With the second ber month about to be done, the spirit of merriment has indeed arrived. In our family, the ber season is a period of having fun. Visiting carnivals and festivals is in our to do list. Last year, the kids had a great time in Global Fun Carnival. This year we’re set to experience the world of dinosaurs with the DINOS ALIVE TOUR in Manila. We can't wait for its opening this coming November 28. We've already marked the date in our calendar. If you would like to save the date too, check the details of the event on the organizer's announcement below.

I was browsing through the Philippine Star's website and I came across its section of "Kwentong Peyups" (stories about UP). Quickly, I got inspired and jumped straight unto my laptop keyboard and gloriously relived my UP life through this writing. Read on and join me in my walk down memory lane...

In a University with an Oblation Man(by Sherra Bernardo B.S. Food Technology 1994-1998)

In my teen years, the famous premier university in the country that is UP was every senior high school graduating student’s dream for a college life. It is likewise every parent’s choice for his child’s education. I remember how my mother fought for my UP education against my grandfather’s intimidating sign of a “no-no”. Well, how can you blame my grandfather for shielding me from the frightening initiation rites of fraternities and sororities, which UP is so known for? Add to that, I was entering UP at the height of Eileen Sarmenta’s rape-slay and Allan Gomez’ killing. Fortunately, my mother’s dream of a quality education reigned supreme and for that, I am forever grateful.

So in 1994, I found myself queuing in the UPLB campus getting enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program. Getting into the UP campus and living the UPLB way brought me a lot of distinctive realizations and discoveries.

At UP, You are you; I am I. Nobody care for what you wear or how you look. It is here where credentials weigh more than the physical looks. In the university, I can be me without the discriminating eyes of classmates and teachers. Do I dare say I had a taste of equality? Gladly more than I had. Students here have so much freedom but it’s prickly encased with real responsibility. You mould your own life but you also learn how to manage it wisely. Creating a balanced life is a pitch. You get to choose your own course plan even the type of brotherhood you want to cling into. But as they say, with great power comes great responsibility. So family values and support of your loved ones are very much needed to get through to UPLB living sensibly. And I thank my family for I did.

No sleeps but not necessarily reap the glory. On exam days, which we normally refer to as “hell week”, sleepless nights and group studies are so common. In this period, I had my own take on the 24-hour shift of life. But ironically, you still ask why is a week of studying and sleepless nights don’t seem enough to score high on the exam? Later, I came to know that it’s all about having a good study habit and then some. Plain intelligence is not enough. Diskarte, patience, persistence and real hard work, all play vital roles. More so, I often heard social interaction is key. Popular clichés like man does not live by bread alone or no man is an island holds true in this university. So much more if you stay in the dormitory. There, you learn how to deal with different people and consequently be trained on how to adjust the strand of your interpersonal skills. Anyhow, old exams and hand me down books are some of the must grabs for doing so.

Make do of what you have and live simply. We typically commune with nature to relax from the hurdles and pressures of studies. A climb to Jamboree and NAC (National Arts Center) or an eco-adventure to Botanical Garden is our definition of luxury. We happily settle for bidani balls, siomai and empanadas for our snacks sometimes even for our lunch. Starbucks is not yet born, so we’re satisfied with our stocks of 3-in 1 coffee in the dorm to last us longer in our night of study.

Sacrifice and heroism, are what the outstretched arms of the naked man in the university are all for. But it took a while before I appreciate the value of an oblation run. I almost passed out the first time I watched it. Nuns educated me in my high school days, to say that seeing an oblation run is a culture shock for me is so much of an understatement. Because of that, I was challenged to question some UP beliefs and advocacies. On the contrary, the symbol of the naked man epitomizes the intellect and vigour of a UP education and markedly, it’s imbedded in me.

On the whole, living a UPLB life is like an amazing race. It’s generally filled with roadblocks and detours but perseverance and more got me through to the pit stops. The adventure I had is a memory of a lifetime.

When Lucky Me! encouraged us to celebrate Famealy Day at home last September 22, all the more it occured to me that the essential benefits it gives can really go a long way. So, let me share with you my thoughts in living this advocacy...

“Daddy, kanina nag drawing ako! Ang galing ko na mag-drawing.” “Ako Mommy nag-color ako, ang ganda ng pag-color ko!” “Sarap nito Mommy, luto ka ulit nito hah?” This is how typical conversation at our humble dining table sounds. With such inspiring and heart warming remarks, tell me, how can I resist family meal occasions at home? This is simply the kind of happening we shouldn’t want to be missed. A happy memory we must all partake. That’s why; KAINANG PAMILYA MAHALAGA (Family Meals deemed important), became a mantra in our home. We are pleased to declare that it’s a place where absence in the dining table at dinner time is forbidden.
As a working mom, on weekdays, I get to enjoy eating with my family on a single meal occasion only. Though I prepare my kids’ foods before I go to work, I can hardly join them in all their meals. So it really pains me to count how much little time I have for them. However, no matter how challenging it may seem nothing should prevent me in gathering the entire family to the dining table to celebrate God’s bounty. Like all time-strapped parents and homemakers in particular, the desire to give my family yummy treats and scrumptious meal is still ever burning. So when I heard flattering remarks about my cooking and the smile of satisfaction in their palate, it makes all the sacrifice worth it. If dads are considered the foundation of the home and moms are its light, I would say the dining table is its roof. It shelters all of us from the many challenges of family life. Physically, it’s witness to everyone’s food preference and eating habits. But beyond that, it’s our important link to close family ties that could last a lifetime. What could be more rewarding than being with your family as you celebrate your many firsts and milestones? From contagious laughs to serious talks and lamentation, there’s plainly no better way than sharing these with our loved ones.

We've already started our countdown to Christmas and with just a few days to go, it's true that festivity is just around the corner. For us, Filipinos, Christmas time is synonymous to shopping, party, gifts and of course food (lots and lots of all kinds)! It's that time of the year where talks about dieting and slimming are considered taboo. It seemed that everybody found a way for an excuse to these things. We tend to indulge to high heavens in particular of sweets. Have you ever wondered why sweet goodies normally frequent gift baskets, boxes and jars during the gift giving season? Well, there are a number of reasons I'm sure. But foremost to that I think is that no one in this world hardly appreciate sweet treats. Everybody was born to have a sweet tooth. It's only our threshold that varies. So if you're thinking of giving home made present to your loved ones and friends, this is one recipe you can try and perfect just in time for the holidays. I remember making batches of this macaroon with my best friend during our highschool days. We learned the recipe from her aunt and just modified it ourselves. Eventually, we tried selling some to schools and small restaurants. We were so glad, we hit big time. This recipe is quite different from the usual macaroons we are all accustomed to. You'll find that the texture is between a typical macaroon and a cupcake. It's not gooey nor sticky. The aftertaste is so creamy and milky. You can also make different variations by adding fruits and nuts to it. If you want to commercialize it, you can blend it with natural or artificial flavors (e.g. hazelnut, dulce de leche and many more). This recipe is so easy to make, even kids can do it. So, have your mixer ready and start making this delicacy that is sure to delight anyone.

1/3 cup margarine, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 small can sweetened condensed milk, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 1/4 cup dessicated coconut

Cream margarine and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and condensed milk. Mix well. Add all purpose flour. Stir in dessicated coconut. Drop a teaspoon of batter into a macaroon mould and bake at 150 C for 15 mins or until browning is visible on top.