Good Eats on the Streets!

The display of vibrant colors and the symphony of different aromas had drawn me to this unassuming food kiosk in one of Hong Kong’s busy streets. For curios foodies like me, this joint is definitely a show stopper!

This wide array of tempting street food cuisine and inviting medley of different flavors would not fail to arouse one’s appetite that can absolutely lead to multiple foodgasms!!!

For the weight watchers or health conscious, they have deep fried tofu, seafood, and a couple of veggies dipped into a batter.  Then, there are those who are grossed out with greasy brown food. You can take your pick from their selection of boiled or steamed balls 'n dumplings and some bizarre-looking, heavily-sauced meats (not really familiar what kind and what parts they serve that's why I kept away from those). The rest on the table are for the brave and adventurous who are not squeamish at all with food.

On a personal note, choosing what to eat here could be a little daunting since there are so much food choices.  But what really amazed me about this buffet of street cuisine is that every kind of diet is almost well-represented. This only goes to show how truly diverse and rich Hong Kong's melting pot of culture is.  

Moshi Mochi!

I never liked desserts that much… Well, to start with, am not really the foodie with the sweet tooth type. At the end of a meal, would I order for a slice of gooey chocolate cake, drizzled with warm caramel sauce or perhaps a hot fudge double chocolate brownie with melting vanilla ice cream on top? Uhmmm… Sounds tempting and yummy, huh? But no, I’ll pass.  I wouldn’t mind skipping dessert and laying my teaspoon down to it's eternal rest! I would rather have a second serving of every hearty meal I’ve had, like saucy kalderating kambing over rice. That’s more like it! Yum! 

But recently, for some reasons, I’m starting to get crazy hungry over desserts. This sudden craving of mine is like a culinary awakening for my taste buds. I do still prefer the more savory dishes, but my appreciation for sweet desserts is starting to grow more and more.    

In one of my recent trips with my sibs, we’ve discovered this quaint sweet deli shop in Mongkok. Man, I tried not to splurge much with little travel money I had, but hey I just can’t resist it! We always stopped by at this store to buy some of these yummy treats on our way to and from our hotel! It's all worth the dough, ya'll! haha!

 From afar, the shop looks like a jewelry shop. The ambiance invokes an air of elegance and luxury; and for travelers on a budget like me, the store may be a bit intimidating.  But, these precious gems are really to die for! Mochi got me hooked at one bite!  

So what is it? Mochi is a traditional delicacy from Japan made from sticky rice and is usually prepared as a chewy dessert snack (similar to tikoy). These precious gems, however, are cream-filled and served frozen.  To enjoy these sweet goodies, you need to patiently wait for 20 minutes to thaw (or depending on the day's temperature... you will be handed out a printed instruction on how you can best enjoy it). 

My favorites: Chocolate Mousse ($10), Caramel Macchiato ($10), and Cream Chocolate ($10) -- sobrang panalo sa sarap 'tong mga  ito peepz! PongTrip  highly recommends: Green Tea ($10) and Sakura ($11). Stores recommendations: Blueberry Cream ($11) and Mango Yoghurt ($12).

Hopefully, this store will soon come to Manila (Shout out to investors! This is a business opportunity for you guys!)... Mochi Sweets, I'm in LOVE! =)

Visit their website: www.mochisweets.com.hk

"HOW HE LOVES"

Just when our tanks run empty, where do we go to refuel? Here's a song to remind us that God's love is more than enough to satisfy us. No doubt, HE LOVES US! =)

HOW HE LOVES
Performed by Jared Anderson
Written by John Mark McMillan
 
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

To God be the glory!

NINGAS KUGON

Last Wednesday, one of our  Pastors at VCF-Greenhills tackled one of the most rotten Pinoy mentalities that I guess some of us are guilty of: NINGAS KUGON! I must admit the preaching hit me right on the spot—as in SAPUL!!!   
 

Ningas Kugon:  isang hindi kanais-nais na kaugaliang Pilipino na nagpapakita ng kahinaan ng isang taong hindi marunong tapusin ang mga nasimulang gawain. Sa umpisa’s nagniningas ang kanyang damdamin na simulan ang isang bagay, ngunit ang init at apoy ay mabilis din namang nawawala. Kaya’t sa huli, walang natatapos sa kanyang mga sinimulan.

Like me, you might have felt a deep surge of enthusiasm when once you embarked on a certain project. It could be anything! Usually, it starts with a simple idea, then it grows more elaborate as your excitement builds up. You become so fired up and so exhilarated! Then suddenly, you come into a screeching halt! You have already revved up in full speed, but somewhere along the way, you decide to cease your engine before even reaching the finish line.

There are several reasons why we don’t finish what we have started: lack of confidence, doubt and disbelief, procrastination, discouragements and oppositions from others, and lack of faith.   

“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” 

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Here’s a version of the video that was shown to us on that Wednesday night service.  This was simply inspiring.  I hope it will strike a chord on you as it did on me.

 

“Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!”

- 1 Corinthians 9:24

We don’t have to be the first to be the winner! Just keep on pressing toward the mark! Let nothing dampen your enthusiasm and weaken your faith! Keep the fire burning!

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything...

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

- James 1:2-4; 12

To God be the glory!