We recently moved to Iloilo after a year of staying in Makati and we tremendously enjoy our new home although we are in the process of adjusting to our new environment.

We had mixed feelings about our relocation. I felt sad that we left our place in Manila but at the same time excited with what’s in store for us in my hometown. It’s a good thing for me because after almost 11 years of staying in Manila for college, law school until I got married, I am back to where I grew up. Read more »

Fourteen years ago today, I experienced one of the most painful moments in my life. My grandmother’s sudden death shocked the whole family, our neighbors, and relatives. She was at the hospital to visit her physician and had high hopes to get better after several days of not feeling well. Everything happened so fast that even my grandfather who accompanied her was not able to prepare for the inevitable. She didn’t even know that that day was going to be her last. Read more »

Now, if you think that the next sexual predator is lurking down the corner, thanks to social networking and its proliferation of Internet perverts—think again. That’s not only the scary portion to giving up your privacy. Has it ever occurred to you that social networking services such as Facebook can be a source of transnational intelligence databanks? A social expose on what appears to be a free online service is actually a blanketed social surveillance unit that allows venture capitalists who have formerly served agencies like the CIA? Read more »

Recipe of the day:

2 cups unsalted chicken broth — defatted
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons pickling spice
1/2 Red bell pepper — sliced
1 pound Boneless chicken breast — halves
1/2 Yellow bell pepper — sliced
2 tablespoons Minced jalapeno chili with — seeds
1 Onion, halved — thinly sliced
1/3 cup Rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup Fresh cilantro leaves
3 large Garlic cloves — minced
baked (no oil) tortilla chips

Boil broth and pickling spice in heavy large saucepan ten minutes. Strain and return liquid to saucepan. Add chicken, onion, vinegar, garlic, oil and cumin to pan. Simmer over very low heat until chicken is just cooked through, about ten minutes. Transfer chicken and onions to shallow dish. Top with bell peppers and minced chilli. Boil cooking liquid until reduced to 2/3 c, about ten minutes. Pour liquid over chicken and let cool 30 minutes. Add cilantro to chicken mixture. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, turning chicken occasionally, about 4 hours (can be prepared one day ahead). Slice chicken and
transfer to plates. Top with marinated vegetables and some of the juices. Pass tortilla chips to use as “pushers.” .

Makes 6 servings

Bon appetit!

This tip is useful when you have a large family. Of course it’s fun to buy gifts for loved ones but sometimes it can be very expensive.

Last Christmas, we gave gifts to our relatives but we prioritized the children. Unless you have exchange gifts within the family, you’re not really compelled to give everyone a gift. Instead of buying them individual gifts, you can offer to cook them your specialty or bake their favorite cookies. You will surely enjoy the compliment afterwards. Read more »