Cooking Time

Did I say I love to cook? I'm also fond of watching cooking shows and lately, I have become a follower of Chef Boy Logro's Idol sa Kusina.

After watching the episode on cooking adobo glazed baby back ribs, I remembered to buy shoulder ribs from the supermarket and tried the recipe. It was easy because it's just like cooking the usual adobo but the cooking (simmering) time is longer than usual plus the baking part.

I was impressed to see the dish and became much more delighted when we got to taste it. Yummy! Two thumbs up!

Craving Durian

Durian was not appealing to me before. In fact, its strong smell offended my taste buds the first time I challenged myself to taste this fruit. During my first trip to Davao in the summer of 2009, I finally got to taste and eat chunks of it. Maybe because the one we had was fresh or just the likable variety. Since then, I have enjoyed eating the fruit with Bobby who is very fond of it.

Today, a friend gave us a fruit weighing more than 3 kg from their tree. Fortunately, they don't eat the fruit (maybe not anymore next time when they get used to its smell and taste) and just give it away to durian-eater friends like us.

Finished Business

Today I received a memo dated June 11, 2012, informing me that my designation as RMIS coordinator would end by June 30, 2012.  I knew it was coming soon but for the past few weeks, I was at a loss on what to do.  Should I continue to coordinate with the concerned people about our unfinished business? The memo finally ended my "business". Officially.

It has been 4 1/2 years since I accepted this post. It took a lot of convincing before I finally agreed. No regrets. During these 4 1/2 years, I got to meet and work with people from various member agencies of the consortium, trained people on ICT literacy and content build-up, interacted with the farmers and local folks, and traveled to places I had never been to before.

I will definitely miss my counterparts from other regions who made my work interesting, challenging, and fun.

This part of my journey just ended, but life goes on.

Silver

June 2, 2012, marked my 25th year of service to the university. Days had passed by when I remembered this milestone in my life (I'm particular when it comes to dates and special moments to cherish, too busy huh?). It could have been a few months longer had there been no hiring ban because of the constitutional plebiscite in February 1987.

My teaching work at the university is my bread and butter (kanin at ulam). From a substitute instructor to a full-fledged professor, I gained learning experiences that made me who I am today. The award I received from my professional organization reminds me that I did my job well. However, it is more rewarding to see my former students excel in their respective careers.

I thank the Lord for being with me and carrying me through all these years.

Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

After so many attempts to visit the place, we were in Laiya at last!

By the way, it's Mother's Day today and that's why the family made it a point to go somewhere to celebrate the occasion. Summer is almost over and we have not visited any beach so, this is it.

We did not make any reservation and just opted for a day tour so we were no longer surprised to know when we arrived at one resort that they were not accepting walk-ins. Hmm, we turned around and a guide took us to another resort but the rooms were already booked until lunchtime so we had no choice but to stay in their open hut.

It was low tide and the beach was already full of swimmers, particularly kids accompanied by their parents. The water was relatively clear but the bottom was rough due to dead corals. We were already far from the shore but the water was still waist-deep. We did not bring any baon. Good thing the restaurant cooked fish sinigang and lechon kawali for us.

So this is Laiya. Another wish was granted.

Happy Mother's Day!