Thursday, July 17, 2014

Random thoughts on passions and gratitude


I believe that not all of passions can realistically be alive and should be made alive for our own good. Parenthood is one such event that changes everything and stirs chaos among our passions. It puts aside all of one’s passions – it comes first and rightfully becomes the number one passion (by default).
Because you are a parent, you have to earn money to raise your children. You scramble for anything and everything (legal I hope) that presents an opportunity to earn and make a living out of. Along the way, sometimes, you do get hold of something that is aligned with something you are passionate about. Call it luck, or whatever (I prefer to call it a blessing) – it happens to a few. The rest of the time, and for most of us, we simply make the most of whatever job, big or small, that puts food on the table and sends the children to school.

I consider myself extremely blessed to have this small food business and be mom to Andi. I have long forgotten about all of the “what could have been’s” had I pursued my other passions. I have learned not to ask for more. I have learned to be content with ‘enough’.

To my child, I will still speak of pursuing and encouraging passions – yes, but with a lot of practicality and astuteness. I recall that back in high school, I wanted to study literature and languages but I ended up getting a degree in MIS and later on, I found myself having a career in sales and much later, in this food business. All is well, and I would not change a thing. I have enough and I treasure what I have. It’s okay not to have everything.

Passion is lofty, sometimes too glorified yet fondly admirable. But I will never pursue it only for its own sake and my own. I will not pursue it at the expense of stability and my family. I would be studying languages somewhere far and spend all that I have now if I were to chase after one of my greatest passions – but I wouldn’t.

I admire people soaking in all their passions and making a living out of them. But it is okay to be NOT like them. Do not sulk nor feel like a slave if you have a boring job that hinders you from pursuing your passions. Maybe, just maybe, it is meant to take you to a different place, to something more meaningful, to somewhere you have never thought of.

Realize that you are not in full control of your destiny. Someone else more powerful than you is.
Appreciate what you have and think less of what you don’t. Most of the time, we do have enough. Yet most of the time, we are just not thankful enough.

Monday, November 5, 2012

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Everyday Gifts

He will bring out the best in you but will still love you at your worst.

I loved the kitchen ever since I was a small kid. But I never took myself seriously as regards to cooking. And to this day, I am still amazed at how we were able to have 'everything yummy' - the restaurant that Hans and I built together.

I was the corporate woman and still am. I thought I was destined to be the boss. It was something I knew I could surely do. There were quite a number of  'Yes!!!' moments in the office when we hit targets or finish a big project. But it was cooking that made me a happier person.

Hans and I have been together for six years. We love food. We eat out a lot. We watch so many cooking and eating challenge shows together. On some days he would ask me to experiment making 'this' using 'that' ingredient or create a certain flavor he likes. But in all the six years we were together, his all time favorite among the food I cook is my Singaporean Pepper Crab. He fell in love with it the first time he tried it. And I loved making his belly happy.

I never really cooked that often in the past. It was Hans who inspired me to cook and experiment. He has a great appetite and is very critical. On some days, I want to bang his head with a pan (kidding) when he gets too irritatingly critical (and I get too 'pikon'). I never give up until we come to an agreement that our different preferences in taste have some sort of compromise and after Andi approves for kid friendliness.

This blog entry is to commemorate the blissful six years of my life with Hans and how he brought out the best gift that I have that brings me happiness everyday.

I used to believe that it was okay not to have a talent, because after all, I was good in mathematics. But I do not deny that as a kid, I sometimes felt sad because I could not sing, dance, nor ride a bike. I was only good in school.

No one is without a gift. No one is without talent. One day, you will stumble upon a person, a sight, or a thought that will lead you to this discovery.

As for me, it was a person. A very special one.

He has seen me at my worst but loves me every day whether I am a monster or a doll on any particular day.

Everyday, my heart is filled with joy.


Sunday, April 29, 2012

Food Love 7: Beef Tapa

Have you ever wondered where you can get the best (moist variety) beef tapa in Cebu? Find my personal favorite at Rica's Cafe by the Maria Luisa road in Banilad. Look for the Angus Beef Tapa on the menu, and have your fill of extra flavorful, melt in your mouth beef goodness. I never got a chance to take photos because every single time I realize that, my plate would already be empty! It's that good!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Food Love 6: Jamón Ibérico

Jamón Ibérico, the finest ham in the world, is made out of pure dedication and love for food craftsmanship (The curing process takes two years!). This love affair is one that you will cherish forever... And forever begins right after the first bite melts in your mouth... Check it out at The Tinderbox. Know more about it here: http://www.jamon.com/iberico.html


Friday, April 13, 2012

Food Love 5: Indian Chicken Curry

Indian food is something Hans and I really love. Taste of India is our pick for serving the best Indian Chicken Curry in Cebu. Try their Chicken Boti Kebab, Beef or Shrimp Biryani, and Beef Masala. (This photo doesn't give justice to the goodness of the dish...)


Taste of India's Chicken Curry

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Food Love 4: Cafe Latte

Cafe Latte is my cup of coffee. I like it best in two places: UCC and Gelatissimo (yes, aside from their yummy gelati, they do have coffee!).

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Food Love 3: Chosun Chicken

I am a proud Chosun Chicken addict! How much I could have in one sitting is a secret summarized in the words ' A LOT'! Hahaha! It is sooo good! Imagine juicy chicken bites encrusted in extra crispy glazed skin... Yum! Yum! Ask for their sweet and sour sauce when you order :)


Andi with our favorite Korean Fried Chicken
Chosun Chicken!