Celebrating My New Year with full of HOPE, LOVE and BLESSINGS

Most of the people's mind set that New Year is the time for us to change into the best version of ourselves and a time to move on and leave the past and it is more grateful that there is no changes of the same amazing people in your life who are there through rough and tough days in your life. I am going to share my first experience to celebrate New year with my boyfriend's family though we knew each other and had lived together for years. I am used to spend my New year and Christmas with my family but sad to say, it was all changed when we were affected by the typhoon but this kind of scenario is understandable.

"ESKABECHE"

The day before the food preparation, I was still confused if I am going to order from a restaurant or to cook the special dish by my own. Since, I have more extra time so I decided to do it by myself with my top 2 best food. I woke up early and went to the wet market to find a big and fresh fish. Luckily, I got it from my favorite fish seller and I took 1 large size Parrot fish and a medium one. One of the best fish to cook "Eskabeche" is the parrot fish because of its natural taste and meaty inside. It has only a less ingredients and easy to prepare but I am having a hard time to cook the fish in low heat because it was my goal not to ruin its meat so that it will look presentable. The common ingredients are carrots, ginger, bell peppers, powder garlic,grind and ground pepper. For the sauce , I used my favorite Mama Sita's Eskabeche sauce in big size sachet and to thicken a bit the sauce, I add a teaspoon of cornstarch. I think it's a good idea to present a Fish cuisine on the table to make it different from others because as we all know that most of us Filipinos, are fond of fatty foods when it comes to like this kind of celebration.

"STRIPPED PORK STEAK w/ SESAME SEEDS"
The next one is stripped pork steak with sesame seeds. I only used pure meat without fats. To make your meat juicier and tender you should steam it for 10-15 minutes with chopped white onion, powder garlic, seasoning and pepper to give a flavorful meat. I loved it compare to "Humba" especially with fats on it because I find it more healthy for me. I almost finish it on lunch time and it's a perfect time also when my boyfriend's parents arrived from their work and they were able to have a good lunch. After everything, I left the house and went to the other one to take some rest and have to dress up myself at 3:00 pm. To share some tips to make a good application of make-up on your face, do some facial process. You must prepare a facial scrub, facial peeling cream, facial mask then a moisturizer to give a fresh and smooth skin.

Our color themed for this year is green or avocado green. I really love the idea and so excited to meet year 2022. When I arrived in their house, we did the photoshoot first because the only house who doesn't have yet an electricity was theirs but it is not the reason to stop the celebration. It's nice that they have a big solar light to brighten the living and dining room. I am happy to see their beautiful faces and outfits, it was perfectly fit for this year. I can see how they enjoyed and exert an effort to make this successful. We had an early noche buena because we don't want to be caught by the dark and the other reason was, we are hungry!

---

My boyfriend's sisters were so skillful when it comes to table setting. They planned it so well and I can see how organize the foods on the long table. It was full of sweets, a basket of fruits, and delicious foods.

After eating our dinner, we had our dessert then we were chilling by drinking wine while listening to the music. Each member of the family is having a good time chatting each other. Talking about happy moments and plans in the future. It saddens me not to celebrate especially with my father by thinking that they don't have an electricity in the city which was caused by the typhoon but I am positive and try to convert my sadness and be thankful that Lord God gave another beautiful year not just for my father but for everyone.

Before I will end this blog, I would like to share the best THINGS happened in my life in year 2021.

2021, helped me to expand my knowledge through blogging here @hive where I met talented people, friendly ones and idealistic. I am proud to be part of this community.

2021, gave me more confidence after all those challenges I went through. Losing a job and financially struggling but still blessed with surprising opportunities.

2021, strenghten my faith and courage to do good things to other people.

2021, answered my prayers that I waited for two years. It's one of the best gifts I received and,

2021, kept me, my family and loved ones safe from the destructive typhoon.

Goodbye for the sad memories and Thank you for the great ones. Here I am 2022! Ready to rock you!

---