Trapped by Typhoon Gener

Monday, August 6, 2012, first day of work – after my shift, together with Karen, we took a bus.  The weather was incredible; we knew that something’s going to happen at night.  That day, supposedly I will be going to buy some grocery items, like bread, rice and some personal stuff, but Karen told me: “try to do that next week, on the salary day.”  Of course, since rain was beginning to drop on the bus windshield, I decided to do it next week.  When I reached my apartment, I did my ordinary choir every time I went home from the office, so that means everything was like an ordinary day.  For dinner: Oatmeal with milk and bread with butter; watched TV, online surfing, watched Olympic games, washed my face, listened to an FM station to get asleep and that’s my routine every night. 

Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 4AM my BlackBerry rung, a sign that means I need to get up and prepare myself for the new day.  Suddenly, my team mate Ara, or (I mean former team mate) because she’s under a new TL supervision now, texted me.  I read it, “Papasok kaba? Sabi ni Dennis, baha daw sa Marcos Highway, walang madadaanan . . . .” (She was asking me if I will be going to the office, Marcos Highway is currently flooded and and it’s impassable).  Since I just woke up, I knew that it was raining, but I have no idea if theirs flood.   So I opened the door, cold wind breezes on my face, everywhere was dark (maybe because it was 4AM).  I looked on our neighbour’s garage, since that area has a light (I don’t know if that’s a street light or what), WOAHHHHAA! I was shocked, that was not just a flood, and I saw chocolate flowing on the streets and I am hearing splashing water.  That sound was like I am in a resort with a falls on the background.  When I saw what’s happening, I texted back to Ara: “I also can’t go to work because our area is now a centre of the water world.”  I texted my team mates and my TL about my situation, so I thought everything were fine.

JLC Foundation

I just want to share these photos, captured last 2008 at Philcoa, Quezon City, Philippines.  These children needed a financial support, so, instead of giving monetary supports, JLC Foundation organized a feeding program to these children just to make sure that they have enough vitamins.

look at the child on blue, though the food was ordinary, but still the happiness is still on their faces.

Healthy Mushrooms

Tiendesitas, Pasig City – perfect location for everyone; you can go shopping, dine and if you are a pet lover, you can also choose one.  Last Saturday, I had a meeting with Batang Hamog Mountaineers and Couch Surfing Manila in this place and one thing captured my eyes – the mushrooms.    

One company embarked on this business with the end in view of putting nutritional value.  Mushrooms are rich proteins, vitamins and minerals.  They are also known for their medicinal value, with Shiitake being anti-cancer and possessing immune system enhancing ability, King Oyster (Eringii) with inhibitory effect on cholesterol level and laxative effect that treats constipation, and Maitake (hen of the woods) with noted ability to lower blood sugar levels in addition to being known as antioxidant.  

Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula Edodes)

Healthy.Mushrooms Inc. (HMI) – is a corporation created and registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission on July 28, 2010 with primary purpose to engage in the cultivation, growing and processing of gourmet mushrooms using state of the ear equipments under controlled environment and utilizing technology-based production system.  Its plant facilities and offices are located at Angeles Livelihood Complex, EPZA, Brgy. Pulung Cacutud, Angeles City.

Mushrooms with Oyster Sauce

Ingredients:

100g Shiitake mushrooms

100g Eryngii (king oyster) 2 pcs.

50g Broccoli, chopped

1 tsp. Vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced, chopped

1 pc. White onion (small) diced

1 tsp. Oyster sauce

½ tbsp. Butter

Salt

Black pepper

¼ tsp. Sesame oil (optional)

Directions:

1.       Cut the stem of shiitake, and then slice the top of the head and the stem lengthwise 3 mm thick.

2.       Chop the eryngii in three parts; slice each piece lengthwise, 2 mm thick.

3.       Heat the vegetable oil in a pan (preferably non stick pan).  Saute the garlic, onions, broccoli and eryngii.  Stir for 2 minutes then put the shiitake.  Add salt and pepper, stir for another 3 mins.  When the mushrooms have released its liquid, add butter and oyster sauce.   Stir to blend.

4.       Add the sesame oil, cook until vegetables have softened (Do not add water since the vegetables has its own juices and the sauce will be thicker.  But if you prefer to do so, add only small amount.

5.       Serve while it’s hot.