschika.blogspot.com/2010/04/holy-week-procession-in-baliwag.html
http://lenyschika.blogspot.com/2010/04/holy-week-procession-in-baliwag-ii.html

Attending Palm Sunday Mass

2011-04-18T00:47:00.001-07:00

April 17, 2011-- just yesterday, me and my children of course attended the Sunday mass. It's not just an ordinary mass but it's a Domingo de Ramos or Palm Sunday or in our own language-- Palaspas.

Palm symbolizes of welcoming our Lord Jesus Christ to Jerusalem.

Others call it a Passion Sunday - because of the Love of Jesus to His people, He entered Jerusalem though He knows He gonna suffer and die.

First we bought our Palaspas outside the church, there were lots of vendors selling.

On time we hear the Mass and our Palms were blessed.

Lots of people, so crowded.

I left my babies in one place after the mass because I want to buy something somewhere. When I came back they look so tried than me, he he.

Ehemmmm, just posing with my Mycah , kkkk....

Our Palaspas

The Palms well be displayed outside the gate and doors or entrance of the house, it symbolize that your welcoming Jesus Christ in your home, just like the people of Jerusalem welcomed Jesus.

Brain Exercise

2011-04-07T00:21:00.000-07:00

Schooling keeps my children so busy with their assignments, projects and lots of school activities.But during vacation or summertime, what to do?

Well, it's time to catch up on special family bonding moments by going or having a trip or doing something together. And one of the best thing I thought we can do is to play some board games.

It's not just fun to play board games but is also a good form of mental workout or a memory booster and bonding activity.

It actively uses the mind to think. Study shows that regularly performing mental activities improves longevity and brain function.

Scrabble game board is our fav.

Answering or solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku too are known to relax you and stimulate the mind.

Though I took Accountancy and like numbers, my Mycah always finish first to answer the Sudoku quiz than I ( but she hates Mathematics, huh)

Text Twist is nice too.

Just savoring the joy...

2011-04-07T00:08:00.000-07:00

Just wanna share to you my joy.
One of my joys in my life is when my children made me proud.

Before the school year ended, the administration send me an invitation again to
attend recognition day for the honor students.

First for the College level last March 28, 2011.
My Stephannie got the 2nd rank or top 2 or 2nd honor in Academic Excellence in all 3yr. BSHM College level. She also got the "Best in Banquet and Catering Management" and the "Artistry and Creativity Award" .

Steph with other awardees

And last March 31, 2011, for my youngest -- Mycah. She got medals for the "Academic Excellence Award" and like her Ate Stephannie she got the "Most Creative Award" for the 3rd yr. High Sch. level too.

My Books

2011-04-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

These are some of my inspirational books and one of my favorite Christian author is Joyce Meyer. I like her teachings. I like her straight talks. She has no feelly touchy passage and going around the bush.

I must admit that there are times that I'm wanting to quit and give up, so discouraged, so negative, depressed, so fainthearted.

But everytime I read her books, it freshen up my mind and heart. She made me more a positive person. Deepen my faith and leads me further in my walks with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Her books made me stronger when facing everyday difficulties of my life and became less prone to depression.

Remembering her words made me remain calm, really calm and control myself in the turbulence of life. And even being nice to others even they are so rude to me.

I learn to enjoy the hardship, to have joy, smile and even make some jokes to my children in the midst of difficulties, remembering that all this troubles producing something good in us.

I hope you too do the same.... be positive.

Coffee

2011-04-03T22:33:00.000-07:00

My coffee selling friends just always give me coffee
because they know I won't buy, he he.

Before,I really don't take coffee because when I was a child somebody told me that if I drink coffee my complexion turns to black too. So funny that I was so innocent that time that I believed and so afraid to drink coffee since then even a drop. Though when I grew up I knew that drinking coffee won't affect my skin color and is not bad at all still I don't drink coffee.

Every time my friends asked me for some coffee to drink I never serve,'coz I don't have any coffee at home.I rather served them some juices, teas or any soft drinks or the least, mineral water.

I don't have coffee in my pantry so my children never tasted coffee too not until last year when my friends brought us plenty every time they visited us. So that they can drink coffee in my place.

I'm so curious why coffee is the world's 2nd valuable commodity after oil. Why the global coffee industry earns an estimated US$60 billion annually. Why more than 500 billion cups of coffee are served worldwide each year and why Starbucks Coffee Co.'s revenue last 2006 reached US$8 billion. Super Wowoooooow.

We tasted the coffee given to us...different brands, different tastes...Hhhhmmmmnnn...
It's not bad at all and my children like it too, but I like it creamier.

Aside for those reasons, we should learn to drink different taste of coffee because if you could remember my blog last October..... Stephannie's dream is to own a cake and coffee shop.

After her BSHM course she said she gonna study again in " Phil. Barista and Coffee academy".
:( another expenses.

Trivia:The most expensive and delicious coffee in the world can be found mostly here in Southeast Asia. An Asian Palm Civet poop or in our own language, it is called Kape Alamid.

Hold On

2011-03-18T19:25:00.001-07:00

When your heart is cast down by failure at seeing no good come from your effort... When your lonely, sad and disappointed... When your in doubts and surrounded by temptations.... Just....

Hold On

Hold on tightly to what is truly important in life.

Hold on to faith; it is the source of believing that all things are possible.
It is the fiber and strength of confident soul.

Hold on to hope; it banishes doubt and enables attitudes to be positive and cheerful.

Hold on to trust; it is at the core of fruitful relationship that are secure and content.

Hold on to love; it is life's greatest gift of all, for it shares, cares, and gives meaning of life.

Hold on to family; they are your roots and the beginnings that you grow from.
They are the vine that has grown through time to nourish you.
Help you on your way and always remain close by.

Hold on to friends; they are the most important people in your life
and they make the world a better place.

Hold on to yourself; to all that you are and all that you have learned,
for these things are what made you unique.
Don't ignore what you feel and what you believe is right and important.
Your heart has a way of speaking louder than your mind.

Hold on to your dreams; achieve them diligently and honestly
Never take the easy way or surrender to deceit.

Remember others on your way and take time to care for their needs
Enjoy the beauty around you.
Have the courage to see things differently and clearly.

Make the world a better place one day at a time
and don't let go of the important things
that give meaning to your life.

Cr: YT by TheHeartprints

Adopted from: http://InspiringThots.net

Take Time Out

2011-03-16T01:52:00.001-07:00

You may have read this already but still I thought of sharing this one.
Hope this could remind you to take time for the things you neglected.

Take time out for ten things

From the book of Rosario P. Nem Singh
"The Art of Relating with People"

Few people make time for these important things:

Take time out to work - it is the price of success.

Take time out to think - it is the source of power.

Take time out to play - it is the secret of youth.

Take time out to read - it is the foundation of knowledge.

Take time out to worship - it is the highway of knowledge.

Take time out to help - it is the road to happiness and gives joy to friends.

Take time out to love and be loved - it is the one sacrament of life. God's greatest gift

Take time out to dream - it hitches the soul to the stars. It is what the future is made of.

Take time out to laugh - it is the singing that helps life's load.

Take time out to pray - it is the greatest power on earth. It helps Christ near and washes the dust from our eyes.

take time to adjust or correct the time!....

and may I add more...

Take time out to listen - it is an art of understanding.

Take time out for friends - make the effort to stay in touch. Friendship need to be nourished to stay a lifetime, keep those ties alive. Our friends are our refuge.

Take time out for family gatherings - catching up holds the bond.

So lighten up, take time for what’s really important in your life.

" There is a time for everything.."
Eccl 3:1

Pray for Japan

2011-03-13T22:00:00.001-07:00

Prayer is the one of the most powerful actions we can take when we are in troubles.
Especially now that Japan's in bad situation, and suffering so much.
Let's pray for Japan.
Let's pray for their fast recovery, after experiencing the record breaking (intensity 8.9 or 9.0) earthquake followed by consecutive aftershocks, the fire of refineries and factories, the killer tsunami, the blast in Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (still chain reactions occurs) that sending radiation up to alarming levels, a threat to human health .
They're in total damage.
They need our prayers "to restore their difficult situation to peaceful days as soon as possible" (as BYJ said).
They need our prayers to heal their wounds and pains physically, mentally and emotionally.

--------------------********----------------------
Pray a Rosary

The rosary is a devotion in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a prayer of hope.
The word rosary comes from Latin word - garland of roses, the rose being one of the flowers used to symbolize the Virgin Mary.
The Rosary has been prayed for since the 17th century.
It has been recommended by Popes from Pius V, 1504, to our present Pope Benedict XVI.

Me, it's been a part of my daily routine to pray a Holy Rosary of Blessed Virgin Mary every morning.

The classic style is longer that others use it as necklace.

But I made a shorter, bracelet style that can be wear too after praying.

To those who doesn't know yet how to pray a Rosary, here's the guide...

How to pray a Rosary:
1. Make the sign of the cross; say the Introductory Prayers and the Apostle's Creed.
2. Say the Our Father.
3. Say 3 Hail Marys for an increase of Faith, Hope and Charity.
4. Say the Glory Be To The Father.
5. Announce the Mystery for the day to be meditated upon; pause for a while;
announce the intention for which the decade is offered then say the Our Father.
(see the list of Mysteries at the bottom)
6. Say 10 Hail Marys while meditating on the mystery that has just been announced.
7. Say the Glory be to the Father and the Fatima Prayer.
8-18. Repeat steps 5 to 7 for each the remaining four mysteries,
while for my bracelet style I just repeat the steps 5 to 7, 5x for the 5 Mysteries.
19. Pray the Hail, Holy Queen,
Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin,
Say the Closing Prayer.

The Sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Introductory Prayers:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

O Lord, open my lips.
And my mouth shall declare Your praise.
O God, come to my assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever, Amen.

The Apostles' Creed:
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He arose again; He ascended into heaven,and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen

The Our Father:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Hail Mary:
Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Glory Be to the Father:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.Amen.

The Fatima Prayer:
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy".

The Hail, Holy Queen:
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus; O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary;

Lord, have mercy on us, Lord have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us, Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us, Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of divine grace, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother most chaste, pray for us.
Mother inviolate, pray for us.
Mother undefiled, pray for us.
Mother most amiable, pray for us.
Mother most admirable, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel, pray for us.
Mother of our Creator, pray for us.
Mother of our Savior, pray for us.
Virgin most prudent, pray for us.
Virgin most venerable, pray for us.
Virgin most renowned, pray for us.
Virgin most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin most merciful, pray for us.
Virgin most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of justice, pray for us.
Seat of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause of our joy, pray for us.
Spiritual vessel, pray for us.
Vessel of honor, pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.
Mystical rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the covenant, pray for us.
Gate of heaven, pray for us.
Morning star, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Comforter of the afflicted, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Queen of Angels, pray for us.
Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen of Prophets, pray for us.
Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of Confessors, pray for us.
Queen of Virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all Saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. .

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Closing Prayer:
"O God whose only begotten Son has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, Grant that we beseech Thee while meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord Amen."

Grant, we beg you, O Lord God, that we your servants, may enjoy lasting health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enter into the joy of eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
May the Blessing of Almighty God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, descend upon us and remain with u always. Amen.

The Mysteries of Joy
For Mondays & Saturdays

1. Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ
4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

The Mysteries of Light
For Thursday

1. The Baptism of Jesus
2. The First Miracle at Cana
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
4. The Transfiguration
5. The Institution of the Eucharist

The Mysteries of Sorrow
For Tuesday & Fridays

1. The Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. The Crowning with Thorns
4. The Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ

The Mysteries of Glory
For Wednesdays & Sundays

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension into Heaven
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption of our Lady
5. The Glory of all the Saints with Mary as their Queen

HJC Monhtly Exercise

2011-03-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Joggers Club
March 12, 2011
Held in Lisiada, Bustos, Bulacan

]

Just Smile

2011-03-03T16:20:00.000-08:00

Smile Away

by: W. D. Nesbit

The world is full of number of things,
I am sure we should all be as happy as kings.

So smile away! folks understand what by a smile is meant,
It's worth a million dollars and it does not cost a cent.

If we sigh about our trouble, it gains double everyday,
If we laugh about our trouble, it's a bubble blown away.

Every gentle word you say,
One dark spirit drives away.

Every deed you do,
One bright spirit brings to you.

Don't forget that sometimes one needs to have smiling faces around.

Remember To Smile
~ Eva May Young @ SkyWriting.Net~
3-2-06

A smile can light a candle
In a lonely heart,
It's like a sunny morning,
That warms a new day's fresh start.

Like a new mother's smile that cradles
Her baby with pure love,
Or a father's smile when he gives his young son,
A new baseball glove.
When we think about the world's sad woes,
The hungry and the poor...
We often do what is expected,
But a smile will open the door.

There's problems with acceptance
Of so many strangers on our shore,
But a warm smile can often lighten,
Someone's day as never before.

Sometimes a smile is like a rainbow,
Shining through a misty cloud,
That cheers an aggravated soul,
In the midst of an unseeing crowd.

Remember to smile today,
Every where you go...
It may not solve all the problems,
But it will soften life's not so gentle blows.

A smile is good medicine,
It can turn dark days into blue:
And when you see the sun come out,
You know God, our heavenly Father,
Is smiling down on you.

That's why I smile often... he, he, he...

Smile
~ Leona I. Miller @ Poems4Today@webtv.net~

Smile as you greet someone today

You may not know what burdens they bear
Uplift them as you continue on your way
A smile lets them know you do care.

Smile as you answer the telephone
Even though you know not who calls
They may be discouraged and alone
You may cheer as in their ear it falls.

A voice sounds happy when you smile
It may help to brighten someone's day
They will feel much better in awhile
A smile quickly chases a frown away.

Your face won't hurt from the wrinkle
It's only a charming smile line to show
A smile costs not even a small nickle
Keep smiling even though lines will grow.
Remember daily ~ to smile.

Like looking in a mirror, if you give a smile you're likely to get one back!

Try Smiling
By Poet Unknown

When the weather suits you not, Try smiling.
When your coffee isn't hot, Try smiling.
When your neighbors don't do right,
Or your relatives all fight,
Sure 'tis hared, but then you might Try smiling.
Doesn't change the things, of course- Just smiling.
But it cannot make them worse- Just smiling.
And it seems to help your case,
Brightens up a gloomy place,
Then, it sort o' rests your face- Just smiling.

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

My Purple

2011-02-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

The second color in the list of my favorite ---

Purple,Violet, Lavender or Lila in other countries,
Morado (as my grand mother called it because she's half Spanish)
紫 (Murasaki) in Japanese,
보라색(po-ra-saek, po-ra-pit, ja-ju-saek, ja-jut-pit) in Korean,
紫色 (zǐsè) in Chinese Mandarin and
紫色 (jísīk) in Chinese Cantonese
Paars in Dutch,
Poni in Hawaii,
Corcra in Irish,
Ungu in Indonesia,
สีม่วง(see-muang) in Thai, and
in our very own language it's Ube.

Purple- the 7th color in the rainbow. a mysterious warm and cool color.
Queen Cleopatra of Egypt's favorite color.
The color is traditionally associated with both nobility and royalty in many cultures.
Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank.
Can boost a child's imagination or an artist's creativity.
The mourning color for widows in Thailand.
Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.
In Feng Shui : Yin, spiritual awareness, physical and mental healing

She's in Purple

2011-02-26T17:58:00.000-08:00

The latest fashion for my baby.

She's attending one of their school activity wearing a purple spaghetti strap cocktail dress, but she's so conservative that she don't want to show her shoulder so I made an additional short pop sleeves bolero to terno the dress.

I just accessorized it with some beads and sequins.
I thought of putting some swarovski sew on crystals but I have no time to travel to Manila to buy.

How do you like it?

As a Single Parent

2011-02-25T02:39:00.001-08:00

Sometime, I'm reflecting with some bitterness about how my life was being eroded away by endless minor tasks. The daily routine and housework. Sometimes doing the job of a carpenter, doctor, interior decorator, tutor, manager, payments collector, accountant, dressmaker

gardener
electronic technician

choreographer

and etc....etc...etc. Sounds like "a jack of all trade" ..^_^..

I felt so completely beaten and demotivated. I can’t seem to find enough energy inside and can't find longer time for my hobbies and passion anymore. Sigh....

But then at the end of the day, after receiving hugs and kisses from my children and seeing them lying and soundly sleeping each on their own bed and healthy I was filled and refreshed. All my exhaustion and tiredness was vanished.

As a single parent, (I keep on saying this) the only treasure I have are my children.

And this is my prayer:

Dear Lord
Thank You for giving me more strength and courage
When I'm tired and ready to give up
You always remind me that You're always with me
and
possesses me with Your love
that my daily actions will not be in vain.

EDSA Revolution 25th Anniversary

2011-02-25T02:39:00.000-08:00

Today, my country - Philippines, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the so-called bloodless revolution, called EDSA People Power’s Revolution. A political upheavals occurring in EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) in 1986. A significant national event that has been engraved in the hearts and minds of every Filipino.

In Edsa highway now around 50thousand people (more or less), politicians, celebrities, media, ordinary persons, rich and poor are joining the celebration, attending parties and participating some programs.The center of the celebration is in Edsa shrine. After the mass was held there,the program started.They even did the renactment of some sence of the actual even.

I could still remember that time, it's just a month and a half that I gave birth to my eldest. I thought it's gonna be an all war in the Phils. already. I was so afraid, so worried for my son, I don't know where to hide him if everything comes worst. I saw soldiers and tanks everywhere even here in the Bulacan (even after several years past you could still see the marks of tank trails on asphalt roads.) But thanks God, He heard the Filipinos calling Him that time. It ended in a short time bloodless.

Please read the link for the complete history:
http://www.philippine-history.org/edsa-people-power-revolution.htm

These songs would be continuously played every year during Edsa Revolution's anniversary as it reminds us of the finest hours of the Filipino People, showing the world how to bring back democracy through peaceful means.

Magkaisa- was composed by Tito Sotto of the fame Pinoy comedy trio "TITO, VIC AND JOEY" who also became a Senator.

Cr: YT byjsoria30ver2

'Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo,' (The Gift of the Filipinos to the World), was composed by Jim Paredes of the APO Hiking Society shortly after the revolt in 1986 in honour of the People Power Revolution which toppled the repressive dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

Cr: YT by kenjigraphics

The Edsa Shrine

The Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA, or more popularly, the EDSA Shrine is a small church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila located at the intersection of Ortigas Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Quezon City. The shrine, built in 1989 originally to commemorate the memories of the People Power Revolution and its peaceful outcome, stands on the site of two peaceful demonstrations that toppled Philippine presidents Ferdinand Marcos (the People Power Revolution or EDSA I) and Joseph Estrada (the EDSA Revolution of 2001 or EDSA II). It is officially called the "Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace" or "Our Lady of Peace Quasi-Parish", although these names are seldom used.

Source: Wikipedia

The Laban sign is a Filipino hand gesture made by extending the thumb and index fingers pointing up, leaving the other fingers closed to create the letter L, hence "laban" (or "fight" in English). It is sometimes mistaken for the "loser" or the "raised gun" gesture, and is generally given as a demeaning sign.

The gesture was popular in 1983 during the funeral of Ninoy Aquino, and in the People Power Revolution in 1986, and it became popular again during the funeral of President Corazon Aquino. This sign was also a common signature of Noynoy Aquino's campaign during the 2010 Philippine elections.

Source: Wikipedia

Note: Our President Binigno (Noynoy) Aquino III now is the only son of the late couple: Sen. Binigno (Ninoy) Aquino,Jr. and Pres. Corazon (Cory) C. Aquino.

Read all about Sen. Ninoy : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benigno_Aquino,_Jr.
Read all about Pres. Cory: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corazon_Aquino

Why Yellow - color motif came from the yellow ribbons that were tied around trees to welcome the return of Ninoy Aquino from exile in 1983. The inspiration came from the song “Tie a yellow ribbon.” But sadly the time he stepped down from the plane he was shot to death.

Yellow accessories

Scented Candles

2011-02-22T04:51:00.000-08:00

Hi, now I just wanna share some of my candle collections as requested by my dearest friend Ida.

Year 2002, I studied a candle making for 1 week. I just learned some procedure how to make candles.

I gave most of my finished product to friends whenever there's an special occasions. A personal gift for them.

The photos I'm sharing now are decorative scented candles that I bought, some are from friends too and some was made by Leny ..^_^..

Bamboo Design

This vase is actually for floating candle but I consume it already
so I put another one but it's bigger now.

In fruits and veggy ceramics

Yummy

I consumed too the candles in the 1st photo, again I replace bigger ones.
In the 2nd photo, it's a set of 3 but "Market" broke the smallest.

1.In cute mugs
2.In a glass w/ metal angel design,
3.Glittered candles and
4. Marble candle

With dried leaves and flowers stick on it

Colored

Jelly candles (some with decorative shells at the bottom)

Pink and red

Lavender in color and scents

Sunflower motive

Romantic candles, received from naughty friends.

Breath, Be confident and Smile

2011-02-15T19:21:00.001-08:00

Found and like these black and white positive thoughts of Eva Juliet that can motivate you to look for a brighter future.

God hears me again

2011-02-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

Last day I received a message from "My Space" acct. Somebody's offering me a job abroad with good payments, food allowance and accommodation, day offs and vacation every 3 months and with other benefits.

I thought of accepting it and my children agreed. But my heart is already breaking to think that I'm leaving them. I'm so confused.

I pray to to our dearest God that if it's really meant for me to accept the job, then "Please sent me sign..."

You know what, the next day when I opened the site to send a reply (of accepting the offer), the message was lost. I tried several times to find it but it's really gone.

I cried.... yes I cried not because it was lost and I regret but because God hears me.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T16:37:00.000-08:00

Carry a heart that never hates...
Carry a smile that never fades...
Carry a touch that never hurts...
and always
Carry a LOVE that always gives.

My Inspirational Alphabet

2011-01-14T23:57:00.000-08:00

A is for Apology

B is for Breathe, Be yourself and Beautiful

C is for Clarity,Compassion, Care, be Creative

D is for Dance

E is for Energy and Enlightenment

F is for Faith,Forgive Quickly, Follow your Bliss

G is for God and Gratitude

H is for Health, Healing,and Hope

I is for Integrity and always say "I Love You" to your love ones

J is for Joyful Journey

K is for Kindness and Karma

L is for Live, Laugh, Listen, learn and Love

M is for Moving on and moving forward

N is for Never regret

O is for “everything is going to be OK”

P is for Peace, Prayer and Power

Q is for Quiet Time

\
R is for Respect and Relaxation

S is for Smile and Sing

T is for Treat yourself well

U is for Understanding

V is for Virtues

W is for Work and Welcome new friends

X ix for eXcellence in all things

Y is for "You are your own best friend"

Z is for Zen

Welcome 2011

2011-01-09T01:02:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas came, my Steph and Denmark got sick due of changing climate every day. Came next my youngest Mycah. But thanks God they’re all well now. And still we attended several parties these past Holidays.

(See my Mycah got new T. bears again from her friends during their Christmas

Party at school. We’ve got an avalanche of T.bears already in the boxes)

Got time too to prepare our own Christmas celebration. Went shopping gifts and foods for our festive Noche Buena.

My sisters and Brothers came with their own families starting Dec.24.Reunion time. The house again was so messy. So many scattered shoes and slippers down stairs and at the door step. So many dishes to be washed on the sink. Toilet was so smelly and always wet 'coz children played even there.

So noisy and crowded that in one corner some were singing with loud Karaoke, in one corner men drinking alcohol and have fun of their own. The women were chatting in one corner too including me. While children were so busy too playing with their new received toys likeBarbie, remote control cars and music playing toys or toys with loud sounds.

My son who doesn't like noise, patiently played with his cousins, shared his collection of transformer robots and other toys and PSP and play station 3.

Some of my nieces that got new Barbie dolls, still asked for my collection too, so again my collection was deducted about 9 dolls now. :(

Looking at them, I found so many changes. Some come thinner; some come stouter and grows bigger. The children came "tween or tweens" (in between 9 to 12 yrs of age), the “tweens” come teenagers. Voices changed too.

Signs of aging can be seen to my brothers and sisters too, like the appearance of silver hairs and slowly balding.wearing of Eye and reading glasses. The invading of melasma on the skin and wrinkles of course. Boys got bigger bellies and girls got bigger hips too ha ha ha,but I thank God that still we're all healthy.

And other members of the Family were added. My youngest brother got married just this last Dec. 6 at the age of 29. And came new babies from my nephews and sister in law. One of my sister got pregnant again (her 4th, but sad to say her eldest died after birth).

We have almost 50 nephews and nieces and 3 grand child already :)

Others stayed in my house for 3 days while others that lived nearby went home but the following day came back to continue our chatting and fun, he he he

At night during sleeping time everybody spread their mats and comforters and slept everywhere. Every room was occupied, in the living room, dining room and even in the kitchen under the table, and in the terrace. My brothers in law slept inside their cars, worrying that their cars might be stolen too.

After the 3rd day they're all gone home. My house again was so quiet.

I was so tired and exhausted but I was so happy too that once again we're all reunited and have a big, big fun celebrating the birth of Christ.

I rested for while but again did general cleaning of the house and prepared for the coming of New Year. Went shopping again for our “Media Noche" (New Year midnight meal).

Bought lots of fruits. It's a tradition to have lots of fruits on the table during New Year celebration ( at least 12 kinds of fruits).And I really enjoyed buying fresh fruits you know.

Before New Year came, outside (our house was just along the busy street) it's so traffic. Everybody was so busy shopping. All malls, super market and wet market were so crowded. Even along the road, you can see vendors selling different foods, fruits, fire crackers and trumpets of different styles and sizes, and even lucky charms for the houses and accessories.

New Year came, of course early morning we went to church to thank God for all the blessings.

Epiphany time came too. To other countries, I learned that it's their second Christmas celebration and it's their time of gift giving, following the “Three Kings” that gave gifts to Christ.

After the 3 kings day ( Jan. 6), it's my time again to change my home decor. My Christmas decor and my Santas will sleep again for another 10 months in their boxes. Again it will take me several days to finish cleaning and packing them safely.

Ooooopps.... I missed my blog; I’ve written so long already, I have to stop here. He he he he.

Bye....

My eye sight

2010-12-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

It's natural that when we age (Oh I hate talking about age) the vision of our eyes changes too, especially when we abuse it and we're lack of Vit.A intake, we're losing our good eye sight.

Like me , it's been more than 10 years now that I'm using eye glasses and contact lenses.

Before I used eye glasses only but I always broke it. In a year sometimes bought 2 to 3 pair of glasses.It's so heavy that it leaves a dark mark on my nose 'til now.

So I decided to use permanently a contact lenses as my ophthalmologist advised. It's so soft and comfortable, though it's time consuming to cleanse it daily.

Now I bought again but the Doctor offered me this new product.

It's a promo that if you buy 3 pairs of clear lenses you've got another 2 pair of clear lenses and 1 pair of colored lenses. In short, buy 1 take 1.

It's cheaper than the other one I used before. But these old one was so comfortable to my eyes as if I wear nothing. Sometimes I used one pair for 3 months long before I change it to another pair.
I hope this new product I bought now won't irritate my eyes. But the Doctor said, it won't, it's just the same as the old one. I trust her, so I'm gonna consume the 6 pairs for more than 1 year.
Hmmm....I save a lot ..^_^..

And perhaps if I wear this colored one, I truly gonna have a "New Look" as the brand name says.

See.... how do I look....still no changes, ha ha ha ha...

And ooops, got red nose like Rodolp ha ha ha, perhaps it’s because I bought and eaten lots of peanut now, that’s why still at my age I’ve got pimples on my nose.

But why in all parts it appeared on the tip of my nose.

My first Mandu (dumplings)

2010-11-29T01:36:00.000-08:00

My first Mandu (dumplings)

I like the taste of Korean foods so much but I can only eat when I go to a Korean Resto. One time I tried to cook one kind of Korean recipe, a Mandu or dumplings. Pls. do send me a message if it's not correct.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup of ground pork
• 2 cups of ground beef
• 2 cups of chopped boo chu (asian chives)
• 4-5 soaked Shiitake mushrooms
• half onion
• half package of tofu
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• salt
• sugar
• sesame oil
• vegetable oil
• fish sauce (patis)
• egg
• green onion
• mandu wrapper

Procedure:
1. Place 1 cup of ground pork and 2 cups of ground beef into big bowl. Add 1 ts of salt, 1 tbs of sesame oil, ½ ts of ground pepper and mix.
2. Wash asian chives (bu chu), dry well with paper towel or cotton cloth and then chop them to make 2 cups. Add 1 tbs of oil and mix. Set aside….
Note: oil will coat vegetables so that liquid would not come out from it.
3. Chop 4-5 soaked shiitake mushrooms and half an onion. Add 1 ts of soy sauce, 1 ts of sugar, and 2 ts of sesame oil and mix.
4. Squeeze half a package of tofu using cotton cloth or paper. Then add a pinch of salt, 1 ts of sesame oil and mix it and put it next to chopped chives.
5. In the big bowl, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and mix all ingredients by hand.
6. Then get a teaspoonful or a bit more of filling and wrap it with Mandu skin.

I bought this container, thought that it’s a good storage for my Mandu and space saver. Though I don’t like so much the colored blue, no choice, there’s no other color available but it’s so cheap ..^_^..

It's my first fried, it's a bit burnt because I forgot to put a small amount of water before I covered the pan..^_^..

Captured Insects

2010-11-16T22:32:00.001-08:00

After visiting my garden in my backyard, I noticed the leaves of one plant that was damaged. I tried to looked underneath the leaves and I've seen a caterpillar.I found it so cute that I took a photo of it.It has a big eyes but it winked when the light flashed.

Then I started taking photos of insects around,

Like the dragonflies...

The red ants that always bite me

The tiny beetle on the wall

The black/red small spider

Kinds of butterflies

The grasshopper that camouflaged the plant, perhaps it thought that I can't see him. It was so surprised when I took him a photo.

And the 2 resting mosquitoes

If only I have a nice camera, I could captured them more beautifully in my lens. For now that's all I could.

October happenings

2010-11-16T22:30:00.000-08:00

* Mommy's b-day, no plan to celebrate, I just attended a mass to thank the Lord for everything. Thank Him that I'm still healthy and aging gracefully. But my friends surprised me, they came to the house with some foods, an instant pot luck.

* We were finishing my Stephannie's project report. A feasibility study with building plan and lay out and model.Though I can it's good that my 6th brother was here, he help and did the plan and we help in making the model though were not an engr. or architect or else we will pay for the professional to make like Steph classmates. And it's good again that I have a background about acctg. I help her about the financial statement too.

* The next morning we found out that our newly bought (just a month old) motor bike that was parked down stair was gone. It was been car napped.

* After the exam my Mycah came home crying and so depressed when she missed to answer the 5 numbers on her test paper. She said she knows very well the answer but why came the moment she's going to answer the question she was suddenly mentally block. She's so worried that she won't be on top ten anymore.

I just hugged her and told her that it's OK, it usually happen to anybody.

I told her I will buy peanuts frequently now to feed her brain more, he he.

* Barangay election was done for more or less 42,025 Barangays all over the Phil island. Election for Barrio captain and 8 councilors.

-for 4 days I can't get rid of the indelible ink in my nail though I washed it thoroughly. I don't know if it's the same to other country that if we vote they put an indelible ink in our nail after to prove that we were voted already.They put this to avoid flying voters.

* Been to my friends b-day celebration. Again I ate a lot :( I can't resist the delicious foods offered. With in this month, I attended to 3 of my friends b-day celebration. Oh my God I'm so heavy now, I feel I have baggage's of cholesterol now. I must go back to the gym to reduced weight.

* Last day of October , every body was so busy preparing for the "All saints and all souls day".Of course me too. I bought foods, candles and fresh flowers . We will bring those to the grave of my mother. Again its party time in the cemetery.

Please send me an angel

2010-10-26T00:07:00.000-07:00

One day I was so worried because I have no collection and when I opened our fridge I have nothing to cook for our dinner. Actually we still have stocks of can goods and processed foods like sausages, hotdogs, nuggets, burgers, tocino, squid balls and spring rolls that I made, have some eggs too. But those are for my breakfast menu and bento of my babies. What I mean of “no foods for dinner” is that, there’s no more fresh meat and fish in my fridge. During our lunch and dinner I always cooked fresh meat or fish and veggies.

So I have to go shopping for our foods but my cash on hand was just enough for all our due date bills. If I go shopping what shall I pay for the bills.

I was so worried and problematic on that day, what shall I gonna do…

I look up to the sky and just say these words..

“Lord, please send me an angel.”

I mean angel, that will pay back their loan to me (well, that’s my remaining very small business, lending). Usually I did a very long conversation to the Lord, expressing to him all my gratitude, worries, sadness, loneliness and needs. It’s always a very long talking and sometimes I'm asking too much, well, I'm always asking an apology for that too . But on that moment, those were the only words I prayed.

(Angel #1) Then after an hour my neighbor (the same person I was always talking to) came to me with some foods, she said her brother celebrated his B-day and there’s a lot of foods prepared. That’s why she brought me some. I just said “Thank you, you’re my angel… you’re right on time, we don’t have foods yet, he he he he.”

(Angel #2) Around 6:00 PM my 7th brother came from Manila and dropped by my house and told me that he got his first payment from his contract. He was so happy telling me the news and gave me a part of his blessings.

(Angel # 3) Our youngest brother too sent me a part of his salary that night too.

(Angel #4) Then the next day my youngest sister in Japan called me, telling that she sent me US$300 too, because she dreamed of me last night.

(Angel #5)In the afternoon my 1st sister from Manila called me and said she sends some for me too.

I was so thankful to them and so amazed because they don’t even know my problems. I never asked help from them. They have their own families and I don’t want me to be the cause of their burden, too. I’m the one who always helped them.

I was so grateful to the Lord, just some few simple words I asked with full of trust on Him, He answered me right away .

He didn’t send me just an angel but 5 Angels.

Praised the Lord

Sept. of my babies

2010-10-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

7 - As usual with spaghetti, ice cream and small mango cake, we just simply celebrate the 15th b-day of my youngest.

8 – Again my youngest was recognized as one of the top 10 in Third yr. high school level for the first quarter.

16 – Stephannie’s Educational Field Trip in
- UP Los Banos – to IRRI (International Rice and Research Institute) and in Dairy Training And Research Institute – to view in actual how to pasteurized milk and the production of cheese.

-Letty’s Buko Pie – observed how to make a buko (young coconut) pie.
- Coca Cola Bottlers – where they learned how the coca cola started and where it came from and seen the production of different kinds of cola.
- Enchanted Kingdom– an amusement park where they enjoyed a lot experiencing the adventure inside.

17 - Every year, since my son started going to school, I always joined with their field trips, but it’s been 2 years now that I was always left behind coz their big now and I want them to be confident

Mycah’s field trip:

In - Bantayog ng mga Bayani
- Gardenia - Gardenia – the company that produces the tasty bread that you can see in every breakfast table of Filipinos.
- and she took these photos from Bio Research

an
- Enchanted Kingdom- And lastly in Enchanted Kingdom – same as her Ate Steph she really enjoyed all the adventures inside with no fear she experienced all the rides.

Hmmmnnn My Mycah said , her admirers exchange seats with the others just to be seated besides her.

21 – my Stephannie’s volleyball team competed for the Bulprisa but sad to say they
got only the 4th place.

My Stephannie is always busy, from Monday to Friday school days, Saturday –practicing volley and then even Sundays she‘s practicing drumming (they form a band group now). Her complexion now is so dark but she never reduce weight though she‘s always tired. It’s good that she didn’t join this year in presidential election for the whole college level. She was the president when she was in 1st year and in 2nd year, now she’s in her 3rd yr, she quit the presidential (no more headaches). She said her study now is harder and harder so she wants to concentrate.

23 – Stephannie won the 1st place in poster making. On Oct. 14th she gonna compete again for the Provincial competition.

The three things in life...

2010-10-06T04:23:00.000-07:00

Photos from: Rose Experten (thanks a lot)

Don't know who's the original author of the words, anybody knows please tell me.

Eggs in my fridge

2010-10-06T02:23:00.000-07:00

Eggs – Stuff my fridge should have. Eggs are one of the few nutritious foods that provide you with a delicious breakfast (even lunch or dinner). And mostly it’s one ingredient we use in some recipes, like as thickener for sauces, base for dressings, coating for breaded fried foods, leavener in baked products and more.

Egg - the easiest digestible, energy boosting protein and help level out blood sugar. Eating two whole eggs per day keeps you within your daily cholesterol range.

I store different kinds of eggs for my daily use.

White eggs and brown eggs(native), there’s no difference in nutritional value and flavor between the two. I often cooked it for breakfast as sunny side up (but the yolk should be broken – that’s the way my children likes their SSU) or scrambled or omelet or poaching or just steamed.

Poached egg....I'm not good in poaching even if I swirl the boiling water still it's in bad form.

Duck Eggs – a bit larger than chicken eggs, good for Leche Plan (popular Filipino Caramel custard - a dessert my children love to eat).

Quail Eggs – So cute and fun to eat. Sometimes I just hard boiled it for the bento of my kids, sometimes I mixed it in veggies, in my chicken pasta soup, or just coat it a flour mixture then deep fry.

Red Salted Eggs - immersed in super-saturated solution of salt for at least 2 weeks and then boiled and colored red. See the link for my old posting about this.

http://lenyschika.blogspot.com/2009/12/salted-duck-eggs.html

And oooops, I almost forgot this one…..

Century Eggs - Duck eggs preserved in lime, ash salt and clay for weeks. – I use this as toppings for my congee or porridge or lugaw)

2 kinds of Filipino lugaw – Arroz Caldo, a chicken porridge and Goto, an ox stripe porridge.

And one kind of an egg that I haven’t bought yet is an Ostrich egg. It weighs between 1 1/2 to 2 kls. Its price is equivalent to 3 kls. of meat or more … hmmmn ,so expensive. It’s available in Manila and other province. But if I have a chance to find it, I may buy just once for curiosity reason. To know how it taste and how hard its shell is. They said it takes an hour to cook it hard boiled.

Hmmmmnn ...wondering if I can use the egg whites of an ostrich egg for my facial care too, he he he ..^_^..

I’m not alone

2010-09-14T03:24:00.000-07:00

There were several times that I was suddenly attacked by depression, frustrations, sadness and loneliness, especially when I’m alone though I really tried to be strong.

One time, I can’t hold my emotions anymore and my tears fall while doing something. I thought I was all alone so I continued my drama in one corner of our room but suddenly I stopped when I noticed that someone was watching me. I looked at him and his eyes seems asking me what had happen and what can he do to please me?

I wiped my tears and smiled and hugged him. Told him not to worry, I won’t cry anymore ‘coz there’s him that made me smile.

Can you guess who's he?

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Yes...it's "Market"

Our one and only very spoiled beloved pussy cat. He’s the one who gives joy to my kids and me.

Grow my own

2010-09-11T22:37:00.000-07:00

Here in our new place, I’m so glad that we have a vacant space at the back.

I can grow again and plant what I want. That’s one of my hobbies even before I was a child – gardening.

I planned to plant some vegetables and my children help me and our “market “too (see him?).

We planted upo (bottle gourd), patola (luffa), squash, eggplant, okra, snow peas, tomato, hot chili, red bell pepper, sitaw (string beans), saluyot (jute), talinum or talelong, alugbate, gabi (taro), and sweet potato (kamote), luya (ginger) and even spring onions in the pot.

I planted lettuce too but its rainy season so it doesn’t work. I’ll plant again later.

My effort of planting and caring everyday my garden was paid in just few months passed. Now I’m harvesting some already like the green leafy…..

It’s a nice feeling to harvest your own veggies and cook it right away because the nutritional peak of veggies is at the moment they are harvested. It’s so fresh, crunchy, and delicious.

Today I harvested my Ampalaya or bitter gourd or bitter melon or Momordica charantia. It’s a veggie or fruit that known for its bitter taste.

Both the Ampalaya leaves and fruits are rich in fiber and nutrients such as iron and potassium; it contains beta carotene, calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin B, too.

Ampalaya is recognized as herbal remedy for a variety of ailments: protects spleen and liver problem, lower blood pressure, for diabetes -regulates or control blood sugar level, relieve skin diseases, sterility in women, kill parasites, relieves fever and cold symptoms, HIV, boosts immunity and used as a disinfectant for cuts and scrapes.

This was my first harvest…and cooked it like this.

Ampalaya con Carne

Ingredients:

Cooking oil
Crushed or minced garlic
1 sliced onion
2 tomatoes cut in cube
¼ kilo ground beef or pork
2 to 3 big Ampalaya (cut length wise and take off the seeds using the spoon, then slice thinly)
1cup of beef broth or water
Salt & pepper
2 to 3 beaten eggs

Procedure:

1.Heat the cooking oil first then sauté the garlic, onion, tomatoes and ground beef, add salt and pepper.
2.Then mix the sliced Ampalaya, stir once, add the broth or water and cover.Take note: never ever stir again until cook to avoid the much bitter taste, believe me.
3.When the Ampalaya is cooked, pour the beaten eggs, cover again and turn off the fire.

This was my second harvest… I added the extra shrimps from my fridge.

Calling Him at the last moment

2010-09-11T22:28:00.000-07:00

One time last summer, when we’re newly moved here in our place, I was so busy cleaning and fixing our things down stairs.

My new neighbor (again, she loves to disturb me) came and had chat with me. It’s summer and sooo, so, so, so hot and I’m so tired and all in sweat.

While my neighbor kept on talking, I felt something strange in me. First I felt like vomiting and then dizziness, next my sense of hearing seems like I’m boarding on a plane. Then my eyes were blocking out and headache.

I made an alibi to my neighbor, told her that I have to go up stairs and prepare for our lunch. She said “OK, perhaps you’re hungry that’s why you look so pale”. Therefore she noticed that am not feeling well that moment.

I was really in bad condition, that when I started to climbed up the stairs, I can’t step my foot anymore it’s so heavy and can’t see anything. Seems that I wanted to pass out, but I tried to crawl to the stairs and thought of my 3 children and prayed to the Lord that if I die, please not now.

I’m half way of the stairs when my youngest saw me and asked me what happened. I don’t know why, but in trembling voice, I just asked her to get me very cold water.

Then before she gets the water she called her big bro to help me. My son helped me sat on the sofa and asked him to open the strongest electric fan and I drunk the iced water that my youngest gave me.

And miraculously after drinking the iced cold water I felt that it seems I was showering under the icy falls. All of my senses came back and felt fine and only slight headache remains but later it’s gone too.

They said I suffered heat struck. If I didn’t force myself to go up stairs and w/o the fast help of my children, I might die instantly at that moment.

At my age, I’m still a very healthy person, never suffered any major illness. But with that kind of attack, it’s so frightening because I’m not ready yet to leave my children behind. Still they are enduring when their father abandoned us, specially my son.

I thanked God so much that He hears me again.

Calling God even at the last moment is so powerful. Believe me.

August

2010-09-04T00:50:00.000-07:00

Aug 11 – Again my youngest brother brought me a new pet. Now it’s an Askal, a native or local white dog. She’s not so cute, she’s so little and lot of fleas. First, I thought not to accept her but my children wanted to adopt her, so she stays. We gave her a bath and put a dog powder for the fleas. First we can’t decide what name we shall call her. So many choices, everybody was suggesting different names. Every name I gave her my children disagree. Ivory, Snowy, Erika, Konata, Sol, Fishball … but finally mommy’s choice wins…. it’s Barbie...^-^...

She’s in the pocket of my brother when they came to us.
This was the exact picture

“Market”, our spoiled cat was so jealous. Every time my son touches Barbie he murmured. But after several days he had no choice but to accept that he’s not the only baby now in the house.

Aug. 14’10 - The Happy Joggers Club presentation for this month was held inside the campus of the public school of Barangay Camachile.

Mycah‘s with me, she’s the one taking video to us but the video was again started at the last half of the music

(Since January I’m not attending my aerobics due of conflict schedules and I was always been tired. It’s been 8 months already since my last attendance, the outcome….. I’m one of the candidates already who have excess baggage (big tummy), yaaaeks…I gain weight, I’m in 60 kls now. My ideal weight is between 48 to 52 kls. So I have to do exercise again but for now still have no time. And I can’t do dieting too, ‘coz I really love to eat. Oh so bad, bad, bad, what a big problem.)

Before the presentation, I told the club members to get another dance instructor ‘coz I can’t teach them now. But actually I really don’t want to choreograph them anymore because the elders were always complaining about my steps. They don’t want so many steps and turnings. They only want simple and lots of repetitions, so boring I thought.

I didn’t rehears, I just got there during the actual presentation, and the dance instructor they got told me that she had a headache and most of her steps were canceled too, he he he.

I told her that we can do nothing, they are not really a dancer and most of them are elders already that can’t bend their bodies easily and quickly anymore that’s why it’s hard for them to follow, but they love to dance, huh.

Believe it or not

2010-09-01T03:39:00.000-07:00

Last May 20, me and my 2 daughters went to the mall to shop some school needs and personal things. And before 7:00pm we’re home.

Around 9:00pm after we have taken our dinner, my youngest was complaining her head was aching and felt dizzy, she’s not feeling well, and then suddenly she vomited.

I gave her cold water because I thought she had eaten bad foods or poison (while we’re shopping she ate a lot again) so to take it out of her system I let her drink cold water to blow everything she had eaten. Then I gave her medicine and I let her sleep.

But around 3:00 am she woke me up and she vomited again. I was so worried already and gave her something to fill her stomach because I know it’s very hard to vomit but nothing comes out. Then she slept again.

Early in the morning she vomited again and she’s so weak already, I was so nervous and in hysteric mode too. But I managed to prepare our tricycle out (a motor bike with side car) to bring her to the hospital, when my neighbor saw me and asked me what happened.

I told her that we just went shopping yesterday and eaten the same foods, so if there’s a poison on the foods why it’s only my youngest was affected.

She said perhaps my youngest was “nabalis” (a sickness supposed to have been gotten from someone who has taken fancy on her or a sort of a slight witchcraft). Perhaps yesterday while we were shopping somebody might admire her secretly.

She told me to try to do something like boiling the dress my daughter worn, or the second option – find a person with black gums and ask her or him to lick the stomach of my child. Yaaaeks, my daughter might be infected with more viruses if I follow the second option, I told her I rather do the first option.

But before doing so I ran and bought more medicine to the drugstore (very near to our house). Then I gave her a bath because she smelled like vinegar already. And I boiled her dress and at the same time I cooked a bone soup for her and after that she fall asleep ‘til lunch time.

I never left her, I stayed by her side worrying so much, I watched her while she’s sleeping. If something bad really happens then I would run her to the hospital. But when she woke up, she smiled and said she’s already “OK”, that seems nothing happened to her. I asked her if she’s very sure, nothings painful, she said absolutely “Yes”.

But still I doubted that something ‘s wrong with my daughter and I want to be sure, in that afternoon still I brought her to the doctor, but the doctor just laughed and said my daughter is very healthy after checking her and taking some lab test.

Wow! … Should I believed the “balis and the boiling ritual” or it’s the medicine and my hot bone soup that cured my baby. I never believe in any superstitious beliefs and stuffs because of my strong faith to God.

But whatever it is, I’ll do anything for the sake of my children.

And thanks GOD, He always helps me.

Hi, I’m back!!!!!!!

2010-08-30T03:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I may not be blogging everyday but promise to visit often. Since we moved I missed blogging so much.This fast 4 months, here are some of my activities….

April 11 – the first night we sleep to our new rented place. It’s an old wooden house, but its 2/3 cheaper than our previous house. It’s a walking distance to the church, market, schools, groceries, banks, hospitals , beauty salons and restaurants because we’re now living at the heart of the town proper. My whole month of April was so busy fixing and organizing our stuffs and furniture

The first week of May, we went to several town fiestas.

May 9 - we attended the funeral rites of my best friends’ only daughter that died suddenly by car accident in San Francisco, California at the very young age (25).

May 10 – The first automated election here in the Phils. was done and to my disappointment it was not easy and organize. We wasted our whole day lining up under the blazing sun just to vote. It’s so tiring.

-Mothers Day - my children gave this card to me.

May 19 - I enrolled my 2 daughters for the next school year.

June 9 - alas the new Pres. and V.P was proclaimed successfully.

June 12 – Independence Day

June 15 - first day of school classes. Again, have to wake up as early as 4:00 am to prepare and cook foods for breakfast and bento of my children.

- It’s my deceased mom’s B-day, we went to the memorial park to visit my mother’s grave and later we offered a mass in the church for her.

- On the same date the K-pop U Kiss group came here in the Phils. to perform.

June 16 - The Beast arrived

June 17 - Kim Hyun Joong of SS501 arrived too and did Mall shows and concert last July 19 with the Beast.

June 19 – The last presentation of HHC under Mayor Toti Reyes administration. He lost this last election and the previous Mayor won again (Mayor Arnel Mendoza).

June 30 – The inauguration of Philippine 15^th President Elect Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III and V.P. Elect Jejomar Kabawatan Binay at Quirino Grandstand, Mnl.

July 17 – The first presentation of HHC under Mayor Arnel’s administration. But our title was change to HJC which means Happy Joggers Club, because before Mayor Toti’s term, our club was called Joggers Club then changed to Happy Hearts Club. And now since the club members are mixed of Toti and Arnel’s loyalist, they mixed the title too to make it even, Happy Joggers Club. Well for me, whatever, it’s no problem ‘coz both elected Mayors are my friends.

With Ex Mayor Toti Reyes last March 20’10

With Re-elect Mayor Arnel Mendoza last 1998

And for the month of August…… hmmmmm…. I’ll write later. For now this is enough..^_^..

Happy Easter Every one

2010-04-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

The Holy Week Procession in Baliwag

2010-04-02T05:53:00.001-07:00

On our way home from my friends house, I saw that there were so many floats gathering near the Church.

Yes there's a procession tonight. I took some photo's again and a very short video before the procession start. It's more now that last year but still I didn't captured them all. So tired running after the other floats, didn't notice that I've been walking around for long hours. There's still sun light when I started taking photos and it's so dark already when I ended and I can't even walked fast because there were lots of people blocking my way.

Sermon in the mountain

Teasing Jesus

The wedding in Cana Galilea (see the Jars)

Jesus announces His death

Jesus changed image

Jesus visited Marta and Maria's house in Betania

Mary Magdalene wiped Jesus feet with perfume

Jesus and the Samaritan

Jesus healed the blind

Lazaru's resurrection

Jesus enters Jerusalem

Weeping in Jerusalem

Cleaning the Temple

Jesus bids farewell to His mother

The last supper

The washing of His apostles feet

Praying in the garden of Gethsemane

Sorrowful Jesus in the garden

Judas betrayed Jesus

Jesus healed the ear of Malco that cut by St. Peter

The captured of Jesus

Jesus and Anas

Jesus and Pontius Pilate

2nd time Jesus faced Pontius Pilate

Choosing between Jesus and Barabas

Washing hands of Pontius Pilate

Asking Him predictions

Crowning with thorns

Mocking Jesus

The Holy Week Procession in Baliwag II

2010-04-02T05:31:00.000-07:00

Jesus judged by P. Pilate

The acceptance of the cross

The carrying of the cross

Jesus the Nazareth

The 1st fall of Jesus

Jesus meets His mother

Veronica wiped the face of Jesus

Face marks of Jesus in Veronica's cloth

The 2nd fall of Jesus

The 3rd fall of Jesus

Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus to carry His cross

Jesus agreed to be nailed

Striping his clothes

Giving Jesus vinegar with bile

The crucifixion

Installing the cross

Mary was entrusts to John and vice versa by Jesus

His cafe was used

Longinos cuts the ribs of Jesus

Removing His body from the cross after he died

Pieta

Ready to be buried

San Entierro - Jesus laid in glass

Virgen De La Soledad

Sta. Maria of Betania

Sta. Marta

Sta. Cleofe

Maria Susana

Mary Magdalene ... (ehemmmm..)

St. John Evangelist

Mater Dolorosa - The Grieving Mother

Sta. Salome

Pancit Palabok

2010-04-02T04:56:00.000-07:00

Usually every Good Friday aside from going to church though there's no mass, we always watch where there's a Penitencia (devotees who self-flagellate and sometimes even have themselves nailed to crosses) or watch any Passion play called Sinakulo, or listen the commemoration of Jesus' Seven last words (called Siete Palabras). But seems like I'm so tried that I don't want to go out and my children too.

We missed the long street procession the other night, I thought there's another one last night but they changed the schedule ( how come I didn't heard that, I'm so damn). But if you want to review just visit the link, I posted it last year...

http://mychikara.blogspot.com/2009/04/good-friday-penitent.html http://mychikara.blogspot.com/2009/04/good-friday-procession.html

We're just watching TV to know watch the happening to other places, no regular TV shows, all local shows are religious related except cable channels.

Most people in the cities head to the provinces for the long Easter weekend, most stores and malls are closed. I can hear here in our house the voices of the people singing the Life story of Jesus Christ (Passion of Christ) from the church, we called it Pabasa. Some family do it to their own place, they sing the whole 'Pasyon' book for 24 hours - nonstop, of course not by one person only but alternately and visitors and volunteers are allowed to read, I mean to sing too. And foods too are offered to the readers and visitors.

Around 1:00 pm, the phone rang and on the other end was my friend, asking me why I didn't come to their place and watch the "Penitencia".

I told her that I was not in the mood to go out and it's so hot outside. She got mad at me (not seriously) because she said she prepared a "Pancit Palabok "for us, and it's so scrupulous to make and who's gonna eat that noodles.

I answered, Noodles again, I cooked stir fried noodles today too but... Owkie..Owkie... we go na, just to eat her Pancit Palabok, he he he.

Pancit is a Filipino term for noodles. And there are lots of pancit variation Filipinos have. Me I cooked today a Pancit Bihon Guisado (stir fried noodles). And my friend cooked a Pancit Palabok - smothered with a thick, golden shrimp sauce and topped with: Shrimp, ground pork rind (she mix the shrimp and pork with the veggies), hard-boiled egg(sliced), tinapa (smoked fish) flakes, freshly minced green onion, pork sitsaron (coarsely pounded) and fried minced garlic(but hers was a bit burned :)

See my Shirt... so nice isn't it.

Bought K-Pop CDs

2010-03-31T04:21:00.000-07:00

Today, Wednesday, me and my 2 daughters went to a mall near here in our house.

Our original plan was to go to Manila, but we just changed the plan because this week is "Holy Week". Lots of people come back home to their home town, so it means to say that the traffic is so tight and all terminal buses are busy and "full pack"( I'm using the words again , he he he).

To go to Manila is so easy and fast but coming back home is so hard. I don't want to line up in terminal for how many hours just to take a ride back home, and I don't want to rent a car either just like I always used to (I'm a bit thrifty now he he)

So we just decided to shop here but there's no 'The Face Shop' outlet here, so I have to cross the item I need to buy in TFS in my list :(

First stop to the book store, my babies bought a new sketch pads and anything that they need for their drawing hobby. They love to draw so much you know specially my youngest princess and their hands are really good not like me, my drawing is no good :( . Me just bought one on sale Jap. craft magazine. That's what I love so much , anything handy craft, but no no no to drawings.

Next stop to the record bar. I bought K-Pop CD's (Korean Pop) though it 's a bit expensive - TVXQ and Super Junior. I like the Mirotic of TVXQ and the Sorry, sorry of S.J.

But actually I'm looking for the CD of U kiss because I've heard that they gonna releasing their album here under Universal Records but still it's not available here in the province ( that's why I want to go to Manila). There' s no SS501 too, but I saw BOA, fx, SNSD, and Shinee albums.

Then we walked around the mall browsing all the new items but shop nothing. Then last stop to the grocery, bought some fresh fruits and my children love Jap. mayonnaise and Jap. snacks only. Actually I've done my grocery shopping yesterday for the whole week.

On our way home, Mycah again have her favorite Jap. corn on her right hand and on her left is an ice cream, while my Stephannie, have the large Zagu ice cold drink on her right hand and on her left is a box of tiny Bibingka(rice cake) that they will share to their Kuya Mark (elder Bro.) back home.

U Kiss in the Philippines

2010-03-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

As I was assisting my friend to her house, the TV was opened and I peeped once in a while.

There's a new Sunday noon time show in GMA7 entitled "Party Pilipinas". I spotted the U Kiss performed on the pilot telecast of the said program.

Yes they were here to promote their new album. They toured malls and appeared on several TV shows.

Bingeul Bingeul
(빙글빙글) (Round and Round)
YT by starmovidz (thanks)

U-Kiss interviewed by Tim Yap and Carla Avellana.

Read Liezle's blog 'coz she's so lucky to meet them in person and have a photo together with U Kiss.

http://liezle.blogspot.com/2010/03/u-kiss-made-me-blush.html

Rehearsal 3/27'10
YT by liezle11(thanks)

Need to recharge

2010-03-28T02:47:00.000-07:00

Today Sunday.... still sleepy, I over time the curtain of my friend, I should deliver those this morning.

Early evening last night my 3 children helped me cut the cloth for the ruffles. First they cut it in half then they cut again the 2nd half to half.The first half was done by my son and the 2nd half that was divided were done by my 2 daughters.

They're always like that, every time they did something, they do it together, helping each other, sharing everything.

Then after a while my 2 daughters went up stairs to do their own stuffs and sleep but my son watch me the whole night 'til morning. He didn't sleep too.

By 5 am I was finished and I rested for an hour. Then took a bath and prepared to go to the church because today is Sunday and not just a simple Sunday but a Palm Sunday. We attended the 8 am mass.

Lots of people, the church was 'full pack', no vacant sit, so we were just standing hearing the whole mass outside the church. I decided outside 'coz inside the atmosphere were suffocating already, outside although we're standing the air was fresh and still we can see the altar and the priest 'coz there's a monitor every where.

This is our new Palaspas (blessed palm), much simple than last year.

I posted Palm Sunday last year.... see the link ...
http://mychikara.blogspot.com/2009/04/palm-sunday-tradition.html

After the mass we went home and took our breakfast.

Then me and Stephannie delivered and fixed the curtain in my friend's house. It's so simple, soft, light and freshly looking in actual. Glad my friend like it so much. She want's to pay me cash but I refused 'coz she's my friend and that's one way I could help her (actually she's my best friend and no pix of her published here yet).

Then I helped her in assisting her visitors during lunch time since I know them all too. By 3 pm we went home 'coz I'm too sleepy and energy no more... really need to recharge :(

Busy again....

2010-03-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

The whole yesterday 'til this morning I was assisting my landlady to prepare the foods for the celebration of the first year death anniversary of her husband. She was all alone ( all her 5 children were so busy with their works that can't even help her) so I help her. But I don't cook, I just prepared all the things needed and do the chopping, cutting, shredding and grinding, mixing and coating the ingredients. And of course some fixing, washing and cleaning.

And this afternoon my other friend came, begging me to make her a curtain for her newly build house. Take note- A newly build house, so it means to say .... curtains for the whole house!!!! Today is Friday and it should be hang in her house by Sunday, because the house blessing is on Sunday. Ohhh my goodness, I can't really refused my dear friend.

So we rushed to her house to have the measurement and went back in my home to start my calvary :(

Just imagine I only have a day and a half to finish it. The Good thing is she just chooses the simple and easy style, 'coz she don't want to spend more for the cloth.

HHC 5th Anniversary

2010-03-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

Today we're celebrating the 5th yr. anniversary of HHC in Angat Dam Hall again.

Actually the group was established long time ago under the name 'Joggers' but since the Mayor was changed last 9 years ago, Joggers was abolished and after 4 years the group was reformed and rename as 'Happy Hearts Club' and lead by the First Lady of the town (Mayor's wife).

We have some fun and games and dance performances.

With our present Mayor Toti Reyes of Bustos, Bulacan and some members.

Actually I'm wearing a belt but I took it off 'coz I can't eat a lot, ha ha ha.

Been with friends in 3 days

2010-03-14T04:59:00.000-07:00

March 12, 2010 - SKB General Assembly

I have to attend in this General Assembly since I'm one of the Original BOD of this Cooperative.
It's been 12 years now that we established this and now it's still surviving but this year our income though it's not break even it's very small to be divided among members compared to the last pass years. I'm not a BOD anymore, I quit 'coz I can't manage to handle more responsibilities but my shares maintain.

March 13, 2010 - HHC Monthly Presentation

March 14, 2010 - Sta. Monica Cooperative General Assembly

I'm not a member of this cooperative, they just invited us to perform 2 dance number. Actually they gave me a yellow colored T shirt again but I requested to change it's for I wore yellow t- shirt for 2 days already so they did change it to green, I want pink but no more size.

It was held in Angat Dam Hall, although the river is a bit dry still it's so windy.
While waiting for our dance number, we just sat on the floor in one corner and silently making fun of our own when suddenly I heard the MC calling my stub number, telling that I won a grocery pack. Oh... lucky ...lucky me, he he he.. but nobody took me a photo :(

After the assembly, it's almost 6:00 pm, we went straight to the house of one of our member 'coz they we're celebrating the baptismal of her nephew. We took our dinner there and again I ate a lot.

Me....so busy

2010-03-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

Doing the daily routine like cleaning the house, cooking our foods, washing clothes (last few months I endured the hand washing but last week thanks God I bought a new washing machine already) and ironing too and daily managing my very small business ( that I don't know 'til when it's gonna survive, my business now a days is no good). Just thinking how to survive in life my hair is thinning and my beauty is fading already, LOL.

And this past week aside from attending my dance rehearsals, I'm supporting for my kids too with their school activities like joining the volleyball and chess board competition but sad to say they didn't get in to the top :(

Since this month is the final month of the school year, they have lots of projects to do. Lots of assignment that I can't resist to help my children. Like researching some subjects, buying all they needs, finding people that gonna be interviewed for their reports, helping making scrapbook of the whole class, helping to make a script for their drama presentation (Oh I never thought that my Stephannie is a script writer now, he he he) and making some props.

My youngest took 2 kinds of exam PAT (Provincial Achievement Test) and then the NAT( National Achievement Test) But we're not worrying about those exam. What she's reviewing now is for their final exam this coming Monday and Tuesday - 3/15 & 16.

Being a single parent attending all the needs of my 3 children made me so busy that sometimes I really don't know where my strength comes from.

Thanks God that He give me a healthy body and mind,and though I'm striving for life sooooo hard still I made the life of my children no miserable *^_^*

HHC in Broadway

2010-02-28T20:51:00.000-08:00

Last Feb. 25'10, Thursday, some of HHC members decided to watch the noon time entertainment show (Eat Bulaga) of GMA channel in Broadway Centrum. And they want me to join with them, so I did.

We've traveled so early because we were not registered yet and no reservation. We're just a walk-in audience, so we have to be the first in the line for the walk-in audience because the persons that can walk in are limited.

We waited for the whole morning and we ate our breakfast while we're on or in the line. By 10:00 AM we entered in the main studio but before that, all our cell phones and gadgets, fans, ballpens, foods and drinks and even candies were not allowed inside, so we have to leave our stuffs on the guards counter. They thoroughly inspect our bags and even my chopsticks with case was lifted. I brought chopsticks with me to use every time I eat :)

Then when we're inside, they assigned us to sit far behind because the front sits were reserved for the registered audiences. I was so dis appointed because I can't see clearly the faces of the stars, specially when everybody was given a balloons to wave every time the director said so.

Before the show begun, we we're instructed what we should have to do, how and when to clap, how to dance with the stars and dancers, what to shout if ask, and what to say and react if your lucky to be called as one of participants during game time or an instant winner.

Each of us received a hard board with numbers, coded colors and shapes. If the participants lose the game, then they will raffle the numbers and give the price to the lucky audience with the lucky number picked.

And there were 2 Gay entertainers too, who did some comedy every commercial breaks. So it's not boring.

But in my mind, it's better to watch TV at home, because I can see clearly and I can lean on my sofa and having some snacks. While in studio sitting far behind was not so satisfying.

Then after the show, we got back our things from the guard. And our leader got a note of requirements for registration and reservation for the next time we go there. She said she will complete all the requirements by next week(0h, I mean this week) and submit it, so that we will be scheduled soon. How soon???.... perhaps after 3 to 4 months later :(

And then we ate again and went shopping afterwards because there's a grocery and some boutique on the first floor of the building of Broadway Centrum.

Then we waited again for hours because our driver was missing... missing... missing... oh he went somewhere .... and suffice to say I got home by 9:oo in the evening and I was really so tired.

But my babies were so noisy and said that they didn't see me on TV. (While the show's on air they viewed the audience once in a while.) They said they kept on looking for me but no mommy seen on screen, ha ha ha ha....

So I told them the story while they're eating my take home box of donuts so fast. I told them too, how fast the stuffs cleaned and changed the sets and props for the next segment of the show while the commercial was on air and blah, blah, blah... the story ended, and they just laughed at me. And my Mycah prepared the dinner table for me.

All pictures were taken outside the studio before and after we surrendered our cell phones and camera.

We were waiting in line at the back of the building.

Having some fun while waiting.

We're inside the building already here.

After the show and shopping , we're waiting for our lost driver here.

That's my day with out my children.

*^__^*

My Crochet

2010-02-17T01:30:00.000-08:00

One of my pastime this last few months was doing a crochet, that my son called me granny 'coz I'm doing this already. Is this for an aged crafts? I don't think so, 'coz I started learning this when I was still in my elementary years.

Before Christmas I made a lots of (what you called this) a Glass dress ?
I thought it's a nice gift for my close friends, my self made gift for them. 6 pcs. in one set with 6 glasses too. Their favorite color is green, all of them even my landlady here, so I made all green for them.

The rest are mine.

My small size doilies. Don't want to make it bigger 'coz I easily get bored and I want my project finish at once.

I made coasters too.

Here's where I got my patterns.

My Chinese Decor

2010-02-16T20:01:00.001-08:00

May be like me, most of you wondering why Chinese have their own New Year Season. Like Westearn Country they prepare a lot for the coming of New Year Holidays. Their so busy preparing festive foods and doing general cleaning in and out of their houses and offices, to ward away the bad luck of the passing year.

Though not totally influence by Chinese culture, Filipino people too sometimes believe and practice Chinese traditions and put some good luck things in their houses.

And I have some of those too that they said are lucky ornaments in the house. Some were just given to me by friends. But whether they are good luck or not I find them as beautiful displays in my house. And my belief is that my "Faith to my Creator" that brings good luck to me. And of course with self discipline and hard work.

Symbolic word to bring about good fortune in the new year,
in front door but actually don't know what's the meaning of this,
perhaps "harmony"....pls. correct me if I'm wrong.

Placing harmonious wind chimes at the entrance of a home will help to contain good fortune, while also warding away evil spirits.

The Golden Ingot - an ancient Chinese currency.
Gold ingots symbolize wealth, abundance and prosperity.

Carp fishes are strongly associated with wealth.
Symbol of endurance, perseverance and fortitude.
In Buddhism the fish symbolizes freedom from all restraints.

Dolphins - Symbolizing the wisdom, peace, harmony, responsibility, caring and love

The presence of 8 immortals (Pa Hsien) in one’s home is said to bring peace and happiness to the homeowner.

ZUANG GUOLAO ( CHANG KUO-LAO)

He is represented as an Old Man riding a donkey. As a rule with his mule and carrying drum and iron sticks.

ZHONG-LI QUAN( CHUNG-LI CHUAN )

This is the familiar Fat Man with his bare belly showing. He always carries a fan and sometimes a peach. He represents the military man and considered the Chief of the Immortals.

HAN XIANG-ZI ( HAN HSIANG-TSU )

This is the happy Immortal that is always seen playing a flute.I t is said that Han could make flowers bloom with just his will, and soothe wild animals with his music. Patron deity musicians.

HE XIAN-GU ( HO HSIEN-KU )

One of two female Immortals, He Xian-Gu carries with her a magical Lotus flower.

LAN CAI-HE ( LAN TS'AI-HO )

The second woman amongst the Immortals is always shown wearing a tattered blue gown and only one shoe. The strolling singer, with basket of flowers as her symbol, and is usually carried with her.

LI TIE-GUAI ( LI TIEH-KUAI )

He is the most recognizable of the Eight Immortals.The Iron crutch Li. He is depicted as a lame beggar carrying a double gourd and crutch.

LU DONG-BIN ( LU TUNG-PIN )

With fly-whisker, look like or dress like scholar that has a magic sword used to slay dragons and demons. The patron deity of barbers.

CAO GUO-JUI ( TS'AO KUO-CHIU )

The patron deity of actors, finest dressed of the Eight Immortals. He is always shown wearing formal court dress and carrying castinets or a jade tablet of admission to court.

The laughing Buddha embody the ideals of the good life, health, happiness, prosperity and longevity.
Laughing Buddha of Love - sitting in love and compassion
Laughing Buddha of Prosperity - holding a Ru-Yi Pot or Bowl of Plenty up to the universe for receiving abundance.
Laughing Buddha of Safe Travel - on a journey with a hemp sack full of protection.
Laughing Buddha of Happy Home - sitting on a large gold nugget representing solid foundation, with a smaller nugget in his hand to give to others.
Spiritual Journey Buddha - dressed for the journey in fine robes, with a fan for understanding and a sack to collect insights.
Laughing Buddha of Long Life - sitting with his fan hat and enjoying the good life!

The couple

Elephants are known to be very spiritual, nurturing and loving creatures, greatly affected by family ties. And signifies strength, energy and wisdom.

The Three legged frog often with a coin in the mouth,signify tremendous good fortune and prosperity in Feng Shui.

The 8 running horses
Horses symbolizes power, grace, beauty nobility, strength and freedom.
I have lot of horses figurines but they are still in my storage, so no photos yet.

The 3 House Gods: Fuk, Luk and Sau

FUK - God of prosperity and good luck, the one holding a scroll.
LUK - God of honor and abundance, holding a scepter that symbolizing power and authority.
SAU - God of health and long life, with walking stick.

HHC - Feb'10

2010-02-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

Our HHC Valentine Assembly was held in Bustos Gymnasium last Friday, Feb. 12'10, hosted by Barangay Poblacion.

I'm not in the mode to participate so I never attended our daily rehearsals, because it will be held at night and because the election is fast approaching, there are so many politician that will come and I hate to hear them repeatedly saying their undone platforms and promises (so boring you know). But the day of the assembly my group called me and begging me to attain. So I went there just for the attendance and in my mind I well just escape early after but I can't escape, they watched me tightly. When it's their turn to perform they really forced me to join, they said I can do it 'coz the steps were really so easy, so I did. And I came home so late, it's almost 1:00 A.M. and I felt so sleepy and tired .

Got few photos, my camera was not in the mode too.
All photos were not good.

My Purrfect Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

Me..having a Purrfect Valentines day!!!!

See ... My adopted "Market" have grown up so fast.

Happy Lunar New Year

2010-02-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

Lunar New Year In Chinese

The Chinese most important traditional holidays is the Lunar New year (also called spring festival). It begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as chu xi ("Year-pass Eve").

Concerning the celebration, the people will buy presents, food, clothing and lots of decoration and materials for good luck. Thoroughly cleans the house to sweep away any ill-fortune to make way for good incoming luck. Windows and doors will be decorated with red color paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of “happiness”, “wealth”, and “longevity”. And during the Eve of Chinese New Year, a festive supper with families. All special foods and sweet delicacies on the table. And lightning with firecrackers will end the night.

In the next early morning, children will greet the elders by wishing them a healthy and happy new year, and receive money in red paper envelopes (known as Hong Bao in Mandarin, Ang Pao in Taiwanese Hokkien and here in Philippines too and Lai See in Cantonese, and li xi in Vietnamese) .

Chinese has had influence on the new year celebrations of its geographic neighbors too, like Koreans (Seollal), Tibetans and Bhutanese (Losar), Mongolians (Tsagaan Sar), Vietnamese (Tet), and the Japanese before 1873 (Oshogatsu).

Seol-nal In Korea

Note: "Seol-nal" pronounced as “seol-lal”.

This holiday started today and will end the next day (3 days holiday - Feb. 13-15) but the actual "Seol-nal" is tomorrow, Feb. 14'10, same date as Valentines day.

They said that"Seol-nal" or the Lunar new year is one of the two biggest holidays in Korean and the other one is the Thanksgiving day or “Chu-seok”, that is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar (Sept. 21-23'10, 3 day holiday too). These holidays are based on the lunar calendar, the dates on the Gregorian calendar changes every year.

It is said that the wife of the first born son of the family are the ones who will prepare foods and everything for the celebration of the holidays. And as I've heard that made most Korean women hate the holiday.

On the first day , they do all the cooking and preparations for next morning’s offering for the ancestors in the eldest son's house. They had to make “tteok” or rice cakes, “mandu” or Korean dumplings, “jeon” or panfried food and “banchan” or side dishes.

On new year’s day, the adults wake up early to prepare the table for the ancestral rites called “cha-rye”. Foods to be offered are prepared and place properly and attractively on wooden containers (“je-gi”). Every food group has to be represented. There should be food taken from the land as well as the sea. Everybody wears a “hanbok” (traditional korean clothes). Only the men are allowed to do the offering for the ancestors, but the women in my family also pay respects by bowing (called “jeol”).

The men of the family offer the food to the ancestors by placing the spoons in the rice. They will also fill the wooden cups with wine (“sul”) and place them on the stand. After the offering, a white paper with the ancestors’ names written on it is burned. The descendants then bow (men first then the women) and after wards drink the wine and eat the food on the altar.

Then the juniors bow to the seniors and receive their new year’s “sebe ton” (money). And after the ceremony, it's the only time that the whole family can eat thier breafast in the table full of foods same as what they offered in the altar for their ancestors.

Then, they would have to visit the tombs of the ancestors.