What a change.

It’s been a while since I posted an entry. In the last couple of months, so much has changed. Changes that I am still having a hard time accepting.

A few months ago, I complained of swollen legs and was diagnosed with DVT (deep vein thrombosis) then the next I find myself having a hard time peeing and suddenly here I am with tubes attached at my back and urine bags which I held on. I underwent, nephrostomy 3 weeks ago but the worst part is that along with all of these, I couldn’t seem to move my legs. I am partly paralyzed and needs assistance in doing almost everything especially pooping.

As to how my life looks now, I am resting most days - I have a portable toilet, a walker and I sleep sitting in a lazy boy. How drastic are the changes that I don’t see myself anymore but life has to move on. In a couple of days, I will be getting my palliative chemotherapy in hopes to shrink some of the nodes, so the tubes at my back can be taken out. Fingers crossed, I’ll do well in spite the difficulty. Please include me in your prayers. My cousins has also organized a GoFundMe. I would appreciate it if you can extend any help. Thank you so much. God bless us all!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-nikka-pay-for-cancer-treatment?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR1AatDoeXn9FMyIvkpSZuOVNex4k1z53i4mHfu3Hima6DKhuXmtPPbNhAg

I hope you’re not bother by my urine bags and swollen feet…

Grateful for 2020

Wow! 12 months went by fast... a few more hours and we shall be welcoming a new year - filled with hopes and lots of aspirations to motivate ourselves and be an inspiration to others.

As I try to jot down lines for this posts, I can't help but wonder how 2020 made such an impact not just on one single life - but to all of ours. When this year started, I was filled with confidence that I will finally be free from my cancer woes and can start living the life that I felt I was deprived with by the medical treatments and procedures I went through but heck no - 2020 was a banger with a high pitch ring.

But, as all the other years that passed, where we felt unlucky - this year is no different - this year is a little special because everything stopped at the blink of an eye. This year, I lost two cancer fighter friends, I lost my grandmother and my husband's grandfather. I was told that I'll only be getting 3 cycles of second line chemotherapy but I ended getting all 6 and still not a clear scan. And if it couldn't get any worst, Mobee had a series of bleeding from a wound, my husband was hit with CoVid19 (he's doing better) and now, I am diagnosed with a Chronic Insufficiency on my Venous system. You see, if you think your year was bad - I say - ours was better than the rest of those who lost their loved ones due to the pandemic.

Believe me, I wanted to scream at this year. I find myself crying at night even at this very moment, I am because 2020 is too much and it's the real bully of all the bullies we've ever faced but then I look at myself in the mirror... I have a hair - I look at my love ones... they are well - we're alive albeit with some age inspired illness but we are here, closing this year that broke our hearts but also made us appreciate the things that truly matters.

Yesterday, I had a chat with some friends and they said - they are proud of how positive I sit in spite all the hardships I went through - I found myself in a soft whisper "because I have no choice". I do have a choice, I always believe we have two options or more in every situations we are in, we can either choose to fuck up or to be happy. As one IG cancer warrior I follow says - "choose". Choose to be happy, to be grateful. I am doing that.

Although, I may whine about the body aches I feel - I choose to look at the better tomorrow. I am grateful for 2020 despite all the fears, doubts and worries it has inflicted my family especially to my parents. I am here writing this entry, able to eat... in spite all the medical dramas I may have, I am grateful to have gone through another 6 cycles of treatment with flying colors even though I got hospitalized for low magnesium and almost loss my nails but I am here... And that's what matter.

If you find yourself contemplating that this year ran over you a little too much - always remember that these situations don't last forever. Every day is a miracle and things can change in an instant. We don't know what 2021 may bring but let's be confident for the best. May we continue to learn to adapt, appreciative and be happy.

Cheers to the upcoming year! May God continue to reign in our hearts. May our prayers be louder than our fears and may we continue to flow with the waves in style and in tune with positivity. Sharing below my top 9 photos of what I am grateful for this year. 

1. I am grateful for family. My parents who stood by me at the worst moments in life and still loves me in spite all the tantrums that I throw.

2. Grateful for our new kitten, Ming2x. If you remember last year, our female kitten was stolen.

3. I am grateful for my husband who in spite fighting CoVid19 on his own, came out triumphant and it also doesn't hurt that he has lose a tremendous amount of weight. #proudwife

4. Grateful for friends who despite the distance still manages to catch up as if 20 or so years just happened yesterday. Thank you for your constant prayers. May our prayers for each other always be loud.

5. I am grateful for successfully finishing 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Losing my hair over again was the worst nightmare. Happy to have gone through minimal side effects.

6. Grateful for being able to celebrate my birthday this year with a little bang. First time to have a balloon and cake in a long time.

7. I am grateful for Mobee, who has been my companion since I started my cancer journey. Couldn't imagine how dull life would be without him following me every where. 

8. Grateful for being able to see and witness God's beautiful paintings just in our foyer.

9. I am grateful to be a live. To be well in spite the pains I may feel. Thank you Lord God for the many blessings.

Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies

From a sad entry to an inspiring recipe for the upcoming holidays. For the last few months that I've been baking, this is the first time that I've finally baked the chunky chocolate chip cookies that I've always wanted. If I had known it would be so easy, I would have done this a long time ago. 

2 1/4 cups  Flour

3/4    tsp    Baking Powder

3/4    tsp    Salt

1/4    tsp    Baking Soda

1 1/2 stick Butter

1/2    cup   Brown Sugar

1/3    cup   Light Corn Syrup

1       large Egg

2       tsp    Vanilla Extract

2       cups  Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

*In a bowl, softened butter and mix in brown sugar and light corn syrup. Add egg, vanilla extract and stir well.

*Mix flour and fold in chocolate chips.

*Form batter into a ball and place in baking trays.

*Bake at 175c for 10-12 minutes.

They look so gooey and literally delicious. Can't wait to bake another batch before Christmas.

And oh! Only mixed everything by hand. Enjoy!

CoVid19

This post is a little sensitive but with all that has been happening for this year - everything seems to be a sensitive and unexpected topic. Here's to hoping that most of you are in great spirits and in good health. 

Two months ago, Martijn was tested positive for CoVid19. Just when I thought this year couldn't get any worst - me - being a cancer thriver suddenly became irrelevant. To be honest, I didn't know how to react to the news when he shared it to me. I remember, he complained about getting tired after his usually Sunday walks and in the days that followed, he continued to feel that. 

The next few days, Martijn sent me a message saying his co-worker got tested and was positive and that he would also be tested due to his close exposure with the other baker (in my head I wanted to keep a positive vibe - my husband is a tough cookie - he's not getting the sh*t) but the day came and he was positive of the virus. I didn't know how to deal with it, knowing that I was far and Martijn was alone at home, made it all more difficult for me to comprehend why such thing happened. 

My husband had most of the symptoms. It started with tiredness, a little pain in the chest, runny nose, no sense of smell and taste and thank God, these were just the symptoms that he had. This basically lasted for almost 2 weeks under home self-quarantine. I felt helpless not being able to do things for him. Hearing him say that it takes all his energy just to walk to the toilet from our bedroom was a nightmare. In most countries, CoVid19 positives are asked to do a home quarantine. For Martijn, it was just a 10 day quarantine but he decided to do longer just to make sure. 

There is no vaccine nor prescribed medication. My in-laws bought my husband vitamins and Martijn had to cook healthy meals to fight off the virus. He was asked by his doctor to call in, if he feels worst than he already had. Fast-forward to now, he is doing much better and had just started doing regular work hours at work. During his quarantine period, he was also given letters to send out to those whom he had close contact with to inform them about the situation. I, somehow wish our government does the same, to avoid the further spread of this virus. 

CoVid19 is not a joke. It is real and I just hope most people will understand the rate of its havoc. Some people are blessed to have good immune systems to fight this illness. My husband and I video-called every day during his quarantine time and I can see the look of tiredness wearing him off and it's a painful sight. Prayers and loads of meticulous cautious should be practiced. Wear your face masks, face shield, wash your hands ever so often and eat healthy foods. Most of all, avoid crowded places.

None of us know when this pandemic will end but I know that if we do our share to help each other, we will be able to get by just fine. Thank you to all the front liners who are giving their best every day and to every one who was able to fight off this virus - you did well. My - our hearts go out to those who have loss their loved ones during this difficult time due to CoVid19. God Bless us all.

Sharing a recent photo of us. Apart but never far. Stay safe everyone!

Simple and Easy Sushi Bake

Hello November! How is everyone holding up? I hope that most of you are in good spirit and in good health. 

At the start of the Covid19 pandemic, a lot of great recipes and "HIT" "IT" dishes came to life to make most of us famish. For me, it was the Sushi Bake craze that got me thinking why the heck are people going crazy about it? Why is everyone making some and selling it? 

People are actually making profits from it and I don't know why it took almost 7 months for me to come up with my own easy twist. I have made sushi recipes before (learned it from my Turkish friends and recipes are readily available online) and so after months of contemplation, I came up with a super simple and super easy Sushi Bake with 3 kinds of toppings - Tuna, Kani, Sweet Ham. 

Ingredients:

1cup   White Rice (Japanese Rice, if it's available)

1cup   Frozen Mixed Vegetables (optional)

5cups  Water

1cup   Sliced Cucumber

1cup   Kani 

1cup   Sliced Sweet Ham (any meat will do - bacon will do well - even spam)

1cup   Japanese Mayo

1pc    Canned Tuna

1tbsp Sesame Oil

3tbsp Hoisin Sauce

3tbsp Fermented Korean Chili Paste

2tbsp Sesame Seeds

1tsp   Dried Basil

1tsp   Garlic Powder

1pack Nori Seaweeds

*Wash and drain Rice with running water. In a pot, pour in water and add Rice. Cook for 20 minutes then add frozen mixed vegetables. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes while adding water. I'm cooking the Rice in this recipe the Dutch way but to make it easier - Asian style is the best - Rice cooker :D 

*In a bowl, mix drained Canned Tuna with Hoisin Sauce and Dried Basil. Set aside.

*In a different bowl, mix Kani with Garlic Powder and Japanese Mayo. Set aside.

*In another bowl, mix Sliced Sweet Ham with Fermented Korean Chili Paste. Set aside.

*Let the Rice cool for a few minutes before placing it in an oven safe dish ware. Spread evenly to the bottom of the dish ware then place sliced cucumber on top. Since this recipe is of 3 kinds of toppings, divide your topping placement 3 parts. First Tuna, Kani then Sweet Ham. 

*Once all is placed, drizzle with Sesame Oil. 

*Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

*Once bake, garnished with Japanese Mayo, Sesame Seeds and Nori Strips (you cut them into strips - Nori Seaweeds are sold in big pieces).

Serve with Soy Sauce with Lemon and Nori Seaweeds Wrappers. But seriously, the topping choices for this one is endless. I want to try some mushrooms next time. Happy mid-week everyone! 

External Beam Radiation

Finally, after more than a month of no new post - writing down something that I've promised a couple of months ago... with hopes that most of you are doing great in spite and despite of all the chaos that is happening in the world, hope everyone is healthy and well.

A few months ago, I've posted about my Brachytherapy experience and mentioned about the other treatment that I also underwent last year - External Beam Radiation. This particular treatment uses a specific dose of non-invasive radiation to shrink tumours and cancer cells using Linear Accelerator machines that produces photon beams that is aim on the cancerous area within the body. Although, this treatment is non-invasive, it can still affect and damage healthy cells in other body parts during treatment.

Before undergoing Radiation Therapy, one has to undergo a scan to see the locations of the cancer cells that needs to be treated. Prior to getting the scan, one has to have a passing creatinine blood result then fasting overnight to make sure your stomach and bladder are clear, so that radiologist can get a better picture of the insides of your body. Once you're in the scan room, radiologist will put markings on your body as guide once you start your daily treatment.

At the start of each daily treatment, nurses will take your vitals - temperature, blood pressure and weight. On a weekly basis, one also has to submit a passing mark for platelet count. During the treatment, you will be ask to wear a laboratory gown and lay on the radiation machine. Since, my treatment was for the whole abdomen, I had to make sure that my bladder is full - so bringing in a litre of water was mandatory. It only takes 15 minutes including preparation for the treatment. The treatment itself is only for 5 minutes or less. How the machine beams and cycles its radiation, depends on which body part you're getting the treatment, since mine was for the whole abdomen, the machine makes a circular north, east, south and west motion around my abdomen area - pausing for a few seconds with each stop.

Within therapy period, your oncology radiation doctor will give you tips on what to avoid eating and things that you have to take notice during the days you're getting treatments. I was asked to avoid eating diary and spicy food - for the simplest reason that this can cause upset stomach - which can lead to a slight diarrhea. Which by the way happened during my 33 days of radiation therapy - because these foods are life. The number of days one has to undergo this treatment depends on which type of cancer it is. Usually, it just 28 days for the type of cancer I have but my oncology doctor didn't want to take chances, so I went in for 33 days of External Beam Radiation. 

Some of the side effects that I experienced during this course was the slight diarrhea, some bumps on my private area, a little pain in my abdomen (hello! radiation beam burns stuff - imagine what else it does in your skin and other body parts) and darkening of my inner thighs which were all treatable except for the darkening spots - I still have them until now but better than last year. I would say that External Beam Radiation was an easier treatment compared to chemotherapy. The only hassle was that it was every day. I was truly blessed to have finished this treatment with flying colours - though I had to go back for additional treatment this year - I am grateful because during this treatment, I met a lot of good people - cancer patients, therapist and nurses who always made me feel comfortable in spite the nerves that most of us patients feel each time we are in the hospital. 

Thank you to all the stuff at the Radiation Oncology Department of DDH. I never felt scared during my treatments except on days when I feel like pooping and holding it down while getting the treatment. Thank you to everyone who prayed for me - to my family and friends, I couldn't have done it without your blessings. And to those whom I've met - cancer patients - we've done well comrades. 

This entry took only a few minutes to write but the experience is worth a lifetime of stories to tell in between. I don't know what the future holds for us but I know that I will continue to stand and share my little victories to my friends who has gone ahead of us because they deserve to be acknowledge, just like the rest of us who are still here. God is good all the time. 

The hardworking people from the Radiation Oncology Department

 I have no photos during treatment since this post never crossed my mind last year

And here's how the markings looks like.

Two Years Married: 5 Lessons Learned

A couple of weeks ago Martijn and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary. Two years of being away from each other went by fast. Although, my husband had been coming to the Philippines for a visit in the last years - it is still a little odd that a young married couple are celebrating their blissfulness in different time zones but there are circumstances that we can't predict nor run away from - CoVid19 happened. 

Last year, I posted an entry on the 8 lessons we learned in a span of one year being married. This year, I was trying to top what I previously wrote but only ended on 5 lessons which was mostly from my husband. I'd say nothing much has changed in our set up, though there are a lot of changes - I am still partly bald from all my cancer treatment and Martijn has started losing weight. One thing remains - I am still happily married and in love with my husband. 

Communication, since we are both on Long Distance Relationship - it is important to have a constant communication - of any form; messaging, video call and believe it or not - email (my husband is a fan of this). An open communication is necessary for couples who are spending most of their days apart. Never forget to say hi in the morning and goodnight in the evening. We usually a lot a time for video call. We keep track of each other's plan for the day and would randomly send photos of each other - of what we're doing or where we currently are. 

Be Selfless, being away from each other - somehow makes us all feel a little selfish. There are instances, where I feel that I am not that involved in my spouse's life, that sometimes I feel, he is not as present in mine as well. These emotions can sometimes pile up and cause us to unconsciously demand more from our wife/husband. Being selfless means being able to respect your partners choices and opinions. Listening to each other, no matter how shallow the whines might be. I've previously wrote that Martijn is such a good listener which balances my need to be heard. It is of course a give and take - two way street. 

Go With The Flow, be the couple who doesn't think so much of what they can and can't control. The world as it is, is full of unpredictable circumstances that could either make or break you both. Stand still and ride the tides of the storm with courage and faith. Martijn and I, albeit our marriage is still young had been quiet on a roller coaster. My husband is a dreamer, an optimist and I am a realist - pessimist. A complete opposite but somehow, we both have to agree that in order for our relationship to continually grow - we have to go with the current and see the views we pass by. The world might be too shallow and scary but if we have each other to hold hands and to stand together though miles apart then we're all good.

Always Be Positive, stand your guard and don't let it down. I have to admit that there were so many instances where I've been throwing my husband endless fires of tantrums and I've noticed that he has never let his shield down nor given up on us. In spite all my flaws - our flaws, we have decided to stick to other and think of what lies in the future for us. My husband once said "the world doesn't seem to like us very much". It got stuck in my head and made me think but then if we both decide to get stuck by that idea then we will not move forward and grow together as husband and wife. It is necessary that when the other feels that the world is colliding endlessly - the other has to be the torch that brings in positivity and lifts the other. Martijn usually cracks the joke when my mood seems blue and when it's his moment, I try my best to be the funny Asian that I can be.

Make It Work, a married couple are two different individuals with different perspectives - making it a little impossible to be on the same page but given the circumstances that you might be in, make it work. Compromise whenever the situation calls for it. Always respect each other's boundaries. You might be married but keep in mind that you're two different people. As much as possible, try your best to be there for the other. Support each other no matter what. Last year Martijn started a little house project but it didn't mean that I can't be part of it because I was virtually with him in choosing furnitures and in deciding which and what to buy (although I would usually see the photos once I'm up because of the time difference). 

Initially, I wanted to write 8 lessons learned in a span of two years but in my husband's word; "we can't always learn 8 lessons every year or else we'll have more than a hundred". Although, I would gravely disagree on that because learning something about each other and about our union, is never ending - I would partly nod, since I can't think of anything else to jot down. 

Being away for two years instead of being on the same roof and learning something new every day, Martijn and I are apart. No regrets nor pity thoughts about our situation, for I know that God has greater purpose for all of these. We might not always be on the same page but my husband and I are on the same boat, reading and writing the same fairytale. Wishing all the best for married couples who are affected by the recent world crisis. Let's all cheer up. Let's all keep an open communication, be selfless, go with the flow no matter how bad it might be, always stay positive in faith and make it work for always.

My favourite photo of me and Martijn from last year during his visit to the Philippines.

Tuna Mushroom Breakfast

Another random experiment - well, more like I was really hungry and had been feeling a little disappointment and anxious lately that I ended up making myself a breakfast meal at 3 in the afternoon. Made this recipe a while back and sharing the yummy goodness in it.

1. Simmer Tuna Flakes in pan for 1 minute. Add Crashed Garlic and Onions. Season with Black Pepper, Rosemary and Basil. Sauté. Dashed with Cayenne Powder.

2. Add Mushrooms and simmer for 1 minute. Add Tomato Paste. Mix and stir. Leave for 1 minute to blend.

3. Add Fresh Eggs on top of mixture. Let eggs cook. Dashed with Tarragon and add on Crackers.

Ingredients

1 Canned Tuna Flakes

1 Canned Slice Mushrooms

1 Small Oniones (sliced)

2 Fresh Eggs

Crashed Garlic

Dashed of Black Pepper

Dashed of Rosemary 

Dashed of Basil

Dashed of Cayenne Powder

Dashed of Tarragon

2 Tablespoon Tomato Paste

Crackers

Shrimp O' Corn

One of the easiest recipe that I've made by far but really good outcome and sensually good. Shrimp O' Corn is a twist to the usual bucket shrimp with corn dish which you can make at your own kitchen.

Corn

*In a cooking dish, add 4-5 cups of water and individually place your corns. Let it boil for 30-45 minutes. Drain and it let cool. Chop it into 4. Set aside.

Shrimps

*In a frying pan, add Shrimps, Oil, Worcestershire Sauce and Crashed Garlic. Season with Black Pepper. Sauté until Shrimps turns pinkish/ orange. Let it cool. Peel. Set aside.

Shrimp O' Corn

*In a bowl, add peeled Shrimps, Tomatoes, Onions, Black Olives. Season with Black Pepper, Basil, Olive Oil and Worcestershire Sauce and stir. Add on Corn and season with Tarragon.

Ingredients 

4-5 Cups of Water

Sweet Corn (readily available at supermarkets and it's peeled)

Shrimps

Fresh Tomatoes

Onions

Crashed Garlic

Black Olives

Worcestershire Sauce

Olive Oil

Dashed of Black Pepper

Dashed of Basil

Dashed of Tarragon

Cheesy Creamy Tomato Pasta

Another personal favourite dish is Pasta. Apart from Sushi, Sashimi, Noodles and Pizza - this is another meal that I can live on, on a daily basis. Did some little triple combo with Bacon, Chinese Sausage and Hungarian Sausage on this. It was awesome.

1. In a medium size pan, add Water, Bacon, Chinese Sausage and Hungarian Sausage. Bring to boil until natural oils comes out. 

2. Add in crashed Garlic, Onions. Dashed with Black Pepper, Basil and Rosemary. Sauté. Leave for 2 minutes.

2. Add in Tomatoes, Red Bell Pepper and Black Olives. Sauté. Leave for 2 minutes.

3. Add in All Purpose Cream and Melted Cheese. Sauté and mix. 

4. Add in Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste. Stir and mix. Let it cook for 5 minutes.

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Water

Strips of Bacon (cubes)

Chinese Sausage (cut diagonally)

Hungarian Sausage (cut diagonally)

1 Cup of Mixed Vegetables (frozen, readily available in supermarkets)

Fresh Tomatoes (half a cup, cubes)

Red Bell Pepper 

Black Olives

Crashed Garlic

Onions (cubes)

1 Pack All Purpose Cream

1 Pouch Tomato Sauce

1 Small Pouch Tomato Paste 

1 Pack Cheese Melt

Dash of Black Pepper

Dash of Rosemary

Dash of Basil

Dash of Tarragon

1 Cup Pasta Noodles (boiled in water with salt and oil)

Bacon Chinese Sausage Breakfast

So, I am basically a breakfast - lunch person. Those are the meals that I think are so important that I always try to make sure that my dishes are full packed for it. I did a little experiment a few weeks ago for a breakfast combo and I love it. Totally love the food texture. Sharing my recipe for it now. Procedures are below the photo and ingredients follows after :) Enjoy!

1. In a small pan, add half cup water and add Bacon and Chinese Sausage. Bring to boil until natural oils from both meats are out and Bacon is crisp. Season with Black Pepper, Rosemary and Basil.

2. Add in Garlic, Onions, Tomatoe, Red Bell Peppe and Black Olives. Sauté until Tomatoes and Onions becomes soft.

3. Add in Eggs and let it cook for a few minutes.

4. Dashed with Tarragon, Grated Cheese and Scallion.

5. Add Bread on top.

Ingredients

Half cup water 

Strips of Bacon (cut into cubes)

Chinese Sausage (cut diagonally) 

Two Fresh Eggs

Tomatoes 

Onions 

Red Bell Pepper

Black Olives (sliced; it's readily available in supermarkets)

Traditional Cheese (any cheese will do - grated)

Crashed Garlic

Dash of Black Pepper

Dash of Basil

Dash of Rosemary

Dash of Cayenne Powder

Dash of Tarragon 

Scallion (sliced, optional)

Bread (any bread will do but I opted for the traditional Filipino Pandesal aka Salt Bread)

Spicy Korean Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients
Korean Instant Noodles
1pc Boiled Egg
2cups Water
1cup Left Over Chickens (or freshly cook choice of meat)
1/2cup Mixed Vegetables
1/2cup Boiled Shrimps (optional)
1cup Parsley (chopped)
1pc Onions (thinly sliced)
1pc Tomato (cut into 4)
3pcs Garlic (crashed)
1tbsp Oil
1tbsp Shrimp Paste
1tbsp Tomato Pesto
1tbsp Sriracha Hot Sauce
Dash of Lea & Perrins
Dash of Black Pepper
Dash of Basil
Dash of Oregano

Cooking Time: 6 Minutes

Garnish
Dash of Thyme
Kimchi (optional)
Onion Stalks

1. In a cooking ware: Pour water, Mixed vegetables, Onions, Garlic, Oil and Dash of black pepper. Mix and simmer for a few seconds.

2. Add in Chicken, tbsp of Shrimp paste, tbsp of Tomato pesto, Dash of oregano, Dash of basil. Mix and simmer for a few seconds.

3. Add Sliced tomatoes

4. Add Noodle powder (came with the noodles cup), Dash of Lea & Perrins, tbsp of Sriracha Hot Sauce.

5. Add instant noodles. Simmer for a few minutes until noodles are soft.

6. Add in Parsley and Onions stalks. Simmer for a few seconds.

Finish off by adding set aside chicken pieces on top, boiled egg, some onion stalks and for this one, I added a piece of Kimchi then some Korean pepper paste.

The first serving that I made a week ago.

PS Don't add in the entire chicken bits on the soup, save some for garnish. 

I know that for this very simple dish, I added in so many ingredients but that is why I call it an experiment. I am into spices. For me it is important to have a flavourful experience as you eat or as one eats because it keeps one guessing on what that taste might be.

Anyhow, if you noticed - I kept saying a few seconds on the procedures, mainly because we all know how to make or prepare instant noodles and it really cooks within seconds, so the key is to make sure that the noodles aren't over cooked. I suggest just let it simmer for a minute then it's good to go.

Baked Salmon Pepper Cheese

Ingredients
Salmon (sliced or fillet)
Choice of Vegetables (broccoli or mixed vegetables)
Red Bell Pepper (green will do - medium size)
Regular Cheese (sliced)
Tomatoes (cherry, small to medium size - cut into 2)
Onions (cubes into 4)
4tbsp Oil
Dash of Black Pepper
Dash of Salt
Dash of Basil
Boiled Shrimps (optional)
Salad of Choice (optional)

Garnish
Olives
Dash of Thyme
Parsley
Sliced Lemon

Cooking time: 30 Minutes

1. Preheat oven to 350°C

2. Place Salmon slices in a baking ware. Sprinkle with Black Pepper, Salt, Basil and 2tbsp Oil.

3. Bake for 25 minutes.

1. Wash and cut on the center of each Bell Pepper - making sure that all the seeds inside are gone.

2. Place in Sliced cheese. Set aside.

1. In a cooking pan, Place all vegetables as seen above and sprinkle with 2tbsp Oil.

2. Cook for 3 minutes or until both sides (top and bottom) of each vegetables is lightly browned or grilled looking.

Finish Product. Garnish with choice of eye enticing gorgeousness. 

PS Broccoli and Shrimps were boiled with no added spices. Salad was the Potato Salad that I made a few days ago.

I'm not good when it comes to using ovens. But this particular dish was something that I learned while I was staying with my Aunt in Sweden. They usually like baking/ oven cooking their food than frying and I do understand why because too much fried food is unhealthy and so I'm trying to remember how she prepared baked salmon and chicken. And since today is no meat day for us Catholics - it was a great idea to be making this. 

Lately, I've been posting foodie stuff on here - well, it's too obvious that I've been bored and had been trying to practice the skills that I thought I wasn't capable of some 9 years ago but here I am, I am able to prepare dishes that looks fantastic and at some point taste fantastic (not diggin' sure but bet it's really good).

I hope one day, I can invite friends over and cook some of these platter meals to them. It'd be fun. So, enjoy and I hope that this recipe helped. And PS, I really like the red bell pepper thing. Been hooked to it since I tried it in Manila a few months ago. 

Krazy Garlik

Whilst visiting Manila last January, I had the chance to dine at a new restaurant in Greenbelt 5 - Krazy Garlik. That of course is courtesy of our good friend Lulu and her life partner Martin (thank you!) This is obviously an uber late post and I'm starting it off with some photos taken with them. Luckily, Angel and her husband Don was also in Manila during that time - killing while spending their time as they waited for their flight going to Taiwan for a short vacation.

The host Lulu and her wacky pose :)

With the ladies. Moi, Lulu, Angel and Chloe.

Couples from Davao - Angel and Don.

Chloe who joined in before heading to her work. She works in one of the BPO companies in Shaw Boulevard.

OK, I haven't heard of Krazy Garlik and from the name itself - most of the dishes were spiced - decorated - cooked with garlic which unfortunately is one of my mortal "fresh breath" enemy but I love garlic and when I'm at home cooking - it is a MUST but when I'm outside, dining - I'd rather stay away - for the very obvious reason :D

Garlic and Anchovy Affection: A totally yummy appetiser. I love anchovies and I love french breads with butter on it - SO. It was good.

Korean Style Garlic Sesame Beef * Garlicky Crispy Pata * The rice (I don't know the name) They already ordered when we came, so I wasn't able to get a glimpse of the menu but based on these courses that we ate, I can totally say they were all good, specially the beef thingy.

I would definitely be going back there when I visit Manila again and try out their other dishes on the menu. They have so many choices and I think all of them are good and as I'm writing this, I am seriously dying to go to the kitchen and cook but can't.

For more informations, try checking their website: http://www.krazygarlik.com.ph/index.html

Closing this post with some wacky - not achieved pose with my friends :) 'Til next eating session :)

Lantaw Restaurant Busay

Lantaw Busay is the newest branch of Lantaw Cordova. A new resto in the heart of the Queen of The South that offers Filipino dishes presented in a traditional yet with a twist kinda way.

If you're looking for some serenity atop the city - then this is the right place to be. I'd specifically suggest, you guys to come by during night because the city lights' surely amazing. Lunch is also nice to drop by because you get to see the wonderful scenery that Cebu has to offer.

Squid Salad with coconut milk - it was supposed to be served on a coconut shell, however when we came by, they've been only open for three days - so 'twas their soft opening and some of the things they need for serving weren't all delivered yet.

My all time favourite Monggo Soup with a twist, they added clamps and a little coconut milk, so it tasted a little sweet. Not really suiting to my taste buds but it was so so.

Bacolod Chicken Barbecue and Barbecued Chorizo. I kinda like how they cooked the chicken so, I'm giving this a thumbs up :)

Tuna Pangga aka Tuna's Jaw (not sure if I'm using the correct term) but anyhows, it was cook averagely just like all those of the restaurants in town that offers this dish. This comes in sizes - Small and Large. 

For those who love Pork, they have zee very famous Lechon Kawali and Crispy Pata but we opted to order this 'cos I don't eat Pork and the latter was a little bit huge for my parents to indulge on. Don't exactly know how it taste but as per my mom - it was OK.

Eel Soup or was it sea snake soup. I forgot. I didn't bother to taste because I am not a fan but my dad is and per him - it was fresh.

Heard of Lantaw Restaurant via Facebook and the first thing that I noticed was the glasses they used for their drinks and truth be told, I find it really economically amazing :) I love their quench thirster drink as well as the watermelon shake :)

Bibingka ala Mode. They served the traditional Filipino dessert the way you'd order or imagine a Brownie ala Mode. But this one came in with the traditional Filipino Cocao - Tablea.

Over all it was a so so experience. Nothing special with the food, I mean there are far more better established restaurants in the city that offers the same dishes at a very well put service and price.

I'm not saying that Lantaw Resto ain't good because I'm a diner and I've been into a lot of restaurants around and my tastebuds simply says so so for them except for the squid salad. I think it was pretty taste worthy.

It was their 3rd day of operation when we came in so, I can very well understand if the staffs weren't prepared and weren't well oriented in handling customers. I didn't like their restrooms, basically they just opened so I would understand if bashing them now is causing stirs to those who love the place.

I've expected quite a bit, I guess cos the photos I saw of Lantaw Resto in Cordova were all awesome. Guess, we have to lower our standards some times :)

For more sightings, you guys can check out their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LantawFloatingNativeRestaurant

I strongly suggest you give them a call if you come by groups or even if you're just planning on an impromptu dine in. Call them first because they have limited seats and it's much better to reserve ;)