Coffee With Moi

Keeping Touch With My First Loves

2013-04-22T03:11:00.000+08:00

I love to read books. My preferences are crime fictions, mystery/suspense, thrillers (legal, medical and cozy mysteries), historical fictions and nonfictions.

I love coffee. Drinking coffee, that is. Generally, I prefer black with sugar but no cream, please. But I also love frappuccinos! And I collect mugs from Starbucks!

I love bags. A bag-aholic? Perhaps. I adore signature bags but I am not the type to hoard every branded bag there is (I am only lusting for 1 LV bag at the moment). I want a decent, functional bag where I can put all my stuff. I do not like the small ones and neither those over-sized bags. Medium? Probably.

I love postcards. Collecting them by themes (that I prefer) encourages me to learn more about other countries. I collect UNESCO WHS, pictorial map cards (I am navigationally-challenged, that's why), popular tourist spots, art-related, OWLs (as in the night bird)...So if you want to mail me a postcard, feel free to contact me for my mailing address.

And if you're going to ask me if I love to travel, I think any person you ask will say yes. And I do like to travel. I have visited Japan (Kyoto is heaven), Singapore (thrice, I think), Hongkong, United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) and France. Currently, I am based in Qatar (temporarily). Aside from the usual wandering around, it's the shopping for souvenirs...and postcards and snow globes that pumps me up! And now, I am waiting for the time "to pin" Italy, Spain, Turkey and Egypt on my mental map.

I am happily married to my husband and we have a little boy to complete the family.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T22:17:00.003+08:00

May everyday of the New Year glow with good cheer and happiness...

May your 2012 be filled with peace, prosperity and good fortune...

From my family to yours, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

xoxo,

Ivy

I ♥ H&M

2011-12-20T14:50:00.000+08:00

I like the fashion culture but I am never a fashionable person.

I get by with simple tops and the usual black slacks and pants. On appropriate occasions, I don skirts and dresses. At any given day, I choose to be comfortable and confident with what I wear.

I only brought a few pieces from my wardrobe when I arrived in Qatar, which I regret immensely. But it was also a blessing in disguise for I have discovered this wonderful shop called H&M. Operating in 43 markets worldwide, H&M offers fashion and quality at the best price.

Here are just some of my recent hauls (apologies for the crappy photos):

Don't you just love those skirts? Well, I do. :)

I am not sure if this is a worthy purchase but I love its flimsy fabric. I just hope that this one lasts.

perfect fit for me!

Hours ago, I was browsing their homepage for the latest collection. I ended up viewing the entire catalogue and I found fashionable pieces that I would like to own.

Made of 100% woven silk, this short-sleeved black top sports small, gold-coloured rivets and a concealed zip at the neck. One word comes to mind when I saw this: SLEEK...and I do not even know if that is apt. I wish they have my size.

Honestly, I have a lot of toilet bags and this pretty pink one in canvas with imitation leather details and a zip at the top does not stop me from owning another one. Lined and with three inner pockets to house your mini stuff, it also comes in black elegance.

Comes in black, bronze and silver. A make-up bag with a glossy, crackled surface and zip with a patent trim at the top. I prefer the black one but if they have it in purple, I would gladly trade it. :)

How does this one look to you? A ring or a bracelet? I assumed it was a ring but I am doubting it because it was under the bracelet tag. I still have to see this for myself. Either way, I am getting this one. I have a penchant for earrings, rings and bracelets especially if they are in metal or are expected to look like one. I am a wannabe goth and gypsy combined. Rigid opening bangle in lace-look metal with a large bevelled stone.

There are other fascinating pieces in their collection but for now, these are my most coveted items. :)

I wonder when will H&M open shop in the Philippines. In Asia, they opened in Singapore months ago, recently in South Korea and this week, in China. Come 2012, new stores will be launched in Indonesia and Thailand. When is our turn?

xoxo,

Ivy

H&M in Facebook

Frolicking At Coco Beach Island Resort

2011-11-02T03:10:00.002+08:00

I am missing the idea of heading to the beach!

Just the thought of wading in the pristine water and spending the afternoon lying in the sand, reading a good book while sipping piña colada make me want to pack my bag and tag my 4 year old kid along!

I cannot be blamed for feeling like this. It has been a number of years since my bare feet has stepped on the sandy shore...doing my favorite things.

And this will be the place I will be booking myself (and my family) the moment I have the chance. Welcome to Coco Beach Island Resort!

I only took a few photos for I was more ecstatic to wander around and plunge in the water. I was with friends enjoying the weekend. We had a marvelous weekend getaway and it was so much F-U-N!

Coco Beach Island Resort is located in Puerto Galera in the province of Mindoro (specifically Oriental Mindoro). We were transported to this picturesque location via Coco Beach Express, your express pass that will directly bring you to the beach resort's sandy steps.

image courtesy
At 6:30 am, we were picked up at the Diamond Hotel (assembly place) by a white shuttle van owned by Coco Beach. The shuttle ride ended at the port and from there, we hopped in this cool Coco Banca. I remembered how fascinated I was to see the blue, serene waters so vibrant with marine life. Fishes were jumping out of the water and you could even see through underwater.

image courtesy
Upon arrival, we were greeted with a glass of refreshing lemonade. Check-in was a breeze and our luggage were brought up to our respective rooms. By the way, our accommodations were awesome. Classic Deluxe, very fitting. Our beds were comfortable and clean. Very spacious and with its own private balcony where we all spent one night chatting and drinking a bottle of red wine. Also, one thing that I would never forget and that I liked the most was the ambiance of the rooms. The use of natural materials in the furniture gave the room a homey and cozy feel.

During that time, rain came pouring down for an hour. Not to dampen our mood, we simply took a dip in the pool that overlooked the beachfront.

took these photos right after the drizzle

Coco Beach Island Resort has a number of amenities and activities that will surely make your very brief vacation worthwhile. You can relax and pamper yourself in the spa, fun dive with the ooohhh six-pack abs men-of-the-sea, swim in the lagoon-shaped pool, earn that gorgeous tan, hit the balls in the tennis and basketball courts, engage in the following water sports like waterskiing, knee and wake boarding, banana boat ride, kayaking and glass-bottom boat ride OR simply shop for souvenirs in their shopping arcade. If you want to learn something new, they also conduct how-to-make-soap workshops. They also have e-cafe, tv/video room and mini-library. If you are food-tripping, they have a number of restaurants offering several cuisine.

Should you feel ill or injure yourself in a way, they have a medical clinic located beside the main pool. The doctor is sometimes on call so should you find him nowhere, simply ask the staff for him.

One thing that I am most looking forward to check out is their children's playground. Back then, it did not look like a kid's haven. It looked dilapidated and uncared for. My four year old Miguel loves to play and exhaust his energy in the playground. For him, it means endless fun!

xoxo,

Ivy

PS. Coco Beach Island Resort offers exciting packages. Their published room rates are based on twin sharing and inclusive of buffet breakfast.

Coco Beach Island Resort
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, PH
T#: (+63) 2 521-5260/(+63) 2 526-4594
F#: (+63) 2 526-6903

Untitled

2011-10-26T07:25:00.001+08:00

For the purpose of simply having a title, this entry is called Untitled.

I do not want to rack my brains over some ideas on what to put in the title tab. It is because I do not even know what to write in here. I have so many things to say but I really do not know how to start. My mind is scattered because I have so many things I want to do, so many ideas I want to work on but I feel so hindered...by something.

It has been a long while since I have made updates. As what some people say, life happens. Sometimes, some things have to take a backseat so you can focus on the more significant and relevant things in life.

So why am I here? I do not even know the answer to that. But I got bored and needed a fresh start. Before, I had the desire to totally abandon this blog and start over but I have been here for years. Realizing that, I just let this piece float.

Boredom made me to tweak with my template. I did not even have to seek for a new design over the web. I simply had to tinker with this and that and clicked preview if I liked the outcome or not. If I did, click save. Since I have been so out of touch, I discovered that Blogger had introduced so many modifications and I am loving it.

I love the color combination of red violet and burgundy. It is quite refreshing to see these two color matches from my usual palette picks of purple (my favorite color) or brown (coffee-themed).

I also renamed my page because I really want it to be more personal. Simple explanation --- I love coffee and I am now, more defined, as a mommy.

Since I dislike clutter in a page, I threshed out some widgets in the sidebar. Keep it clean.

I dig my header! Hehehe. I know it looks so crude. I am no artist. I just tagged it all in with what I know about editing images. It looks so juvenile but what can I say, I love it! :) Although, I may have to change that sometime. I am gunning for a specific type of header --- images of coffee, books, fun and family! But that is for another boredom session or if I am quite lucky or feeling so sure, I will be most willing to shell out a little money to have it customized!

It is October and I can already smell the scent of the holidays. It is supposed to be snow flakes but there is something about the shape and the color that did not blend well with my new template. I opted for the drizzle of snow instead for it reminded me of holiday snow in New York City!

So much for not knowing what to write but I hope to be back on board.

image courtesy
Meantime, I am going to fix myself a hot mug of skinny latte!

xoxo,

Ivy

Teaser Tuesdays

2011-06-14T19:59:00.004+08:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* Grab your current read.
* Open to a random page.
* Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here are my chosen teasers:

"Granted every baby comes with his or her own personality, but I'm amazed at how many solemn, serious babies are the offspring of moody, serious adults. Happiness is contagious."

~ page 124, I'm Too Sexy for My Volvo: A Mom's Guide to Staying Fabulous by Betty Londergan

Post 2010 Holiday: House-Hopping

2011-02-27T15:45:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

The idea of visiting my aunts and uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces from my father's side was conceived last November.

I have my little boy already and since my cousins have their own kids, too, I thought why not see them for the holidays and get re-acquainted.

Supposedly, meeting them would took place last December but my brother (together with wifey and less than year old baby Aira, whom we haven't met yet) then would be flying home from overseas and said to postpone it because he would love to join my game plan. LOL.

Last January 2, we headed to Pasig City and visited every family's home. We came bearing holiday presents for the kids and seeing old and new faces was sheer joy.

First stop was at Tita Lydia's house:

Tita Lydia (back, standing)
from left, seated: cousin Jean, moi, my little boy Miguel,
niece Jam, Bambi, SIL Ayin and Baby Aira

Right photo: my adorable little niece Aira with the Samboa family
Left photo: the young ones with the ladies in black

Right photo: cousin Jean, niece Jam, little Miguel, Bambi,
Ayin, Baby Aira, Jepoy
Left photo: younger generation of the
Manalansan, Samboa and Casagnap Family

Second stop was at my cousin Kuya Richard's house:

Kuya Richard (seated), nephew Apollo, little Miguel,
standing, back: Bambi, Apol, Jepoy

Right photo: little Miguel with his cousin Apollo
Left photo: another group shot

what got the little boys so preoccupied

Before we proceeded to our next destination, we decided to have our late lunch at three o'clock in the afternoon at Jollibee. While everybody had chicken, I ordered their crispy bangus (most of the time, it is unavailable and my craving made me order it) and oh boy, it was worth it. Truly crispy, crunchy and oh so satisfying! :)

With our stomachs full, we headed to our nearby destination.

Third stop was at Tita Grace's house:

Tita Grace (in green), cousin Stephen (kid in white),
Bambi, little Miguel, Ayin, Baby Aira, Jepoy

Right photo: little Miguel with Tito Stephen
Left photo: another group shot

Fourth stop was at Tita Linda's house:

Jepoy, little Miguel, niece Yeyet, Bambi, nephew JB, Tita Linda,
Tito Bernie, nephew JM (seated on the floor), cousin Stephen (seated on the floor)

moi with my siblings together with our kids and Tita Linda

Final stop was at my cousin Noel's beautiful home:

seated from right to left: Ofel, nephew EJ 2 (seated on mommy Ofel's lap), Bambi, moi with little Miguel, Jepoy

cousin Noel (standing) with kiddo EJ 1
Ayin carrying sleeping beauty Baby Aira

cousins getting to know each other

What I have in mind in bullet points:

My little boy Miguel is only game to have his photo taken when it is a group shot or when it is with his cousin Jam (the two bonded during our Cebu trip).
My niece Jam is always ready to project in front of the camera. :)
Baby Aira became the true little darling of the family since it was everybody's first time to meet her and she wowed them with her infectious smile and little giggles.
It felt great to see my cousin Richard. He's been sick for quite a while. But it was endearing to see him play with his kiddo Apollo.
For the first time, I met Apol (cousin's wife) face to face. I first saw her during my dear departed Grandma's birthday celebration and the next was during last year's family reunion. We were never introduced back then.
Nothing beats total enjoyment for two little kids of almost the same age than to play together with their toy race cars. Miguel cried when I said that it was time to go (I know, I'm such a killjoy). He and his cousin Apollo seemed to be having a great time. He would rather see me leave him there than to join us in our next home-hopping.
Wished I could have seen Tito Joe but he was unavailable. It has been a long time.
Every house we hopped in to had food served in front of us. We did not partake much because we were quite full then.
Learned from Tita Grace that having an internet shop is not a wise choice for a business venture these days. With all the available and affordable options a house can have when it comes to computers and internet connections, there is no way for you to survive the competition or even get the venture stand on its feet.
I was so surprised that the little bundles (Yeyet, JB) I used to know have grown past me (my height...hehehe). I'm sure Kuya Berlyn is happy from up there, seeing his kids growing up so well. They are lucky to have adoring grandparents Tita Linda and Tito Bernie to take care of them.
I loved Noel's homey neighborhood. It look so perfect when it comes to raising kids. Wish I can have my own house in a place like that. :p
It was another first...meeting Ofel (cousin's wife). I believed it was our very first meeting and she was nice and very accommodating.
My little Miguel was overjoyed to meet another cousin(s) in EJ 1 & 2. They got lots of toys, too. Like Miguel, both kids owned a roomful of toys. :)
I found it hard to get three little kids together in one photo but the little toy train and its train tracks gathered them together in one frame, even though they did not want to face the camera.
Seven to eight hours of doing this was not enough. Period.
It really pays to have a car handy in times like this. It would have been disastrous, time and energy-consuming if we were to commute.
Engaging in this kind of activity with my siblings was a fun thing to do. After all, it is usually a once-in-a-blue-moon thing since the one live overseas while the other lives some cities away. Hehehe. It was made exciting all the more with my sister-in-law with her baby and my little boy.

Truthfully, I initiated this uber-mini reunion because I want to rebuild ties with the family. I simply want to detach myself from the family conflict that has been brewing for years. All I know is that my generation has nothing to do with it; more so, my son's generation. It was ultra short notice but I cared about seeing them. For me, it was a great way to start my 2011. :)

By the way, we also dropped by my sister-in-law's house nearby to refresh. Hehehe. Afterwards, we hit SM Megamall to wander and shop.

In My Mailbox (1)

2011-01-30T14:41:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

It was not so long ago when hubby bought these two book cases for me.

And I was already on my toes shopping for more books:

The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard
One Writer's Beginnings by Eudora Welty

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot by John Callahan
Trick of Nature by Suzanne Matson
The Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls by A. Powell Davies
My Point and I Do Have One by Ellen DeGeneres

Echo Park by Michael Connelly
Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowen
The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve

Midwives by Chris Bohjalian
Dave Barry Does Japan by Dave Barry
Jewel by Bret Lott
Tight Squeeze by Debbie DiGiovanni

And these were bought for me by hubby a week after:

Blood Work by Michael Connelly
When in Rome: A Novel of Piazzas and Passion by Gemma Townley

Bloodlines by Jan Burke
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich

In My Mailbox was started November 2008 and initiated by book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Books featured maybe the ones you bought, picked up from the library, received for review.

Please pop by at The Story Siren's initial entry on IMM for more details. Also, don't forget to visit other posts by IMM participants.

Have a great Sunday!

2011 Movies To Look Forward To

2011-01-29T16:21:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

From tv commercials, printed ads promotions and online trailers, a number of great movies are lined up for film buffs this 2011.

And I am eagerly anticipating the following movie offerings in Philippine cinemas:

Shaolin (currently showing)

China is plunged into strife as feuding warlords try to expand their power by warring over neighboring lands. Fueled by his success on the battlefield, young and arrogant Hao Jie (Andy Lau) sneers at Shaolin's masters when he beats one of them in a duel. But the pride comes before a fall. When his own family is wiped out by a rival warlord, Hao is forced to take refuge with the monks. As the civil unrest spreads and the people suffer, Hao and the Shaolin masters are forced to take a fiery stand against the evil warlords. They launch a daring plan of rescue and escape. Jackie Chan portrays the role of a shaolin cook whom Hao Jie befriends.

I am no doubt a big fan of Chinese movies. Alongside with Jet Li, I adore Jackie Chan and Andy Lau!

Burlesque (February 2)

A small town girl from middle America travels to Los Angeles to seek out fame and fortune. She lands on the doorstep of a struggling burlesque club, where her talent and hard work soon land her a spot on stage.

courtesy of Sony Pictures
I am not a Christina Aguilera fan but I proclaim that I am a big admirer of Cher. I cannot wait to see this, Cher performing!

Water For Elephants (April 22)

A veterinary student joins a traveling circus as their animal vet after both of his parents were killed.

"To have a costar who is this reliable, this sensitive and circumspect and intelligent — it's just fabulous," says Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds). He's not talking about Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson, who play the star performer and veterinary student in an adaptation of Sara Gruen's best-seller about a traveling circus in the 1930s. He's talking about Tai, a 9,000-pound Asian elephant.

Water For Elephants Teaser
I'm curious how Pattinson will fare in this movie considering his fame in the Twilight series. Another major role but very far from the film(s) that made him.

I still have to read the book, though.

The Philippine release will be on May 4.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (May 20)

Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he's not sure if it's love - or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

video courtesy
If I am to pick a movie to watch while having buttered or barbecue-flavored popcorn, I would not have chosen to watch the first three prequels of this movie. It was hubby who introduced this to me and from there on, I had enjoyed the adventures and antics of Jack Sparrow. Now on its fourth installment and this time in Disney Digital 3D™, I cannot wait to hear Sparrow's humor and daring adventures.

Unlike the previous films, which were shot primarily on location in the Caribbean, On Stranger Tides had most of its production in Hawaii.

Cars 2 (June 24)

Star race car Lightning McQueen and the incomparable tow truck Mater take their friendship to exciting new places in Cars 2 when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world's fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater's action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world.

video courtesy
I am really excited to watch this fun movie with my little boy. I am absolutely certain that he is going to love this as much as he loved the 2006 movie. Fast cars, colorful cars, talking cars, race and adventure...what's not to love, especially for a three year old boy? :)

I got more films in my list but mommy duties first. :)

365 Project

2011-01-29T10:09:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

Here I go again! Attempting to revive an old desire that got me nowhere.

Usually, 365 Project's begin during the first day of the new year and here I am doing it against the rules (if there are even spoken rules). I'm starting mine tomorrow.

Newest Toy: Sony Cybershot HX1

2011-01-28T09:05:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

I loved and still does love my old digital camera.

But it nearly conked out on me during our recent Hongkong trip along with another gadget, a Sony videocam.

Unlike the videocam that died (and never revived) during a cold visit at the Atoll Reef at Ocean Park, my champagne red digital camera was still functioning aside from one potential problem: the power button seemed to sink in the pit a little deeper than the usual.

I was so anxious because we still had three more days to go (and that day was still young to stop shooting) in our HK itinerary.

But we survived through it all with my pointer finger softly threading on eggshells, so to speak.

Hubby just gifted me this new toy to play. Actually, I have used it already a couple of times but never really got to toying with it. Oh, you know, the life of a solo busy mom!

Sony Cybershot HX1
It looks like a DSLR but it is not (I was told). I discouraged him to buy one unless he would be the one using it. Besides, I would not be caught toting that kind of toy anywhere when I had to manage my toddler without any company.

He bought this just in case the old one decided to retire so soon.

At first, I was hesitant to take this when we bought it. I preferred the little ones that I could just shoot in my bag. But when I held it the way it should be held, I was taken by it. Lighter and less bulkier.

As I said, I still have to learn its features before I can truly say I own it. :)

Up to now, the old one is still alive despite its physical defect. I love it and that is why I am still using it. :)

*More info about this cool gadget.

The Grammers

2011-01-18T08:37:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

Oh yes! I'm a follower of this show but not really a great fan. But what does being a fan means? Following the episodes from the start does not necessarily mean that I am one. Really? LOL.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
(minus Camille and Kim)
at the NBC Universal press party in Pasadena
Based on my tv episodes folder log (where I digitally store the copies of each and every tv episodes I watch), I am now on the 12th episode of the first season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

I think the most unforgettable thing about the last two episodes was Kelsey Grammer seeking a divorce from wife Camille. Apparently, Kelsey was so ready to dissolve his marriage with Camille so he could marry his British girlfriend, Kayte Walsh, a flight attendant.

Kelsey and Camille Grammer
He simply pops in and out of the reality tv show once in a while and very brief at that. My knowledge about him: Kelsey Grammer is an actor. Just an actor and not a big one. In fact, I even had the notion of him as an actor in a theater, in a musical.

The other day while downloading some of my favorite shows, I came across one of David Letterman's late night show (to be clear, this is not one of my favorite shows) episode featuring Kelsey.

Funny how I had a very different perception of this guy, thanks to Letterman. Grammer seemed funny and loose. I meant he seemed laconic and not the sociable type in the housewives' show.

And just right now, I truly discovered who he really was! Oh man! I am so dense. Wikipedia just revealed to my face that Kelsey Grammer was Dr. Frasier Crane in the NBC sitcom Frasier. I did watch that hilarious show from the '90s! How could I even not notice it was him!

Love in his marriage with Camille probably flew out of the window for so many reasons. I am not even sure if it has to do with Camille's very open and scandalous (that is how I see it) treatment of men around her. What married woman in her right mind and stature would kiss another woman's husband on the lips just to show that they are friends and enjoying each other's camaraderie? So what if you are one of the boys and not so at ease with other women who you think are catty enough to be your friend(s)? Like what Kyle said,

I don't really know. But the whole kissing someone else's husband on the lips is just bizarre. I can tell you that if Camille were to kiss my husband on the lips, she wouldn't have any lips left.

Oh yeah, Kyle! I would do the same thing. And for the love of Cupid, I wish that woman who is still married to Nick (the athletic guy/friend who keeps Camille company and whom Camille always kisses on the lips when they see each other) to do some action before she regrets it.

On the other hand, I found it so demeaning for Kelsey to be so romantically involved with another woman when he was still tied up. He should have first finalized his divorce before announcing to the world that he would be getting married...again to another woman.

Okay, guess he is really that in love with Walsh.

Truth is, it is their kids (Grammer has two children with Camille, daughter Mason, 8, and Jude, 6, and two older daughters, Spencer, and Greer, from previous relationships) who are really at the losing end of this situation.

*images courtesy of People

A February AfFAIR

2011-01-17T11:56:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

My sister and I have intentions of participating in this event: STEP UP: A FEBRUARY afFAIR. This enterprising event will be held on Feb. 19, 2010 at the Bahay ng Alumni, U.P. Diliman Campus.

Called "A FEBRUARY afFAIR" because it's right smack in the middle of the U.P. Fair, which will be held on the week of Feb. 15-19.

My curiosity was piqued when I first saw this promotion from The Reading Room. Owners Sandy and Benjamin Beltran recently launched S.T.E.P. U.P. (A Showcase for The Enterprising Pinoy, U.P.) to provide low-cost bazaar-setting venues for those who wish to try selling anything from brand new to second-hand items at a professional & legitimate event with low rates.

Mainly, I planned to join because I really wanted to dispose a lot of things in my closet, clothes, accessories and other knick knacks. Months before, I engaged in a spring cleaning session in the house. I discovered too many things that I had no further need of or simply in the forever state of gathering dust. I had thrown, given away and even donated usable yet considered unnecessary items (at least here in the house).

But there were stuff that I simply could not and did not want to dispose. And so the idea of holding a garage sale came to mind. The only problem: I did not have the space.

So I jumped at the idea the moment I saw this ad. Called my sister and urged her to join me.

Come next weekend, we will register for a space to let go of our pre-loved items and even sell some brand new, cutesy stuff. I am even thinking of buying some girlie accessories from Cebu a week before the fair.

S.T.E.P. U.P.: A FEBRUARY afFAIR
Feb. 19, 2011, 9am-5pm, Saturday
The BAHAY NG ALUMNI
R. Magsaysay Ave., U.P. Diliman Campus
Diliman, Quezon City

BOOKS + MAGAZINES + CLOTHES + SCHOOL & OFFICE SUPPLIES +
SHOES + DECOR + ACCESSORIES + ARTS + CRAFTS + SO MUCH MORE!

Brand New / Old Stock / 2nd-Hand / Vintage!

Check out our multiply.com site: http://stepup2011.multiply.com

SELLERS ARE WELCOME!
Check out our rates:
- LATAGAN 3ft x 5ft = P375.00
- LATAGAN 6ft x 7ft = P1,050.00
- MESA 7ft x 7ft = P1,425.00
- FOOD 7ft x 7ft = P1,425.00
- MESA 8ft x 9ft = P2,000.00

If you are interested in joining, simply email:
benjaminsbeltran@gmail.com

& request for the guidelines in A FEBRUARY afFAIR.

Magnolia Ice Cream: Caramel Cheesecake

2011-01-16T16:50:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

My little boy and I just came home from the supermarket an hour ago since he ran out of diapers. While we were there, I could not help but take a peek at the ice cream section.

And you know what I discovered? Cooling inside were the recently released Magnolia Ice Cream Christmas Limited Edition flavors: Vanilla Praline, Apple Strudel and Caramel Cheesecake.

I missed attending an invitation from Jonel of LetsGoSago early December last year. Days after that, I checked every supermarket I went to just to buy and have a taste of it. Unfortunately, the waiting bored me and I totally forgot all about it. Up until now...

Well, I am about to taste this one. Armed with a big mug and spoon, I am going to dig in and cherish this cold dessert.

Signing off!

January 2011 Reading List

2011-01-15T15:13:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

I am committing to reading a book per month.

Back then, I was able to finish 4-5 books a month. Aside from mountaineering, reading books is my only vice (if you can call it that).

I became a mom and doing all the things that go with it on my own. Reading had taken a backseat.

2011 marks my conviction to get back to my first love: books.

I will make sure that I will find time to read despite the busy schedule. I do not care if I have to read in between doing various house chores or in a cab or train en route somewhere.

For this month, I am aiming for two books. Concurrently, I am being engaged by Tom Gabbay and Robin Cook.

The Berlin Conspiracy by Tom Gabbay

Jack Teller is through with the CIA -- until the Berlin station is contacted by a Colonel in the East German Stasi just days before President John F. Kennedy's scheduled visit to the Wall. The Stasi officer has an important message -- and he will speak to no one but Jack.

The informant claims a treacherous plot is brewing to assassinate the American president in Germany -- a conspiracy originating at the highest levels of the U.S. government. Only Jack Teller believes the threat is real, and it has left him alienated and alone in a divided city that holds too many dark secrets. And if he forgets the two essential truths of the espionage game -- that lies are currency and nothing is what it seems -- he won't live to prevent a global catastrophe.

Critical by Robin Cook

Angela Dawson, M.D., appears to have it all: at the age of thirty-seven, she owns a fabulous New York City apartment, a stunning seaside house on Nantucket, and enjoys the perks of her prosperous lifestyle. But her climb to the top was rough, marked by a troubled childhood, a failed marriage, and the devastating blow of bankruptcy as a primary-care internist. Painfully aware of the role of economics in modern life, particularly in the health-care field, Angela returned to school to earn an MBA. Armed with a shiny new degree and blessed with determination, intelligence, and impeccable timing, Angela founded a start-up company, Angels Healthcare, then took it public. With her controlling interest in three busy specialty hospitals in New York City and plans for others in Miami and Los Angeles, Angela's future looked very bright.

Then a surge of drug-resistant staph infections in all three hospitals devastates Angela's carefully constructed world. Not only do the infections result in patient deaths, but the fatalities also cause stock prices to tumble, leaving market analysts wondering if Angela will be able to hold her empire together.

New York City medical examiners Laurie Montgomery and Jack Stapleton are naturally intrigued by the uptick in staph-related post-procedure deaths. Aside from their own professional curiosity, there's a personal stake as well: Laurie and Jack are newly married, and Jack is facing surgery to repair a torn ligament at Angels Orthopedic Hospital. Despite Jack's protests, Laurie can't help investigating-opening a Pandora's box of corporate intrigue that threatens not just her livelihood, but her life with Jack as well.

**I'm almost done with the other book. :) Way to go!

2011 Commitments

2011-01-12T07:02:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

As I mentioned before, I rather have COMMITMENTS than resolutions for the new year.

I commit to munching less junk foods (chocolate bars not included...hehehe).
I commit to exercising 30 minutes a day.
I commit to reading a book per month.
I commit to broaden my little boy's physical, mental, social and emotional abilities.
I commit to being sweet to my husband. Nyahahaha. :p

May the Force be with me!

Teaser Tuesdays (January 11)

2011-01-11T18:00:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

I'm reading my first book for year 2011.

Here's my chosen tears:

At that moment Ramona coughed, which she had been trying to avoid, because any movement aggravated the postoperative pain. When she coughed and expectorated into a tissue, she saw something that alarmed her even more.

~ page 208, Critical by Robin Cook

This book has been lying in my TBR for a while and since I am needing a book to pump up my reading momentum, I thought a medical thriller would do it.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* Grab your current read.

* Open to a random page.

* Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

New Year Resolutions: Boon Or Bane?

2011-01-11T07:36:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

When 2011 started (like days ago), everyone had been mouthing resolutions for the new year.

Although the word has been so abused every turn of the year, people still make sure that they have their own list.

And that includes me...For a while, I told myself not to join the multitude.

Then I realized why.

We do it every year, making resolutions and if lucky, be able to get on with it right away. The usual story is that we fail to follow through those resolutions that we are so determined to accomplish throughout the year.

So why do we do it every year? Make a list of such resolutions like I will do this...I will do that. It is always a written or even a mental note of possible things to do and normally, never gets done. Just like a promise that is meant to be broken.

It is because every year that comes to an end and a new year that we always welcome with open arms give us a fresh start. With an invigorating energy and positive outlook, we foresee the coming year as a new beginning of another chapter in our lives. It gives us the drive to start right and aim high to reach a certain goal or whatever is on that list.

It is just my idea.

But I prefer not to make resolutions. Instead, I aim to make COMMITMENTS. I will not be making such long list and be lost in it.

La Bella Vita's Holiday Blog Giveaway

2010-12-10T20:13:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

I have been meaning to post this entry even before December began. Unfortunately, I have been tied up with a lot of things and just a few days ago, I caught the flu bug. I felt a little better yesterday and although still sneezing from time to time, I regained my strength; the heavy head, throbbing headache, aching muscles all over and the dry cough - all gone. Today, I'm up on my feet and doing what I do best, multi-tasking.

Anyway, I'm having a giveaway here on my blog. I started blogging back in 2003 with the sole purpose of just blabbing what I had in mind. I never intended to share it with anyone but of course, you're writing online and published in the world wide web. Things changed and chapters in life unfolded and sharing meant information and friendship (if you get my drift).

And then things came to a lull, life gets busier and I sort of went to a blogging hiatus. Then last August 2010, I decided to transfer the contents of my blog to http://labellavita25.blogspot.com/ from the old one. I even had a book blog and events blog set up but managing too much of them became so tedious. I decided to put them all up in one place.

Thus, La Bella Vita was born.

Life has been busier than ever. Hubby flew abroad earlier this year and I'm a mom to an active toddler with no house help to do chores for me nor a nanny to watch out for my kid while I run important errands. A few months back, I was hired to do a freelance job (could do it from home and which I accepted). As it was not chaotic enough, the job complicated my already burdensome daily schedule. But I learned how to deal with it and I was satisfied how I handled it.

Though at times I feel alone, I still feel blessed. With 2011 just lurking around, I'm looking forward to a better year. I'm still working on my plans for year 2011.

As I was saying, I'm hosting this giveaway. I have not informed some friends where I moved my blog so I'm thinking of sharing the information through this. Also, it will be fun to meet more bloggers online, especially other mommy bloggers. I'm also thinking of this as a thank you for the old ones who stood by (although I'm sure that some of you have been wondering why I haven't been blogging in the old site). LOL. Besides, I have quite a stash of goodies here at home. *winks*

What I am giving away:

Victoria's Secret Love Spell Silkening Body Splash

Win This!

I have a bottle of this Victoria's Secret scent for one lucky winner! To join:

Just mention in comments before midnight of January 10, 2011 your plans for the new year. Please leave a valid email address for notification purposes.
Winner's name will be picked from a fishbowl by my toddler and notified via email afterwards.
The winner will be given 3 days to acknowledge receipt of the email notification with their mailing information.
Prize will be shipped via courier.

For extra points:

Subscribe to La Bella Vita's feed via email (let me know what email address you used for subscribing) +2
Leave relevant comments on blog entries dating back August 2010 [the month I migrated the contents of the old blog to here] (one comment per blog entry and please post the link/s of such entry or entries here) +2
Follow La Bella Vita publicly via Google Friend Connect +1
LIKE La Bella Vita on Facebook (leave user/account name) +1
Share this giveaway on Facebook and make sure to tag the La Bella Vita fan page (post the FB link here) +1
Follow La Bella Vita on Twitter (post your Twitter id for verification) +1
Tweet this giveaway ONCE daily (post your tweet here) +1
Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here +1

This giveaway is open to Philippine residents only.

If you will be doing any of the options (pertaining to earning extra points) above, please make sure you leave individual comments for each option you choose to do. Kindly follow the rules for each entry. It will be a lot easier to tally them up.

Instead of using random.org to pick the winner, I prefer doing this the fun way with my little boy. This time, I'll be using a fishbowl where each folded paper corresponds to one entry. After mixing them all up, I'll have Miguel pick the winner.

Teaser Tuesdays (December 7)

2010-12-07T07:15:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

With all the flurry of activities brought about by lots of things in-between -- being a mom, being your own nanny and househelp, running errands, doing a little part-time job and with the upcoming holidays, I declare that I have been so laxed in reading my books.

But I just picked a book days ago. And I'm currently loving it.

Here's my chosen teasers:

Gotta love these chain cafe bookstores that let you read the books in the store, right? They're like public libraries minus the homeless people. They are great!

~ page 152, The Broke Diaries: The Completely True and Hilarious Misadventures of a Good Girl Gone Broke by Angela Nissel

I chose these teasers because the reference made reminded me of the same bookstore here in the Philippines. In fact, I love it because when I happen to come across a book I like, I can flip all the pages, check it out and later on, buy it. But some friends I know can even get away reading the whole book just by staying there for hours. LOL.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* Grab your current read.

* Open to a random page.

* Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I'm almost done with this book. I'm hoping to make a review of this one soon. Meantime, I have to do some errands at the bank. A happy Tuesday to everyone! :)

On My Wishlist #2

2010-12-04T16:32:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

I signed up in a couple of publishing sites and there were two particular books that I would love to grace my bookshelves.

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

Well, it just seem perfect that I highlight them all here.

This is one of the books I would to read in leisure. My interest in ancient Egypt stretches throughout - from its mythology to its earliest civilization and powerful rulers.

The Scroll of Anubis

authored by T. Patrick Rooney

published on November 29, 2010 by CreateSpace

paperback, 300 pages

ancient Egypt (?)

Book Synopsis:

Ages. Centuries. Millennia. Human essence trapped withing dead flesh. These are the things that rest within our tombs, that have waited for the day to come when they could finally rise from the depths of the underworld. These are the creatures that man always intended to rise. Their time has come! Featuring 29 terrifying tales of the undead, The Scroll of Anubis takes you to places you could never imagine. From the depths of Egypt to the streets of the suburbs, enter a world where the dead have risen, where terror walks the Earth.

Like any other Egyptian being who held Egypt in their hands, Cleopatra never failed to enthrall and intrigue me at the same time.

Cleopatra: A Life

authored by Stacy Schiff

published on November 1, 2010 by Little, Brown and Company

hardcover, 384 pages

biography and memoir

Book Synopsis:

Her palace shimmered with onyx, garnets, and gold, but was richer still in political and sexual intrigue. Above all else, Cleopatra was a shrewd strategist and an ingenious negotiator.

Though her life spanned fewer than forty years, it reshaped the contours of the ancient world. She was married twice, each time to a brother. She waged a brutal civil war against the first when both were teenagers. She poisoned the second. Ultimately she dispensed with an ambitious sister as well; incest and assassination were family specialties. Cleopatra appears to have had sex with only two men. They happen, however, to have been Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, among the most prominent Romans of the day. Both were married to other women. Cleopatra had a child with Caesar and--after his murder--three more with his protégé. Already she was the wealthiest ruler in the Mediterranean; the relationship with Antony confirmed her status as the most influential woman of the age. The two would together attempt to forge a new empire, in an alliance that spelled their ends. Cleopatra has lodged herself in our imaginations ever since.

Famous long before she was notorious, Cleopatra has gone down in history for all the wrong reasons. Shakespeare and Shaw put words in her mouth. Michelangelo, Tiepolo, and Elizabeth Taylor put a face to her name. Along the way, Cleopatra's supple personality and the drama of her circumstances have been lost. In a masterly return to the classical sources, Stacy Schiff here boldly separates fact from fiction to rescue the magnetic queen whose death ushered in a new world order. Rich in detail, epic in scope, Schiff 's is a luminous, deeply original reconstruction of a dazzling life.

If there are other books about ancient Egypt, please kindly let me know in the comments. I ought to start my newest collection. :)

My Top 2011 Planners To Covet

2010-11-26T13:54:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

I'm a sucker for planners. And now I feel so overwhelmed with the countless options being showcased in the market. From working corporate for almost eight years to simply becoming a full-time mom for three years and now, having a part-time job for a few months, my planners of any kind had and has gotten me through busy schedules, work meetings, pedia check-up, family travel, social meet-ups, errands and project brainstorming.

Meantime, here are my top three favorites:

Starbucks Coffee 2011 Planner
I used to hop in the craze of coveting this planner just because I love coffee. Period.

This planner can be redeemed at any Starbucks Coffee branch by completing the 17 stickers of their promo card; that is, nine for Christmas beverages and eight for regular drinks.

Belle de Jour 2011 Power Planner
It's a hit for the kikay girls but I think every girl will truly appreciate having this. It has a tracker for everything, even your monthly period. :) What's more fantabulous about this planner is that it has more than sixty discounted coupons on signature brands and establishments.

This can be purchased from http://www.belledejourpowerplanner.com/, Powerbooks, National Bookstore, Fully Booked for PhP598.00.

Planner People
So much about the hype brought about by planners being marketed by top coffee shops in the country. Moving on, there are other much affordable ones that won't simply harm your pocket. Planner People's tagline, "We make simple & usable 2011 planners." It's your typical planner with yearly, monthly, and weekly views. It is made of imported bookpaper and comes in nine unique designs.

This no-frills planner can be ordered online at http://planner.wedgienet.net/ for PhP200.00 only.

My sensibilities tell me to check out this particular bookshop again. I saw a couple of nice planners on display and they look so catchy and chic. I need to check first if their pages serve a certain functionality that I like.

Now I wonder what kind of planner everyone's getting for their busy 2011...

SPOTTED: Mommy, Mama, Inay And Me Photo Exhibit

2010-11-25T10:46:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

Last November 23, 2010, I was extended an invitation to attend the formal opening of a breastfeeding photo exhibit entitled "SPOTTED: Mommy, Mama, Inay and Me" at the SM Mall of Asia.

The four-day exhibit (will run till the 26th) is presented as a joint program on Children Food Security and Nutrition of the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund or MDG-F together with the Department of Health-National Nutrition Council. The MDG-F joint program also called MDG-F 2030: Ensuring Food Security and Nutrition for Children 0-24 Months Old," aims to increase exclusive breastfeeding rate in the country by 20% annually. This endeavor is also made possible in partnership with SM Cares, LATCH Inc., Breastfeeding Patrol of Mandaluyong City and the School of Design and Arts of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde.

The photo exhibit showcases mothers breastfeeding their children in various locations and situations, demonstrating that breastfeeding is part of everyday life. The exhibit aims to communicate the idea that a mother can breastfeed her child anywhere and anytime, and highlights the supportive environment moms need to help ensure that their children receive proper nutrition. It presents breastfeeding as a natural, normative, positive and healthy part of everyday life at home, in the community, and in the workplace.

While listening to keynote speakers, I could not help but gaze around the big photos and I felt a certain pride. Truly, I consider that particular event a milestone. The fact that breastfeeding is being publicly supported, promoted and protected is already a stepping stone towards acceptance of a growing breastfeeding culture in the country.

My little Miguel is now three years old and had been exclusively breastfed for six months. Thereafter, he was given complementary food with continued breastfeeding up until he was 1 year and 6 months old.

I am so pleased to know that SM Supermalls is being part of this great initiative. I am most exhilarated by the fact that SM Mall of Asia has been a great part of my bonding experience with my little boy. When I had Miguel, the only mall that my husband and I could go to was MoA for they had a breastfeeding station. I always felt so calm when we were out malling at MoA for I knew that when my little angel needs me to feed him, I could always find our way to the breastfeeding station. It was not so long ago that people would look down at you just because they saw you breastfeeding your baby in public. That time, I could not care less. But great thanks to this mall, I did not have to endure those kind of stares.

I enjoin other moms to support this wonderful advocacy event. It is not only for us moms but also for our babies. "As the standard for feeding a newborn, breast milk contains all the nutrients that a baby needs, and protects the mother's health. It is easily digested and efficiently used by the baby. It also reduces risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, helps the uterus to return to its previous size, and reduces bleeding which helps in preventing anemia," according to Health Assistant Secretary Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, Executive Director of National Nutrition Council.

Flores also empahasize that breastfeeding "is important for the welfare of the mother and the baby, the family, the community, and the nation." Thus, "as a community, we should regard breast-feeding as a norm, where all members of the family would provide support and encouragement to the breastfeeding mom."

Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy experience between a mother and her baby. It is free and that you can breastfeed your baby anytime and anywhere.

About the MDG Achievement Fund
The MDG Achievement Fund is an international cooperation mechanism whose aim is to accelerate progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) worldwide. Established in December 2006 with a generous contribution of €528 million Euros ($US710M) from the Spanish Government to the United Nations system, the MDG-F supports national governments, local authorities and citizen organizations in their efforts to tackle poverty and inequality.

With 128 active programmes in 49 countries spread across 5 regions of the world, MDG-F is helping over 3.5 million people, with another 20 million people impacted indirectly. For more information on the MDG-F, log on to http://www.mdgfund.org/.

Many thanks to Omar (left photo)
and to Ms. Cindy (right photo, girl in white dress) for the invitation.

UnionBank Picture! Picture! Panalo ka Pinoy! Promo

2010-11-24T16:42:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

When I was younger, I dreamed of working overseas. It was because I had lots of relatives who usually came home for the yuletide season with lots of imported pasalubong loaded in big, balikbayan boxes. I always thought they were cool and how fun they had seeing new places and trying out new things as seen in the photos they sent us. I even assumed then that working far away from home in another land makes you rich. Who wouldn't? That was when I learned what remittances meant.

And so I grew up. It was not all bed of roses, I was told. Every penny was earned with blood, sweat and tears. It was hard-earned money.

In the first place, these people (called overseas Filipino workers) try their luck abroad and be separated from their family and loved ones to seek greener pastures. Some of them sell their lands and had their homes as collateral just to pay for placement fees. Others are spared from the financial weight of finding their way out of getting an employment abroad, foreign companies directly hire them.

Whatever the case, our families endure the separation from us because they want to give us a better claim in life: to be provided for and in the best possible way.

And so UnionBank Global Filipino is hosting a photo-blogging promo where every Filipino living and working overseas can win FREE round trip tickets for two (2) to any Cebu Pacific destination in the Philippines.

Just send in a photo (should be taken during the promo period from November 5 – December 5, 2010) showcasing what life is like there - whether in the workplace, or a local destination frequented by other Filipinos, or maybe doing something Pinoy-like!

Simply email your photo at globalfilipino@unionbankph.com with your complete name, country of current location and Philippine address if any. Don't forget to LIKE http://www.facebook.com/unionbankph.

For a detailed mechanics of this promo, kindly refer to the image below.

Picture! Picture! Panalo ka Pinoy Contest is EXTENDED until December 31, 2010! It's never too late to send in a photo! Send one today!

Ginataang Isda (Fish In Coco Milk)

2010-11-23T12:07:00.002+08:00

Dear Me,

Unlike my Kapampangan cousins who are so good and uberly-patient when it comes to cooking, I kinda dislike slaving myself for long hours in front of the stove preparing food.

Maybe because I could still recall how my dear mother would asked me to continuously stir and mix this sticky food (I think it was some kind of kakanin or probably biko) for fifteen minutes or more back in the days. With the heat from the stove and tired muscles from holding a spatula or ladle, it was a nightmare and kept on complaining. I could hear my playmates shouting outside while playing tumbang-preso. All the more reason to be displeased in doing hard labor just to eat.

Looking back now, I have my mother to thank for that. She introduced me to the pleasures as well as the displeasure of cooking. Hard it may seem but when you do something on your own, specially it is the first time, there is excitement. If it turns out better that you expected, a feeling of pride and adventure grows on you. If the result does not quite sit well with you, then there is a challenge waiting till your next try.

I have grown to love cooking. I am not that good but I am proud to say that I can survive on my own. I have limited knowledge of recipes. I intend to rectify that by trying new dishes.

My latest kitchen adventure presented itself in the form of Ginataang Isda or Fish in Coco Milk.

Fish in Coco Milk

Ingredients:

3 medium-sized fish, cleaned & cut (tilapia, tulingan)
1 can coconut milk
1 cup malunggay leaves
1 eggplant, cut into pieces
5-7 string beans
1 big, red pepper
3-5 pcs garlic, crushed
salt and pepper

Directions:

In a pan, boil the coconut milk, garlic, pepper in medium heat.
Add the fish and cook until tender.
Add the veggies - eggplant, string beans, red pepper.
Simmer for a few minutes until done.
Add the malunggay leaves and season with salt.
Serve with a plate of steamed rice.

Actually, I am not sure what type of fish I used in this dish. I just picked the one available in the freezer. :p

In the photo above, I served the dish minus the eggplant and string beans because I noticed too late that I was using a smaller bowl. Anyway, I grabbed the opportunity to take a shot of what I labored. :)

Also noticeable is the huge not-so-red pepper. Unlike other people who mix this in a dish cut or sliced, I prefer mine as is. It is not that I don't like my food a little hot but I am serving this, too, with my toddler.

Over-all, I am satisfied with my first try in preparing Ginataang Isda. :)