Happy National Day, Qatar!

It was 5:00 AM this morning when I had started moving and preparing myself.

For almost 4 years of staying here in Qatar, I’ve never watched the parade during the National Day.

Thanks God, I was able to go this time around.

I was supposed to come with my friends from the office but Hamude decided to go with me too.

I was thrilled as I want to watch the Air Show wherein they showcase their fighter jets and do stunts and exhibitions in the air.

At 6:00 AM, we headed to Corniche.

Luckily, Hamude and I were able to find a parking slot which is almost a 20-minute walk to the security check in.

I came in first and had waited for Hamude for almost 30 minutes.

Security was tight and we were thankful for that.

There are lots of people lined up on the streets and sitting on the bleachers waiting for the parade to start.

It was a fantastic one!

The members of the Ruling Family came in and they are of course riding luxurious cars.

The members of the police and army were also included.

There were kids who were included in the parade.

There were men riding horses and camels of course!

Men also came in riding parachutes and the Air Show was good even if it was a little cloudy.

Here are some of the photos that I luckily got:

The experience was quite good. The weather was nice – not too cold. No commotions or misbehavior or whatsoever.

I am so blessed and thankful to have witnessed this event.

I would like to watch the Fireworks Display but with the traffic, I won’t be able to come.

Anyways, there is always the next year!

Again to my second home – home away from home, my bread and butter and my meal ticket – Happy National Day!

Nerds Addict

I have been fond of Nerds Tangy Candies.

When I was a kid, I would buy these candies together with the "magic" candies (the ones that pops in your mouth.

And oh, I remember those Pintura Bubble Gums with all their bright colors - these will soon be your teeth and tongue's color.

Now, I found lots of new flavors of Nerds.

I can't get enough of them!

Try to grab some!

Yema Balls

Another sweets craving, encouraged me to cook this one.

I remember when I was a kid, I had made some money selling these candies.

I had adapted the recipe from Panlasang Pinoy's Website, you can check here.

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter

1 Can (14 ounces) condensed milk

3 Egg Yolks

3 Tbsp Almond, chopped

Instructions:

Place the butter in a heated saucepan and allow to melt.

Stir-in the condensed milk and allow to cook for 3 minutes.

Add the egg yolks then continue stirring for 2 minutes.

Set the heat to medium and put-in the chopped peanuts then stir until the mixture becomes thick (about 15 to 20 minutes).

Adjust heat to low when texture is about to be achieved.

Turn-off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down.

When the temperature of the mixture is tolerable, scoop a spoonful then roll with your hands to form a sphere (ball shape).

Transfer to a serving dish and dress it up. If you have paper cups for the macaroons, you can also use those.

Bon Appetit!

Peanut Butter Fudge

Since I’ve been wanting to eat peanut butter but not on a sandwich, I tried this recipe I found in Joy of Baking.com.

They are heavenly sweet and nutty!

Let me share it with you.

To make these bars, you need the ingredients below and just follow the instructions.

Ingredients:

1 Cup Smooth Peanut Butter

1 Cup Unsalted Butter

¼ Tbsp Salt

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

4 Cups Confectioner’s Sugar

Instructions:

Line the bottom and sides of an 8 or 9 inch square pan with aluminum foil or wax paper.

Let the foil

Butter, or spray with a non stick cooking spray, the foil or wax paper – I had used butter.

Place the peanut butter, butter, and salt in a large microwaveable bowl and cook in the microwave for one to two minutes on high.

Stir and continue to microwave (if needed) until the ingredients are completely melted. (You can also melt the ingredients in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water.)

Then, using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar.

Spread the fudge into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

Cover and place in the refrigerator until firm (at least two hours).

Once set, you can simply lift up the foil, and cut it into 1 x 1 inch bars.

You may keep in it in the ref for a week.

Bon Appetit!

The Undercover Boss

Have you watched any episode of “The Undercover Boss”?

Hamude and I had finished 2 Seasons.

The show is amazing!

As implied by show’s title, the “Boss” either CEO, Owner or head of the company works as an undercover to check and have the feel of their own company.

They pose as someone new on the job and needs to be trained and all. The excuse for the camera man - they are in a reality show filming the challenges on changing careers or competing against another neophyte.

While working, they have the good chance of talking to their employees – asking them on how they feel about their job, do they see themselves working still after X number of years, what they love about their jobs and the like.

The “Bosses” had discovered and learned a lot – how their businesses run in reality and who are the people, the "unsung" heroes of their companies.

Imagine the CEO of Subway who had never made a single sandwich or the Head of 7-11 who had worked on a night-shift just to name a few?

They had learned from their employees’ experiences, life stories and challenges.

There was one who was homeless before she was employed by her current company and made it her inspiration to work harder every single day.

Another one is the father of four adopted children.

There was one who is from another country and was very appreciative and grateful of what America had provided for him and his family.

It is, I think, more than a TV show.

It is somewhat a realistic approach on managing companies and organizations.

If I will be a “Boss” in the future, I would also love to go undercover.

My Christmas Wishlist

Oh, ‘tis the season to be jolly…lalalalala…lala…lala…

It’s another Christmas spent away from my family.

And I got used to it.

Since I started working, I had spent Christmas at home only once.

Most of them are spent in the cinema, in the office or in the flat enjoying whatever is shown in the TV.

I still believe that one day, I’ll be able to spend Christmas at home.

I have some wishes this Christmas (and these are included in my daily prayers too).

A Job for Hamude

My boyfriend was just let go from work – they said they cannot find a role for him in the company anymore.

You know, these are tough times… and yes, it’s getting tougher.

The most that I can do is to be by his side, constantly cheer him up and give him high hopes.

We signed up for almost every single job hunting site that we can find and checked the daily papers for opportunities.

I am still positive that he’ll get one – a better one soon.

Good Health for Me and My Loved Ones

“Health is wealth” as the old saying goes.

It was February this year when my Dad had a heart attack and he was in and out of the hospital since then.

I felt bad when my mom told me that the first thing that the receptionist asked her when they rushed my Dad one time was if she has money for the deposit fee.

So, it’s just like shutting off the chances of living for those who cannot afford to pay.

Sigh.

Thanks be to God as during that time, I have enough money to cover the expenses and all.

I got a bank loan even if I don’t have any specific plan yet for the money and it was just in time!

Last month was the 3rd time that my Dad was hospitalized.

I have had to let my brothers who are in college to stop from school for the mean time as I cannot bear all the expenses – my Dad’s medicines and checkups, all other expenses at home.

They are broad minded enough and said that they could just continue come summer next year.

I am positive that my Dad can recover and be healthy again one of these days.

I wish that I will be as healthy still as I am now.

I also believe that my brothers can finish school with flying colors.

Financial Stability

This 3rd wish of mine requires time, careful planning, budgeting and good decision making.

I had recently applied for another bank loan and plan to use up the money as additional capital to the business that my Mom had started just recently.

We are selling rice in our place and hopefully, can start working in a relative’s farm.

Rice, as a staple food, is a good business.

Farming on the other hand needs enough capital for the seeds, fertilizers, labor cost and the like.

I am also working on saving enough for the rainy days.

I am currently starting from scratches as all my hard-earned dough are gone.

Sometimes I feel sad whenever I remember this but come to think of it, it was the best thing that I had spent my money on, more than the sale in the mall or the discounted prices I got – it helped me saved my Dad’s life.

I am hoping that my plans will materialize soon enough.

An Apple iPad 2

Yes, I want an iPad 2!

I had given my Acer Laptop to my brothers so that they can use it for school too.

Now, I am using a mini laptop – which drains my energy as I cannot connect to the internet, and sometimes I am using Hamude’s laptop.

I want something that I can carry around, put in my “closet” bag (Yes, I always bring around lots of stuffs), something handy but still serves the purpose of a journal, digicam, organizer and a laptop.

Isn’t it nice blogging from an iPad or reading e-books on it?

I am positive that I can get one by the end of the year.

Have a Happy Christmas!

P.S.

Tell me what’s on your Christmas List?

Seeing Light in the Midst of Darkness

Cutesy Shoes-y...

And Yes, They are Sooo Sexy!

Gosh.

They really are angels!

I had watched the Victoria’s Secrets Fashion Show 2012 for the nth time after I had downloaded it.

Who would not adore these “Angels”’ curves and more-than-beautiful faces?

Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr (she looks stunning and take note she just got a baby and the supportive husband, Orlando Bloom was present too during the show), Doutzen Kroes, Candice Swanepoel, Lily, Lais, Erin Heatherton, Chanel Iman and Behati Prinsloo strut their stuffs the runway.

My ultimate favorites are the first three.

With all the props, the set, the music, live performances and of course the drop-dead lingerie and pieces worn, I can say that the show is fantastic indeed!

There were live performances by Maroon 5 (Last Song Syndrome – Moves Like Jagger), Nikki Minaj (Super Bass), Kanye West and Jay-Z (with a very pregnant Beyonce on the audience).

Here are some photos that I had grabbed off from Google.

And oh, this first one really makes me so “Kiligggg”…

Adam Levine of Maroon 5 kissing his girlfriend Anne V.

Have a Little More Faith!

"If you don't have anything else, you will always have FAITH to hold on to"

Smurfs! Smurfs!

ZZZzzzzZZZZzzz...

It's evening in Smurf Village but see?

They are still working!

Breaking Dawn...Part 1

The movie is already out...

And I am not yet reaching at least half of the book...

Wheeew...

Should I watch it now or later?

Confused.

I Heart Food Network

It was last Eid when I had the luxury of staying at home, basically doing nothing (on the 2nd day) aside from sleeping, eating and watching TV.

Bugsy and I watched Food Network almost all day.

It was too jam-packed in the malls and still too hot outside, so just chilling in the house is a good idea.

Inspired by Food Network, Bugsy had cooked us meals (Yes, He can cook).

While he was busy preparing the food, I was busy washing the dishes after him.

He had prepared us these delicious dishes:

Healthy Pasta (with White Cheese and Parsley)

Grilled Tilapia in Lemon Sauce

Strawberry Crepes

Leche Flan

My first attempt to cook Leche Flan is a bit ok.

I had cooked it in the oven since I don't have a steamer at home.

The only problem I had was the top layer was burned and the inside is still uncooked! Waahh!

After some alterations, success!

It came out like a "real" Leche Flan!

"If your life was all you had to give your beloved, how could you not give it?"

Challenge: In how many days, can I finish reading this book?

Breaking Dawn Part 1 (Movie) will be shown this month and I had just started reading the book.

With the Eid Holidays coming, I am hoping that I’ll be able to sit down and finish it just in time.

Can’t wait for the movie…

Tuna Pasta

Are you tired of the same old spaghetti sauce?

Try this recipe.

It’s not only healthy but it’s so easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

Around 10 pieces Cherry Tomatoes

2 cans Tuna in Olive Oil

Sliced Black Olives

Button Mushrooms Sliced in Half

Cooked Spaghetti Pasta – 500 grams will do

Onion

Garlic

Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Cook:

Remove the olive oil from the tuna and put in on a pan or wherever you want to have your pasta cooked.

Saute the onion and garlic.

Put in the tomatoes and mushroom.

Then, put in the olives and tuna.

Add in the pasta and continue stirring until the pasta is evenly distributed.

Add in salt and pepper to taste.

Drizzle with olive oil.

Here you go!

Bon Appetite!

Everlasting

Inspired by a friend, I had tried to cook “Everlasting”.

It is baked minced beef with vegetables.

Here is the recipe, feel free to alter it to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

500 grams Minced Beef

1 Cup Diced Carrots

¼ Cup Diced Green Bell Pepper

Diced Cheddar Cheese (Optional)

¼ Cup Raisins

½ Cup Tomato Sauce

4 Eggs

Salt

Pepper

Onion

Garlic

How to Cook:

Saute the onion then the garlic until it is golden brown.

Add in the minced beef an put in salt and pepper to taste.

Once the beef is cooked, add in the vegetables (carrots, green bell pepper, raisins) and continue stirring for 10 minutes.

Add in the tomato sauce and let it set for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and transfer it to a buttered baking pan.

Preheat the oven at 250C.

Scramble the eggs then pour it in the beef mixture.

Stir it well, add in cheddar cheese if preferred and put it in the oven.

Bake it for around 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Bon Appetite!

Wordless Wednesday

VCF Reflections

It was my friend France, Pogi, (we used to call each other as “Pogi” because of our short hairdos during those days) who had introduced me to Victory Christian Fellowship.

We were roommates and I always see her reading the Bible every single night and it amazed me.

Together with our friend Mary, we started attending the preaching in Robinson’s Galleria which is just a few minutes ride from our place (boarding house).

We were always on the “Magreresign na talaga ako” mode when we were still in GT (Globe Telecom) when we had started to attend.

For me, to be honest, I was looking for some meaning, I used to attend church but it seems like I do not “feel” it.

Then, there I was attending the preaching in Galleria even if I am alone.

Every moment there moved me and even made me cry.

Seeing your churchmates’ friendly faces and the Pastors’ “cool” way of delivering the messages from the Bible also encouraged me to be a part of it.

It was more of an enlightening experience.

Before I left for Doha, I had requested for a prayer and as always, He always answers our prayers – He never failed to do so.

And now that I’ve been away for almost 4 years, I am relying on the Pod Casts and I realized that maybe I could start writing about it too.

As a commitment, I shall try my best to post my reflections on the series here.

May God guide me on this task.

P.S.

My friend, Mary, had resigned from GT and is now working full time for VCF.

Randy Ortiz for Bench

It's Philippine Fashion Week!

Gosh, how I wish I could watch one.

I was reading on the tweets when I got up and was so excited when I saw the photos from the said event as posted by Style Bible.ph.

Randy Ortiz, a talented Filipino designer, had some clothes for Bench.

The clothes are stylish, elegant and very modern.

These are some of the pieces from the collection that I really adore:

I know you liked them too!

Go, Randy Ortiz!

Am Proud to be a Filipino!

P.S.

The photos are from Style Bible.Ph.

Winter is Coming

Hamude and I decided to have a quick walk in Corniche (Sea SIde) the other day.

The cool breeze is starting to creep in.

Winter is coming!

I prefer the cold season rather than the extremely hot weather here in Doha.

I had gone through my closet to check if I have enough clothes for the colder days ahead and yes I still have, but you can never blame a girl for dreaming of having these ones from Mango's Fall/Winter Collection.

And oh, do not forget the boots!

Check these lovely coats:

And these staple boots:

So, what's on your winter wish list?

I am excited!

I am sooo killligggg!

Got this photo from Yahoo!, and yes!, I am sooo excited to see Bella and Edward on the Big Screen!

Breakfast Meal

I am proud to say that I can cook this rice excellently nowadays!

Thanks to Hamude for being patient on teaching me.

Serve it with freshly sliced tomatoes and scrambled eggs...

Heaven on a plate!

Cosmo Time

Isn't it relaxing if you spare a few minutes, sitting down with a magazine on hand?

Finally, I had a chance yesterday to browse through the Cosmo mag that I got from Pinas when I was home for a quick vacation.

And they have two people on the cover...

Who won't be hooked on this month's issue?

Oktoberfest in Doha Aqua Park

It is one of the most awaited festival in the world...Oktoberfest!

Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany wherein overflowing beer (the one made and brewed only in Munich) is served during the festival.

In the Philippines, we celebrate Oktoberfest with music band competitions and free concerts, aside from the bottomless beer of course.

My friends and I were so delighted that the OFW organization here in Doha came up with an event to celebrate this.

It was held in the Doha Aqua Park and the experience was quite good even if I preferred not to swim.

The drive was about an hour an a half outside Doha and it somewhat made us feel that we are going to a province back home.

Different Filipino groups prepared their performances to entertain the attendees.

There are food stalls selling Filipino dishes and also some booths selling stuffs, some of them were shipped from Philippines.

The swimming pools are great especially the one with the waves.

But the most important thing is that you had spent quality time with friends and family.

We were able to unwind and we had had a good laugh!

Here are some photos that I had taken.

The Kids' Pool

Cottages...Lots of Them

Souvenir T-shirts

"Batik"

Try visiting Aqua Park soon!

I wish these were candies...

I asked for cotton from a nearby grocery store...

and they gave me these...

How I wish these were candies...