Day 1 – Sunday, 5 November 2017

Mabuhay! I was shocked when we went out from the airport terminal as the view was very… interesting.

Apartment, office buildings, elevated toll way, fly overs and enclosed bridge to a mall right there on your face. Extrimely hectic and crowded for a capital city airport.

We took Grab to our condo and along the way the scene changed a lot. From military compounds to modern BCG area where I spotted Mango, Pottery Barns (I want to go!!), Michael Kors and the like. Then we went into the infamous Manila traffic. Crowded streets dividing what looked like stone hills topped with poor housing areas. Then we passed through this ridiculously packed billboard street. Haha sorry to put it that way but it’s true. Billboards.. Billboards.. Billboards! Good way for Nathan to brush up his reading skill.

After beating the traffic we arrived at our new home. The kids were hangry (Nathan was yelling “I am hungry!!”) so we dashed to the shops area in front of our condo complex. Filled the kids with some Japanese where they shared a bowl of rice, chawanmushi and salmon salad. Well done kids.

Then we went to Rustan’s, a minimarket in the area to look around and I was impressed by the selection of meat, snacks and cheese they have there. Kinda excited because for the first time since Melbourne I’m living close to shop that sell lots (and reasonably priced) cheese. Haha.

Dashed back to the apartment to change the sheets, swipe the floor, shower the kids and by 8p.m. we’re all ready for bed. Life is good.. God is good.

Day 2 – Monday, 6 November 2017

We started the morning quite early as the kids woke up early. Showered then went to the shops (again!) for breakfast. Tried Filipino breakfast which was ok. The kids had a few spoon and decided that the french fries was better.

Then we went to SM Mall which located right across our apartment but pretty much impossible to walk there. Oh actually you could but pretty much everyone wouldn’t… just like in Indonesia. Haha. We shopped for groceries and I was shocked to see that the fresh produce area was like a wet market. Minus the bargaining. One area for each of pork, beef, chicken and seafood

We went back to the apartment, had some lunch then Phodi went to the office so for the first time in 4 months I was alone with 2 kids. Thankfully both were in good spirit. Few whining from N2 mostly because her toys were stolen, but most of the time they were happy little kids.

Ps. Jesse and Tita (Aunt) Gerri who are our neighbour came to visit. It was good seeing them again after our dinner in Bandung. It’s always nice to see people you’ve met. Unfortunately the kids were juuuuust about to nap right before the bell rang. Haha.

Phodi came home, we went to the lawn and it was really nice. The great lawn really lives up to its name. It’s hugeeeee. Big swimming pools, a well maintained lawn and clean playing areas for kids. I was introduced to Marty and Astrid who have kids of similar age to ours. They also live in the same tower as us.

As the sunsets, we headed to dinner at Max’s. Phodi wanted us to try Filipino dishes; sinagang and lauchon. We had pork and shrimp sinagang and I enjoyed it. It tasted familiar yet different… The taste didn’t click with my taste bud but I couldn’t stop eating it as well. Hahaha.

After dinner, Nathan passed out because he didn’t nap and had spent the last bit of this energy at the playground. We still need to buy some cleaning goods though. So we went to ACE Hardware where we had to deal with an overly excited toddler.

Nadine who woke up just before dinner started, had recharged her energy. She was all over the place, demanding to hold every broom and mop and colorful cleaning product. Grrrr.

Drama sorted, time to go home to do some mopping and sleep!!

Day 3 – Tuesday, 7 November 2017

Today I contacted some activities for the kids asking for a trial. I’m quite determine to get the kids involve in activities mainly because great activities are available nearby. And to get us into some routine faster.

In the afternoon we went to SM Megamall on a mission of vacuum cleaner hunt. Manila roads reminded me of Kuala Lumpur’s. Lots of fly overs which can be confusing. One trivia, cars in Manila are driven on the right side of the road. The driver is sitting on the left side of the car. Few times I was gasping as I thought my Uber driver was drunk. Haha.

Also another trivia, do you know that owning guns is legal in The Philippines? Each time you’re going in a mall, you’ll go through a metal detector. Much like in Indonesia but somehow I had this uneasy feeling knowing that somebody out there might have a gun that is ready to fire. I pray that nothing like such will ever happen.

Anyways, the mall was packed for a Tuesday night and when we headed home around 8pm, there was a queue in the entrance. Amazing! The crowd in the mall was like hmm… Central Park Mall in Jakarta on a weekend + hundred couple more. Not sure if I can cope with that.

On our way home, our Uber driver was stopped by a policeman. The problem was he was on the first lane but decided to go straight instead of left. Luckily the driver is a reserve sergeant so he went through. Then we interrogated him of what will happen if he got his licensed suspended.

He said that these days there are less corrupt police. It’s impossible to bribe the police on the road or at the office. Few of the good changes that happened since Duterte came to the office, just over a year ago. Great story that reminded me that my Indonesia is going through similar phase. A great leader will make a great change for a greater community.

Day 4 – Wednesday, 8 November 2017

Today I managed to finish cleaning the house and cooking macaroni bolognaise before 10. What an achievement! Pat pat my own shoulders for this.

My heart was full when Nathan said, “Yummy Mami.. This is very yummy!” and he ate quite a lot by himself.

In the afternoon we went to take Nathan for a gym class trial. Sadly, he slept in the car and it was only a 15 mins drive. Then he continued sleeping and we had a hard time waking him up. Grrrr. So he joined in for 30 minutes by which he cried, wet himself and sat down not wanting to do anything. Poor baby… But that was the only class he can try for the next 2 weeks.

Back to our condo, Phodi and Nathan went to the playground while Nadine napped. Then we went out for a ramen dinner under the condo. Both kids were starving so they ate well. Happy mommy here.

Overall today was a good day. As long as the kids are eating well, I’m all good.

Read part 2 here

Have you ever looked at a couple and thought “How could they be together?”

It could be the couple you’ve known for a while… probably your work colleague and his/her spouse. Or maybe your best riend or even your own parents. I’m talking more about the people you know rather than couples you judge based on their appearance.

Sometime ago I was talking with a friend when her husband interrupted us with an information that was slightly unimportant. My dear friend looked slightly annoyed by this occurence, giving him the “seriously telling me this now??!!” look.

My mind played up thinking how on earth they could be together. I have known them for a while and I can’t really see them together yet there they are, happily married with kids.

Then it hit me. Probably that’s how people see me and Phodi as well. How could we be together? Even my mom questioned (or questions — she probably still does) this. Haha (insert the most awkward laugh here).

If Phodi and I were a magnet, we’re definitely the opposite sides. Phodi is an ENFP (extraversion, intuition, feeling, perception). Dominantly playing by his feelings and moods, Phod can get stress easily and tends to overthink things. He tends to overcomplicate things. However, Phodi is a connector and initiator. He gets things moving and loves people. An EMFP sees this world as a big web through his glasses of emotions. In a good way, everything can be solved. In a bad way, everything can be complicated.

As for me, I am an ESTJ (extraversion, sensing, thinking, judgement). I’m quite easy going, living a relatively stress-free life. However as an ESTJ, I tend to be decisive, particular with procedures and tend to be judgemental. I find it hard to communicate with Phodi when he’s overflowing with emotions. It’s difficult for me to understand why he needs to overcomplicate his thinking.

Apparently, we are really on the opposite side. An ENFP and an ESTJ’s relationship as stated below;

Challenging Opposites

People of the following types present the most potential for personality clash and conflict with the ESTJ, but also the best opportunities for growth. Because people of these types have fundamentally different values and motivations from the ESTJ’s, initially, it may seem impossible to relate. But because they are so different, their strengths are the ESTJ’s weaknesses, and if they are able to develop a relationship, they can learn a tremendous amount from each other.

Looking back at my own relationship with Phodi, I am grateful to have him because he provides me with the balance I need. I’m an easy going person and Phodi is there to remind me that I need to get going. I’m very particular with procedures (for example with my helper) and Phodi is there to remind me that tiny disorder is ok as long as everything’s done.

On the other hand, Phodi needs me to balance his life and untangle his messy web. Sometimes he overthinks stuff and needs me to help him see that things are not that complicated.

How could we be together? God’s grace really. Otherwise I might have run away the moment Phodi started another “why things are so complicated” conversation which honestly 50% of them aren’t that complicated for me. I have learnt to take things slow and simply say “Please Phod.. it’s not that hard to see that…”

I believe each couple have their own hair pulling / irritating / annoying / dramatic moments. And it’s important to remember that every couple has their own values. What’s important for you might not be important for others and vice versa. Maybe the next time I have this question, I’ll ask them, listen to their answer and I might learn something new.

Dear Nathan,

today you turns 1,5 years young. You have coloured my world like no other. Each day I thank God for giving me a son like you. I feel so undeserving for having a special human being that you are. Thank you for filling the house with joy and laughter. I’d love to freeze the moment and keep you little, but I love seeing your growth and be amazed by it. God is doing miracles upon your life each day.

Nathanael, you are a gift from God. A gift is always given at a special occasion, to a special person. A gift is precious and should be taken care of well. Always remember that you are a gift. You are special and thus you should respect yourself. Reach for the stars and never settle for less. Know your strength and acknowledge your weaknesses. Embrace all your uniqueness and never let others look down on you. Treat people with respect and you will go far. Respect the elders and be gentle to those younger than you.

Most of all, put your hope and trust in Jesus. In good times and bad times, He is your only anchor. I love to be your source of happiness and strength. However there will be times when my hands can’t hold you tight. Remember that you will always have Jesus. Seek Him with all your heart and He will guide you. There will be moments when the world seems to go against you. Hold on tight to Jesus and rest upon Him. People will let you down but your hopes in Jesus will never fail.

I love you, Baby Boy. Please grow healthy, strong and tall. Be kind hearted and loving. May God’s love and favour be forever upon your life.

Love,
Mami

Other than chicken noodle (bakmie ayam), my man loves hainanese chicken rice. So it is fitting that after I finally get my bakmi ayam recipe right (can be found here), I then try to get this recipe right as well. The verdict, one happy husband and a satisfied wife. Haha.

This dish is very easy, simple and relatively cheap. The only let down is the lengthy cooking time because you’ll need to have the chicken stock ready before cooking your rice. The approximate cooking time is 1,5 – 2 hours, depending on your rice cooker cooking time. However you can always cook this dish in bigger portion and fridge it for next meal.

While the recipe is loooong, it is actually very simple. Let me know if you have tried this recipe through comment box below or tag me on instagram @jessneva.

Enjoy!

Hainanese Chicken Rice

1. Hainanese Chicken:

• 4-6 chicken thighs, on the bone
• 5 cm ginger, sliced
• water, enough to cover chicken by 2 cm
• salt, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, boil water and ginger over medium high heat.
2. Trim excess fat and skin on the chicken, and gently score the meat near the bone. Keep the bone attached.
3. Once water is boiling, add chicken and salt. Add water if necessary to cover the chicken.
4. Let boil for 15 minutes then remove the white/brown scum and fat produced on the soup using ladle.
5. Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for 25 minutes, then check if the chicken is cooked. To check this, removed chicken from soup and poke the chicken. If clear liquid comes out, the chicken is cooked otherwise continue cooking.
6. When cooked, remove from heat and drain the chicken. Slice chicken thighs and set aside.

2. Hainanese Rice:

• 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups uncooked Jasmine Rice, washed
• 3 cm ginger, sliced
• 2,5 cups chicken broth (from part 1) to cook rice (or depending on your usual rice cooker measurement)
• a pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions

1. In a frying pan, heat sesame oil and vegetable oil. Add garlic and sauté until garlic is brown. Remove and set aside. This will be used in cooking the rice (this part) and the soy dipping sauce (part 3).
2. In the same frying pan, add 3/4 part of the fried garlic above, ginger slices and the uncooked rice. Stir fry for about 5 minutes over medium high heat.
3. Transfer the “fried” rice into a rice cooker and add the chicken broth and salt. The amount of broth should follow your usual rice cooking measurement. Remember that we’re aiming for fluffy hainanese rice.

3. Soy dipping sauce:

• Fried garlic (from part 2)
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 3-4 tablespoon chicken broth (from part 1)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix al ingredients and set aside

4. Ginger dipping sauce:

• 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 stalks of green onion, finely chopped
• 3 cm ginger, finely chopped
• 5 tablespoon vegetable oil
• a pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix al ingredients and set aside

Bakmi Ayam or Chicken Noodle is my dear husband’s favourite dish. He would happily eat chicken noodle anytime on any given day. Lucky him, my late grandpa from dad’s side was a noodle expert. By expert I mean he was in noodle making business. Of course then, by default my grandma became a noodle chef expert. Whenever we’re at her place, she makes sure that we’re not short of food and the fastest meal for her to cook is… noodle!

Imagine this, my husband who is very open about his love of noodle and I arrive at my grand’s. She’s obviously very happy to see us so she cooks us a meal. Lots and lots of yummy noodle.

noodle making at grandma

This kind of noodle is somehow only common available in Indonesia – or Indonesian restaurants for that matter. I’m not sure why this is the case so can someone give a clue? Here in Indonesia, it’s very common to have noodle as breakfast or lunch. My family (and so many others that I know) have a habit of having noodle for lunch after church on Sunday. This was something that I used to miss back in Melbourne.

The recipe that I’m going to share is probably one of the simplest variations of chicken noodle. My husband prefers boiled/steamed chicken so I didn’t proceed to cook the chicken further after I boiled it to make broth. You could add champignon mushrooms to add more texture to the dish or if you’re like me and my brother, we love to have fried meatballs as our side. I have posted the “cheese-infused” version of the meatballs here.

Before I proceed to the recipe, I have to make a big shout out to my dear husband with whom I developed this dish. As an avid noodle eater, he was so excited to hear that we’re having homemade chicken noodle for dinner. Of course he wanted to make sure that this noodle is on par with his favourite.

Chicken Noodle

For broth / soup:

• 400 grams chicken breast and thigh, on the bone
• pepper
• salt
• a bunch of bok choy, roughly cut
• 500 ml water

For onion oil seasoning:

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 stalks of spring onion, use only the white part, finely chopped
• around 2 tablespoon oil to stir fry

For noodle seasoning:

• 300 gram egg noodle
• 3 bunch bok choy
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sweet soy sauce
• a pinch of pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the broth, simmer in low heat for an hour to two depending on the thickness of the chicken. Turn off heat and discard the vegetable after cooking.
2. Ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked, take out and pat dry. Bone the chicken and cut meat into small pieces.
3. For the onion oil seasoning, heat oil on low heat. Add spring onion and garlic and cook until brown. Turn off heat once they turn brown as the heat will continue to cook them.
4. In your serving bowl, mix the noodle seasoning (soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil and sweet soy sauce) and the onion oil seasoning.
5. Boil egg noodle in a big pot for 2-3 minutes. Avoid rookie mistake by not overfilling the pot with noodle. Like cooking pasta, use lots of water to boil the noodle.
6. Take out noodle, set a portion into each of your serving bowl and mix well. Add chicken and bok choy to your liking. Garnish the dish with some finely chopped spring onion (the green part).
7. Add some broth on the side and enjoy your meal!

A night before our 6th month into marriage, my husband and I were having a big argument over a simple matter. We rarely fight but when we do the argument usually started right before bedtime. While most of time I can sleep over the issue, poor husband can’t so we have to deal with the issue even if it’s in the middle of the night. Thankfully we rarely fight so we never experience sleep deprivation.

Back to few nights ago, we finally settled the issue and got to sleep straight away. The next morning we woke up and the first thing dear husband said to me was, “This is weird, 2 different people with 2 different characteristics getting married and God asked them to make a covenant with each other! Impossible!” I laughed in agreement, remembering what had happened the night before.

As I think about his remarks, I have to agree that marriage is an impossible concept. This is very much true as divorce is forbidden in the faith we both believe in. But then, my grandparents managed to marry for 50+ years before my grandpa passed away earlier this year. Some others even celebrate their 60th anniversary, so there must be some recipes to make a marriage possible.

I am not anywhere qualified to list down any tips for a happy and successful marriage but I remember some tips that were given to me before I got married.

1. Patience, lots of it.
2. Understanding and forgiving. Some habits of your spouse might change, while the rest won’t. Understand that to keep you sane.
3. Say “thank you”. Things happen because someone works on it, not because of magic. Respect and appreciate things.
4. Learn to communicate better. It will take a lifetime to polish this skill.
5. Keep the romance alive. Everyone loves hugs and kisses after a long hectic day.
6. Above all else, pray that God will continually strengthen the marriage.

The list can go on and on but those are the 6 things that we’ve been improving in the last 6 months, and probably forever. One thing I know for sure, I want to make this marriage possible.