My experience of staying in another country

Why do Filipinos want to work abroad? Some say because there is a better opportunity; thinking that they will get paid more and that they will be able to provide what the family they will leave behind needs.

I used to be part of the admissions department of a certain college. We screen students who will be applying and go to different high schools to promote the college. As we did career talks from one high school to another, you will be amazed by the number of students who are all dreaming of becoming a nurse and there is only one major reason why. It's not because they really want to become a nurse. Yes you guessed it --- they want to work abroad. But I have to admit I was one of those Pinoys who dreamed of working in another country but I guess that wasn't God's plan for me. Years back, I had an opportunity to go to the U.S. and look for a job. The reason why I had to go there because my aunt needed help in taking care of her baby. I was a baby sitter during my whole stay there but I have no complaints because they pay was good. Can you imagine for baby sitting I was paid US$150/week. Not bad huh? So what happened to my job hunting? Well, I wasnt able to find any opportunity. I had to go back home. Though I had an option to extend my stay, I decided not to because I felt lonely already even if I was surrounded by my relatives. This was when I realized that life in Manila is different.

I was in the U.S. for 6 months and I found it difficult to adapt to the changes. There was no outlet for me. No friends, I stayed with my relatives but it was still different, new people and new way of living. The only thing I really liked about being there was the fact that I was on my own and being responsible for everything that I needed. That was it! Maybe because I was still quite young during that time and I needed my family and friends more than a job in another country.

Given this experience of mine, it confirms the fact that God indeed works in mysterious ways. If I opted to extend my stay in the U.S., maybe I wouldn't have crossed paths with my husband or I wouldn't have the job I have right now. I believe each episode in a persons life leads to what they have in the present time. That's why I guess being in another country wasn't what God wanted for me and I thank Him for that!

Pinoy Food

Filipino food is my all time favorite....of course love your own! I was able to get a chance to indulge myself into eating Pinoy food last Holy Week. First was our trip to Pampanga. We ate in this restaurant in San Fernando, Pampanga. They had a lunch buffet worth P285. Could you believe for that amount, you had more than 10 dishes to choose from? Plus different kinds of dessert. Who could resist? Even before entering the restaurant, my mother in law already told us that the food there was great. So we said "lets give it a try!"

As I was checking out the food, I immediately got excited when I saw that they had this siding which the Kapampangans call Balo-Balo. It's also called Buro but cooked in a different way. After seeing this, I grabbed a plate and started filling it with food. So what did I have for lunch? Yes, I had to get Balo-Balo, Chicharon, Tawilis, Dinuguan, Fried Crablets and Hito or what they call Mud Fish. You know what was the best? Eating Balo-Balo with Chicharon. Oh my I just loved it and boy was I full!!! My stomach couldnt believe the amount of food that it had to digest for me. Hehehe! and you think our eating escapade ended there? Well you're wrong.

After doing our Visita Iglesia, our last stop for the day was Angeles City. My husband had to have Aling Lucings sisig and to try eating in the strip of restaurants where all the tables were set up along the street. Unfortunately, Aling Lucings was closed but Aling Naty's was and they also served sisig. So we said again "lets give it a try". I have to say, the sisig was really good. The real thing! Unlike what is being served in restaurants like Dencio's or Grilla which are too commercialized already.

Second was our trip to San Miguel, Bulacan. We were going to attend the Easter vigil here because this is the province of my father in law. Before going to mass which was at 9PM we had dinner first. Eating again!!! I couldnt believe it. So much for my diet!

Again, the food was delicious! Enough said. We had Pansit Malabon, Dinuguan, Buro (bulacan version), Baliwag Chicharon, Sinampalukang Manok and Hito.

This for me is one of my comfort food! For a moment you forget all about the calories and just enjoy eating and being with the company of your family. Perfect fit! Nothing else can beat that.
:-)

My Favorite Time of the Year

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. I’m happier, more excited – and it’s not entirely because of all the vacation days in December. I’ve given this some thought and realized the reason I love Christmas so much is it’s that time of year when our family comes together.

Like a lot of Filipino families, ours is spread across 2 continents. Half of us live here in the Philippines, and the other half is in the states. It’s been this way pretty much since I was 15 (and that’s a looong time ago!)

Our family marks the passing of the years with 2 milestones – Summer (when those of us on the Manila side go to the US for the summer) and Christmas (which is the other way around).

Being the sibling with limited financial resources (unfortunately!), the Summer milestone usually passes me by. And that brings me back to Christmas – a crazy time that goes by in a happy blur – trips to and from the airport, endless “welcome home” and “happy trip” dinners, hours spent sitting around, talking, eating (gaining pounds) and just catching up. Last Christmas was extra special, because for the first time in 10 years, everyone made it home.

I read something interesting about long distance relationships –how technology bridges the distance with IM, VOIP, webcams and so on – but in the end there’s no substitute for seeing people you really care about, walking up to them, and giving them a big hug.