Sunday, April 19, 2015

God's faitfulness


We're so blessed today! 


Thank you Lord for the 8th years blessed journey of our JCOB Shizuoka City Outreach... 
We did celebrate our past and rejoice the present ... we're looking forward to a better future.  
Please continue to guide us, sustain us, protect us and bless as always Lord xx



Our guest speaker ... Pastor Lem
One of my fav Pastor ... thanks for the inspiration :)

We enjoyed our worship and praise songs today :)



Saturday, April 18, 2015

Rise Higher

JCOB Shizuoka City Outreach is celebrating tomorrow the 8th years of God's faithfulness!
In behalf of our group ... i'm inviting everyone tomorrow to celebrate with us. 
This is all about fellowship, worshiping and preaching about our dear Lord Jesus Christ.  
Party follows after fellowship service.  
Rejoice with us tomorrow ...
Come one ... come all and be blessed :)


Torn between two cute puppies xx

After our beloved Lucky, a Labrador Retriever ...
This time Sachan and I wants a medium-sized doggie.

Sachan wants Cavalier King Charles Spaniel because they are well proportioned doggie.
She likes their silky medium hair ... and she is eager, active, affectionate and happy dog.  
They are easy to train too.   



while on the other hand... i want Beagle because she's a hound type.
I like her pendant ears too ... and Beagle's short haired coat seems easy to look after. 
They said that Beagles are sweet, gentle and smarty xx



Wooow this gonna be a tough decision ...
they are both so  cute ...

i wish we are rich so we could buy them all lol :P

ummm ... we might end up in Pomeranian which is a spitz type and also in our list ... lol 
let's see ... we are not in a hurry anyway coz we will be busy from now on ... 
not bad to have a day dream sometimes ... 
but who knows !!!  :P




Friday, April 17, 2015

Another good day!

It's a good day to have a good day!
My fav photo shot for today :)

'am smiling because it's Friday! 

You can do it Mel ... up up and away!

Life is good and i am just enjoying it!

Sometimes we need to be alone ...
Not to be lonely but to enjoy our free time being ourselves :)
Wacha thinkin of?

"Daddy's-Long-Legs" novel, remember?  This is my version! lol

Thank you Lord for another beautiful day


Tomorrow is another day!



Having fun alone

Yeees after almost a week of cloudy and rainy days ... at long last the sun appeared today! 
I had a chance to go out cycling in the afternoon. 
This time ... i went to Abe River ... 
I used to go here before by car or bike. 
It's a good place to stroll, bike or picnic.  



 I got the chance to sit down and have a rest...
I enjoyed meditating here and reviewing my home work from work and activities 



Thank you for the nice day xx 


Starting tomorrow ... it's gonna rain again! 



Thursday, April 16, 2015

My Chicken Curry version

There are many variation on how to cook curry but this time ... i am going to introduce to you my curry which is a combined Filipino and Japanese curry style.   
The difference between Filipino and Japanese curry is that the Japanese curry sauce is thick while Filipino curry is a mild one and use coconut milk. 
So here's my easy way cooking of curry.  


Chicken Curry

Serving:  4 people 

Ingredients:  
300 grams of chicken pieces -- thighs, wings, legs
(option -- pork, beef or shrimps)
80 g Japanese curry roax
( I usually used House Vermont Curry with apple and honey taste)
2 potatoes chopped into chunks
1 carrots chopped into chunks
1 onion chopped
crushed garlic 
grated ginger 
1 green bell pepper 
1 red bell pepper 
1 can coconut milk 
3 cups water
2 tbsp fish sauce
salt and black pepper 
chicken broth 
1 tbsp cooking oil 

How to cook: 
In a large pan, saute garlic and ginger ... then add chicken pieces ... cook until brown.
Add onions, potatoes and carrots... stir continuosly 
Add salt and pepper, chicken broth 
Then put water... bring to boil 
Add Japanese curry roax ... stir and let it simmer until sauce thicken
Add coconut milk ... stir 
When potatoes and carrots tender, put the red and green bell peppers.
Add fish sauce (optional)
Serve with rice on the side. 

召し上がれ !!!




Tuesday, April 14, 2015

OK Go - I Won't Let You Down



This won't really let you down... 
This official vid of OK GO's "I won't Let You Down" was shot, directed and choreographed in Japan.

スゲ~~すぎる!!!



Enjoy watching :)



Sunday, April 12, 2015

Keep on shining Rei chan!

Thanks to my dear close friend Cecil for inviting me at her daughter Rei chan's 9th birthday today
 which was held to their karaoke pub in Ryougaecho ... 
It's been a long time since i never saw them and this was a good chance to bond with them again.
   Cecil and her family are like my family too here in Japan.  
I'm really happy to see them again ... 
and i was surprised to Rei chan ... she's growing up so gorgeous :) 


Happy birthday れいちゃん☆
これからも元気一杯なれいちゃんでいてね。
大好きなことがたくさん見つかりますように ...
Love, mama Mel xx





Saturday, April 11, 2015

Sakura blooming season is almost over

The bloom of sakura trees don't stick around for long ... 
they only last for about 2 weeks especially when the weather is not good ... 
the rain and wind usually damage the delicate flowers ...

and when the flowers gone ... the baby green leaves started to appear.  


While the sakura petals started to fall around ... 
Our 5 years old sakura tree at home is still on it's bloom ... 




Ganbatte p(^^)q sakura chan!  

Thursday, April 09, 2015

Cherry blossom blizzard :)

I had an appointment to one of my working place 
to get the data of my translation work this afternoon...
I went there by bike ... 

then after my appointment ... i went cycling around ... 
and on my way ... i passed by to some park with many sakura trees ... 
and i found some amusing things ... 
 Petals of sakura were falling in the light breeze and carpeting the ground ... 
Cherry blossoms petals are falling like snow :)

It's so lovely xx


Wednesday, April 08, 2015

It's another gloomy day!

Wherever you go ... no matter what the weather ...
always bring your own sunshine ;-) 


Forgive and forget

Forget who hurt you yesterday,
but don't forget those who love you everyday... 


Forget the past that makes you cry... 
Focus on the present that makes you smile. 



Forget the pain but never the lesson you gained.



When you love and laugh abundantly ...

you will live a beautiful life :) 



Pork Menudo ... my style :P

Pork Menudo is  pork stew and this is one of the popular Filipino dish.

There are many variations on how to cook Menudo. 
 You can also cook this with chicken or beef instead of pork. 

This is my basic and easy pork menudo. 

This is for my bestie who was asking for the recipe ;-)

Ingredients:
(Serving: 4 people)

* 1/2 kilo pork cut into small cubes
* 1/4 pork liver cut into small cubes
* 1 small red and green bell pepper
* 3 wieners, sliced
* 2 medium potatoes, cubed
* 1 small carrot, cubed
* 1 small red and 1 green bell pepper
* 1/4 cup raisins
* 1 tomato sliced
* 1 small onion chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, chopped
* 3/4 cup water
* 1/2 cup of tomato ketchup (1 cup tomato sauce)
* 3 tbsp soy sauce
* cooking oil
* pepper
* 3 dried bay leaves
* 1 lemon

* Optional --- oyster sauce, any condiment, liver spread
you can add green peas too.

Note: It's best to marinate pork liver in soy sauce and lemon in a bowl for about an hour.
Then saute the marinated pork liver with garlic in a pan ... then set aside.

Cooking instruction:

Heat cooking oil in a pan.
Saute garlic and pork until brown... then add onion and tomato
Season with soy sauce and pepper.
Pour in tomato ketchup (or tomato sauce) and water.
Stir well.
Cover and simmer over low heat for at least 20 minutes or until tender.
When tender, add the sauteed pork liver, potatoes, carrots, raisins, wieners, red and green bell peppers.
Add dried bay leaves.
Cover and simmer stirring occasionally until carrots and potatoes are tender .
Adjust seasoning according to taste.
Turn off heat.

You can serve this with rice or bread.
Bon appetit!!!



Tuesday, April 07, 2015

Biking helps gives my body a break

Starting this spring ... i started working out by cycling! 

 At Sengen Shrine

Cycling is one way of exercise that can improve our physical and mental health... 

besides this is my fun way to get fit... i enjoy the adventure and buzz i get from coasting down hills and being outdoors means i am more likely to continue to cycle regularly, compared to other physical activities that keep us indoors or require special times or places.

Lately it seems cycling strengthens my respiratory muscles ... i can breath better this time ;-)
This is fun... cheap and good for saving our planet earth :)




Friday, April 03, 2015

My new Lifebook :)


After our fasting session in JCOB Shizuoka last Saturday ...
 i was able to visit Kojima Electronic Shop in late afternoon and finally, i decided to get my own LIFEBOOK!  
After more than 5 years of service of my Fujitsu red laptop ... i am enjoying now my new white Fujitsu laptop!  
Good thing is... it's made in Japan! 


Thanks a lot to my dear provider ... our Almighty Lord ...
Nothing is impossible to Him ;)

Thursday, April 02, 2015

Enjoy life :)

The older i get... the more i realize i just need the simple things in life ---
 a comfy home, good food, amazing travel, interesting books 
good health and be surrounded by the people i love.
  

The older i get ... the more i enjoy life :)



Wednesday, April 01, 2015

Hello spring!

Spring is here ... wishing everyone a bright and warm spring! 
This is the afternoon view from one of my work place ... in the heart of Shizuoka City.

Don't miss Shizuoka Festival on April 4 to 5! 

... and please don't miss the HANAMI Picnic 2015 of my NAKAMA group.  
Sad news is ... it will gonna rain on Sunday according to weather forecast.  
But no worries ... i will declare it "fine day" in Jesus name! :P






Missing you ...

Missing someone isn't about how long since you've seen them 
or the amount of time you've talked them. 
It's about that very moment when you’re doing something 
and wishing they were right there with you.

(This is the most liked photo in my spring_2015 album in FB ... thanks everyone!)

When you meet the right person, you know it. 
You can't stop thinking about them.
They are your best friend, and your soulmate.
You can't wait to spend the rest of your life with them.
No one and nothing else can compare.


Yaaay... what am i talking about???
Happy April fool's day!!!  :P



Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Rise Higher

My assignment ... my next songs! 

 We will worship You Jesus
High and lifted up

He Is Lord 

Oh, blessed Lamb once slain
Will reign for evermore
His hands once bound now save
Our God will never fail


He is Lord, He is Lord
Sings my soul, He is the Lord
And He lives, yes He lives
I'm alive â€~cause Jesus lives
Because you live Jesus


â€~Tis at the cross of Christ
Where earth and heaven meet
Where sin is overcome
To God the victory


He is Lord, He is Lord
Sings my soul, He is the Lord
And He lives, yes He lives
I'm alive â€~cause Jesus lives


And now let the earth resound with praise
For our Savior God He reigns
He is high and lifted up
Arise for the King of glory waits

He is coming back again
He is coming back again


I know You are Lord
I love You Lord
You are worthy of praise
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Oh, Jesus You


'Cause He is Lord, He is Lord
Sings my soul, He is the Lord
And He lives, He lives, yes He lives
I'm alive â€~cause Jesus lives


And now let the earth resound with praise
For our Savior God He reigns
He is high and lifted up


Arise for the King of glory waits
He is coming back again
He is coming back again


He is coming back again
He is coming back again
He is coming back again


He is coming back again
He is coming back again
He is coming back again




Hillsong Live - Beneath the Waters (I will Rise)
Album: Cornerstone DVD


This is my revelation
Christ Jesus crucified
Salvation through repentance
At the cross on which He died


Now hear my absolution
Forgiveness for my sin
And I sink beneath the waters
That Christ was buried in


I will rise
I will rise
As Christ was raised to life
Now in Him
Now in Him I live


I stand a new creation
Baptised in blood and fire
No fear of condemnation
By faith i'm justified


I will rise
I will rise
As Christ was raised to life
Now in Him
Now in Him I live
(x2)


I rise as You are risen
Declare Your rule and reign
My life confess Your lordship
And glorify Your name


Your word it stands eternal
Your Kingdom knows no end
Your praise goes on forever
And on and on again


No power can stand against You
No curse assault Your throne
No one can steal Your glory
For it is Yours alone


I stand to sing Your praises
I stand to testify
For I was dead in my sin


But now i rise
I will rise
As Christ was raised to life
Now in Him
Now in Him I live


No power can stand against You
No curse assault Your throne
No one can steal Your glory
For it is Yours alone


I stand to sing Your praises
I stand to testify
For I was dead in my sin


But now i rise
I will rise
As Christ was raised to life
Now in Him
Now in Him I live


I will rise
I will rise
As Christ was raised to life
Now in Him
Now in Him I live
(x2)





Thursday, March 19, 2015

An encouragement song

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave... ♪


"Brave" Cover of Sara Bareilles by Angelica Hale (7 years old)
(She's an American with Filipino blood) 
Bless u and your angelic voice Angelica ... you are a blessing for everyone... prayers and good healing vibes to your cousin Meric too.
I know u went through hard battle too so was I ... but God works on miracles ... and God is good all the time!  Thanks be to God! 


I give you all of me ... and you give me all of you


'Cause all of me

Loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you

You're my end and my beginning

Even when I lose I'm winning

'Cause I give you all of me

And you give me all of you, ohoh



Ok... alright ... I'm practicing this song at the moment xx


Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Pretty Henna Art

Henna is a traditional art from Egypt and India... they  used this form of temporary tattoo for religious ceremonies, wedding festivals and for simple body adornment.

Yesterday, I had an activity at the International Festival in Shizuoka event ...  one of the features of the event is to try to experience different cultures.  This henna art caught my attention ... it was not the first time i tried it ... i had it 4 years ago at same event with Indian artist and it was cool.
This time ... i tried it again ...

Here's my henna art ↓... made by a lady from Bangladesh. 

The next day ... it turned brown like this. ↓.. they said this will last for a week.
This is really cool ...
but when i worked today as interpreter at the prosecutor's office ...
it was really awkward :P


Friday, February 20, 2015

International Festival in Shizuoka 2015

You are all invited! 
Rain or shine! (It's gonna be rain on Sunday for sure :P)
International Festival in Shizuoka on Sunday, 22nd of February... 
Philippine NAKAMA Organization will be promoting our culture and tradition too!
— at 静岡市国際交流協会.
At the Int'l. Corner, Phil. NAKAMA booth will introduce our organization and activities.
At World Cafe Booth, our Pres. Dang Palima will introduce her specialty kakanin "Bibingka".
At the stage program, the members of NAKAMA will dance again the "Pinoy Ako" plus witness the first performance of "Tinikling" of our very own Nakama Kids Folk Dancers.
See u all there!


Sunday, February 15, 2015

Right on Emil!

Sharing my nephew's rendition of Bruno Mars' When I was your man ... way to go my dear!
Welcome to the family of good singers ...lol

Thursday, February 05, 2015

Unexpected Mondate!

Finally ... i had a chance to go out dating with one of my long lost BFF --- Lolit !
I was busy organizing the house when Lolit phoned me after lunch saying that she was available to see me that Monday ... February 2 ... So we decided to meet in the afternoon in Akihabara Station which is near to our house here in Tokyo.  So even i am busy ... i ignored what i was doing and hurried up to see her.  


We actually met twice here in Japan thru JCOB's big event ...  but it was always a quick hugging and greetings only ... it's our first time to have a moment date... after 26 years !  We're really happy to our reunion ... what to be expect??? ... girls talk  ... never ending kumustahan and recalling the past and testimonials lol.
The moment we start talking about our presents lives ... awww i have no hesitations ... she's really my big sis that i used to open and tell her everything ... she's always there to listen and have a big heart to understand... and most of all she's still the cheerful lady i know.  
Well, i did same to her too (of course!) we did pamper each other ... hahah!
Ohhh what a life we have struggled since on our 20's... and come to think of them... we are thanking God that we are always blessed somehow up to now.  

Lolit and I are also wishing to have a reunion with our group of friends way back then -- like Maryann,Tet, Christy, Marivic, Lina ... we all been separated when everyone started going and working on different places and countries ... thanks to Facebook especially to Maryann for reuniting us all.

I will never forget those days we had on our 20's ... that's one of the most memorable part of my life ... those were the times we really started to grow and became stronger and i am happy to see everyone successful in their lives.

and Lolit ... thanks for the precious moment date and your wonderful present, the cardigan  ... i hope to see you again here in Tokyo xxx

  

Life in Tokyo

It's a good thing that my daughter Sachan is near to her home town Shizuoka this time.
From Niigata ... she got her new job in Chiyoda, Tokyo so here we areee ... moving time!  
 Last Friday of January ... It was snowing in Tokyo ...
We started moving in Tokyo!


organizing all the stuff 

Monster's balancing game

Ganbatte mama!


Connecting TV set
 Done with the room light! 

Feeling better with new carpet ... haizzz :)

Our first breakfast -- easy one!

Collection--- Bowing to Harley Davidson Motorcycles!

Sachan got limited magnet letters and she said to use them to form some words or sentence i can think of ... lol  

 Our keys! 


Our room is way up there!


feeling so gooood

  I likeTokyo because it's really a very interesting city ... but personally i don't think i want to live here for keeps ...  it's a busy city for aging woman like me lol ... i prepare the quiet and simple life like in rural areas xx

3 days after...  done ... and down!