Natong a.k.a. Laing

“Natong” or “laing” is a well-known dish in Bicol Region (Philippines).  You are not a true Bikolano if you haven’t cooked or even tasted “natong”.  So as a wife, I have to learn how to cook “natong” in order to please the craving taste buds of my husband.  

It is very easy to cook “natong”.  All you need is to have the main ingredients which are “natong” or “gabi” leaves, be it dried or fresh, coconut milk and pork or shrimp (or combination of both).  But to make it tastier and richer, you can add up garlic, onion, ginger, salt, chili and other seasonings you desired to suit your taste.  Now, you are ready to cook.  First, boil coconut milk together with the pork or shrimp and other desired flavorings and seasonings in a frying pan, to bring out its distinctive tastes.  Then, at boiling point add up the “natong” or “gabi” leaves and let it cook at low fire until tender .  But, don’t forget the best tip “always smile while cooking” because, as they say, it somehow reflects on the taste.  That’s how our “natong” or “laing” is perfectly cooked.  Isn’t that easy?

Now it’s your turn to cook “natong” on your own. Good luck and enjoy cooking..   : )

Union of East & West

Wedding, a union of two hearts.

I never expected my sister, Charmaine, to be working and living in Netherlands, much more to be married to Marcel, a Dutch.  They have been married twice, one in Netherlands and recently here in the Philippines. Of course, I only witnessed the marriage here. Actually, me and my husband participated in the wedding preparation that’s why I’m really worried on the outcome of this celebration.

January 8, 2011 at Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, they exchanged vows for the second time.



me & my husband, Don

The Bride



Marcel & Charmaine Mertens

Our Family

The Mertens

After the Church Ceremony



Outside the Church



Reception followed at Starmark Royale.

The Wedding Cake

Eating Time

 It was really a memorable day for us. For sure, there's no room for any cultural differences because of the love that binds them together. I know this union of east and west will last forever. : )

Want some chocolates?

Like most of the kids, before, I also have sweet tooth. I can't resist eating chocolates, candies and other sweet foods. Today, nothing's changed, I am still a sweets-lover. So when my sister, Charmaine, and her husband, Marcel, went here in the Philippines for a month-vacation, they gave me & my husband, Don, assorted chocolates. But, of the rest, it's Merci Chocolate which I like most.

There are assorted tastes of chocolate in just one box.

 Once you tasted it, you can't stop getting another bite until you realized that its almost half empty. Anyway, Merci Chocolates are also available in most leading supermarkets nationwide. I'll just buy one if I crave some of it.

Life is really soooo sweet with chocolates around. : )

The First Birthday of my First Born

January 16, 2011 marked the Big Day for my son, Dominic, because he turned one (1). I never expected it to be that fun. The weather then was uncooperative, I have to call a number of guests because of my fear that the party will go to waste.

The party was held at Mc Donalds City Plaza. 

Of course my son is not yet aware on what was happening during that day, he even fell asleep, still we want to give him a birthday bash that will surely makes him happy for the coming years.

But we were surpised when the kids arrived, the emcee even congratulated us by the kids' attendance because they still arrived considering the bad weather during that day. Definitely, kids also adults enjoy the party as seen on their smiles & gestures.

My husband and I were very thakful that Dominic's 1st Birthday Celebration was a success. Thank you Mc Donalds, thank you everyone!!!

Carpet Shampooers

My husband and I are fond of going out to different appliance centers, hardwares and supermarts. We love to look into different items that are very much needed in our home. Most of the time, our eyes were set on carpet shampooers. The shop assistant will get the product and demonstrate to us how it works. Carpet shampooers come in different designs. There are also handy ones which even me as a wife can carry it hassle-free. These carpet shampooers commonly called as vacuum cleaners is really of great help. Even tiny dirt and dusts are being removed from delicate furniture and car interiors. You can clean the bed underneath without exerting much effort. Small things which you were looking for quite a long time might be trapped in it that's why it is much easier to locate it.

I know these carpet shampooers will aid my cleaning problem on my child's stuffs. I have a one-year old kid who has so many toys given by friends and relatives. I'm really having a hard time cleaning all those things. These can easily get dust and dirt as these are usually being played by my little precious baby. Cleaning them one by one really consumed most of time which I should have devoted to my son and to my husband as well because its only on weekends wherein I can interact with them for hours.

I know someday we will have one of these carpet shampooers because we are very much convinced of the convenience that it will bring us. We are still on the process of looking for the best carpet shampooers in the market that will also suit our budget. And when that day comes I can say to myself that life is really easier with the aid of these carpet shampooers.

Mabuhay Miles

My husband just gave me my new credit card which is the Mabuhay Miles. Imagine, no annual membership fee for life!!! It's so amazing. I'm so lucky to be a wife of a Philnabanker, I get the chance to enjoy many benefits which are being received by a PNB employee. Thank you so much Philippine National Bank. Thank you nanie.

Welcome

welcome me in blogging.. : )