inspiration, yes; a saint, no!

In my opinion...

I am totally in favor of having President Cory as an inspiration to bring the best in every Filipino, but making her a saint, in my opinion, is too much. I think we have a problem here.

A lot of Cory supporters have been clamoring on making her a saint, some have even suggested that we pray to her. Hello! I have nothing against my Cabalen. In fact, I am encouraged to become a better Filipino because of the love she has shown for our country. But, don't you think that elevating her status to that of a saint, thus eventually praying to her, would be acceptable in heaven? Have you thought of her own opinion on this matter? Would she even entertain the idea of becoming a saint?

God, I believe is the Only One to whom we should pray to. No one else should we direct our supplications other than God. There are 3 important facts. Only God is:
a) Omnipresent - that is, God is everywhere and is present at all times. He is present here in my room as well as in the place where you are right now.
b) Omniscient- that is, God is all-knowing. He knows your business. He knows your secrets. He knows your prayers even before you speak of them.
c) Omnipotent - that is, God has unlimited power. He is almighty. He can do anything.

Until the day when my Cabalen becomes these 3, elevating her in the same level as God will just be an illusion. And I won't wait for that day to come. In my heart there is only one God. And, it is only to Him that we should pray to and it is only through Him that we receive anwers to our prayers.

no less than tofu

Spicy Tofu in Black Bean Garlic Sauce

Constant leafing through pages of various food magazines inspired me to whip up a simple yet tasty dish – Spicy Tofu in Black Bean Garlic Sauce. The ingredients are easily available in the supermarket and it’s cooked in no time. My first attempt was a success judging from the clean plates left on the table.

A friend asked me if I follow recipes to the letter. I don’t, honestly. I think recipes are there to guide and inspire you but the final dish should always be according to your taste. Baking is another matter, ok. By the way, I don’t measure ingredients. As Rachel Ray would often say, “Just eyeball it!” And, that’s what I do ever since I started experimenting in the kitchen.

I still have half of the firm tofu soaking in water. I have no idea yet if it will turn into another delish dish.

Wait and taste…;)

the Queen we never had

a sea of yellow dedicated to a woman who made yellow as meaningful as freedom

Last Wednesday, the heavy rains prevented us from going to Manila Cathedral to view President Cory's remains. We decided to visit her house in Times St. instead. We offered yellow flowers but we're unable to light the candles because the rain just won't allow us. We came very early in the morning, anticipating the heavy crowd that may troop the place. As soon as we stepped out of the car, one can feel the grief of her loss but I felt an instant outpouring of love as manifested by an abundance of yellow and white flowers, notes of thank you, and people offering their time to stop by and say a little prayer for her soul.

D trying to light a candle infront of Tita Cory's Times St. residence

A lot has been said and written about her, most of which are positive notes about her life, her work, her passions, and her dedication to preserve the democracy of our beloved country. Tita Cory, in my opinion, is a selfless person, always willing to let her and her family's interest take the backseat in favor of national interests. Can there be another Cory in the making in our lifetime? Oh, I really hope so.

I also hope that her legacy and that of Ninoy's will remain inscribe in our hearts so that we will not be threatened by whoever sits at the throne of power.

Paalam po, Tita Cory, hanggang sa muling pagkikita!