ARYA’S COLLEGE GRADUATION

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Today, my heart is overflowing with pride as my granddaughter, Arya, graduated from college with honors. To celebrate this wonderful milestone, her parents hosted a family dinner at Brasserie on 3, Conrad Manila. 

Milestones like this have a way of opening the treasure chest of memories. It seems only yesterday that Arya was born, just as I had turned sixty and retired. The timing was perfect, allowing me to devote precious hours to her during her earliest years.

Three times a week, she spent entire days with us until she started school. By then, we had formed a bond that no one can ever take away. Those first three years may now be just a blur to her, but they remain vivid in my heart—days filled with little adventures, laughter, and love. As she grew older, I would share stories from those days, and she would smile with such delight, listening to memories we both would cherish forever.

And now, here she is—a mature young woman, ready to spread her wings and face the world. I know I cannot shield her from life’s challenges, but I pray that she will always be happy, safe, and guided toward the path meant for her. May she never forget that she is deeply loved, valuable, and wonderfully special.

Dear Arya, may your dreams take you to beautiful places, may your talents open doors of opportunity, and may kindness and faith always light your way. Believe in yourself, for we certainly believe in you. Wherever life leads, know that you will always have a family: your Dad and Mom, Papa and Nana who love you and will be cheering you on every step of the way.

Congratulations, Arya! We are so proud of you. May this be only the beginning of a life filled with purpose, joy, and countless blessings.

MY LITTLE BELL PEPPER HARVEST

I decided to pick them before they dropped on their own. They may not have grown as large as the mother fruit from which their seeds came, but bell peppers they are just the same!

Their size may be modest, but they bring me outsized joy. There is something deeply satisfying about planting a seed, tending it with care, and being rewarded with a harvest—even one that fits in the palm of your hand. These tiny peppers are proof that in the garden, as in life, good things do not always come in big packages.

I’m quite proud of these little fellows, and to me, they are perfect.

SAMPAGUITA, SUNSHINE and SUMMER

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Sampaguita, sunshine, and summer—together they make up one of my most treasured childhood memories.

The sun was already high at barely six in the morning, lighting my path and wrapping me in the warmth of a summer day. 

Along the way, I spotted sampaguita bushes laden with sweet-smelling blossoms. Their fragrance instantly carried me back to my childhood.

I paused to take a photo, plucked a tiny flower, and breathed in its familiar scent. In that powerful moment, beautiful memories came rushing back so vividly that I was completely lost in them, forgetting for a while where I was.

Then I heard my Spotify playlist softly playing in the background, and little by little I returned to the present.

What a joyful gift that moment was—a reminder of how a simple flower can open the door to a lifetime of cherished memories.

A MANGO SEASON FAREWELL

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This may be the last harvest from my mango tree this season, and I suddenly realized I hadn’t even taken a photo with it! So today, with a grateful heart, I decided to pose beside my generous mango tree—the true star of the picture.

What a season it has been! The tree produced more mangoes than I could possibly enjoy on my own, so the harvest happily found its way to many hands. Mangoes were shared with friends, immediate neighbors, my sister and her visiting friend, bank employees, the ever-accommodating staff at Mercury, the cheerful gang at my favorite beauty salon, my seamstress and her coworkers, and my trusted meat and vegetable vendors.

Carrying heavy bags of mangoes here, there, and everywhere felt less like work and more like spreading little bundles of sunshine. Each bag delivered came with smiles, conversations, and the simple joy of sharing nature’s abundance.

As I bid farewell to this mango season, my heart is full of gratitude—for the harvest, for the people who received it, and for the happiness that comes from giving. Here’s hoping my faithful mango tree and I can do it all over again next season! 

My Older Daughter’s Golden Milestone Birthday

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Last night was truly special.

I had been looking forward to it for weeks. I even bought a new dress for my older daughter’s 50th birthday dinner celebration at LUSOO by Margarita Forés in Greenbelt.

My younger daughter flew in with her husband just for the occasion. Their birthdays are only a week apart, and when they were children, they always celebrated together. 

Now that they live oceans apart, they still try to keep that tradition alive whenever circumstances allow. But for this golden milestone, she simply could not miss celebrating with her sister.

The evening stirred two powerful emotions in me: nostalgia and pride.

As I watched my daughters together, I found myself revisiting precious memories of their childhood. It seems only yesterday that I was caring for them, guiding them, and watching them take their first steps through life. 

Those years passed far too quickly.

Yet alongside the nostalgia was an overwhelming sense of pride.

With immeasurable gratitude, I see how my older daughter has grown into a woman of grace, intelligence, strength, and compassion. The positive impact she has on her family, friends, and community reflects the values she carries so naturally.

Last night, my heart was full. I felt thankful not only for the joy she has brought me as a daughter, but also for the privilege of watching her become the remarkable woman she is today—loving, caring, affectionate, and always ready to lend a helping hand.

Happy 50th birthday, my dear daughter. Thank you for the gift of being your mother and for making that journey one of the greatest blessings of my life. 

57th ANNIVERSARY LUNCH

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I believe in perfect timing—always in God’s time!

Just yesterday, I was wondering, “When was the last time Jim and I actually went out—just the two of us?” I couldn’t remember! And then today, out of the blue, he says, “Let’s have lunch out.” Well… isn’t that perfect timing? 

Off we went to The Olive Tree, the very same place where we had that farewell lunch for my sister-in-law.  Clearly, something stuck—those delicious Mediterranean dishes. 

I recall there’s that unforgettable beef taco basket—huge, indulgent, and gloriously dripping with cheese all over the board. I’ve always loved cheese, give me cheese and crackers—or better yet, sourdough—and I’m already a happy girl. Add good company, and it becomes a feast.

So today felt like a little wink from above… a simple lunch, a sweet surprise, and a reminder that sometimes, the best moments arrive right on cue—with a side of cheese.

CLASSIC RED WINE BRAISED BEEF CHOPS

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Lately, we’ve been enjoying quite a lot of beef dishes, and I found myself wanting to try something beyond my usual cooking repertoire. While browsing through Google, I came across a braised beef recipe loaded with onions, something we both absolutely love.

I used two pounds of boneless beef chops, cut into moderate strips. Along with bacon, I seared the beef over high heat until beautifully browned, then set it aside.

Using the same cast-iron pan, I sautéed garlic and onions, then added 70 grams of tomato paste, bay leaves, and a teaspoon each of thyme and oregano. 

I deglazed the pan with a cup of red Merlot, which helped balance the richness of the beef while giving the dish a distinct depth of flavor.

Next came three cups of beef broth, and the meat simmered gently until tender, which took about two hours. Ten minutes before the dish was done, I added mini onions and a tablespoon of cornstarch to slightly thicken the sauce.

For the sides, I deep-fried slices of carrots, potatoes, and pumpkin.

And just like that, the dish was done — hearty, rich, and truly comforting.