Rediscovering Beth: From Legal to Baker’s, and Traveler’s Notes

My 19th blog: Unity Amid Tragedy: Reflections on Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival The news first reached me through a message from my nephew in our family group chat. Relief washed over me, knowing that none of our family members were at the Lapu Lapu Festival during the tragic incident. But that relief was swiftly overshadowed by shock and disbelief. Filipinos are a peace-loving people who treasure community and harmony. How could anyone commit such a terrible act during a celebration of heritage and unity? The Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver is a vibrant tribute to Filipino heritage and Datu Lapu-Lapu, the hero who stood against Spanish colonization in 1521. It symbolizes courage, freedom, and the enduring spirit of unity through Filipino traditions, food, music, and dances. The festival also showcases the Filipino community’s contributions to British Columbia's cultural richness. Tragically, this beautiful celebration turned into a nightmare. A driver in an SUV plowed into a crowd...

My 18th blog:  A Poor Church for the Poor: Giving Back, One Recipe at a Time Today, April 26, marks the funeral of Pope Francis. As the world gathers to bid a heartfelt farewell to this extraordinary leader, I find myself reflecting on how this moment of profound significance connects to my own journey—both as a blogger and as a simple baker. In a moment of clarity, I was reminded of a time when life’s complexities weighed heavily on me. It was then that I began to ponder how my humble craft as a baker could touch the lives of others, even in the smallest of ways. My thoughts often turned to the orphans—children who held a special place in my heart, though I never had children of my own. Through kindness and generosity, I longed to bring them joy and comfort. Pope Francis’ life and mission resonate deeply with me. His unwavering focus on humility, service, and compassion for the marginalized—the very cornerstones of his papacy—rekindled my desire to use my passions to make a differ...

My 17th blog: A Whisk and a Wish: My Journey in a TESDA-accredited Baking Class After the Holy Week, I decided to take a short break from blogging to embark on a new adventure—a TESDA-accredited baking class. Looking back, I can confidently say it was worth every moment. Why, you ask? They say you can’t have your cake and eat it too, but this experience proved otherwise. It’s a win-win—I’m picking up invaluable tricks from our outstanding chef, Ms. Gee, to refine my baking skills, all without spending a single cent (or perhaps just a minimal amount). What’s not to love?  As someone who thrives in solitary pursuits, I initially approached this baking class as a practical stepping stone—a straightforward opportunity to learn, grow, and master the art of baking, all while minimizing the need for interaction. Working closely with others was not something I anticipated with enthusiasm, especially given my tendency to struggle under close supervision. Yet, as the days passed, this class ...

  My 16th blog:  My stand against abortion THE TAXI RIDE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING   Ms. Valencia had finally done it—after ten relentless years at a top law firm in Bonifacio Global City, she had secured the promotion she had dreamed of--Prestige. Respect. Success. She should have been overjoyed.   Yet, deep in the quiet corners of her mind, something stirred—a hesitation, a whisper of doubt.   Earlier that day, her obstetrician’s words shattered her illusion:   " You’re pregnant. "   She had dismissed the signs, too consumed by work to consider the possibility.   After her visit to the doctor, she hailed a taxi and sat on the partly torn cushion of the seat.  Now, staring out the taxi window, the reality pressed against her chest. How would this change everything?   " Not many women drive taxis ," she remarked absentmindedly.   " No choice ," the driver laughed. " I needed work. But having my baby ? B...

My 15th blog The Good Friday Journey: Dying to Self, Rising in Faith   For me, Good Friday isn’t just a marked occasion or a date on the calendar—it’s a daily journey. Each day, I wrestle with uncertainty, yearning to understand God's will and surrender to His divine plan. In that surrender—through the struggle—I uncover the heart of Good Friday: a call to trust, to sacrifice, to walk the path He has set before me, and ultimately, to learn what it means to die to myself.   Looking back, I see the weight of my choices. Twenty-five years ago, I turned away from God's voice, choosing my own path—a path that ultimately led to the unraveling of my past relationship. Pride clouded my vision, and humility was a virtue I struggled to embrace. There were moments when I was hurt, misjudged, and criticized. I let my sensitivity take over, especially in my relationships with friends. But instead of responding with grace, I fought back—like a fierce tiger, unwilling to yield, guard...

    My 14th blog Holy Thursday and My Journey of Rediscovery   Holy Thursday stands as a sacred cornerstone of the Catholic faith—a night of profound significance, marking the Last Supper of Christ with His disciples. It is a solemn remembrance of His immeasurable love, the institution of the Holy Eucharist, and the divine foundation of the priesthood. As Catholics gather to honor this sacred moment, I find myself reflecting on my own journey—a path marked by farewells, new beginnings, and the unexpected sources of strength that carried me through the depths of uncertainty.   Jesus bid farewell to His disciples, fully aware that His path would lead to the ultimate sacrifice. In many ways, my civil and church annulment was its own kind of farewell—a painful, necessary ending. Letting go was agonizing, yet it became the gateway to rediscovery, forcing me to confront who I truly was beyond the shadows of loss. Through this journey, I found the woman I am today—s...

Rolling in Dough: Tales from My Oven (Part 1)   I embarked on my baking journey over a decade ago, driven by my insatiable sweet tooth and a deep-seated passion for creating desserts. Each recipe was an adventure, moving from one pastry to the next, navigating what often felt like an endless cycle of trial and error.  There were moments when I sighed, feeling like all the time and money I had poured into my baking efforts had gone to waste as I reluctantly tossed out the results of my painstaking work. But then, there were times when I simply laughed at the sight of burnt cookies, took a deep breath, and started over—this time with an extra dash of determination and a smile.   Fueled by an unwavering desire to succeed, I carefully refined the delicate blend of flour, sugar, butter, and other essential ingredients striving for the perfect symphony of flavors. Each attempt brought fresh insights, and even the stumbles had their own bittersweet charm, reminding me tha...

Da ncing Genes: From Stage Lights to Laundry Day   In our family, if there’s one thing that truly stands out—besides our unmatched talent for savoring every bite of culinary delights—it’s our natural gift for dancing that moves hearts and souls.  Now, before my brother objects, let’s all agree on this eternal truth: he has two left feet. Relax, bro—it’s not a flaw; it’s a feature! You’re the anchor to our rhythm, the steady ground beneath our cha-chas and sambas. Every family needs someone to keep things grounded while the rest of us groove into stardom.  But props to my brother—he may have dodged the dancing genes, but he’s a wizard of photography and painting. 🕺   Who’s the real shining star of our sister dance troupe? My elder sister, next to me, of course! Back in the day, she was one of the Penthouse dancers during the era of Pops Fernandez and Martin Nievera. She embodied elegance, with the sleek and shapely poise of a jazz dancer in her prime. These d...

  9th blog, Part 3   Buffet Bliss: Exploring and Comparing the Finest Hotel Buffets in Metro Manila Featuring The Grand Kitchen at Grand Hyatt, BGC   In the heart of bustling BGC, a culinary gem awaits those seeking good food and a moment of respite from the day’s demands. Today, I had the pleasure of discovering this with my dear friend, Beng, at the Grand Kitchen, where flavors and hospitality harmoniously blend to create an enjoyable dining experience.   Food Variety and Quality The quality of the food stood out as exceptional. Although the menu lacked seafood options and diverse beef dishes like roast beef, the dining experience remained thoroughly enjoyable. The lechon kawali, in particular, was incredibly tender and succulent, leaving a lasting impression.   Ambiance The ambiance in The Grand Kitchen was inviting. I appreciated the beautiful glass decor and the warm, welcoming atmosphere.   Service: The service truly exceeded...

  11th blog A Bond Beyond Borders:   True friendship with a Japanese Soul (Part 1)   True friendships are often the result of years of shared experiences, evolving through the rhythms of daily life. They might begin in the laughter-filled halls of grade school, deepen through the pivotal years of high school, and mature further during the transformative stages of college and adulthood. These connections are woven from countless moments—both mundane and extraordinary—creating bonds that withstand the passage of time and life's inevitable changes.   My friendship with Kei (my Japanese student who later became my best friend) began through the unique dynamic of teacher and student in an online English class. Among the many educators in the virtual school, she specifically chose me--she later revealed it was because of the college I graduated from. I felt truly honored by her choice, which inspired me to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to providing the highest qua...

10th blog:  The ROI on Memories and Knee Support (LOL)   Two days ago, I attended the wake of my brother-in-law’s father. During the wake, I found myself chatting with my brother-in-law’s brother—a former banker and account officer to some of Metro Manila’s wealthiest. Naturally, the topic turned to investments. Curious, I asked him what the best investment is, especially for people my age. Without missing a beat, he said, 'The best investment is our MEMORIES.' In plain English: while we’re still young (or clinging to the label), let’s actually enjoy life instead of stockpiling every peso like it’s the end of the world. He pointed out that at our age, we probably have about 15 good years left to explore the world before our knees start begging for mercy. So, if you’ve got some spare cash lying around, don’t let it gather dust—spend it on EXPERIENCES, not excuses. Because let’s face it, once your knees start protesting, the only adventures left are swapping joint supplement...

9 th blog, Part 2:   Buffet Bliss: Exploring and Comparing the Finest Hotel Buffets in Metro Manila Featuring  Medley Buffet in Okada   Picture this: You step into the Medley Buffet at OKADA, greeted by an expansive array of dishes that promises a journey across global cuisines. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a hint of elegance that sets the tone for a memorable dining experience.   From freshly rolled sushi to savory roasted meats, every corner of the buffet is masterfully designed to offer a diverse range of flavors that cater to all tastes. Just when you think you’ve explored it all, you step into a cheese lover's dream—a room brimming with a delightful variety of cheeses: creamy, aged, sharp, and everything in between. This, my friends, is one of the many reasons OKADA holds a special place in my heart as a favorite buffet destination. They say, "To each their own," but for a cheese enthusiast like me, OKADA sits proudly at the top of my ...

8 th blog Chapters Unleashed: My Life with Migo   I remember someone once told me, 'Don’t dwell on your past—focus on the present.' While I appreciate the sentiment, I’ve come to realize that my past is an inseparable part of who I am. In this blog, while I emphasize openness to exploring new paths and embracing life’s surprises and blessings, I find it impossible to ignore the threads of my past. It’s deeply interwoven into my present and will likely shape my future. I can’t help but weave in stories from my past. It’s all connected—where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m heading. So, here’s to honoring the journey, every step of the way.   Let’s rewind the story of my life a bit.   When I was married—despite the ups and downs of a rather turbulent union—my ex-husband and I genuinely wanted to have children. I thought, 'No problem there!' I came from a big family of six siblings (now five) and figured that surely, having children would follow naturally. M...

  9 th blog, Part 1:  Bliss: Exploring and Comparing the Finest Hotel Buffets in Metro Manila Featuring  The Heat in EDSA Shangrila (**1st part of the blog...to be continued)    I’m lucky to have friends—and even family—who share my passion for dining out. Honestly, we used to storm buffet restaurants like culinary treasure hunters, searching for the ultimate jackpot of flavors. But, let’s face it: as time marches on (and so do our waistlines), a la carte has become our best buddy. These days, it’s either our stomachs throw up the white flag before we can finish plate two, or our doctors have politely recommended we embrace “the salad life.” Ah, the joys of aging! 😅   For the sake of this blog, I’ll zero in on a few top buffet hotels in Metro Manila that I’ve had the pleasure of trying—ones that make you want to throw caution (and calorie counts) to the wind. There’s an old saying that goes, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating,” so I’m tossin...

7th blog Credit Scam Alert: Risks of App Uploads on Your Phone   This afternoon, while riding in my sister's plush car on our way to lunch at a hotel, I recounted an alarming story about a friend's friend of mine who is currently in the U.S. Recently, she downloaded the Uber app to navigate the city, but something about the link she clicked felt off—a gut feeling she couldn’t ignore. Trusting her instincts, she immediately contacted her bank (I’ll keep the bank's name private for security reasons) and performed a small test transaction to check for any fraudulent activity. Her fears were soon confirmed—the link she had clicked was indeed fraudulent.   Early on, as my friend shared her friend's experience with me, a wave of unsettling familiarity washed over me. I realized I, too, had fallen victim to a similar scam almost a decade ago Back in 2016, during a trip to Las Vegas, I downloaded what I believed was the Uber app. I returned to the Philippines, only to b...