Fiesta is Not the Same Without Mom

It's the time of the year when we have our parish fiesta. It's been years since we went and it's not the same without my Mom. She knew everyone and where to go, so we always just followed her lead. We didn't go last year since I wasn't ready yet. 

It was raining off and on the whole day, but the sun came out in the afternoon. We decided to step out and check out what was going on. Some neighbors shared what they were selling and we were curious. I think it only rained in our area since the park was surprisingly dry. 

The new playground was full of children playing. I was happy to see that since it's empty during weekdays. The kids are lucky because during my time we only had a few swings, a slide, monkey bar and a see-saw. Miggy used the same set which was dilapidated by the time he was born (haha). They opened up a new area and installed new playground sets. 

I honestly don't remember the last time I was able to visit during our parish fiesta. The field was full of sellers, much more than the last time I was able to go with my Mom. There will probably be more people tomorrow since there will probably be more activities too. 

We didn't bump into a lot of people we knew. I used to see a lot of my Mom's friends before. They'll probably be around tomorrow, but since I'm still taking antibiotics I'll probably stay home. We wore masks when we went and didn't stay out too long. We just bought some merienda and said hello to a few friends.

Happy fiesta everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe 

It's Like Our Second Home Came Nearer to Us

I lived in Singapore for a decade. As a creature of comfort I eventually found a couple of places that became go-to places for me and my boys. One favorite resto we frequented was Old Town. I first tried it in Kuala Lumpur. I always visited it at the airport while waiting for my short flight back to Singapore. 

It eventually had a branch in Singapore. It was located near our dentist, so, of course, that's where we would eat after getting our teeth cleaned (haha). My Mom also loved drinking milk tea and liked it a lot. I was happy when we saw a branch opening near our home. We immediately went to try it during its soft opening. 

The menu was surprisingly more expansive than the one in Singapore. We were set to do some errands, so just had breakfast (aka merienda) food. The branch certainly got the look of the branches in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, so it brought back some good memories. 

Here's a glimpse of Old Town's menu at SM City Bicutan, they basically have food for different times of the day:

They opened a month ago, so operations should be efficient by now. We just tried another newly opened restaurant, but should visit Old Town again soon. Wangfu opened recently too, but I'd be over the moon when Nanyang opens too. How I wish they'd bring Spotlight here too, or at least open a store that sells fabric, sewing and craft materials too. 

#BeKind #StaySafe 

Taho and Manong Jabbar

Manong Jabbar's son-in-law.

I was introduced to taho when I was a child. Manong Jabbar as everyone fondly called him would go around our village on weekends. We'd come running out to the gate when we hear him in his booming voice shout, "Tahooooo!" 

For many years Manong Jabbar did the rounds. Everyone in our village knew him. His real name isn't really Jabbar. He was nicknamed after the basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Mind you, Manong Jabbar is the opposite in height of the basketball player. For many years he brought joy to many households with his taho. 

When Manong Jabbar, his son-in-law took over his taho route. So Miggy and his cousins all enjoyed taho the same way I did when I was growing up. I remembered Manong Jabbar because I dreamt a friend brought me a glass of taho. I woke up wishing I could get some. 

I wonder how our friendly taho sellers are faring back home. I hope and pray they are well and keeping safe. 

CB//*Yr2/33  #StuckAtHomeDay/Yr2/60 #StayHome #BeKind