US Open 2009 and My Sorely Missing Telly

Here I go again. I'm sad because Star Sports Asia won't be covering US Open Grandslam this year. What happened? They covered it perfectly last year! My cable provider does not have balls or tennis channel so I'd have to scour the net for free live streams. The problem is, most streams load so slow and are of poor quality. So for those of you who might happen to read this and know a site which provides good quality streams for free, please, please let me know. I know of HD live streams on the net but some of them aren't free.

Anyway, I know the US Open tournament will be lots of fun. You can't go wrong when Federer's vying for a record sixth straight and players like Nadal, Murray and the rest of the talented crew are fighting for the same goal. Personally, I wish for another Federer vs. Nadal final. I must admit that I'm a fan of their now famed rivalry. Too bad, our cable telly won't be of much service.

Sweet Treats For Everyone!

Hello! I would like to share with everyone my favorite sweet treat. This particular recipe is incredibly easy to make but really addicting, that is if you love bananas! We Filipinos love this so I hope you will too!

Minatamisang Saging Na Saba/ Sweetened Plantain Bananas

You will need:

• plantain bananas also called saba bananas- This kind of banana is larger with thicker skin. It's very easy to spot in the market, usually they are the ones still twinged with green. Just ask for the cooking type of bananas.
• cups of brown sugar- Brown sugar is needed for its color. Do you know that brown sugar is a healthier option than the white one which is highly processed?
• water
• a few pieces of jackfruit/ langka (optional)
• Evaporated milk
  

Procedure:
Mix water and brown sugar. Your bananas must all be swimming in this sweet syrup. Adjust the sweetness of the mixture to your taste.
Boil the mixture until it reaches a thick, syrupy texture.
Put the bananas in the mixture.
Add the pieces of jackfruit.
Cook the bananas for a few more minutes to let the syrup penetrate. Be careful not to overcook the bananas.
Serve with a dose of evaporated milk!

* Depending on how you like it, this treat can be served hot or cold. Personally, I like to pour mine with lots of milk and then I refrigerate it. You can also put ice cubes on it. It's a cold sweet treat!

Try this one and you'll go bananas!!!

Trusting God

Sometimes, blessings can come in unexpected. Sometimes, they are disguised. Whatever the situation is, trust God. He loves us and will only allow what is best for us.
In my current situation, I say all for Your greater glory God!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

I Will Not Complain!!!

In life, we people can find a million reasons to complain. However, looking around us will reveal why we should not. Lately, I have been facing some sort of crisis and I found that when times are really hard, it's easy to slide down the road to bitterness, even depression. I realized that I must STOP and HELP myself. I remembered the people with much harder plights than I have and how they carry on with life. The other, other day I saw a crippled man with deformed fingers sitting on a cardboard in front of a pharma store. He was selling sampaguita flowers; with the few garlands raised by his deformed hands. One of his hands have only one finger; the other hand is also deformed. I also saw a man on TV who lost half of his legs due to an accident. It was amazing because he still strives and manages to drive a tricycle to fend for his family. The show rewarded him with a new tricycle so he did not have to rent one.

It is when I see and remember the plight and amazing courage of people like those that I realize I have no reason to complain. I have a trillion more reasons to rejoice and be happy and thank God! Those people inspired me to see the hope in every situation; that God always knows and that He will be there to help. Yes, I WILL NOT COMPLAIN.

I still struggle for a more positive outlook each day. I however, will try to remind myself that the good always outweighs the bad. God is my stronghold; in Him there is hope.

God Bless everyone!

* These are some articles which may help struggling people like me:
http://healthmad.com/mental-health/top-tips-for-easing-your-stress-and-worry/
http://socyberty.com/advice/how-to-get-up-and-survive-from-failures/
http://webupon.com/services/a-website-of-prayers/

Farewell to Our National Icon of Peace and Humility

Hello!!! Yesterday, me and my mother went to the Manila Cathedral to pay our last respects to the great former Philippine President, Corazon C. Aquino. We waited for a long time but it paid off in the end. I do feel really lucky because I had the chance to partake of this historical event. We even wrote on the memorial tarpaulines.
I salute you, President Cory! You make me really proud to be a Filipino! You have shown the courage that only a woman of true faith can exhibit. I know that good people like you will reap their heavenly rewards. Jesus said He will always be with us all and I know He keeps His promises.

On to other things, The Phantom comics is becoming more intense and exciting. This love triangle undermined with the darkness of politics makes a perfect combination. I can't wait for the next strip!

I have a movie recommendation from my brother. He said The Hangover film was really funny. So for those of you who want a comedy flick, I guess this one is it for now. He and I have quite similar takes on what makes a good comedy, so I can vouche for him safely.

BTW, my cat is making me crazy. He keeps on peeing and pooping around our house. I have half a mind on ejecting him out of the house just like the reality shows do but he has a n irressistible cat charm. In the end, I just have to try and TRAIN HIM OVER AND OVER....

Till my next post......;o)