Food

It has been a habit of us yogins to have lunch together after our Saturday intense practice. That feeling of fullness is always looked forward to. I love it when we order food to share.It is not heavy on our pockets but we are blessed with a healthy appetite. Coupled with great conversation, any simple dish is made special.I just love Saturday lunches.

Here are a few of the standouts.

Sumpia, all veggies inside

 Binagoongang rice

fried mushroom

How about my own version of "Guinataan"

I am not a good cook in the real sense of the word but I can be applauded when I will whip a dish with love.

MY guinataan

My friend Michelle and I were craving for this native delicacy guinataan since Saturday. I volunteered to make it and she's in charge of buying the ingredients.


Here are the simple things needed.

finely cubed sweet potatoes (camote)
thinly sliced ripe  bananas ( saba)
2 cups of coconut milk
brown sugar
roasted mongo
dough balls (bilo bilo)
tapioca pearl (sago)
half cup of rice

To make my own version, I simply mixed the rice and sweet potatoes (camote) with 5 cups of water and let them boil. When it started  to boil, I constantly stirred  to mix everything.Then after 3 minutes or so, I added the dough balls, roasted mongo and stirred again. After about another 3 minutes, I added the cocounut milk and I kept it to boil. I stirred again to  mix everything and to make it sticky. The bananas were added then the brown sugar. Continuous stirring was done until such a time that everything's cooked.

Everyone had a great snack after. ..It was my first attempt to make it and Michelle loved the outcome.

I was very happy to feed them.

Sunday lunch

Wanted something fresh, healthy and light..so I opted for this Kani salad from Tokyo tokyo.

Sweets

Love-filled Saturday

It has been raining again here.Series of typhoons are expected to hit my country and it is not a good news, I would say. Despite this, life for the Filipinos continues.


Being at the shala this morning was heaven for me.I've met new kindred souls.It was pure good energy. Connie was our teacher and she handled  us well.I was totally awed at how my body has become very   flexible. She let me do the standing pose from my full back bends.Because I was overwhelmed, I ended up hitting my head on the floor.It doesnt hurt though.My second attempt was cool.I was able to stand with Connie's help of course.I was a bit shy as the other women were watching me.


My heart was glad too because a new student told me that I was very good. Connie affirmed that I was a regular practitioner and that I was blessed with flexibility.I couldnt agree more.My desire to embrace this lifestyle is paying off.I am certain the universe will lead me to inspire other women too.The mermaid in me is wanting to go on a yoga retreat someday.


I was craving for kimbap (Korean rice rolls) so I ended up dining at Duri, my favorite korean resto in Galeria.I had to pay my bills afterwards and called home.I was already getting so tired as I was still having my period.I did a lot of errands actually today but I was joyful.I had enjoyed my being self reliant.


Ipod's still playing now.Memories of me and my 214 are coming back.There's no one else in my heart but him.I know it was a BIG decision to let each other go but that was pure love.This heart if given a chance to fall in love again still wish to be in a place where purity and innocence abound.Yes, Love moved in mysterious ways between us.I pray he's alright.It has been 7 years.I am glad I had found my great love at a place and time that werent even expected.


There is always that mystery in loving.The wonder of being led to each other's arms...then let go.What remains is my heart that is so happy that I have met him.I have no regrets.I feel so blessed.I am grateful even after 7 years.


Stay in love everyone!Dont hold on too much.Real love happens when one learns to let go.


Namaste!

Saturday high and low

               

I arrived just in time for the yoga class today and I saw Nature outside the shala.She introduced me to B, a teacher from YM MakatiI saw unfamiliar faces when I entered.It was B who facilitated the practice and Nature just assisted. I honestly felt sluggish as the practice progressed.I was not used to the people practicing with me, moreso, the teacher.She's a good teacher actually but I was used with the personal tutelage of my original teachers.Nature was kind enough to assist me often.I have missed Jon.I have missed that voice.I have missed the encouragement coupled with a firm and strict demeanor.I was glad another Jennifer was practicing with me.I had company.I ended the practice grateful that I survived despite my sluggishness.(Is this the right term?)

                                          

I had lunch a The Pancake House and  had tuna sandwich again with the delicious carrot shake.Afterwards, i went shopping for a nice bag, some cosmetics and of course my food.I am going to travel soon hopefully so I bought some of the basics.


I was already so tired when I was inside the taxi. I ended up opening the window and not able to close it back. The driver thankfully was understanding.As I entered my house, I noticed something on the floor,It was a letter from World Vision.As I opened it, I saw that it was the progress report of the child I am sponsoring.He is Lowell Android Candido.I was a teary eyed because I felt I have done something great in this world.With the little amount I give every month, I am able to help a soul go to school.I know I could still do more.Part of my plan is to send him some items he needs in school and for himself.I need to save for this.

I felt tired and down today but with the letter from Lowell, i was elavated.I cant thank God enough.
Then there is just the recent news from home that mom and dad are coming back to Manila to watch the NBA/PBA all star games.Now, what a shame. I wont be with them for Im Singapore bound hopefully.

Anyway,it's another week ahead.I pray for more good health and wisdom.I hope I can write even a bit.

Namaste!

Amy's Day

with the cake I gave her

                                     
Today is Amy's birthday.I am so grateful that she chose to celebrate it with me and with his brother Donn.The three of us invaded DADS in Greenhills.It was my first time there and believe me I couldnt eat more than what my belly could contain.It was a buffet lunch and I guess i had eaten much. Amy and Donn urged me to eat more but I didnt have anymore the strength to do so.I opted for seafood and vegetarian dishes.I loved the Filipino delicacies too.I also had the taste of some Japanese variety.I realized one thing though...Buffet isnt really for me.I am not a big eater and paying much isnt really worth it. Here are some photos of that great day.




ahhh fruits

                             

japanese variety



stir fry veggies

sweets

cute dessert of i dont know the name

salmon

noodles

ice cream yey!

me, amy and donn

crabs, shrimp, fish and rice...my first dish

I am glad for today.I wish my dear friend Amy a very happy birthday.I am very appreciative of the friendship we've shared all this time.She's like a family to me already.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY again my friend.

LOVELY MOONDAY FOR ME!

It's a moon day today and I am so glad because the universe has given me the gift of peace both in body and mind.It's ironic though because for the past few moon day cycles I was the usual lethargic self all through out the day but today is a differenr one.I woke up a bit heavy though but it was just for a few minutes.Perhaps the practice last night helped. I had stiff neck too since yesterday but LO and behold, I am up and about now.I had few breathing practices this morning on the mat.I also tried doing preliminaries for the headstand but I had to stop because I fell on my few attempts.I need a guru to lead me...in time.
 


my tuna pansit with baguio beans


Someone screened my windows so I was a bit busy doing few errands for him.I have also cooked my simple pansit with tuna and baguio beans  for breakfast. I didnt have much food stored in the house so I cooked whatever ingredients were at hand.It was a great meal though.


Kenny Rankin was also playing on my computer.I was a bit nostalgic when I heard What Matter Most because for the longest time, this has been my favorite letting go song.This would be my song again as I am going to be saying farewell soon to someone.Ahhh, life.


Anyway, it's a different moon day this time.My energy is so steady.I hope this lasts till my period comes out.I like the wind too.It's cool.It's such a lovely day.Im grateful for today, my LORD!

Weeklong highlights 2



my chair

The tropical depression Dodong has confined me in the comforts of my home eating only fruits most of the time.Of course, it's a great diet but the thought of not having food in the house when there's a storm scared me too.Thankfully, on the fourth day the sun was generous  enough to smile at me.I went out and had my pedicure then bought my computer chair (my fourth one), hang out with the store crew for a while then had grocery shopping.


I had two great yoga practices at home too.Classes online were amazing.I was also able to transcribe two interviews and hopefully will have one before Monday.My body's a bit sore and I was sporting a cold but I got by.


The practice at the shala today was also awesome.Jon was the teacher again.It was my first time to see him with his short hair.Upon entering the place, we smiled at each other and I could not help but touch his hair.It was nice being candid to him like that. After the practice, Nature and I kept hugging each other like crazy.I love this woman guru.She's just very sweet to me.We were teasing Jon as he will be leaving for Finland soon.The three of us had a great conversation and I must say, I am really very happy I have found these beautiful souls.SIGH! Jon would be gone. He told me we still have some time together.I'm looking forward for the three of us to go out.


At the washroom/spa room, I was able to chat with 3 great women too.Ahhh, the energy after the practice was just great.


I dislike to write this but I have to.Today too, I decided not to spend time with two people I thought were my friends.It might be wrong but I had no choice.I guess I was not ready to confront nor talk to them after what they did.I hate to say this but when a relationship/friendship seems abusive I really dont hesitate to leave.I didnt want to hurt more .So i remained SILENT!.May the universe bring healing to whatever ill feelings I've got.OM.


Talking to mom on the phone was cool.I've learned that my brother's home.SIGH! again.Anyway, I am looking forward to have them with me soon in my own space.Lunch at the Pancake House was perfect.Fiesta Taco salad and Martini cinnamon Toast just made my day.

Taco Veggie Salad

the dressing



Cinnamon toast

                            
I went home a bit tired but fulfilled.I was supposed to transcribe again but my body just wanted to rest so I stayed on the mat and watched TV then took a nap.


Tomorrow's the commemoration of our FREEDOM.It's a great reminder for all of us Filipinos to be grateful to the lineage of heroes who shed blood and tears for us to be FREE.

ENJOY THE GIFT OF FREEDOM EVERYONE! BE GRATEFUL TOO.

Pasta for lunch

After a great practice at the shala, I was feeling hungry but I didnt exactly know what to eat.I wanted to get something heavier than veggie so in the end I opted to have pasta at The Old Spaghetti House at the Galeria. I havent really been here in a while but I must say this place is one of my favorite spots. There is only one specialty that I look forward to eat in here...it's Alfredo's Seafood Pasta in white sauce.




my water, my life

                                                 

I purposely asked them to separate the sauce because i dont want my pasta to be that saucy/creamy.Sometimes it upsets my stomach.

                                    

The thin well-cooked pasta with fresh seafoods in it.Someday, ill be saying goodbye to them..:)

It was a sumptuous meal.

                                  

On food...simply

If there's one thing that would definitely identify me from the rest of my closest friends, if would be my choice of what to eat.I am not really a voracious eater.My appetite is kind of lame compared to my peers who could eat anything with gusto.Back home then I was the only soul who had slow food intake.I would often envy someone who could consume a lot in an hour.

My choice of food is very basic too.I love simple dishes.I was exposed to a home that often served veggies on the table and so I still love having them now that i am cooking on my own.I love colors on my platter.Mixed veggies appeal to me.Camote tops salad is always a good treat specially when it's raining.I like the taste of salad in any form and style.I just dont like to have so much dressing on it.I love to taste the freshness of everything.Of course fruits are indespensable in my diet.

Bo-kum-bop
Kimchi Fried Rice
김치볶음밥

 @ http://www.trifood.com/gimbop.asp

                         
I am not a meat person ever since.I love chicken of course but i have stopped eating them early last year.Having seafood on my diet is still  important.In time, I guess I will also be giving up on this. There is no special reason for this.I just want these creatures to enjoy living.(:)

I love korean dishes too.Kimchi for me is a good appetizer.I am a big fan of GIM BOP (rice rolls).I love having kimchi fried rice in the morning.I am not a soup person but lately i have to have it since my doctor told me i need to take something hot specially in the morning.

Gim-bop
Korean Style Sushi Roll
김밥
 @ http://www.trifood.com/gimbop.asp

                         

Coffee is not my thing.I had some cups before but i got stomach problems after.I love having green tea. Bread and pastries are closest to my heart.I have a sweet tooth.Chocolates and cakes are my life savers.I can still go for pasta.Meatless of course.

Green tea, Tuna sandwich at The Cofee Bean

                      

I am not a good eater perhaps.I dont go for stuffy food.I like it simple.I admire of course the intricacies of cooking but because I am a busy person, I only have time for simple but healthy options.I can eat an apple or banana for a meal.I guess that's fine with me.

Anyway, why did I spend a page talking blah blahs about food?I guess there's no particular reason for this actually.It's just that earlier today my cousin served me SPAM for breakfast and i ate it.Then I felt i have indulged.Then i was thinking....Man, this isnt my stuff anymore.

You are what you eat is an old adage.I believe this is true.I am what i am eating.I only like simple stuff simply because I am a less complicated individual in the bigger scheme of things.