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Showing posts from July 1, 2022

Passport renewal might seem mundane, but for Mom Violy and Carmina, it becomes a journey filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable lessons.

A year ago, Mom Violy told Carmina that her US passport would expire in October 2025. Carmina mentioned she could renew it online, just like she did with hers. By the end of 2024, after booking a California trip for April 2025, Mom Violy decided to wait until the start of the new year. In January 2025, Carmina reminded her to renew before their vacation, but Mom Violy insisted there wasn’t time and she’d handle it in California. When they flew on April 30, 2025, immigration in the Philippines warned her about the upcoming expiration. Upon arriving in the US, Carmina suggested renewing at the post office, but others warned the process could take longer unless she paid extra or extended her stay. Mom Violy, a dual citizen with US and Filipino passports, kept changing her mind. In the end, she blamed Carmina for the situation, laughing it off, though family members questioned why she waited so long. Before leaving San Francisco, Philippine Airlines staff asked if she had another passpor...

Carmina's Review on Namai Basil Seeds Drinks made in Vietnam

To my friends out there Carmina found Namai Basil Seeds Drinks in California while shopping at Food Maxx in Fremont, California. Carmina remembered when she had posted a similar drink, but a brand locally made in another Asia country someone asked me to bring some over to California. Sorry I couldn't bring it may break inside my luggage's. After trying Namai Basil Seeds drinks they are almost the same just there is a variety of flavors for you to try that comes in a glass bottle for $0.95 not including taxes. Carmina doesn't need to bring any type of basil seeds drinks to California since you can find them at Food Maxx. Or you can check on  Official Website  for list of flavors sold coming from Vietnam. Carmina liked the Passionfruit and Peach. If you're into the sour side, you'll surely like the Blueberry and Pomegranate. Ingredients on the back of the label and where it is made: It is best to place in the refrigerator before drinking the Namai Basil Seeds Drinks w...

Mom Violy's Version of Beef Kaldereta Recipe

Charina and the family requested Mom Violy to have a video version with recipe of how she cooks her beef kalderata. Giving us this opportunity to use Charina's kitchen while we're visiting them in California. Mom Violy's Tip: Mom Violy said you really need to use the Chaona brand of Coconut milk because if you try a different brand her recipe won't taste the same. You can find Chaona in the Asian Grocery Store in the United States. Mom Violy says depending on the meat will need to check after one hour while being cooked in low heat. If you don't have any whole black pepper, you can use regular black pepper by sprinkle it during our cooking. Mom Violy's Version of Beef Kaldereta Recipe: Ingredients: 2 Pounds - Beef Chunk Short Ribs (washed) 1 - Chaona Coconut Milk 1 - Pack of Mama Sita's Atsuete (food coloring) 1 - Roma Tomato (sliced) 1/2 - White Onion (peeled and sliced) 2 Pieces - Carrots (sliced) 2 Tbsp. - Butter 2 Tbsp. - Olive Oil 1 - Green Bell Pepper ...

Dinner with Amy at Marzano Restaurant in Piedmont, California

How does it feel when you've reconnected back with your childhood best friend? Walking out your home and seeing your best friend outside of her car ready to give you a big hug is a welcome back to our new friendship. Carmina was so excited and not able to picture Amy how she would look even if you have seen pictures of her and the family. Seeing a person is different. Amy asked Carmina what she wanted to eat for dinner. Moment like this we don't need to be picky because we really just want to catch up on what has been going on after our college years. Everyone goes through friendship when we are separating ourselves to what career we want to get us into for the future. Amy decided to eat at  Marzano Restaurant . Marzano Restaurant has no parking where you can park from the neighborhood. Someone will approach you asking whether you would like to dine out provided with a heater when windy in the evening or dine inside where the front door is completely open. Carmina decided to di...