Ensaladang Alugbati (Malabar Spinach Salad)

This post appeared in my Facebook memories today. I'm glad it did! I featured this salad in my FB page a year ago. Alugbati (Malabar Spinach) Salad (Ensaladang Alugbati). This came up when I received for the first time this bouquet of alugbati from Erik, my officemate. He shares with us fruits and veggies fresh from his garden. 

How do you like this beautiful bunch of alugbati (malabar spinach) tops? Well, this is what I did. 

Ingredients:

A bunch of alugbati tops
Pinch of iodized salt
3 tomatoes, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
Pinch of ground pepper
2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
1 tsp honey
1 tsp olive oil

Here's how:
1. Blanch alugbati tops in salted boiling water. Drain. 
2. Mix with tomato and onion slices. 
3. Make dressing (pinch of salt and pepper, apple cider vinegar, honey and olive oil) according to your            taste. 
4. Add dressing to alugbati tops. 

I like my salad with plenty of tomatoes and pepper. Perfect with fried fish. Hmmm... the crunchy succulence I love!

Guess what I did. I asked my FB friends for alugbati dishes suggestions. They came up with these ideas:
1. Ginataang monggo with squash and alugbati
2. Sauteed ground beef with alugbati
3. Sauteed shrimps with alugbati
4. Sardines with alugbati
5. Sauteed alugbati with oyster sauce
6. Sauteed alugbati with shredded dried fish or anchovies
7. Veggie stew (Laswa) with alugbati
I certainly didn't have enough alugbati for all of these dishes. I had to wait for Erik to bring more. 
Meantime, hubby and I enjoyed our meal. 

Thank you, Erik. 'Til next harvest. May the Lord bless your produce.

This girl has turned into a woman

Frankenstein: "Go ahead, kill me, kill me!"

It's past my bedtime but I couldn't resist doing this... blogging after almost a year! For a special occasion like today--- errrr... yesterday (I'm already late by almost an hour, I know). Oh, I couldn't seem to believe it, my youngest daughter is now 25 years old. Denial, most of you might say. With my fast graying hair, there's no denying it. I'm really getting older. 

Well, Tin, as usual, as in the past years, I don't get to execute my plans no matter how I  strategize it. (I still won't reveal my original plan here though. Who knows, I might be able to fulfill it years from now.) For now, I'm posting these three poses of you with Frankenstein at the Universal Studios in 2013. 

It's been 4 years, yes, but I have to confess, I could still vividly remember how I enjoyed watching Frankenstein's irresistible antics with you while posing for these photos. Deep inside, I thought, "What's he doing with my child?" He never did those poses for a number female tourists on queue before us!!!! He was actually in a hurry to pose with the next girl. (Googling on images of Frankenstein in Universal Studios show photo ops of him strangulating people or frightening them away creating 'scenes'.) And now, look how he took time posing with my daughter! Mind you, the queue of tourists waiting for their turn has slowly become  longer. Mixed reactions from a mother whose daughter caught the attention of one drama figure like the monstrous Frankenstein!

Here they are--- the FrankensTin poses. 

Frankenstein: "Hey, mom, can I take your daughter's hand?"

Frankenstein: "'Tis is she, the love of my life---
my next victim."

Looking at these poses in front of my camera then gave a poignant realization that the once-little-girl I carried is little girl no more today. As the song goes, "...I don't remember getting older, when did they?" 

Cookie Says an inspiration to share

Last week, I viewed a video ad from a link posted by a Facebook friend. The video featured a new commercial of Lemon Square that "gives us that warm, fuzzy feeling with an unlikely love story that ends with a twist..." as written by Isa Rodriguez.

What's so special about this video other than the fact that it has been generating good reviews? Well, Mariel, the female endorser is the daughter of my long lost friend, Vicky. That, I discovered after watching the video, and browsing through the thread of comments while stalking (ssshhhh....) the FB friend's timeline (sorry, Willie, I couldn't help it!). Now, that struck my chest point-blank. Viewing the video over and over again suddenly made me miss Mariel's mom.  Memories of the past came alive once more.

That's Vicky, my best friend in college. It's been years! But then after all those years, I now realize, I am not the best of friend for her. How could I be, after missing her wedding and her last days on earth? I never even had any idea of the suffering she went through before traveling on to another life. Recalling the past is too painful for me now. The tears are now falling. So before I get drowned in the pangs of guilt, let me just show you a few reminders I have of her during our days as nursing students. So glad to have found these in the pages of my photo album. Sad to realize though we had very few photos of us together (either I was holding the camera or she was on the other half of the class at a different location or the resolution of the photos are not good enough for posting. Bless the persons who took those photos.) Now I'm left with these very few worth posting. 

In simplicy, there is beauty.

Slim and sexy

Vicky and Yamie

One of the very few poses we had together as a batch

The capping ceremony--- a step to the fulfilment of our goal 

 Anolin-Benzon-Caro-Custodio-Divina-Gauan-Ginzales-Mata-Oviedo-Rosal-Tallafer... so the roll call goes. The queue during the Capping Ceremony was no exception. Mine was always the last name to be called.


All studying and no play make nursing students' life a great bore

We used to take the bus or jeepney together everyday to and from school. We would spend sleepless nights in her house or my room with other girl classmates for a group study before major exams and long hours in the library, waiting for our crushes from the College of Law while pretending to read our books. She was imbued with a good sense of humor, like me, that's why we clicked. Oh, yes, we shared a lot of fun, tears and laughter until we graduated from college.

Vicky with classmates (Lulu and Rose) and medical intern in a community practicum
in Bay, Laguna where she met for the first time the man
who eventually became the love of her life

I just love this photo of her taken just before our college graduation.



What's the next best thing after receiving one's diploma? 

Passing the nursing licensure exam, of course, and taking an oath as a professional nurse!

Very thoughtful she was, even after she got married. I received this card from her.

Once she visited me at the dormitory where I stayed as a young nurse in the hospital where I work. She brought along her eldest daughter, a toddler then. That was the last time I saw her. We got lost in our separate lives again, though I remember calling her to say hello several times in her home where she would share with me about her private practice in support of her husband's profession.

Simply beautiful, you are, 

Ma. Victoria Rosal-de la Cruz.

The memories linger.

My tribute to you, 

on this your birthday.

And finally... a page from my slumbook

Yes, indeed,
"friendship is a golden chain that grows stronger each day, ... each year."

With you, Vicky, it has grown beyond life!
I need not see nor feel it now, not even in the days to come,
I stay content at the thought of us having shared it together then, my friend!

"Sometimes, the best words aren't said. They're shared."
-Cookie Says by Lemon Square Cupcakes

Thank you for rejoicing with us in Our Moments Together

Billy, in his anniversary post in Facebook yesterday said, "Now I know what it is to grow old together with someone!" Well, that inspired me to write this. 

This is another late post. Hmmm... not so late though... it's only a day after our 27th anniversary. As usual, I planned to make this two weeks ago but giving priority to caregiving and household duties, especially in the absence of our Manang who has been sick for almost three weeks, has taken its toll once again. 

The weekend routine--- late breakfast, preparing and giving nasogastric tube feeding to my 90-year old father, bathing, bringing out the trash bags for the garbage truck to pick up, folding clothes after laundry, preparing for another batch of clothes to wash... Oh, thanks, dear hubby, for attending to the doggies morning and evening, everytime you're home! For helping me with the dishes when my legs seem to crumble and my eyelids are ready to drop at night. Thank you for sweeping away the dust and dirt off the floors. Thank you for ironing your own clothes after I have washed and folded them. I can't thank you enough for all these and more.

I reviewed my files a few days ago for some recent photos to post in time for our anniversary. To no avail. I was distracted by other more pressing things. Now, let me take a few-minute break to put my thoughts together. Call it 'me-time'. I need to post this today. It's now or never. 

Here they are--- our hubby-wifey photo ops!

Our eldest daughter, Ayana Grace, posted this photo early in the morning yesterday in Facebook to greet us. This was taken July last year during a family day's out at the Art in Island, a 3D Trick Art Museum in Cubao, Quezon City. 

At the Yap-San Diego Ancestral Heritage House

In 2014, Billy used to hold off-campus graduate classes in Mathematics at the University of the Philippines Cebu City. On two occasions, I had a rare opportunity of taking time off my household chores to relax and unwind out of town. While he was conducting his classes, I got to visit some places. The photo above is our reflection in the mirror taken by the caretaker of the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, one of the oldest houses located in Parian, Cebu City.

The next group of photos was taken during our family's vacation in Hong Kong last year 2015. Read my post about our escapades here.

Lingering to relax at the Statue Square, Central

            At Po Lin Monastery with

   the Big Buddah at the background          

                                   

At the Big (Tian Tan) Buddah, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island

Taking a rest after a long walk around Disneyland

Taken on Mother's Day this year, our whole family experienced how it feels to be serenaded by gondoliers during a promo gondola ride. Of course, we grabbed the Mother's Day Gondola Ride Treat promo that offered one free ride for a mom accompanied by three paying persons. A splurge, you may think, it is, uhmmmm.... at P500 per person, but it was a unanimous decision by four. No regrets because the 20-minute ride was worth all the fun. 

At Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Taguig

Last night, we had a quiet and simple celebration of our 27th year together. We strolled to the Backyard Food Park a few blocks from our house and shared this black bun burger with fries and a pitcher of green tea lemonade. 

Yum, yum, yum!

Today I posted this in Facebook and Instagram to thank friends and loved ones who expressed their greetings either by liking or commenting on the posts of Billy and Ayana yesterday.  

Selfies before and after dinner

Wahaha! Look at how my color theme perfectly matches the painting on the brick wall! Nice choice for the night eh? 

Thank you, once again, as the likes and anniversary greetings continue to pour in the comment boxes. We praise God for you all in rejoicing with us as we celebrate our simple joys together. 

Till my next post. I really hope it will be soooooonnnn! 

Skyscrapers Kissing the Sun

Look how fast time has passed! It's been a year since my father's hospital confinement. Caregiving has taken most of my time since then and I haven't posted anything. You can just imagine how I miss doing this!

This also means it has been that long since my family travelled to Hong Kong. That was July of 2015. The trip was intended as a post-birthday celebration for Ana Cristina, our youngest daughter. I may not have blogged about it but the 5-day vacation still has been taking me breathless as I dream of the skyscrapers forming the skyline of the city. I just couldn't stop looking at all the buildings during travels, be it by MTR, bus, cable car or a simple walk!

The Hong Kong skyline is truly amazing. It was my first time to appreciate this spectacular view of skyscrapers seemingly kissing the clouds as they reach out for the sun. Here we go!

Good morning, Hong Kong! This beautiful portrait of sunrise from our hotel room offered a pleasant welcome.

View from our hotel room 

Day 1: First in our schedule of activities was to review history, as recommended by Ana Cristina, the itinerary planner for this event. History... eeww! My most unfavorite subject in class. Taking off the MTR, we couldn't seem to find the street that would lead us to the Ping Shan Heritage Trail. No regrets though as I got this chance to savor the view of the tall buildings while my husband and daughters took the lead. See, I was busy gazing at the sky and clicking my camera but I was't very far behind.

Strolling down the sidewalk of Tin Fuk Road in search of the Ping Shan Heritage Trail

With our chinky eyes, I was sure we didn't look like tourists so we (I mean, I) believe, nobody had the slightest hunch that we felt lost (we went in and out the MTR Station three times) in our attempt to find the Heritage Trail. Hahaha, we finally found the entrance just beside the building where the MTR Station was located.

This point marks the beginning of the trail.
See the reference map which served as our guide.

From here, we walked towards what seemed like a community. We were not really sure if we were on the right track. Google map says we were along Ping Ha Road. We walked along this pond by the road.

I really don't know if this is part of the Lotus Pond of Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery.

I noticed these street signs. Tsui Sing Road and Sheung Cheung Wai.

Not far from the pond, there were altars and temples. 

Shrine of Earth God

The entrance gate of Sheung Cheung Wai

This is said to be the only traditional Chinese walled village left along the Ping Shan Heritage Trail. The enclosing wall has been demolished leaving behind the gatehouse, shrine and some old houses inside reflecting the original design.

Sheung Cheung Wai

Within the alleys between houses, there were altars.

The Yeung Hau Temple located in Hang Tau Tsuen

This temple, one of the six in Yuen Long, is dedicated to the deity of Emperor Hau Wong. The structure houses the statues of Hau Wong, To Tei (the Earth God) and Kam Fa (patron saint of expectant mothers). History also tells that the temple underwent several major renovations through the years. Emperor Hau Wong is believed to be a Song dynasty general who is worshipped for his loyalty and bravery by virtue of his heroism at having protected the last two Song emperors.

This was the farthest temple we saw. It was already noontime so you could imagine the sun spreading its scorching rays over us. We had to hurry to get some food and drink.

As we traced our way back to the MTR Station, I saw this view of tall buildings across the highway.

Now, I couldn't remember where we finally stopped to have lunch, after spending some time walking to and fro some streets, crossing pedestrian lanes, finding the best place to eat (meaning the most acceptable among the four of us and affordable, too).

After lunch we traversed some streets of Mong Kok. I recall having passed through Market Street and that gave me a feel of our local Baclaran or Divisoria when we reached the Ladies Market. I wasn't able to take photos. I wasn't feeling very well then. It must have been the heat or the flank pain, maybe both. I kept it to myself, lest I be charged of being KJ.

Part of the covered stairs leading to King's Park

Then I realized we seemed to have walked some distance under the heat of the sun when I gradually felt my head throbbing, especially after climbing the stairs to King's Park Garden where I was able to take this photo below.

From King's Park, we crossed Nathan Road. Walking a few blocks away, we found another temple where my husband and daughter took pictures of the facade. No wonder, the street was named Temple Street. Along the way, the street vendors were getting ready to set up for the night market.

Oh, look, very much Philippines eh!??

We took another MTR ride heading to Tsim Sha Tsui. Walked several blocks until we finally reached the Avenue of Stars. Oh, look at that!

A panoramic view of the Avenue of Stars

The famous Hong Kong skyline at Victoria Harbour. Credits to Ayana Grace for this photo.

                                     

Victoria Harbour up close

Here we lingered until early evening. We got a good view of the International Finance Center (IFC), 

a prominent landmark of Hong Kong. The IFC Tower 2 is the second tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong.  

We were not content with merely watching the Star Ferry cruising across the harbour. We had to have first hand experience, so hop on for a ride, that's exactly what we did. Come on now, tickets please!

After the ride it was perfect time to catch the spectacular HK Pulse 3D light show. 

That was just Day 1 in HK. Day 2 had more skyline to offer. On our way to buy tickets for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car adventure, I caught this view from afar. Zooooom and click! See now how I seriously love looking at skyscrapers!

Now look at the photo below! It called for a 180-degree head-turn as the cable car soared up, up and away! I couldn't seem to stop gazing at the Tung Chung Newtown skyscrapers as the cable car passed Tung Chung Bay. 

Of speeding boats and skyscrapers along Tung Chung Bay

The breathtaking cable car ride brought us to Ngong Ping Village in Lantau Island, where we climbed the 260-step stairs to the see the 34-meter tall bronze statue of Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddah) sitting on top of the mountain. 

This Big Buddha statue, located near Po Lin Monastery, is a major center of Buddhism in Hong Kong and has become a popular tourist attaction. It symbolizes the harmonious relationship between man and nature; people and faith.

The statue is surrounded by the Six Devas, smaller bronze statues offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha. The offerings symbolize the six perfections of generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation and wisdom, all referred to as requirements for enlightenment.

 Three of the six Devas

I caught only three of the six devas. Sorry... not a very good one. There were many people taking photos of the statues that I was not successful at obtaining a clear view of them. 

The Cable Car Experience

Day 3 in Hong Kong catered to the child in me. To be honest I wasn't really excited to see Hong Kong Disneyland as I thought things of this sort are only for children. 

But then seeing this grandeous castle from afar seemed to have awakened the child's heart in me. I felt the excitement when I started taking photos of Disney characters and animated toys that I so enjoyed  the river cruise and train rides. 

We waited by the roadside for the Disney parade. Watching the magical Disney characters come to life and dance before my very eyes was like getting lost in the pages of my Classics Illustrated books which I have preserved for my kids to date.

The day didn't end after the parade. We still had time to join the very long queue of tourists who waited for the tram that brought us to The Peak Tower. 

Tourists on queue waiting for the tram door to open at The Peak Tram Lower Terminus

The Peak Tram Lower Terminus

We were not exempted from the long wait at the Peak Tram Lower Terminus in order to get a tram ride going to Victoria Peak (popularly known as The Peak), the highest mountain in Hong Kong island. It was already dark but the picturesque view of Hong Kong from The Peak at night with all the glitters from the skyscrapers has made this place a major tourist attraction. From this place, one can view Central, Victoria Harbour, Lamma Island and other surrounding islands.

Panoramic view of the city from The Peak

Day 4 allowed us to see more of the towering heights at Union Square, located at Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. From where we were, I was able to get a glimpse of the world's 10th tallest building, also the tallest commercial building in Hong Kong (with 108 storeys)--- the International Commerce Centre (ICC).

The International Commerce Center (ICC)

I love this photo below! See how the reflection of the cloud on the building seem to join those appearing from behind! 

These are the Cullinan Towers, (with 68 storeys and 270 meters tall) HK's tallest residential buildings

The Arch (with 81 floors, 231 meters high) skyscraper in Union Square. 

The Arch is the 3rd tallest residential building in HK. I stood there gazing at this skyscraper consisting of four towers: Sun Tower, Star Tower, Moon Tower and Sky Tower. The arch is formed by the floors above the 69th floor that joins the Sun and Moon Towers.

Now these tall buildings caught my attention while traveling by bus to the airport. The airport!?? Oh, yes, the trip has finally come to its end. 

HK, till we meet again someday! By then, I'm certain, you have more and more skyscrapers to offer.  

Ooooppps... before I sign off, here are selfies of my family in selected places during our stay.

                                      

With ICC Tower at the background

At Disneyland Resort

At Ngong Ping Village

The cable car ride

Relaxing by the fountain at the Avenue of Stars

         

Victoria Harbour at the background

                                                     

   

Till our next travel! Have a great week ahead!