#AWOL

People, I haven't been blogging. I took a break from everything. As in everything. Even BentoMommas took a back seat, and I closed my kitchen for three whole months. Imagine that! I needed a breather. And yet, a breather I did not get.

Took two wrong turns in life, and found myself drowning in self-pity and what-not. But you know, God is good. His grace is forever sufficient, and today, I know exactly why those events had to happen.

So anyway, I am was AWOL. But you are hearing from me today, because I miss writing. I took an almost two-week trip to Sydney last month. Attended the Hillsong Conference and nursed a bad back. Came home with a cold, and a very bad case of acid reflux and IBS. Ouch.

Hillsong Church!

Day 2 of Conference!

Baking at home with my honorary godson, Marcus. Thanks, Maris, for this photo.

Obviously unwell, but loved bonding with KY.

But all is well and yes, I am eating well again. Oops. Today, I got back to BentoMomma duties, and I must say I am a tad rustyyyyy.

Back to bento-making. This one is a Pinkie Pie party for Katniss!

It's been pretty busy at work, and I need to prioritize. Unfortunately, the blog has been on the receiving end of time deprivation. :(

I hope you check back from time to time. And while you're at it, I hope you take time to follow my page on Facebook (and stay updated!).


See you around, Mate!

#GuessWhat | A BIG SURPRISE!

I have been wanting to write about this since I first got the news. Itching. Eager. And all the synonyms you can think of to mean such. But I didn't get the go-ahead from the campaign manager until last week, so I had to keep this piece of news all to myself. Well, myself and a few good friends. Hehe. But first, let me give you a brief background.

A few days after the New Year, I decided to join this year's Prayer and Fasting. Not because I wanted something from God, but because I knew I needed to work on my prayer life this year. I have not been so faithful - you get lost amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I have been so busy, and although I know it is not an excuse, I have been lacking and missing-in-action in my daily quiet time with God. I know, bad. But such was life in 2015. I have no excuse, really.

So on Day 1 of Prayer and Fasting, I was particularly giddy. At the office, I was telling my assistant how I wanted to transform our office and how I planned to shell out the money for it. When asked how I was going to pay for everything, I declared out loud, "Mayaman ako, anak ako ng Diyos!" ("I am rich, I am God's child!") That evening, as I was going through the questions in my guide book, I came across this particular Q: "How has God been faithful to you in the past year?" As I reflected on this, I couldn't help but feel grateful because God has been more than faithful. I recalled a post that came up on Facebook Memories back in December, and it was this Christmas Wish List I wrote about 5 years ago. And it's funny, because I appeared to be so needy back then. But anyway, that post made me even more grateful as I reflected on God's goodness, because compared to back then, today, I have everything I need. So yes, back to my reflection on 2015... I was feeling a tad overwhelmed because God provided - He gave me even the things I didn't ask for.

As I reflected on the next question on my faith goal for 2016, I didn't know what else to put. I kept thinking about work so I decided that my faith goal for 2016, aside from financial breakthrough, would be a successful 2016 for work (sidenote: we have been struggling, so yes, work needs a major turn-around, a miracle to get us out of the red). As I prayed to cap the day, I asked the Lord for this specifically. Because I knew that was the burden He placed in my heart. I knew it was a burden for a reason. And for my personal goals for 2016, I negotiated, "Lord, I know You will take care of me. I will not ask for anything else but breakthrough for (insert place of work here)." That evening, I went to sleep at peace.

Backtrack a bit to December.

Every year, Judy and Benji of itsjudyslife hold a fundraiser for various charities. They call it #Dancember. Their main charity for 2015 is Convoy of Hope - a group that works to end hunger for children across the globe. All throughout the month of December, whenever they reach a specific milestone amount, Judy, Benji and their friends dance on their vlogs. They also hold a 24-hour live broadcast around the third week and showcase other vloggers and social media personalities. Overall, for #Dancember, they raised a whopping amount of P228,000! So during the live broadcast, I decided I was going to contribute to their good cause. I donated!

Now, this particular #Dancember is special because Judy and Benji worked with a campaign manager, Prizeo - they were actually giving out a prize! Each $5 donation earned a participant one raffle ticket. They were giving away a trip + VIP experience to VidCon2016!

So back to Day 2 in January... 

I woke up to an email from Prizeo telling me I had won that trip to VidCon! Not just for me, but also for my nominated friend. I had nominated KY since we both watch itsjudyslife religiously. There I was, staring at the screen for a good 5 minutes, filled with unbelief. Thousands had contributed to their cause. Out of thousands, only one would win, and that person was me. A random pick, but God chose me!

Let me just say that although a trip like this wasn't part of my faith goals for 2016, I was believing in God's provision - trusting He knows the desires of my heart. The cool thing is - this was part of KY's faith goal! She had prayed for this because she recently started her own YouTube channel. KY was, needless to say, ecstatic. Beyond ecstatic!

He gives you even the things you do not ask for. Truly, the Lord holds nothing back. He is our Heavenly Father who loves us more than anyone else would. What more if you make your prayers known?

Do you believe in breakthroughs? Prayer is a powerful tool, and it comes free. The Lord is faithful, and I am humbled by His goodness.


“Ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you." Matthew 7:7 NCV

#DareToBelieve

Happy New Year!

So 2015 was a blur. Seriously, last year, right after the holidays, I was promising a recap on that family cruise we took. Now, here I am, in the year 2016, and I haven't even written much on what went on the past year.

2016. Feels like the future is here.

Photo from Star Wars

So we spent the holidays with family. I spent it cooking, baking, and taking A out on quality momma and daughter bonding dates - something we both really, really need.

Bonding over good Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung.

And I didn't bother much about seeing other people, except for Mish, Mia, Candy and Shar for Holiday Tea on the 23rd.

Holiday Tea-ing with the girls.
Incidentally, Mish will be selling these really pretty table linen for #MotherWhoBrunch.
Check them out on Instagram at @motherswhobrunch

After getting myself stuck in traffic for three hours driving home, I decided I was going to shut down my phone and spend my Christmas and New Year incommunicado.  So I am sorry if you were trying to reach me. I had my phone on DND - really needed a little peace and quiet.

So no, I didn't even bother going to class reunions (oops), and I didn't see any of my girls (nope, not the BentoMommas, not the Chinese Mafia Moms, none of the SoMoms, or the So-so-Moms, hehe - nada).

For Christmas, we spent the evening at my parents' place. I prepped Tri-Noodle and Russian Salad, while my brother cooked Bistek. We didn't have the usual, as the helper was out for Christmas, so we cooked what the kids and the folks wanted to eat.

My raclette cheese plate from Christmas Eve dinner.

Tri-Noodle!

Russian Salad with ManMade Matcha Finishing Salt. 

In between Christmas and New Year, RL spent the whole time with KY, so A and I got to bond some more. For the New Year Countdown, we got to stay at Marriott.

RL ready to attack his fresh mangoes at the lounge on the first morning of the New Year.

It was a good break from the hustle and bustle. And a great chance to separate myself from all the negativity and stress. I am thankful beyond words for the year that has passed.

But yes, I am ready for 2016. I say, bring it on!

Back to the Daily Grind.

Hello folks, I am back. I have been away, and I will tell you why. 

OZ
I took a vacay. Well, not exactly since it was a working vacay. Flew to Australia for the Hillsong Conference and what a blessing it was to have been given this chance!

Harbour Bridge, Sydney. Taken from the Train Station at Circular Quay.

I wasn't prepared for the cold though. It is Winter in Australia, but the forecast all showed 13-18 degrees, only to find out it went down to even -3 degrees while I was there. Crazy!!! But what an experience it was!

Bondi Beach. Would you believe there were actual surfers and people in two piece bikinis that day?

The company I work for has been the exclusive distributors of the Hillsong brand since the 80s and this is the very first time we've attended their annual conference. Usually, during the June-July period, we fly to the US for a Christian Retailers Convention, but this year, after the Hillsong Worship concert, I had the desire to see and experience Hillsong for myself. Good thing my boss agreed and allowed me this opportunity. I am forever changed.

Hillsong Church has been holding conference for 30 years (it's their 30th next year). And wow. When over 20,000 people (plus a lot more online) come together to worship God in one place, it is more than amazing. I have no words, as words cannot fully grasp what my heart is trying to say. But it was awesome. It is awesome. I still have a hangover.

AllPhones Arena at Sydney's Olympic Park was full!! Amazing experience!!!

Imagine 5 whole days of worshiping with Hillsong? That's like attending 5 worship concerts - all day, everyday. 

Next year, the conference in Sydney is happening from July 5 to 8. If you seriously want to go, we are looking at forming a group. I have yet to confirm this, but do stay tuned.

SICK
I came home to a sick little boy. The first weekend I was home, RL didn't seem like his usual self. We even went to catch the Minions Movie, and he wasn't excited at all. Turns out, he had contracted Chicken Pox! Where? When? How? I have no idea. We called his school, his school bus, and no one recently had it. So we kept him home for the next two weeks. He is back in school now, and his blisters have all healed. He hardly has any on his face, thank goodness. He did miss a few vtrs. Boo, but we know God has something better planned for him.

My poor little boy with his babies. Hehe.

While RL was sick, I came down with the flu. Oh what perfect timing to get immunity down right when a highly contagious virus is present at home. But all is well, since I got the pox as an adult in college (I know, late). So I've been in and out of it since that Oz trip. But all is well now, and like I said... I am back to the daily grind.

Going through a ton of homework, tests and activity sheets he had missed! A TON!

RESPONSIBILITIES
Work has been crazy, and that is an understatement. We are planning something big at the office, and I have had to put the blog on standby. But I want to write! And all my blog drafts are in my head. Argh! But I can't quit my dayjob, nor can I sidestep my responsibilities at BentoMommas. Plus my momma duties are crazy! RL's daily homework and weekly tests have taken a big chunk out of my daily me-time. Sniff.

Seriously, someone find me a partner, I am drowning here.

Overhaul.

Not this blog.

But life.

Well, okay. This blog, too.

But what's new?

I went on vacay and my brain went on an extra three weeks off. I totally zoned out. But let me tell you about the months that passed.

MY BROTHER GOT MARRIED.

All dressed up! 

WE CELEBRATED THE NEW YEAR IN PHUKET.

Flying a paper lantern on New Year's Eve.

WE GOT A NEW CAT.

Meet Sophie.  

I MADE A THOUSAND AND ONE CHARABEN BENTOS IN BETWEEN.

Baymax for one of 'em parties.

Life has been nothing short of toxic. I've been doing a lot of thinking (with little sleep, if I do get to sleep, that is) and soul searching. And I now know that it is time for a change.

I have had enough.

And yes, I learned it the long (winding!), hard way, but I suppose it takes time, these things.These realizations. These convictions.

Now I know that I need that change.

IT. IS. TIME.


~~~

Dear friends (and PR friends). I am back. I will make time for this blog. And for that backlog. I apologize for the long hiatus. But yes, back. So see you around.

Ouch! Hot Oil Burns!

I know I said I was back, and I do have a couple of blog posts that need a little fine-tuning, and should be out this week. BUT, I am interrupting regular programming with this post, because it is a game changer for many, many things. 

Yesterday, while at the shoot for a brand we are currently endorsing, I got up to help BM A cook something on the stove. While she handed me the tongs, and I proceeded to get whatever was cooking  from the pan, the tongs sprung open and scooped hot, burning oil - splashing me (and a little on BM A) in the process. So yes, I burned my arms, and a bit of my chest. When I say a bit, I mean not-my-whole-body-kinda-bit, but yes, it is bad.

This was taken approximately an hour and a half after the accident.

So when it first happened, my first instinct was to head on over to the sink and wash off the oil. I literally scooped water and wet my neck, blouse et al. I was washing out the oil from my arms when the helper at the studio told me not to wet myself as it would cause the burnt parts to bubble. But I remember reading somewhere that you should wash out the hot oil to stop it from cooking more into your skin.

I was right. But I stopped washing after a few minutes because I was scared she was right.

I normally bring a tube of Neosporin in my bag, since the kids are always with me, and I want first aid handy (Long story, but one time we were at an amusement park, and A fell and scraped her knee. The emergency people at the park had no antibiotic ointment, just some wash that ate up her flesh. What was once a scratch led to an infected wound that had us at the hospital after two weeks). So yeah, Neosporin. But A had gone to Boracay a few weeks ago, and I took it out of my bag to put in her toiletry pouch. So no first aid ointment. :( I did have a tube of Hydro-cortisone for my eczema, and read upon checking first aid burn sites that it was an alternative, I smothered myself with it to keep my skin hydrated and cool. I opted to rush home (about an hour away, thank goodness, no traffic on a Sunday in spite the UPCAT) and applied burn ointment immediately - only an hour or so too late.

So in case this happens to you, here's first-aid treatment for hot oil burns:

1) Rinse out the oil. Get your skin under flowing cool water. This will stop the hot oil from causing further damage. Sites recommend a good 15-30 minute soak, depends on how hot that oil was. Remove clothing, jewelry and other accessories. Do not use ice directly on your burn. You can, however, ice the water a bit to get temperature of the water down, if you are opting to soak your burn in a cold bath.

2) Assess your injury. Check and see if you suffered a minor burn or a serious burn. My burns from yesterday's accident range from first-degree to second-degree burns. Thankfully, on the arms, back of hands and lower neck only, and not on the face nor the eyes. Second-degree burns are the ones that cause the burnt part to swell and bubble, destroying just the first layer and sometimes, exposing the second layer of your dermis.

3) Apply antibacterial cream or ointment on your burns. If your burns are first-degree burns (red, but without blisters), you just have to wait and let your burns heal. I prefer however to err on the side of caution and apply that antibacterial cream anyway. No need to worry about it scarring or getting an infection. I got a tube of Flamazine cream or Silver Sulfadiazine and lathered a thick paste on my burns. Yes, Yaya, forget the toothpaste! Also, I learned from friends that aloe vera gel is ideal in keeping your burns cool. Must buy a plant.

4) Keep burns moist. This one I learned from reading a ton of material online last night. The key to nice healing of burns is to keep it from drying out. I bet you didn't know that, eh? A friend of mine suggested wrapping with cling wrap to keep your antibacterial cream from getting wiped off or drying up, and to protect your wounds from getting scraped. Picture my arms wrapped in cling wrap. Thank you, GladKitchen! LOL!

5) Take that bath. I know that the old folks usually say you shouldn't wet your wounds. But take that bath. Don't scrub your wounds. Best to keep them clean to prevent infection.

6) See a doctor. When you think it's bad, it must be bad. So go see a doctor. And forget about home remedies that could do you more harm. Thankful my neighbor's a doctor, so I'm having him check my wounds tonight.

So yes, see how it is a game changer for my daily list of things-to-do? Although my burns no longer hurt, I cannot imagine being the demo person for the next few workshops. LOL! Already, I am commissioning BM M to do the demo, while I stand on the sideline as workshop commentator. I don't want to ruin the photos with my blistered, ugly hands! Also, I already told BM A that I will be in charge of the bentos for the next shoot and that there is absolutely no way she can get me near that stove. I've never really been afraid of getting a few splashes of oil from cooking. But yesterday? Yesterday was nothing short of traumatic. Here's hoping my wounds heal in a few weeks, and that I'll be good as new when my brother's wedding comes along.

Take care, people. 

I'm Back!

And hopefully, I can get back on the blog for good. When the year started, one of the things I promised myself was to make sure I blogged regularly.

And yet, once again, life got in the way. Mostly not my choice. RL got hospitalized for dengue, then right when we thought he was fine, he catches another bug - a viral exanthem that gave him a bad, bad rash. Last week, the skin on one of his palms started peeling, and we thought it was something bad. Good thing, he didn't get a fever, or I'll be worried sick again. And broke. Haha!

This was just the onset of the bad rash. Two days later, his earlobes and cheeks were so swollen.

Swollen cheeks. Sigh.

Then BentoMommas. Ohhhhh, BentoMommas. The girls and I see each other at least once a week, every week. Talk to each other every single, freakin' day. Pwede na kami magpalit ng mukha. Just yesterday, while talking to BM A, I asked her, "will there be a day that I don't call you at least once?" LOL. Because I do call her everyday. At least once. Seriously, give me a life!

With BM M, right before a Bento Demo... 

So yes, the past month or two, this has been keeping me extra busy. I work after office hours. I work even on weekends. And if I'm not working, I am in bed, trying to catch some shut-eye.

Tomorrow? Well, tomorrow's pretty light. That is, if the kids and I decide to stay home. So if we do, I am blogging. Have a lot (and I mean a lot - that's such an understatement) of pending posts, and I seriously need to get those published.

Let's keep those fingers crossed.

Life Update: FREAKING OUT!

If you follow my social media accounts, then you would know that I have been freaking out lately because of recent happenings in my neighborhood. In the past week alone, four people have been killed in our barangay - separate incidents, and on different days, but yes, possibly by the same culprits. What's scary is, a woman in her 20s was killed on OUR STREET! About four or five doors down the road!

I am beyond freaked out. I am more than paranoid. I do not even want to leave the house. In the mornings, when I have to bring A to school, we rush to the car. At night, I sit in my parked car for a few minutes to check on motorcycles passing by our street. I've been cancelling meetings left and right. I want to be home before dark. Earlier tonight, I rainchecked on a guest appearance on Live, Love, Lolz. As much as I want to meet Karrots in person and fulfill BentoMomma duties, I had to think about my safety, and that of my kids. Really, the situation is out of control. I do not care if the mayor says he is on top of it. Right after his radio interview Saturday night, where he assures residents that he has ordered police to catch the perpetrators, another victim falls prey the very next day - and at 9PM! So early! There I was thinking I'd be safe as long as it's early in the evening; I guess not. Nyar.

Already, my mom has been asking me to assess the situation, and maybe move back in with the family for a few months. Sigh.

So readers, may I ask for your prayers? I know that the Lord is in charge, and that His protection covers me and my little family. But just the same, please cover us with prayers.

God is my refuge and strength! (photo from www.wildwoodbytheriver.com)

Psalm 91 (NCV)

Safe in the Lord

Those who go to God Most High for safety

will be protected by the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety and protection.

You are my God and I trust you.”

God will save you from hidden traps

and from deadly diseases.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you can hide.

His truth will be your shield and protection.

You will not fear any danger by night

or an arrow during the day.

You will not be afraid of diseases that come in the dark

or sickness that strikes at noon.

At your side one thousand people may die, 

or even ten thousand right beside you,

but you will not be hurt.

You will only watch 

 and see the wicked punished.

The Lord is your protection;

you have made God Most High your place of safety.

Nothing bad will happen to you;

no disaster will come to your home.

He has put his angels in charge of you

to watch over you wherever you go.

They will catch you in their hands

so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.

You will walk on lions and cobras;

you will step on strong lions and snakes.

The Lord says, “Whoever loves me, I will save.

I will protect those who know me.

They will call to me,

and I will answer them.

I will be with them in trouble;

I will rescue them and honor them.

I will give them a long, full life,

and they will see how I can save.”