Reminded

I was a bit un-centered the past days. I want to write about many things and most especially about the blessings that continue to overflow my cup. But inspite of all these blessings, a void is forming. I am constantly aware to be thankful for the blessings. Indeed it helps to blog about it. But once in a while I find myself looking at my feet and not at the horizon so to speak. I've come to realize that our learning is life long. I forget that it is better to be more loving than correct. Then, with many questions in my mind lately, He answers my pondering with one of His promise below which I stumbled upon at On the Horizon:

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.

“But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!

“And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying.

“For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things.

“But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.”

Luke 12:2-31

The picture of the water lily was taken along the path towards the house of Susan and Mike near Pui O Wan July 11, 2007.

living it up-- on the beach

About 3 kilometers from Moi Wu near the village of Pui O Wan is this public beach in Lantau Island. Can you imagine a beautiful beach like this can be Hong Kong? Indeed it is, and I thought I can really live here. Our Ninong and Ninang who are originally based in Palawan now lives a stone's throw away from this place. Now I understand why.

I love this pocketful of memories. This is the first time that Isay enjoyed playing and exploring the beach. She wanted to swim as she played with the on coming waves. She rolled on the sand. Feeling her way through the sand...there are more pictures but I can only post a few. We will look at it again and enjoy this moment together when she is a bit older.

We love the beach. Traveling together and exploring the world is one of our joys indeed. Thank God for these blessings.

Women and Ecology

Last week, I was at the Women and Ecology Wholeness Center in Mendez, Cavite. It was a great alternative place where we had our workshop. I believe it was very apt for a group of conservationists, environmentalists and fisher folk alike to have our training workshop. I've always loved spending time in a farm. I guess that is why I took up Agricultural Business in college is for that particular reason. I want to spend more time outdoors surrounded with plants specifically fruit trees. I love santol and sampaloc (tamarind). When I was young I thought, I don't want to spend my time inside an office. I want to be outdoors. I guess this led me to where I am now loving and taking care of the environment. It was great to find this place. I love the idea of women and ecology. I was happily surprised that it is a farm, a venue for meditation and retreat, and workshops like ours.

According to Sis Itty, the girl with the apron in the picture, the idea of women and ecology as the name of the place comes from the similarities of the two, both are oppressed. They are both treated by some the same way. With purple color in most of the rooms, I guessed that these are for activist women's group and yet, this very place is one of St. Scholastica's venues for their women's studies.

The place would not allow us to use any commercially made soap. Only biodegradable soap and shampoo can be used in the center. The reason is that they re-cycle the water use in the bathroom to water the plants. Commercially made soap contains things that can hurt plants. They also have a biogas where all the kitchen wastes and poop goes into an underground digester. They have some pigs to help produce more manure to help hasten the decomposition. No, the place doesn't smell. I was amazed that a place like this exists in Cavite indeed. They said the the old biogas model is cuter because it is above ground with several pools and the digester above ground where a person can actually help rotate. Then at the end pool there are plants and fishes just to illustrate that clean water can actually sustain life after the whole process. But since they encountered some problems, the past years they moved it underground. There is a shack where they illustrate that the biogas can actually generate gas used for cooking.

They also tried wind energy but since wind comes from all directions in Mendez and several storms had them picking up the blades everywhere, they took it down.

We had a short tour of the farm. It used to be an old coffee farm. But now it has a variety of crops which includes, string beans, corn, lettuce, and pechay. They also grow all the herbs you can think off. Cilantro, rosemary, tarragon and peppermint. I bought a small peppermint plant for P50 only. It survived the heat of travel in the van. Thank God it's alive.

We helped ourselves to santol. Sis Itty said they just give it away. Because the last time they sold it, its P8 per sack! Haay! can you imagine.

The food we had was great. All natural hand picked from the garden or fresh from the market. Junk food not allowed in the premises. We had brown rice all the time for all meals. it reminded me of Veda's comment "white rice, my favorite". More on that in another post. We had kutsinta and nilupak and turon for snacks. Then at meal time sinigang and lots of different vegetables. I also learned a new recipe--- pechay salad. Ang sarap sobra specially when it is organic hindi mapait. I will post the food items in my other blog Pinay Mountain chef.

Sulit is the proper word for it. For three complete meals and two snacks and lodging we only paid 700 pesos per participant per day. Great deal. The beds are soft and rooms clean. Although it was a shared bathroom, there were two in one floor. We are also encouraged to use a different slipper inside the rooms and function areas which they provided. I realized it is really different to use a slipper that is not yours even if you used it for 3 days. it doesnt feel right in a way. I guess the idea that the inside of the house is a sanctuary. It is also very Asian to remove one's footwear when going inside.

Indeed it was a good experience. Sad that I wasn't able to bring Tatay and Isay this time.

Ah yes, the roof and windows are designed that way to better collect water and for the air to go inside the rooms.

I want my own farm and garden filled with herbs. Haay.

the 3 photos above by Jane Continente. The Photo below by Daisy

Nalgene bottles

On our way to Disneyland

Big Buddha, Ngong Ping

The Tian Tan Buddha (Traditional Chinese: 天壇大佛) is a large bronze statue of the Buddha, located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, in Hong Kong. Also known as the Big Buddha, as it is the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. The statue is located near Po Lin Monastery and symbolizes the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and religion.
Source: Wikipedia.

It was our second day in HK. We took the train to Central MTR station and we existed near a walkway. We were instructed to just follow the walkway to the pier. We sort of lost our way but eventually found Pier 6. We took the 9:30 fast boat to Mui Wo ferry fare is about HK$22. The fast boat look exactly the the fast cats that ply Puerto Galera but since it was a weekday there were very few people on board. We used our "octopus card" for fares which deserves a whole blog entry. More on the octopus card in future post. The trip was a scenic ride towards Lantau Island.

We arrived in Mui Wo where we met Susan. We took a bus to Ngong Ping where the Po Lin Monestary and Big Buddha is located. We climbed the 268 step up to the Big Buddha. It was not as hard a climb as I expected. The area are lined with prayer flags of every color. It was a warm and humid morning. Underneath the statue is a circular museum with some illustrations depicting the life of Buddha. A small store where all proceeds go to maintenance of the site, I got this small jade dragon which I plan to give to Isay when she grows up to tell her about our trip there.

I wrote down this verse I read from the shrine:

May all beings have happiness, wisdom, good fortune and longevity--Tian Tan Buddha

Lantau Peak, Hongkong

St. Mary's Cathedral

This place is very significant for me. In 2005, I lost my backpack including my laptop in one of the train stations in Sydney. It was a Saturday in the middle of Australian winter. I just flew in from Auckland. I met my friend and later in the train, I realized one of my packs were missing. The next day, Sunday, we went to a solemn mass at 10:30am here at St. Marys. I prayed and found peace. Two months later and many stories to tell, my pack and laptop found its way back. During my trip to Melbuorne two years ago, I passed by and picked them up. My friend Olive and James who live in Wooloomoloo just 3 blocks from St. Mary's help me through and through.
And last week during my trip to the islands, I had to stop by and pay my respects to one of my most favorite places on earth. God is good indeed .

Kava drink

Kava is the traditional drink in Fiji and most areas in Melanesia. The most potent ones they say are from Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. This is used for village ceremonies. We visited the village of Kandavu and we brought the the Kava root above to the village chief and elders. One cannot visit a village in Fiji without offering the roots of the Kava. A presentation of the visitors are made to the chief or "ratu". It is required that all introduce themselves. Then the chief and elders make a speech and then the kava ceremony starts with the pounding of the root and then placed in a cloth then pressed in water in the Tanoa --the wooden bowl you see below. It is served with a ritual. It is served on a common coconut bowl to each one. The one offering will clap 3 times, then the one receiving is required to clap before receiving with both hands. It is protocol to drink the first bowl as a show of respect to the village.

Where have I been in the Philippines

My Lakbayan grade is B!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Lunch time in Fiji Islands

I was excited to have a taste of local cuisine again. On our first day, lunch was served buffet style at the Seaside Bistro at the University of South Pacific. Here is a sampler of the delicious local food we had that day. The local staple is taro or "gabi" in Filipino, see the ones on the blue plate. This is the equivalent of rice to Pinoys and potatoes to the Americans. The next one is fresh fish flakes in coconut milk with vegetables. Taro leaves are also used in many local dish. There is evidence of Indian influence, roti is freshly made everyday and available at the local canteen. I love roti. And last but not the least curried beans to go with the roti. This is my third time to visit Fiji and this is the only time that I am able to take photos of local food. More stories to come in future post! Enjoy!

Here in Sydney

I arrived this morning here at Sydney Australia. I will be going to Fiji tomorrow...will be posting some interesting things along the way. I will be back in the Philippines in a weeks time.
God is good indeed.

Isay's Birthday cake

Isay's cake is made with lots and lots of love. The whole concept I got from birthday pictures on the net and long kwentuhan with Rolyn. The main square cake is home baked chocolate cake with butter cream frosting. This is specially made by Nina of Toni's which is much much less in price compared to commercially made cakes. Plus! it is baked with love and affection. The cupcakes Tatay bought from Eunilane these ordinary cupcakes that came in a variety pack of chocolate, butter, and pandan flavors. The frosting is marshmallow frosting given for free by Nina. The chocolate droplets and candy sprinkles I got when Rolyn, Hannah and I went to Choco lovers in Kitanglad St. near welcome rotonda. I also got the stars and butterflies at Choco lovers for about 20 pesos per dozen or more I think. The candle I got from Goldilocks for only 12 pesos. We almost lost it during the prep hahaha the dangers od do-it-yourself things. The Dora doll as a cake topper was a gift from Hannah, they gave it a week earlier. We assembled all of these a couple of hours before the party. I made the first cupcake frosting samples. When Nine and Mayer arrived, they helped finish the whole set up. It turned out really well. Looks expensive but I spent only a fraction of the cost of the theme cakes available in the popular bakeshops.

Thank you to all the loving hands that helped prepare this 1st birthday cake of Isay. I want to blog about this so she can read it here that there were so many loving hands that helped prepare for her special day. Our love and thanks goes out to all of you!

Maligayang bati Isay!

Happy Father's Day Tatay

Happy Father's Day to my own Dading. I may not show it always but know that we love you and thank you for all the love spoken or otherwise. May God bless you always.

Amats it is your first true Father's Day. I truly appreciate the way you have taken in the role of a father. You are indeed a non-traditional father. I see your loving hand the way you change diapers, or feed baby Isay. Never did I hear you complain that you will be looking after her any hour of the day be it 2 in the afternoon or 2 in the morning. Truly you stand out from the rest with your uncanny ways of showing your love. Your loving ways and kind words always sooth and calm baby and yet she understands when you try to discipline her. A self proclaimed "Sandman" as you are the one who can easily help her to sleep. I feel that you are as happy and elated playing with her during bath time singing "rubber ducky". You always always make time for her to play, to sing, to read over and above any other work or chore that needs attention at the moment. Everyday I see the joy that you have just holding her. Truly endearing is your patience and understanding. We love you Tatay.

Birthday ni Isay

understanding

When I became a mother, I knew that there will definitely be many changes in my life. I became excited knowing that there are many things in store for me and my family. I was expecting changes in many dimension that will be life's lessons. I was both afraid and excited at the same time, worried about many things at all fronts. At times a certain sense of inadequacy scares me but that is always erased by His grace. Knowing that most probably all mothers was a first time mom once in their lives. Still nothing prepared me for the lessons that I've been learning the past weeks. It was a roller coaster of realization after another that I cannot even begin to share exactly the many changes both happy and melancholy. The most striking realization is absolutely at its simplest form. I realize now that I can completely understand my mother. When I was young, for many many years, I've always wondered why my mama kept silent most of the time. I cannot undertand her silence. At that time, I saw it differently. I was surrounded by a happy bunch of relatives, to describe them as talkative is an understatement. I've always wondered why, she was always quiet. She speaks her mind at important concerns but it was mostly for our concern. Now, I can honestly say that I understand her. I believe that she chose to be silent. I can now truly understand the reasons why she opt to be silent. I cannot share for now the circumstances at the time and now why this realization came about. Suffice it to say that my own learning process as a mom has helped me deal with the past that I thought was not significant anymore at present. Indeed all of our experience in life formed us to be the persons we are today. It has been 18 years since my mom died. God bless you Mama!

***

My father in law, Amat's Dad passed away last Sunday morning. God bless you Dad. Thank you for the love. Albeit our time together was short, indeed it was blessing .

Kota Kinabalu

The highest peak in Southeast Asia is Mt. Kinabalu. Haay this one trip has been in the drawing board for the longest time. I have several friends from different circles that have scaled the mountain. Some just visited the national park. Hopefully soon we can visit KK.

I am also posting this for the benefit of my good friends who are planning a honeymoon.

Thank God that now there are many trips offered at very affordable rates.


http://www.airasia.com/site/ph/home.jsp

cribs

I am currently preparing for Isay's 1st birthday party. I surfed the net for ideas, then I went to several possible places for venue. For the past weeks I always refer to Pinoy Exchange a web site where I got feedback from parents who also have the same concerns. I found this site very real as the moms/parents share their experience from preparation to giveaways etc. Because I want my daugther's birthday to be different, I continue to refer to the links they send for many great ideas. Then today, I stumbled upon a truly great idea. I was moved to write this entry because a parent chose to have their party at white cross. I surfed for a while and stumbled upon C.R.I.B.S. Create responsive infants by sharing.
Click on this link: CRIBS Philippines, Inc.

I looked at their wish list and I was moved, the things they need are very ordinary and affordable but yet critical and vital for their survival.

Milk

• • Similac Advance
  • Isomil 2 or Nan HA 2
  • Enfagrow Lacto Free
  • Nestogen 1 and 2
  • AL 110
  • Nido Full Cream Milk or Anchor Full Cream Milk

• Milo or Ovaltine
• Powdered/Tetra Packed Juices

• Biscuits/Cookies
• Oatmeal
• Breakfast Cereal
• Jellyace
• Rice
• Alcohol (70% Ethyl)
• Cloth diapers
• Disposable diapers (all sizes)
• GERBER Safety Pins
• GERBER Rubber Nipples
• Feeding Bottles (small and big)
• Wet Wipes
• Babies and Kids Clothes and Underwears
• Multivitamins drops and syrup
• Baby Blankets

For those interested in helping them out you can contact them here.

C.R.I.B.S. Philippines, Inc.
30 Major S. Dizon St.
Industrial Valley Complex
Marikina City, 1802 Philippines
Phone Numbers: (63 2)681-5921; 647-1329
Telefax: (63 2)647-1329
Email: info@cribsphilippines.org

grateful journal

While I was combing my hair, just letting it air dry and sometimes I let the fan help hasten the drying process. Many insights came to mind that I knew should be written as soon as in this blog otherwise it will be fermenting in the back of my mind, change in form as the days pass or I just simply forget. I realized that I should be thankful for my straight black hair. As I comb, I realized that some people do spend a fortune to have their hair polished and maintained. On my part, I rarely blow dry my hair, just wearing a clip most of the time, and sometimes I even sleep even if my hair is still wet. I was supposed to have it cut really short again the past week but today, since the weather is cooler, I was able to re-think my plan. I guess that small change in perspective of being grateful for my hair, made me realize that indeed there are many everyday things I should be grateful for. However mundane, what you think and what you say have immense power. The effect of a simple thought seemed to magnify into positive proportions.

This reminded me that about two weeks ago I want to share this:

..."If you look back on my journal when I was 15, 16 it's all filled with boy trouble, men trouble, my daddy won't let me go to Shoney's with Anthony Odie, things like that. As I have grown older, I have learned to appreciate living in the moment and I ask that you do, too. I am asking this graduating class, those of you here, I've asked all of my viewers in America and across the world to do this one thing. Keep a grateful journal. Every night list five things that happened this day, in days to come that you are grateful for. What it will begin to do is to change your perspective of your day and of your life. I believe that if you can learn to focus on what you have, you will always see that the universe is abundant and you will have more. If you concentrate and focus in your life on what you don't have, you will never have enough. Be grateful. Keep a journal. You are all over my journal tonight."
--TV host Oprah Winfrey, Wellesley College, May 30, 1997