Hanna Fernando-Pacua (PHILIPPINES) temporarily leaves her comfort zone to travel, serve, and perform around the world in five months. She hopes to share with you this very meaningful experience.

Up with People provides students with an extraordinary semester of traveling the world. As a student your perspectives on the world will never be the same. UWP is for that certain student who's looking for an intense, hands-on, involved global educational experience. The program addresses the very real need for young adults and leaders who have global perspectives, intercultural understanding, knowledge of worldwide social issues, leadership skills and a dedication to community service. For more information, visit www.upwithpeople.org.

HANNA's SATTELITE SITE and GALLERY (+ photos, videos, calendar) http://www.bananaspinuwp.multiply.com/

Monday, July 16, 2007

Halu-Halo in Denver




Halu-Halo (roughly translated in English as Mix-Mix) is a famous Philippine dessert that has all sorts of sweetened ingredients like beans, nata de coco (coconut jelly), banana, corn, langka (jackfruit), ube, leche flan (caramel flan) -- topped with crushed ice, sugar, and milk.


Mmmm.


Ah and it is really true that you appreciate your country, your culture, your heritage so much more when you are miles away from home.

Today I had an opportunity to spend time with Pinoy (slang for Filipinos) living in Denver. The power of technology brought us together. (I Googled "Filipino Community Denver" and found them there and made contact!)

I got in touch with Pastor Carlos Bulalayao of the CrossWind Community Church and they were happy to invite me to Sunday Christian (Baptist) Service. Although I am Catholic. attending service is okay with me since it is all about God's message anyway.


It was a wonderful little group of Filipinos , everyone very enthusiastic, welcoming and everyone proud to be a Filipino. It was amazing how the foreign spouses have adapted to the culture and didn't seem to mind us breaking into happy chatter in Filipino.

After the Church service, we all (well, most of us) went to a Chinese Restaurant for lunch (they said so I can eat rice!) I rode with newlyweds Paolo and Harlyn who had an Eraserheads CD playing in the car Astig!)




After that, we went to the Bulalayaos' house for some halu-halo! The TV was tuned to the Filipino Channel and I was able to watch ASAP (nice show too!) and the Buzz!

Twas a nice day! Here's a photo of me with Pastor Carlos and his wife Tita Rowena.

No comments: