GOLDEN EGGPLANT WITH PARMESAN

I always leaned on Pinakbet when cooking talong—until I stumbled upon this simple, flavor‑packed side. Picture tender, slightly crisp eggplant slices brightened with tomato paste and finished with a shower of Parmesan. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s proof that humble ingredients can hit gourmet notes.

Why Make This:

• Quick & easy: Minimal prep, one skillet

• Minimal ingredients: No fuss, pantry‑friendly

• Customizable: Swap herbs, add spice, go gluten‑free

Ingredients:

• 3 small‑medium eggplants, halved lengthwise, then into 8 slices

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot for GF)

• Olive oil (for skillet + 1 tbsp for sauce)

• 1 tsp salt & 1 tsp ground pepper

• 1 tbsp tomato paste + splash of water

• 1 tbsp chopped celery leaves (or parsley/basil)

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prep: Wash eggplants and slice; pat dry.

2. Dust: Toss slices in cornstarch so each is lightly coated.

3. Cook: Heat a skillet over medium‑high with oil. Fry eggplant until golden on both sides (about 3–4 min per side)—edges should crisp, centers tender.

4. Sauce it up: Stir tomato paste, oil, and a tsp of water to thin. Pour over eggplant, coat evenly.

5. Finish: Sprinkle celery leaves and half the Parmesan. Plate and top with remaining cheese.

Tips & Variations:

• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a kick.

• Swap celery for basil for an Italian twist.

• Use arrowroot instead of cornstarch to keep it gluten‑free.

Serving idea:

Pair with grilled chicken or toss into pasta for an easy meatless meal.

Who knew talong could feel so upscale with just a few pantry staples? Let me know what you swap in—basil? chili flakes? celery’s so underrated. 

Enjoy!

MY FIRST TRY AT COOKING CHICKEN CHAR SIU

Spoiler alert: Hubby loved it! 😄

I’ve been craving char siu for a while now. It’s one of those dishes I always enjoy during our visits to Singapore. But since our children have been visiting us lately, our travel plans were put on hold—and so was my next bite of char siu!

That craving led me to a fun idea: Why not try making it myself?

After browsing recipes online, I landed on a version from Simply Recipes that felt right—straightforward, pantry-friendly, and stress-free. I followed the instructions to the letter (for once!) and here’s how it went:

🛒 Ingredients

I used what I had on hand—specifically chicken breast, though chicken thighs are often preferred for their flavor and tenderness.

• 2/3 kilo chicken breast deboned

• 2 tbsp minced & mashed garlic

• 1/4 tsp Chinese five spice powder

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 1½ tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 2 tsp sesame oil

🍳 Method

1. Make the marinade:

In a bowl, mix together garlic, five spice powder, honey, hoisin, soy sauce, ketchup, and sesame oil. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of this for glazing later.

2. Marinate the chicken:

Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let it rest for at least 30 minutes—or overnight for best flavor.

Tip: Overnight marination really makes a difference!

3. Grill the chicken:

I used a stovetop cast-iron grill pan on medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–10 minutes, turning occasionally.

To check for doneness, pierce the thickest part—the juices should run clear.

4. Baste with glaze:

During the final 2 minutes of grilling, brush on the reserved marinade to give the chicken that glossy, flavorful finish.

5. Let it rest & serve:

Rest the grilled chicken for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. This keeps it juicy!

🍽️ What to Serve with Chicken Char Siu?

Many suggest coleslaw or potato salad as classic sides. I went for something light and refreshing—a cucumber-tomato salad tossed in a honey-mustard vinaigrette.

💬 Final Verdict?

Did hubby like it?

Absolutely!

My homemade chicken char siu passed with flying colors. 🎉

📝 Notes for Next Time:

• I might try it with chicken thighs for more juiciness.

• Leftovers? Perfect for sandwiches or rice bowls!

APPLYING FOR THE EXPANDED CENTENARIAN ACT OF 2024; MY JOURNEY AT 80

Under the government’s Expanded Centenarian Act of 2024, senior citizens who reach the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 are now entitled to a ₱10,000 benefit, plus 5000 at each stage — and a ₱100,000 reward at age 100.

Since I’m turning 80 next month, I was eager to apply. But once I saw the list of requirements, I felt a bit overwhelmed — I almost gave up before I even started!

Completing the four-page application form alone felt like a major hurdle. But I reminded myself: no pain, no gain! So, I pressed on.

One of the main requirements was a National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Registration Reference Number (RRN) — which I didn’t have. Applying online for it was no easy feat. The form asked for several government ID numbers, and each had to be typed in exactly right. It took time and patience, but at last, I received my RRN!

Surprisingly, submitting my documents to city hall was much easier. The staff were accommodating and polite. I was asked to submit photocopies of two valid IDs, a 2x2 photo, and a full-body photo printed on 4R paper.

Across the street, I found a friendly elderly man running a photocopying booth. As soon as I mentioned my application, he knew exactly what I needed. He’d already helped many seniors through the process.

Next door, at the notary public office, I was greeted by another kind elderly receptionist. We chatted while my documents were processed — and I realized they probably enjoy a little conversation to break up their day, too.

What stood out most was how kind the city hall employees were. The only tension came from some of the senior applicants who were understandably impatient. When I told my husband about it, he gently reminded me: many seniors might be feeling dizzy, tired, hungry, or in urgent need of a restroom. Their impatience often has a reason.

I was told to wait for a call — or follow up myself — within two months. Once the payment voucher is ready, I’ll need to return to sign and claim the benefit.

Was it a bit of a hassle? Yes.

Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Because after all — at 80, we’re still up for a challenge.

A LITTLE REFLECTION WHY MAY WILL ALWAYS HAVE MY HEART

There’s something about May that stirs my heart.

It arrives with sunshine and the soft promise of something wonderful.

I welcome it with open arms, knowing joy is near.

And yet, when it leaves, I always feel a quiet ache—

as if I’m saying goodbye to something I can’t quite hold.

May is woven into the fabric of my life.

It’s the month I whispered “I do” to the love of my life—

my constant, my calm, my rock.

Fifty-six Mays have passed since that day.

Each one carrying the laughter of vacations,

the warmth of family,

the gentle glow of memories that never fade.

Time moves on, but May stays with me.

In my heart, it is always May.

FROM MORNING WALKS TO MAGIC MEALS

When Carol joined us on our second round, she threw out an impromptu breakfast invite and dangled the promise of divvying up a 20-kilo, sweet-smelling jackfruit, my plan to hit the market after two rounds went straight out the window. 

Of course, it wasn’t just about the jackfruit (though it did smell amazing) or the promise of good food (though that too). The real pull? More time with friends. And I never say no to that.

The table was already set so we started with fruits and the yummiest coffee served (oh wow!) in Hermes cup and saucer set. 

As always, it turned into a happy little feast. The star of the table? Carol’s aglio olio—tossed together like magic with olive oil, garlic, shrimps, and served with the biggest anchovy you’ve ever seen. So simple, so good, so flavorful, so Carol! And we felt like: “so let’s-do-this-again-tomorrow”. 

We laughed, we ate, we shared stories. Finally Joy tackled the fragrant jackfruit like a pro. 

And just like that, the morning slipped away in the happiest way.

CHESKA’S BIRTHDAY ISN’T OVER UNTIL IT’S OVER

This morning’s breakfast felt even more special than the last—after all, today is Cheska’s actual birthday! We gathered once again to celebrate, and this time, Claire came bearing an irresistible almond roca chocolate dessert that made the moment even sweeter.

We’re especially grateful to Tess, who pulled everything together despite her packed schedule filled with work, family, and other commitments. Her thoughtful preparations were also her way of saying “so long for now,” as she flies back to her other home in the Netherlands tomorrow to be with her family.

As always, we found ourselves gathered around Tess’s beautifully adorned dining table, a space that has become more than just a place to eat—it’s the heart of the home, where stories unfold and memories are made. I may have gotten a bit carried away taking photos for this blog, but I hope everyone forgave me!

We began with the sweetest, juiciest fruits—most of them lovingly sourced from the farms of Tess’s brothers. You could taste the care in every bite.

While the group caught up, I quietly slipped into the kitchen to capture a glimpse of the spread. As expected, it featured many of our well-loved dishes, most of them traditional delicacies from Tess’s hometown of Allen, Samar.

Just look at this spread—it stretched as far as the eye could see (if I say so myself)!

This gathering meant so much to me—not just because of the delicious food and beautiful setting, but because all ten of us made it. That says a lot about the strength of our friendship. There was so much to share, so much to laugh about, that our breakfast lasted well past its usual time.

But of course, no gathering is complete without photos!

It was nearly lunchtime when we reluctantly said our goodbyes, exchanging hugs and warm wishes with promises of “See you again soon!”

CELEBRATING CHESKA’S BIRTHDAY AT ONE WORLD DELI

Cheska celebrated her birthday in style at a newly opened gem in our neighborhood—One World Deli. It’s more than just a supermarket; it’s a thoughtfully curated deli and restaurant all rolled into one.

Since we were quite a big group, the restaurant asked us to place our orders ahead of time. Thankfully, I already had a favorite in mind—my daughter has treated me there for Mother’s Day during their soft opening. A thoughtful touch: Cheska sent us the menu without the prices, so we could simply enjoy choosing.

As always, our reunions are a whirlwind of joy—warm hugs, nonstop laughter, and endless photo-taking. Catching up is never dull when you’re with dear friends who’ve shared so much of life

Like today, we found ourselves already planning our next get-together: a breakfast hosted by Tess. Coordinating schedules can be tricky—especially since a few of us are frequent travelers—but we always try to make it work for all ten of us.

What started as a simple walking group—committed to reaching 10,000 steps a day—has grown into something much deeper. These days, only 3 to 5 of us still keep up the daily walks…

…while others are caught up with mom duties or busy schedules. Some manage evening walks instead, when time allows. Yet despite our varied routines, the bond remains strong.

Our group chat keeps everyone in the loop, and living in the same neighborhood has created a real sense of connection. There’s comfort in knowing that someone is always just a few doors—or a quick message—away.

Today’s celebration left us all feeling inspired and grateful. Juliet shared a quote that perfectly captures the heart of our friendship, and I wanted to include it here:

“Pray for your friends, pray for friendships which will not just stay for a season but is committed to stay for a lifetime.” — Joena San Diego.

This friendship is a true blessing—and gatherings like this remind us just how lucky we are.