What's in a Sandwich?

Noy and I had our first date at Wendy's in Robinson's Place Manila. We were young, idealistic college students who did not want to bother our parents with extra expenses, like a date.

Because it was a first date and I was happy just because we were finally going on a real date, it really didn't matter what he ordered given our small budget. Nevertheless, I teased him that we should share a sandwich because it's symbolic of our future together. I know it was crazily corny, but he did order just one sandwich, lots of fries and drinks. It was a shrimp sandwich, the one I, a seafood lover, had been yearning to have back then (not that I don't want one now) and one that he is allergic to (as he is to most other seafood).

We ate in silence - me picking on the shrimp patty, and Noy tearing off portions of the bread that lost a patty part. We kept the date short because it was finals week. Noy slept through the night without an itch or a flare.

I forgot about the whole thing and the fact that I never really wondered why Noy's annoyingly sensitive immune system didn't overreact that day. Until thirteen years later, when I saw this picture of a Wendy's Shrimp Sandwich on the walls of the very same Wendy's store where we had our first date.

There it was, the shrimp sandwich that showcased the beginning of my journey to married bliss. It taught me that in a relationship, one must stay true to the other. It does not always equate to exclusivity; it's also about revealing fears and worries and weaknesses to the other. Build the relationship upon this trust until you have something strong, tangible and long-lasting.

I don't have a perfect relationship with my husband, but we try to be perfect for each other everyday. He might have swallowed an anti-allergy pill right after our first date, or perhaps there really wasn't enough shrimp on the patty to trigger a reaction, I might never know. Whatever happened that day, I am grateful for the love that I found over a shrimp sandwich - soft on the outside, tender and crisp on the inside. It's perfect.

Believe.

It's no secret to family and friends that my brother Neil was having a hard time passing the Bar Exams. He flunked three times and now has to take a refresher course in order to sit the exam again. That would mean another thousands of expenses for my retired parents and me. He's a casual employee at the Public Attorney's Office in Kalibo, and earning a meager salary which couldn't even suffice for his medications - he's a diabetic on insulin - without benefits.

For years he - we - have been waiting for this appointment to finally become a permanent employee with full benefits. We were praying and hoping and waiting fervently for this one big break. I prayed everyday. I prayed hard when sadness took over greatly; I prayed harder when I was on the verge of asking WHY.

One night, I just stopped praying. I got tired of praying.

Then, he broke his right pinky a month ago. It was a bad fracture. I had to buy him tickets so he could be treated here. Why not in Kalibo? Because I felt he was already prey to some doctor who seems not to be earning enough there. But that's another story.

The surgery was successful, thanks to my good med school classmate and now an orthopedic surgeon Reg, my good friend and mentor - diabetologist Julie, and Reg's friend Kenneth who agreed to do the anesthesia for free.

Nevertheless, there was the hospital bill to pay. It wasn't a comfortable sight withdrawing that amount for a sudden circumstance. I kept telling myself it was just money and I'll earn it back in no time. I was reciting this mantra on my head as I was going down the stairs to the cashier when Papa called to inform us of the good news - the appointment came. My brother takes his oath on March 7th.

Ate Ging, my cousin who stayed with my parents since before we were born, waited with me at the hospital during the surgery. We were just talking about our dream of my brother finally becoming successful. Now this news at the most opportune time. It was overwhelming we had to cry. People must have thought we lost someone at the OR because we were just crying.

I still can't believe it. I almost gave up. I was just about to give up.

I'm so glad God didn't give up on me.

You don't have to give up either. God hears. God listens. Just believe.

A Prayer for Healing

No, I don't have cancer. But I do have certain things in my life right now that are beginning to get out of control. It feels so awful sometimes that it feels almost as if I'm physically sick.

I'd previously deal with it under the sheets. Literally. I'd blame the world for my many misfortunes and cry and cry until my tears run dry. It was very cowardly and did not really solve the problems. But hey it made me feel better even just for a while.

One Sunday several months ago someone was handing out leaflets to mall-goers, Mama and myself included. I accepted one but I never really read it. Not until Mama told me much later that she was praying the prayer printed on the leaflet every night and it always made her feel at peace.

So I did the same, recite the Prayer for Healing each and every night, from the heart, especially during times like these. It's deceptively brave, it makes me feel much better, and yes, it does solve problems (in myriad ways).

Prayer for Healing

Dear God,

You said, Come to Me all of you who are tired and heavily burdened and I will give you rest.

I come to you today... right now. Please touch every pore, every fiber, every cell of my body. Touch my mind, my heart and my spirit. Fill me with hope. Teach me to believe that with God, nothing is impossible. Help me to believe that nothing happens by chance and everything that happens has a reason.

I trust that no matter what, You will fight for me. I only need to be still. I need not fear anymore. Help me, heal me, hug me, be here in my pain. Blessed pain, holy pain. Blessed pain, holy pain.

I accept Your will, but touch every part of me that needs healing. Heal my body, heal my heart, heal my mind, heal my spirit, heal my pocket, heal my memories. I have come to You with my burdens. You will give me peace, You will give me rest, You will give me healing. And this I believe -

I believe that I am healed.

I believe that I am whole.

I believe that I can now live life to the full.

Mother Mary, Regina Rosarii, intercede for me to Jesus, your Son. I ask this in the Name of Jesus - the Great Healer, the Great Provider. AMEN.

The original prayer only refers to first person (the person actually praying) but Mama prays a second version after praying for herself. She replaces the ”I” with “his/her”,” they”, and so on; so in effect she's praying for her family, friends, even for strangers. It's short and easy so one could always pray this whatever the situation may be. It’s powerful, inspiring, and invokes all who read it to have a renewed sense of faith in God and belief in the Blessed Virgin’s intercession.

May you be inspired too,

Hitting the Bird's Eye

Tired of the usual fried and grilled chicken Sunday lunches, Noy and I ventured last weekend on eating at the newly opened Peri-Peri at the SM Megamall. It's still chicken, but it's Portuguese, something we haven't tried before. The name peri-peri (correctly spelled piri piri) is a Portuguese term to describe the African bird's-eye chili, which is featured in the restaurant's signature hot sauce.

And boy, does the sauce deliver. There are two bottles of different types on the table. I like the oil-based one because it's lighter and more pungent. The more textured one tastes like Tabasco, only more raw, and quite harsh it almost burns.

But the big big hit here is the chicken. Whether hot and spicy, mild spicy or lemon and garlic-basted, it's succulent and tender. The flavor of herbs and spices where it was marinated in for a long time bursts in the mouth with every bite. And because, it's spit-fire grilled, it's less fatty and wonderfully cooked through to the bones - no bloody insides here. I thoroughly enjoyed my chicken.

While the sidings are a tad ordinary, they are equally flavorful and enjoyable. What's especially notable about Peri-Peri is the fact that their portions are huge, but it wasn't mentioned anywhere in their extensive menu that they do. If you're a big-portion person who's looking for an amazing value for your money, this is the place to go.

So much so that I had to come back to taste the pasta platter. For this set meal, one has to choose between Alfredo or Bolognese; both are just as yummy and plenty as the chicken and sidings.

For both visits, we availed of their promo - add Php 49 to your chicken meal of choice and get unlimited servings of drinks and soups - all equally superb. This is an awesome deal I probably won't get tired of. Oh, and try their Cafe Latte - surprisingly heartwarming.

Are you still reading? I thought you're already checking out their website, where you'll find they have a lot more to offer, like rappas, quesadillas, and intriguing entrees. I myself can't wait to come back and say Ola! to wonderfully filling good food again.