Spanish Pinay

Wish me Luck!

2014-04-08T11:37:00.000+02:00

How can time fly so fast like this? For 9 months I have abandoned my blog. Not purposely, no. God, I’ve been missing writing. But busy life happens and one just got to prioritize. Does this article mean I’m back on blogging? I sure hope so but one can never tell. But yes, Spanish Pinay is re-taking the blogging journey, so hopefully it works out. 9 months of suppressing the thoughts, the kwentos (stories), the rants, the raves, the opinions, recipes and crafting to share and so many other things to share, is just too much to keep suppressing. So I’m going to start letting them all out! And just because I know this time, there’s just one more big reason to be back writing.

I am this excited!

Wish me luck! J

Tum, tum, tum

2013-07-15T22:22:00.000+02:00

The Little Spanish Pinay has just completed her daycare days. At the start of the school year, she'll be entering primary school. It has been a great year at daycare with the little. We are actually a little bit sad as she has already learned to love the daycare and her carers but excited at the same time as she will be entering a new phase in her educational development.

She has definitely learned a lot from her daycare most especially developed sweet relationship between her carers and with other children.

The song below is one of the songs shared in her daycare. kids love the song and adults like me as well :) It definitely is sweet and reminds me of how I fell in love with hubby and then again when we had Little Spanish Pinay. In reality, my heart beats tum tum tum tu-tum tu-tum tum tum everyday as I am with the two most wonderful person in my life.

No tempo que eu era só

At that time I was alone

E não tinha amor nenhum

And there was no love

Meu coração batia mansinho

My heart was beating softly

Tum tum tum

Tum tum tum

Depois veio você

And then you came

O meu amor número um

My number one love

E o meu coração pôs-se a bater

And my heart began to beat

Tum tum tum tum tum tum...

Tum tum tum tum tum tum....

3 happy years

2013-04-23T04:00:00.001+02:00

3 happy years ago, God has gifted us of you whom we have already loved from day 1 of learning we were pregnant. That love just kept on growing each day and would only grow more and more until eternity and beyond.

Those were three challenging years, but definitely happy and magical and unique. You're three today and a continent away from me but that doesn't make this day any less special because on this day, you made me become a mother. I will forever be grateful of this great privilege.

Anak, although I always doubt my capacity to be able to do and give you what's best for you, I know God made me for you and you for me.

Your papi and I can never be prouder than how we already are about you. Please know that we will always be here for you no matter what.

Your smile is brighter than the sun's ray. Your laughter, the sweetest music in my ear. Your big eyes speak nothing but love when they meet my eyes.

Your silliness turns my gloomiest day into the most fun and colorful day because you're crazy and naughty and sweet and giddy all the time. You are pure sunshine packaged most beautifully.

There is no doubt you will become a good, compasionate, loving and God-fearing person when you grow up because right now, at your most tender age, you already are. Perfect the way you are.

Happy birthday, mi amor. I'll see you in 2 weeks! Mahal na mahal na mahal ka ni mami!

Putting my best face forward

2013-04-16T03:26:00.003+02:00

I was in the airplane when I have drafted this entry and has been longing to hear and see and talk and touch and hug and kiss my mag-ama (husband and daughter) is just killing me. My stomach was producing too much acidity (and gases…shhhhhh!) thye've just made the entire flight uncomfortable. I got lucky I was moved to the emergency exit seats that I got all 3 seats just for me, not to mention the extra leg room. Still I am quite uncomfortable. It’s hard to bear. I’ve been thinking about my daughter since last night when we left her at my inlaws’ house and already then, it’s driving me crazy. I wondered how she’s doing, if she was already sleeping, if she was crying, if she was waking up from time to time looking for me, if she’s having a hard time in the bathroom, if she hurt herself, If she got scared of something from the TV, if she’s eating well or not… tons of worries that’re driving me nuts.

Drama, right? That’s really mostly the life of a mama… tons of drama.

It’s tough but I’m an adult, a mature one and I am supposed to deal with this like an adult. I can’t have a meltdown and throw myself on the floor while I kick and arch my back like a toddler. Maybe I can do that later in the hotel. No one would know.

On the other hand, I want to think that this short separation may actually do us good. It’s only 3 weeks. Only. I have to convince myself that it is “only”. Career-wise, this travel is really something good for me. After 5 long years, it’s time to reconnect with my team back in Ohio and put faces on the voices of the members of my team I haven’t met personally. It’s also time to get more involve with the new technologies newly employed and will-be employed in the environment. And as for Little Spanish Pinay, it could be the little push that can help her learn more on independence and trusting on herself that it’s ok to be apart even for just a short time from mami. It will be a good opportunity so she can bond more with my in-laws and her papi as well.

So yes, I’ll try to be more positive about this and put my best face forward. So I'm putting my make up and the chirpiest smile while I'm in the office.

Oh and hey, this short work-assignment may probably give me more time to blog, so yey?

Mami solution: If the shirt is too tight fit, rip it.

2013-03-09T01:00:00.000+01:00

Before anything else, I'd like to emphasize that this is not a fashion blog nor I am trying to convert this to one. But I'm making this entry for sale and thrift lovers like me because one, I felt so clever (let me be conceited just this once, mmkay?) getting a good result and two, I might be able to give some ideas to others who, like me, bought something so cheap and then didn't fit.

So here is the subject matter:

I bought this shirt from Zara for almost 3 euros ONLY. I fell in love with the ruffled sleeve and with that price, I didn't even check if it will fit me. Size is médium so I thought it should fit perfectly.

But when I got home and tried it on, it was too fit and I didn't feel comfortable about it showing off my curves, you know what I mean? And this mami want's some comfy shirt without looking frumpy. So I was a bit disheartened... I didn't want to return it as I do really love the effect of the ruffled sleeves on me and the sexy neckline without revealing much.

See? Nice Ruffled fitted sleeves, but I would have to tuck my tummy all the time and that means tough and less oxygen for my body! In this picure I was holding my breath and I haven't even eaten lunch, heh. What is that you say? My mirror is yucky? That's some photo filter a la instagram! :-P

Going back...

So what did I do? Here comes the clever-me part...

I ripped the sides off!

That feels a lot better.

But I will never go out the streets half naked like that!

So I grabbed these lovelies. Cheapos. 60 cents from the Chinese store - equivalent of dollar store

And hand-stiched them on to the shirt's open sides.

I was really pleased with the result.

Do I get a standing ovation?

BOW.

Parenting Blog Award: The Positive Parental Participation Blog Award

2013-02-21T13:50:00.001+01:00

The Positive Parental

Participation Blog Award

Ages ago (yes, that's exaggeration), lovely Vivian has tagged me with this parenting award she herself has started. I've had been given some blogging awards but this one is yet to be the most important and most appreciated one for me. Vivian has started this award to give recognition to bloggers who, she believes exemplifies the tenants of Positive Parental Participation (words borrowed from her).

See, being a parent is for me, above any other role that I have right now. I am really dedicated (sometimes obsessed) to be not just a good parent to our daughter but also one that is gentle and one that provides positive participation. I deeply believe on positive and gentle disciplining and being really there, present and fully participating with her, whenever given the opportunity.

Of course, there's always a struggle. At the time that Vivian has told me she got this award for me, I was in that moment when I was feeling insufficient as a parent, as a mom. We were in that phase that meltdowns and tantrums and less sleep is very common at home and so I'd often find myself always on the edge and snapping every minute.

So when Vivian told me about the award, it nearly broke me into tears. It was just so timely. I felt guilty at first as I thought I didn't deserve this but then I took it as a challenge... a gentle reminder of what I have told myself the kind of parent I want to be.

Again, I'd like to really thank Vivian for thinkking of me! You always continue to serve as an inspiration to me.

I've been meaning to write about this post but couldn't find time as usual. But finally, I was able to do it :) and of course I'm going to pass this award along to other parents who I believe exemplifies the tenants of Positive Parental Participation.

Please feel free visit Vivan's article about it. You can also continue to browse her other articles as you will surely pick a lot of things about activities, picture books and other things you can share with your children to have some quality bonding for positive parental participation :)

In reality, I have a very long list of bloggers to pass this award but I will start off with a short list as otherwise, I'd be making the longest blog entry of my life :) I do know that these wonderful bloggers below will be passing this award to other deserving mom/dad bloggers.

1. Kristeta of Kalokang Pinay sa Ukay - She's one sweet mama and girl friend. We haven't met in person but I do feel like I've known her personally for a long time now. We do have so much in common in terms of parenting views and life situation in general. I can almost see myself in her as a mother for her cute Jace... not to mention that Jace is also very similar to our Little Spanish Pinay. Jace is one lucky little fellow for having this uber sweet-thoughtful-baking-goddess mom. It's always a pleasure to viber with her :)

2. Em of Akira and Everything Nice - She's my idol in breastfeeding. More than 3yrs now and still breastfeeding! If that is not one of the tenants of positive parental participation, then I don't know what it is :) It always make me smile when she talks about her lovely daughter as it would always picture how she adores her and that she's all for her.

3. Annmarie of Mom to 8 Blog - She's a mom to 8 children! All raised so well. She has such a positive and simple outlook in life that is simply an inspiration to me. Her entries are most of the time short, funny and full of good insight. It's always a pleasure to read her articles. My favorites are about her conversations with her children!

4. Mamas TodoTerreno - Behind this blog are two equally dashing mamas, Rebecca and Ava. This is one of the few blogs in spanish that I regularly check and read. I love how they both create a positive and loving environment for their children. I love the activities and the crafts they both do with their children. Many times, I'd steal their ideas ;-)

5. Madi of Entre Apuntes y Pañales - Another one of the few spanish blogs I read. What can I say, this young and dedicated mom is all giving. She has a toddler just like me and I can always relate with her experiences on the terrible two phase. I love the way she handles this difficult situation gently. And now that she has been gifted with another adorable baby girl, I really don't know how she's doing all what she's doing now. She's doing it so wonderfully... a total pro ;-) Oh, let's not forget that she's a babywearer!

6. Faye of Fighting For Maia and Turning Dreams to Reality - I have just recently met this mom through her blogs and I was already captured by her story. As she puts it: I am alive because I became a mom. And for that I will fight to live so Maia can have a mother. Those are such beautiful words. She's a survivor, a doting mama who would overcome anything and everything for her little one... even cancer.

7. Pepper of Days In aWagon - This artsy mom is also a heartsy. Her gentleness and love for her little A is pasted all over her blog. Her little family is adorable and her positive parenting participation is evident with how her little A is growing to be a really nice, sweet and well rounded little girl. They have such a sweet, sweet bond and I'm looking forward to having the same kind of bond with my own daughter as she grows.

I could add more on this list but I'll keep it short and let the award roll from one mom/dad to another.

Surefire Cold Remedy - All Natural!

2013-02-14T17:06:00.003+01:00

Ever since the cold weather started, colds and cough has been in and out of our household. We have tried a lot of natural remedies both homemade and over-the-counter type as we really want to avoid taking medicines as much as we can. While some would give good results, the effects are nothing really dramatic nor consistent... except for one.

And that is the reason why I decided to wake up my sleeping blog.

I'd like to share this to mommas out there because it has been really effective for all of us. I KNOW how hard it is to take care of a sniffling and coughing toddler especially at night, so here is something for all you mommas (and everyone else) out there hoping that it may help you as well.

This natural remedy has helped the Little Spanish Pinay combat cough, colds and even throat infections. Ever since we started giving this to her, around January, she has never fallen to serious illness relating to cold weather (and viruses as such). Never missed daycare as well and has a better fighting chance against falling sick.

The best part is that this is all natural and thus, no side-effect nor limit as to when and how much to take. Ok, maybe one side-effect could be stomach acidity. This is almost undiluted lemon juice so just make sure stomach is not empty when this is taken.

Ok, without further ado, here's the recipe. Special thanks to hubby by the way, because he was the one who was able to find this recipe somewhere in the internet. Unfortunately, we can't find the link anymore to give due credit. I will definitely update this entry if we finally get to find the source.

Ingredients:
     half of a medium sized onion - chopped
     a small piece of ginger - grated
     2 lemons - squeezed (we need the juice only)
     honey - as pleased

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in one recipient and let them sit for a minimum of 10 minutes. This will let the onion "sweat" and release its powerful substance.

2. Strain the mixture so it is left with the syrup part.

3. Store the syrup in an airtight container. It is also best to store this in the refrigerator. Take it out from the refrigerator a few minutes before giving it to your child just so it won't be too cold.

My husband tells me that the syrup is best taken within 2 days. After that, it loses its power or effectiveness. It does make sense because vitamin C content of lemon or orange drops or "evaporate" when it comes into contact with air. Then again, storing it in the refrigerator can slow this down and besides, this powerful syrup does not only count on vitamin C for combatting cold and cough but a lot other medicinal substance.

And since the recipe above results to a good amount of liquid, it is most probable that there will be a lot of left-over even after two days, and this mami just don't throw away good stuff.

So I continue to give the syrup to her as long as it is hasn't perished... I tell you it can last up a to a week in the fridge.

Some more notes:
You can add as much honey as you like. This reduces the acidity of the lemon so it helps the syrup to taste a little better. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties so it's all good.

Onion is all wonderful. I adore onion because of its so many medicinal qualities. It really helps the relieve cough and fight bacteria, fungi and anything that is eww.

Ginger is another oh so marvelous herb on earth. In the Philippines, it is popular for treating throat problems. Singers are known to take hot ginger tea or "salabat" because it is said that this tea "sweetens and smoothens" one's voice. So, you want to sing like Barbara Streisand? Then you know what to do ;-)

Lemon is the mega source of Vitamin C and is so good with throat infection as well as it is also has anti bacterial properties.

Given all these facts, I tell you that this WORKS.

Now, the challenge is for you to get your child to drink this as it has quite a strong taste. I normally administer it to the little one using a teaspoon or syringe. It would take me a lot of persuading but she drinks it. Over the time, I have learned an important trick on making her drink her medicine too. Key note? Do not lie and do not sugarcoat.

I'll talk about this trick next time.

For now, ta-tah!

Late Greetings and Chritmas Post

2013-01-14T01:00:00.000+01:00

First of all, I hope everyone had a super merry Christmas and big bang new year celebration!

After 10 years, I am finally able to sneak in and post something here on my abandoned blog. Need I elaborate more on how tough it is to balance time between taking care of a high-spirited 2.75 toddler, a full-time day job, being a wife to a doting husband and being a homemaker? I didn't think so :)

We celebrated Christmas with the family here in Spain - unlike Christmas of 2011 where we were able to go home to my motherland and had the chance to celebrate Christmas like there's no tomorrow.

Christmas celebration here in Spain is nothing like how it is celebrated in the Philippines. Christmas in the Philippines is GRAND! The Christmas spirit starts to tickle everyone's heart by the start of September and goes on until a couple more weeks after new year.

We still get to enjoy the Christmas here especially that this is the time that Little Spanish Pinay gets to understand a little bit more of about the Christmas concept. She enjoyed the gift-giving (more on gift-receiving on her side) of course. She has also started understanding about Santa Claus and she did wait for his arrival with much anticipation. We had our noche buena (dinner on 24th) at my sister-in-law's in-laws together with my in-laws. That's right, in-laws are typed 3 times. 4 actually.

The poor little girl slept at about 2 am. We did prepare Santa's milk and cookies before she went to bed but sharing is not yet one of her established values as she only wanted to put ONE cookie for Santa... she even chose the cookie she likes the least. At least we were able to convince her to add another one more cookies as Santa might be very hungry when he arrives. You gotta laugh at this little mischief. Note: Sharing is important for us but we don't force it.

So the following day, she was all giddy when we finally told her that today is the day! We have to check if Santa came and left something for her.

She was definitely happy with Santa's gifts. I'm glad we didn't go overboard with the gifts. After all, there's still Three Kings where kids (and kids-alike) receive more gifts.

After gift opening and a good lot of time to play, we headed over to my in-laws to have lunch with them. Overall, Christmas celebration here in Spain is quite simple but quite significant, nonetheless. It was well spent with the love ones. And thanks to technology, we are also somehow able to celebrate Christmas with the family oceans away through video calls.

The Weaning Comedy

2012-12-17T16:28:00.000+01:00

So we started the process of weaning. I'll tell more about it on a separate post but on this post, I'm sharing my tragedy brought by weaning and pepper. The title says comedy not tragedy, right? Really, it's a tragedy but it's too surreal that I ended up laughing on me. On my stupidity, that is.

Hubby and I finally decided that we'll formally start the Little Spanish Pinay's weaning process. I started thinking of ways to successfully do this. I've been reading and nothing has really worked well for us. So I finally resorted to my mom's old way - put something on the nipples to make it taste baaaad.

Still it was tricky because I couldn't really think of what spice or food to use.

Garlic? Nah. LSP loves garlic. She eats a whole clove of pickled garlic, you know?

Onions perhaps? - yeah, no. She also eats onions. She especially loves those pickled baby onions in the jar.

Ginger? sounded promising. I did try. She made some faces, said blah! But proceeded with her normal business. Fail.

I desperately rummaged through my spice drawer and ding! Dried cayenne pepper. Now, LSP has a relatively high tolerance on spicy food. Relatively for kids her age, if I can make that clear. She devoured one of those chocolate with chili brought to us by her godfathers when they visited Italy. So I told myself cayenne pepper should do it.

Dried cayenne pepper

I took a piece, run it down the faucet to wet, squeezed a bit and wipe it down the nipples. Then I thought I'm ready to face her. Until I felt the burning sensation. Then in panic, I tried to wash it down with water. Big mistake, people. Water DOES NOT help. It worsens the burning sensation! And man alive, IT. HURTS! For the life of me, I was in total lost of what to do.

By this time, I was already cyring in pain. Hugging myself, I walked back and forth the hallway. Hissing and ahhh-ing. I sat down the foot of our staircase and desperately cried. Poor hubby he didn't know how to help me. He kept on telling me to try and wash it down. With desperate tone I said I already tried and it just got worst.

You'd think that's the worst part? No, missy, no. Too annoyed of my own stupidity, I scratched my eyes and my whole face while wiping off the tears. Suddenly I couldn't open my eyes. You. have. got.to.be.kidding.me! Of course I touched my eyes with the very same hand I used to crush the pepper.

I thought I was gonna go blind.

I was screaming and jumping. And then I found myself slopping down the floor almost like a toddler with the meltdown at the middle of a supermarket.

Hubby was like "what? what? what's happening with you?"

I'm like "My eyes! ahhhhh! my eyes!"

and he's like "what? what? what about your eyes????"

I'm like "My eyes! they're burning! I can't even open them!"

and then he's like "Try to open your eyes! open them!"

and I'm like "Did I just tell you I CAN'T open them? How the hell would I open them if I can't open them???"

Gosh, I swear I felt like I was Larry from the Three Stooges.

Then I suddenly found myself laughing my heart out because of the total insanity of what I have just done to myself. Totally a mess.

Good thing I remembered one of the episodes from Bones where Hodgins ate something really spicy and drank a glass of water but made the burning sensation even worse. And Angela told him never drink water with spicy food. Should be milk!

So the rest of my story was just hubby wiping my eyes with cotton soak into milk... and yes, I also wiped milk on my nipples that were still burning at that time. That part, I did on my own... coz you know...

And in case you're wondering, I did not use breastmilk.

Come to thnk of it, I should have tried breastmilk. Just to know, you know.

Fin.

Christmas DIYs and Recycling

2012-12-10T01:00:00.000+01:00

Since I've been really committed to being green (whenever I can) and frugal, I have sworn to not buy new Christmas decors nor buy gift wrappers. I sworn to use our old Christmas decors and if they are not enough, take out my magic DIYer wand. I sworn to use papers I already have for gift wrappers and make them look Christmas-y so then I won't have to buy gift wrappers. Sounds extreme? A bit. It's actually quite hard to resist the temptation of buying those super lovely Christmas decors and ornaments from the store whenever I see them... but I am so doing it! **patting my back**

I'll probably won't be able to complete decorating the house but with the close-to-none extra time I have, I'm just doing what I can. And I am quite pleased about the whole effort so here I am showing 'em off. You are warned: there'll be stars everywhere!

Entrance hall. Remember the wall decor I created using pistachio shells? There they still are. The paper snowflakes on the side are just paper cut outs using normal printing papers. The mistletoes on the yellow and green vases are from the tree. The stars are from a kraft and cereal boxes.

The plant/tree that I always thought to be mistletoe are just taken from the nearby park. Thank you my fellow mommy bloggers and twitter buddies, I have learned something new.. It's not mistletoe, Spanish Pinay. It's Holly!

Some more 3D stars this time out of magazine covers

and another set of 3D stars from cereal boxes

Yet another star from cereal box. Candle (ok, with this one, I couldn't resist... I bought it. But for 2 euros, it was begging to climb my shopping cart and so I gave in). Decorative sand = expired baby cereal mix and glitters! That's a winner I tell you. The gold small balls are from a broken old Christmas decors and finally, the pine cone I picked from one of our walks in the mountains one summer day

Parol (Fillipino Christmas lantern). This was a necessity for me to make.

Blame it on homesickness. This parol is made out of barbeque sticks. The cellophanes are store brought while the white tissue papers are recycled from the pictures frames I bought ages ago. Stores would usually wrap fragile items with these type of paper tissues. Yes, I also keep those. Holler if anyone wants a tutorial!

Gifts wrapped so far: The brown papers from the dining chairs packaging we ordered online months ago. The different ornaments used are: magazine papers, some colored craft papers I already have, yarn, cupcake papers from a tin can of danish cookies and of course, glitters! I certainly think glitters is made for Christmas!

I'll probably update this post if I am able to add some more Christmas decors at home for now, that's all the humble abode got. I still need a Christmas wreath for the door. Spell DIY and RECYCLE!

Disclaimer: Don't be fooled by the neat pictures... the house mess is kicked off the camera radar ;-)

Hot Mami

2012-12-03T13:02:00.002+01:00

Hot mess, that is!!

It's been really chaotic at home these days. Not that I am complaining as all three of us in our household are all healthy and so much inlove with each other but things and schedules are all crazy and me, being a scattered-brain to start with, can't just keep up with this crazy, crazy phase in our family life.

As I was writing drafting this post, I was in the commissary office waiting for my name to be called. Don't worry, I didn't do anything bad! The only record I have in this country is that I was caught without a seat belt inside a moving car. Long story, but yeah, I am already an offense maker.

Anyhooooo, reason that I am here is that I need to get an affidavit of loss for my ID. I lost it practically without knowing how and when. I'm kind of in a hurry to get it replaced as we are in the middle of processing some important documents.

And hoo, hah! I just learned that I had no idea where my passport is. OUR passports! They are all in one pouch and the location of the said pouch has just decided to elude my memory. After putting our house upside down, inside out, thank God I was finally able to find 'em.

Did I mention already that our house is in total jumble right now? Unshelved (yes, accept that as a word as I have no time to check the dictionary right now, mkay?) groceries are in the hallway and everywhere in the floor kitchen. Documents on top of every furniture. Unloaded dishwasher. A mountain of dirty dishes. Unfolded clothes. Unmade beds. Gooey bathrooms. Toys everywhere (ok, that is forgivable). Bunny dusts on the floor, everywhere. Umm, that's it. I shall not continue describing the state of the house right now before I start to pick my eyebrows and eat 'em.

And oh! I can't count how many days hubby and I haven't eaten a decent lunch. We simply couldn't find time to cook and well, even sit down together and munch each other. I mean, munch something together.

My day job? Not spared from all my hullabaloos... I did mistakes here and there that could have hurt my career if only my bossess do not know me.

Ok, so my name was called in the commissary and proceeded inside the office to tell them my story. I sat on the chair infront of the table where the officer is seated on the other side. He asked me what is my business there and just before I could open my mouth, my stupid very hungry tummy made the most awful, embarrassing sound it ever made in my whole entire life. I was hoping the officer didn't hear any of it but judging from his awkward facial expression, there was no denying that he didn't hear it. My face was burning with embarrassment and with a sheepish smile, I just said "Uhm, I haven't had lunch, sorry". And the rest of the 10 minutes was just me stammering in Spanish.

Good thing the officer new I am already married otherwise, he might have been thinking by now "Poor girl, she'll surely be single for the rest of her life". Or perhaps he's thinking something like "poor husband...".

I couldn't even imagine if I would be able to survive the past week but I'm here, finishing this article so I guess yes, I did survive last week. I survived it with bruises and an ego resting on the floor but I survived. Because mamas have no other option but to survive, right?

Tell me I'm not the only one who has days like this.

Homemade Skinless Longganisa

2012-11-09T01:00:00.000+01:00

Longganisa is one of my classic comfort food. Although we have chorizo here in Spain, it's really nothing like longganisa from my beloved Philippines.

I have been wanting to be able to make one but haven't really found an easy recipe so thank goodness to my pretty preggy friend Dianne as she was able to find one. The plus side is that she has already tried this and approved of the result. Being a great foodie that she is, I have no doubts the recipe is really going to give good results.

It took me a while before I was able to finally make this on my own as life happens and this mama gets burried with so much work and mama duties.

I did some modifications on the recipe to suit my liking... for one, I love my longganisa just a tad bit on the sweeter side so, I used a bit more sugar. You can refer to Dianne's recipe for the original recipe.

My recipe below is probably just good for 2-3 people so double it if you want a big batch. Dianne's recipe calls for 1.5lbs ground pork and that's about 680 grams.

Ingredients:

250grams ground pork (I used the mix kind - mixed beef and pork)
1 carrot, grated (my special ingredient)

1.5 Tbs brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (I may have used a bit more)

5 cloves garlic (yes, I used 5 times the original recipe. we love garlic in the house so, need I say more?)

1/2 tsp anato/atsuete powder (I don't have anato seeds here)

1 Tbsp vinegar

1 or 2 tbsp of red wine
a little butter

Let's get down to the business.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl except for the wine and the butter. Mix it good until all ingredients are well incorporated. You can use a spoon or your clean hand. Hand is better.

I like sneaking in veggies in my dishes so I thought I'd sneak in some grated carrots in this. It wasn't a bad idea at all!

Roll a part of the mixture to a cling wrap. The amount depends on how big or long you would want the longganisa to be. I did about an inch thick.

Now, here's a trick I did. I closed the sides of the cling wrap (after the longganisa is rolled inside) and made a knot on each side. This made the longgaisa more compact and sort of tube-like round.

does this remind you of the classic ice candy?

excuse the blurry photo. I was just using my phone camera on my left hand.

You gotta let it cure overnight inside the fridge. But if you are impatient like me, 1 or 2 hours may already be good... but not as good as overnight, so remember that ;-)

I also have a slightly different way of cooking longganisa. I've used my mom's classic way of cooking longganisa and also added some Spanish touch to it.

In a skillet, I put the longganisa (cling wrap removed) with a little bit of water. Let the water boil. This way, I am more confident that the longganisa would be well cooked until the core part. I love meat and I love it well done. I may have also sprinkled the longganisa a dash of brown sugar while it's cooking (yes more)... but that really depends on your liking.

When the water is about to get dry, pour in your red wine. This gives tanginess to the longganisa and that nice dark color. I am thinking that with the wine, you can totally ommit the anato powder.

Oh, just imagine how the mixture of different tastes would explode in your mouth with every bite!

Let it simmer until it caramelizes a bit. Then put a little butter or if you prefer to be healthier, use vegetable or olive oil. I used butter!

Then just let it fry until golden brown and the caramel becomes sticky.

You wanna be more sinful? Cleanup that caramel in the frying pan with rice!

Yes, I committed more sin by frying the rice on the longganisa caramelized drippings! And I must say, it is all worth it! Every.single.calorie.

BOW!

You got an issue? Here's a tissue!

2012-11-06T23:03:00.005+01:00

This entry has actually been sitting in my draft for about 3 weeks now. I couldn't even get a quarter of an hour to finish it and as I read it back it sounds too whiney to be published. And I feel like I've been a totally hot mess that I had second thoughts about publishing it. But then again, this is real life. There IS mess and chaos in a real home. And there IS stress and tears and own-hair-pulling and lost of words and desperation in a life of a normal mama like me.

I do want to chronicle our adventure in parenthood and our daughter's development and so I shall not miss this part either especially through these experiences, I have become a better mami even for just a little bit.

So lately (been a while, in reality), the Little Spanish Pinay has been experimenting with her new discovery. That she is an individual with her own decisions and capability to actually say NO anytime she wants to. And she finds it really cool. I do know and understand this phase but somehow with the stress of daycare adjustments (back in early September), workload (from my day job) and super backlogged housechores (because of camping-in at inlaw's house on August); and then add the desire of wanting to squeeze in blogging and crafting and baking in the middle, I found myself short on patience and gentleness during those hectic moments.

There were those days where LSP seems to be just being a big pain in the bottom. And one day, I fell deep into that pit where I have told myself I would never jump into. Nor even peek. We had a hard time in the morning preparing LSP to go to daycare as she was just plainly refusing everything. She's taking forever to finish her potty, claiming that she's not yet done. She didn't want to get dressed. She didn't like her socks. She didn't like her shoes. I literally had to wrestle her (which I really hate to do) to get dressed as we were simply running late. I had to let her wear her house slippers because that's what she preferred over any shoes I offer her. (side note: A couple of days prior, we went to daycare without her wearing socks nor shoes because she just doesn't want to wear ANY shoes).

The ultimate act was when she matter-of-factly emptied a pack of cashew nuts on the floor. Her face was that of a smirk (I must admit cute, at that) that says "Let's see what you'll do about this, mami".

I snapped.

I yanked her up and sat her on our sofa. Naturally she started crying. I told her that we do not throw food on the floor, that what she did is wrong, etc. She kept crying. I told her she have to ask for an apology. She didn't want to. I got agitated even more. I got angry. She got angrier. Until everything just turned into a vicious cycle. She started putting her whole fist in her mouth and that made her vomit. Upon seeing this, hubby got too worried and said "that's it", he's picking up LSP. I got angry on hubby and told him no as she is just trying to get our attention. I was trying to let her stay in the sofa until she apologizes. So my angst got extended to hubby. The whole battle about me getting LSP apologize for what she did lasted for about 10minutes until I told her if she will not apologize, she'll be sleeping ALONE tonight.

Scared of the ultimatum, she held my face with both her hands and told me mami, perdon! perdon! (mami, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!).

I won the battle.

But I didn't feel good. Suddenly, the way she held my face with both her face made me feel really bad about forcing her to apologize. She apologized alright, but what I have just taught her is to use apologizing as a negotiating tool and not to express empathy or remorse for what she has done wrong.

I held her and hugged her and kissed her. She immediately stopped crying and we went to her room. We laid down on her bed while she hugged me tightly. She never stopped looking at me on my face as if trying to measure if I am still angry. I suddenly felt my excess hot blood immediately left my head. I calmed down. She asked to be nursed and in just a few minutes, she fell asleep.

I felt tears welled up in my eyes. I lost. It shouldn't even be a battle in the first place.

I was so consumed about ME being tired with so many things and to top it all off, my toddler is making it all harder for me. Me. Me. Me. I was thinking so much about ME being the victim of all these. Boo hoo!

I forgot that my toddler is also undergoing a big emotional stress and big transitions. I forgot that my toddler does not take changes so easily. I forgot that my toddler lacks emotional maturity to handle this without her getting fussy. I forgot that my toddler melts down when she's tired and that's her only outlet. I forgot that my toddler is in a stage where she experiments on our own reactions with her every action and that seeing us get nervous, surprised, or even angry is fun. I forgot that my toddler wouldn't know just yet to "want" to make me suffer because she at her age, is too innocent for that.

I forgot to show her even more love in her moments when she seems to be unlovable.

I do have moments when I just don't know what's wrong with me and I'd be in such a bad mood. In fact, this happens monthly. It's a girl's thing. When I get hormonal, I wouldn't want hubby to tell me "Honey, you have to go to that corner and think about what you have done. You have been acting weird and unfair so take some moment and face the wall. When you're ready you have to apologize". I swear, if he does this, I would go ballistic. What I would want to hear him tell me is "Honey, you are having such a bad day today and you seem to be so stressed. Why not take a hot bath, and have some coffee or go out and have a walk or just do whatever that will make you feel better. I'll take care of the house, don't worry". That's what we all want, yeah? But I forgot that my toddler would also like something the same on her days when she woke up with the wrong foot.

Thankfully, we were able to get away as a family and find some peace and relaxation before the end of September. It was refreshing and recharging. It was really that hubby and I got to really talk and he was able to remind me so many things about our wonderful little sucker. I really thank God for having the kind of husband that I have and the kind of father he is toour Little Spanish Pinay.

I still have moments with the little sucker when I just want to eat my eyebrows because we are still in that big toddler phase but I have been really trying to remind myself about being a gentle mama. Because that is what I want to be for her. It does make a huge difference with the way she responds to us on her stormy moments. Talking to her helps a lot. Even at those moments that she seems like she doesn't hear us because she's over the top of her lungs screaming and wiggling, most often than not, we get surprised because suddenly it would seem like what we tell her made sense to her and she would start to calm down. The key is never reciprocate her agitation with agitation. Staying calm (which is soooooo hard but doable) is a must.

Sometimes I just fail to stay calm but I don't beat myself up about that anymore. I know I can start over and that I can ask her to forgive me for getting angry. And she ALWAYS say yes, she forgives me. That little twerp is really innocent and pure hearted, you know?

So there. Every time I find myself getting near the end of the rope, and feeling like a victim of the circumstance, I'd stop and tell myself: You got issue? Here's a tissue!

and I also look at this picture because her smile is just something that always, always make me smile too.

Friday Fun Food: Baked Donuts

2012-10-26T16:46:00.000+02:00

So, Mommy Maggie has tempted me with her baked donuts. I tell you, I couldn't get it off my mind. I was waiting till ~~she shares to us her recipe~~ I am able to find a donut molder (Just teasing, mommy Maggie! :-D ) but hoo hah, one time while Pinteresting, I found this recipe and I just couldn't wait anymore. I still don't have a donut molder but I thought, what the heck.

I said, I will turn them into a full-fledged donuts, holes included... by hook or crook!

I used my good ol' cupcake silicon molder and just poked a hole in the middle of each "donut" using apple core remover (is that how it is called?)

The secret weapon

When I was all done, making my improvised donut holes, I was blowing the smoke from my apple core remover Lara Croft style.

And there they are! They look poorly but hey, wait till they get all dressed up!

Patience is not one of my strength. Consider this a warning... let the donuts cool off before trying to remove them from the molder. Or they will end up like this!

Peanut butter glaze, baby!

So there. The recipe yielded about a dozen donuts in a mini size... (think of the diameter of a normal cupcake). There is definitely going to be a repeat of this recipe! Ñom!

Recycled Nescafe Jar

2012-10-23T01:00:00.000+02:00

Have I already mentioned that Pinterest is addicting? Man, it seriously is! I find myself pinterest-ing every.single.night. Once the little one starts to do her little snores, I'd take my mobile and put myself under the blanket and start browsing through the bazillion ideas one can find in the sweet addicting world of Pinterest. Yes, it could be possible that I am losing sleep because of too much Pinterest-ing.

Anyhoo... as I was browsing and pinning, I found this work of a really artsy man named Eric Barclay. One of his works is this:

Isn't this too adorable??? I tell you, the guy is full of creativity and talent!

And since this is about recycling (I've been very gung-ho about recycling but just couldn't find time) and by a very, very good chance, I have one empty Nescafe bottle lying around the house, I said I must try this!

And here is the result of my wannabee-artist work. I know, it's far (like oceans afar!) from Eric's work but hey, the colors I used are all I have at the time AND I swear, my hand wouldn't just stop from trembling while I was trying to paint the bottle. I don't really know what I was so nervous about. And that crackled effect near the whites... and what's going on with the white? Looks like I used a liquid paper. I tell you I did not. I used a super old white paint marker... but I guess it's already super old, that's why.

But I am still happy with the outcome. My striped cat turned out cute in its own unique style, yes? Maybe I'd get better on the next ones. Maybe I should also get nicer colors to use, yeah? I still have to think of what to store in it. For now, it holds small knick-knacks in the kitchen. But it should find a better purpose. Maybe nuts? Or Sugar perhaps? What would you use a bottle like this for?

Friday Fun Food: Peanut Butter and Choc Chips Muffin

2012-10-19T14:13:00.001+02:00

Whoa! I've almost forgotten I have blog. Thanks to some of you lovely readers who have reminded me that I'm somehow being missed :)

I do have tons of stories to tell and most are about the dramatic and at the same time blissful moments of a mama but today is Friday so I decided to share something yummy. See, ever since the Little Spanish Pinay started daycare, I've been cooking and baking nonstop because this mama strives hard to prepare homemade packed lunch and snaks for that little woman.

I got this recipe from Pinterest. Ugh, this website is addicting, I tell you. Here's the direct link where I copied the recipe from.

So here is the recipe lineup:

2 1/4 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2/3 cup brown sugar

6tbsp butter, melted and cooled

1/2 cup peanut butter (cruncy or smooth)

2 eggs

1 cup milk

3/4 cup chocolate chips

See that big tub of baking powder? A product of compulsive buying! I don't know what was I thinking buying that humongous amount of baking powder. Not like I own a baking shop!

And oh, that carton on the upper right corner? That's milk. Sheep's milk! It's actually equivalent to a half and half milk. The recipe calls for a normal milk - whole milk I suppose but since this is all I have (and soymilk), then this is what I used. Sheep's milk is more digestive than a cow's milk so this is our staple milk at home :) I won't be able to tell the difference it will make on the muffin but I can tell you that the muffins turned out quite succulent!

Eeeeniways, here's the direction.

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC). I do not usually preheat my oven before I start everything. I do things slowly... most often than not, even the instruction says 15minutes prep time, I would consume double or so. Hence, so as not to waste power (and money), I usually preheat the oven when I am starting to pour in the batter into the molders. I just make sure that the even preheats for at least 10mins.

2. In a large bowl, wisk together the dry ingredients.

That wisk without a handle is from my stick blender that broke. The wisk works just like any other wisk so I decided it will not go to the trash :-)

3. In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter, peanut butter, eggs and milk until smooth. Now, I may or may have not purposely let the peanut butter overflow from the measuring cup... but hey, I love peanut butter! Especially my homemade peanut butter!

4. Pour into flour mixture and stir until just combined.

5. Stir in those yummy choc chips! Batter will be thick.

6. Divide batter into the paper-lined muffin or cupcake molders. Each cup should be filled to the top and not just half way up to get that nice dome on the muffin.

note: The original recipe said this will make 24 muffins... I was only able to do 17! I think when it says fill up to the top, I understood it like overflowing a little bit. I guess I have the tendency to exagerate a bit.

7. Bake for 17-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top of the muffin springs back when lightly pressed.

Hello beauties!

They are really nice to the pallette. One bite and you'll be asking for more! Hubby's comment is that it could still probably use some more sugar... but what can I say? Hubby has a very sweet tooth. He's on the upper extreme of the sweeth tooth level.

So, tah-tah for now and happy weekend everyone!

Our breastfeeding journey coming to an end and sharing another mom's must-read breastfeeding success story

2012-09-13T11:42:00.001+02:00

2 yrs and almost 5 months and we are still breastfeeding. I've been really on and off about weaning. Some difficult days, I'd stick a middle finger about "child-led-weaning" and some days where unicorns fly around us, I'd wish the moment that she'd ask to be nursed won't end. I am seeing the near-end of our breastfeeding moment, though. My supply is very low already. Little Spanish Pinay herself would even tell me ya no hay leche, mami (no more milk, mami) like as if she's complaining and demanding for more. So I guess, sooner or later, she'd get tired of sucking and would move on to her life without Las Boobies.

How do I feel about that?

I am already nostalgic about it.

I am looking forward to it at the same time.

I feel triumphant as we really had a tough start on breastfeeding and that I have told myself 2yrs is the minimum time I'd breastfeed LSP.

If this is a novel, we are indeed nearing the denouement.

Speaking of a novel, I'd like to share another success story of a friend on breastfeeding. Because novel = story. I know, I'm good on segues.

It is a really touching and beautiful story of courage, dedication and pure mommy love! I do feel compelled to share this because I know that it may help other moms or mom-to-bes who want to really succeed on breastfeeding. Please click the whole quote below to read the whole story.

"I set out with the benefits for the baby in mind, but I never thought that it could also be the best for me, in ways I didn’t intend. " -- Chichi Sotomil

Photo grabbed from Chichi Sotomil's fb page

p.s. Last month is Breastfeeding Awareness Month. But I am extending it to this month and to all the months of the year. Because breastfeeding is that awesome!

Worldless Wednesday: "Fashion Fades. Style is Eternal"

2012-09-05T13:03:00.000+02:00

Author, educator and parenting speaker, Vivian Kirkfield: Is Your Child Being Bullied?

2012-08-31T01:00:00.000+02:00

I am really excited to share this clip of a short interview of Vivian Kirkfield by 9News TV. She has stated great tips on detecting whether your child is being bullied at school:

Vivian is also the author of this equally amazing book: Show Me How! Build Your Child's Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking

I have personally own (with Vivian's authograph, nothing less!!) and read this book and been trying some of the activities with my little one. It is surely one way to spend quality time with your children and be involved with them. Getting involved with your children can also help them be more confident of themselves and open to communication with us, parents. This may also help them easily talk to us when they experience bullying at shool.

p.s. I am a fan of Vivian :)

To the most wondeful man on earth and in the universe...

2012-08-30T18:57:00.000+02:00

Happy birthday.

... did I say he rocks as a father too.

He's all good. All good. There's really not much men like him in this world anymore. Little Spanish Pinay and I are the luckiest girls for having him in our lives. He got us fallen in love with him. More everyday. We love you, papi!

Wordless Wednesday: Strut the street

2012-08-29T01:00:00.000+02:00

My Storyteller

2012-08-24T19:13:00.000+02:00

Sharing a video of the Little Spanish Pinay reading for her dear mami at night. I seriously died of cuteness overload here. It's a good thing that I am trying to watch my diet these days (since we are still camped out at my inlaw's house and they seem to see me like some anorexic 16yr-old that they never stop stuffing food in my mouth) because I can really eat her up and swallow her whole!

She's the one...

2012-08-21T15:26:00.000+02:00

... that constantly makes my heart skip a bit

with her bravado and tender nature in superlative form

... that would give me such emotions

as varied and colorful as the fishes and the corals in the sea

... that kills me with too much laughter in a day with her silliness

because she's just too darn funny

and alive and full of energy and too crazy

... that for God's divine reason, has completed our family.

... together with hubby, makes life not perfect but absolutely wonderful.

She sings, alright.

2012-08-14T18:48:00.000+02:00

She has enjoyed songs from day one and as she grows, her love for music grows even more. She learns different songs quite fast and easily and to top this off, she composes her own songs :) I love to watch her hum or sing different songs while she plays or "read" books on her own. She also cracks me up when she tries to rephrase the lyics of the songs. Here's a sample how she rephrases songs:

Song: Arañita Pequeñita (to the tune of The Eensy Weensy Spider)

note: I am writing the english lyrics in direct translation of the spanish song and not how the song is sang in english

Original: La arañita pequeñita, lo alto se subio (The eensy weensy spider, so high it went up)

Her version: La arañita pequeñita, alto subio

Original: Pero vino la lluvia, al suelo se cayó (But the rain came, on to the floor it fell)

Her version: mmmm vino lluvia, y cayó y lloró! (mmmm out came the rain, and it fell and it cried!)

I died of her silliness and cuteness and then I was resurrected and then died all over again!

Lately, she's really getting into singing that she has started belting it out. I always wanted to take a video of her but she'd get all shy and annoyed and wouldn't let me. The other day though, while we were camped out at my inlaw's house, she miraculously didn't mind mami taking her video... I think she was even enjoying the limelight!

I'll end this post sharing with you some of the my-now-treasured-videos (I shall make tons of backups of these!). Have fun and be prepared for ear-piercing vocal belting.

and here is the one where she's showing her own style playing the guitar :)

Have a nice week ahead!

Philippines cries for help.

2012-08-08T14:11:00.001+02:00

It's been more than a week of rain and the number of death and victims continue to rise. Watching the news is really heart wrenching but seeing the all the volunteers and rescuers pour out their solidarity, compassion and dedication to help those in need makes my heart swell with pride and gratefulness.

Philippines need any help it can get. Below is a comprehensive list of information where we can bring or send our donations. This is taken from Daddy and The City. Thanks, Jinoe!

Angel Brigade

ANGEL BRIGADE accepts CASH donations via ISDANCO FOUNDATION. The fund will be used to prepare/purchase hot meals for evacuation centers / stranded families. Details are:

Account Name – Isdanco Foundation Inc.

Philippine Depository Bank – Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Bank Account Number – PESO Savings Acct No. 4-001-57757-9

Bank Address – RCBC Head Office, Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Makati City, Philippines

SWIFT Code – RCBCPHMM
Angel Brigade is accept relief goods – old clotehs, rice, water, canned goods and powdered milk. Please deliver to 2F Frank Provost Bldg., 120 Jupiter St., Bel-air., Makati City.
Pilipinas Natin Operation Walang Iwanan Relief Operation

We are in need of volunteers for repacking of relief goods in DAR (Department of Agrarian Reform) Gate 1, Quezon City Circle. For more information, please contact us at 0916.320.0809. Please share. #walangiwanan

Gawad Kalinga

Gawad Kalinga - http://gk1world.com/ncr-monsoon-flooding. Gawad Kalinga Command Center for relief ops North NCR @hrd Training Ctr, DAR Compound QC. #09991889683 / 09064192016 / 09228483806.

LBC EXPRESS PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION

LBC branches will serve as drop-off centers for Philippine Red Cross.Donations for flood victims are accepted in LBC branches starting August 8. Most needed are blankets, water, milk, easy-to-eat foods like biscuits, rice, baby diapers, mats/banigs, toiletries. Please make sure these are properly labled as donations and we will make sure these are sent immediately to the Red Cross and to their evacuation centers. Please don’t use plastic bags, instead use a blanket, towel or old shirt to tie-up and carry your donations. Thank you.

Christ’s Commission Fellowship

(Alabang) Accepting donations of OFF LOTION, BLANKETS, MEDICINE, CANNED GOODS.

Address: G/F Prime Street Madrigal Business Park.

(Ortigas) Donation of clothes, blankets, canned goods, noodles, rice, drinking water needed.

Address: St. Francis Square. Contact 6353410.

Address: 6th Floor, St. Francis Square Julia Vargas Avenue corner Bank Drive, Ortigas Center Mandaluyong City

GMA Network

GMA Kapuso Telethon 9811950

GMA Network Operation Bayanihan Relief Operations now open. Just call 9811950.

GMA Kapuso Foundation appeals for donations in cash and in kind. #OperationBayanihan

Para sa cash donation, maaari rin po kayong mag-deposito sa numang branch ng Metrobank, UCPB at Cebuana Lhuillier. Wala pong service fee na ibabawas sa inyong donasyon patungo sa GMA Kapuso Foundation.

METROBANK

Peso Savings

Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number: 3-098-51034-7
Dollar Savings

Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number:2-098-00244-2

Code: MBTCPHMM

UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK (UCPB)

Peso Savings

Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number:115-184777-2 or 160-111277-7
Dollar Savings

Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

Account Number: 01-115-301177-9 or 01-160-300427-6

ABS-CBN SAGIP KAPAMILYA

Sagip Kapamilya accepts donations in cash or in-kind.

For donations in kind, you can drop them off at:

ABS-CBN Foundation Sagip Kapamilya Warehouse #137 Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City

Warehouse

For cash or cheque donations, you may go to:

ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.

Mother Ignacia Avenue corner E. Lopez St. Brgy. South Triangle, QC

Office tel. no: +632-411-4995 or +632-415-2272 loc 3765

or deposit to:
SAGIP KAPAMILYA

BDO Peso Account:

Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya

Account Number: 39301-14199

Swift Code: BNORPHMM

BDO Dollar Account:

Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya

Account Number: 39300-81622

Swift Code: BNORPHMM

PNB Peso Account:

Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya

Account Number: 419-539-5000-13

Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

BPI Peso Account:

Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya

Account Number: 3051-1127-75

Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City

Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
BPI Dollar Account:

Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya

Account Number: 3054-0270-35

Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City

Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

* For confirmation of donation, please fax (+632-411-4995) or email (sagip@abs-cbn.com) copy of transmittal slip with complete donor’s information.

Akbayanihan Relief Center

Akbayanihan Relief Center now accepting donations. Food, water, clothes, and the like being accepted at the Akbayan headquarters in 36B Madasalin Street, Sikatuna Village. You may contact (02)4336933 / 09175381816 / 09064304315 if you want to volunteer.

Ateneo Law school Makati

Please drop off at 3/F Ateneo Rockwell.

Sanggunian ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila

Now accepting donations:

- WATER

- Medicines (Paracetamol, Betadines, etc.)

- Blankets

- Clothes (Sorted according to age and gender—Adult Female, Adult Male, Female Teens, Male Teens, Kids sizes Male and Female, as well as toddlers)

For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/ateneodemanila

Simbahang Lingkod Ng Bayan

Cash donations are now accepted by SLB.

CASH/CHECK DONATIONS

Direct deposits may be made to:

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)

Bank of the Philippine Islands, Loyola Katipunan Branch

BPI PESO Checking Account Number 3081-1111-61

BPI Dollar Savings Account Number 3084-0420-12

SWIFT CODE: BOPIPHMM

ROUTING NO: 021 – 0000 – 21or channel to:Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

Loyola House of Studies

Ateneo de Manila University

Loyola Heights 1108, Quezon City DONATE VIA GCASH1. REGISTER (one time only)

Text REG4-digit PIN/Mother’s Maiden Name/First Name/Last Name/Address and send to 2882Example: REG 1928/Sanchez/Michael/Borromeo/187 Naval St. , Novaliches, QC2. DONATETo send your donations:DONATE AMOUNT MPIN SLB or slb and send to 2882

Example: DONATE 100 1928 slb

LA SALLE GREENHILLS

Relief Operations starting now at LA SALLE GREEN HILLS. Volunteers proceed to the LMO office and look for Marlo Castillo. For LSGH High School students, you would need to bring a letter from your parents stating they are allowing you to volunteer for the Relief Operations. Of course, everyone please exercise your best judgement, if your location or way to LSGH will put you at risk, then please do not take unnecessary risks.

Also please spread the word that donations are being accepted at Gate 2 of La Salle Green Hills along Ortigas Avenue.

As of now, only the following donations are being requested:

Ready to eat food (does not require cooking, and preferably in easy to open cans or pouches)

Water

Clothes

Cash donations will also be accepted but please proceed to the LMO and look for Marlo Castillo.

Miriam College Institute for Social Action (INSA)

Miriam College Institute for Social Action (INSA)is now accepting cash donations for victims of the flooding caused by habagat.

Donations may be sent to USD BPI Acct. 3084-0375-35 Swift Code BOPIPHMM.

Miriam College CSC: Contact Shirley 09178517408/Clarke 09178797603

Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

We’re opening PARC (PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center in Aurora Blvd, Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights QC) as a temporary evacuation center for Marikina pets. Owners must leave ID and contact info, and if possible, roofed cages.

PAWS does not have enough cages but at least it’s higher ground and the animals will not drown.

The PAWS shelter has actually reached maximum capacity as it has been overrun with animal rescue reports but it is making this announcement as an open evacuation center to reach out to pet owners in Marikina now.

For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/pawsphilippines

POVEDA

All donations will be received at d main gate starting today.

TULONG KABATAAN:
You can also donate thru @cegponline bank acct
Accnt name: College Editors Guild of the Philippines
Account No:001003036211

Student Organizations Coordinating Council

The Student Organizations Coordinating Council together with One Meralco Foundation will be collecting CLOTHES, RICE AND CANNED GOODS. Please gather your donations as we will collect them at the Tan Yan Kee Student Center once the flood subsides (please wait for further announcements as to when the collection will happen). Contact us (+639055003546 and @officialSOCC) should you wish to help! Socc Ust SOCC Executive Board 2012-2013

Victory Fort Bonifacio

Starting August 8, Victory Fort Bonifacio will accept donations of food and bottled water at the ground floor of the Every Nation Building, University Parkway corner 32nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
For particulars, please call 817-1212

http://victory.org.ph/article/join-us-in-our-relief-efforts/