The Soul is Grateful

“The soul is both fragile and resilient...The artisan soul must be both tender and tough.” 
― Erwin Raphael McManus, The Artisan Soul: Crafting Your Life into a Work of Art

Borlas at Puni

This is how we make food 'a work of heart.' Bulakenyos wrap this sweet, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy--Pastillas de Leche (made from fresh carabao's milk and sugar) in colorful and intricately designed paper wrappers locally called pabalat or Borlas de Pastillas. 

She is a Puni wizard, an advocate, and a teacher
who generously pours out her time and skills
sharing an important piece of our culture and heritage.
She is Rheeza Hernandez.

PUNI. Priceless artistry. Unparalleled designs. Native and Indomitable weaves of wonders.

*Thank you for sharing these gems, a sweet reminder of who we really are (or used to be) as a people--weavers of passion and excellence. Tita Naty Ocampo-Castro and Tita Rheeza Hernandez, and to dear Nanay Luz Ocampo, I hope to meet you soon! :)

Little Sunbeams! :)

:)

Love Letter

This is it. My continuing love story.

I gave dating a chance in September 2012. It was a heart pitfall. The Lord spared me by grace countless times. Finally surrendered everything to HIM several months of untold tears later.

Little did I know, the Lord is about to unfold a new chapter in my life the following year. HE gave me an undeserved gift--Gift of adventure, tears of joy, faith, hope and love through the life of an amazing (and charming) man, Daniel.

Then this love letter.

September 26, 2013

Dear Love,

About a month ago today, I was with you. I'm glad that today, I'm with you still. Every moment we spend together is a beautiful addition to our trove of milestones. 

The Lord makes things really wonderful. 

Though you are not a big fan of verbally expressing your affections, you have unknowingly supplied me with both joy and laughter (and yes, tears) that can only emanate from love that is so distinct from mere emotions.

I am blessed to be on the receiving end of the abundance of your patience and understanding. I pray that as days go by, I would be able to at least be "extra nice" to you... when I'm having crazy outbursts and tantrums, when I'm indecisive, when my period strikes, when I'm jealous, when I don't like to see you, when I show lack of maturity in the midst of a trying situation or just simply being too much like of a child when I need to grow up. Thank you for praying with and for me every single day.

I cannot promise to be the best Pastor's helpmate. I know that there will come a time that my imperfections will just suddenly spring to the brim of your "patience cup" and will make us pause. One thing is certain though, the Lord will always be there watching over and guiding us on our journey together.

We are definitely up for the greatest and most exciting adventure of our lives! :)

I love you.

"HE has made everything beautiful in its time."

I-yab-u, YABU!

YABU: House of Katsu
Manila, Philippines
@SM North- The Block

YABU with Love
May 31, 2015

Degustation/The Goose Station

August 31, 2015
Quezon City, Philippines

It takes courage to agree with this man.

The Rizal Menu is a narrative you would have to degust so as to appreciate fully (its taste and our culture).

The NOLI ME TANGERE Squab Inasal: Lemongrass and Annatto Glazed Squab smoked in Garlic Skin, Peanut, Pili, Caramelized Coconut Curd, Beetroot and Cane Vinegar Gastrique, Grilled Eggplant

THAT Kid

THAT kid.

She just loved to play all her childhood life. Play was the most important thing she ever had.
School was a menacing chore and nobody understood why she can’t keep up. She used to attend ‘remedial classes’ at age 7 and learned how to read in 2nd grade. And when she did... she never stopped learning. She learned how to learn ever since..
She practically learned math by counting pebbles in the yard and fallen Aratilis fruit, learned subtraction by sharing her paper dolls and ‘gems’, learned sciences by exploring the natural world, learned about relationships and how to communicate, negotiate, give in, give up, resolve conflicts and remain happy by being with her superhuman-playmates.
That kid, she was annoyingly cute and has brought more joy than tears to her parents and brother.
That kid because of her amusing love for quaintness led her to more and more milestones as she navigates through life. She learned to trust strangers, fell in love, made big life-changing decisions, ‘walked on water’, and was spared by grace many times.
Soon That kid will go on the greatest adventure of her life! :)

Daghang Salamat!

Yes, we meet people for a reason.

This time, for a really awesome reason!

Like a sunbeam, their smiles captured my fragile heart.

Sailing through life...

Story ROCKS!

Food is memories. Take a bite!

THE Haribon. Fly with me! 

Story ROCKS!

Recently...

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

@CCP with the Prima Ballerina
It turned out that I can do a turnout! :)

Story Stones-The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle