Mercy and Compassion: Pope Francis in the Philippines

The Philippines was so blessed to be part of Papal visit in Asia. This is the fourth time our country was visited by the head of the Church.

In 1970 Pope Paul VI included the Philippines in his apostolic pilgrimage to Asia and Oceania. Pope John Paul II now Saint John Paul II came here twice in 1981 and 1995 for the World Youth Day. And twenty years later we welcomed Pope Francis. (January 15-19, 2015)

The five-day state and apostolic visit of Pope Francis gave a new hope and strength to Filipinos. It was said a very overwhelming experience for most of us - those who personally met him and for those who followed him on television. Personally I cried every time he is giving messages and speech specially the Youth encounter held in University of Santo Tomas and in his mass for the Tacloban survivors.

Pope Francis' charms made a very strong effect to every catholic heart. He travel to Tacloban and Leyte even though his health is in danger due to a signal no. 2 typhoon. He held a mass while wearing a raincoat and even rode the Pope's mobile to and from each quadrant of the venues without showing how tired he is, hence he give a genuine smile to everyone.

He is also fond of kids and requested his driver to stop several times to bless and kiss kids. His personality connects people and it was like there is a magic between his words.

I hope his visit leaves positive views, better and peaceful nation. Top of it all should bring us closer to GOD.

God Bless the Philippines.

Pinay Beauty in Miss Universe 2014

Miss Universe 2014 was held last Sunday, January 25 (Monday, Jan 26 - Manila Time) at Doral Miami, FL USA and crowned Miss Colombia.

The first time in five years that the Philippines did not place at Top 5. After the popular names of Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon and Ariella Arida created pride in the country, now we have MJ Lastimosa. 

MJ finished in the Top 10 of the pageant. Even though she failed to take home the crown the beauty queen is still proud and feeling loved by her fellows. 

She came from North Cotabato and a graduate of Computer Engineering from the University of Mindanao. 

MJ won the Bb Pilipinas after three consecutive years of joining the competition. She almost have it all - the body, the attitude and the experience.

Being on the Top 10 list of Miss Universe 2014 is still something to celebrate and to be proud of.

Source:
https://ph.celebrity.yahoo.com
http://missuniverse.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/

Miss Colombia Reigns Miss Universe 2014

The most beautiful lady in the universe was crowned last Sunday Night January 25 (Monday, January 26 MLA) at Doral, Miami, FL USA. A 22-year old beauty and brains of a Latina topped the pageant.

Miss Colombia Paulina Vega crowned as Miss Universe 2014. The Colombian  made history by giving her country it's second Miss Universe Crown.

She was the first to wear the newly designed crown of the said pageant. The lady also one of the strongest candidates even before the coronation event. The crowd already expecting her to win and take the title to her home country.

The pageant had two questions for the Top 5 - first was from selected judges and second was a uniform question of a fan from facebook in which lead to the winner of the competition.

Top 5 were Miss USA – Nia Sanchez (1st Runner-Up), Miss Ukraine – Diana Harkusha (2nd Runner-Up), Miss Netherlands – Yasmin Verheijen (3rd Runner-Up) and Miss Jamaica – Kaci Fennell (4th Runner-Up).

Candidates completed the Top 10 were Miss Argentina – Valentina Ferrer, Miss Australia – Tegan Martin, Miss Philippines – Mary Jean Lastimosa, Miss Spain – Desirée Cordero and Miss Venezuela – Migbelis Castellanos. 
Source:
http://missuniverse.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Universe_2014

Ristorante delle Mitre

It is really relaxing to walk around inside the walls of Intramuros. After 2 years i was able to visit the place - attended mass at Manila Cathedral and visit San Agustin Church. We had our lunch at Ristorante Delle Mitre (thanks for Zomato). Just infront of San Agustin Church.

I ordered Putanesca and Mango-Lychee Smoothie while my companion had Sotanghon and Green Mango Smoothie. Also, we ordered Pistachio Caramel Sansrival which was very delicious and a must-try.

The restaurant has a very comfortable ambiance. It is said a place where bishops to dine. They have displays related to bishops especially the used La Mitra where the name of the restaurant derived from. La Mitra is a Bishop's hat or miter which he wears in liturgical celebrations.


Everything in the menu has corresponding names of Saints, Bishops, Priest, Popes, etc.

Ristorante delle Mitre - External

Our money was well spent with the lunch we had in the restaurant. A very artistic and unique way of serving hungry tummy.

Manila Cathedral (after 2 years)

The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica informally known as Manila Cathedral,  is a Roman Catholic basilica located in Manila, Philippines, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

The altar of Manila Cathedral

The cathedral was damaged and destroyed several times since the original structure was built in 1581 while the eighth and current instance of the cathedral was completed in 1958.

It was again renovated and had a lot of repairs started February 2011. Major renovations are done last 2012 in which the Cathedral were closed to general public for 2 years. It was reopened last April 2014.

Saint Peter's image inside Manila Cathedral

This can be seen near the entrance of the church

Pieta

A gallery of Popes can also be seen inside the church (right portion).
This is also because of Pope Francis' visit this year

"We consecrate to your immaculate heart and entrust to you (Mary) for safekeeping"

The statue located in front of Manila Cathedral

As a year starter, I celebrated the first Sunday mass at the Manila Cathedral because it is one of my favorite churches and it is very close to my heart. 

When I am still a resident of Manila, way back in my 2nd year high school days we used to attend vigils every first Friday of the month for I think 6-7 times. Wherein we will participate in a hourly or every 3 hours rosary and other activities included in the program. We are surrounded by Priest and Sacristan. Confessions are required to every participants and sleeping is extremely prohibited. 

Those activities made me love the church and every time I pay a visit I feel nostalgic.

I am trying my best to attend mass here at least once a year since it is now too far from where I am living.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_Cathedral 

Recipe: Ginataang Mais

We can serve Ginataang Mais as breakfast or merienda. And since it is part of my favorite dishes list, I tried to cook it. 

Below are the instructions and the ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup glutinous rice (malagkit)
• 1 cup whole kernel corn 
• 3/4 cup of sugar

Instructions:

1. Combine the coconut milk and the glutinous rice in a hot pot. Let the coconut milk boil
2. Once the coconut milk is boiling, stir the mixture to prevent the glutinous rice from sticking. Set the heat to low and let the rice cook while stirring once in a while. This will take approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
3. Add the corn and cook for 5-8 minutes
4. Put the sugar and stir thoroughly. Cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.
6. Enjoy

Source:

www.panlasangpinoy.com

Recipe: Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa

One of my favorite vegetables dishes is Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa. And since I got a chance to try it, I want to share the simple instructions how to cook it.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 pork
• 3 bundle of string beans
• 1/2 squash, cut into cubes
• 2 cups of coconut milk
• 1 medium size onion, sliced
• 5 gloves of garlic, crushed
• salt and pepper to taste
• cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a cooking pot
2. Saute the onion, garlic and pork, until pork turns brownish
3. Put the coconut milk, stir and boil for at least 5 minutes
4. Add the kalabasa/squash and let it boil for 8-12 minutes
5. Add the string beans/sitaw for 3-5 minutes
6. Add salt and pepper to taste
7. Transfer to a bowl and serve.
8. Enjoy with rice.