October Blessings

"All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose."

First of all, I want to thank the Lord because it is already our fourth year stay in this condominium.  This was not the mansion or the huge, single house most are dreaming of but I believe this is the promised land where the Lord He promised He will bless our marriage, family and kids. Truly, the Lord is faithful to His promises.

Next, I was surprised that one of my friends approached and trusted me about her deepest, dark secrets she would never tell anyone.  It was the Spirit who is at work in our lives. It was also Him who gave me the wisdom what to tell her.  At home, we had several phone counselling session after office hours. Admittedly, I am humbled because I am never worthy to hear those confessions but I let go everything and entrust all to Him who is the author and finisher of everything. She said she was relieved to confess everything to me. Praise God for that!

Another opportunity of travel for this month was the fieldtrip of Sam in school. It was fun being with students, teachers and same parents who just like me are excited to see the journey of their kids.  There were some controversy in the school of Sam but I know God has a purpose.  They have new teacher - Teacher Lucy. Generally, I really admire the character of teachers. They are truly blessing from the Lord and I can only pray for them to be more patient and loving to students as the second parents. May the Lord also honor and give more favor to them.

In the office, I was able to organize a training for my officemates in the office. That was conducted by the OIC of National Conciliation Mediation Board (NCMB) Region IV Mr. Gil Caragayan.  I also admire this trainer because during his presentation, he injects humor, truth and word of God which makes the training more inspiring and motivating.

Another day to thank the Lord for was the celebration of 75th birthday of Auntie Puring Pontillas.  God is the only provider of good health and long life. Indeed, she is a living witness for receiving God's goodness and faithfulness.  We had a simple gathering at the house of my cousins in Bicutan. That simple event was also a simple reunion for Pontillas family.

I love free foods! For this month, I received several invitations. First, at Pancake House because a former officemate passed by our office and he invited lunch last October 17. Last October 20, we had lunch at David's Tea House with our former manager. The next day, we had another free lunch from office Tokyo Tokyo. Before the month ended, we celebrated in the office a birthday of one of our managers - Sir Lino held last October 27.

Last but not the least as for the "Me Time," I had several opportunities to pamper myself that refreshed me personally. I was able to have a home body massage service, went to David's Salon at Greenbelt 1 for hair cut and my favorite hot choco from Starbucks was truly awesome! 

Thank you God for you are truly good to me.

Weekend agenda for October

There were not so many menus I accomplished for the month of October but I thank God for the opportunity to still cook for the kiddos.  I think I made several desserts for the past month.

To start off our morning of the first day of the month of Oct 1, I prepared a tuna sandwich for Sam and Ceana.

The next day October 2, I cooked chicken afritada.

In the afternoon of that same day, I made biko for merienda...

also one of Sam's favorite same as his daddy.

In the morning of October 8, I thought it's good to try polvoron since the recipe is easy to follow...

so I prepared and I did it! 

That day, the scheduled menu was tahong and I decided to make a two dishes.

So this is my first menu - first attempt to make a baked tahong.

Doesn't look that appealing but the taste was well-appreciated by Sam.

This was my second menu for the tahong.

The next day October 9, I prepared pineappled chicken with milk. 

Haven't cook this for a long time.

Another snack last October 15 for kiddos, pizza with vienna sausage.

Papaya with cocomilk for dinner that same day.  It was so tasty to put smoked fish as "sahog."

The next day, cooked monnggo sprouts as filling for lumpia. This was an easy cook, stored in the freezer and lasted for almost a week before we finished.

My second trial of doing baked tahong was last October 30. Looks more interesting now.

Another favorite dessert of Sam - chicken macaroni salad.

I used chicken, crabsticks, cheese and grapes to make the salad tastier.



My Recent Discoveries in Palawan

This aims to account my recent discoveries, first time experience, visits, sightings, etc. during my official business travel last July, August and September. Last September 20-22 was my fifth travel for this year.  A tiring experience but looking at the perspective of the advice of King Solomon, my focus shifted to a more fruitful, biblical one.

I am blessed to have read the book of Ecclesiastes which is written by the great King Solomon, the son of King David.  The book narrated how Solomon as a king was a great man of wisdom, wealth and power yet his life was still a vain, meaningless one.  Sin particularly idolatry caused him to turn away from God.  Hence, several times he deliberately recommended in his book to find satisfaction in our toil, to enjoy life and to acknowledge God whatever we have accomplished, possessed or acquired.  It is also my deepest desire to put into practice Solomon's recommendation - TO ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST WITH GOD. 

Ecclesiastes 8:15 "So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun."

Below are the pictures during my visit last July 4-7, 2011.

We have a mini mini mini zoo at the mine site. These are the monkey parents. The mother recently delivered her offspring when I visited.

These are their children busy eating.

Beside the monkey is the pen of numerous turkeys.

Going home, I relaized that the same plane I took were the US Navies who had a short project in Palawan.  They were waiting to pick up their personal things at the baggage counter.



My travel last August 22-26, 2011 

 It was my first time to see the new airport NAIA 3. I think the built was good but was entirely different in orientation compared to the structure of centennial airport :-)

It was my first time to ride a Cebu Pacific plane.  I was surprised that the snack is for sale during the flight. Thank God we had a safe travel though the plane was smaller than what I used to ride in PAL which is usually an airbus-type plane.  

Second day after arriving in Palawan (Aug. 23), the Tripartite mining organization had a business meeting in one of the newest hotels in Palawan - A & A Plaza Hotel. It was also my first time to visit that hotel.

I liked their restroom - -  very modern, well maintained and so white!

Wash basins are cool! Can I use this at home? Hmmmm...

This is the newly built coliseum of the city.  We went to DOLE office situated inside.

I was amazed to see and ride the tricycle in Palawan.  Its built is similar to the windshield of a jeep, very spacious for passengers riding and comfortable as well. I wish these will also be seen in Metro Manila.

That same afternoon, we headed to the mine site which is a 4 to 5 hours trip from Puerto Princesa. During one of our stops, the area we stopped by was so beautiful to look at. Very serene ambiance! I think this can be used as a postcard picture.

Guess where this is? We went here for a business meeting the night before my flight back to Manila. This is one of my favorite restaurants where all customers need to take off their shoes or slippers before they enter the establishment. The shoes, slippers were kept in baskets or drawers for easier finding. It's Ka Lui!!! 

Business travel last September 20-22.

I took another PAL flight in the morning. Thank God flight was not delayed. I miss their snack :-) 



It wasn't long enough when the plane took off from Manila airport. I was sleeping when I heard a passenger behind me said, "That's Taal Volcano!" I hurried to get my camera and took a picture of it.

After arriving in Palawan, went straight to a newly built hotel - Skylight Hotel where we had a meeting with Department of Labor & Employment. Nice reception!!!

Beside the reception is the snack bar.

At the right side of the reception is the restaurant.

I asked favor from one of the waitresses to take a shot of me as my souvenir and she didn't hesitate :-)

On my way home, I was able to take an aerial photo of Taguig area with C5, Market Market Mall, Libingan ng mga Bayani, McKinley Hill and some buildings at The Fort.

How about you my dear friend? Do you enjoy life to the fullest? May we not neglect that the great Creator of all is waiting for your to invite HIM and enjoy with HIM whatever endeavor we have in life - whether it be in need, in plenty in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. The apostle Paul also gave us the secret in living - TO BE CONTENT IN CHRIST BECAUSE HE ALONE GIVES US THE STRENGTH. (Phil. 4:12-13)

Praise List for August 2011

It's been a while since I wrote about my praise list. Quite busy the past days yet God's grace and faithfulness are always sufficient.  His presence never leave me. Everytime I experience His favor abounding in me, I cannot keep my heart from uttering praises and worship only due HIM. He continuously bestows HIS voluminuous blessings that I never deserve. Indeed, God is so amazing!  

First of all, my parents celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary last August 6. Sam, Ceana and I spent an overnight in our house at Project 3 and the next day, we went to several places for our family bonding. QC Circle, Buffet Restaurant, Eastwood Mall, McDonald's, etc. The kids were so happy that they had spent so many hours playing and catching up with each other. It was a two-day event for all of us but the bonding seems to be too short to share about updates of our lives and enjoy each other's company.

I used to jog, run, spend time here in Circle every Saturday when I was still single.

I miss those days. A lot have changed and the local governement really improved QC CIRCLE.
The kids played while we shopped in the tiangge and ate in carinderia stalls with Filipino favorites.

After QC Circle, we had our lunch at Buffet Restaurant located in V. Luna QC.

In the evening, we went to Eastwood Mall. Incidentally, there was free concert of Martin Nievera.
The kids played again at Timezone and rode in the Carousel.

Then, we headed to a nearby McDo for a midnight snack before the night ended.

The next day, our brother joined the celebration because he was not able to accompany us
the previous day. It was such a reunion for the Paraiso Family.
We thank God for bringing us again together despite our hectic schedule.

Secondly, another celebration we held was the 61st birthday of my father-in-law. My kids and I visited their house where we had our simple dinner get together.  He has gone through a lot of testings particularly in his struggle fighting diabetes. I've witnessed how the Lord has been so good to him and how God's providence never run out to supply all his needs for medication.  Thank you Lord for the extended life and good health as well.

Last August 13, I was able to attend a Leadership Convergence in the church. I heard a lot of testimonies and teachings during that half day event. The church was truly blessed with gifted and devoted leaders. It was my first time to attend such a big event. It felt inspiring to be acknowledged as one of the potential leaders of the church. Awesome speakers, life-changing messages, new friends, and so much more. Looking forward to next Leader's Convergence.

Half day event on Leadership Convergence held at the Assembly Hall of VCF.
Took a photo with my co-member of victory group Aida.

I attended another opportunity for equipping - Training for Victory which started last August 20. It is a 10-week training course, 9-12nn every Saturday. The course is designed to help all christians to follow Jesus, fish for people, and fellowship with other believers. All of us are called to minister—and as such, we must equip all believers in basic ministry skills.

Here are my essential necessities for the training - Purple Book, Journal Book, Personal Bible and my identification.

Thank God that the first quarter exam of Sam was already finished. As a working mom, it was difficult to be a teacher but thank God for the strength and wisdom during our review sessions at home and in doing a sample exams. My helper also helped me do the sample exams.  Honestly, it wasn't easy because Sam has a total of 8 subjects though he was only in preparatory school.  Anyway, nothing is impossible with God to him who asks earnestly from Him.  He is the source of all things!

At work, I spent another week in Palawan last August 22-26. It was such a long, tiring business trip.  Actually, it was my first time to spend an entire week away from Ceana and Sam. Hence, first time as well to feel homesick. Thank God I survived! Thank God for new discoveries I've found out during my stay. 

Lastly, we are blessed to have a new member of Paraiso family - Bianca Raziel. She is the daughter of my younger brother Giovanni. Thank God for the safe delivery of Rochie, my sister-in-law. Thank God for another life added to our clan and new playmate of Ceana and they are already two female grandchildren of papa and mama. 

"Give thanks in all circumstances because this is God's will for your in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess. 5:18

Weekend Agenda

Despite demanding schedules as a working mom, I am pleased to share my menus for the month of August. Most of these are prepared during weekend when my kids and I are together at home.  Felt more delighted and appreciated that my dishes are well liked by my son who praises even the aroma of every dish :-) 

"My GOD shall supply all my needs according to HIS riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

  Home-made vegetable and seafood pizza (August 3)

Chopsuey for lunch (August 7)

Creamdory fish fillet with Cucumber for dinner (August 7)

Burritos with pork filling (August 13)

Home-made pansit palabok for snack (August 14)

Kare-kare for dinner (August 22)

Crab in a coconut milk for lunch (August 27)



Chicken buritos for breakfast (August 29)

Sinigang na lapu-lapu (August 29)

Molo soup for lunch (August 30)

Sweet and sour fish for dinner (August 30)