Last December, I decided to create Christmas tree ornaments made out of air dry clay. It was already late November when I decided to check out the little Christmas tree I have had in my shopping cart. This thrifty mom I did not order or added decorative balls and ornaments anymore, simply because I can actually craft them myself. The girls can create whatever design they like too.
Christmas, the Filipino way, would not be complete without special meals that is shared during Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner) and Christmas lunch. There are a great line of popular Filipino dishes that has been loved for generations.
It has been the family’s tradition to spend Christmas lunch at an aunt’s place. For this year, I was able to prepare and brought a special and healthy meal, Chopseuy with quail eggs. This Chopseuy was inspired by the recipe I got online. It was perfect in the midst of Lechon Kawali, Buttered Shrimp, Menudo, Rellenong Bangus, Pork & Tofu, Hamonado, Leche Flan and Macaroni Salad. This by far, is the best Chopseuy I have ever cooked. Funny it may seem, but I will sure add this recipe in my comfort foods and list of Christmas food favorites. Yes, even if it is a viand you can prepare and cook any day and in any occasion there is.
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Auntie also has this specially prepared shrimp paste that perfectly matched the green mangoes someone gifted her. That shrimp paste made me interested to learn its recipe. My own version does not taste that good.
My kids really liked the buttered shrimp and asked me to prepare that too on Sundays or during special occasions. The Menudo too was delicious! In fact, everything in the table was definitely mouthwatering! 
Christmas lunch with the family has always been memorable, not only because of the great food, but also because of the people you have by your side, the stories, laughter and the moments shared. We received a video call from auntie’s family overseas and we took plenty of pictures to cherish. We left the place with warm hearts and smiles in our faces. It was yet another Christmas to remember.
With my electric oven, I can’t deny that I’ve been inspired to create and bake goodies for my kids. Aside from being able to make cookies and cupcakes for my elder daughter’s school snack, I also tried making muffins for my toddler. Healthy muffins that is. Something that excites her everytime and wouldn’t mind eating.
Last Christmas, my cousins invited us to join their annual Christmas party and exchange gift. Who would say no? Not me! My kids were totally excited! We all love family gatherings and fun parties like this one. Since there were several families attending the event, a potluck was suggested. I was asked to bring something for dessert. And this was the best way to again, to have fun and experiment and also use my oven! I told them I’d bring cupcakes but I wanted to surprise them so I also baked a cake. It was a 6″ round layered chocolate cake with choco ganache.
From this cake on top to this one below which also shows the cupcakes that came with it. The new cupcake holder of my cousin’s wife was perfect to display the colorful sweets. My nieces and cousins volunteered to decorate the cake and cupcakes and it somehow made me feel glad they had fun with an instant creative activity.
It was a memorable Christmas party we had and I still can see the smile on my face whenever I recall that at least, that chocolate cake I brought at the party was not a disaster. As I look at its photos, I want to be able to bake more successful cakes. Successful not just in terms of look but taste too!
Many of us may have read and seen how tragic the aftermath of typhoon Sendong is for CDO and Iligan residents. Every video footage and every photo there is is truly heart breaking especially that it is almost Christmas in a matter of days. Many children will no longer be able to open nor receive their presents. All we can do now is pray for their souls and so as help the survivors in the simplest way we can. I am gonna start sorting kids’ clothes and bring it to LBC who has generously offered to deliver goods and donations to the affected provinces for free.
If you are not in the Philippines and still would like to support and help out. HERE is the link to Red Cross’ Paypal account and this is the RED CROSS website.
Besides LBC and Red Cross, the biggest TV networks are also accepting donations, in cash or in kind.
TV5 Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.
Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.: BDO Savings Acct No. 005310-410164 and Bank of the Philippine Islands Savings Acct No. 1443-05333-2
Donations in kind like food, clothing, utensils, blankets, mats, water containers, and medicines may be sent to News5 Aksyon Center, TV5 office in San Bartlolome, Novaliches, Quezon City.
Dollar donations may be made through:
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Beneficiary: Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.
Beneficiary Account No.: 1444-0214-85
Beneficiary Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands – Ayala Avenue SGV Branch
Address: 6758 Ayala Ave, Makati City, Philippines
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Banco de Oro
Beneficiary: Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.
Beneficiary Account No.: 10-5310-46264-4
Beneficiary Bank: BDO Unibank Inc – BDO Makati Ave-Ayala Branch
Address: Ground Floor L.V. Locsin Bldg., 6752 Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, Philippines
Swift Code: BNORPHMM
GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc.
METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST COMPANY (METROBANK)
Peso Savings
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number:3-098-51034-7
Dollar Savings
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number:2-098-00244-2
Code:MBTC PH MM
UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK (UCPB)
Peso Savings
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number:115-184777-2
:160-111277-7
Dollar Savings
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number:01-115-301177-9
:01-160-300427-6
Code:UCPB PH MM
BANCO DE ORO (BDO)
Peso Savings
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number:469-0022189
Dollar Savings
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number:469-0072135
Code: BNORPHMM
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK (PNB)
Peso Savings
Account Name :GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Numbe:121-003200017
Dollar Savings
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number:121-003200025
Code:PNB MPH MM
ABS CBN
Sagip Kapamilya: Operation Sendong
All information in this particular post was derived from the websites of the particular foundations mentioned. This is one of my ways to reach out and encourage everyone to help out – sharing & love is the spirit of Christmas!
I saw my friend”s daughter posted something interesting in Facebook and so I went ahead and checked the application and its website- WiddlyTinks.com. I immediately tried how to make my own Holiday greeting card. I got lost a little with how casino online to resize the photo but glad to have figured it out. I was already thinking on what and how to ask a 7 year old girl how she did it. haha!
Here”s my younger daughter greeting you all an early Merry Christmas!
