WORLDWIDE CULTURAL EXCHANGE: Japan

Another package found its way to our humble home. This time its from the Karino Family in JAPAN.

The package was wrap in a local Japanese newspaper and once opened, it was overflowing with lots of goodies that represent Japan in the eyes of the family representing it.

Items included in the package were:

• Maps
• Origami  (Origami paper as well as intructions)
• A homemade flag of Japan
• a preserved Cherry blossom ( it was pressed and laminated)
• Furikake - sesame seed rice sprinkles with a recipe on how to use it to make Onigiri
• An onigiri shape maker ( fish shape and it was so cute...)
• dried seaweed ( we love dried seaweed for snack)
• cherry blossom flavored marshmallows
• soy sauce flavored rice crackers
• wooden chopsticks
• Kimono board cut out
• Japanese money ( paper play money as well as coins)

My son Paolo loves the Japanese art of paper folding a.k.a. ORIGAMI . The instructions provided on how to make a Shuriken ( Ninja Star) caught his attention and he immediately made one.

My little girl Paige loved the Origami Crane that I told them about the famous story of the 1000 Origami Paper cranes.

One thing I love about the package was that the family took the time to translate my kids names into their Japanese meanings.

Again, many thanks to the Karino family for sharing the culture of Japan with us.

If you want to take part in this wonderful learning experience, do check out the Little Red Farm.

You could also check out the facebook page Worldwide Culture Swap for more details.

WORLDWIDE CULTURAL EXCHANGE: Colorado

Got our second package, it was from the Jones' Family of Colorado USA

The package had lots of stuff inside. 

Postcards and coins...

A Ranger Rick magazine which the kids enjoyed reading because of the cool stuff inside about animals.

Some dried fruits, a sauce which they call Polynesian (a sort of sweet and sour sauce) as well as a Heinz ketchup.

A packet of Wildflower seeds which can be found all over the mountains. 

And add to that a letter about the Jones' family daily life which we all love reading because the kids got to know how a family in Colorado spends their day compared to how they spend their own.

Thank you to the Jones Family for putting together such a wonderful package and sharing it with us.

"LAGARE" Boy in Singapore

Guess who is visiting Singapore all the way from Dubai...
the original "LAGARE" boy...

It was nice to see Kuya Rodel again after more than 5 years...last time we met was at the wake of their father,  Uncle Rey.

Being with cousins, now that we are older, the talks are more about life.

Unlike before when we would all get together for some drinks, it was always about things that a usual teenage group would be concerned about. But now, there was this big change I have noticed...talks have been more serious...the seriousness is brought about by the sharing of life experiences especially with us having left the Philippines and try to make a living in another country.

It was fun having these kind of talks because we also get to learn from one another. It feels great to know the success one has achieved with perseverance and determination.

One thing I realized is that a TIMBANG is always a TIMBANG.

The bond that holds the family together is very much evident even after years of not seeing each other.

First meetings would always be awkward moments, but after that...it will always be like the old times.

Now, I am looking forward for the planned grand reunion.

It is timely to have such a gathering because it's about time that we all reconnect.

Happy Father's Day...

MY DAD, MY Hero

Among my siblings, people would mostly comment that based on features "I am a Timbang " and I took after my dad...and it is true...I am proud to say that I am indeed a daddy's girl.

Growing up, I would always ask his opinion and approval on most of the things in my life...I was afraid of disappointing him. Boys were somewhat afraid to court me because daddy would do a "background check" on them. I remember the day when I introduced my hubby Gilbert to him as my boyfriend, dad had tears in his eyes...it was like I am already getting married or something...hahaha...thinking about it now makes me realize that dads would always be protective over their kids especially their daughters...and of course, who wouldn't be. I believe that they only want to be sure that whoever the lucky man we give our heart to is someone he could entrust his daughters. And I am glad he gave his OK sign...

Today is father's day, and I could go on and on talking about how our dad was a great father to us and how he was a father to my son PAOLO when my hubby is on board the ship to work. 

He was my rock...my hero...and I am proud that I am his daughter...I love you dad... 

 MY HUBBY, The Superdad

He might not be always around but every moment he spends with the kids is priceless.

He is the good cop in the house while I am the bad cop. When the kids are in trouble, they would always run to him so that they will be protected by the "evil witch"...hahaha

 

Kidding aside, I am thankful that God gave you to me because without you, I would not have the happiness I have today...I would not have a family...you, Paolo and Paige...you three are my life...

We love you...Happy father's day!

Any man can be a father.  

It takes someone special to be a dad.  

~Author Unknown

Barcook Bakery

A new bakery has opened in the basement of Tampines One Mall.

The name to remember is BARCOOK BAKERY

This is its 5th outlet since it started it's operations in the year 2008.

People are raving about the aroma of  "fresh" breads that would always feel the air when you are passing by.

We get to finally try their breads and I give them two thumbs up...the taste, the soft bread...yummy.

Our favorite is the Raisin Cream...once you taste it, you can't help but have a second, third or even a fourth serving....

So if ever you are in the Tampines Central Area, do drop by and have a taste of their delicious breads oven baked on the spot...

The Boxes!

And the BOXES have arrived!

Looks like it's gonna be "BOXING Day" for me starting tomorrow...hahaha

Health is Wealth...

Finally done with my executive health screening at Raffles Medical today.

Last time I visited them was September 2010. 

All tests went out well, will be coming back for the results before the month ends. 

This is just in time as our big move will be this July. 

At our age, we would most likely just visit the doctor when we are sick. We don't give importance to this kinds of health screenings...thorough health screenings that is...but I realized they are just as important as lets say the renewal of licenses, income tax etc...You see we only have one body and all we have to do is take care of it.

My husband and I decided on doing this health screening for our kids, for each other. It is our gift to our kids, to our family to stay healthy and manage a healthy lifestyle.And everyone should do this too because we will never know what the future for us is.... 

With both our families having histories of diabetes, strokes and cancers, it is better to do this now than wait for the time when it's too late.

Just because you're not sick 

doesn't mean you're healthy.  

~Author Unknown