2009 - What's it going to be?

In four days, 2008 will be gone and we’ll be facing the New Year. There’s a lot of fear and anxiety, considering the critical situation all over the world. Is there hope for a more peaceful and progressive Philippines? Maybe our vision will be realized sometime. Here is our wish list.

1 – That the MMDA will seriously apprehend all traffic violators. That it monitors the buses whose drivers are so bold, moving from lane to lane with complete disregard for whoever they are likely to hit.

2 – That the rule of law will prevail. Punish the guilty and stop investigating only to abandon the case for “lack of evidence.”

3 – That the Filipino will survive inspite of decreasing income and growing families. That unemployment figures will not shoot up.

4 – That street children will find shelter so they’d be safe from drug pushers and traders of the flesh. That free education will be provided to them.

5 – That we get a government that is truly concerned and honest.

6 – That the citizenry will be caring to those who need help.

Those are not quite all that we need, but we can start from there.

Now for the homemakers who want to make New Year’s resolutions that are not made to be broken, here are some suggestions.

1 – Closely monitor kitchen expenses. Some women tend to over-spend. If one whole chicken is more than enough, cut it into two and make two dishes. Re-use bags and other containers.

2 – Take note of price tags, especially in the supermarkets. Jot down where you can get cheaper rice. Sometimes food items cost less in big stores because they get them by bulk. Also mind expiration dates.

3 – Bring a list of things you are going to buy and never get anything on impulse.

4 – Schedule a left-over meal. There are some dishes that taste better when “aged,” like adobo.

5 – If your family is small, do not buy big bottles of mixes and seasoning, such as patis and soy sauce.

6 – Do spring cleaning. Collect all items that are old, broken and beyond use. You will surely find a waste market in your area. No matter how little they pay, at least your garbage has some value.

7 – Do more vegetable and fish dishes. Buy more fruits instead of sweets.

8 – Check appliances and other gadgets, making sure wire coverings are not peeling off.

9 – When the price of prime commodities escalates, look for more affordable substitutes.

Remember, anything you can do to minimize expenses will lessen the dent on your pocket.

We have just received a copy of a book titled “The Good Food Book” by the Lay Affiliates of the Good Shepherd, a group formed in 1986. They have collected recipes, from their families, the communities they help, those living and employed overseas. What makes this book interesting and touching are the stories the contributors tell. These anecdotes of the circumstances that led to the formation of the dishes add a new dimension to the book.

Recipes by a few OFWs who have attended the Affiliates’ formation sessions that prepare them for a challenging life overseas are among the interesting pieces. There are sections given catchy names like “In the Beginning” (starters, of course) and “Fish be With You”(seafood). The contents have been influenced by various cuisines (like Korea’s kalbi chim), interspersed with those of the Philippines, such as nilagang pasko. There is a section dedicated to P40 meals from mothers of pre-school children enrolled in the Headstart program in Bagong Silangan, a group supported by the Affiliates.

The Affiliates “hope that through sharing the recipes, everyone can taste the joy of living in the service of Christ, The Good Shepherd.”

          Happy New Year!

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