I’m happy to see old faces, friends and classmates. Every five years, my Alma Mater in High School conducts a Grand Alumni Homecoming. This activity and effort allows us former students of St. Catherine of Siena Academy to be together again and remember the years that we had fun, learned, loved, gave our teachers headaches and pride, and prepared us to become what we are right now.

Every five years that we are able to meet each other in one single event, allows us to see the changes in our lives. Those who are single five years ago are now having their own families. Some who struggled during school days with studies are now the achievers on their career. Some honor students were not able to finish college and tried hard to make both ends meet. The rich kids when we are younger are the ones who struggle with their finances. And a lot more scenario to mention.

The status and achievement of each one of us is not a hindrance to enjoy the moment. Our batch seems to break the barriers of section and the feeling of indifference. I’m really happy that we are able to mingle without getting intimidated by social and personal projection. I may not know the names of every batch mates but at least am able to recognize their faces. Greet everyone with a genuine smile and take some time to ask how they are doing.

Talking to each other and starting to reminisce our past made everyone giggle and laugh about our silly stories. It just only shows how childish a matured person can be when we get to talk about things that we did (be it good or bad).

Another cherished moment for this day is when we get to see our past teachers whom we considered either as mentors or dementors (sorry for the word). The last word came to mind because as some of our teachers were roaming around and joins every batch for a photo op, one of my former classmates exclaimed that he does not approve of a group photo with a particular teacher. When we asked him why before that teacher approached us, he firmly stated that he does not like him simply for the reason that he never learned anything from that teacher and asked us if we feel the same. Almost everyone answered “yes”, including me. Then I laughed, saying to myself that after all these years, I didn’t think of having the same thought for that teacher’s contribution in molding our young lives. Anyway, that was in the past and we are able to live our lives until now carrying those memories.

One by one, we left, bid goodbyes and said to each other our sincere thanks of making ourselves available and joining the activity. A few hours shared story-telling, eating, drinking (for some), and laughing is one of the best days we will cherish for the rest of our lives.

The next homecoming is set after five years and will be more exciting for our batch because it is our Silver Year and the task of hosting the event is on our shoulders. I hope more batch mates will join us and be able to make it another milestone to remember.

See you on the year 2020 Batch 1995 of St. Catherine of Siena Academy!!!

Want to make egg pies? No oven, no baking pans.

We don’t have an oven. This is the reason why I always look for alternative ways to bake and experiment on baked goodies. My first recipe attempt was Lasagna. I will tackle the recipe in a different article soon.

I want to share my recent discovery on how to make egg pies even if you only have an oven toaster and leche flan pans (llanera).

The following are the ingredients:

Crust:

4 cups all-purpose flour

6 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp fine salt

1 ½ cup butter, cut into cubes and softened (I used Selecta butterfresh because it is not salty unlike other brands, and cheaper too.)

½ cup cold water

Filling:

1 cup evaporated milk

5 medium eggs and another 2 medium eggs with white and yolk separated

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp fresh kalamansi or lemon juice

1 can condensed milk 380g

How to Cook:

For the crust:

1. Combine flour, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Add the butter and thoroughly mix with other ingredients. You can use a pastry mixer or a big spoon.

2. Gradually add the cold water to the mixture and continue mixing until every ingredients are well combined.

3. Shape the dough into a large ball and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

4. Sprinkle flour on a clean surface to flatten the dough using a rolling pin for about ½ centimeter thick and wide enough to cover 3 llaneras or a 9” pie pan if you have one.

5. Press the flattened dough on the pan and trim the dough using kitchen sears at about half an inch overhang. Save the scraps to bulk up thin areas later on.

6. The edges can be crimped by fork or pinch the edges with your fingers. Set aside the dough inside the fridge while making the filling

For the filling:

1. Heat the evaporated milk in a pan for a minute or two. No need to boil.

2. Combine and whisk the 5 medium eggs and the separated 2 egg yolks.

3. Gradually add the condensed milk while whisking. Add the vanilla extract and kalamansi juice, continue mixing until well blended.

4. Add the evaporated milk and mix well.

5. Beat the separated egg whites using an electric mixer to form soft peaks. This makes the upper part of the pie brown in color.

Baking the Pie:

1. Preheat the oven toaster for 10 minutes. Pour the filling on the refrigerated pie crust. Top with the beaten egg whites. Cover with aluminum foil* and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. (If you have a wider oven toaster, you can cook the pies all at once). You can check if the pie is completely cooked by inserting a toothpick in the filling and it comes out clean.

2. Remove the foil covering of the pie and spread the egg white on top and put the pie inside the oven and cook again for five minutes or until you achieve the golden brown top.

3. Allow the pie to cool down before serving. If you like, the taste is much better if you eat the egg pie after refrigeration.

*The use of aluminum foil gives the trick of cooking the filling without burning the top part of the pie.

There you have it. Enjoy!

I am overwhelmed by my everyday encounters with fellow virtual entrepreneurs. I am learning the tricks, ups and downs of becoming one with just joining every group that I see on different social media platforms.

As of this time, I struggle a lot because I know that my skills are not enough to become established in this field. There are moments that I doubted myself if I can continue searching for the right formula to become a good Virtual Assistant/SEO Expert/Web Designer/Web Developer/Online Entrepreneur.

I give special thanks to Sir Jay Pasana of Web Internship Program who is my mentor in Web Design, Social Media Management and future lessons that we will tackle under this program. A few years ago, I considered working online after I gave birth to my son but was not able to push thru with my plan because I thought that I need to give my 100% time in taking care of him. Now that he is 5 years old and will be a pre-elementary student next school year, I made my way to study Web Design under his coaching. If I didn’t try enrolling, I will not be able to see the benefits of knowing not just a thing or two about the Web and how I can earn using the Internet.

Another group that deserves a thank you from me is the Team SuperKaizen SEO Webinar. I attended the seminar last Saturday, November 28, 2015. The event was quick but I gained a lot from it. The never heard tools in determining the performance of a site are all new to me. It is really good to be taught by some of the bests namely Mr. Floyd Gonda, Roel Manarang, Fervil Von Tripoli and Nimrod Flores.

And lastly, thank you to Ms. Rochefel Rivera, the woman behind Professional VA Facebook Page. I recently found her group and been watching the tutorials on her YouTube channel. I get to learn a lot with regard to tasks of a Virtual Assistant. I think it is a relaxed and a natural approach of teaching especially to aspiring and first timers like me.

I look forward to having my own clients and be like all of the above mentioned personalities who motivate me every day to focus and reach my online career goals.

I often feel this way whenever I have interviews. Especially an hour or two before the actual time. Why? Is it because I am not prepared or I am not comfortable with my conversational skills? Maybe or maybe not.

I know that it is not just me who goes through the same situation. I think it is normal for a person to be nervous at some point. Even if you are the best applicant and have numerous accomplishments under your sleeves. A few hours before and until the moment you face an interviewer, that electrifying feeling is present. It seems like your last day on earth is now. Hands are shaking like there’s an earthquake. Suddenly forgot your name and where you live. Can’t speak straight, a lot of uhm’s and huh. The things you hold suddenly slip down. Everything is out of control.

Cold palms, palpitations, frequent urination, slurred speech or dysarthria (thanks Google for the extra knowledge) and disorientation are some of the manifestations of my interview jitters. It is too much to handle. I was told to breathe in and breathe out to release the tension. Can’t argue with that. I find it effective.

As explained in Science, “the primary role of breathing is to absorb oxygen and to expel carbon dioxidethrough the movement of the lungs. Muscles that control the movement of the lungs are the diaphragm (a sheet of muscle underneath the lungs) and the muscles between the ribs”. But make sure you do not overdo it. “Shallow over-breathing, orhyperventilation, can prolong feelings of anxiety by making the physical symptoms of stress worse. Controlling your breathing can help to improve some of these symptoms”.

I try to overcome this feeling every time. I have to, or else, I’m screwed and never get the job that I wanted.

If there is one kakanin or dessert that I like the most, it is Espasol. It is a cylindrical-shaped rice cake which originated from the province of Laguna. It is made of toasted glutinous rice flour, coconut milk and sweetened coconut strips, dusted with toasted rice flour.

I used to ask friends and colleagues to buy me some when they go to Laguna. Nowadays, I order from a local delicacy store here in our province when I feel like eating. The taste is similar with the ones bought from Laguna so it is much better if I have the craving attack.

I have no idea how to cook this favorite food of mine. Until I stumble upon a recipe of espasol on the net. I thought, why not try cooking it myself since the ingredients are easy to find and the process is simple as described in the recipe. I even watched different tutorials on YouTube to familiarize myself.

I took the challenge of cooking it today. Since I would like to rest from staring at the computer and do my assignments, I bought coconut milk from the market. I already have glutinous rice flour, sugar and other ingredients available in the pantry ‘cause I try to cook different delicacies and desserts when I have time. I’m not a seasoned cook but was able to achieve the taste of any dish I tried and this is the perfect time to test my skill.

First, I toasted 3 ½ cups of glutinous rice flour, set aside ½ cup of it for dusting the dough later. In a pan, I put 2 cups of coconut milk and let it simmer for a few minutes; put 1 cup of sugar while stirring constantly; after dissolving the sugar, I slowly put the toasted glutinous rice flour; added a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a squeeze of lime to add flavor. I also have the option in putting toasted shredded coconut but skipped this step as requested by my mother. I made sure that the fire is in low setting to avoid burning the mixture. Mixing the dough is a challenge because it is so sticky. I continued mixing for about 15 minutes and stopped when the natural oil of the coconut milk is evident and the dough is not loose anymore. While letting the dough cool down a bit, I prepared the banana leaves where I sprinkled the toasted flour. This is where I’m going to lay the dough flat and cut into strips. I rolled the strips to the flour one by one and the final product is arranged in a platter.

The taste test finally came. I’m not sure if I did the right thing. I’m worried about the result. It looked like the usual espasol I buy but the taste is still a mystery. My nieces, mother and son, took a bite. They looked at each other and said “SARAP”. It’s delicious in Filipino and that really made my day. I will never be afraid of trying a new recipe again because my family appreciates it and that makes me really happy.

In my quest for an investment and savings plan that can help me properly manage my finances now and in the future, I joined a local multi-purpose cooperative. This is not my first time to be involved in such a group. I totally removed the negative connotation of cooperatives in my system as “magulo” (riotous) and only involves “utang” (credit or loan). I treat it now as a way of saving money. My investment or share is what they call “untouchable money”. This is because, you cannot use your money anytime you want like deposits in bank where you just present a withdrawal slip or use an ATM card. If ever you have to, the only way to get your money is withdrawing completely including your membership and requires ample time to process. The share is designed to increase, not to decrease as time goes by.

Three years ago, I was persuaded by a former collector of a lending institution to try it. He quit his job from the lending company and was offered a job in a Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Bulacan and happened to have two branches here in Bataan. At first, I was hesitant. But when I thought about the benefits that I may reap from joining, I attended the pre-membership seminar. It did not last for more than an hour but gave me a brief and good impression of how cooperatives work for itself and the members. Cooperatives manifests the true sense of Bayanihan which was described during elementary days as the collective help of neighbors in carrying a house from one place to another. Members pool their resources into a common fund that is used to create different services and products that members can avail and derive income from. I agreed in joining and invested a few thousands as share capital. Like most cooperatives, loan service is the primary income generating product of the group. It is up to the member if he or she wants to avail it. Members derive multiple benefits from getting credit. The income generated from such loan will be added to the total income of the cooperative and will be declared as dividends and will be distributed annually to each member depending upon their share or Capital Build-Up (CBU). Another income is what they call Patronage Refund. A portion of the income derived from availing the service or product is computed and returned to the member. The more services and products I avail, the more patronage refund I get. Aside from the two, the third benefit is what I like the most. I’m proud to say that in almost 3 years, I didn’t just doubled or tripled my investment but is already 5 times my initial share. I achieved it through the capital build-up system. Every time I availed of any service or product, part of the interest I pay is directly added to my share, thus increasing it. The only way that a ladder goes is up, there is no down.

There are other benefits such as Insurance, Health Cards/Medical Assistance, Livelihood Training/Seminars and Continuous Education that a member can enjoy. I am making the most out of it and I am trying to look for other cooperatives with the same standing and performance. Like any other business or investment, we need to assess the feasibility of earning or saving since it involves money and time.

Joining cooperatives made me realize one thing. There is no small investment, only small knowledge. People has to learn how to make money work for them.

Who remembers Piko, Tumbang Preso, Harangan Tubig and Luksong Tinik? I bet those born in the 70's or 80's will say yes. I really miss playing those games and I wish I could still at my age. The energy and excitement makes me want to turn back the time. Laughter and sweat are the results of doing those kinds of activities plus the chance to mingle with friends and siblings. Interaction allows every child to develop their social skills and physical health benefits from those games.

Slowly every year, new games were introduced. Game boards, Game and Watches, Atari, Family Computer, Brick Games and Tamagochi are some of those games that eventually replaced the Chinese Garter.

Now comes the digital age. The dawn of cellular phones triggered the influx of modern games tough computers were accessible but were mainly used for study and work. PlayStation, Xbox and Wii quickly evolved and made constant upgrades that left people wanting for more. The mobile technology adopted the features of computers and created tablets and phones with Android and Windows applications. The prices decreased as the number of gaming products multiplied, which allowed people from all walks of life; young or old, rich or poor, educated or not; gained access to these gadgets.

This just shows that playing is not restricted to a person’s status. It may have evolved from physical to mental and mental to eye-hand coordination challenges, same satisfaction is achieved.

Each person will remember the games depending on the generation they belong to. What matters is the experience and the skills developed through it. Always remember the main purpose and idea of the game. Be it a physical challenge, mental or I.Q. test, strategy building and tactics, response/reaction test and so on. Just play, enjoy and let us see what’s coming next.

In the Philippines, if you need to process papers regarding land titles, most likely you will hire someone to do it for you though it will cost you a lot of money compared to doing it on your own. The payment is not just for the expenses incurred like the transportation, fees and sad to say; bribe to make the process expedited but also the hassles you will encounter from going back and forth to the government agencies you need to transact with.

My first experience doing the task gave me a handful of frustrations and effort. The job was originally assigned to an agent but unfortunately, he was not able to do it though we already paid his service. Waiting for a long time, I was asked by my father to try it since the first tasks were accomplished by me. Hesitant and all, I followed. I know that it’s going to be hard but I need to do it because the documents at hand will be expired and will not be honored anymore. For more than 5 years, I’ve been able to do the same even for just a minimal fee. I try not to be like other document specialists or so called ‘agents’ who ask for a big price in exchange for their services. I fully understand the situation of clients like us who experienced paying an agent but unable to complete the job for a high price.

I would like to share the general steps for transferring a land title for reference.

·        -  Secure the documentary requirements at the Registry of Deeds and Municipal or Provincial Assessor’s Office.

·         - Secure assessment of transfer taxes at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Municipal or City Treasurer’s Office.

·         - File documents at the BIR for the issuance of Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR) or BIR Clearance.

·         - Pay the Transfer Taxes and secure the Tax Clearance.

·         - File documents at the Registry of Deeds for the issuance of new land title.

·         - File documents at the Municipal or Provincial Assessor’s Office for the issuance of new Tax Declaration.

Some steps may differ depending on the type of title you will transfer, e.g. CLOA or Certificate of Land Ownership Award which requires more documentation than regular land titles.

September 17, 2010

I consider it the hardest but the most rewarding experience of my life. Giving birth and caring for my own child.

I used to think that I will stay single forever and being a mom is the least that I can be. It’s not that I don’t like children. In fact, I used to take care of my nieces and nephews. I also went to Singapore to help my uncle and aunt take care of their daughter. I even thought looking after other people’s children (relatives or not) will be my fate.

Now I know that it is just a preparation for me as a mother. I married late. It took almost 2 years before I got pregnant. When the day I knew that I have a baby inside of me, there were mixed emotions that lingered in my heart. I don’t know if I’m happy or not; worried or excited; shocked or amazed.

After 8 months of nurturing a soul inside my body (my baby was premature and I suffered preeclampsia on the 7^th month of pregnancy), I finally saw my child. It was painful on the first strike of labor (which lasted for 2 days) but when he was finally out, I felt so much joy and gratitude that we both survived. 

My husband was not around when I gave birth. He needed to work overseas on the second month of conception in order to give us a better future. Though he is not with us physically, he always checked on us whenever he had the time. 

I wondered where I got my strength in taking care of my baby full time, without having a reliever or household help. Maybe mothers like me naturally have this skill in managing time and joggling duties without compromising the attention and care for her children. Thanks to the experiences I had in taking care of children at a young age.

second trimester

September 17, 2010

Mye Jerico 

4 Months Old 

Happy Baby

Are you feeling stressed out? It may be due to work, family, finances or relationship? Whatever the reason, we can’t help but feel it.

We have different coping mechanisms toward stress. Some people turn to eating comfort food; shopping; watching TV shows, movies or videos on YouTube; playing games like badminton or chess; running, biking or hiking; and singing your heart out in a Videoke bar. However you like to do it, there is only one goal: Relax and Take a Break.

I have my fair share of stressors around me. I often feel numb and helpless every time it comes around. I tried different approaches in dealing with stress. Playing games on a tablet, watching Korean TV series, cross-stitching, writing poems and even trying to cook any recipe I saw on the internet. I often neglect everything around me. I only focus on my daily routine: waking up, eating, taking care of my child, doing household chores, marketing, looking after my small store, sleeping and thinking about my problems. It is really boring and monotonous. I don’t even know if I have a social life. I seldom meet friends (I only have a few) and not really comfortable of small talks with people I don’t know.

Then recently, I came across a post on Facebook, where a friend of mine shared her journey to Alaska by posting pictures of nature (flowers, fruits, fish, streams and mountains). I felt so relieved and thought of going outside the house and checked our very own garden. I took a camera and started taking pictures of plants and flowers. I never thought that nature itself is therapeutic and suddenly cleared all worries in my mind. I was able to at least stop for a while, breath and see how beautiful the world is. All creations complement each other. It made me understand that life should be lived by the day. Other living creatures does not worry too much about what to do or even what to eat on the coming days because it will be provided. What matters is today and how we make the most from it.