I am Who am I Today, All it’s because YOU were there in my Journey "May I thank YOU for those... sadness that I smiled, struggles that I managed, risks that I survived, and failures that I succeeded...All it’s because YOU were there in those journeys." There is no other word to say but to thank you for your love forever. Even though I wasn't able to give all the things that I still wanted to give and share with you I was happy because I was who I am today because of your love. You did not want anything but our welfare ... to protect us and to be proud of us. In each of your stories, you're thrilled to take pride in our achievements. In our shortcomings, you're filling them just for us not to be criticized. You preferred to be hurt or sacrifice, just to uplift our status. In our sadness, you gave us hope to smile. In our hardship, you were always there whom we could lean on. In any risks or calamities of life, you are kneeling to the Lord to strengthen and protect us, especially me wherever I may be. You did not let us fail because you do everything in your capacity to see us succeed. I am longing for your hugs; A mother is so excited to see, kiss, and hug us. A mother who was too eager to wait at the door to hug me as I came home from vacation abroad. A mother who never asked for anything but just to see me healthy and happy. But I know you are always in my heart because every day I still feel the embrace of your love. Although you are not on our side to prepare our bed; fix our pillows, cover us with blankets to ensure that we'll be sleeping well, hang the mosquito net in order for us not to get bitten by mosquitoes, touch the tip of our feet to make sure we are not feeling cold, touching our neck and forehead to make sure our health is okay ... those your thoughtfulness and cares are so priceless and significantly will never be forgotten. You, my Inang (mother), will stay in our hearts and spirit, now and forever. [Translated in Filipino Language] "Maaari ko bang pasalamatan KA para sa... mga kalungkutang ngumiti ako, mga pakikibakang nalagpasan ko, mga panganib na naligtas ako at mga kabiguang pinagtagumpay ko ... Lahat ito ay dahil kasama KA sa aking mga paglalakbay na iyon." Walang ibang salitang nais kong banggitin kundi ang pasalamatan ka sa iyong pagmamahal magpakailanman. Hindi ko man lahat naipagkaloob ang mga bagay na gusto ko pang ibigay sa iyo ngunit masaya ako dahil ako kung sino man ako ngayon ay ito'y naging bunga ng iyong pagmamahal. Wala ka bang ninais kundi ang kabutihan at kapakanan namin... ang protektahan kami at ang maipagmalaki kami. Sa bawat kuwento mo, ika'y natutuwang ipagmalaki ang aming naabot. Sa aming pagkukulang, ika'y nagpupuno para lang hindi kami mapintasan. Hindi baleng ikaw nalang ang masaktan o magsakripisyo, maingat lang aming estado. Sa aming kalungkutan, kami'y napapangitin mo. Sa aming paghihirap, ikaw ay umaagapay. Sa aming kapahamakan, ikaw ay nanikluhod sa Panginoon na gabayan kami lalo na't ako, saan man ako makarating. Hindi mo hinayaang kami'y mabigo pagkat gagawin mo ang lahat makita lang kaming matagumpay. Ako'y nangungulila sa iyong mga yakap; Ang Inang nananibik makita, mahagkan at mayakap kami. Ang Inang sobrang nag-aabang ng aking pag-uwi pag ako'y nagbabakasyon mula sa ibang bansa. Ang Inang hindi minsan naghangad ng pasalubong kundi ang makita lang akong malusog at masaya. Ngunit mananatili ka sa puso ko dahil araw-araw nararamdaman ko pa rin ay iyong yakap ng pagmamahal. Bagaman wala ka na sa aming tabi upang ihanda ang aming tulugan; iayos ang aming mga unan, kumutan upang makatulog ng mahimbing, kinukulambuhan ng hindi makagat ng lamok, hinihipo ang dulo ng aming paa para siguraduhing hindi kami nalalamigan, hinihipo ang aming leeg at noo upang siguraduhin maayos ang aming kalusugan... mga pag-arugang hindi kailanman aming makakalimutan. Ikaw, Inang, ang natatangi at mananatili sa aming puso't diwa, ngayon at magpakailanman. All Articles of this month, April 2018, will be entirely dedicated to my Mom who just died on April 5, 2018. I am Who am I Today, All it’s because YOU were there in my Journey "May I thank YOU for those... sadness that I smiled, struggles that I managed, risks that I survived, and failures that I succeede... Read more » 5:14 PM
I was my Mother's Son "Being Outstanding means being Dedicated to certain goals, ready to face any risks, and actively performing every task without delay (or postponement) in order to turn every endeavor into a Successful life worth sharing." Illustration of the CEO's Lifestyle The statement above is my favorite line, "Outstanding, Dedicated, Active and Victorious," about my life's Journal. Huh! It's too formal to describe me, right? :) Perhaps, beyond what I know... Have you seen me living simply, mingling ordinarily, working diligently, talking responsibly, and laughing loudly, which gives me the energy to be with you 24/7? Having said that, I am hilarious! Once you know me better, you may Jest along with me about anything under the sun. We can enjoy the beauty of nature as we go outdoors and have fun together. Even when we lose contact or are at a distance, the warmth updates anytime and keeps our friendship and connection alive. Our past could be reminders of either successes or failures that make us stronger people who, in the eyes of the people around us, spread good news as they are inspired by our achievements. Now, I am driven and committed to adding to my List of people I can influence positively. Still, by all means, I am standing firmly and joyfully at all causes to reach out to everyone, bringing them together in a platform. I was amazed that everyone was friends with my mother despite having the impression that she was strict. She, in a simple way, welcomes everyone in our home with coffee and stories. Her smiles are so comforting that anyone who seeks her help, even with nothing in her possession, produces and grants every request. No one leaves our home without a smile. In my journey and in this advent of technological advancement, I know that without meeting or seeing me in person, I can share all, without limit, the things, knowledge, and experiences I have in my virtual journal. It would be useless... I would be worthless if what I have will just be kept in the four corners of my room. I am here with you anytime because I was my Mother's Son. [Articles of this month will be entirely dedicated to the CEO’s Mother, in memory of her death on 5th April 2018.] I was my Mother's Son " Being O utstanding means being Dedicated to certain goals, ready to face any risks, and actively performing every task without dela... Read more » 8:20 AM
Best Tasting South Korean Food (Dishes) Amazingly, when I brought Kimchi (김치) during one of my vacation from Korea, my Mom loved it immediately. While it took me a couple of days to love it. Kimchi is always present on the table. It is the famous traditional side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and Korean radishes, with a variety of seasonings, including gochugaru (chili powder), scallions, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal (salted seafood). With so many things to do to have fun staying in Korea, my "food trip" is one of my favorite hobbies. Why not? How can you resist these Korean foods; from meat grilled, to boiling hot stews, to chilies and pickles, served on your table? Definitely, you'll gonna fall in love with it as I do. Let me share and guide with you these best tasting Korean dishes, my favorites, that you should eat. 1. Galbitang (갈비탕) Galbitang is a soup made with beef short ribs called galbi (갈비). It comes with Korean radish (무), onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce (국간장) and added with starch noodles (당면). It's my most favorite food. Galbitang (갈비탕) 2. Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) Samgyeopsal is a grilled fatty slice of pork belly. A favorite Pulutan (finger foods/appetizers) alongside an alcoholic drink. This ultra-tasty pork comes with garnishes of lettuce leaves, garlic and chili paste. Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) 3. Bossam (보쌈) Bossam is a Korean cuisine pork dish. It usually consists of belly pork that is boiled in spices and thinly sliced. It is being served with side dishes such as spicy radish salad, sliced raw garlic, ssamjang (wrap sauce), saeu-jeot (salted shrimp), 굴/ gul (oyster), kimchi, and 쌈/ssam (wrap) vegetables such as lettuce, kkaennip (perilla leaves), and inner leaves of a napa cabbage Bossam (보쌈) 4. Gamjatang (감자탕) Gamja-tang or pork back-bone stew is a spicy Korean soup made from the spine or neck bones of a pig. It comes potatoes, cellophane noodles, dried radish greens, perilla leaves, green onions, hot peppers, and ground sesame seeds. Gamjatang (감자탕) 5. Samgyetang (삼계탕) Samgyetang or ginseng chicken soup derived from the word ginseng (삼), chicken (계) and soup (탕) . It comes primarily with a whole young chicken (poussin) and filled with garlic, rice, jujube, and ginseng. Samgyetang (삼계탕) 6. Jokbal (족발) Jokbal consists of pig's trotters cooked with soy sauce and spices. Usually, it is braised in a combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice wine. It may also come with additional ingredients such as onion, leeks, garlic, cinnamon, and black pepper. Jokbal (족발) [Ads: Stainless Steel Drain Rack on Kitchen Sink ] 7. Tonkatsu (돈까스) & Saeutwigim (새우튀김) Tonkatsu (also known as "pork cutlet") is a Japanese dish but served here in Korea which consists of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet. It comes so often with shredded cabbage. While Saeutwigim (Shrimp Tempura, Fried shrimp, fried prawn) is deep-fried shrimp and prawns. 8. Haemultang (해물탕) Haemultang is a Korean style Spicy seafood stew. So short! I can't describe further. :) Haemultang (해물탕) 9.) Sundae (순대) & Sundaegugbab (순대국밥) Sundae is a type of blood sausage in Korean cuisine. It is generally made by steaming cow or pig's intestines stuffed with various ingredients. It's available or popular street food. Sundae (순대) & Sundaegugbab (순대국밥) 10.) Gopchangjeongol (곱창전골) Gopchangjeongol or beef tripe hot pot is a spicy Korean stew or casserole made by boiling beef tripe, vegetables, and seasonings in beef broth. Gopchang refers to tripes, while jeongol refers to a category of stew or casserole in Korean cuisine. It comes mainly on beef gopchang with added other parts of beef tripe to give the dish a richer flavor and chewy texture. Gopchangjeongol (곱창전골) 11.) Beondegi (번데기) Beondegi is actually a "pupa". It is a Korean street food made with silkworm pupae. It can be a snack being sold by street vendors and served in paper cups with toothpick skewers. I can't eat it, I just taste a bit. But my friends loves it. Beondegi (번데기) 12.) Kimchijjigae (김치찌개) Kimchijjigae is made up of kimchi and other ingredients such as scallions, onions, diced tofu, pork, and seafood. It is one of the most common stews in Korea. Kimchijjigae (김치찌개) [Ads: Portable USB ELenctric Blender ] 13.) Bulgogi (불고기) Bulgogi literally means "fire meat" is a Korean-style grilled or roasted dish made of thin, marinated slices of beef or pork grilled on a barbecue or on a stove-top griddle. It comes with cuts of beef such as sirloin, rib eye, or brisket. Bulgogi (불고기) 14.) Jjamppong (짬뽕) Jjamppong is my favorite Korean noodle soup with red, spicy seafood- or pork-based broth flavored with gochutgaru (chili powder). It comes with onions, garlic, Korean zucchini, carrots, cabbages, squid, mussels, and pork. Jjamppong (짬뽕) 15.) Jogaegui (조개구이) Is this a grilled shellfish? Jogaegui (조개구이) 16.) Andong Jjimdak (안동찜닭) Andong-jjimdak literally means steamed "Chicken of Andong" which is a Korean steamed or boiled dish that originated in the city of Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and is made with chicken, and various vegetables marinated in a ganjang (Korean soy sauce) based sauce. Andong Jjimdak (안동찜닭) 17.) Liver of bull (소간) Self-explanatory! You're gonna eat fresh liver. Looks delicious... :) My Korean friends love it. Liver (소간) 18.) Gomtang (곰탕) Gomtang or Gomguk is a slow-simmered Korean beef bone soup. It comes with ribs, oxtail, brisket, ox's head, or ox bones. The broth tends to have a milky color with a rich and hearty taste. Gomtang (곰탕) 19.) Bokkeumbab (볶음밥) It's a Korean Fried Rice! Bokkeumbab (볶음밥) Are you hungry now? Choose anyone above and then let's go and enjoy these foods again... :) Or any other dishes, not here that I need to enjoy? Invite me... :) [Articles of this month will be entirely dedicated to the CEO’s Mother, in memory of her death on 5th April 2018.] Best Tasting South Korean Food (Dishes) Amazingly, when I brought Kimchi (김치) during one of my vacation from Korea, my Mom loved it immediately. While it took me a couple of days t... Read more » 9:25 PM
The Best Ride I Ever Had Have you ever ridden on a buffalo (carabao) or Cattle (cow)? Yes, I did! and many times... As shown below, a throwback photo. The funny thing is that I could ride a water buffalo and a cow when I was young. Believe it or not, it's cool to ride on a cow, too. However, I fell many times every time I rode a cow. The carabao is known in the Filipino language as "kalabaw"; it's a domestic swamp-type water buffalo, an animal used for farming in the Philippines. Of course, this bovine is the national animal of the Philippines. While a cow is known in the Filipino language as "baka", it's a Cattle raised as livestock for meat (beef or veal), for milk (dairy cattle), and for hides (make leather). In our province, we have a small ranch, where there are plenty of cattle at that time. It was when I was young that I used to bring those cattle out of the ranch and move to another farm to feed them on a grass plot. It's funny because you only hold the rope attached to the "oldest cow or lead cow," and all the cows follow this lead cow wherever I bring them. I remember that when I was young, despite my mother not allowing me to go to the farm, I was so persistent in going with my father and doing farming work such as planting, composting, plowing, and harvesting. Sadly, this is the worst thing! Even though I'd like to do such work, I can't stay long because my skin easily gets irritated. One day, I went home with fully reddish skin and itchy skin because I had helped my father compost our corn plants. My mother noticed it and got mad at my father. I heard she told him, "I told you, never bring your son to the farm and do such work. He can't endure those farm activities. If your son gets sick, it will be a bigger problem if he is hospitalized." Then my father replied, "I didn't ask him to come with me, he insisted. I stopped him. I was just surprised when I was near the farm, he was following me, riding on other carabao..." the arguments ended there. I realized at the end how my mother had protected and taken care of me. Her love and care were pure and genuine. Well, going back to which of the two animals would be better to ride on, I believe... As I remember, I fell once when the carabao I was riding ran so fast to fight with another carabao. I got hurt so much. I didn't tell my parents about it... While I fall many times while riding a cow, I love playing around with our cows. I ride on the back, one after the other. Surprisingly, falling out from the back of the cow won't hurt so much. Well, which is better to ride? My answer is BOTH. It depends on how these animals are trained. Riding on a buffalo is so calm, while riding on a cow is so fast. The back of a buffalo or carabao is rough, while the back of a cow is smooth. [Ads: Automatic Easy Outdoor Camping Tent ] [Articles of this month will be entirely dedicated to the CEO’s Mother, in memory of her death on 5th April 2018.] The Best Ride I Ever Had Have you ever ridden on a buffalo ( carabao ) or Cattle ( cow )? Yes, I did! and many times... As shown below, a throwback photo. ... Read more » 4:36 AM
A Tears of Joy: The Luneta Park & The Manila Zoo A memorable day I won't ever forget when we went to Luneta Park and Manila Zoo. Luneta Park is also known as "Rizal Park" or simply "Luneta." It is located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, Philippines, adjacent to the old walled city of Intramuros. It is a historical urban park and one of the most popular and significant tourist spots in Manila. Likewise, it is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. While Manila Zoo is actually called "The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden" and is located at Adriatico Street, Malate, Manila, Philippines. According to my research, Manila Zoo has around a thousand animals from 90 species. The zoo's most famous animal is Mali, a name given to the Asian elephant who arrived in the late year of the '70s. Recently, my Korean friends were amazed at the Night Scenery of Luneta Park. Well, the photos below speak for itself; The Old House of Dr. Jose Rizal, the National Hero of the Philippines My simple beginning and small earnings in the early 2000s signify the hard work of my parents. I was able to bring them by myself to Manila. They stayed shortly with us (me and my younger brother) at my simple rented unit (with one room, mini-kitchen, and living room) in Bangkal, Makati. It was an unforgettable moment when my mother and father visited Luneta Park. With their sweetest smiles, I read their emotions as if they were telling me in their hearts, "Oh, My Son! We're proud of you..." THE LUNETA PARK (on broad daylight with CEO's mother) THE MANILA ZOO [Articles of this month will be entirely dedicated to the CEO’s Mother, in memory of her death on 5th April 2018.] A Tears of Joy: The Luneta Park & The Manila Zoo A memorable day I won't ever forget when we went to Luneta Park and Manila Zoo. Luneta Park is also known as "Rizal Park"... Read more » 9:02 AM