Pan de Sal Breakfasts

There's something about pan de sal that pulls those little hands into the bread bin. This little roll of bread easily becomes a favorite of little eaters.

My son was first introduced to it when we went home to Manila for a visit. It became his bread of choice. He nibbled on it while he played and went about his daily business. You don't see it in this image but he was playing with his Thomas the Train whilst munching.

The soft, warm handy little roll is definitely a must-try when you visit the Philippines. Small neighborhood bakeries bake new batches in the morning for breakfast and in the afternoon for merienda (afternoon snack). Lovely with some organic peanut butter, fruit jelly or coconut jam. Also works well with coffee. And some Thomas the Train, apparently.

Our JourneyHome 8: My Son's Village

It takes a village to raise a child. It takes families of different kinds. It takes mothers and fathers and older and younger siblings of different personalities, and different blessings, to encourage one soul to grow.

On a lighter note, having a village to back you up means more reasons to celebrate! We joined my nephew's first birthday party celebration in the Philippines!

On a more heartfelt note, I am in tears to see, to know, to be THANKFUL that my son will grow in his own little village of love. Where friends, families - related by blood or by soul - all co-exist to ensure that he grows up well.

On the 30th of Decemer 2010, we dedicated our son to God and, with the villages he has inherited from myself and his father, prayed for his future. It was such a beautiful thing to see love enclose all around him through the presence of the people who came and those who sent their love. It was a beautiful intimate ceremony, led by my father, my son's grandfather. Candles and prayers and kindness and friendship and love were all in attendance.

My son, you are so blessed with such a beautiful village to grow up in. We pray that you be safe and secure and God-led as you grow up to be the person He has designed you to be. Know that you are loved beyond blood, beyond time, beyond generations - draw strength from it, my love. It is all yours for the taking.

(A big thanks to all who came.  Your presence was such a blessing!)

Special Thanks to Tito Chi-chuz for the Dedication Pictures. :)

Our JourneyHome 7: The Melting Pot or The Perfect Buffet

What I love most about my country is its never-ending contrasts.

We have people who adore going out with friends - but still remain family-oriented. We have passionate career women who are also passionate mothers. We love our streetfood as much as we love our restaurants. We have old-fashioned barber shops nestled inside our newest malls.

We are everything all together in one little mixing pot.

Small sidewalk stores selling people-shaped black candles and amulets stand beside one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Philippines.

One of our prettiest and most secluded volcano craters stand tall and proud amidst restaurants which have mushroomed over time.

And our older generations sit comfortably and pass time with the rest of the world.

I love the mix. The sour, the sweet, the bitter and the bland. It's in our cuisine. And it's in our people.

And because I bring a little of my country in me, I am also a mix of contrasts. I love living in a far-away country and experiencing a culture different from mine almost as much as I love being in my mother's house. I love showing a whole lot of the country which makes me who I am as much I love keeping it away from prying eyes. I love places which are smelly, sweet, pungent and exciting.

When I'm in Manila, in my head I always say: Bring it on, Life. Fill me up like there was no tomorrow!

And I did.

And it did.

I miss my country.