I. FOOD!! - Who would deny that food is one of the most important element to spark up one's season?! No matter how slim I may be, never underestimate my appetite for good food! :D Below are some of the delectable dishes that I've had this season:
Rub Ribs & Bbq
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| No frills American grub. Ribs, Wings, Rings, Fish, Chips and a lot more! https://www.facebook.com/RUBRibsBBQ#!/RUBRibsBBQ?sk=wall |
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| Dry Rubbed US Beef |
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| Baby Back Ribs Family Brunch! |
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| Fried Oreos with Vanilla Ice Cream |
FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.
Lugang Cafe
Lugang Cafe
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| "Lugang Café is the home of truly authentic Taiwanese and Cantonese dishes and more! Cozy up in our warm interiors and get the best service from our friendly staff. Cap the day off with friends and loved ones over our special coffee-Relax, unwind, savor, experience." https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lugang-Cafe/195092840524714#!/pages/Lugang-Cafe/195092840524714?sk=info |
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| Silk Melon with Dried Baby Shrimps |
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| Taiwanese Stewed Minced Pork |
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| Broccoli Sauté With Garlic |
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| Black Pearls and Coconut with Fresh Fruits |
FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.
Melo's
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| In 1987 Carmelo Santiago established Melo’s, the first restaurant in the Philippines to offer Certified Angus Beef, his personal favorite. Twenty years later, Melo’s is now known as one of the best places to savor authentic Wagyu beef, a delicacy that is all the rage in today’s global culinary scene. http://www.melosteaks.com/ |
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| Pumpkin Soup |
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| Wagyu Beef with Steamed Rice :) |
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| Halibut (Canadian Fish) with Salsa Verde |
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| Grilled Lambchops in Cranberry Mint Sauce |
FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.
The Frazzled Cook
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| The Mancuyas and the Lees have come up with this unique and homey restaurant that will surely please your taste buds! A restaurant put together with the mission of serving good comfort food with a cozy homey ambiance. http://www.thefrazzledcook.com/ |
FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.
Annapolis Seafood Palace Restaurant
Well, this season is not only about filling in the stomach. More than the food and parties, it's the companionship that matters, making it more enjoyable. As such, my next sparkle would be the people :)
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FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.FOOD.
Annapolis Seafood Palace Restaurant
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| Good choices of sumptuous Chinese cuisine https://www.facebook.com/pages/Annapolis-Seafood-Palace-Restaurant/105056946195808 |
Well, this season is not only about filling in the stomach. More than the food and parties, it's the companionship that matters, making it more enjoyable. As such, my next sparkle would be the people :)
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II. RELATIONSHIPS - People are priceless. No matter how extravagant the gifts we may give or receive, it is nothing as to compare with the relationships built through time.
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| JEC TECH Crew @ Rub |
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| OFG Joint Cell @ Max's Restaurant |
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| 家庭 @ Melo's |
Too bad I don't have pictures with my relatives this year and was unable to see my blockmates, HS Amigas, and other friends this December :(
Weeks before Christmas day, I was literally feeling down and depress. For one, we were required to exert extra effort at work as peak season really demands a lot of time and energy. Most of my days and weekends are spent at the store trying to sell as many shoes and items as I can. I felt down, that instead of spending and cherishing this season with my loved ones, I was stuck on the call of duty.
Secondly, I can't help but be devastated by the number of bad news happening around this December -- that which includes the death and destruction of certain locals and areas by Sendong, the sudden critical condition of a certain gal who was supposed to get married last December 18, the mother of an old friend who has cancer, and my dear sis-in-Christ who was also depressed by some particular issues. Looking around, what could the meaning of Christmas be if all these are happening right now?
Yes, I was feeling so exhausted and depressed that I couldn't feel the spirit of Christmas to the point of getting cold to God, Himself...
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III. JESUS.. - But then again, ultimately it all boils down to Jesus as my best sparkle this season. How did I get back on track? Thanks to Jesus who is constantly guiding me.
Usually we celebrate Christmas because of the birth of Christ. What we fail to consider is the whole picture.. Why is there Christmas? Was it to give us a one-time, big-time event annually? Was it just to gather all people on this specific occasion? Was it to sell more shoes? Indeed it works! But kidding aside, I know it's something much more than shoes, food, events and parties, gifts, even much more than the birth of Christ itself.
Usually we celebrate Christmas because of the birth of Christ. What we fail to consider is the whole picture.. Why is there Christmas? Was it to give us a one-time, big-time event annually? Was it just to gather all people on this specific occasion? Was it to sell more shoes? Indeed it works! But kidding aside, I know it's something much more than shoes, food, events and parties, gifts, even much more than the birth of Christ itself.
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| Jesus Christ Born in a Manger |
We can never stop on the thought that Jesus was born during Christmas. In fact, I've read articles that December was unlikely the month that Jesus was actually born (that would mean more research to me so I could blog about it soon)! The point of the matter I guess lies on this annual reminder about who Jesus really is.
Jesus came that we may have life abundantly. Jesus came to show us how to live in this world. Jesus came to teach us about the true nature of God. Jesus came to serve the people, to be persecuted and to ultimately die on the Cross for our sins. Jesus came for you and me.
Jesus came that we may have life abundantly. Jesus came to show us how to live in this world. Jesus came to teach us about the true nature of God. Jesus came to serve the people, to be persecuted and to ultimately die on the Cross for our sins. Jesus came for you and me.
One thing I definitely learned this year, was that all things here on Earth are just TOOLS. Gifts are tools to show people we care. Events and programs are tools to consolidate people at a particular time. Work is a tool for providence and for building social networks. Money are tools used to help nurture our self and the welfare of others. The list goes on. That's why when we embrace this earthly tools, we may lose focus on the heart of the matter. We may be drifted by the so called "Christmas Rush" that we may fail to see The One.
So how did I get back on track? Jesus told me to slow down. To appreciate the little things. To not expect what I would be getting this season but what I would be giving. To see nothing else but Him in every situation I was facing.
Looking back, I praise God for not being sick in the midst of my 13-day straight work (was just after that I got cough and colds O.o). I praise God for the ability to sell around a hundred pairs of shoe in a week :P (as i said to myself before that Sales isn't my field). I praise God that I was able to get to know the Sales People from my assigned store, to know about their lives and connect with them. I praise God that I've had the experience dealing with different kinds of customer. I praise God that despite of the "panic buying" of shoppers I witnessed daily, He comforted me to be still and stand my feet on His grounds.
As for the devastating news around us, these will continue until God knows when. Maybe we've been celebrating Christmas in the wrong way. Or maybe we've been living life the way it wasn't created to be. Isn't it ironic how we begin to see and care after we experience tragedies? No matter what the reason is, I know these exist to remind us the great power of contentment and faith in Jesus Christ; to appreciate what we have; and for us to present (v.) ourselves as a present (n.) for other people -- not only during December but everyday of our lives.
Happy Holidays! :)
