Culinary Dialogue Israel-Philippines

The Embassy of Israel in Manila hosted a Zoom cullinary dialogue with Chef Yonatan Vazana and Chef Heny Sison last 11 August 2020. According to the embassy, “Our countries, Israel and the Philippines, have achieved another milestone in our friendship. The culinary dialogue even made our ties more flavorful as it showcased Israeli Chef Yonatan and Filipino Chef Heny's expertise in cooking.”

Check out the recipes for the two featured dishes from Chef Yonatan and Chef Heny. May they inspire you to have a culinary adventure during the quarantine!

Burumundi fish with Hraime sauce

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By: Chef Yonatan Vazana

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Ingredients:

Soybean oil

Onions

Celery

Carrots

Cumin

2 slices of fish fillet

Fish broth:

20 peeled tomatoes

5 bell peppers cut diagonally

15 garlic cloves

Half a cup of soy oil

2 lemons

1 Moroccan paprika

I cup cumin

Fish broth:

•​Put in the pot all the vegetables with a bit of oil for 10 minutes until golden brown. 

•​Cover the vegetables with water.

•​Put the fish head inside and cook for 30 minutes.

•​Add tomatoes cut quarterly and cook for 45 minutes. Put off the fire and cover with nylon paper for 30 minutes.

 

For the hraime sauce:

•​Shred the peeled tomatoes.

•​Transfer to a pot and add 2 cloves of garlic and bellpeppers.

•​Cook for 2 hours.

In a bigger pot, put the rest of the garlic, spices, half a litter of the fish broth and stir.

•​Add the cooked tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste, then cook for 10 minutes.

•​Add all the pepper and put the fish above.

•​Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Remove cover then cook for additional 5 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas at Sampalok

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(Milkfish in Sour Guava and Tamarind Broth)

By: Chef Heny Sison

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Serves 2

Ingredients

1⁄4 cup (50 ml) Magnolia Nutri-Oil Palm oil

400 grams milkfish belly, boneless

4 cups (1000 ml) water

60 grams (1 piece) red onion, cut into 5 wedges

60 grams (2 pieces) tomatoes, deseeded and quartered

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

1 cup guava purée

1⁄2 cup tamarind juice

2 pieces guava, deseeded and quartered

2 grams (3 slices) ginger, peeled and sliced

60 grams radish, sliced

60 grams string beans, cut into 3-inch long pieces

40 grams water spinach (kangkong)

1 piece green finger chilli 

Procedure

1. Preheat a sauté pan with oil over high heat.

2. Pan-fry the milkfish until lightly brown. Remove the fish from the sauté pan and transfer it to

a plate. Set aside.

3. In the same sauté pan, sauté the red onion and tomatoes. Set aside.

4. In a medium saucepan, add in water and bring to a boil. Add in the fish sauce, sugar, guava

purée, tamarind juice, and the deseeded guava pieces. Bring down to a simmer then add in

the ginger, radish, pan-fried fish, sautéed onion, tomatoes, and string beans. Continue to

simmer until the vegetables are cooked.

5. Remove the scum that forms on the surface.

6. Serve hot. When ready, add the water spinach and the green finger chili upon serving.

For the Guava Purée:

Ingredients

5 pieces ripe guava, chopped

1 cup (250 ml) water

Procedure

1. In a small saucepan, pour in the water and add in the guava, boil until the guava has

softened.

2. Let it cool, then purée in a blender.

3. Strain the purée twice to remove the seeds and the pulp.

For the Tamarind Juice:

200 grams green tamarind

1 cup (250 ml) water

Procedure

1. In a medium saucepan, pour in the water and add in the green tamarind, boil until the

tamarind has softened.

2. Mash the mixture.

3. Strain to get the tamarind juice and measure the amount needed in the recipe.

Vitalis Villas

I recently spent a night at Vitalis Villas, dubbed as the Santorini of the North. I got to swim, eat delicious food such as Vigan longganisa and salted fish, and relax by our private pool.

I also got to spend much-needed time with my family. I am now back in the city, and I miss the beach already! I hope to be back soon.

The author at Vitalis Villas

The author at Vitalis Villas

Breakfast with the breathtaking view of Santiago, Ilocos Sur

Breakfast with the breathtaking view of Santiago, Ilocos Sur

Health First

Yesterday, I ate at SGD Coffee with my mom. I had the Sagada Omelette and SGD black, while my mom had chicken tocino. For dessert, I had a lemon square.
I am currently struggling with jobhunting, and I don’t have a lot of people to count on. Good thing my mom was free and she was able to treat me to a healthy lunch. Putting my health first amidst the demands of jobhunting and working freelance is my current priority, and that involves the food that I eat.
I’d say that I am currently winning on this aspect!

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Banana Pudding

Yesterday, I got to explore BGC. I tried the famous banana pudding of M Bakery for the first time, and loved it! I also had a hearty convenience store lunch and some satisfying private reading at Fully Booked.

They say that our city does not have enough parks. I beg to disagree. We just have to maximize the open spaces that we’ve got, and enjoy what our city has to offer.

Can’t wait for the next weekend!

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Going Up

Yesterday, I found this staircase at the hospital with natural light. I couldn’t resist taking a selfie in the sunny stairwell. 

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I knitted as I cared for my terminally-ill father. 

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Then, I joined my US and Canada-based relatives as they toured the village where we all grew up. I stayed here until I was twelve years old. 

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We ended the day with dinner with Tarlac-based relatives and more Filipino food! 

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I drove them in the rain, and I’m happy that we reached their hotel safely. 

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I enjoyed my relatives’ company, and their visit reminded me that there’s nowhere to go but up. In tough times, there’s family I can count on, and faith to strengthen me.  

Avengers, Assemble!

Yesterday, I took a break from caring for my terminally-ill dad to watch a movie. I have been getting some hate for carrying on with my life when my father is in critical condition. My family understands that I have a life and a new job soon so I can’t just stay at the hospital everyday. I can still be there for my family after work, so it’s not an issue with them. What breaks my heart is the judgement I receive from relatives and friends who think that my actions are inappropriate. My actions are no one’s business. There is no right or wrong way to deal with critical illness in the family. My life, my rules. 

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This was why I pushed through with my Avengers: Endgame screening at Century City Mall. I won a ticket from the Philippine Competition Commission, and it was a real treat as tickets were already hard to come by. 

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But first, I had the soyganisa rice plate from Posporo at Hole in the Wall. I also squeezed in some knitting to calm myself down after the stress in the hospital. 

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I had a delicious early dinner!

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Before my movie, I was able to drop by the Padre Pio Chapel at Century City to pray and reflect on my father’s suffering.  

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I entrusted my dad to the Lord, and asked for Padre Pio’s intercession. I also asked for guidance as I start a new job this week. 

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The movie was amazing and it was the perfect break from reality. I also had yummy popcorn.

I am thankful for opportunities and blessings at this difficult time. Thank you PCC! 

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Summer Donation

Yesterday, I had brunch at Bon Appetea, a new all-day breakfast place at my local park. They serve milk tea, pasta, breakfast rice meals, and coffee. 

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I had their Spanish sardines rice bowl with brewed coffee. It was delicious!

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Then, I went to my local Red Cross chapter to donate blood. 

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Donating blood is free, and it empowers me as it enables me to help save lives. To donate blood, please go to your local Red Cross chapter or hospital blood bank. Every blood donor is a hero!

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I ended my morning with a selfie with the Rizal Monument at the Quezon City Hall. I’m a huge Rizal fan, and this made me giddy as it was my first time to see the statue up close. 

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We had to rush my father to the hospital very early yesterday morning, so I needed a heavy brunch for a successful blood donation. I also had meetings yesterday, so my blood donation provided me with much-needed good vibes in order to be professional. 

Sharing our blessings can lead to good karma in all aspects of our lives. Donate blood, volunteer, or spend time with the needy. Summer is meant to spread sunshine with those who need it most.  

Everyday Hero

Yesterday, I treated my helper again to lunch. It was a holiday in the Philippines (Day of Valor), and it was just fitting to share a meal with the person who makes life easier for me and my family. She is our everyday hero, and I’m grateful that she’s in our lives. 

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I also had coffee with her at Starbucks because I found out that she’s never had a frappe in her entire life. It’s remarkable to share firsts with friends, and I’m happy to have been privileged to buy coffee for my helper. 

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Let’s continue celebrating our daily heroes who never cease to simplify our lives. 

Mabuhay po kayo! 

Film to Faith

Yesterday, I watched Jino to Mari, a Filipino indie film directed by Joselito Altarejos. It tackled poverty as a social context and the extreme choices that have to be made in order to make ends meet. Angela Cortez delivered the performance of a lifetime in this film, as she played a young mother who had to shoot a pornography film for her family. It was a heartbreaking movie that reminded me to count my blessings and appreciate the opportunities that I have. 

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The movie saddened me (which was good, since that was what the director hopefully intends), so I ate the bulgogi beef rice bowl at 8Bowls Asian Kitchen. It was delicious and great value for Php99!

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Later, I went to St. Clare to give thanks, pray for my intentions, and offer eggs. 

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I enjoy watching indie films because they give me a glimpse of reality that commercial films don’t usually portray. Coupled with affordable but delicious food and a dash of prayer, I know that I can pursue the opportunities that are within my reach to escape the undesirable circumstances in my own life. All I have to do is act on my goals, and keep on pursuing the things that inspire me to dream.  

Sunday Recoupment

This week has been pretty intense. I survived a traumatic job interview with a company who misleads their applicants. I was lucky that I trusted my instincts and left. 

I also got into a violent incident in the train, which didn’t stop me from attending a seminar at AIM.  

These incidents made me feel tired, so I ordered Japanese food to keep my spirits up. I had the omu curry rice at Kimono Ken, which is a restaurant that I’ve been frequenting since my uni days. I had a delicious lunch and I will definitely be back!

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I capped off my lunch with my usual Assam milk tea at Serenitea. 

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It’s easy to bounce back from setbacks as long as I learn from them in order to prevent them from happening again. In this case, I learned to research thoroughly on the companies I apply for, continue to trust my instincts, and maintain my composure whenever I am attacked in public. I believe I was able to do so as I was offered a seat on the train by a kind gentleman. 

Here’s to more lessons, foodie adventures, and milk tea! 

Purposeful Lunch

Yesterday, I ate lunch with my helper at a restaurant near home. We ordered simple brunch fare with cuppa for me and some bottomless iced tea for her. We enjoyed our meal as it was a change of scenery and I believe that the simplest moments are made memorable with delicious food. 

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People ask me why I often go out with my helper. She’s part of the family and she gets to eat whatever we are blessed to enjoy. I am privileged to have extra time and resources to share with my helper. It also builds trust and keeps me updated with her life. 

Please treat your helpers like family. Spend time with them, and take them out for a meal or two. You will get loyalty and sincere concern in return.  

Meet and Watch

Yesterday, I had meetings at both Megamall and BGC. To save time and energy, I opted to take the MRT and BGC bus. It saved me heaps of time, and I still felt relaxed by the time I arrived at BGC. 

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Both meetings were productive, but I was especially proud of myself during the BGC meeting because I was able to share more insights about this blog and how it influences me to curate my lifestyle on-the-go. Usually, it’s the other way around, but my previous experiences give me the creativity to explore more and make the most out of life. Sharing my life here on my humble home on the interwebs pushes me to live more with less. 

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I had sizzling burger steak with egg at the food court for dinner. This was my favorite lunch during my Miriam grade school days, so I eat this whenever I can for nostalgia.  

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Lastly, I watched Pansamantagal at Cinema Centenario. It was a funny movie on living life as if it were your last and not minding other people’s opinions. I highly recommend it!

Life is too short. Make the most out of your time here on earth. Share what motivates you to inspire others. And watch movies with a heart. We are only here pansamantagal (for the meantime).

Village Girl

Yesterday, I had carbonara and an americano for lunch at my neighborhood cafe.  

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I bought siomai from the cafe, and my lunch was complete! I enjoyed eating and sipping coffee while reading my book. It was relaxing, and I even entertained a phone interview that afternoon. I stayed in the cafe for hours, getting lost in my emails, book, and other tasks.  

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It was almost dinner time when I left the cafe, so I bought a cheeseburger with egg and banana shake from the shack outside my gated community. It was my first time to explore that area since moving in our townhouse in 1998.  I was delighted with the cheeseburger and shake. I’ll definitely buy again.  

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Lately, I’ve been exploring my neighborhood and going out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned that I can adapt well and appreciate simpler things. Most of all, I still manage to get things done! It’s fulfilling to help keep my family stay afloat amidst my dad’s terminal illness. My hope is that I will find a job and a good boss soon so that I can also find my own place in the sun. 

1995

Yesterday, I went to UP Cine Adarna to go back to 1995. I was nine years old during that time, so I indulged on a childhood treat: bicho-bicho right outside the film center.  

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Then, I watched Sana Maulit Muli starring Lea Salonga and Aga Mulach. 

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It was released in 1995. It was a nostalgic trip back to the 90’s. Plus, it was a treat to watch a young Lea Salonga onscreen. 

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I had a lovely time, and I proceeded to some self-care at a spa. 

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I had early dinner at Breakfast Bin, where I had the delicious veggie skillet. 

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For dessert, I had matcha and banana ice cream scoops from Papa Diddi’s. 

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By the time I got home, I was inspired to finish knitting this cowl using yarn I bought from Rosario, Pasig

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It was time to continue knitting, so I chose a ball of Mandala Yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I carried on from there. 

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Sometimes, we need a trip back in time to appreciate the present more. I look forward to enjoying more vintage films in the future to inspire me to cherish my time.  

Dogs and Food

The other day, I was determined to have a great day before my dad entered the hospital again (he is terminally-ill).  

I started my Thursday with a burger from this kiosk at the mall. It was delicious!  

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Then, I got this postcard from Papemelroti. I sent it via snail mail to a customer at my online shop (please buy Human Nature products from me!

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I spent my afternoon cuddling my favorite doggos at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. 

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Ella (the dog that captured my heart years ago) is an expert at cheering me up! 

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Apparently, Ella and my new buddy Stitch are friends.  

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Ella’s son Chocnut also offered his warm furry body for me to cuddle.  

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It was also my first time to hug Raven the corgi.  

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Yes, it was difficult to leave.  

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I bought socks to remind me of my doggo friends wherever I go.  

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Then, I got a honey soy refresher from Soy Yummy! It was really yummy! 

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And for snack, I for Nacho King. I was brought back to my grade school days. 

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And for late dinner, I drove to Army Navy (thank God it’s 24 hours!) for some adobo flakes. So good!  

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It’s up to us to find ways to keep going amidst trials. We just have to find the perfect formula that works. For me, it’s doggo + food. I hope you’ll also find yours! 

Sunday Paws

Yesterday, I crocheted while waiting for my lunch at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I had the Bonnie Burger and a wintermelon milk tea. I missed this combo so much because food and milk tea are only available at the Sta. Lucia branch (I frequent the SM North Towers branch more because it’s closer to my house).  

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I also missed the bigger doggos who are mainstays at Sta. Lucia. 

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I also met Shadow, a rescued black Labrador who was abandoned at the vet. She was left behind after her original owners broke up. Now, she has a happy disposition at her new home.  

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Another rescued dog is Potchi the pug, who has only one eye.  

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All of their dogs are still so sweet and caring.  

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I had some tokneneng (deep fried quail eggs) for snack...

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...and some calamansi juice to perk me up.  

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I ended my day with Sunday mass at St. Clare Monastery.  

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Before driving home, I enjoyed a large cup of sour cheese fries from Potato Corner.  

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Life is too short. We should make time to be with beings that cheer us up, for worship, and for cheat meals. Treat yourself within your means on weekends, and watch yourself take on the world during the workweek. 

Sunday Slowdown

Yesterday, I heard Sunday mass with my family.  

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We later had Chinese brunch as my dad wanted comfort food.  

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Then, I packed all these stuff for my crafternoon at Makers Cafe. 

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I went there to buy my minimalist stainless steel Catriona earrings. 

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But I also went there to hang and knit!

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I had carbonara and a long black to energize me as I craft. 

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Then, I took out my copy of Always Be Creating by Abbey Sy and my journal to answer some journaling prompts from the book.  

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I realized that I wanted a daily reminder of my late friend Diane, so I bought this side moon gold-filled necklace from Pulseras by Kim. 

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Feeling inspired, I continued journaling using Abbey’s book. I also finished reading it in the cafe, and I no longer felt overwhelmed with my life. I realized that there is a process to pursuing my purpose and achieving my goals. And it pays to be creative in order to find beauty and meaning as I go along. 

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I finished knitting my scarf. As I began crocheting a new one, I was privileged to witness the procession of the Black Nazarene. 

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I packed my art bag and proceeded to Cinema Centenario to watch Rainbow’s Sunset. It was touching and heartwarming. 

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I later had dinner at Get Greens. 

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It was my first time there. Their green pesto pasta did not disappoint!

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Then, I stitched my scarf together to turn it I tom an infinity one. 

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I enjoyed my day at Maginhawa, and I got to do a lot!

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Here’s to more crafternoons and warm memories. 

Christmas Eve 2018

Yesterday, I got to eat lunch with my Lucas relatives. I wore my new Sunnies Specs glasses from Sunnies Santa and applied Sunnies Face Glowboss on my cheekbones for some extra sparkle. 

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We chose Katherine’s Cafe at Vertis North as they had a wide range of food for our varied tastes. Since I was craving for pasta, I ordered this Vigan longganisa and salted egg number. It was delicious!

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My goddaughter Kate was ready to eat pizza and bring some Christmas cheer that only kids could give. 

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I gave her kid’s toiletries from my Human Nature online store. You may still purchase last minute presents and have them delivered straight to your doorstep! Shop now!

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I also got her a special toy from Toys R Us. 

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I received some lovely presents and I am grateful to be part of my relatives’ shopping lists!

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There are still plenty of blessings to be grateful for. Amidst all the challenges that my family is facing, I am still thankful that we get to celebrate Christmas together this year.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Reading Again

I have recently begun reading again, and it has been wonderful. I started with the book that I was asked to review a few days ago, and now I can’t stop.

I have since moved on to Nicholas Sparks’ latest novel, and yesterday, I took it with me to lunch at The Sandwich Guy. 

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Ever since my dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I have dropped some hobbies such as reading to give way to running errands and doing some work for him. Now that I have established a routine of sorts, I can already read novels again and enjoy a good plot.

I am thankful for new beginnings, and I can’t wait to see how these stories will influence me for the better.