by Lizette Barretto-Gueco, via FoodfindsAsia.com|
I always, always, always look for something to do with my family on weekends. I like to take advantage of everyone being home and chill and in no rush to go to work or school. I make sure that my 4th grade daughter Martine, finishes her homework on Friday afternoon so we have the rest of the weekend with nothing stressful to worry about. Mass on Sunday morning is something we do as a family and is non- negotiable. Sometimes, we visit my Mother- in- law in the North or when really lazy, just stay home and veg out.
Living in the south of the metro, there is never a lack of anything to do. There are always scheduled activities in the community and not to mention the plethora of nearby malls, movie theaters and interesting places to eat which will definitely put you in a tizzy. The usual suspects, tried and true in the Alabang area and in our favorites list include Maple and Pancake House for breakfast, Mary Grace or Conti’s for watching people go by while killing time, Krispy Kreme and Jamba Juice to feel the pulse of the young people around us and our new favorite, Neil’s Kitchen for our Pinoy food fix. My little girl has never tired of Jollibee so we still visit every now and then for their burgers, pinoy spaghetti and Palabok. The festive feel in Jollibee always put us in a happy mood. Places to eat in the BF Homes area are next in my weekend bucket list.
On the 27th of June which is a Saturday, I have reserved tickets for my family and a whole lot of cousins to watch Joseph the Dreamer at the SM Southmall in Las Pinas. My brother Joel has been rehearsing like crazy for the past 2 months every night for his part of Reuben, the oldest brother. We have been looking forward to his performance for quite some time. Family support is big in my clan thus, the en masse migratory visit to the dreaded faraway south. Since Joseph the Dreamer has a lot of relatives involved in the production and cast, it makes it worth the trip.
Joseph the Dreamer is the story of one of Jacob’s youngest sons who was sold by his 11 other brothers into slavery to the Egyptians. Set as a musical, the story revolves around the virtues of forgiveness, truth and a strong faith that God will fulfill all dreams. A lot of lessons to be learned in the story of Joseph and am glad we are taking the little ones along to watch the play with us.
My family and I saw this same production last year also at SM Southmall and thoroughly enjoyed the story, the music, the props and all the effort that went into making such a beloved bible story come to life. We look forward to seeing it again this year with my bro as part of the cast.
Aside from my brother Joel, who plays Reuben, the cast includes veteran screen and stage actor Tirso Cruz III as Jacob, Bodie Cruz, Tirso’s handsome son, as Joseph, Miriam Quiambao as Zelaikah, Ryan Eigenmann as Pharaoh, Mariel de Leon as Azenath and several other talented young people to round out the cast. Directed by the forever-energetic Ms Enchang Kaimo, we look forward to a guaranteed entertaining and fun way to spend our Saturday afternoon.
Last I heard, tickets were selling out really quickly. It only runs for 1 day with a 3pm matinee and a 7 pm evening show. Better hurry and get your tickets soon.
Since a lot of my cousins are trekking to our neck of the woods anyway for this occasion, it is a good chance to get together after the show and enjoy each other’s company. Perfect time to host a potluck merienda. Hmmm, I do have lots of cheese in my fridge right now and don’t have much time to spend baking something complicated. I think I will make my version of the Brazilian cheese bites. Quick and easy yet delish!
Brazilian Cheese Bites (Pao de Quiejo)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups cassava flour
- ½ cup cheese of your choice. (I like mozzarella, gruyere or a sharp cheddar or a combination)
- ½ tsp salt
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Generously grease a mini muffin tin. Put everything in the mixer and beat till smooth. Transfer the batter into the mini muffin tins. Do not fill to the top. Bake for about 20 minutes or until it puffs up and lightly browns. Let cool on a rack for a few minutes. Best eaten when warm.
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About the Author
Lizette Barretto Gueco is a regular columnist at FoodFindsAsia.com. She writes about her life’s passions which are family, home, food, relationships and how they fit in perfectly in her scheme of things and in the circle of life.
Lizette is now a busy home based mom after working in marketing and the travel industry for some time. She also ventured into jewelry design while she was a partner at a prestigious jewelry store at Greenbelt 5. Aside from juggling family schedules and managing the home, she also finds time to bake and sell her sweet offerings from her home as well as indulge in her other hobbies like jewelry making and arts and crafts. She is an amateur filmmaker, traveler, foodie, dreamer and lover of life.
Lizette is a graduate of AB Communication arts from the Ateneo de Manila University. You can email her at lizbgueco@gmail.com
