The Paris Letters

When Kimberly Wilson (my source of inspiration) shared Paris Letters: One Woman's Journey

from the Fast Lane to the Slow Stroll in Paris by Janice Mac Leod, I got so excited and curious

on how will she share her success in saving up money for herself to buy two years of freedom in

Europe.

I have always been amazed on woman who tries to discover and create her well being and help

inspire others to do the same. I want to learn about her life's adventure in meeting up Christophe 

and how her fate was sealed in romantique Paris.

Because I love travel memoirs, hope I would be able to purchase my own book and start reading how this strong woman discovered a life that she would love.

To Kimberly Wilson, thank you for choosing an inspiring read, I feel that the book will be a great lesson to all your followers. :)

                                   

Photos: Courtesy of Tranquility Du Jour

Misa de Gallo

In the Philippines, Christmas is the longest and most celebrated event.

It signals the start of the the festivities on the pre dawn Misa de Aguinaldo

on December 16.

Pre dawn mass or Misa de Aguinaldo starts at four in the morning for eight

consecutive nights and culminate in the Misa De Gallo on Christmas Eve 

which is on the twenty fourth of December.

The Filipino tradition continues up to the present day. The church bells ring to 

signal the start of the mass. Another highlight  is after the service, people gather 

and stop by in the early morning to stop by food stalls that sells Filipino favorites,

Puto Bungbong and Bibingka.

The festivities continue until Christmas Eve and this Filipino holidays shall pass through

generations and generations as a respect to this graceful traditions of the Philippines.

    Churches in the Philippines during the festivities of the Misa de Aguinaldo and Misa de 

    Gallo.

    Bibingka are rice cakes made from rice flour topped with cheese, margarine and grated

    coconut.

   

    Puto Bungbong are purple glutinous rice cakes steamed in bamboo cylinders and sprinkled 

    grated coconut and brown sugar.

    

    

     Photos courtesy of: Flickr.com and foodie traveler.com

The Christmas Tradition in the Philippines

It's 23 days till Christmas. I am glad that things are over the top in the Philippines.

Everywhere there are lights, carolers, decorated windows with their parols, bells, fake

snowflakes (as we don't have snow in the Philippines) and Christmas tree ornaments

in every size and colors and the most important of all, the smiles that are glued in 

everyone's faces despite the Christmas traffic rush.

Families are reunited and complete for the Noche Buena after attending the simbang gabi on 

midnight of the 25th after which everyone gather to the table and thank the good Lord for 

the gift of Christmas, Family and Food. This is how Filipinos celebrate Christmas Eve. :)

  The Filipino smile on their faces and the popular parol hanged in their windows.

 A libation feast during Noche Buena. Food will never be complete without 

 famous bribingka and puto bungbong.