Wednesday, October 28, 2015

#AttitudeGratitude: 30 Things I'm Grateful For

The Western World will be celebrating Thanksgiving next month. Isn't if fun if we celebrate it too? No! I'm not talking about the turkeys and the pumpkin pies, instead just a simple gestures of acknowledgement and being grateful for the blessing received.
Boring huh! 
Well, not for me. Channel of channelmarie.com inspired me to list down 30 things I'm grateful for. I'm no famous person but for the chance to exist in this world is definitely worth it. Also this makes me notice that blessings are everywhere and it only takes a little of my time to stop, appreciate and be grateful with it.
Photo Credits to Jimmy L


30 Things I'm Grateful For

1. Parents 
They are not from a well-off family and raising 6 kids is one of the hardships they probably endure but they did it! I heard some relatives offer to raise one of us, thankfully they never given us up.

2. Siblings
Aside from knowing that household chores are divided among us, you can have someone you could put the blame to when something messed up at home! LOL :D Kidding aside, siblings support each other. They stand by each other no matter what. They are the first to respond whenever help calls for it. We may often fight over petty things but we patch things up easily and forget why we fought. En, Da, Eu, Jing, Gie --- I miss you much. Hoping for a get together soon.

3. Cousins
Teasing and bullying are not new to me, because it somehow train me to face and deal it. Hand-me-down clothes? I have lots of them thanks to my cousins. Wandered to other places? Overnight? This I could only do with cousins. Older cousins are also good influences too thus this give assurance to our parents that all is well when we are with cousins.

4. Neighbors 
Good neighbors watch each other's back. They are willing to help when there's problem. They give you yummy dishes even if there is no occasion. Watch over your kids when something urgent is needed to do. How's that?

5. Friends 
I don't have as many friends as others have yet I'm thankful for those who remember, those who asked if I'm still doing okay, those who loves to spend time with me, those who doesn't mind the comforts as long you have a lot of fun, those who not only stick through happy times but also through my sad times. You know who you are. Thanks.

6. COCS 
The school I attended during my primary years who molded me both in academics and in character.

7. MPSC 
Where I spend my high school and college days. Though not as prestigious as the other private colleges or universities in our place, I'd still say it still is one of the respected school back then. For P80 per semester, you have all the privileges every state college student enjoy. 

8. Teachers 
For their passion and dedication to instill knowledge and inspire to go through the difficulties.

9. Classmates
Those Bible verses are easier to memorize with you. Studying together, being punished together, climbing trees even in skirts, eating cacao beans at the back of the church, eating clover chips with ketchup, watching movies at someone's house --- I tell you these are precious memories. Classmates are willing to share snacks, notes, papers, pencils, crayons and even share secrets and gossips about crushes. Those were the days.

10. Hubby 
My friend, my enemy, my partner, my lover. Who, despite my flaws and abnormality, never gets tired loving me. You may not hear it often, I love you too and thank you.

11. Books
For knowledge, entertainment and develop one's creativity.

12. In-Laws
 Who is always on your side even if you are wrong... hahaha.

13. My Kids
Quite mischievous at times but I have to admit it I find it very amusing. I can't get enough of their tantrums, their kisses, their way of reasoning, their hugs, their loud cries, their cuddles, so while they still shower me with it might as well enjoy every bit of it.

14. CS Delivery 
Whoever discovers Ceasarean Section as another method of giving birth, I am truly thankful. Don't take me wrong, I have always consider normal delivery as my first option and I even waited for my delivery due date before opted for CS. I even tried induced labor but my pelvic bone just didn't want to cooperate. 

15. Work 
It help me and my family financially though we're aiming to go away from the rat race, we can't deny the fact that work is a blessing that really helps bring food to our table, give comfort at home, send kids to school, pay bills, help family in need. 

16. Nanny 
Being at work for more than 9hrs a day for 5 days a week is not fun but knowing that your kids are in the hands of those who will take good care of them as their own children is a big assurance.

17. 5 Senses 
Eyes to See. Ears to Hear. Nose to Smell. Tongue To Taste, Hands to Touch. Isn't it amazing being able to see and appreciate the beauty of God's creation? Or isn't it amazing being able to listen comfort words of loved ones? Or appreciate and distinguish bad and good smell? Or get to satisfy one's palate? Or touch or hug? Wonderful isn't it? 

18. Holidays 
Whole year of work and no play makes me dull :) I'm thankful there are rest days or Philippine holidays. Its a venue for de-stressing and spending time to those who matters most. It is the time to talk and listen, laugh on jokes, cook together or sleep together. 

19. Nephews and Nieces
They are cute and loud and funny and adorable just like my kids...hehehe

18. Oven and Baking Stuffs 
My happy pill!

19. Nature
Oh, what a beauty!

20. Natural Therapy
I'm thankful that there is a holistic option other than using synthetic medicines. Though I am not against these synthetic medicines (we take some) but I like the idea of using natural methods such as use herbs or foods or even exercise before resorting to chemicals or conventional medicine.

21. Internet 
Makes communication with family and friends easier.

22. Music
Soothing to my ears. Make me feel loved too!

23. Home
There is no place like home. Its our happy place. Home is where the heart is :D

24. Good Health
For keeping me in good shape and not a burden to my family.

25. Grandparents
My spoiler

26. Transport
Earth is the most beautiful planet ever created. Exploring its beauty is best and I am thankful for all modes of transportation that makes you safely go to one place or another.

27. Blog 
It has become my outlet at some point. It washes away loneliness and homesickness. It open a new door to meet new friends with their unique stories. 

28. Bloggers Community. 
For inspiring and sharing your knowledge through your beautiful and powerful words. Sharing your experiences about motherhood, food, travel, backpacking, technology and even fashion.

29. Jesus 
For His Love and Sacrifices so we can be save.

30. God
and His Grace. My creator.

How about you? What are you grateful for? 

#iBlogForCebu #iBlogForCBC

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Contentment from a 9-yr old

We attended a birthday party of a friend's daughter.
The host invited all the children to gather. First game was "Guess the Riddle" wherein the host gives the riddle and the first child to give the correct answer receives a prize. The first riddle was given, Honey raised her hand and gave the answer. Her answer is correct. She collected her reward and return to our seat. I told her to go back to the game area as the game is not yet done. She just stared at me. Then comes the second riddle. I saw her smile, I know she knows the answer. I told her to raise her hand and answer again. She didn't listen. Then the third riddle, she still knows it.
"Ate, answer the riddle so you can get another reward", I told her.
"But I already have a reward Ma!, ang uban nasad!", she snapped.
("But I already have a reward Ma!, give others the chance!")

Now, its my turn to stare her. 
Silent. 
Thinking.
Was I teaching my kid to become selfish?
Was my action reflects discontentment?

I understand her simple happiness with the reward she received and for her its already a treat, already enough.

Then I remembered Moses' instruction on getting enough manna needed for the day yet the people didn't listen, thus the manna was spoiled. 

If only adults think the way like the children...
If only adults learn to be contented in small things...
if only adults listens...

...then life would have been simpler, more comfortable and fulfilled.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

AjiPanda™: Your Best Friend in the Kitchen

Anyone who loves to cook surely knows AjiPanda™ .

AjiPanda™ is a cute panda icon that conveys someone shy, caring, happy and loyal. This panda personifies how a humble pack or bottle of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning fills the role of “Your Best Friend in the Kitchen” by offering an ever-reliable way of bringing out the natural goodness of food. 

Ajinomoto’s new campaign, which also features teen queen Kathryn Bernardo, presents the benefits of its dependable brand of seasoning to a new generation of cooks and food lovers.

AJI-NO-MOTO® comes from sugar cane, corn or cassava and is manufactured through the natural process of fermentation. This product is safe, convenient and effective in making food taste delicious.  

This is because it is simply free glutamate, the most common among amino acids (the building blocks of protein). It provides the taste of umami to food in the same way that sugar adds sweet taste or salt adds salty taste to food.

But what is umami? Umami, is the fifth basic taste alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. It is the savory, rich and full taste we often experience in meat, seafood, cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms.  

Consider the delightful composition of chicken, green papaya and malunggay in tinola or the medley of cheese, ham, pepperoni, tomatoes, green and red bell peppers on top of a pizza. The combinations and layers of these glutamate-rich ingredients make dishes very delicious and enjoyable. 

Remember that AjiPanda™, your best friend in the kitchen, will help work wonders in your cooking so that you can share many happy meals with your family. Visit http://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/AjiPanda for healthy and delicious recipes.


***
Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) is an affiliate of Tokyo-based Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Established in 1958, APC lives by its promise to provide consumers products that will always give the delicious taste to healthy and nutritious meals as embodied in APC’s slogan Ajinomoto® “Eat Well, Live Well.®” APC’s complete line of quality food and seasoning products are produced by international affiliates and local toll manufacturers using Ajinomoto’s license, quality standards and technological expertise. APC’s products include AJINO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, Ajinomoto® Brand Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Mix, Ajinomoto® Brand Chicken Powder, PORKSAVOR® All-in-One Seasoning Mix, CRISPY FRY® Breading Mix, CRISPY FRY® Seasoned Crumbs, TASTY BOY® All Purpose Breading Mix, AJI-SHIO® Seasoning Mix, Ajinomoto® Brand Sinigang and “amino Fres-C” Instant Drink Mix.

Press Release

Friday, October 2, 2015

Places to visit in Cebu for a day

I mean Cebu City...

A very dear friend, Ms A, made a layover here in Cebu before heading home and because it has been months not seeing her kids, she thought it would also be a good idea for Cebu to be their rendezvous. 
I selfishly loved her idea for it would also be an opportunity for our family to bond. My eldest and her youngest are of same age and the last time they saw each other was when they were 1-year old, that was 9 years ago. Though we (me and A) saw each other and chatted for 2 hours last year, I find it so bitin compared to 3 days and 2 nights of stay - that surely is enough to reconnect and bond right?
Forgive my excitement, its just that I seldom or don't have "friends night-out" or "ladies/mommies night", thus a friend's visit sort of take my loneliness away. Don't take me wrong, I date with the husband and the kiddos...its just that sometimes I feel the need of girlfriends and boyfriends. Diba Joy? Jim? :D

Anyways, enough of the drama. So A, decides to stroll Cebu with her kids, though with limited time, might as well make the most of it.

Sto. Nino Basilica Church & Magellan's Cross
A must visit place for Catholics. A visit for thanksgiving...for the blessings receive, for this opportunity, for the safe trip, for everything. 
One of Cebu's oldest church, believe to be the place where the image of Sto. Nino (Child Jesus) was found when the Portuguese gave this image as a gift to early settlers of Cebu, thus the growth of Christianity. 
Magellan's Cross, located beside the church, is the small chapel that housed the cross erected by the Portuguese colonizers. The ceiling has paintings that depicts the beginning of Christianity in Cebu as introduced by Portuguese and Spaniards.

Taoist Temple
Located inside Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu City, this towering temple was built by the local Chinese in the community. It has temples, pagodas and  statues that depicts chinese cultures and beliefs. This is open for public viewing. You can enjoy taking pictures of the place except their altars and their saints.

Busay's Lantaw Restaurant 
If you want to dine at the same time have the best seat as you view the breathtaking beauty of the city, then this place is for you. This resto offers native cuisines at a very affordable price.  
We rented a taxi for 1300php to bring us to these places and I thought it is convenient considering we kids with us. Our last stop is Ayala Center Cebu.
Their 2nd day was spent at Bohol.
Their 3rd day was well spent our friend's house for a house warming. Just in time!
It was a short stay and here's to hoping they enjoy Cebu visiting shrines and dining at the top of the mountain. Hoping for more laag with family in the near future by His Grace. Happy Birthday my dear friend. 
I love you more! Mwaah :D
Photos from A's FB.

Ajinomoto's 7-Day Menu Plan

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) introduced “Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo 7-day Menu Challenge” as a way to encourage homemakers to ser...