Monday, June 13, 2016

#LengCooks Coffee Jelly Desert


A number of my friends and coworkers have been asking me for this recipe. And because I keep my promises, here it is! 

This recipe is a result of hours on Google, Mama's tips, and numerous practice over the years.


Ingredients:

  • 2 packs Unflavored Gelatin (Mr. Gulaman, unflavored white)
  • 3 tablespoons Coffee (instant)
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1 can Alaska Condensed milk (250 ml)
  • 2 packs Nestle All-Purpose Cream (250 ml)
  • 5 cups Water



Procedure:


  1. In a casserole of water (not warm or hot), dissolve Mr. Gulaman gelatin, coffee and sugar. 
  2. Turn on the heat and stir continuously until boiling. 
  3. Once the gelatin is fully dissolved, remove from heat.
  4. Transfer in a shallow container to spread about 1 inch thick. Set aside.
  5. When the gelatin sets, cut into cubes.
  6. In a separate container, blend the all-purpose cream and condensed milk.
  7. Add the gelatin and refrigerate.
  8. Serve chilled.


I actually prefer my Coffee Jelly with more cream than condensed milk. This way the desert is not too sweet, but very, very creamy.



What do you think of this recipe?


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Thursday, April 28, 2016

Bakit si Duterte?

Labing isang araw na lamang at dadating na ang araw ng eleksyon. Marami pa ring nagtatanong sa akin tungkol sa Pangulong aking ihahalal sa ika-siyam ng Mayo.
Bakit ko ba nga ba iboboto si Duterte?

Dahil gusto kong...
  1. Maimplement ang 911 rescue system.
  2. Magsuot ng backpack sa likod at hindi sa harap.
  3. Makapaglabas ng cellphone sa sidewalk at makapagtext ng hindi napa-praning.
  4. Matulog sa jeep nang hindi nag-aalala kung may mandurukot o manghihipo sa jeep.
  5. Makapaglakad-lakad sa labas kapag gabi ng hindi nag-aalala kung mare-rape ba ako o madudukutan, o maho-holdap.
  6. Makasakay sa taxi ng hindi pipilitin na dagdagan ang bayad.
  7. Masuklian ng (ng tama!)taxi driver.
  8. Makagamit ng cellphone sa pampublikong lugar.
  9. Makapagpatong ng bag sa bakanteng upuan sa isang fast food chain o restaurant.
  10. Makapunta sa Divisoria nang hindi kailangang mag-siksik at magtago ng pera sa bulsa, bra, at medyas.
  11. Makatakbo sa kalsada tuwing bagong taon ng hindi natatakot kung masasabugan ng plapla.
  12. Makapaglakad sa pampbuklikong lugaar ng hindi hinihika dahil sa mga nagyoyosi sa kalsada.
  13. Matulog ng mahimbing sa gabi dahil walang nagwawalang kapitbahay sa videoke.
  14. Huwag nang yakapin ang bag kapag naglalakad sa matataong lugar.
  15. Hindi masipulan o matingnan mula ulo hanggang paa ng mga manyak sa daan.
  16. Pumunta sa Baclaran at magdasal ng mataimtim at hindi mag alala sa aking mga gamit.
  17. Hindi na matakot sa mga lasing na naglipana sa gabi.
  18. Makitang walang kalat ang mga kalsada at mga ilog.
  19. Maparusahan ang mga dumudura at sumisinga sa kalsada!
  20. Maparusahan ang mga nagtatapon ng basura sa hindi tamang lugar.
  21. Lununin ng mga nagyoyosi sa pampublikong lugar ang mga upos ng sigarilyo nila.
  22. Malutasan ang Mamasapano masaccre, PDAF scam, Maguindanao massacre, at laglag bala scam.
  23. Makulong si Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at lahat ng salot na nagnakaw sa gobyerno.
  24. Maging libre ang pagpapaospital ng mga mamamayan.
  25. Maging libre and edukasyon.




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Wednesday, April 20, 2016

#LengCooks Crispy Fried Tofu with Thai Curry Sauce

Crispy Fried Tofu with Thai Curry Sauce


#LengCooks Pork Adobo ala Caviteño

My mother was born in Alangilan and raised in Lipa; both are beautiful cites in the province of Batangas. My father was born and raised in the proud city of Alfonso, Cavite. 

I am half Batangueña and half Caviteña. This is probably why people don't piss me off. Haha! Kidding!

Cooking delectable dishes have always been part of my families from both sides. 

My Lola Mila, Mama's mom, is where Mama and her sisters got their wicked cooking skills from. Mama, the eldest among six girls, can pretty much cook anything and everything and they all turn out fantastic. I honestly do not have a favorite dish of hers because they are all sooo good! But right now, I would say Sinaing na Tulingan sa Palayok is the meanest. Tita Gigi has inherited the infamous Hamondao recipe - a Laminero Christmas favorite! Tita Bong makes her staple spaghetti, Tita Ulen makes salads (or takes us Shakey's!), and Ninang Anie makes the best Molo Soup, Buko Pandan, and Leche Flan all in the whole of Lipa City, Batangas!

My Lola Lucing(+), Daddy's mom, was a wonderful cook and when she was still alive, the dishes she would prepare for us whenever we visit were simply remarkable. Her five daughers, daughters, Nanay Celing(+), Nanay Tisay(+), Tita Nena(+), Tita Baby, and Tabong(+); as well as her three sons, Tito Boy(+), Daddy, and Tito Ading all prepare delicious meals. Daddy makes a mean Bopis and Sisig!

With my parents', grandmas', aunts', and uncles' mad cooking skills, I have discovered I love cooking! And modesty aside, my dishes have turned out surprisingly more delicious than I expected! I guess I inherited the cooking gene!

Last night I decided to make Pork Adobo Caviteño style. The big difference is the pinapple, sugar, and laurel leaves. 

Read on!





Ingredients:


  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped 
  • 1kl pork, Adobo cut
  • 3tbsp soy sauce
  • 3tbsp vinegar
  • 5tbsp oyster sauce 
  • 1 cup  crushed pineapple (do  not drain the can!) 
  • 5 laurel leaves
  • 3tbsp muscovado sugar
  • 1cup soaked tenga ng daga (also known as Cloud Ear mushroom, or Black Fungus Mushroom)
  • 7 pieces whole peppercorn


Procedure:
  1. Saute garlic and onion
  2. Once the onion is translucent, add the pork. Stir and mix the pork with the garlic and onion until the pork is slightly cooked
  3. While the pork is cooking, in a bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, oyster sauce, crushed pineaple (with juice), laurel leaves, sugar, tenga ng daga (make sure to drain and slice!), and peppercorn. Mix them together.
  4. Once the pork is brown, pour in the contents of the bowl and stir.
  5. You may also add hard boiled chicken or quail eggs for the authentic Cavite experience!
  6. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Then serve

Let me know how it goes. Enjoy!

Monday, April 18, 2016

Digong pa rin ba?

Anong masasabi ko sa mga taong galit na galit kay Duterte at sa mga supporters nya? Anong masasabi ko sa mga tao na tangang tanga sa mga taong gustong bumoto kay Duterte?

Disclaimer: 

Hindi ko ito isinulat para iboto mo si Digong. Kung ayaw mo wag mo.

Hindi ako fan o supporter ni Digong.

Kung madali kang ma-offend, huwag mo nang basahin ito

First of all, I do not like Duterte. He is crass, foul-mouthed, a thug, a self proclaimed killer, a human-rights violator, hot tempered. Did you know he was expelled from not one but two schools because of misconduct? He cursed at the pope, he spoke ill of the Mexicans, in front of the Ambassador to Mexico, and he joked about rape, that he should have been first! 

Nakakainis sya, pakipot! Hindi daw tatakbo, nagpaligaw pa, tapos tatakbo pala! Ang arte! 

Digong isn’t faultless. The media certainly made that clear.

Second, I am disgusted by Duterte’s cracks against the pope, and about rape. What he said were completely unacceptable.

So no, I do not like him. 

But I trust him. I do not need to like an Uber driver just for me to trust him to safely get me where I need to go.

Bakit ko siya iboboto?

  • Siya ang nagpaumpisa ng designation of deputy mayors for the Lumads and Moros in the city government. This idea was soon copied by other cities in the country.
  • With the people’s money, nagpatayo sya ng isang drug rehab facility para sa mga drug addicts. Alam mo bang binibigyan nya pa ng P2,000 monthly allowance ang mga drug addicts na lumalapit sa kanya para magbagong buhay?
  • Davao City has an anti-discrimination ordinance. Everyone has access to a job, opportunities, and a home, regardless of one’s religion, gender, sexuality, etc.
  • In June 2015, Davao ranked as the 4th safest city in the world. IN THE WORLD.
  • He has transformed the city into from the murder capital of the nation to now the “most peaceful city in Southeast Asia”.
  • Ang Davao city ang isa sa pinakaunang dumating at tumulong sa Tacloban matapos masalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. Nauna pa sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas? Nauna pa sa DILG secretary? Nauna pa sa bise president?
  • He refused to be a cabinet member four times, refused a nomination to be the World Mayor Prize, insisting he was “just doing his job”, and refused the anti-smoking award given by the American Cancer Society in 2010.
  • Lahat ng nakokolektang pera mula sa mga smoking fines, napupunta sa House of Hope, a facility for children with cancer. Just last year, he gave P3.2M to House of Hope.
  • He spends his birthday and Christmas with the children and personally buys toys for them.
  • He has won The National Literacy Hall of Fame award several times and the Outstanding Local Government Highly Urbanized Category three times
  • City ordinances:
  • Liquior ban from 1-8AM
  • Speed limit is strictly implemented
  • Firecracker ban – 0 casualties every year
  • Established the first and only 911 system in Asia
  • All malls have high end and HD CCTV cameras

Kung ayaw nyo sa kanya, edi wag nyo syang iboto. Sino bang pumipilit sa inyo? 

An FB friend posted that PNoy was so incompetent it convinced people that “Duterte, a man that wouldve been a joke candidate in the 90s would be the one to change The Philippines.” 90s? Sino? Si Aquino at si Ramos?! Thank God we’re no longer in the 90s. Don’t get me started on what they have done for the Philippines. People need to move on and learn from the past.

You say I give him a free pass because he has done his job? Exactly. He has done his job for Davaoeños. Is it wrong to want that for the country? 

What have the other candidates done? Binay says he will do to the Philippines what he has to Makati? Anyare? Nangyari ba? Iboboto ko ba sya? Tuwing may ginagawa si Binay, nakapaskil ang mukha at pangalan nya? Bakit? Pera ng taumbayan yan? Kailangan ba magpasalamat? Tumanaw ng utang na loob? Bakit mo pinagyayabang ang mga ginawa mo sa Makati? You were just doing your job too! At bakit kaliwa’t kanan ang mga kaso ng corruption sa iyo at sa pamilya mo? May narinig ka bang kaso ni Duterte ng corruption at pag gamit sa mali ng pera ng taumbayan? 

Sino ang pipiliin ko, isang taong lumabag sa batas para sa sariling kapakanan o sa isang taong lumabag sa batas para sa kapakanan ng nakararami? I am not justifying his actions. I am telling you my reasons behind my vote. You don’t have to agree with me. Go vote for whoever you want.

Mar Roxas has an impressive resume. He has done a lot for the country, especially for the BPO community. It is sad that the internet has turned him into the political clown and disregarded his accomplishments for the Philippines.

Ngunit ipagpapatuloy ni Mar Roxas ang daang matuwid? Aba nakakakilabot! Bakit? Ano na ba ang nangyari sa panahon ng sinasabi nilang Daang Matuwid?

  • Luneta hostage crisis – pangiti-ngiti pa ang ating presidente
  • Zamboanga siege
  • Yolanda tragedy – nauna pa ang Davao kaysa sa gobyerno
  • SAF44 – may nanagot na ba?
  • laglag bala 
  • Ang pagkakakulong at kaso ni GMA – ang sarap ng buhay nya sa ospital naka aircon pa!
  • PDAF scam – nakapag bail pa si Napoles! Naknampucha!

Bakit ko iboboto si Grace Poe? Even her own family can’t vote for her. Simple lang yan. She once abandoned the Philippines. She can do it again. Simpleng tanong ni Digong about the dispute about the waters ang sagot mo babangon? You need more years in the senate, more laws, and more output, madam.

Miriam, kung wala ka lang sakit at hindi si Bongbong ang bise mo, maiboboto sana kita.

In the hostage incident, Digong took the place of the hostage. He literally had a knife to his throat. He put his own life on the line para sa isang taong hindi nya kilala, hindi kamag anak o ka ano ano. Digong is willing to die for one person. Tanungin kita, kaya ba yang gawin ng kandidato mo?

Mas gugustuhin ko pa ang taong harapang gago, kesa sa taong pa pogi pero patalikod kang niloloko. Mas gugustuhin ko pa ang taong lumalabag sa batas para sa kapakanan ng nakararami kesa sa taong lumalabag sa batas para sa sariling kapakanan.

Mas gugustuhin ko ng presidenteng walang preno ang bunganga pero may nagagawa para sa mga nasasakupan nya, kesa sa mga taong alam ang tama at dapat sabihin sa tama at tamang panahon pero walang nagagawa.


You choose to condemn his words and ignore his actions? He said terrible terrible things. But what has he done for his people? Look beyond the words and see what he has done.

Safety is a need according to Abraham Maslow; it is in fact, in the second level of the hierarchy of needs – right after basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. Bakit hindi ko ma enjoy ang pangangailangan na ito sa aking sariling siyudad at bansa? Bakit ang mga mamamayan ng Davao ay natitikman ito? 

Sabi nga ng isa pang FB friend ko, hindi namin kailangan ng Prince Charming, ng isang knight in shining armor. We need a warrior. 

Poverty is caused by corruption, criminality, and lack of discipline. You cannot solve poverty if you don't do something about the three. 

Ngayon, kung ayaw mo syang iboto e di wag. 

He is not perfect. None of them are. Chose your imperfection. Choose your poison.

P.S. Kung sino man ang iboto mo, mahal pa rin kita.
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Friday, April 8, 2016

#LengCooks Black Pepper Liempo with Mushroom Gravy




Black Pepper Liempo Recipe

Ingredients:
  • 1 kl liempo (cut in your desired size)
  • 2 tablespoon crushed black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 
  • 1/4 cup water


Procedure:

  1. Marinate the liempo by mixing the pork, black pepper, water and turmeric powder. Marinate for ½ to 1 hour.
  2. Deep fried the liempo until golden brown. Set aside.
  3. Put the cooked liempo and mix. Add salt to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.


Homemade Gravy Recipe

Ingredients:
  • butter
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion 
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken drippings and/or chicken stock, heated
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream, optional
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 1 can of sliced mushroom


Procedure:
  1. Cook the butter and onions over medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, until the onions are lightly browned.
  2. Add the sliced mushrooms.
  3. Whisk in the flour into the pan, then add the salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. 
  4. Add the hot chicken stock mixture and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened. 
  5. Add the cream and sugar 
  6. Season, to taste, and serve

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#LengCooks Baked Lapu-Lapu Recipe



Baked Lapu-Lapu Recipe

Ingredients:
  • 1kl Lapu-Lapu
  • ground pepper
  • salt
  • minced onion
  • minced garlic
  • minced tomatoes
  • minced ginger
  • aluminum foil


Procedure:

  1. Pre-heat the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.
  2. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish. The cut shouldn't be too deep. 
  3. Mix salt and pepper and rub on the skin of the fish.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the pepper, salt, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and ginger.
  5. Stuff the mixture into the cavity of the fish.
  6. Wrap the fish in foil and bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until the fish is cooked.





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Sunday, April 3, 2016

My Health Scare Part 2

Thursday was The Husband's birthday. Around noon, I sent our friends a message via Facebook chat and invited them over to our house for a surprise birthday dinner. 

And the surprise was successful! We pulled it off! 



After the dinner, Kelvin and I couldn't wait anymore. We asked our friend to drive us to the hospital so we could claim the results, a few minutes before midnight.

Because it was late at night, there was no line and we got the results almost instantly.




I'm no doctor but it looks like my blood sugar is a little high and the cancer test looks like my numbers are within normal range.

Kelvin and I breathed a sigh of relief. Diabetes is definitely not good news but frankly I'll take a positive result for Diabetes over cancer any given day.

Friday night after work, I went back to Don Bosco Church and spoke to God again. The numbers looked good but I want all my bases covered.



Saturday morning I went back to the doctor for her to read the results. I was more than ready to hear her say my tests were negative.

I remember the moment I saw Mama and Daddy. I just wanted to run into their arms and cry. But because we were in a restaurant and they were sitting down, I walked to my dad and hugged him, he in turn hugged me back and rubbed my back. I then went to my mom and sat beside her. She dropped her spoon on the table and hugged me tightly. No words were necessary. There we were, mother and daughter. I was home in Mama's arms. My parents and my husband were with me. I'm okay.


(Mama, bless her heart, has been praying for me since she found out about the ovarian mass. She went and prayed in four churches, Our Lady of Miraculous Medal in Fernando Air Base, The Nazarene at Pangao, Lipa, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Lodlod, Lipa, and Shrine of St. Vincent Ferrer in BanayBanay, Lipa. I swear my Mama is nothing short of remarkable.)

And so we waited.



When my name was called, Mama and Kelvin went inside the clinic with me where the doctor was waiting.

The doctor's first words were, "Well, may diabetes ka. Mataas ang result. Ire-refer kita sa endocrinologist." Well, you have Diabetes. The results are high. I'll refer you to an endocrinologist.

"As for the CA125 and HE4 tests, your numbers are within normal range so that's good. Although the test is not 100% reliable."

Mama asked as to the odds of me developing cancer and the doctor said she doesn't know yet because the mass is too small.

The doctor then explained the results, of both tests. After which Mama asked, "Pero doc, yung sa cancer po, negative naman?"

The doctor replied, "Hindi 100% negative kasi there's something. (Normal range is 0-35, my values were 22.2) Masyado pa din maliit ang mass for us to detect if it's cancer. Masyado pang maliit para tanggalin, normal range naman ang blood test. Kailangan lang na i-monitor. Iultrasound ka ulit after three months." It's not 100% negative because there is still something. The mass is too small for us to detect if it is cancer. It's also too small for us to remove, after all, your blood results are within normal range. We just need to monitor it for now. You need to have another ultrasound in three months.

I couldn't keep it anymore. I started to cry again. I wanted to hear the word "negative". I wanted to hear the doctor say I don't have cancer. But she just wouldn't say it. All she could tell me was my results are within normal as of now and there is no need to worry. There is no immediate reason to worry.

When she saw me, she asked incredulously, "O bakit ka umiiyak?!" "O, why are you crying?!

Was she seriously asking me that question? In a span of four days, I went from "We'll check if it's cancer. We'll see if you have diabetes." to "You have diabetes. Your results are within normal range but it's not 100% negative."

Don't get me wrong. I am grateful and hopeful. I'm not very happy about my blood sugar but I have a feeling I won't need medication and will just have to modify my diet. I am happy and grateful that my results are within normal range. That's good news. But it would have been better if the doctor said it's negative and I don't have cancer. 

After the doctor's appointment, we went to visit The Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church. God really was looking after us as there was an ongoing service and we were able to hear mass and receive communion. After the mass, Mama and I knelt at the altar, Mama told me, "Anak, sinusulit na kita sa Dyos. Alam ng Panginoon kung ano ang makakabuti sa iyo. Sya ang bahala sa iyo. Pagagalingin ka nya." My daughter, I am now entrusting you to God. The Lord knows what is good for you. He will not forsake you. He will heal you.



On Tuesday I will be seeing an endocrinologist regarding my blood sugar test results. I'm not sure what's going to happen from there but I'm very optimistic.

As for my cancer scare, I will go with what the doctor has told me, there's nothing to worry about right now, my results are within normal range, and they'll monitor the mass to make sure it doesn't grow.

On a personal note, I don't have that much confidence in the OB so I'm going back to my OB GYN in Batangas. I'll see her this coming Saturday and get her view on the test results. Let's hope she tells me what I need to hear. 

For now, I'll keep on praying, the Lord loves me. Mama Mary loves me. I do not have any kind of disease. I am healthy. The Lord will give Kelvin and me beautiful children. We'll raise them to be good and God loving people, we'll make a difference in this world, we'll retire, and grow old together, and live happily ever after. That is God's plan for me. 

I am claiming it.


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