Macaroni Soup and Champorado

I'm in the mood to cook! Obvious naman sa title palang db? Hehehe. Yesterday was raining, literally the whole day here in Antipolo so I thought of cooking soup dishes (masabaw) for my family . I came up with Macaroni Soup and Champorado. Macaroni in the morning and Champorado as our merienda. My boys liked them so much. Mahirap i-please si Dadi A pagdating sa food because he cooks and he's way too better than me kaya its an achievement that he liked them. For sure these two dishes are very famous in every pinoy family household. They're very easy to do. And to be honest, t'was my first time to prepare them. Yay! I'll start with the Macaroni Soup, here it goes.

Macaroni Soup

Good for 4-5 Servings

Stuff needed:
2 pcs chicken sliced thinly
1/8 kgs ground pork
4 garlic cloves bruised
2 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon black ground pepper
1 cup macaroni pasta
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 medium cabbage
6 cups water
1 small onion chopped
1 medium carrot diced
2 onion leaks
1 small can evaporated milk
1 chicken broth cube

How to do it.
1. Saute garlic and onion in butter over low heat.Add chicken, ground pork and fry for 4 -5 minutes.

3. Put chicken broth cube, macaroni pasta, black ground pepper and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes

4. Place carrots, cabbage, onion leaks and evaporated milk. Boil for 1-2 minutes.

Champorado

Good for 3 servings

Stuff needed:
1/8 kgs Glutinous rice
4 Cups of water
1 small can of evaporated milk
1/2 cup cocoa
3 tablespoon brown sugar

How to do it.
1. Add Glutinous rice and Cocoa together and until the glutinous rice is cooked and until it has reached your preferred thickness.

2. Add sugar to taste. Stir a few more times then remove from heat.

3. Ladle champorado in separate bowls and put some evaporated milk.

Serve them with lots of LOVE!

And he's ready to dig. He likes the champoradora more - he had 2 servings of it.

Its not only that its rainy season already that I thought of soup dishes, it is also because of my toddler son who is now into table food. He likes malasang food na so, I really need to practice cooking more. Hihi.

Mommies these dishes are definitely worth to serve with love to your husband and kids. Try them.

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Days without our little one and a Father's Day letter to Dadi A.

Two weeks ago, I sent our little one in Batangas with Yaya Zai for vacation. My Mom and nephew live there and Ayvan loves his cousin so much that whenever they see each other is chaotic. Imagine the mess inside Mom's house. Two youngsters and their numerous toys. Haha.

T'was our first time being separated from the little man that long. It seems like forever. I think I phoned Mom and Zai five times a day. I missed him. I couldn't eat that much, though I was able to sleep straight at night, which I seriously needed. Also, Ace and I had more time together. Matters had been rocky between us lately, but we've managed to make it through. Being a mother taught me to carry on when I don’t feel like I can because it's necessary and putting myself second to everything I decide.

Last Sunday, Father's day, we fetched Ayvan. We did not celebrate on that day. We're so exhausted with the travel and all. Ayvan wasn't feeling well too. He doesn't eat, even his milk. Mom said his nose bleed the other day and lost his appetite. She suspected that it was due to his new set of teeth, but I don't want to assume that's exactly it so I had him checked at the Marikina Valley Medical Center. The Pedia confirmed Mom's conclusion. He prescribed Xylogel for Ayvan's swollen gums and appetite, toothbrush and toothpaste for his smelly saliva. Haha. Mama said she was too afraid to brush the little one's teeth because it may hurt him more, but the Pedia said it's a must and so I bought stuff.

Getting home, I saw a really small cake that has "I heard Dad" topping. I bought it too for Ace - a humble token of his undying love. And here's my letter to him.

Dear Dad,

Thank you for your love, understanding and support. Thank you for your loyalty and tenderness. I know you love us and you are struggling with your new status as a "Dad" - like being selfless. I also know that makes you stressed sometimes and at some point you don't want to be stuck at home. Yes, making compromises can be hard, but that's why I'm here. We chose each other to create a family and we are going to manage it until the end. We will work on those together, slowly. Ayvan loves you so much. And by the way, welcome to fatherhood!

Happy FATHER'S DAY! ♥

PS: Parenthood is an adventure. Embrace it.

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A day at Philippine Science Centrum

As a working Mom, quality time outside our house is an effort - bringing the Yaya and all the stuff. But I would like my son to learn, to interact with other children and other things outside his comfort zone (our home). That is why as much as possible or as early as now I want to expose him to the world and one of those places where he will definitely learn are Science Museums.

He's a queer little boy and that's a good sign. I admit, I am not a sound teacher. I don't have that kind of patience. As an alternative, I vowed to provide my kid the stuff that will help him learn such as books, nursery rhymes in CDs, piano music as one of his sleeping routine. I sometimes talk to him in English, but most of the time in Tagalog. I want him to grow up as normal as other children do.

When Lani posted the invite on our online community, I immediately signed up. Saturday on that week we went to PSC. It was a day of fun and learning experience for Ayvan and me.

Philippine Science Centrum is located at E-com building inside the Riverbanks Center in Marikina -  next to ours (Antipolo City) so, going there was easy and thanks to Karen for guiding us.

They feature several "mind-challenging" and interactive exhibits. One of their staff gave us a tour and showcased what the machines are all about.

Ayvan's favorites? Look at the photos.

This is the Colored Shadow exhibit. They will ask you to stand in the center of the white wall and you will see your shadow in different color.

He was looking at it like a candy because of the colors.

He found a new buddy.

This is one of their Body Works Exhibit. The Pick a Cone

His favorite. He couldn't take his hands off it.

The Echo Tube

He got confused. I shouted once but he heard his name many times.

 Inside the Kids World there's a mini Market place, Slide, Reading Corner, Blocks and Lego.

His first time to slide down. Woot Woot! Look at his face. He was nervous. Haha

He loves Lego as you can see. He almost doesn't want to go down.

The ever famous Van De Graaff exhibit. 

When you touch the sphere, watch your hair stands. Its because of the positive charge.

Sympathetic Swing

The Pipes of Pan exhibit.

The sound depends on how long or short the pipe is.

I noticed that Ayvan seems fascinated in Bodywork exhibits. He likes to touch and feel things. I think it is a good sign and with that, this will never be the first time to visit such place as this.

Philippine Science Centrum is definitely a place where your kids learn while having fun like my little one. Visit the place now and you will never regret when you see you kids' reactions.

Here are their admission Fees.

Maximum of 1.5 hours, additional Php 60.00 every hour thereafter.

Adult/s: Php 120.00/head
Children below 2 yrs.old: FREE
Students:
Private School: Php 120.00/head
Public School: Php 95.00/head

Teachers with ID: FREE
Senior Citizen with ID: 50% discount

They're open from Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

Contact details:
Reservation : (63 2) 942-5136
PFST Office : (63 2) 942-4137
Cellphone Number: 09052597771
Telefax : (63 2) 942-5091
Check their website: http://www.science-centrum.ph/
Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philippinesciencecentrum

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#NuffnangMovieNight - XMEN

So, I received an email from Nuffnang and confirmed to it. Exclusive screening of XMEN with food and cocktails? Tempting, right? Who would say no if you're free.

My work hours is entirely up until 3PM every weekdays. Weekends are my off days. So, a film on a friday night will not hurt my schedule. I signed up, completed my entry and won.

I actually plan to go with Ace but he can't. It would have been a nice date for us. We never watched a movie together after Ayvan came. I don't know, maybe it's our work schedule that doesn't fit, or it's not our main priority anymore, or we feel guilty leaving Ayvan to his Yaya. I don't know. Watching a movie (outside) was never brought up as well. Maybe that's it.

I invited Kumare (Ace's cousin and Ayvan's ninang, Jojo), I told you I will not miss it. I'd rather drag someone else arm to come with me than dropping it. Haha. Lucky enough she wants to watch it too.
We came early, I think around 7PM. I know I was exhausted but not feeling it because I'm happy and excited. I was already awake since 3AM that day and the travel going there worn me off, but it was not a problem for me that time.  We roamed and by 8 PM we fell in line, got our tickets and eat.






The food was served buffet style. There's a colorful nachos everywhere, chicken lollipop, toasted bread with suasage on top, a delicious garlic pasta (Not so sure of its name).and an unlimited iced tea.


There was I think 5-6 small round tables outside cinema 1. There were no chairs. The table is good for 6 dessert plates. Some said that was the first time that Nuffnang provided real food, before it was just popcorn and drinks. I must be lucky eh? Teehee.









I had fun. XMEN was great. I really enjoy it. Thanks Nuffnang! Til next time.

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20 Ways You Can Be The Best Friend Ever.

How many of you have what we call BEST FRIEND? Why I asked? Because this post will be all about the ways to maintain a long lasting friendship.

Here's my list of 20 Ways You Can Be The Best Friend Ever

1. Go watch a movie together.
2. Help each other at time of need.
3. You can eat together outside.
4. Remember their birthdays.
5. You can go to each other's places and chat.
6. Love each other.
7. You should always be there to support each other.
8. You go on vacation or staycation together.
9. You should be trustworthy.
10. Give advices and take one too.
11. You should respect each other.
12. Share your problem.
13. Give each other gifts - Small thing makes a difference.
14. Be a good listener.
15. Don't let her down when she's already down.
16. Take care of each other.
17. Be loyal - always take their side.
18. Appreciate each other.
19. Be supportive.
20. A real friend calls!!

With GoUnli20, it’s now easy to call without a need for a prefix and it’s just P20 for unli calls, 15mb of mobile surfing, and 20 texts to all networks! Kaya if you need a friend, don’t call me, I’ll call you!

This post is an entry for the exclusive screening of Disney's Maleficent, brought by Globe and Nuffnang Philippines. They are giving away free tickets. Join now!

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The Nurture Run 2014

Yes! I made it. I also thought I couldn't, thanks to my antoking kumare who woke up early to go with me.

The original plan was, Ace will come with me since he's been dying to climb again and running will be a sound alternative. But came his new job that needed him to work until Sunday, the plan was altered.

Kumare has been jogging around UP every Sunday so, I thought she will be a perfect company.



The hard part was going to CCP. I'm not gala so there are places I don't know how to go via commute. Google was the perfect answer, but we still got lost. Hahaha that's how smart I am.

We arrived at CCP around 7AM already. We were eager to run but we got lost again. Hahaha. I think we ran the 3K trail. I know. Stupid. Haha.

We were able to attend the awarding. The HIZON family was there together with Izza the founder of BBB.

Here are some of my photos.




Water station. I admit I feel a bit rusty. This was my first run after giving birth last year. Spare me, OK? Hahaha.







Yeah, there you go. I'm so proud. I did it.

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Oh Saturday..

How's your Saturday everyone? Me, I just chanced to have a headache, literally. You want to know why? Yeah, course you do. OK, I'm warning you, this will be a little dramatic.

Alright, I'll start now.

Zai (the new Yaya) came up to me and said she wants to go home. Just a Sec, did I tell you how long have she was here? With us so far? Oh boy, you don't want to know. 1 frigging month! Can you feel my frustration? Why I'm cranky? Here's the main reason of why - We bought her ticket coming here in manila, have her 1st salary given in advance and this is how she pay? How about the effort and time we spent just to bring her here? Not just that one, on her 15th day she cries to me because her kids have been ill and asked if she can receive another cash advance. Well any mother will buy that and I'm a mother, I know how it feels. I gave in and sent the money to her husband.

It's like she's on the cue, always. Ace has just started his new job. He will not be around that much anymore. We don't have someone who will temporarily look for the kid.

So back to my story...

I couldn't decide alone, I needed my husband's stand on this. I also don't want her to feel that we will stop her, thats illegal. And thus I waited hubby. When he came, they talked, I listened. I was astounded by my husband's way of negotiating. He's good. He knows well how to bargain. He sounded so mature that I almost forget all the immature stuff he always does, well almost.

Honestly? We need her. She works so well. She's very nice to Ayvan. Nothing to complain about and finding a substitution is not an option for us. Not until now, at least.

What happen after they talked?

She got carried away with husband's good bargaining strategy and decided not to go anymore. God, how I wish I have that talent too. So yeah, everything worked well after all.

Anyhoo, we're back in to our normal self. I took Ayvan on our rooftop and let him play. He also developed a new talent now. Guess what it is? Doing selfie the right way. Like smiling "all-teeth-out". Lol

Excuse my legs on that last photo.

Since the house was not in good vibes that morning I decided to cook our breakfast. It's a traditional pinoy breaky. Fried eggplant and scrumbled egg. Easy to prepare and cook.

Moral lesson here?

Do not underestimate other people.

Do not always, give in to what they asked. They have the tendency to go too far if you let them.

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