FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH

 

Today, I heard the sad news. Faith Catherine has passed away. After she battles for four months, the strong and courageous warrior that I followed every post has reunited with our heavenly Father.

 

I would like to quote the FB message from her parents:

 

“How very softly you tiptoed into our world, almost silently, only a moment you stayed. But what an imprint your footsteps have left upon our hearts.

 

#SAVEFAITHCATHERINE

One day I was approached by my colleague and friend to like and share the Facebook page of her niece, born a micro-preemie (premature babies born at 23-24 weeks). My friend was sharing how costly the hospitalization is; she and her family are burdened not only financially but also emotionally.

BEING A NEW MOM TO A BEAUTIFUL SOUL

 

On July 07, 2018 at 6:48am, came the most precious and wonderful gift of God to me, my firstborn. After almost 39 weeks, I finally saw her. After I experienced all the pain of labor (believe me, it was really agonizing), everything washed away after I laid eyes on her.

 

She weighs more than 3kg and so delicate that I was hesitant to carry her at first but thanks to motherly instinct, I experienced the joy of holding her.

BUKO PANDAN RECIPE

 

“Eid Mubarak”…

 

It was Eid Al Fitr in UAE starting on Friday and since I am supposed to be on duty at work on Saturday, I have one extra day to enjoy with my family.

 

We were cleaning our house and kitchen when I saw that we still have powdered Mr. Gulaman pack so I thought of making buko pandan. We have some of the ingredients so I give it a go.

 

It turns out to be yummy and we enjoyed it with my family. Hope that this simple recipe will add sweetness in your table.

 

THIRD TRIMESTER, HERE I COME!

 

The “honeymoon” phase of my pregnancy is finally over. I’m on my third trimester and I can almost feel the weight of my baby bump and I gained significant weight (Oh no!). I need to shed a little weight so I won’t risk myself from any pregnancy complications. Prevention is better than cure J

 

I LEARNED A NEW SKILL: CROCHET

My "masterpiece"

 

During my school days, we were taught many arts and crafts such as cross stitching, drawing, coloring, sewing and many other more. But we were not taught to do crochet.

 

Recently, we joined the Social and Sports ministry in our church and I was engaged in arts and crafts group. Our first group activity will be crochet. I do not have any idea how to do it. Nobody from the members even knows how to do it, but they suggested watching youtube videos for tutorials. And amazing as it is, we were able to finish simple crochet coasters. Yehey!

 

IT’S A BABY GIRL!

               

When I’m in my 19^th weeks of pregnancy, my baby bump is obvious to the people around me. People were asking me the gender of my baby after hearing that I am pregnant. Some of them were surprise because they don’t know that I am pregnant, they say that it is not noticeable since it was only small (maybe they thought that it is only belly fats J) and I am always at my seat. My OB tried to look at it during my 16^th weeks of check-up but it is not clear yet but she is guessing that it is a girl.

 

HAPPY HEART’S DAY!

Love is in the air. When the month of February starts, I can hear people say that it is the love month and feel excited about it. Well it is! May it be for couple or single (taken or available), the love month really make some noise. Facebook is full of “hugot lines” and it targets to tease most of the single ladies. J

CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN

 

I know that everyone can do this simple recipe in a breeze. And I know that almost everyone have their own version of fried chicken. It’s been an all-time favorite since I was a child, which is why I always crave for Jollibee or KFC because of its taste plus the gravy. Nowadays, there are a lot of fried chicken recipes in the internet that offers the same taste as the fast-food chains I’ve mentioned.

 

You can try this recipe and add variety to your fried chicken recipe. I hope that you will love it as much I do J

 

 

MAJA BLANCA

 

It is my first time to cook this recipe. I’ve been planning of making this dessert a long time ago but I never had a chance until recently for our New Year’s Eve celebration. Well, it turns out to be easy to cook, delicious and very affordable.

 

Try this recipe and enjoy it with your whole family.

        

 

 

 

 

BIRINGHE

 

It is one of the favorite dish of Kapampangan. My mother loves this and it is only being cooked during “fiesta” (feast) in our “barangay”. It is somehow resembles like Paella or Arroz Valenciana made of glutinous rice but cooked in coconut milk. It is also cheaper I think compared to the other two I’ve mentioned.

 

I hope that you will enjoy this recipe.

 

 

DONE WITH MY FIRST TRIMESTER, THANK GOD!

 

Time flies so fast. I’ve finished my first trimester already and I am on my way to my second trimester.

 

God has been so good; I never experienced any difficulties during my first trimester. Aside from pimples/acne break out (yikes!), being tired and always sleepy, I never had any other issues. So far, all my blood test and urinalysis (laboratory) to monitor my sugar, thyroid, iron, hemoglobin etc. etc…. are all good as per my doctor.

 

I AM A SOON-TO-BE “MOM” (YEAH!)

 

Oh my, it happened so fast.

 

I am delayed for a few days and my husband is teasing me that maybe I am pregnant. I haven’t done any pregnancy test as it is too early as my friends told me. But I felt something different in me. I didn’t experience any morning sickness such as dizziness or vomiting etc... I just felt that I am always hungry which is unusual for me because I don’t eat rice (except on my cheat day) for a couple of months now and I eat small portion that is enough to get me through the day/night. But this time is different; I have to wake up early in the morning to eat something (sometimes I only drink water). I also need to frequently go to the bathroom to pee. I am always tired and sleepy. Are these signs of pregnancy?

THREE LESSONS LEARNT ON CAR ACCIDENT

 

 

I didn’t imagine that I would witness a car accident collision involving me and family members. It happened up close as I was in front of the car and the collision was on the passenger side (my side). My eyes were open and I saw vividly what had happened.

 

FIVE THINGS WE DID IN OUR HONEYMOON IN MALDIVES

 

 

I feel excited on this trip as it is the first time that I will travel with my hubby. Yey! Although we were exhausted after our wedding preparation and celebration, we were able to take a rest during our flight (we were sleeping during the entire flight).

 

Initially, I was a bit hesitant to go to this place as it is quite expensive considering that we have some expenses after our wedding. But my husband convinced me that it is just once in a lifetime experience. So when I am persuaded to pursue it, I booked our hotel using booking.com. We booked our stay in one of the beautiful island of Maldives, Paradise Island Resort. It is about 9.6km away from Velana International Airport (Male) and takes 15-20 minutes by speedboat. With 62 water bungalows and 220 beach bungalows, total 282 rooms all with modern 5 star facilities. The island is 931m in length and 201m width. I recommend this island resort based on my personal experience. The staffs are friendly and accommodating.

I AM OFFICIALLY A “MRS.” :)

 

I can’t believe it but it is true. My civil status is now officially married. I thought that it will remain single for the rest of my life J

 

I never thought that this time will still come. When I was younger I’ve been dreaming about having my own family with my loving husband and wonderful kids etc.… I could still remember the answer of Sushmita Sen (Miss Universe 1994), on the question, “What is the essence of being a woman?” She answered, “Just being a woman is God’s gift that all of us must appreciate. The origin of a child is a mother, and is a woman. She shows a man what sharing, caring and loving is all about. That is the essence of a woman.” I also grew up in a big family and we get along well, so I thought that having a family and children will bring me fulfillment as a woman. I also prayed to God to give me someone that will complement me and be my better half for the rest of my life.

ALL ABOUT CREDIT: TIPS ON HOW TO MINIMIZE/ELIMINATE DEBT

 

 

                Every person I meet, everywhere I go has debt. Even I have loans and credit card bills. Personally, I don’t like debt. I don’t want to owe anything to anyone. But I guess it is a part of our society. But I learned that it is better to minimize my debt or totally eliminate it so that I can gain ownership of my monthly income. It is my choice.

                                                                                                                                                     

Every peso (or Dirham, in case of UAE) that comes into your life is going to build someone else’s wealth. It could be you or someone else (Merchant, Media, Advertisement or Credit).  

 

STOCKS: A LONG TERM INVESTMENT

 

In 2011, I began to invest in the Philippine stock market with the guidance of Bro. Bo Sanchez as my mentor. I was a member of Truly Rich Club since 2010 but I really didn’t concentrate until late 2011. Since I was in abroad, it is advisable for me to open an online account to check my portfolio anytime. Bro. Bo recommended the COL Financial (previously named Citisec Online) so people can invest in the Philippine Stock Market even in abroad and with little amount of investment. I was inspired by the book that Bro. Bo wrote titled, “How my maid invests in the stock market and why you should too.”

 

TUNA PESTO SPAGHETTI

  

Every occasion requires pasta in the menu. Most of the time, we are cooking pasta in spaghetti sauce when there is occasion, but I learned that there are a lot of alternatives for cooking spaghetti that I just have to discover.

I learned this recipe from my friend who cooks it almost every week. When I tasted it the first time, I was hooked by it. I would like to share this with you, especially for people who are always on the go, as it is very easy to make. Hope that you’ll enjoy this as much as I do.

IS PERSONAL LOANS A GOOD DEBT OR A BAD DEBT?

 

When I was in my first year with my employer, I was convinced by my colleague on taking a personal loan who is also taking a loan at that time. She told me about the advantages of taking a loan. She said that she has plans for the money and since the money depreciates over time due to inflation rate it is better to take a loan and use it to finance a business venture or invest it in things that will appreciate its value overtime.