Avocadoria.ph's Avocado Lover: To Die For

With the heat index rising to more than 40 degrees these days, there is no denying that staying indoors is the safest way to beat the scorching heat. As a result, classes are suspended. Some schools conduct online classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays like where my niece studies. Fire and heat stroke are also prevalent at this time. 

The air conditioner turned on may greatly relieve you from the disturbing weather despite the increase in electric consumption. Similarly, a glass filled with cold water may instantaneously quench our thirst.

Photo source: Avocadoria Philippines

There are popular cold desserts and refreshing beverages during this season, too. Ice cream and halo-halo I would say are probably in the top list of everyone. It is interesting to discover how some ingenious Filipinos concoct a variety of flavors by using a wide range of raw ingredients. Thus, my parents and I need to instill discipline - lots of it, so our insulin wouldn't spike.

Imagine this: layers of graham powder, avocado ice cream, pearl tapioca, sliced almond nuts, chia seeds, fresh cubed avocado, and condensed milk. 

This indeed is our cup of bliss!

Read More

Four Years in the Making

In the metropolis, traffic has worsened especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of motorcycles significantly increased when public transportation (like bus, jeepney, taxi, etc.) stopped its operations. Many have to find alternative solutions to continue earning a living. The Big Four  motorcycle manufacturers (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki) made  people's commute to their work convenient. 

Road accidents are frequent since time immemorial, more so, when many motorists do not have sufficient road safety knowledge. Road rage is rampant, too. Some drivers lose their patience due to the different challenges they may experience on their way to their destinations. And this can be fatal. Therefore, discipline is essential, especially if you are in charge of the steering wheel.

Coincidentally, I drive for my parents these days. Despite being a person with disability (PWD), I am now a non-professional license holder and I went through the rigors of getting one.  I waited for four long years while I prayed about it. God also allowed me to meet the right individuals (although not instantly) to make this endeavour a reality. Indeed, there were disappointments in between. However, my faith is much stronger than any of those. The timing too was perfect. The obstacles in the past were answered! And the best part is, to be able to go to places without the need to wait for someone to be free nor hire a driver because I can now do it myself, even in the midst of a hundred or so motorcycles! 

Read More

February 17-22, 2024: Laura and Aunty Ruth's Visit to the Philippines

Laura Rajaratnam Manuel, my cousin, who hails from Malaysia, first visited the Philippines when she was 18 or 19 years old together with her granny Flora (my Lola Lucy's older sister). Since then, she continued corresponding with me and the rest of our relatives. We regularly sent letters to each other via snail mail then. She also never failed to send Christmas cards during the holiday season. 

Even when Lola Flora passed away, she continued connecting with us and is updated with almost everyone here via Facebook. She would come over with her cousins or with her family multiple times throughout the years. She was here too to celebrate my great grandmother's 100th birthday in 2000.

It was also during this trip of theirs that I learned why some of my grandmother's siblings live permanently in Malaysia (three of them) while the rest went back to the Philippines (six). It was also interesting to know the lineage of her husband's mother - Thai and Scottish, and his father, an Indian. 

I'm a year younger than her. Because we are more mature this time, we bonded by sharing personal things ladies our age experience. We talked about our love for food, the importance of staying healthy, and everything under the sun in between giggles and laughter. She too misses writing because everything is digital now. Admittedly, I am a person who is comfortable being alone. There are 101 things I can do at home. I have a job and the many interests that preoccupies me. Her exemplary ways of staying in touch is something I will try to emulate. May God bless her heart! 

                                               

Read More

Pahiyas Festival 2023

 

Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon was once again celebrated after a three year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic last May 15, 2023. It was also our second time to witness this festivity and was my first out-of-town drive this year. (My first Pahiyas festival experience here).

Admittedly, I love everything about nature. I was exhilarated to see the rice fields, the lush trees from the mountains and the lake. We took the Marilaque Hiway route which consisted of many uphill, downhill, and zigzag roads. There were interesting shops along the thoroughfare that promoted the various towns' products. Fresh fruits, a native delicacy called "bibingka," wood crafts, barong tagalog, to name a few were sold. We also passed through some restaurants that were known for their food.


I was happy to witness the various tourists - young, young-at-heart, locals, foreigners and those in-between. Like us, they too were eager to view the intricately decorated houses with crops. To encourage the residents to join and "dress" their homes, monetary rewards were given by the sponsors. It was a good way to boost tourism and the town's economy. We managed to bring home some of their delicacies like the longganiza and cookies from Pavino's.  

The drive was a refreshment to my parents. My father had three procedures for his posterior cataract removal recently. His medical journey lasted for seven months. The doctors' clinic (opthalmologist and internist) were the places he frequented then. 

Read More

The Harsh Reality of Life

Our lives here on earth is momentary. Three family members of the people we know passed away this month.

The world dictates - accumulate material things, work hard for your aspirations, or do whatever you love. As a Christian, I am reminded to set my affections on things above, to prioritize God's mandates, and to please Him at all times.

Read More