Reflections on Feast Day of Padre Pio

My Facebook page was flooded with pictures and prayers about Padre Pio. Today, September 23, is his feast day. I have little knowledge of his life and works. I knew that he had stigmata and he has ordained a saint despite many controversies. His feast day inspired me to read up on his life and works and I had some reflections that I wanted to share. 

Padre Pio's life was not a walk in the park. He was plagued with many health concerns and controversies. Despite this he remained faithful to the Lord and even became a symbol of hope for many. This struck a cord in my heart. My life hasn't been perfect either but I have been so blessed in so many ways. The cross I bear is so light compared to those around me and yet I cry very easily and complain often and without hesitation. 

Padre Pio, 

I pray that I may have the same strength as you. Please teach me to be faithful and hopeful. I believe in my heart that God has a plan for me. Please teach me to be like you. Please send me the graces that I need to be a worthy daughter of our Lord. Please strengthen my mind, body and soul as I traverse the life that I have here on earth.

Padre Pio, pray for us. 

Amen 

Chef's Home

Baguio City boasts of many tourist spots and famous restaurants. In the recent months there has been a resurgence of interest in Baguio due to references in a successful teleserye and a surprising Indie film hit. 

If you happen to join the bandwagon and visit the summer capital of the Philippines, Chef's Home offers a fresh take on dining. It isn't your usual steak place, nor  do they serve mountain province delicacies. They serve authentic Malaysian cuisine. Everything is made from scratch from the spicy sambal (Malaysian bagoong) to our favourite beef rendang. 

For starters, we always order the Crispy Papaya Salad. Its a deconstructed 'okoy' of sorts with bits of fried papaya and batter coated shrimp. Its both sweet and bitter. A perfect way to start a meal. 

For our main course, we often order beef randang, beef murtabak and Malaysian style fried rice or Nasi Goreng. 

 Their rendang is perfect! Its soft and tender and it packs just enough punch so that every one can enjoy it. If you love spicy food, you can request for some sambal. It goes well with this dish. 

 The beef murtabak is my current favorite. The beef is shredded and marinated in curry. Ohhh curry.. I can't count the reasons why I love thee! And as if that isn't enough, its wrapped in soft roti prata. Its heaven in a  bite! 

Filipinos and Asians in general, love rice. Chef's Home makes really good Nasi Goreng as well. 

Here's the menu in case you're wondering what else they have to offer:

They also have some amazing desserts here. We tried the Roti Chef's Original. Its a different take on the usual crepe. Its caramelized roti prata with vanilla ice cream! It was so good that I forgot to take a picture of it! No exaggeration! It was so alluring that I had no choice but to dig in and enjoy. Promise Ill post a pic on my IG page once I get the chance. 

Now, between you, me and all the milk tea lovers out there... Chef's Home makes there own  tehtarik. Its the Malaysian take on the now popular beverage. It isn't in the menu, so you have to ask for it specifically. It goes well with all the spicy dishes as it neutralizes the flavors and effectively cleanses your palette. 

Chef's Home can be found in Outlook Drive. Its in the same general direction as The Mansion. You can easily find it using Google maps or Waze. They are open every day from  11:00 - 2:30, 4:00 p.m. onwards.

Hope you check it out!