Cup of Tea - Desiree Dawson

To tell you frankly, it's almost year end and I'm almost a year here in the UK. At first it was exhilarating. But when the novelty passed off, that's when I started to feel the emotion of loneliness. It didn't helped that family back home is not always available to talk to (well, obviously due to the time difference and their busy schedules). To make it a bit harder is the gloomy weather here in the UK which you should not definitely do underestimate. It also doesn't help the feelings of hopelessness and stupidity I'm feeling recently. I hate being a burden to anyone and I felt like being useless. But I'm backing myself up again. 'Cause I'm all I've got. (I retract that one, I've also got God and Jesus so yeah. I'm still alive and thriving - hopefully)

Anyway, sharing this lovely song from Desiree Dawson.

Things I'm Thankful For - JJ Heller

Things I'm Thankful For - JJ Heller

British names

There was a thing that I was curious about and I noticed that the British people have no second first names. I was then like, is a second name not popular here? How will they be able to distinguish a person to another if ever they have the same first name and surname?

But when I asked a British colleague about this, they do in fact have second names! They only use their first name though. Their middle name is their 2nd first name which is different from the middle name in the Philippines as you will be using your mother's maiden surname instead.

Oh, in the UK, you will also encounter filling up forms with the term Forename instead of First name!

Fish and Chips

 Fish and Chips

If you are residing in the UK, you might already know that every Friday is Fish and Chips day! I saw previously on Tiktok of a Filipino nurse who asked his British co-worker why is it a Fish and Chips day. She said that it goes down to history (i think they are more Christian in religion during the past) that they were fasting and refrain from eating red meat every Friday which Catholic Filipinos also do during Semana Santa. But aside from turning to only fish meat, monggo guisado is rather the well known viand during Fridays of fasting.

The other day, I also learned something new about fish and chips. One lovely lady was having her fish and chips for lunch and she was querying how there is no vinegar. I looked into her table and pointed it out. Then the one I was assisting to the toilet, answered my question that it was necessary to have vinegar with fish and chips. It makes sense though to have the vinegar in order to ward off the fishy taste.

Seatguru

 Seatguru

Trying out Skyscanner!

 Trying out Skyscanner!

If one is an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) or foreign worker for the first time, homesickness is one of the problems that may arise. Fortunately, due to the fast paced technological advancement, we can face time or videocall our loved ones any time we like (provided that they are awake) by the use of cellular phones and a wifi connection or a mobile data. As they say that there is no place than home so it is essential that one should make a goal to at least go home once a year. Everyone of us has different circumstances, others have much more financial responsibilities that is why it is trickier to purchase a plane ticket that is not cheap by the least.

I have been hearing about this Skyscanner before I went here in the UK. It was when my friend recommended that she had been using this application since she was 19 years old and it didn't fail her. After some time browsing and thinking on what ticket I need to purchase, finally I was able to push through with my plans.

You have to download the Skyscanner app in your Apple or Google Playstore. Then search for the flight, date, and time which is nearest to the one that is acceptable to you. There are cheaper flights than the one that I got, but there are certain factors that I considered especially that it will be my first time going back home and flying to an unfamiliar airport.

Things which I considered were as follows:

LAYOVERS - It is recommended that a layover in a connecting flight is 2 hours. This will give me an ample time to go to my final flight if ever (fingers crossed that it will not be) the first flight is late or one might be lost in the airport.

BOARDING TIME from source and to destination - I will be travelling on my own without a car so I'll be taking a bus going to the airport. There is a bus from where I currently reside however, it is limited. I got a tip that it is better to pick up the night boarding time so that I could catch the bus to which I heeded. I tried to maximize my vacation leave so I choose the earliest time that I could be back so that again I could catch the bus.

Oh, before I forget, do not go searching for flights every now and then because airlines have a way of checking that you are and they would raise the plane ticket prices. Check and purchase then on a Tuesday or Wednesday night.

I hope that helps!

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G

 Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G

My Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro was utilized to the fullest in the past 2-3 years and I am satisfied with it. However, with every phone that is now considered as a consumer good nowadays, the camera in my phone is now blurry and my sister is teasing me to get another phone so that I could take better photos to send them.

I was contemplating between an iPhone and an Android. From the start, I had always been a fan of Android because of the things you can do with it. You can do a lot of things in an Android when comparing to an iPhone. But..... the thing is, I was torn between the two because of iPhone's reliability. In terms of finance, we all know that hands down iPhone is more expensive and I think that it is right because of it's safety features (I think) and reliability when compared to an Android phone.

After some time, I finally decided to settle on Android and this time it's the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G. I was eyeing the latest one which is the Redmi Note 14 Pro but it is expensive for now for its price. What I do with my phone is the usual messaging, banking, movies and games. The good thing about how I bought it is that I was able to purchase it in 3 month installment. It is priced at 299.99 GBP for a 8gb /256 GB which may be a bit pricier than if in case I bought it in the Philippines.

Pins

 Credits to the author

Pins

When I was sorting out my files, I found this pin and thought why not share this awesome art with you? This is credited to the creator in the end portion of the drawing and it is not mine.

First ever Credit Card!

 First ever Credit Card!

We need to celebrate my little win today! I am absolutely elated and thrilled to bear the good news of getting my first ever credit card from HSBC today! Yip yip hurray!

A story I could tell you was that I was always declined when I tried to apply for a credit card in the Philippines. Maybe it's because I got no credit history which makes me somehow regret not taking the chance back when a BDO teller offered a credit card when I was starting high school. What made me decline it is because of financial illiteracy and I was worried on how to pay it and thought of it as a trap (which could really be the case if you don't know how to handle your finances wisely).

Why do I need/or want a credit card you may wonder? It is because it is more safe to use your credit card rather than a debit card for purchasing or paying for things online. Stolen money from a debit card is less likely to be retrieved than from a credit card cause you can try to challenge it.

Some of the feedbacks that I came across was that to put 2k for at least 3 months in your account. And you have to be at least 3 months in your residence. Or wait for 6 months before applying or reapplying as it may take a toll on your credit score.

How did I do it?

First, I inquired in the bank where I opened my bank account because when I try to apply in the app, it shows an error. 

During the bank account creation, my cohorts and I were offered an overdraft. But because I do not know about it, I declined.  

And what happened was that the account that we have has a tag of "no lending" or limitation that we were not allowed to loan because we were at that time in a hospital accommodation (I think we were presumed to be high risk that's why). I updated my residence and information. She said that she will lift the limitations up and advised me to apply again online after 3 months (I did this almost 3 months).

I tried the free Experian statutory report which got delivered in the house I'm currently residing. It showed no report and I'm thinking that it may be because of the tagged account.

I downloaded Clear score app and the CreditKarma app which I found it more reliable.

Aside from that, I downloaded the Klarna app and bought some stuff which is payable in 3 installments. I found out later when browsing the CreditKarma that when you close the payment for Klarna, it is also shown in your credit report. So if you got some stuff (especially big ticket items to purchase), utilize Klarna. When you successfully pay it on time, there is a check tick on the month of it.

One thing that I also did was to leave at least 2000 GBP in my current account for almost 3 months. To tell you frankly, this was the hardest part as I'm thinking of the potential interest wastage as the current account do not accrue interest.

But anyway, I took the big leap this morning and was really nervous especially when the app prompted if I have a credit card history from the Philippines and opted for the no instead as I don't have it and it may potentially impact the decision. I was also reminded that there was a feedback that said that their cohorts who were not approved were those who don't have any credit card in the Philippines.

When I shared my experience to my friend, she said that it may be because there was a certain period and massive issue in time that HSBC was fucked up by Filipinos who were under student visa, took out a loan and then went back to the Philippines without ever paying them. And maybe that's why they are now very strict in screening those who they give credit to.

Buldak

 Buldak

I have been seeing this Buldak even when I was still in the Philippines but I haven't attempted to try it up until now.

I like the taste of it though spiciness is about 6-8 in scale.

One tip I could give you to make it more enjoyable is to put grated parmesan cheese in it and mayonnaise! Pair it up with toasted bread and a side of pickled gherkins! Yum!

Fin Carrè Honey Salted Almond Milk Chocolate

 Fin Carrè Honey Salted Almond Milk Chocolate

I was curious on how this chocolate tastes like so I grab one when I was doing my grocery at Lidl. This costs around 1.99 GBP for a 200 grams.

I absolutely adore their Almond Milk Chocolate. But I guess I have to pass on this one. This one has more texture to it when you eat it.

 Hi-yahhhh!

So how are you doing guys? I'm almost a year in here and it's getting colder (much colder in the town where I am now). Well, what could I say? I think, the things here are way more laidback. I am not really a fan of clothing styles and make up and skin care that are available here, which makes me miss the Philippines more. Or maybe the cities offer more?

Anyway, I hope you are all alright and doing well. To tell you the truth, there are times that I feel alone and sad, and I sometimes cry, but listening to Christian songs relieves that sadness. I am used to being alone, and am usually fine being alone. (One tidbit about me is that I was able to do karaoke by myself when I was in College!)  But I guess, you can still feel that isolation at some point in time.

However, don't get me wrong. I'm utterly grateful for all the things that God has given me. In fact, I feel blessed because last year, I don't know where I'm going and here I am now. I can provide more for my mom and my siblings and Kobe.

Freixenet Italian Rose Sparkling Wine

I'm in my exploration era now so I was intrigued by alcoholic drinks. So I started with wines. I bought some from TESCO and luckily, they carry small bottles of wines which I could try. This is an Italian Rose Sparkling Wine produced by Freixenet which is a combination of Glera and Pinot noir. And it costs around 3.75 GBP for 20Cl. It contains sulphites, so to those who have an allergy to it, beware.

This is sparkling wine with alcohol content but I think that this is not for me.

Brewers Fayre

If you're heading to Bideford Affinity Outlet, you might want to check out Brewers Fayre, a family owned restaurant/pub which offers affordable meals. They currently have a value meal which offers 2 of their mains (so if you're not a big eater, have someone to share it with) for only 11.69 GBP. Just a disclaimer - I am in no way affiliated with the restaurant. My current favourite is their Gammon steak.

You can look at their current menu at https://www.brewersfayre.co.uk/en-gb/locations/devon/brewers-fayre-bideford/menus

Oh, before I forget, they also offer unlimited refills for some of their drinks. The hot drinks I think are unlimited (I got Latte the last time I went there)

Ferrero Rocher!

I'm currently trying not to cry cause it brings back memories. This chocolate, I rarely had the chance to eat as this is too pricey in the Philippines. When I try to search in Google, it would be 1000 pesos for this. But it is on sale on TESCO and the 24 pieces is only priced at 5.00 from 6.50 GBP (perks of being a Clubcard member!) which is almost half the price in the Philippines.

Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop

 Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop

I got books in my shelf to finished and I just can't help myself in purchasing another book! I've been eyeing this one for couple of weeks and I finally got it for 9.99 GBP.

Tap and pay contactless using your phone!

 Tap and pay contactless using your phone!

I'm just thrilled to share that I was able to tap and pay contactless using my phone today!

If you're like me who is getting intimidated, try to use it on a self checkout first.

In order for you to do this awesome thing, you have to add your card into Google wallet and I think you also have to make sure that NFC is on.

A once wise woman said

 A once wise woman said

"Basta may google maps ka at may pera ka, hindi ka mawawala."

XD

Weight Watchers Salmon and Broccoli Melt

 W's Salmon and Broccoli Melt

If I am able to allot more budget into ready made meals, I would like to buy this one Weight Watchers Salmon and Broccoli Melt. I was wondering what WW means.. and then I learned that it is weight watchers. Maybe that's why there were few salmon in it. 

 Making my first ever Pastil!

This is my first time of attempting to make a pastil. I'm glad that it turned out well. But I think there is a room for improvement still.

Ingredients:

chicken in cubes fillet
ground pepper
whole black pepper
bay leaves
half white onions
chicken cubes

cooking oil (lots!)

garlic 1 bulb

white onion 1 whole

1 tsp ginger

3 birds eye chilis dehydrated

 

Boil until cooked

saute garlic, onion then ginger, chilis

If now aromatic

Add shredded chicken

mix thoroughly

Add 3 tablespoons of light soy sauce

3 tablespoons of Mama Sita's oyster sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

a dash of smoked paprika

ground pepper

2 bay leaves

Mix thoroughly

Add 1- 2 tablespoons Datu Puti Vinegar over and around the dish

Do not mix

Let the vinegar evaporate/cook - which means you will not smell the vinegar anymore

Mix thoroughly

Let the chicken dry out for a bit. Add 1/2 inch butter. Mix

Adjust according to taste.

Let it cook for awhile if you want it on the dry side. It depends on you if you want a dry one or a not so dry one.

English words

 English words

One thing that shocks and at the same time amazes me is how the locals can converse with deep English words (well, that's how I perceived it.) which we don't normally use in the Philippines. But then I realized laer on that English came from Britain so what's new about that?

I am reading a book which I recently purchased from Waterstones and my oh my, I find myself going back and forth from book to Google. Thank God for the latest technology because way back when internet was not accessible yet, I used to refer to English dictionary which could take some time because you have to flip through the pages in order to find the meaning of words.

What I Wish I'd Known when I was young

 What I Wish I'd Known when I was young

I'm enforcing myself to go back to the things which keeps my sanity in place. And one thing which pulled me through during my dark times was to read.

When I was in my second year in college, I think I was depressed. I think that my coping mechanism is to bed rot and sleep. I used to sleep and sleep. But I made it a goal to read a book each time. 10% each day or higher.

Yesterday, I went to the bookstore and this book caught my eye. I think I can definitely relate to it minus the successful part.

Oblix by the Shard

 Oblix by the Shard

We all know that almost all in London is expensive. But sometimes, you need to experience finer things at least once in your lifetime. If you're looking for something to which you can chill out and have some drink and food while enjoying the skyscraper's majestic view (too bad I got no camera which can capture its beauty... Well who knows if I'll be back? 😜), we recommend the Oblix. Their fried squid on the menu is to die for! I think my friend mentioned that she paid for 100 GBP for 3 drinks, martini, gin and tonic and another drink plus the fried squid and the chicken for sharing. This is a worthwhile place to hang out if you've got a bit more to spend!

Hey!

 Hey!

Give yourself some credit.

You've been working hard.

You deserve a treat.

Let's eat the 50% off Mac and cheese with a Latte too which I've got from Costa for 6.35 GBP!

Tip: Drop by prior to the closing time. 😸

Everybody is tired

 Everybody is tired

How come whenever I see it in their eyes, I could see almost all are tired and weary?

Or maybe am I just projecting?

Thoughts

 Thoughts

Being in a new territory made me thought about things.

I believe I'm not as insecure as I am as before.

I could blame my parents for not being emotionally mature and wise that their decisions had deeply impacted my chances of having a better life. But honestly, I think I longed accepted it. DABDA done. It made me realized that if there is none, I will make it happen.

There are times that I felt to which I was robbed off of the process of experiencing immaturity in my youth.

But as I continue to contemplate, it was also my fault. I chose to do what I thought was the right thing to do at that time than what I thought is being selfish and just thinking of oneself. So I'm holding accountable on that one.

Life's good. I'm thankful for these blessings everyday.

Beef Ravioli

 

Choceur

 Chococeur 

200 g

1.79 GBP

Moser Roth

 Moser Roth

125 g

1.49 GBP

Chocolate break

 Chocolate break

172 g

1.15 GBP

Pork steak UK edition

Ingredients:

• Pork steak 4 pieces (better if with a bit of fat)
• Light soy sauce
• 1 Lemon
• Garlic granules
• Salt and pepper
• Smoked Paprika
• Sugar, 2-3 tbsp
• Oyster sauce
• 1 big White onion, chopped into rings
• 1 big red bell pepper, bite size pieces

1. Mix it all up until the oyster sauce part and set aside for 10 minutes or overnight for the flavors to be absorbed.
2. In a pan assemble the marinated meat. Put the onions on top.
3. When it starts to boil, flip the meat and add butter. Add a pinch of chili flakes. Mix and let it cook for a while. Add the red bell pepper and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Enjoy!

It certainly tasted like a kaldereta/mechado minus the potato and the carrots! XD

.

Looking for an alternative to Eden cheese for your Pasta in the UK?

Having a Filipino palate means that you are used to the saltiness and umami of MSG or whichever condiment we may have that is usually salty and savory. One of the dilemma that I've encountered in the UK is finding an alternative to Eden cheese. There is a Filipino store which I could go to but I have to travel to the main town and I don't expect it to be available every single time whenever I wanted to. 

By the way, I already tried the ones which were available in the supermarket and it's interesting to know that their cheeses have strength like 3, 4, etc.

Frankly speaking, I am not contented with the flavor I'm consuming now when it comes to cheese (I haven't explored yet the local shops here for cheese) and I haven't found any Parmesan cheese too.

So what I did was a bit of a research through the handy dandy Google and some people recommended to try using the Parmigiano Reggiano. 

Ohhh.. hold on. I just went to search for the spelling of the parmigiano and it turns out that this is Parmesan!

I cooked all of my pasta noodles which was sitting there in the cupboard for a couple of months now. I forgot to buy a grater so I sliced the cheese into thinly strips. Good thing that the cheese is a bit sturdy which makes the cutting easier.

I miss McDo in the Philippines

I miss McDonalds in the Philippines

Finally I was excited to be able to try McDonalds after coming here in the UK but I was disappointed when I ate the cheeseburger as the bun tend to be a bit flat and the patty was thin. The French fries (or chips, as the Brits call them) have the same texture but it was in smaller serving. Maybe its the inflation talking here but I think I won't have it anymore the next time. It made me miss the McDonalds which was near our place back in the Philippines. X(

Free Headspace subscription for NHS staff

Free Headspace subscription for NHS staff

Did you know that being a NHS staff would let you have a free Headspace subscription up until March 2025?

I happen to see this on the bulletin board posted in the hospital. It might come in handy if ever I need it.

You will need to use this link to register on your computer - https://www.headspace.com/nhs and then sign up using your NHS email address. It will send a verification email to your NHS email to which you must click the activate button.

Next you must download the Headspace app and log in using your NHS email and your password upon sign up.

British breakfast

British breakfast

I might have mentioned previously that a typical British breakfast consists of hashbrown, bacon, egg, tomato, sausage, toast, mushroom, beans. I would normally like mine as seen in the picture above minus the beans and add another bacon. I like eating this in the cafeteria as this would only cost me around a discounted 3.45 GBP whereas if I'm going to eat this somewhere, this is usually around 9-10 GBP which is a massive difference

Clopidogrel and Enoxaparin

I got a very good question from a relative of a patient that I was taking care a while ago.

She asked me why Enoxaparin via subq injections are given in the hospital instead of clopidogrel.

It left me speechless as I don't know the answer

But what I know is that they are both good in preventing clots.

Upon further investigation, it seems like Enoxaparin are given to prevent clots like in DVT. It is an anticoagulant. Whereas clopidogrel is an anti platelet which could be more appropriate for prevention of stroke or pulmonary embolism.

 Choco pastry?

We went to a food fest recently and one of the takeaways that we did was these pastries. I have a sweet tooth and I regretted not having more of the pistachio (those were the best among the three that I took home). This chocolate was better than I had ever tasted but it is very sweet that I can't finish this in one sitting. This is good to pair up with something bitter like coffee or tea.

 

 

Riverdale Sweet Chilli Rice Crackers

 Riverdale Sweet Chilli Rice Crackers

TESCO Latte Macchiato

 TESCO Latte Macchiato

Curiosity Cottage in Ilfracombe

If you are going to Ilfracombe near the Harbour or the Capstone Hill and wants a reasonable priced food, I would recommend the one that we tried recently which is located in the James Place street. You can drop by at the Curiousity Cottage. I think this is a family run cafe. I ordered their Eggs & Chips and their Jacket Potatoes 'cause I'm a bit famished with all the partial exploring. My companion and I both enjoyed their food. Hehehe.

Jacket Potatoes Plain and a Cafe Latte

Jacket Potatoes Plain (A shoutout to my friend who taught me how locals eat this :) You have to put the butter in the middle and have to mash and mix it with the potato)

Adult Meal Eggs & Chips

Their Menu

Verney's Molton Ice Chocolate Orange Ice Cream

If you are in the mood for ice cream and you happen to be in Devon, I would highly recommend Verney's Molton Ice Chocolate Orange Ice Cream. It is an artisan ice cream which costs a little over 2 pounds but I can vouch that this tastes good.