My Yellow Bells

The Old Souk-Bur Dubai

2012-02-11T22:53:00.000-08:00

After our water adventure in Dubai Creek, we headed to the Bur Dubai Old Souk. There many souks in Dubai actually and this is just one of them, we'll see the rest next time. (Souk is the Arabic word for market or traditional street market where any kind of goods are bargained, bought, sold or exchanged) The entrance is just on the left corner coming from the Bur Dubai Abra station. You will know you're there when you see this detailed wooden structure.

Many shops are still closed when we get there but there are a few of them that are already trading like this one on the photo below. The shops usually opens at 4 pm and close at 10 pm on Fridays. Beautiful printed textiles like scarves, pashminas, Arabian dresses decorated with glass beads, pillows with beautiful and arty detailing, some camel stuff toys and rugs are available.

We got this two cute camels for the kids and they just love it. I got them a bit cheaper after I asked for discounts from a kabayan who works in the shop.

I wanted another color but Mica just love the beige and Prince was hooked on the brown one. I know I should have taken on for myself :) We continued our stroll in the souk until we reach one souvenir shop. If only I have extra money for beautiful and tempting although unnecessary stuff (quote - docgelo of beyond toxicity), I promise I would have bought one of these exquisitely crafted lanterns in front of the store.

These are bedlah, it is an Arabian costume worn by women. Bedlah is the Arabic term for "suit". These costumes are normally seen worn by belly dancers just like when you go for a desert safari and you stayed overnight in the desert camp, there would be belly dancers to entertained the guest as night falls and this is what they wear.

These are colorful Arabian footwear. I had one before but never used it that much because the one I have is the one with a curled toe, I feel like Princess Jasmine when I am wearing it. :)

We stopped by a cafeteria to get some water, the kids ask to rest for a while. The young coconut must have come from the neighbouring country Oman where soil is more fertile.

Colorful hookah shisha base bottles for sale

Fly Emirates Ts for sale too

I wanted to buy this elephant rug but don't have an idea where to put it in the house

We continue walking through the souks alleys and as you can see even in this modern days of Dubai, they try to preserve the traditional architectural designs of the souk

The old and new water vessels that sails along the creek

We have reached the end of the Bur Dubai Old souk and again in the face of the creek where we took these lovely photos

The kids had time to play with the birds feeding on the grains given by the tourist and passersby before we went back all the way the same route of the souk. Outside is the Big Bus Tour parked in front of the water station waiting for the tourist to board the bus and move on to the next tourist spot.

Our day trip is not done yet, after the souk, Dubai Museum up next...

Revisiting Dubai Creek-Tourist Style

2012-02-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

Last Friday after attending the holy mass at St. Mary's church and having a simple lunch of steamed rice with kare-kare, bopis and caldereta at Tagpuan restaurant in Karama, me and my family went straight to Dubai Creek. It's been a while since I have told my husband that I wanted us all to go there and ride in an Abra which we have never done before (Abra is a traditional wooden boat of the UAE used for transporting goods and people back and fort in the waters of Dubai Creek and it is considered one of the oldest means of transportation in the country).

An Abra full of passengers mostly Pakistani, Indians, a few Europeans and some other Asian people

TODA ng Abra :) hehehe

Without a set of things to do in mind, I thought of taking them around Bur Dubai to ride the Abra and cross the Creek towards Deira Old Souq Abra Station then take a stroll at the Deira Old Souq and shop for some spices but unfortunately we arrived too early, since it's Friday the old souq (market) opens only at 2pm after people had gone for prayers. Since we have no business in Deira and we can't wait for an hour for the souq to open (the kids will get bored), we just took some photos, marble the beauty of the place and enjoy the hustle and bustle happening around us, we decided to cross the Creek to go back to Bur Dubai Abra station.

What's fun is the ride itself, it is a beautiful scenery and then add to it the winter feel in a sunny day, it was perfect way to enjoy the Old Dubai and the Abra ride like the tourist does it.

Prince and Mica as we depart from the Bur Dubai Abra Station

For tourist who wish to enjoy and experience the Dubai Creek for a longer time, you can ask for a private Abra ride for 30 minutes or an hour for 60 AED or a hundred for the latter. We didn't take the offer because we want to bring more friends with us next time so it will be a more fun ride.

view of Deira with the Twin Towers

Migratory birds fly passed an RTA waterbus berth in the Dubai Creek

Blue wooden ships docked in Dubai Creek, only wooden ships are allowed in these waters to keep the traditional feature

Migratory birds flocks Dubai Creek in winter and find homage for food in its unblemished waters

After we arrived at the Bur Dubai Abra Station, we headed next to see the Bur Dubai Old Souq...

My basic skin care regimen revealed

2012-02-01T05:56:00.000-08:00

When it come to my skin I only trust one brand - Ponds Beauty White...

Oh ha, sounds like a commercial on TV ~~diba~~ but that actually holds true for me. I have tried several skin care products but nothing works like these ones. I switch to different brands based on curiosity but went back to using ponds because it does not irritate my skin and give it that promised radiant glow. Honestly speaking and kidding aside, my skin agrees to these products that's why I love them. Not even a small pimple appears since I switch back.

This is not actually a product review but just to tell you what is the basic skin care I follow to keep my skin clean and blemish free. It doesn't matter what skin products you use that is agreeable with your skin types as long as you religiously follow these basic steps which means daily use.

Step 1 - Cleanse - It is important to wash your face everyday but not with soap ladies, it can easily remove dirt from your skin but it dries it up too. You can always use a facial foam wash that agrees with your skin types, better if it is soap free. In my case I wash mine with Ponds white beauty daily spotless lightening facial foam and pat it dry with a clean towel.

Step 2 - Tone - They say you can skip this step but I am a firm believer in them. I leave it up to you. It actually removes remaining make up, cleanser and dirt on your skin leaving it super clean. It will also help to shrink the pores as well as control oiliness. I use Ponds age regenerate refine cleansing toner regularly twice a day, day and night before I moisturize. Just make sure to give sometime for your skin to absorb the toner before applying moisturizer.

Step 3 - Moisturize - This is very important for a youthful skin and to prevent wrinkles. I am on my 30s (yes already ;p) and at this stage fine wrinkles starts to appear so it is a must to moisturize regularly. Apply a pea size of moisturizer on your face and neck too and work it evenly on your skin. Make sure to use the one with SPF or in case it does not contain SPF, apply some sunblock. In Dubai especially it is sunny whole year round.

Once or twice a month, I used face mask and from time to time I used facial scrub too to remove dead skin cells.
Over to you ladies, what is your skin care regimen?

photo credit

Into Greek Salad

2012-01-31T21:11:00.000-08:00

love veggies, raw or cooked, but the thing is it is boring to eat it when your the only one foraging on the greens.But there are days that I crave for it and wouldn't mind having a bowl of salad on my own while we are having our meal. We are suppose to have at least one serving of vegetables per day cause it has a lot of heath benefits.

Vegetables salads are the easiest to whip up and I am currently in love with Greek salad nowadays especially with the olives in it. I used to buy ready to eat salad from the supermarket but I switch to d.i.y salad which is actually fun to make.

photo credit

For the Greek salad, I shopped for one head of romaine lettuce,3 cucumber, 4 tomatoes, a bottle of whole black olives, 2 lemon, a small box of feta cheese, and a small bottle virgin olive oil. If you are alone, you can make at least 5-6 servings from all these. You can also add onions but I omit it from this recipe.

Simply roughly chop all the vegetables and mix together in a nice salad bowl, top it with crumbled feta cheese, add few olives and set aside while you mix the dressing.

For the dressing, juice a lemon, add 1 1/2 tbsp to 5 tbsp of olive oil, add salt and pepper and mix. You can put it in a small jar, close the lid and shake it well. This is the basic dressing for Greek salad but you can also add some crushed garlic and oregano to your dressing if you like.

Pour right amount just as you like into the salad and toss it a little then it is ready to serve. It is more advisable to season your salad just before your serve it coz doing it ahead of time makes the veggies die down.

Prayer 99

2012-01-30T20:18:00.000-08:00

My favorite prayer. It was shared to me and I love to share it with all of you. Please read carefully just like when you are praying.

MAY WE START TO PRAYER FOR ONE ANOTHER EVERYDAY...PRAYER 99

Dear Lord,I thank you for this day.I thank you for my being able to see and hear from you this morning.I'm blessed because you are a forgiving God and understanding.You have done so much for me and you keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I've done.said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger or harm. Help me start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and everyday. To clear my mind so that I can hear from you..please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. let me not whine or whimper over things I have no control over. let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin,let me repent and confess with my mouth my wrong doings and receive the forgiveness of God. And when this world close in on me. let me remember, Jesus example,to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. it is the best response when I am pushed beyond my limits. I know when i can not pray you listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do your will.Continue to bless me,that I may be a blessings to others. Keep me strong that, i may help the weak.keep me uplifted that i may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are misjudge and misunderstood. I pray for those who do not you intimately. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that, I believe. I believe that. God change people and things. I pray for all my brothers and sisters,for each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love, joy in their homes and that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows and believe that THERE IS NO PROBLEM,CIRCUMSTANCES GREATER THAN GOD.EVERY BATTLE IS IN YOUR HANDS FOR YOU TO FIGHT. I PRAY THAT THESE WORDS BE RECEIVED INTO THE HEARTS OF EACH EYE THAT SEE THEM AND EVERY MOUTH THAT CONFESSES THEM WILLINGLY. THIS IS MY PRAYER IN JESUS NAME.AMEN.....

A Lower rent, a new AC machine and a new supermarket? :)

2012-01-30T04:11:00.000-08:00

Do you feel happy when you hear good news? Who wouldn't eh?

The good news is our landlord decided to give us a lower rent for 2012, isn't that good news for the new year? About more than a year ago back in Dubai, I used to write letters to my landlord asking for rent reduction telling him all the reasons why he should reduce my rent. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you may have read about our move to Sharjah last year. No need for that letter this time, when we went last Saturday to our landlords office to renew our apartment lease agreement, we were told that they are deducting a favorable amount from our rent this year, it is confirmed then cause we heard it from other tenants as well and its true, we will be paying LESS this time.

Another good news is the maintenance company of our building are changing all the air conditioning machines in all the flats, I remember our ordeal with this ac problem, what a sigh of relief.

The third good news is a supermarket opened one of its branches in the building where I work. You can't imagine how happy I was to purchase something there for the first time. Call me nuts, why be happy when a supermarket opened in your building? That's because we wouldn't have to walk to the next building more than 500 meters away from our building when it is damn humid and hot or freezing cold outside. When we feel lazy packing our lunches the night before, we can always get a sandwich, fruit, salad, milk, yogurt etc from there. And when I feel like cooking something for dinner, I will save time on shopping for the ingredients because I can do that while waiting from my car lift.

I have so many reason to feel happy about today and the things I mentioned above really makes me feel super happy. These things are the simple thing I am thankful for today.

Happy reading!

Pinas Vacation 2011: Roque Astig Family Reunion

2012-01-29T02:18:00.000-08:00

"Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present and future. We make discoveries about ourselves." -Gail Lumet Buckley

The Roques Astig Family Reunion was a revelation to me. It was first time to meet them all in person. What a great way to know your husband line of relatives in one special day eh? My husband's dad past away many years ago in an accident in Libya along with one of his brothers and the rest of his dad siblings who are all aunts of Ferald are very much alive and with their own families. All are present at the grand reunion which we are priveleged to attend to. The reunion was well planned with the theme super heroes including red carpet and photo ops.

It was a fun filled day with games and raffle draws. Each family also prepared a number either song or dance. Part of the reunion was the gift giving and the kids lined up to received ther presents. My daughter and my son are so thrilled with this as they keep on receiving presents from their grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles and cousins.

Next year's renuion will be in Lucban Quezon, I wish we can attend again. Hoping we can go for Christmas and New break this year.

Pinas Vacation 2011: Enchanted Kingdom

2012-01-29T01:32:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, please forgive me, I keep on posting about our vacay in the Philippines, I just can't get enough of our experience and I hope that you would not mind reading my post. I promise to post about different things later on but allow me to treat you to another gimick me and my family had.

This was our second visit at Enchanted Kingdom. The first was in 2006 and Lanna was only 2 years old back then so she did not enjoy much of the rides since she did not reach the height requirement. Now that she's seven years old, braver and taller, she could ride as much as she can. As for Prince, he has to wait a bit longer.

Since this was a family outing, we click, click and click our way inside the theme park

The kids had a great time exploring the park and ride all they want

And the young at heart had their share of fun too.

My mom and mica enjoyed these small ice cream cones. They are sooo cute, just bite size.

Pinas Vacation 2011: Punchline Comedy Bar

2012-01-25T22:51:00.000-08:00

Me and Ferald has been meaning to go to a comedy bar, an opportunity came in when his high school friends ask us to join them. We expected it and I tell you from the moment I sit and the time I stood up to leave, I was laughing. We were elated, I barely could feel the muscles in my face, it felt numb from too much laughing. The topic being discussed by the comedians were something very sensitive but are able to speak the truth and make fun of it. (Ano pa bang tinutukoy ko kundi *ex) I just wonder if they talk about the same thing every other night. Hmmm!

Everybody can be funny I guess but not everyone has the talent like these people with extreme sense of humor up to the point that it became their bread & butter. Read: I am proud of them, they are very talented. Every word that comes out from their mouth is like feather that tickles the crowd. Of course they do practice the act but the spontaneity when they go live and do some ad-libs is clearly one of their best assets. They are a crowd-pleaser. If you are feeling sad, lonely, bored and less appreciated, this is the place to go for you will be appreciated pag inokray ka na nila ;) hehehe!

Pinas Vacation 2011: Tagaytay Horseback Riding

2012-01-22T23:19:00.000-08:00

My daughter is a fan of Saddle Club-it is a TV series about three heroines - Stevie, Carole and Lisa who form the Saddle Club at Pine Hallow Stables. Each character has a distinctly different personality but all share an equal love of horses and a strong loyalty to each other.

Influenced by this, she wanted to go horseback riding in the Philippines-an idea given to her by my sister-in-law and we promised her that we will go on our vacation. From then on, Mica would always mention to us or to anyone that she will go horseback riding in the Philippines when she goes on vacation. To fulfill that promise, on our way to San Luis, Batangas-my husband’s hometown and province, we pass by in one of Tagaytay's horseback riding grounds.

We would have visited Picnic Grove if we have more time but since we are headed to Batangas, we only stayed for an hour in another horseback riding facility in the area, one or two kilometers away from the latter.

Compared to Picnic Grove (which is actually a park), we only have to pay for the parking fee here although it lacks in some necessities like a toilet and food stalls. There is a small shop for souvinirs though.

There are big and small horses, the small one above, a white horse (Mica's choice) is PHP 250.00/hr plus PHP 30.00 for an extra rider and the time will be cut in half (30 minutes) if there are two or more extra rider. They also have bicycles for rent and a Carabao ride.

Pinas Vacation 2011: A High School Reunion

2012-01-19T04:32:00.000-08:00

My husband's high school classmates arranged a small get together when we were in the Philippines. There were only 7 of them and we are total 8 people including me. We drove for like an hour or two all the way to Manila from Laguna and our time was spent on laughing and his friends well including him reminiscing their high school days and catching up on things. It was obvious that they had a good time during those times. It was hard for me to relate but I am happy just to see how my husband enjoyed his teenage years with them. It was good old memories they carry in their hearts and it makes them smile just by thinking about it not to mention the humor that the Batangenos have-they are I think fun loving people. I couldn't help to think about my own high school experiences especially when they were talking about the junior and senior ball. I myself attended it four times from freshman to senior ball. How'd that happened? That's another story.

Anyway, so we reached Manila and we were all starving, with the way our tummy growls, we can eat anything served on the table (wag lang lason :)) How do you feed 8 starving people? With a Monster Meal

Suzette and I could not get enough of the chef’s salad, it is really good, and actually all is good and yummy. The meal was big enough for 8 people and we even have to take out the left over.

Three people are also celebrating their birthdays in January so it was more like birthday celebration high school reunion in one. We are thankful for another year given to you guys by our Almighty God. I really wish that you three will all be blessed. Ferald will turn 3* this January and I can only wish for good health, more success in career (promotion :) hehehe) and family life. May God always guide you and help you in all that you do. You know that we me and your kids will always be here for your no matter what.

I thank you guys for inviting me, I really had a good time and it was nice meeting all of you. I am looking forward to that another get together like this. (excited :)? konti lang po, masaya kasi

That's just the end of the meal, the night was not over yet for we headed to one of the most happening place in the city...Punchline up next.

Pinas Vacation 2011: Butterfly Haven-Pulilan, Bulacan

2012-01-17T21:51:00.000-08:00

One of the trips during our vacation in the Philippines I got most excited about was our trip to Butterfly Haven in Pulilan, Bulacan. I guess most of you, just like me, are fond of butterflies, their metamorphosis from an ugly caterpillar to a beautiful colored creature in something really very interesting even we've known it since grade school. My seven year old daughter who was raised in the UAE is fond of this beautiful insect but rarely sees it. Even I miss the times when I used to chase butterflies white and yellow near the stream in our hometown in Bulacan.

Butterfly haven is actually a private resort, a museum and butterfly sanctuary combined.

It was before Christmas that we went to see it, we had the place only to ourselves to explore together with a couple and their daughter. Entrance fee is 50 php, a higher fee is being charge if you would like to have a pictorial or you have a professional camera with you so it turned out Ferald entrance is 200 php.

We are not able to see the museum since it is close for lunch which we actually did not mind as we are there to see the butterflies but on a second thought it would have been a plus if it was open.

We were greeted by these elves by the entrance and some beautiful greenery and landscaping

The caretaker showed and explains to us and to the kids how a butterfly transforms from larvae to a winged creature. The kids were listening as they go along to see the eggs, the caterpillar, the pupa or cocoon and the butterflies in the cages one by one.

Afterwards, we were taken to a garden where some butterflies flies freely. We needed to catch one for a photo opp since they would not simply perch. Surprises really comes in different ways because one of it stay put on an orchid while Ferald was trying to get a good shot of it and it was really beautiful.

The place was more than just a butterfly haven, it is also a haven for people who are tired living in the fast lane and tries to slow down a bit to see and taste a different slice of life in the province, it was a very short visit but we could not get enough of the peace it bring to ones soul. I felt I was home, really home.

Pinas Vacation 2011: Ube Haleya

2012-01-15T22:49:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, it's good to be back, I have lots of stories to tell you from our holiday vacation in the Philippines. I am super excited about it I actually don't know where to start. The easiest way maybe is share to you a favorite dessert I cooked for the first time for my family for Noche Buena, the same dessert I used to have every Christmas and New Year holiday while I was growing up. I am a purist when it comes to this dish, the taste of this dessert is altered when added with an extender like sweet potato or pumpkin. For me it has to be all purple yam on it to get the real taste of haleya. Some people call it halaya, ube haleya, halya, jalya but I just love to call it haleya as how I have known it from my dad.

As I have said, it was my first time to cook this dessert, luckily my mom was around and she knew exactly what are the ingredients and how it should be done properly to get the very taste of the desert.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 to 2 kilo of purple yam (available at wet markets) in the Philippines it is 60 php/kilo

4 cups of gata (coconut milk) or 2 cans of evaporated milk

1/2 kilo of brown sugar

1 can of condensed milk

2-3 tbsp of margarine

2 pandan leaves

Procedure:

1. Boil purple yam in water (skin on) in a casserole until its tender and then set aside to cool

2. Prepare coconut milk if this is what you are using

3. Peel the purple yam and grate it or mash it

4. Heat a cooking pot or a medium size iron vat for cooking (medium heat)

5. Melt margarine, add coconut milk, condensed milk, pandan leaves, sugar (add sugar gradually depending how sweet you like your haleya) and then the grated purple yam

6. Stir it all the time to prevent burning until it is sticky, when you find it difficult to fold, that signals you that it is cooked, you can fold it for some more minutes if you really want the haleya to be very sticky (makunat.)

7. Transfer to molding trays (llanera), let cool to room temperature and chill in the fridge then it is ready to serve

Maagang Pamasko from PEBA-MYB @ No 8

2011-12-10T22:44:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank Pinoy Expat Blog Awards 2011 and all its core members and volunteers and to express my sincerest appreciation for the award given to My Yellow Bells in the recently concluded awards night last December 9, 2011. It is such an honor to be a recipient of this award ♥.

I would also like to congratulate my fellow bloggers, OFW or not, for their commendable and very inspiring articles and blogs.

And of course kudos to my fellow UAE blogger McRich (ikaw na ang Rich-sa tagahanga) who bagged first place (Top 1) for this year.

Dear PEBA,

Thank you for keeping the spirit alive, thank you for giving life and uniting us all in one faith and advocacy to inspire many and to share the OFWs expereinces to the world.

This years winner of PEBA 2011-OFW Blog Division

TOP 1

Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko ay Pagbabago

blissfully RICH, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Richard M. Macarubbo

TOP 2

The Boomerangs and the Three Hunters

JP Quidores' Window,

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Jyppe A. Quidores

TOP 3

UUWI NA SI TATANG Pinoy Samut-Sari,

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Ponciano U. Santos Detektibgapo

TOP 4

Alohagems Online,

Lihue, Hawaii Alohagems Online, Lihue, Hawaii

Shirley P Mandel

TOP 5

I'll Go Home and Shall Bring Change (A Dare for OFWs) OFW Chronicles,

Pinoy Abroad, Doha, Qatar

Ronald S. Mallari

TOP 6

Michael's Shades of Blue, Riyadh, KSA Michael's Shades of Blue,

Riyadh, KSA

Michael C Juha

TOP 7

THREE The Gasoline Dude, Singapore, Singapore Alex T. Molina

TOP 8

My Yellow Bells, Dubai, UAE My Yellow Bells, Dubai, UAE Carla Roque

TOP 9

WATAWAT SA PALIPARAN Buhay OFW,

Doha, Qatar Alex P. Flores

TOP 10

Sa Muling Pagbukas ng Tala_larawan Kuya Poklong, OFW Ako,

Kuwait City, Kuwait

Rodel M. Jaboli

the joys of baking

2011-12-07T01:48:00.000-08:00

These are my freshly baked homemade cinnamon rolls, baked it with my darling mica last night.

While preparing our baking needs, mica asks me of a peculiar question as how to delete friends from facebook. I wondered why? I jumped into conclusion that she must have had a bad day at school and I am guessing that it is about her girlfriends.

I hugged her tightly and make face to make her smile and then I asked her if she is sure she wants to delete some friends and what if after sometime they kiss and make up? She thought about it for a while and changes the subject of our conversation."Every mother is a great chef", she said to me and even I heard it the day before, it is like a beautiful song ringing in my ear and then another hug before we proceed with baking.

"Baking makes me feel super happy", she said again, in hearing this, I thought that it is not the baking that made her feel happy but the companionship, an undivided time, a bonding moment of a mom and daughter. It is a special moment that I would want her to remember about us when she grows up.

getting OEC is as easy as 123

2011-12-06T23:51:00.000-08:00

A lot of our kababayans here in Dubai are very happy that the Philippine Consulate and POLO-OWWA in Dubai are right in one place now and in a newly built huge twin villa opposite Al Qusais Police Station. (it used to be in two different offices far from each other and POLO-OWWA's office was the one that is difficult to locate) It is visible from Beirut Street and it is just behind lighthouse cafeteria, very easy to spot, just look for the Philippine flag that hangs on a pole in front of the offices.

We were there yesterday to get our OECs (Overseas Employment Certificate). It is a document that certifies us as OFWs in UAE and it is mandatory for returning or vacationing workers in the Philippines. Immigration officers will be looking for it as well at the passport control by the time you are leaving the country to go back to your host country.

It was as early as 8 am when we reached, outside the Philippine Consulate were like a hundred people waiting while POLO-OWWA have only a few so we were smiling big until we enter the gate and saw the long line, when we finally have a number we were already at #106.

We filled up 3 forms - 2 duplicate forms, one for OWWA membership and one for OEC and another A5 size paper for PAG-IBIG funds. The processing of the documents is fast and easy but it is the long queue that is upsetting. Even if we showed up early it still took us almost three hours to get the certificate, well maybe because it is December and a lot of people goes home for the holidays so large number of people turn up to POLO-OWWA for this matter.

When were done with the OEC renewal, we proceed to processing the travel tax exemption for our kids, I ask for the form from POLO-OWWA but it is available at the consulate so we have to walk to the other office (well at least it is just the next building office and need not to grab a cab just to get the form.) It was not so hard to get it either as I was properly directed to where and whom to get this form, I filled it up and attach the passports of my kids, they stamp and signed it and it's all done.

I was thankful that the process went smoothly and I am thankful if not proud of our Philippine Foreign offices here in the UAE for the improvement they are making to serve the Pinoy's here in Dubai. I just hope that soon they will think of incorporating automatic numbering system for the people to use.

a not so creepy crawler

2011-11-23T23:38:00.000-08:00

if a caterpillar looks like this, would it want to become a butterfly?

just the size of my thumb. can you guess whose work this is? according to mica this is a caterpillar and a catepillar it is. this is one of the many instance that mica surprised me with her art skills and imagination-kids have loads of it. they say let them play, learn and dream.

2011-11-22T22:15:00.000-08:00

in the middle of two swimming pools

it's november and the morning chills get into my skin so for addition warmth i added this blue sheila/scarf to my outfit. i love the combination of the solid colors of orange and blue here. these photos were taken in an open space at our building which I guess is suppose to be a small garden too, it is in between floors of the building which is quite a fantastic idea but the thing is it is a bit poorly maintained unlike the one on the lower floor. i'd only hope that the building management will pay attention to it a bit more, im sure with a little imagination this area can be transformed into something more admirable. btw the person behind all this beautiful shots is my colleague, of course i did not produce this pics myself, please meet my buddy the ever beautiful Jeah. woot!

shoes and clothes makes others happy, photos does it for me

2011-11-21T23:23:00.000-08:00

these photos were taken at a small garden in my work place. greenery in dubai is a luxury and it cost so much money to keep the plants thriving in this part of the planet. they need a life support that is water pipes/tubes to water them from time to time without the help of a gardener. the clothes i wore here is nothing special, just wanted to capture the look to keep it in my wardrobe capsule

Vacation

2011-11-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

my blog suffered from a long halt. it went for a three week hybernation just like its owner who is in a vacay mood already after holloween. i am (we are) very excited because we are "coming home for christmas"

normally our christmas tree would be standing in some corner of our dwelling by now like the rest of the years but since we are celebrating the yuletide season in the philippines with our loved ones, we skip the christmas tree decorating tradition we used to have here in dubai. we are saving those precious moments done with the family back home and my mom for one is actually waiting for us to decorate the house.

what's keeping us busy right now is shopping for presents and more presents. it is more costly to come home in december than any other time of the year and i think almost all ofws can attest to that but we cannot have it compromised with all the joys and love one can receive and one can give to the family and relatives during this season.

mica is counting down the days, she can't wait to see all her cousins, aunties and uncles and of course her grannies. I missed mom so much and it is a must that i see her, she just recovered from illness and i am teribbly longing to be with her make sure she's alright, ferald on the other hand didn't set foot since five years and the dude needs a break. this vacation is also very special because we will be taking prince home for the first time and introduce the little guy to the family.

our excitement grows day after day and me and ferald is looking forward to all the things we want to do togethter back home. I can imagine the all authentic pinoy food we can eat again, the places to visit and bring the kids, to experience old pinoy culture and tradition during the holiday season. much has changed in the last five years that we have not seen our provinces but it's home and we will never grew unfamiliar with it.

Prayers for the Faithful Departed

2011-10-31T06:56:00.000-07:00

MYB offers this prayer to all our departed loved ones. May your souls Rest in Peace.

Dad, Daddy Ray, Auntie Hubeng, Tito Venus, Aunti Moodie, Tito Buddy, Lola Dorang and Lolo, Amang Anse and Tita and Lola, Tito Pablo, Tito Johny, Tita Mercy...and all of those I can hardly recall

***

O Lord, my Creator and Redeemer, I believe that in Your justice You have willed purgatory for those who pass into eternity before having completely atoned for their sins.

And I believe that in Your mercy You accept suffrages, especially in the sacrifice of the Mass, for their comfort and liberation.

Enliven my faith and grant me sentiments of compassion towards these suffering brethren.

Eternal rest, grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, through the intercession of Mary and all the saints, please free from purgatory the faithful departed.

I pray you, O St. Michael, prince of the heavenly army, take them into the eternal light which was promised by God to Abraham and his descendants.

I offer You, Lord, sacrifices and prayers of praise. Accept them on behalf of those whom we commemorate this day. Admit them into the eternal light and joy.

Eternal rest, grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.

O good Master Jesus, I entreat You for the sake of all to whom I am bound by motives of gratitude, justice, charity, and relationship: my parents, brothers and sisters, spiritual and material benefactors, the members of our Congregation and my relatives.

I recommend to You the forgotten persons, those who were more devoted to You, to the Blessed Virgin, persons who on earth had great responsibility: priests, the authorities, superiors, religious. Call them soon to eternal salvation.

Eternal rest, grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.

I thank You, O Jesus divine Master, for having come down from heaven and redeemed the human race from so much evil with Your doctrine, sanctity and death. I pray You for the dead who are in purgatory because of the propagation of evil through the press, radio, television, and the motion picture industry.

I believe that they, once freed from their sufferings and admitted into eternal happiness, will pray for the modern world so that all the means given for the elevation of this present life may be used for the attainment of everlasting life.

Eternal rest, grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.

O merciful Jesus, for the merits of Your sorrowful passion and for the love You have for me, I beseech You to forgive me the punishments I have merited for the present or future life by my many sins.

Grant me the spirit of penance, delicacy of conscience, hatred for any deliberate venial sin, and the necessary dispositions to gain indulgences.

I bind myself to help the poor dead as much as I can, and You, O infinite Goodness, give me an ever-increasing fervor so that when it is time for me to leave this world, I shall be admitted at once to contemplate You forever in heaven.

Eternal rest, grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.

(source: http://undasonline.com/?p=75)

multigrain goodness

2011-10-31T00:05:00.000-07:00

Multi grain bread topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon and cucumber slice was my dinner last Friday night and my lunch for today.

We were at the supermarket last weekend for the much needed grocery list when I pass by this multi grain bread. I flip the box to see which grain it is made of, it has wholegrain rye, wholegrain oat, barley and millet. By the simple knowledge that multigrain is healthy, I toss it into the cart. Then I wonder what should I put for the toppings, I plan to have it for dinner so I mustn’t go home without the ingredients. I took the box again and just look at what’s on the photo, bought all the toppings. As soon as we get home I prepared it on a plate in less than 10 minutes and a minute later we were munching on them.

As usual, it is new to our taste buds but something I am very eager to try. Dad and Mica had one serving each and Prince and I continue to munch up to our hearts content, my little guy seemed to like it and helped me finish all of it up to the last bite.

I don’t know how you call this no cook dish though. It is best paired with fruit flavored tea or any tea you have at home. Very light but filling, to make it more guiltless, you can substitute the cheese with humus or any other healthier spread you can think of, the result is just the same, it taste good.

I googled FINN CRISP and I discover more amazing recipes for this healthy bread.

New Generation of Backpackers

2011-10-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

"high tide or low tide, gagala kami"

The photo above is for bulakboleros photo contest

Crabbing in Umm Al Quwain

2011-10-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

Sometime in March of this year when we still had Aero (our four wheel), we went for a crab hunt in Umm Al Quwain. Crabbing or crab hunting is some sort of safari or recreational activity offered by many hotels and tour companys here in UAE, we like ours DIY, it is fun and no need to pay extra for something you can do on your own.

Crabbing is done at night until the wee hours and it is best to follow moon tides - when the moon is new and full, tides are higher and crabs tend to feed more, the more they are out feeding, the more chances of catching them. :)

It is important to locate a good spot in the marsh land to have more catch. There are no lights to guide you so bring your own torch, the brighter the light the better because it is the same light you will use in spotting crabs in the water. Bring a long kitchen thongs for catching them, some use arrows but it is not advisable and of course a covered bucket, why covered because your catch are alive, they will crawl out of the container and since you don't want to go home empty handed, it is a must. You should also keep track of the path you take, it is easy to get lost in the dark.

While the girls put out the camping gears, the boys went to hunt. We got tired of waiting after couple of hours and so we camhore in the obleaque darkness with a little help from the full moon for light. After contenting ourselves with all the photos we've taken, we waded through the marsh land in ankle deep water untill we found the boys by the sea tossing their thongs towards the delectable creature.

It is not easy to crab hunt, you will get wet, you may slip and fall and you might get bitten by the crabs fighting for their lives (lulutuin at kakainin mo ba naman sila eh :)) but more than that, it is fun way to chillax and bond with friends or family. It is also an experience that you cannot forget, something extra ordinary.

On the shore we found a star fish.

Our buckets weren't that full but still it is more than enough. A bountiful blessing.

Above the Clouds

2011-10-18T23:45:00.000-07:00

So the foggy mornings continues. On the third day I captured interesting photos of what you can see above the clouds when it drapes the city below.