Sans Rival Recipe

What I love from Goldilocks product in the Philippines is their Sans Rival. Now that I am in the US I don't know where to buy it so I tried my best to look for a recipe of this. While writing this on my blog, I could not help it thinking how sweet and yummy it is. Mouth watery. Sharing here the recipe. Enjoy.....

Ingredients

• Frosting
  
• 1 1/2 c ground cashew nuts
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1/3 c water
  
• 1 c confectioners' sugar
  
• 3/4 c granulated sugar
  
• Meringue
  
• 2 tbsps rum
  
• 6 egg yolks
  
• 1/2 lb butter
  
• 6 egg whites

Directions

• Grease & flour three inverted 18" x 15" cookie sheets & set aside.
• To make the meringue, beat egg whites until soft peaks are formed.
• Gradually add the sugar, beating well after each addition.
• Continue beating until egg whites are very stiff.
• Fold in cashew nuts & vanilla.
• Spread thinly in prepared pans.
• Bake at 300F degrees Fahrenheit for 20 mins or until golden brown.
• Cut wafers down the center if desired.
• Loosen & slide wafers to a flat surface & cool.
• To make the frosting, boil sugar & water until it spins a thread.
• Meanwhile, beat egg yolks until thick.
• Pour syrup into eggyolks in thin streams while beating.
• Cool the eggyolk mixture.
• Cream in the butter.
• Blend in the rum.
• To assemble the Sans Rival, layer the wafers on top of eachother with frosting in between each layer.
• Cover up the top & sides with frosting & sprinkle the top this with cashew nuts is desired.
• Served chilled.

Planning my own Wedding

Having a wedding is not that easy especially if you are the bride because the pressure is in your hands. You have to think every detail of the wedding that you want. Although you have to consult it with your husband for him to approve and when you two agree that’s the time you can pursue the plan. With my part it’s not that easy because the place that I choose to have my wedding is in my country Philippines. The preparation itself is long then the event is just fast. I know that there are lots of married couples out there who would agree with me. But Thanks, that there is an internet, it really help a lot with the planning. I write down a list from big details to small one and we’re on the process of it already. Here is what we carefully consider in planning our church wedding if you want to make a memorable one not only for you but also for your guests.
1. Church - Since both of us were Catholics we look for a place. I was looking at the internet where I could find a good church that will fit to our liking. A wedding that could be remembered and treasured by us. I choose the San Agustin Church as according to some review the place is perfect for a wedding. I already posted the picture of the church in my previous blog. Just click the labels on the right side of my blog. I tag it Wedding. Additional description of this my friend said that the church is very spacious; the feeling is kind of different inside as well due to the fact that it was probably one of the oldest churches in the country, with a very serene and peaceful environment. Many have said it is a very ideal church to get married, though it is an old place, the place still exudes with a lot of great and wonderful aura. The place is private, exclusive and mostly well educated people are patrons of the church. It is fantastic, religious and very old artifacts in the place which includes an antique statue amongst others. The artistic design ideas of the Spanish era are very evident in the church; it makes the church a good place for pictorial as well as the wedding rite, of course. The place is very majestic like according to a friend. A perfect place dream wedding. I am now curious and excited to see the inside of the church as I could just see it outside when I visit Intramuros once. I should say we are set for this- officially booked. But we are not finished yet there are lots of things to consider in marrying in the church especially that my hubby is a foreigner. Here are the wedding requirements:

A. RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Reservation fee
2. Attendance at the Orientation on Wedding Rules and Regulation.
3. Photocopy of the baptismal certificate of either couple
4. Proof of inquiry/visit at the Chancery Office for foreigners/divorcee- get a form in from this office and fill –up.

B. USUAL REQUIREMENTS
1. ORIGINAL COPIES OF THE BAPTISMAL and CONFIRMATION CERTIFICATES of the bride and groom with notation “For marriage purpose.” Valid for 6 months
2. MARRIAGE BANNS. To be brought to respective parishes of the couple for posting three (3) consecutive Sundays
3. CANONICAL INTERVIEW
4. PRE-CANA SEMINAR
5. MARRIAGE LICENSE. To be secured from the Civil Registry of the city or town of either couple. Valid for 120 days or 4 months only.

C. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Other Requirement for those Civilly Married:

1. Certified true copy of the Marriage Contract.
Other Requirements for those who have lived in another place for six months or more aside from his permanent residence immediately prior to their wedding

■ For Filipinos residing in the Philippines
1. Marriage banns from the parish of permanent residence
2. Marriage banns from the parish of present residence for six months or more immediately prior to the wedding

■ For Filipinos residing abroad
1. Marriage banns from the parish of permanent residence
2. Certificate of Freedom to Marry to be issued by the parish of present residence abroad for six months or more immediately prior to the wedding

■ For Foreigners residing in the Philippines
1. Marriage banns from the parish of domicile in the Philippines
2. Affidavit of Free Status to Marry

■ For Foreigners residing Abroad
1. Certificate of Freedom to Marry from the parish of present residence abroad for six months or more immediately prior to the wedding OR Affidavit of Free Status to Marry

Other Requirements for Foreigners:

1. Clearance from the Chancery Office, Arzobispado de Manila
2. Certificate of Free Status to Marry / Legal Capacity from the Embassy of the country of origin.
3. Certificate of Freedom to Marry to be secured from the parish of permanent residence in the country of origin
4. For Japanese citizens: referral/interview with Rev. Fr. Toru Nishimoto, CSSR.

Other Requirements for Divorced/ Divorcees:
1. Clearance from the Chancery Office, Arzobispado de Manila
2. Certified true copy of LEGAL PAPERS proving the absolute decree of divorce.

Other Requirements for those whose Previous Marriage was declared Null and Void:

1. Certified true copy of the Final Declaration of Nullity from a Matrimonial Tribunal
2. Approval from the Chancery Office, Arzobispado de Manila.

Other Requirement for Mixed Marriage or Disparity of Cult:
1. Do the Priest Interviewer and approved by the Local Ordinary.

Other Requirement for Widows or Widowers:

1. Certified true copy of the Death Certificate of the deceased spouse.

2. Date and Time – Both of us decided the date and time sometime in February and our wedding is in the evening. But you can decide whichever you like. Morning, afternoon or evening

3. Reception- Do we want a Hotel or Restaurant? Indoor or Outdoor? With this we decided the indoor. We choose venue already and its inside the Intramuros area. The place is called Teatrillo. Here is the picture of how they catering dress-up the venue. Probably I will let my caterer do the same. I am ending up the details of my wedding in here. While it is still in process from time to time I will keep it posted here so others who plan to have a wedding could get some pointers from me.

OMG!!! MICHAEL JACKSON DEAD????

My idol Michael Jackson, the king of Pop died today at the age of 50. Sources said that he was stricken at his rented home in Holmby Hills and paramedics tried to resuscitate him and afterwhich he was rushed to the hospital. He died at UCLA Medical Center . "It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known," his brother Jermaine said. Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases. I became his fan because of his famous songs Billie Jean, Beat It and Thriller which I like most.

Hubby told me when he come home that Michael Jackson is dead. I said what? ??? When I open the computer and read the news, only in there that I believe that this is really true. Confirmed he is dead.

This is his video when he visited Manila in 1996 which I get from TheMJVideoPoster. This song is one of my favorite from Micheal album. I am eager to watch him when he visits Manila but the tickets are expensive that time and even if I could afford the ticket I still have some important things that needs my budget. Anyway, Michael Jackson, wherever you are now, you'll be forever in my heart along with your songs that I love with. May your soul rest in peace in the care of our Lord.

EPCOT FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Epcot is a one of a kind, a place where you can experience different nations, that participate in an interactive presentations and view of the latest technology. A place where you can go for your vacation. Relaxation and enjoyment all in one.This is the favorite place by visitors because they are fascinated with the dazzling shows and amazing wonders from around the world.
Experience the Epcot's Reflections of Earth show. The images are projected on to give the illusion of the floating earth.
The globe opens out, signaling the finale of pyrotechnics and fireworks which is the part of the story which symbolizes a new age.

For my Wonderful Hubby

How did you celebrate your Father's Day?Ours is just simple. When he gets up in the morning I give him a hug and a kiss with matching greeting of good morning and happy father's day. Next I give him this father's day card.
We go out treat my hubby to his favorite meal which is Italian dish. I would say that hubby is one of a kind. He is easy to please even with just a card he is already happy and it mean so much to him. And I am thankful for that. My wish for him is good health and continued success. I also called my father in the Philippines and great him too.

A Tribute to all the Fathers out there

First, I want to Glorify and to Praise the Father Almighty for being greatest father in the Universe. I wish Him a Happy Father's Day.....................

A simple message to my Father: We call our father Tatay. 'tay, I know when I was a kid, a teenager'til I grown-up a lady I always contradict your rules and I have every answer to what you say. I was thinking before for myself. Don't listen to your advise and when you prohibit me for doing things or going to parties and outings. I am thinking that you just don't like it because you don't want to, as a result I mock myself, self -prison in the bedroom or sometimes sneak out without your permission as a result of vengeance. But those are only part of my adolescent period. As I grow older, I came to realize that you're always there to guide me through each step along the way, protecting me just like what a father could do; so that their daugther will be safe and away from harm. You, are there to instill in our narrow mind that we are wrong ang that you always find a way to explain things why we commit mistakes, why you punish us and after every mistake you are there to console us. I know you love us even if you don't demonstrate it. Because we know that you are not the demonstrative type of person. We know that you care for us. And now that I am a parent myself I will apply some of the good deeds that you have shown us. Thank you, Tatay, for being there, and for loving us.I know words are not enough but we want you to know that we love you and we appreciate what you did. For me you are the greatest tatay that we have.

Also my greetings to my dear hubby for accepting my kids as his own. Hon, I appreciate for the courage that you take for I know its really hard doing so. Not all men can do that, but you give it a shot. The reason why I admire and love you. A thank you from me and my two sons.

Happy father's too to the following........ People in here accepted me to be a member of the family without a second thought and I likewise thank them for that. Other members of my family who are now fathers-- thank you for supporting me in every inch of my way being a father to my sons, ensuring me that they are just fine when I am not around and even if you have your own family to attend to and busy on your work for you living you still find time to stop by and say hello, how are you and your sons. Assuring me that I could get help whenever I needed to.

TO ALL THE FATHER'S OUT THERE, WHEREVER YOU ARE, WHAT EVER YOU DO, WE SALUTE YOU FOR TAKING THE COURAGE OF MAKING THE BOAT STEADY WHEN THE WATER GETS ROUGH----------------------------------------------

Singing Nurse

When I am not busy I always visit you tube before I visit my blogs. I want to get updated on what's happening to the video world. One video that catch my attention is this Pinoy nurse named Dominic Limpin. He is assigned in the dialysis department in one of the hospital here in New York. We all know that it's not easy for a person who is ill to pretend that you are happy.Or sometimes you could not even let them smile, how could you ever smile if you are suffering for too much pain. I know everyone of us could relate or might as well pity those who are sick. For we know the pain that they are suffering and yet this Pinoy nurse manage to help them ease the pain by singing to them or letting the patient join him in singing. I think his intention is to alliviate their suffering even only for a short while. At least for this short time they might as well forget the pain that they go thru. I really admire this man's compassion. I just hope that some nurses out there would be as compassionate as he is while doing their work. I observe that there are nurses who are rude to the patients. Instead of helping them ease the pain they are adding problem to the patient. We understand that you are pressured but it doesn't necessarily mean that you will take it against your patients. Just my opinion and some piece of advise, be compassionate, kind and to them for you just don't only know how they really feel. Sometimes the pain is killing them and too much to bear.Let's say its a vice-versa. What if you are on their situation and same thing would be done to you.How would you react. Anyway, I am happy for you Mr. Limpin. Keep it up! Yan ang Pinoy! Thumbs up!

this video is courtesy of jollybmcdonald--thank you for sharing this video....

Folk Dances

I miss dancing, not just dancing but the famous Philippine Folk dance. I really love it, looking at the performers dancing is a lot of fun. I remember in my elementary years I sometimes join the program at school where this dances is included. I really miss the fun of dancing. So when I open my computer I search this at you tube if i could watch it and here is the clippings.The first are the favorites of my grand parents when they were still alive and the ever requested dance at fiesta's so they could gather money as fund for a project or for an organization. We are trying to promote here our own dances in Region 8 (Samar-Leyte) which is performed by Leyte Dance Theatre, this is just part of Filipino heritage.There are lots of dances to watch in here just click the each video and Enjoy watching....

Attraction at EPCOT

At my back is the big ball, one of the tourist attraction of EPCOT park inside Disney World. These people are heading to the spaceship earth center right inside this ball.
We are following this people infront of us so we could see what lies ahead. When we are already on our seats the lights went off and we start travelling . In this spaceship earth you will witness a world of amazing new enhancements, this classic attraction takes you from living in the past to picturing yourself in the future...literally. Bear witness to prehistoric man's first words, behold the hieroglyphics of the ancient Egyptians, follow the advanced system of roads amidst Rome, and journey through the Industrial Revolution and the Age of Information.Trust me this is educational and you will learn a lot.

And the excitement doesn't stop when your time machine does, because that's when you get to experience the so called project tomorrow–a brand-new interactive playground area where you can build, play, create, compete and explore.

Time machines—are equipped with interactive touch screens that ask you how you would like to live, work and play in the world of tomorrow. Utilizing image capture and face recognition technology, you can then enjoy a glimpse of your potential future self at the end of the attraction.There are lots of question that would flash on the screen that you will answer. I hit the category of health and this picture came out. If you will take care of your health there's a chance that you will live longer. But it depends on how you will deal with it.

After watching those attractions, I am sure you will spend time at Project Tomorrow which is located at the lobby just before you exit. Inventing the Wonders of the Future, is an interactive play area for guests of all ages filled with challenging games and informative displays that showcase the latest technologies in medicine, transportation and energy management.

San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila -One of Philippines Historical Church

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I have a stressfull week last week as my co-worker is on leave. She works full-time while I work in the afternoon as part-time worker. Since I know the job she requested me to work full -time which is fine with me as it would add to my earnings. I was happy although a little bit stressed but I love the work. The only problem is I could not write my blog and post it. I really miss blogging though sometimes I skip a day posting. There are times that I got busy doing house chores and go out for errands that prohibits me from opening my computer and do the blogs. Another thing that made me stress last week is the planning of our upcoming church wedding which is next year 2010. Unlike my civil wedding here in the US that I personally do the bookings , making the wedding favors and making the list for the guest. Pretty easy for me. But this time it is far, as the wedding will be held in the Philippines so some of my relatives can partake this once in a lifetime and memorable event of my life. It not easy to work this out when you are far. Good that my former officemate volunteer to help me in the planning. She was the one who contacted the church administrator for the booking. Same with the venue which is also inside the Intramuros area. Triatrillo was the place that we choose for our reception. As early as now, we were able set the date of our wedding at the church of San Agustin in Intramuros. I do this in advance because this church is historical and there are lots of weddings held in this place. For you to be on the list, it takes like the wait-lists had a span of over a year. Our is scheduled on February of next year but we were able to get the slot of 6:30 in the evening because the day that we take is Saturday and there are lots of couples who are on the list already and its fully book . Anyway even its already evening at least we were able to get the date. To give you an idea of the place I have here the pictures to show where it is located.

This is the view of the whole Intramuros, Manila. According to history this is the city within the walls.In(Latin) intra means within and muros means walls. This is the popular name given to the walled city of Spanish Manila. The name “Manila” (it is claimed) derives from nilad, a type of mangrove that bore white waxy flowers (Ixora).

Designed and built by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeo from 1586 to 1587, this is one of the oldest stone fortifications in this place Intramuros.This Began as a circular fort called Nuestra Seora de Guia. Renovated in 1593 to join the walls of the city. Fort fell in disrepair and, in 1644, construction began for a new baluarte which was completed between 1653 and 1663. Resembling an ace of spades, it housed a foundry during the 18th century.

San Agustin church is the only colonial church that has retained its original vaulting, despite the destructive forces that shelled the church during WW II. It was a fortuitous turn because San Agustin church flaunts one of the most artistically decorated interiors among all of the colonial churches in the country. A side chapel next to the main altar is dedicated to the Spanish Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the founder of Manila. His remains were re-buried here by the Augustinians, unidentified and mixed along with others, after they were ruthlessly unearthed by the British who were searching for golden treasures in 1762. It is quite scarry when you look at it on the outside because it is very old already.but take a look at the church is more than just an architectural icon.The playful effect of chiaroscuro-light and shadows-and perspective, restrained only by the limited palette of a few earthly colors, is a visual spectacle. Perhaps, the grandiosity of the painting is a bit too presumptuous to some critics, but one can assume that the vitality of the interior must have roused the imaginations of Simon Flores, a local artist who later became responsible in decorating the interiors of several other churches.

From a clearer view of the inside when it is lighted you will be amazed of its architectural design.The reason why most of the celebrities and those who belong to the upper class (elite) who could afford to held a wedding here get their share of memories. Modesty aside I am one of them who dreams to hold a wedding here and a dream come true. Though we do not belong to the society mentioned above. We just want to make our day a memorable one.If you want further knowledge of this church history just click the picture and this will explain why this church was on the list of the Philippines treasures.

Celebrating Independence Day

JUNE 12 marks the celebration of Philippine Independence Day and this year is no different. Every year, millions of Filipinos from all over the world gather around and celebrate this important day.
The Philippine Declaration of Independence occurred on June 12, 1898 in the Philippines. Filipino revolutionary head General Emilio Aguinaldo (who later became the Philippines’ first Republican President) proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain after the latter was defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.
The declaration however was shortlived as it was not recognized by the United States or Spain. The reason was because the Spanish government ceded the Philippines to the United States in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, in consideration for an indemnity for Spanish expenses and assets lost.
In the Treaty of Manila, the US recognized Philippine independence on July 4, 1946 and it was observed in the Philippines until President Diosdado Macapagal signed Republic Act no. 4166 into law on August 4, 1964, designating June 12 (which had been previously observed as Flag Day) as the country’s Independence Day.
The Filipino community of New York was on full display along trendy Madison Avenue last June 7 as Filipino-Americans here and the tri-state area witnessed and participated in the festivities celebrating the 111th celebration of Philippine Independence organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI), in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
The day started early for high government and consular officials as a flag-raising ceremony took place at 8am in front of the Philippine Center Building along 5th Avenue.
There were about 100 contingents that participated in the parade representing religious, nonprofit, political, regional, school alumni, professional associations and companies doing business with the Fil-Am community, aside from a few marching bands. Cheers of "Mabuhay!" and "Happy Independence Day!" could be heard from parade watchers, some of whom waved small Philippine flags. Most contingents were also greeted with warm applause from spectators. Kaya ang sigaw ko "Mabuhay ka Filipino" saan ka mang dako ng mundo. Pinoy Ka pa rin.

Buko Pie

Speaking of pie's one of my favorite is the one that is in the signage below. They are famous for this kind and we call it buko pie .Collete captured the taste of the Filipino the reason why they are famous when you are thinking of pasalubong. Buko Pie is made from young coconut meat, cheese, and other ingredients. I remember when I was still working in the Philippines, my work being an employee permits me to travel and visit one of our chain of stores once a year. I choose the stores near Manila and one of my favorite is San Pablo City, Laguna. Before I go home I will ask one of my store personnel to buy for me boxes of buko pie from Collete. The reason why I ask this guy because he has a friend working in there and they are entitled for discount. Instead of just having one of two boxes sometime I could get 2 for free if you buy 10 boxes which is already good. This buko pies are my pasalubong to my kids and officemates, which they really love because the crust is crunchy and the coconut is young and tastes really good. I let my hubby taste it in one of his visit, we were then going to Tagaytay and he likes it. Now that we are here in the US he is asking me to make it but I don't have a recipe. So I ask my son to sent me my recipe book. I tried and it taste good. I am sharing the recipe for those who are interested.

Ingredients:
Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

2/3 cup shortening

1 piece eggyolk

1 tsp. vinegar

1/4 cup ice water

Filling

4 cups coconut meat

1 cup coconut water

1 300 ml. can Carnation Sweetened Condensed Milk

2/3 cup cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Blend flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in shortening using two knives or a pastry cutter. Combine yolk, vinegar and water; slowly add the liquid to the flour mixing until dough can be handled. Divide dough into 2 parts with one part slightly bigger than the other. Roll bigger dough to about 2 inches larger than a 16-inch pie plate. Fit dough into a pie plate, letting sides hang. Roll out remaining dough for the crust. Set aside.

2. Combine filling ingredients in a thick saucepan. Cook stirring constantly until thickened. Cool then pour into prepared crust. Cover with top crust; flute or crimp edges together to seal. Bake for 1 hr. at 425 degrees F. Cool before serving.

Spectro Magic Parade Part II- Magic Kingdom

This is the second part of my blog regarding the spectacular parade that we watch when we visit Walt Disney, Orlando. I was very busy taking pictures and was so excited with the outcome because it was night and I really don't have the idea that this would come out good. The truth is, I could see it in the monitor and since the movement of the parade is fast did not have the chance to edit it until we reached the hotel. When I download it at my computer it came out good and clear. I promised when I post the Part 1 that I still have some photos to post but I could not find so much time to come to the computer to write and post my blog. Although, I am trying whenever I could find time. Again, I will say enjoy reading and looking at the pictures I post here. To everyone, thank you for visiting my page and hope to see you here even if I don't know you. I appreciate it very much if you could leave a message on my tagboard. I would love to read your messages and if you want to exchange link with me I would be glad to add you, just inform me.