The China Project - Entry 3

I want to go to China and spend a week there this year. My friends and I have already booked a one-way flight but  with my meager income, I may not be able to fund the whole travel so I came up with a game plan. I suggest you read about the whole story from the first entry of this series first. Click this.

Aside from the saving, I have started the "earning" part, baby steps. With the help of another friend who volunteered to do the cooking, we started with small meals.

Have you read Entry Two?

There was a little challenge encountered when the second meal was prepared. It was a learning experience. To make up for the not-so-awesome dining experience, I gave each of the buyer a simple sweet treat. 

The meal preparation continued. I only prepare at least four everyday. I don't actually earn much. P15-20 per meal was enough for me. I appreciate the effort of my friends to support me by buying food or inviting friends to buy the food.

Jem, one of them, said, "It was a small step to China and a big lunch for them." He was right.

 

The China Project - Entry 2

I want to go to China and spend a week there this year. My friends and I have already booked a one-way flight but  with my meager income, I may not be able to fund the whole travel so I came up with a game plan. I suggest you read about the whole story from the first entry of this series first. Click this.

Aside from the saving, I have started the "earning" part, baby steps. With the help of another friend who volunteered to do the cooking, we started with small meals.

Day One - Four pcs of Cheesified French Toast.

Beautifully wrapped in brown paper bags they were sold for P25 each. I see it to it that my prices are enough as everyone is trying to save money. My buyers are usually my friends, two of which will also join me in the trip so I can't jack up the price. 

Here's one photo of a friend who bought one. 

Day Two - 4 packed meals with pork and egg, sweets, pineapple, and rice, for P50 each.

This was both a learning and a touching experience for me. Due to an unforeseen circumstance, I was told that the pork was marinated longer than it should have so it ended too salty. It was a learning experience.

What's touching? My friends, who were honest to give me the feedback, still ate and enjoyed the meal. Good thing it goes with sweets and pineapple bits to give balance.

I felt responsible for what has happened so I am giving the four buyers a sweet treat later tonight to apologize. I will post the photos on the 3rd entry.

While preparing what's next on the menu, an interesting thought came. Maybe this project isn't just about saving and earning money for China. Maybe there will be something more to it. Am looking forward to it.

The China Project

If you have been following my blog, you would have probably noticed how passionate I am about traveling. My view of traveling is summed up in one of my entries (link). I said,

Traveling is more than just booking a flight, grabbing that backpack and all the travel items that go with it. It is tastier than trying new food and braver than jumping off the cliff.

I believe traveling is a journey for the soul. It is a phenomenal opportunity to walk, fly, run and swim the world we live in. It lets us discover God's awesomeness in each person we meet and in each place we go to. It generously allows us to rediscover ourselves during the process. It sends us back home with a grateful heart and desire to do it again. It leaves us in awe making us grateful for life and the air we breathe. It humbles us to see the dominion of God's grace over all the earth and beyond and how they all work together in harmony. 

And above all, just like what it continuously does to any traveler, it shows us how little we are yet equally reminds us of how precious we really are. 

I have been blessed to have been given opportunities to travel. I make it a point to be able to do some traveling - no matter how short or long, near or far, at least once every two months. While some of you spend much on new apparels, or after-work drinking, my friends and I travel. The money I earn isn't much. It's just enough to pay the rent, the bills, the needs, and a little bit of travel if I know how to save well. All the international travels I got to do (except the Malaysia trip last November) were all business trips, which I am very grateful for. If it was just from my meager income, am not sure if I will be able to travel outside the country.

Last year, I was able to do 15 travels, which beat my goal by notches. Part of my bucket list (link) is to travel to China. I haven't. I adore this country. I think it has one of the most interesting and colorful cultures in the whole world. I have been praying for it. I know my God can provide. I have faith, however, faith without action is dead. You gotta help me travel to China! I want to spend a week in China this year. My friends and I have already booked a one-way trip. Step one, done! What's next? Save and earn money for my accommodation, return flight, tourist visa, and other expenses I'd like to share with my friends.

Here's the game plan:

A. SAVE. - Cut on other expenses like buying things I DO NOT need and save money.

    Two ways to do this: 

    Coin Bank - Got this with a group of friends over a year ago but have not been able to use it. When I got     this, I did say, I'd use it to save for China. Looks like it will happen and it should. Everyday, I drop all the     P5 and P10 coins I have in my wallet.

    SAVE Challenge with Friends - It is so much easier and fun to save when you do it with friends. We         came up with a good plan to do this. A plan that doesn't put too much pressure on saving and will not           make us feel we are depriving ourselves of the good things but will surely make us harvest fruits in the           future.


B. EARN - If I will just rely on my savings, I may not be able to make it. I gotta earn. With the help of friends, I will sell whatever I can sell - food, sandwich, travel bags, great finds, old and new items, whatever I can sell. If you buy any of it and as long as you see this photo below, it's going to the China Project and you are helping a whole lot. I thank you in advance. Please? Help me travel to China.

C. YOU FUND MY TRAVEL. If you are feeling generous today and you would like to support my zest for travel adventures. Feel free to support me. I have a Chinabank savings account and I can give you the details. Email this blog through myembry@gmail.com.

D. PRAY FOR AND WITH ME. Nothing beats prayer. The Bible says if there are two or more people gathered in His name, He will be there. Join my faith. Help me realize a dream.

If ever I die before the set travel, the funds shall still go to its purpose. There's six of us. :) Rest assured that all of you will be recognized. I will, also, regularly update you of the progress of this project.

Thank you and God bless your generosity.

Food and Thoughts: The Conclusion

Image source here.

Read the first entry first (If you haven't). Here's the link.

What started as a mere search for new restaurants and food adventure to break a monotonous eating habit became more than it sounds. It became a search for new experiences and new encounters.

My blog isn't famous, neither am I; but my friends and family supported my passion to write about my experiences. In a number of entries, you will see almost the same faces but the experiences and lessons were different. It strengthened my ties with important people in my life and even those I rarely see.

The food trip became more than just the food. It became about what goes on while we eat the food, before we eat the food, after we eat the food or, sometimes, as we plan where to eat. It was about the support of friends, the time to be together, the ideas we exchanged, the disagreements and the catching up. Even if some stories were repeated many times.

Food is an essential part of our lives, especially in the Filipino culture. Food is part of our every event - celebrations, heartaches, catching up, discussions, first meetings, happy and sad stages. We show our hospitality by serving food. Food makes us happy. Eating together as a family at the dinner table is an important part of who we are. It plays a crucial role in how our parents bring us up.

Even Jesus used food to bring the disciples together to remember His sacrifice for our sins. Why?  Because food is important to everyone. Because no one can survive without food. Because it is a necessity no matter who you are and where you came from. It is something that you will remember all the time. Anything that's associated with it should not be forgotten.

Talking about the food and the restaurants that I have experienced barely scratches the surface of the purpose of this series. It addresses more than the physical need. I hope you found that purpose once or twice among the 50 entries I prepared for you.

Thank you for joining me in this series. Thank you for reading all the entries and the lessons that go with each. You may go back to all the entries from here.

46-50: Faith

If you have seen the previous Project: Food and Thoughts entries, you will probably notice that I always write PH to indicate the location is in the Philippines. I do not have a planned travel outside the country so one friend asked me why I saw the need to put it. It was then that I realized it was my faith talking. 

My heart knew that this series is going to go out of its comfort zone and travel outside my country. What a perfect timing that it had to happen right when am about to close the series. So yeah, you can say I closed this series with a loud bang!

I was blessed with an opportunity to travel to Virginia and DC. I got to experience so many things. met awesome people and ate great food. To be true to the essence of this series (you may read the first entry from here), this entry will only show you the places I have experienced for the first time.

On the other hand, in contrast to the theme of this series, I will not talk much about what went on in these food trips to protect the privacy of the people I was with and the conversations that went on especially those that are related to my job.Nevertheless, the fun is the same. 

Here is a list of places that made it to the series:

1. Texas Longhorn, VA

The warm welcome when I landed.

2. Sunset Grill,VA 

An afternoon of drinks and music with these gentlemen.

3. Buz and Ned's, VA 

The Flay Slayer (featured in Season 2 of Throwdown! with Bobby Flay)

4. Europa Italian Cafe and Tapas Bar

A go-to place after our clothes were judged as inappropriate and my passport to show my age was required in two other restaurants in downtown VA.

5. Mekong Restaurant 

A taste of Vietnamese food in VA

6. Cheesecake Factory, VA 

Where's Penny?

7. Osaka, VA

Great food, brave fire show and Japanese cuisine.

8. Capital Ale House, VA

Mighty servings for my tiny appetite. 

Photo source here.

9. Comfort, Downtown VA

The food is worth the wait.

10. Chick-fil-A, VA

All I remember about Chick-fil-A is what Jimmy Kemmel said, “Being a Republican in Hollywood is like being a Chick-Fil-A sandwich on the snack table at Glee.”

11. Keagan's Restaurant, VA

An Irish serving and a doze of buzztime game - GWH vs. MNL vs. HAM.

12. Auntie Anne's, Washington DC

Glad I gave this a second chance. Loved it! I'll get some here in my country.

Photo source here. 

Hungry? I found myself hurrying to finish this entry so I can grab a grub. 

I never imagined this series would end this way; but then again, I have a great Father who strengthens my faith every day. 

Watch out for my last related entry which will talk about more than food.

Kainan na!

28: 28 comes after 45

Piadina 

September 1, 2012

Project: Food and Thoughts No. 28

Piadina it is! My brother, his wife (Kristine), and I finally met for this food trip. We went to Piadina in Robinsons Galleria and ordered the following:

Pasta Arrabiata

Calzone

Minestrone

Total bill is P630 which is not bad for a full meal of three heads. 

If you are following this food trip series, you might be wondering why no. 28 came so late. My brother and Kristine had requested that I reserve no. 28 for them, at that time that I was at my 20th. 28th is their anniversary date. Even if our initial plans didn't push through due to schedule conflicts, I kept this number for them.

A few days after they found out I was leaving for a business project, they reached out to me to make time and push through with our plans. It was also the best time to catch up. And we did. On top of the catching up, my brother prayed for me and my trip.

What does this entry and experience say about family? 

No matter how busy our lives can become, we can always make time for family if we decide to. We can even bend a rule here and there to give way to this 'making up' time. Because for family, no. 28 doesn't always have to come before 45.

45: Three Firsts in One Day

Chocolat

MOA, PH

August 25, 2012

Project: Food and Thoughts No. 45

There were three firsts on this day. One of them is going to Chocolat at the Mall of Asia. It was my first time to dine there. 

Saturday was about to end. Jem, Sugar and I were all starting to get sleepy after a long day but couldn't let the day end just yet despite not getting enough sleep. We all came from a Friday evening shift.We needed coffee and sugar rush.

Photo from Jem.

The second first was our The Mall of Asia Eye ride experience. This was opened to the public late last year. We didn't really plan on giving in. I know I have mentioned wanting to get on this once in the past but we have immediately dismissed it as we thought P150 for a 15-min ride may not be worth it. We found vacant seats outside a restaurant just across. We spent probably an hour talking about all sorts of things while watching the Eye turn and people take their turns...until we finally decided to take our own turn.

It was a short 15-minute fun but with friends like Jem and Sugar? It was worth it!

Photo from Jem.

The third first was very special to me. This day was also the day Jem opened his home to us. Home refers to his family. It was his nephew's first birthday and he invited us to attend it. Jem doesn't do this all the time and I have very high regard for his reasons. Family is private. It is probably the most vulnerable part of everyone, so hearing him invite me for the very first time to see his mom, sisters, nephews and nieces was music to my ears. I felt like he was opening up a very special part of himself.

Without an iota of doubt, I said YES despite not knowing how I will manage my schedule that day. Sugar felt the same way.

We finally got to meet his very accommodating mom who invited us to come see them again. Most of all, I got to meet this very sweet, smart boy named Sean.For a very short time that we were together, we talked about the alphabet; counted 1 to 10; enumerated names of his friends; talked about his new clothes, Tito Jay, his little brother, Khriestan; and reviewed the alphabet sign language.

Photo from Jem.

It was refreshing to see this side of Jem. The same way I felt when I met Sugar's family, Thel's and my other friends' families.

I have always bragged about the fact that anywhere I go, I am always blessed with good friends. I have always believed too that part of making your friends feel like family is letting them in to your own at the right time and for the right reasons. I know Jem might say he is lucky to have me as his friend that's why he introduced me (and Sugar) to his family.

Well, he can say that a million times, but with what he just did, I'd say "I'm the lucky one!"

44: Connection

Adobo Connection

August 23, 2012

Project: Food and Thoughts No. 44

It's been awhile since Jem and I had breakfast with JB, Kim and Nico so we made sure to meet at least before I leave for the US. 

...or, let me take that back! It has not been awhile really. It just feels like it when we don't get to do this at least twice a month. 

Photo from Jem Aznar.

We went to Adobo Connection for a quick rice breakfast and a dose of sweet at Tsoko Nut Batirol after. We ordered their quick meals which are good for P75 each plate.

Photo from Jem Aznar.

We talked about my leaving and anything that came out of the blue. It was short and sweet but it was everything someone can ever ask for from friends. It was that instant connection that you experience even if you have not seen each other for a while. You still pick up from where you left off and finish each other's sentences. It's a connection you wouldn't want to miss even after you've been gone for a while.

43: More:

2012 Food Trip # 43

Perri Todd’s

Iloilo City, PH

July 29, 2012

(Read the first entry to this food trip series from here.)

This trip is really more of a celebration of Jem's birthday. As part of the celebration, he gave us a treat. We went to Dulgies for a load of sweet. We were full after our Man vs. Big Burger fight, but we all know there's always room for dessert, right? 

We tried the following: 

Mango Cake @ P80-

Pecan Cheesecake @ P90-

Hazelnut Love @ P75-

Turtle Mocha @ P95-
This is a must-try!
Mint Tea @ P50- (not on photo)

This was our second day in Iloilo and will go back to Manila the next day. As early as this day, we already wanted to stop time and say Can we stay a little longer? 

It feels great to be with great friends with whom you can spend the whole afternoon and still want more.

42: Man vs. Food

Perri Todd’s

Iloilo City, PH

July 29, 2012

Project: Food and Thoughts No. 42

During the our Iloilo travel, we stayed in a hotel within the city. This way we can go back in between short trips either to rest or leave our things at. For the most part that we get to do this, we watched TV and catch an episode or two of Man vs. Food. I have seen a few episodes myself back home. 

Part of our itinerary (which we only finalized as we moved around the city)is to try the famous 'big' burger at Perri Todd's. Yeah, Jem was right... this is indeed US vs. the BIG burger.

We ordered their bestsellers - the Premium Burger (below) and Pasta Carbonara (not on photo): 

P240- Good for 2-3 'humans'

We were tired and hungry so we won over food. We also won over our tired bodies because we headed to visit more places after. 

Here's to give you an image of the battle: 

41: The Gem in Jem

Ted's Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy

Iloilo City, PH

July 28, 2012

Project: Food and Thoughts No. 41

Even before landing in Iloilo, we already made plans that the first thing we will do right after we find a hotel is to eat. Weather wasn’t as nice as we wished it to be but we can’t complain, right? -  we landed safely, it’s Jem’s birthday, we are on a place we haven’t been to and we are not working. Who can complain? 

We tried Iloilo's famous Ted's Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy in Iloilo City. The meal was perfect for the rainy weather. We ordered the following:

Supreme La Paz Batchoy @ P63-

Pandesal @ P8- each

Puto for P15-/4 pcs

While enjoying the warmth of the tasty batchoy, the rain was pouring heavily. But it never, in any way, dampened our spirit and ...our hunger. 

It was the perfect moment to give Jem our little birthday surprise for him. We asked most of our close friends, his, former trainees and colleagues to sign their birthday greetings for him. Jem isn't really used to these things. Am not sure how he will respond to it but why not give it a try, i thought. 

After reading the messages (which he did first before finishing his meal), he was happy and grateful. With a little convincing, I got him to allow me to post the birthday message I wrote for him. This message explains why I came up with this idea in the first place.

The birthday boy.

My message says: 

Jem,

First of all, let’s come to terms with a few things:

First, I know that you find things such as this a little corny. Please bear in mind that when you get older (as in really old) you will appreciate this. You’ll probably hold this every night before you sleep or during your coffee while a chair rocks you.

Second, No! I have not developed romantic feelings for you so you are safe being friends with me. (Sorry, I had to say that! Haha!)

Third, you deserve this.

I hope this gift tells you things you don’t tell yourself. A lot of times, you don’t believe in yourself and what you are capable of. I think you need a reminder. One day, we will reach that age when even our memory will be taken away from us. Today is the day to remember, while we still can. Remember that you are blessed in every way – you have a loving family, friends who treat you like family, a chance to travel and see the world, a job, pains and heartaches that made you strong and a God who is faithful.

Happy Birthday, my brother.

Friends forever.

I love you.

Fox 

If you know Jem at arm's length, he isn't the most likable person in the whole world. He can be a little bit difficult to handle sometimes. It's funny how we always joke about how being friends with him can be the greatest test of someone's patience. You need patience? Be friends with Jem.

With Sugar, an equally dear friend.

Jem and I didn't become friends right away. In fact, I didn't like him. But being the teacher that I am, I did not stop at the first impression. I gave him a chance and I gave myself a chance to know him more. It wasn't an easy ride. We've fought, shouted at each other, declared a silent war many times but we stood the test of friendship. 

Jem isn't the typical type of friend who would reply to all your text messages,  who would say the nice words you want to hear, who would give you the most sensible advice in the world, and would always be aware of everything that you are going through without telling him. No, he isn't that friend all the time. There are even times when he would skip those parts of a typical friendship. But a few things you will adore in his not-so-typical-of-a-friend qualities are the following: 

Even if he tries to hide his pain and anger in the intention of not being too obvious about it, ironically, he wears his heart on his sleeves (all over his shirt and pants and everywhere else). You would know how he feels with how he acts.  He loves unconditionally when he decides to love; sometimes to a fault. He hurts when someone dear to him gets hurt. He loves his family dearly and talks about them almost all the time with his trusted friends. He chooses the people he trusts, but when he trusts, he holds no reservations. He can be a little jealous at times but that's only because he treats you as his own. He can offend but is always bothered when he hurts others; not everyone can see the guilt but we do because he doesn't hide at all. He protects like a brother. He takes care of the people he holds dear just like the way he folds his hanky - neat, careful, and might take time. 

Just as his name sounds like, Jem is a gem. Most gemstones are hard and not polished when found. It takes time to turn it into a visually perfect stone. Without luster, most gemstone might be taken as useless just by looking at it from afar. But luster can be achieved thru polishing - thru time and effort. Rarity is another quality of a gemstone that mirrors Jem - not your typical friend but is truly precious in every way. 

Happy Birthday, Jem. 

We've gone so far from our first not-so-good first encounter. (See this link, for those who don't know about it). As agreed, you will be my Best Man (male version of a Bridesmaid) on my wedding. 

I hope that through this entry, people get to find the gemstone I found in your friendship. Thanks for being a brother and a friend to me. 

Friends forever!

40: Even Heroes Need Company

TOSH

July 15, 2012

Forum, Mandaluyong PH
Project: Food and Thoughts No. 40

This day was a tight day for me. I had to do some errands, house general cleaning, photo upload backlogs, current office project, a Feeding program for The Project Tenfold Circle, back-blog, some long overdue catching-up-with-friends, checking on friends who are in a not-so-happy situations, church and the kick off our own version of a small group. A handful of tasks in one day. 

I tried to squeeze in all but there are a few items that I missed. I got so tired physically and emotionally that by the time I saw Thel (for our small group kick off and church time), I almost burst into tears...but not quite! 

We tried to make things light while waiting for Tine and Jem. We did so by ordering food (of course!) and by encouraging each other. 

We got ourselves the following: 

FSC Classic @ P80-

Mango Yoghurt @ P110-
Tine got herself a glass of Strawberry Yoghurt @ P105-

Jem didn't make it but Tine did. Before we headed to church and meet Sugar we talked about how important it is to provide oneself with support system. No matter how strong we are emotionally, and even spiritually, we need others. God has designed us with the need to need and the need to be needed. We need people who will pray for us, grow with us, make mistakes with us and learn with us.

Do not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, instead, encourage one another... - Hebrews 10:25