Things you should never say to a childless married couple.

So here’s an extension of my previous blog entitled “Questions you should never ask a childless married couple.” You may read that other blog by clicking on this link.

Now what is worse from those rude and insensitive questions are even ruder (yes, ruder is a word, I just looked it up) and more insensitive remarks from friends, co-workers, relatives, or meddling neighbours. Here are some of the most ridiculous things childless women and men have heard:

• Sayang ang lahi mo!
• Sayang ang matris mo!
• Ako naka-tatlo na!
• Having children is hard work anyway.
• Just relax. You’ll get pregnant before you know it. Let it happen.
• Ang tagal naman!
• Mag anak na kayo, hindi kayo bumabata.
• You’re so lucky you get to sleep in/shop/travel.
• It will happen when you stop trying.
• You’re still young. Don’t worry too much!
• You’re lucky you don’t have to deal with morning sickness or labor.
• You better start having kids or else you might be shooting blanks!
• Now that I have children, my life has true meaning!
• You’re missing out on one of the best things in life.
• Tick tock.
• You’d better hurry up and give your husband a child before he finds someone who will.
• Have a child so that someone will look after you when you’re old.
• I only have three kids.
• You can be a mother/father to your nieces/nephews.

People, none – and I absolutely mean NONE – of these remarks are acceptable. Whether you are a friend, a BFF, or a well meaning relative. These statements are incredibly insensitive, hurtful, and not in the least funny or helpful.

So here’s my tip for you if you are curious about your childless friend’s/cousin’s/co-worker’s plans: Do not ask or say anything unless they open up to you.

Topics such as conception, pregnancy, and miscarriage are not only uncomfortable to talk about but extremely painful and emotionally draining when talked about. Do you really want them to say “I’m having trouble having kids” or “I can’t get pregnant” or "We don't want kids yet" or “I’m sterile” or “We had a miscarriage”? And in the event they answer you with these, how would you answer them? Nothing – and I mean nothing – that you say can make them feel better.

So unless the next words that will come right out your mouth will result to conception, pregnancy, babies, a lap dance from Channing Tatum, a billion dollars, or the answer to world peace and hunger, you better keep your questions and comments to yourself.

Their bodies and their plans are their business, not yours. So back the hell off.

I swear the next time anyone asks or says anything remotely close to any of the questions and remarks on the lists, I will stare at them, say nothing, and give them a big slow clap. Then walk away.

What about you? Do you have anything to add to this list?

_________________________________

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Wedding Blog: http://www.kelvinandleng2015.blogspot.com/

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Questions you should never ask a childless married couple.

The Husband and I have been married for over a year now. And people seem to be sooo curious about our life, or at least our plans. I, for one, am tired of hearing a particular set of questions.

If you are a childless married woman or man, I'm sure you've heard these too. Feel free to add to the list.  

But hold up! This blog is not for you. This blog is dedicated to those Nosy Nelly friends and neighbors of yours. For the love of God, please have them read this blog.

Questions you should never ask a childless married couple:

1. Ayaw nyo bang magka-anak?
2. Wala pa kayong anak?
3. Bakit wala pa kayong anak?
4. (While holding your own child) Ayaw nyo ba ng ganito?
5. Kailan kayo magkaka-baby?
6. Kailan kayo mag uumpisa ng pamilya?
7. Naisip nyo na bang mag-ampon?
8. Ano? Wala pa?

 In English (for my non-Filipino friends):

1. Don’t you want kids?
2. You don’t have kids yet?
3. Why don’t you have kids yet?
4. (While holding your own child) Don’t you want one of these?
5. When are you going to have a baby?
6. When will you start a family?
7. Have you thought about adopting?
8. What? Still nothing?

 Why shouldn’t you ask any of these questions?

• Because you’re being rude.
• Because your question may be hurtful to the woman or man; most especially if they are trying to have a baby and have been unsuccessful.
• Because it is none of your business.
• Because if you were close, you’d know the answer to each of these questions and you wouldn’t have to ask any of it.
• Because you don’t know if they just choose to not have kids, or they are having a hard time getting pregnant, or if they suffered a miscarriage.
• Because the woman’s body is her business, not yours.
• Because if they want you to know, they would tell you.

What about you? What silly and rude questions have you been asked?

_________________________________

Hit me up!

Wedding Blog: http://www.kelvinandleng2015.blogspot.com/

My life's blog: http://www.sentimentsofleng.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliane.varias

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plinsesleng

Questions you should never ask a childless married couple.

The Husband and I have been married for over a year now. And people seem to be sooo curious about our life, or at least our plans. I, for one, am tired of hearing a particular set of questions.

If you are a childless married woman or man, I'm sure you've heard these too. Feel free to add to the list.  

But hold up! But this blog is not for you. This blog is dedicated to those Nosy Nelly friends and neighbors of yours. For the love of God, please have them read this blog.

Questions you should never ask a childless married couple:

1. Ayaw nyo bang magka-anak?
2. Wala pa kayong anak?
3. Bakit wala pa kayong anak?
4. (While holding your own child) Ayaw nyo ba ng ganito?
5. Kailan kayo magkaka-baby?
6. Kailan kayo mag uumpisa ng pamilya?
7. Naisip nyo na bang mag-ampon?
8. Ano? Wala pa?

 In English (for my non-Filipino friends):

1. Don’t you want kids?
2. You don’t have kids yet?
3. Why don’t you have kids yet?
4. (While holding your own child) Don’t you want one of these?
5. When are you going to have a baby?
6. When will you start a family?
7. Have you thought about adopting?
8. What? Still nothing?

 Why shouldn’t you ask any of these questions?

• Because you’re being rude.
• Because your question may be hurtful the woman or man. Most especially if they are trying to have a baby and have been unsuccessful.
• Because it is none of your business.
• Because if you were close, you’d know the answer to each of these questions and you wouldn’t have to ask any of it.
• Because you don’t know if they just choose to not have kids, or they are having a hard time getting pregnant, or if they suffered a miscarriage.
• Because the woman’s body is her business, not yours.
• Because if they want you to know, they would tell you.

What about you? What silly and rude questions have you been asked?

_________________________________

Hit me up!

Wedding Blog: http://www.kelvinandleng2015.blogspot.com/

My life's blog: http://www.sentimentsofleng.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliane.varias

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plinsesleng

#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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Wedding Blog: http://www.kelvinandleng2015.blogspot.com/

My life's blog: http://www.sentimentsofleng.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliane.varias

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plinsesleng

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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Wedding Blog: http://www.kelvinandleng2015.blogspot.com/

My life's blog: http://www.sentimentsofleng.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliane.varias

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plinsesleng

#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!

__________________________________

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Wedding Blog: http://www.kelvinandleng2015.blogspot.com/

My life's blog: http://www.sentimentsofleng.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliane.varias

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plinsesleng/