OMG! What hit us? This was so unexpected. In the past, I’d see movies about pandemics and they didn’t really interest me because they seemed unrealistic. Then this!

People are scared, uncertain and insecure. Many businesses are considering closing. Malls must be cautious about charging the same rent to tenants. If they do, the tenants will be forced to close, and I strongly doubt if anyone will take their place. So, I guess better something than nothing at all.

To me, it just reaffirmed what really is important in life: God and family. It isn’t easy, but faith is something I can lean on, specially after experiencing a few trials. And God has never let me down.

It was an unexpected time to bond with my grownup kids who otherwise would be busy doing their own thing. I’d cook a special dinner every day. We would have an authentic Korean barbecue meal, beef bourguignon, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese, inihaw na baboy with ginataang talong, lechon, etc.

It was a challenge to come up with something to surprise them and that they’d enjoy. Seeing them enjoy the food was enough reward for me.

It was also a good time to practice my kitchen skills. Normally, I would just point with my lips, and things would get done. This time, I was cooking and slaving away for the most important people in my life. This wasn’t work.

Amateur cooking videos

Another thing we have been doing are amateur cooking videos with my kids.

Arturo is my camera man, Franco the director, Danielle my floor director, and Ali my taster. I make sure the food tastes good, ingredients are easy to find, the recipe is easy to make and affordable. And based on the feedback and comments on Instagram, I guess I made some people smile and labor to cook a surprise for their loved ones. I find gratification in sharing joy with others.

I’ve also been getting food from people all over. Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken, fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls and his new Crispy Shrimp Lumpia are a must (tel. 0906-5084155). Cravings’ Macadamia Pie shouldn’t be missed.

Kitchen’s Best Cake Plaisir and frozen Mango Walnut cake will make you faint. Sobrang sarap! Mangoes from Batungbacal Farms in Zambales, Rico’s frozen lechon packs, Wawa’s Bacolod lumpia (tel. 0917-7960089), Tani Bautista’s upside-down cake (tel. 0917-5320816), Pastry Carts Crème Brulée cake, Yen’s sushi bake (tel. 0917-8306555), cassava cake (tel. 0917-5995595).

Stay home and be safe.

Happy eating!