Barrio Fiesta 2012-Philippine Independence Day Celebrations in Kuwait

Filipinos in Kuwait celebrated Philippine Independence Day 2012 last Friday, June 8. The festivities, dubbed Barrio Fiesta sa Embahada, was organized by the Embassy with the support of Filipino organizations in Kuwait. Held at the new Embassy grounds in Faiha district, activities include a food fair, specialty booths sponsored by Pinoy orgs, parlor games for kids and adults and of course, music courtesy of Pinoy DJ's and bands. Filipinos who attended the event, many are wearing flag-inspired shirts, surely enjoyed the activities of the day, the first of what could be an annual gathering here in Kuwait.

Here are some photos I took from the event:

LIFE (Fill in the blank) at 40

Last year, I wrote about the 40 things I want to do before I turn 40....yes, that was one year already...and today is the day...of reckoning!..

So what have I done/accomplished in that one year, let's see...

1.Take the car for dent repairs and a full-body repainting job..and soon!

FAILED..That was my top priority and I failed on this one..I failed big time...like its the most difficult thing to do..how could that be? to make things worst, a few days before the year ends, my car engine broke down, a major one...maybe this is what I get for taking my car maintenance for granted...

2. Finish paying for my car..

DONE! as of July 2011..

3.Go up Kuwait’s Liberation Tower.

FAILED...but wait, I am not even sure if anyone's ever been there anyway!

4. Cross a sea, or even just a river, by boat or ship..

FAILED...

5.Drive a car in the Philippines……with Manual Transmission.
FAILED!

6.Renew my Philippine driving license...
FAILED! That was the least of my concern when I went on vacation...tsk tsk.

7.Visit a country other than the usual stop-overs to and from Kuwait.
FAILED...We'll have our chance, Mommy.

8.Visit at least one tourist destination in the Philippines…outside Luzon
FAILED...Maybe this year..or the next..(cue in: Choose Philippines campaign jingle)

9.Go home to my birthplace, my hometown- Infanta, Quezon…
DONE...it was both a sad and a happy homecoming last Nov.2,2011...sad because I went there primarily to attend the funeral of my mother's aunt..happy because even if it was a short visit, I still got the chance to stay in our old house, and to see my friends and relatives I haven't seen in a long time.

10.Try at least one water activity…Jet Ski perhaps!
FAILED...Thanks for the offer though, Kyle..too bad I never got the chance.

11.Try one extreme outdoor activity—Rock or wall climbing? Bungee jumping? Whatever..
FAILED...I almost got to try the zipline during our Subic trip but it was mid-day already and my children and companions were tired and hungry..so I had to skip the chance.

12.Try one extreme ride at the amusement park—Tornado? Cyclone?..let’s do it.
FAILED...

13.Eat an exotic food..something so exotic that I can’t even think of one right now.
FAILED...or did I ate something I wasn't aware of? :))

14.Get a tattoo…even a small one.
DID NOT...Though I really wanted to..I almost did, I just had reservations because I learned one (unverified) info that anyone with tats can't be a blood donor?

15.Hold a kitten for 5 minutes!
FAILED..Maybe not in this lifetime.

16.Dye my hair..
DID NOT..WAIT, I still have time...Mommmyyy!!!

17.Finish building our dream house.
Maybe I did..i wrote here "finish building"..and the building (construction) is actually finished :)..But finishing wise, it is still a work In progress..

18.Finish repairs on my parents’ house.
Repairs were done..I think.

19.Have a house blessing.
DID NOT...

20.Paid off all of my debts…or at least more than half of it :D
More than half, yes.

21.Donate for a charity of my choice..
If donating for the Fund raising campaign project of our alumni association to repair/restore our church bells can be considered...then I did..also, just this December, I gave a small donation to  the Philippine Red Cross for the victims of typhoon Sendong.

22.Meet someone famous.
DONE...Rocky Gathercole, Chocoleit?

23.Have a General Medical check-up.
FAILED.

24.Hit the gym…or at least do some physical activities..jogging, brisk-walking..go go!..
SLIGHTLY DONE?...I tried jogging and brisk-walking last summer for a few weeks...I had to stop when the weather became hotter..instead, we bought a stationary bike so we can do some physical activity at home........it remained stationary up to this day.

25. Be 10 kgs. lighter than my current weight...
I was 87 kgs. when I wrote this...I am 84 as of this writing..tsk tsk..FAILED!

26.Buy something expensive for my wife….ssshh!
Hmmm...I got her a Washer/Dryer on her birthday..was it that expensive?

27. Pay for my children’s education for one year.
I paid last December so I guess I am done for the year..this year is another story.

28.Hire someone to finally do that extra wardrobe/storage we badly need in our bedroom.
Consider it done last July 2011..We have a spare room we used as storage space instead, now our bedroom is more organized...

29.Upgrade my home computer..
Consider it done..I got myself a new HP Laptop.instead.

30. Buy a Wii….or PS3 with all accessories? …Which one’s better, I am still debating..
Done!

31.Learn to play at least one musical instrument.
FAILED..

32. Read a book..and actually finish it.
FAILED..I can't even finish a chapter without falling asleep!

33.Spend one weekend for a Harry Potter movie marathon.
FAILED..

34.Attempt another year-long photography project, maybe a 52 (a photo a week) and complete it.
I DID IT..I ACTUALLY FINISHED MY 52 WEEK PROJECT.

35.Have my first real photo shoot.
Done!

36.Attend a photography workshop.
Done! I attended the Strobist Workshop at the FPPF Intramuros last Nov. 18-19,2011. It was a rewarding experience.

37.Take some Advance Computer Lessons- PC Assembly, Troubleshooting, Networking…for future business plans.
FAILED.

38.Spend my 40th birthday in the Philippines..in a nice beach resort…with the family…for 3 days and 2 nights..
Its my 40th Birthday and I am in Kuwait right now..so I guess I FAILED..but its okay..I still have a lifetime to do this.

39.Learn to accept the fact that I am 40 years old already.
CHECK!...Reality check..I am 40 years old. I accept it. But it will take another 40 years for me to live a full life :)

40. STILL OPEN.

So there they are, my 40 things to do..to accomplish..to achieve..How did I fare?

I failed to do things 22 out of 40..(in red)
I was able to half-accomplish 4 others. (in yellow)
I was able to do 13, with one slot still open for anything...still not bad huh?

40...22..hmmm....

Nativity Scene...Mr. Bean version

The Birth of Christ....Information Age version.

Happy 3rd Birthday our dearest Zoe..

Time flies so fast but she wants..no, she insists....that we still call her Baby Zoe...well, she's still the baby of the family....May she continues to grow up as loving and as sweet as she is..God bless her always.

Happy, happy 3rd Birthday Baby Zoe..We Love You!

Happy Mother's Day Mommy...We Love You...(FUNNY)

Watch as our two little girls, Cianna and Zoe, prepare to make a video greeting for Mommy for Mother's Day..Funny and yet a very endearing video with Cianna still with her chicken pox and Zoe just being Zoe trying their best to make Mommy feel special this day.

and yes, Mommy was very very happy with the girl's effort :)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOMMIES OUT THERE!

Holy Week 2011

To my family and friends, here's my prayer for a blessed and meaningful Holy Week for each and everyone of us. May the Good Lord bless us all, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE HOLY WEEK

Let us walk the way of the Cross together

And move forward without fear into God’s eternal purposes

May we trust in God alone, then we will never know disgrace

In the midst of grief and despair

May we sense Easter springtime coming

Death’s dark and overwhelming night

Will give way to resurrection light

May we look and listen,

Responding to the Spirit of God who lives within us

May we throw off our grave clothes

And take on the life of the one who raised Christ from the dead

Lord have mercy

When I stand in the shadow of the cross

Christ have mercy

When I kneel with a repentant heart

Lord have mercy

And shine your resurrection light on us

(Reposted from http://godspace.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/prayers-for-holy-week-and-good-friday/)

Nationalistic Nails

Seen at the Souk Mubarakiya ( Feb.26,2011)

Kuwait is really in a patriotic mood these days because of the just-concluded National and Liberation Days celebrations...everywhere you can see the green, red, black and white--the national colors of Kuwait..there are flag-inspired dresses, there are flag-inspired masks...and yes, even flag-inspired fake nails..

Google Kuwait Logo

Google.kw logo as seen today in commemoration of the State's 50th National Day, 20th Anniversary of the Liberation and 5th Anniversary of HH the Amir's honorable rule...Mabrook ya Kuwait!

Where to go and what to do these coming Kuwait holidays

Patriotic songs on the radio, colorful streetlights, flags and national colors everywhere, Kuwait is definitely on a festive mood these days and rightfully so. Next week, the State will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary of the National Day (Feb. 25), 20th Anniversary of the Liberation Day (Feb.26) and 5th Anniversary of the Ascendance of HH The Amir to the Leadership of Kuwait.

 A lot of  things will happen everywhere and I am sure everyone would love to take part in these momentous occasions. The only problem it seems is proper information dissemination, not everyone is aware of the schedule of various events and activities..Good thing I found  this post by Mark.

So for those searching for photo/video opportunities (if permitted), you can check the schedule here or visit the Official Website here. Other private company-sponsored events and shows can be checked on ads and newspapers.

Fellow photogs, prepare your gears...

Happy 6th Valentine's Birthday, our Cianna

6 Valentines Day ago, my wife gave me the best gift a wife could ever give--she gave birth to our beloved daughter, Cianna..

Thank you Mommy for the gift of love and life...and now, as our little valentine turns another year older, I can't help but realize how fast time flies..she's growing up so fast and before we know it, she will already be celebrating her Valentine birthday with her own date! argh, it hurts to even think about it..

To Cianna, you being born on St. Valentine's Day is a constant reminder of your Mom's love..you are a source of pride and joy to us and your siblings..You know how much we love you..I thank God for  you and I pray that you continue to grow as a loving and sweet child and sister..May you also spread love to the people around  you..

Happy Valentine's Birthday our little princess Cianna....We love you this much..You will always be my little girl.

40 Things To Do Before I Turn 40

Today I am celebrating my 39 years of earthly existence..and though I am contented with what I have reached so far , I know there’s still a lot more to this life…and  so, as I continue my journey towards my 4^th decade, I am writing down the list of the things I’d like to do or accomplish in a year’s time before I reach that magical number.

Some of these are realistic..some are a bit on the extreme side while others will be really difficult..but that’s the whole idea about this list, right?..

Before I turn 40, I will:

1. Take the car for dent repairs and a full-body repainting job..and soon!
2. Finish paying for my car. (Done! as of July 2011)
3. Go up Kuwait’s Liberation Tower.
4.  Cross a sea, or even just a river, by boat or ship.
5. Drive a car in the Philippines……with Manual Transmission.
6. Renew my Philippine driving license.
7. Visit a country other than the usual stop-overs to and from Kuwait.
8. Visit at least one tourist destination in the Philippines…outside Luzon.
9. Go home to my birthplace, my hometown- Infanta, Quezon…(Done! Nov.2,2011)
10. Try at least one water activity…Jet Ski perhaps!
11. Try one extreme outdoor activity—Rock or wall climbing? Bungee jumping? Whatever..
12. Try one extreme ride at the amusement park—Tornado? Cyclone?..let’s do it.
13. Eat an exotic food..something so exotic that I can’t even think of one right now.
14. Get a tattoo…even a small one.
15. Hold a kitten for 5 minutes!
16.  Dye my hair
17.  Finish building our dream house. (In progress)
18. Finish repairs on my parents’ house.
19. Have a house blessing
20. Paid off all of my debts…or at least more than half of it :D
21. Donate for a charity of my choice..(If donating for the Fund raising campaign project of our alumni association to repair/restore our church bells can be considered...then it's done!)
22. Meet someone famous. (Done!)
23.  Have a General Medical check-up.
24. Hit the gym…or at least do some physical activities..jogging, brisk-walking..go go!..(In progress)
25.  Be 10 kgs. lighter than my current weight...(In progress)
26. Buy something expensive for my wife….ssshh!
27.  Pay for my children’s education for one year.(Done!)
28. Hire someone to finally do that extra wardrobe/storage we badly need in our bedroom.(Consider it done..We have a spare room we used as storage space instead, now our bedroom is more organized...as of July 2011)
29. Upgrade my home computer..(Consider it done..I got myself a new HP Laptop)
30.  Buy a Wii….or PS3 with all accessories? …Which one’s better, I am still debating.. (Done!)
31. Learn to play at least one musical instrument.
32.  Read a book..and actually finish it.
33. Spend one weekend for a Harry Potter movie marathon.
34. Attempt another year-long photography project, maybe a 52 (a photo a week) and complete it. (In progress)
35. Have my first real photo shoot. (Done!)
36. Attend a photography workshop. (Done! Nov. 18-19,2011)
37. Take some Advance Computer Lessons- PC Assembly, Troubleshooting, Networking…for future business plans J
38. Spend my 40^th birthday in the Philippines..in a nice beach resort…with the family…for 3 days and 2 nights J
39. Learn to accept the fact that I am 40 years old already.
40. .......................

I am leaving the 40^th space open so I’ll have an unplanned accomplishment within the year, now that’ll make this list more exciting…

I’d be blogging about it every time I achieve one task..so let’s see how much I’d get before I blow my 40 candles..Wish me luck!

Christmas Recipe 2010: Morcon

Every year on Christmas, I try to cook something for the first time..Just a small tradition that I've been doing at least for the last 3 years. In the past, I've done Carbonara, Fudge Brownies, Kare-kareng buntot and an authentic Kaldereta ( i.e., no ready-kaldereta mix used).

This year, I'm cooking Morcon, a Filipino meat roll stuffed with sausage or hotdogs, carrots, pickles, cheese, and egg.

Here's the recipe I found on the net: (though I did some variations I will mention below)

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef eye of round or flank steak, 3/4 inch thick in one piece
2 pieces beef cubes dissolved in 3 cups boiling water (beef stock/broth)
1/4 tsp salt
1 piece lemon
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 piece medium sized carrot, cut into long strips
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup cooking oil
4 pieces hotdogs, cut in half lengthwise
2 pieces pickled dill or sweet pickled cucumber, cut lengthwise divided into 4 equal pieces
3 pieces hard boiled eggs, sliced
3 ounces cheddar cheese, cut in strips (about 1/2 inch thick)

Optional:

2 cans of 240 ml. Pineapple Juice

Cooking procedure:

1. Marinate the beef in soy sauce and lemon juice for at least 1 hour. (For the marinade, I used a ready-made mix)
2. Place the beef in a flat surface and arrange the hotdogs, pickle, carrot, cheese, and egg on one side ( I skipped the pickle because my wife is not a big fan of it)
3. Roll the beef enclosing the fillings and tie with a cooking string to ensure that the meat will not open-up
4. Place cooking oil in a pan and apply heat
5. Dredge the rolled beef in flour and fry until the color of the outer part turns medium brown
6. Transfer the fried rolled beef in a casserole and pour-in the beef broth then bring to a boil
7. Pour-in half of the soy sauce-lemon juice marinade,salt and simmer until the beef is tender, about 2 hours using ordinary casserole or 30 minutes if a pressure cooker is used. (For this dish, I decided to use 2 cans of Pineapple Juice for a little twist, the remaining marinade and 2 beef cubes.)
8. Optional: Fry the simmered meat for at least 2 minutes
9. Remove the strings and slice into serving pieces
10. Place in a serving dish and add the sauce.
11.Serve hot. Share and enjoy!

You can watch the cooking video here.

and now here's the photos of my Morcon:

Well, it ain't bad for a first try huh?

* Recipe and Cooking Video courtesy of Panlasangpinoy.com

A Blessed Christmas and A Prosperous New Year to All!

Exchanged Gift

Yesterday, Dec. 17, me and my wife went out to buy a gift for Cianna's exchange gift, something suitable for either a boy or girl..We spent about two hours searching for the best gift until we decided on something we both liked - a Scrabble-inspired Math Board game..I actually liked it very much that I almost bought another one for Cianna herself..Good thing, my wife said no..

Mommy then prepared and wrapped it in a nice paper bag with the words " Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!From Cianna Mercado " written on it.

So our little girl went to the party this morning..After a few hours, she arrived home happy.....and still with the same gift in hand but now with the number 15 on it.

Naturally, Mommy was surprised and asked her why she still has the gift.  Did she take the same number of her own gift and not bother to inform her teacher about it?..She didn't get a clear answer from her so she asked me to call the teacher and ask about it.

We figured out, when the gift-giving was over, the children went on to play and have fun..When its time to go, the teacher told them to get their things and prepare to go home.. Cianna must have gathered her things ( like she always do)...AND INCLUDING HER GIFT!

So now, Cianna ended up with a very nice present--something we chose carefully, something her mommy and I both liked, something I like for her to have...

and some other child is looking for her gift at school :)

Mercado Family Get Together

One of the best, if not the best, things that happened during our recent vacation to the Philippines is to finally have that rare chance for our family to be complete again.. Yes, we may be just a small family but because I had to be away most of the time, and even my youngest brod, Mon has to leave the country also,  we hardly had  the opportunity to be together again...I mean, all of us- me and my brothers, our respective wives and all of our children- all in one place and eat, talk, play and just have fun...So we thank the good Lord we finally have this chance this year..I know Tatay and Nanay couldn't be happier..we hope to do it again soon!

Zoe's 2nd Birthday Celebration

Happy 40th Anniversary, Tatay and Nanay

They're my source of strength. My love. My inspiration. They're my parents. 
I don't know where I'd be without them. 


And as they celebrate this important milestone, 
I praise God for his eternal love and grace to our family
and for continuing to bless them with good health.


I'd forever feel blessed for having them as my parents
And now that I also have my own family 
I am following their path to success-
How they tirelessly loved and supported us, their children and now, our children too.
How they remained strong amidst all trials that have come their way
And how they continued to trust and love each other after all these years


May they have more anniversaries to celebrate.
More love to share. More blessings to come.


I love you Tatay and Nanay.

Happy Fathers' Day

114/365:0519, originally uploaded by cyrographics.

The most important lessons I learned from my father are not from the words he told me but from the examples he showed me.

Happy Father's Day, Tatay. and Thank you. You are my idol.
Now that I am also a father, I want my children to feel the same love and protection you've shown us.

To my father-in-law, to my brothers and to all fathers out there. Happy Fathers' Day to you.

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