Paaaa... as in Tinapa Pasta!

Hey, gorgeous! So, do you eat tinapa? If you do, you know the drill – we usually have it with a mound of rice, fresh tomatoes, or, my personal favorite, dipped in vinegar with a kick of chili for that extra tang. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy it that’s a little unexpected? Say hello to our Special Tinapa Pasta with...wait for it, Salted Egg!

Yes, you heard that right. I know it’s not exactly groundbreaking, but it could be your next favorite comfort food.

When I was a kid, we’d always buy tinapa from Manong, who had this unforgettable shout: “Paaaaaaa!” The second you heard that call echo through the neighborhood, you knew it was Manong Tinapa. I just realized I didn't even know his real name. haha! No need to look out the window – that distinct sound meant only one thing: tinapa was here, and it was time to grab some! It was my Lola who would usually buy from him. Shoutout to all the Lolas out there! They’re the ones who are always there to look after the kids, keep the house in order, and make sure everyone is well-fed. If you’re lucky enough to live with your grandparents, cherish it! Sure, they can be a bit strict or intimidating now and then, but that just shows how much they care. Here’s to all the incredible grandparents who keep our families grounded and full of love!

Imagine that savory, smoky goodness blending with pasta, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of salted egg for extra richness. And, of course, we can’t forget that splash of calamansi to bring everything to life! The citrusy zing cuts through the flavors, balancing the creaminess and enhancing the smokiness. It’s a fusion of flavors that’s comforting, a little indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable. When I first tried this recipe, it right away became one of my favorites, our favorites at home! You might expect it to be overly salty, but tinapa’s bold, smoky flavor paired with the richness of salted egg works surprisingly well with pasta – it’s truly a match made in flavor heaven. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about mixing up traditional favorites with a new twist. It’s like giving yourself a little food adventure without leaving the house - we all need a little adventure sometimes, right?

Cooking can sometimes feel like just another chore, but it can also be a great mood booster! And if you're ever not in the mood to cook, remember you can always order from us anytime. We’re here to make mealtime easy and enjoyable!😊

On a serious note, when you're feeling down or dealing with a bit of a slump, finding something that sparks your interest can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. It’s like your energy is drained, and everything just feels... meh. But here’s the thing: sometimes, the best way to pull yourself out of that funk is to give yourself permission to explore something new, even if it’s just for a little while. For me, that "something" turned out to be cooking. It became my perfect "pick-me-up." I found this out myself back in 2020 when the pandemic hit and everything felt... well, upside-down. With all that time on our hands, I think a lot of us discovered some hidden talents we didn’t even know we had. That time was a mix of both dark days and unexpected blessings. And then, in another rough patch, when the “meant for me job” was apparently lost somewhere and not finding my front door, I thought, “Why not turn this cooking thing into a business?” My savings were shrinking faster than my patience, so I dove in and started building something of my own. It's funny how life has a way of nudging us into things we never expected, right? Now, what started as a hobby is now full-blown passion – and sometimes even the best therapy.

I find comfort in stirring up something creative in the kitchen. It didn’t start out as anything big. Just trying out a recipe here and there, tasting new flavors, experimenting with spices – something about it clicked. I was able to focus on the process, not the worries, and the result? A delicious meal that I could enjoy and feel proud of. It didn’t solve all my problems, but it definitely made me feel better. It's so nice to hear how other people enjoy your food. That’s the thing about finding something that interests you – it doesn’t have to be a huge passion project or career-defining skill. Although I don't want to be a hypocrite, I also need the money that comes with it. LOL! But sometimes, it’s as simple as discovering a small, enjoyable activity that allows you to escape your own thoughts for a bit. It could be painting, writing, gardening, or even knitting – whatever catches your eye. The key is that it gives you something to focus on that’s positive, something to pour your energy into that doesn’t require you to be “perfect.” When you’re feeling down, it’s easy to tell yourself that you’re not good enough to try something new or that there’s no point. But the truth is, giving yourself the chance to learn something, even if you’re not great at it right away, can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your mood. While we all love a great result, it’s not always the outcome that matters. What truly counts is showing yourself a little kindness, embracing the process, and finding joy in the journey of trying something new.

I also gave writing a try during that time. Before focusing on my food business, I dedicated all my waking hours to writing a book, pouring my heart and soul into the process. Every step of the way, I kept reminding myself of the verse "Seek Ye First," trusting that if I focused on Him, everything else would fall into place. I think that's our main problem: we ALWAYS want to be in control. News flash! That’s just not possible. We try to figure everything out, make things make sense, and put all the pieces we have together so we know what’s going on, what’s going to happen next, and how we’ll handle it, right? But while you're stressing yourself out, have you ever thought that maybe the reason you can’t put all the pieces together—no matter how hard you try—is because you don’t have all the pieces... yet? That's why it doesn’t make sense.

I believe God sometimes puts us into what I like to call a ‘Tower’ season or phase intentionally, where we’re encouraged to pause, step back, and experience a kind of rebirth. Yeah, it kinda feels like you're born again once you've made a breakthrough, or maybe it's just me. But it’s during these seasons that you start to see things fall into place like there’s a missing puzzle piece finally coming your way that makes everything click. We just have to be open to it, open to receiving—and hey, maybe even try to enjoy the ride!

Well, it wasn't easy, but at the time I felt like writing was the right thing to do. The more I wrote, the more I felt connected to something greater, and the whole experience became a reminder of the power of faith and surrender. Sometimes, all you can really do is surrender and believe that there’s a bigger plan at work. Sometimes, you don't need to figure anything out; the next step will come to you.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – "How can someone struggling through their own rough patch write about trust and faith?" Where’s the credibility in that, right? Trust me, I asked myself the same thing! But this wasn’t a gentle nudge; it felt more like a divine order. And it's nice to have a purpose again. Just write, and God will handle the rest – the impact, the timing, everything. Then, voila! The title of the book is "It’s Okay God, I Trust You." I trust that it will reach the hearts of those who need to hear it. If you're willing to listen and hopefully get some insight from someone going through a rough patch, you can grab a copy of the book using the links below: If you're feeling generous, you can get it HERE - thank you so much in advance!

If things are a bit rough right now, no worries - I feel you so you can get it HERE for free.

Who knows? Maybe His words and my journey will speak to you as well.

And you know what’s truly amazing? Just a day before I finished this book, a new job opportunity came right to my doorstep. I had sent out countless applications and barely heard back from most of them before it happened. Even for the interviews I did land—including one I was sure I was highly qualified for—I didn’t get the job. It was frustrating and disheartening. But then it hit me: maybe God was waiting for me to finish His book first, to trust Him fully, and put Him at the center of my journey. So that's what I did. And just like that, the breakthrough came. It’s a powerful reminder of how perfect His timing is—always worth the wait. It's my first time to truly completely trust God and not lean on my own understanding, or do things my way. Have you ever tried that? Although to be honest, the journey isn't always rainbows and butterflies. But God gives you this unexplainable peace within. I know it might sound a bit crazy, especially if you're just hearing it, but honestly, it’s the best kind of crazy life has to offer. Sure, money is important—there’s no denying that—but it’s the experiences and the incredible, unexpected ways life unfolds that will make life, LIFE...R! IYKYK. And you can’t put a price on that.

This season also taught me that creativity can be a powerful ingredient in living a happy life. It allows you to express yourself, solve problems in new ways, and find joy in the process of creation. Now, creativity isn't just about making art or inventing things—it’s about thinking outside the box, approaching challenges with curiosity, and finding personal meaning in everyday moments. You know, when you tap into your creative side—whether it’s through art, cooking, writing, or even just finding clever solutions to everyday problems—it really gives you this feeling of accomplishment and purpose. It’s like you’re doing something meaningful, and it feels good. Plus, it leads to those amazing "flow" moments, where you’re so caught up in the activity that time just flies by, and you’re totally in the zone. That’s the magic of creativity—it makes life feel fuller and more satisfying, and honestly, it can really boost your happiness.

Want to know a little secret? If you’re looking to get your creative juices flowing, try using your left hand more—especially right after you wake up! I found out that creativity is usually linked to the right side of your brain, which handles things like imagination and intuition. Some studies say using your left hand can actually help wake up the right hemisphere because of how our brains are wired. It's kinda crazy how doing something so simple can make you feel extra amazing. Give it a try, or DYOR (Do Your Own Research) if you’re skeptical!

Life holds a tremendous mystery, my fellow soul. Yet, God has given us minds to explore and begin to understand the reality around us, uncovering pieces of truth little by little. It’s a beautiful journey, one where faith and curiosity go hand in hand.

Going back to our food blog, I think we both know that eating good food has magical powers when it comes to lifting spirits. So why not give our Special Tinapa Pasta a try? Let’s take that Filipino classic, mix it up, and make it our own. It might be just what you need—a little twist on the usual to keep things fun, with a dash of stress relief and a whole lot of feel-good vibes!

“Paaaaaaa!” 😊

God bless everyone! Shalom ❤️

Special Tinapa Pasta with Salted Egg