At the pier/Blue Monday

The ship of my life may or may not be sailing on calm and amiable seas.  The challenging days of my existence may or may not be bright and promising.  Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude.  If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow.  

Today I am blessed.  ~ Maya Angelou

Linking to Sally's Blue Monday

Count your blessings/SWF

If one could only learn to appreciate the little things...A song that takes you away, for there are those who cannot hear.  The beauty of a sunset, for there are those who cannot see.  The warmth and safety of your home, for there are those who are homeless.  Time spent with good friends for there are those who are lonely.  A walk along the beach for there are those who cannot walk.  The little things are what life is all about.  Search your soul and learn to appreciate.

~ Shadi Souferian

Linking to Sky-Watch Friday

Pancit Palabok

A group of friends surprised me at home one Sunday afternoon, and I only had a pint of ice cream and potato chips.  Good thing there are restaurants nearby who deliver.  Called Red Ribbon Bakeshop and got this party tray (serves 12) of Palabok delivered in less than 30 minutes.  And this is yummy, too.  I am not fond of cakes but I often go to Red Ribbon mainly for their Pancit Palabok.

Thin rice noodles (bihon) is used for Pancit Palabok mixed with shrimps, pork, tinapa (smoked fish) flakes fried tofu, scallions and garlic, and topped with chicharon (pork cracklings) bits and boiled eggs.  Flavoring comes from fish sauce and shrimp broth; the yellow-orange sauce is from annatoo, locally known as achuete.

Join foodies @ Food Friday and Food Trip Friday

Be gentle with yourself/Watery World-Wednesday

 Speak quietly to yourself and promise there will be better days. Whisper gently to yourself and provide assurance that you really are extending your best effort.  Console your bruised and tender spirit with reminders of many other successes.  Offer comfort in practical and tangible ways--as if you were encouraging your dearest friend.  Recognize that on certain days the greatest grace is that the day is over and you get to close your eyes.  Tomorrow comes more brightly...

~ Mary Ann Radmacher

Join us at Watery World Wednesday and NF Waters

Parachuting/Blue Monday

Colorful parachutes dazzled shoppers and diners at the Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila.  This was at The Plaza, a charming indoor piazza naturally lit by a glass skylight.  I took my friend Petra here for coffee and some shopping before bringing her to the airport across the street for her flight home to Davao.

Linking to Blue Monday