Arlene Manocot's Blog, page 4

Birthday Trip in Fredericksburg

Willkomen to my blog!
Willkomen is a german word for welcome and it fascinates to learn the word when we visited Fredericksburg. So once again, willkomen guys!

Our trip to Fredericksburg is one of the best American downtown experience. They got an amazing layout and preserved structures and downtown spirit. 
It was a birthday trip for me. It was one of unmarked item in our checklist, and finally my boyfriend and I got to cross it out of our list. He asked me what I want for my birthday, at first, I playfully said "him" but it was going to Fredericksburg that got stuck on my mind. So we ended gracing the city with our presence. 
The way to our destination was long and awesome, since it was never boring. We got to see a lot of interesting places on the way: winery, orchards, burger stores, donut shops, Texan BBQ restaurants, fancy houses, ranches, and the green scenery of the country side. It was an amazing ride. Dripping Springs are Johnson City were the town and city we got to passed through to reach Fredericksburg, and yes, just like what I told you those placing are also interesting, worthy places to visit and explore.
We had to take an hour and half travel time to get to the city. It was a long, long ride. But it was definitely worth it. 

Food and places we tried and visited:

Information Visitor Center. From this place, we got a map of the whole downtown. The guy in the office gave us significant information on how to make the most out of our one-day trip. He gave us a map with some notes that might come in handy throughout our exploration. For my journal, I decided to get a copy of my own map and trail passport, cute. 

Old German Bakery & Restaurant. We didn't have breakfast, so our next  stop was this famous bakery and restaurant. When we got to the place, I could not believe that there was actually a line of people waiting to be called because all of the seats were occupied. Oh boy, my boyfriend was right, it is actually pretty famous. I discovered the reason once I got to taste one of their breakfast meal and baked goodies. Oooh...! They were really good. We ordered Holstein Schnitzel with toast and  scrambled eggs on the side, and hot coffee and tea as our drinks.

Fredericksburg Winery. From the name itself, it had everything related to wine. We didn't get a free taste, but the old man in the store was generous enough to have conversation with my boyfriend about wine and other stuff, and I just listened, hehe, I am a good listener. There was an old lady in the store, but I guess she was busy with the other customers that was why she didn't say anything to us, however she was kind and friendly to greet us on the sidewalk when my boyfriend and I was crossing the pedestrian lane. Chocolat. Oooh...! I so like this. We only got to have one flavored wine or liquor chocolate each. The guy who assisted didn't seem to be happy that we were only getting free stuff that was why I decided to buy a piece of Milk Cashew and it was so good and we shared it together. It cost me $2.71, a little pricey for a small piece of chocolate, but it was really worth it. 

Hill Country Amish. This place got an amazing selection of furnitures and they were made of authentic wood, leather, and metal. They also had organic food like jam, jelly, marmalade, seasonings, snacks, and more. The guy at the store gave us a trivia about yeast, like once you made that kind of yeast you have to take care of it because it is a living microorganism. I thought he was joking about it, but turned out he was dead serious about it, and we really appreciate the new information we learned from him. 
Pioneer Museum. If you want to explore all the parts of the museum, there was an entrance fee of 12 per adult. We were pretty satistified in the museum shop and reception area that we decided not to exlpore that whole area. They got an interesting collection of old photos and quilted products, all from the time of German settlement in the city. 



Pioneer Memorial Library. We like going to the libraries, so we didn't miss this chance to check out the library at the downtown. They also had a store of used books. I got a copy of a book Murakami just by donating a dollar. That's such a steal! I am glad to finally try a book of his. But unfortunately, I forgot the map with all the notes on the table of the room with all the books for sale. My bad. We tried getting it back but it was already closed when we remember about the map.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church. After checking if we could get the maps with notes, which was a failed attempt, we came across a magnificent structure, it was an old church. My boyfriend was fascinated and we were able to see outside only although we tried or I tried opening the doors, unfortunately they were all closed. According to my research, it was one of the oldest churches in Fredericksburg. 

Marktplatz von Fredericksburg. This was a park where we sat down and ate the baked goodies I got from the Old German Bakery & Restaurant. The German Sausage Jalapeno bread had this German sausage and it was thick and hard but in a good way, and we really liked it. The Blueberry Cheese Danish was not too sweet which was a good thing and the blueberry jam and cheesee went perfectly tasty.  There was also an Art Sale at the park and I assumed they were all independent artist. 



Rustlin' Rob's Texas Gourmet Food. Oooh...! This food shop was just amazing. They were so generous with the free tasting of their products. They had jam, jelly, marmalade, butte, pickled fruits and veggies, meat, sauces, and seasonings. The experience was the best. We were already full that we didn’t have to eat lunch. Good marketing strategy Rustlin' Rob!National Museum of the Pacific War. This building got my attention because it had words like Philippine Sea, Luzon, and Mindanao on its walls. It was not a surprise since my home country became part of the Pacific War, which was a sad part of our history. For us to fully explore all the parts of the museum, a 20 fee was required. We needed to decide whether if it was worth to pay that amount given that we only had thirty (30) minutes left. We got there late and we decided to forego the idea and maybe try it another time. According to the staff, it would require at least two (2) hours to enjoy and explore the place. The shop an reception area were the only part we got to explore and it was still fun. We discovered books at the shop about accounts of how the Philippines became part of the Pacific War. It was mind blowing that there were writers who dedicated their time to tell stories about the Philippines, and I am glad. There was also a coin machine at the museum and I didn’t want to miss this chance to get a engraved coin souvenir. It was always fun to get to try one of those in every place that I visit.

It was a fun and purposeful experience. Thank you for planning this for my birthday! There are still a lot to explore, a second trip to Fredericksburg may not be a bad idea. 

the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. ~Psalm 121:8 

Notes: Some photos are by my boyfriend. 

New Book Reveal: The Restless Mind

Are you ready for my new book baby? 📚 I have prepared something for y’all. I am glad to announce that I am going to be releasing a new book baby on my birthday month. I hope you are excited because I am. 
My mind gave birth to a collection of poems for the past few year. The poetry book is entitled “The Restless Mind”. It is a collection of my sentiments in life, somewhere in my early thirties.
I dwell inside my mind, more than in the outside world. It might leave positive or negative impression how my mind works. I am an introvert and I am comfortable being with myself. But I always want to be with the my most favorite person in the world right now. I always want and need to be with him. Proximity might not permit that all the time and I try to cope with it and pray for it. 
In the book “The Restless Mind,” I shared my thoughts and emotions in situations that I struggled with in my early thirties. I need to let them out. I need to write them, so they will not accumulate in my mind and soul. Some thoughts and emotions can be disgusting, but I would like to believe that there are some good things dwells in my mind. 

Book Blurb

Am I just grumbling?Endlessly complaining?
I confess.I repent.But is it enough

I would like to share this book to all of you. For you to know that you are not alone, that there are people who struggle with these thoughts and emotions like you, and that they can be overcome and they will pass. They will not stay on you, with prayers and cry to God, everything shall pass. You will receive peace from God as He declutter all the unnecessary baggage you have in your life that will not serve a purpose in fulfilling your God-given purpose. 
I hope and pray you find inspiration as you read my new book which is scheduled to be released on April 13, 2025. I hope you look forward to it and find a glimpse of hope in it. 

Book Covers of The Restless Mind

Please look forward to my new book. I will be posting on how and where you can a get a free e-book copy of The Restless Mind. I hope and pray you are having a blessed week. Until next time! 🤗🙏🙌

Prayers and Total Surrender and Free E-book Y'all

April is my birthday month! Happy birthday y’all April babies! 🤗 How is life treating you right now? Are we still good? Well, I hope and pray that you’re in the best shape of your life. I hope and pray you keep on fighting despite all the trying. I hope and pray you can see hope in hopeless situations. 
And for my birthday month, I am giving away some of my written books. I am hoping and praying these books will give hope and inspired you to continue with life and pursue God in your life. Life is easier with God. Seek Him. Obey Him. Abide in Him. And He will be with You. 
I am in the testing season, crying season, and most of all in the trusting season. People may fail you, but God will never. He can turn our bad situation into a good one. Nothing is impossible when we trust in Him. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,~Psalm 103:2 ESV

I hope and pray we continue to seek and trust in God through Jesus who gives us strength. May we continue to see the unconditional love He gave us through Jesus, His only begotten Son. I know it is not easy right now, but God knows what is the best for us. May we continue to lean toward His direction. May God provide wisdom, love, patience, strength, guidance, and our daily bread to continue to live our purpose in this life. I pray all these and let us surrender everything to the LORD. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
I hope you are inspired to live the best time of your life only through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I hope and pray that in these uncertainties you are experiencing right now, may we realize that God is certain. We are certain that God allows the challenges in our lives for good and not for worst. Trust Him, trust the process. 
Here’s the link of one of the free e-books I plan to share on my birthday month. I hope and pray this brings inspiration to your life. A special shout out to all April babies out there, happy blessed birthday! 

FREE E-BOOK COPY OF IT’S NOT ABOUT US

Just give me a shout out if you are having difficulty downloading the book and I’ll give my best shot to help. Have a joyful birthday month!

Splash Color in Spring Season

Spring is here! It is the season where everything blooms and blossoms. Who wouldn’t want spring season? Personally, it is my favorite season out of all of the seasons. Flowers are out and the greens are starting to pop in the scenery!
This season inspires me to create a coloring book. Flowers and coloring are two of my favorite things in life.  Sight seeing a bed of flowers is a feast for my eyes and coloring flowers in a coloring book is a hobby I really enjoy all the time. 
You may download a free copy of the coloring book by clicking the link below:
FREE SPRING COLORING BOOK 
Just give me a shout out if you are having difficulty downloading the book and I’ll give my best shot to help. Have fun! Color your life!

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell youthat not even Solomon in all his splendorwas dressed like one of these.
Matthew 6:28-29

Life is Hard and Screwtape will make it Harder

The Screwtape Letters is the second book I read from C.S. Lewis. I was captivated by his intellectual and spiritual approach to writing. His portrayal of the devils in the form of Screwtape was riveting and intriguing. At the beginning of my reading journey, I was curious about how the story would unfold and a little confused about the letter-formatted passages, but excited at the same time about how the story would take me for another ride. 

What is the book about?
A Masterpiece of Satire on Hell’s Latest Novelties and Heaven’s Unanswerable Answer
C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters has entertained and enlightened readers the world over with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the unique vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to “Our Father Below.” At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis gives us the correspondence of the wordly-wise devil to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation of an ordinary young man. The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation—and triumph over it—ever written. 

This is also the second book I finished reading in the year 2025. Nowadays, it is difficult to read.  There are a lot of things that are happening in my life right now, but I can only do so little. I tried to stay with the book to keep me company. I am glad I got to finish the book, at last. I enjoyed the book since it talks about human nature to sin or to get entrapped in a situation he willfully or not willfully created for himself where it may feel like there is nowhere to go or to run to. It is that kind of situation that is hopeless and pestered by fear and doubt. 

The devils are cunning and fallen creatures and they will try their best to plague this world. I pray to God above to help me in my journey in life. I am having difficulty now and the devil seems to be celebrating. I hope to endure this situation and succeed victoriously in life. I thank God for the wisdom and hope He planted in me and for all the people He sent on my way, the good and the bad.
This book is the kind I would like to keep if I have a library of my own and probably read it more than once.     

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.John 10:10 NIV

Creamy Gulaman in 3 Easy Steps

Gulaman is one of my top favorite desserts. It is simple, sweet and healthy if eat in moderation. I like the pink and green flavor. I tried making gulaman for the first time and it didn’t succeed, I did the second time, a little better. I did it the third time and it was the best so far. I love the third try results and now I am sharing you the best recipe of my favorite gulaman based on my experiment.

Ingredients:

1 pack Zang Gulaman 24g
7 cups drinking water1 can condensed milk1 can evaporated milk 354ml1 or 1/2 cup white sugar

Procedures:

1. Gradually add 1 pack of Zang Gulaman Buko Pandan Flavor into the water while stirring to avoid lumping.2. Add evaporated milk, condensed milk, and sugar. Dissolve completely and let it stand for 5-10 minutes.3. Heat with constant stirring until solution starts to boil. Remove from the heat, then pour into molds.
I hope you like it too! Enjoy! 

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”‭‭~Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV

Sinigang na Baboy Recipe in 3 Easy Steps (Pork Ribs)

Sinigang na baboy is one of my favorite Filipino dishes. I love it when my mother cook it for our family whenever we have the budget to spare for a meat viand. I really like it paired with a freshly and steamy cooked white rice. I get to eat vegetables because of Sinigang na baboy. When I was young, young enough to not know the importance of green leafy vegetables, I had really hated eating them, but through this delicious dish now I can get some of the nutrients I missed in my childhood.  
I crave for home sometimes and the way to somewhat satisfy it is through our stomach. One of my favorite Filipino dishes is Sinigang na Baboy or pork sour soup. I tried cooking it for the first time just recently and it turned out good or quite decent. I guess the sinigang na baboy I cooked the first time was edible.

Ingredients:

1 whole clove of small Garlic 1 piece medium size Gabi1/2 bulb of Yellow Onion (White or Red Onions will do)1 string of Pechay1 string of Mustard Leaves1 piece medium Jalapeño 1 medium size White Radish1 piece Tomato1 pack of 1.41 oz Sinigang Mix2 lbs Pork Ribs Seasoning: Salt                    Ground Black Pepper                    Fish Sauce

Procedures:

1. Sautee chopped onion, garlic, tomato and Jalapeño. Add salt, pepper, fish sauce to taste.2. Add 7 to 8 cups of water and put the Sinigang Mix. Boil the mixture with the pork ribs for about 45 minutes.3. Add the vegetables one at a time: Gabi, Mustard leaves, and Pechay. Add fish sauce and ground black pepper to taste. Best serve when warm.
Not the best picture, but the best taste so far 😋🤤

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”‭‭~Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV

Banana Bread Recipe in 3 Easy Steps

Banana Bread is the first ever bake goodies I have ever made. It is tasty and easy. I am sharing with you the recipe I found online and change it a little bit. I have used this recipe a lot of times so I can vouch of its success and taste. 

Ingredients:

3 Bananas (ripe & large size)1/2 cup vegetable oil2 large eggs 1 cup brown sugar2 cups of all purpose flour / wheat flour1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1 cup chocolate chip / fresh cranberries / chopped walnuts etc.

Procedures:

1. Pre-heat the oven for 350 degress Farenheit.2. Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl and mix all the ingredients.3. Pour the mixture in 8x8 baking pan and bake for 55 minutes. 
Enjoy! Yum!
Banana Bread for him that I made with love ❤️😀 

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”‭‭~Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Zoom-zoom, broom-broom in NASCAR-COTA Experience

Car racing has not always been a thing for me. It left an impression of danger and recklessness. Though I am not fond of it, I did not want to miss having a live experience with all the zoom-zoom and broom-broom spectacles in the event.

Thanks to the two complimentary tickets I got from the previous institution I used to work at, my boyfriend and I got to see a car race event for the first time and what more, it was one of the most popular car race event in the world which is NASCAR.

What is NASCAR?
NASCAR, an acronym for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. NASCAR has three national series that it sanctions for racing.
In a historic shift for the sport, beginning in 2020 NASCAR’s premier series became known as the NASCAR Cup Series and featured cornerstone brands as Premier Partners: Busch Beer, Coca-Cola® and Xfinity. The partners are prominently featured in multiple platforms across the sport, including integrations in broadcast, NASCAR digital and social channels, event entitlements, in-market promotions and at-track activations.

There were a lot of people walking towards the main event place from the parking lot and it was a bit of a walk. All the parking lots were full packed and I was just relieved when we got to have a parking space because I thought we might run out of parking spot. They did a pretty good job in organizing and arranging all the cars. Kudos to all the staff at the parking lots! 

I am not knowledgeable about car racing or more so NASCAR. I had to research for what the acronym stands for. Google search engine comes in handy always and revealed "National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing" as the meaning of the acronym. 
The NASCAR experience was fun and awesome. The revving cars impressed us with their deafening noise we had wear to headphones. 

We sat in two of the chairs at grand stand near Turn 15. It was loud and crazy everytime the cars were racing right in front of our eyes. 

What is COTA?
The Premier Sports and Entertainment Destination
Circuit of The Americas is the premier destination for world-class motorsports and entertainment in the United States. Set on 1,500 acres in the rolling hills just outside Downtown Austin, Circuit of The Americas has hosted the biggest names in racing, action sports and music since 2012. At its heart is a 3.41-mile racetrack that was designed to challenge the world’s most exacting competitors while providing a thrilling spectacle for audiences

The Circuit

Circuit of The Americas is more than a race track – it’s the only purpose-built facility in the United States designed to host the premier motorsports championships in the world, including Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR and more. With a blend of sweeping, fast sections and tight, technical corners, Circuit of The Americas has challenged the world’s greatest drivers and riders.

The food at event were extra-extra pricey. I think triple or quadruple of the regular price. Good thing, we brought our own food and drinks. We got to save some money. 
NASCAR is an event that I would like to experience but not something that I badly want to do again. I am glad I got to experience the event. We had to leave early to make sure we would not be trapped in the traffic. 

Being able to attend NASCAR event for free is a good experience for me and my boyfriend. Zoom-zoom, broom-broom, racing cars! 

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”‭‭~Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Nature of God and Man: The Blaming Game

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. ~1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
The blaming game has been happening since the beginning of time, in the garden of Eden. Sometimes we blame God 🥲

The man blamed God 🥲 Adam did. ~Genesis 3:12 ESV

We are in agreement with God that we are sinners.

God is not the source of temptation though He allows trials and they can lead to blessings or vice versa.

Trial can cause you to draw closer to God if it has served its purpose.

It is God who orchestrated everything. ~James 1:13-18

NATURE OF GOD

James 1:13
Let no one say when he is tempted,“I am being tempted by God,”for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
~God tempts no one. It is the evil who tempts.

Hebrews 7:26 ESV
For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, untrained, separated from sinners, and exalted above themselves.
~God doesn’t delight in evil.

Habakkuk 1:13 ESV
God has no experience with/in evil that’s why He does not delight in evil.

James 1:14-16 ESV
Each person is tempted when is lured and enticed by his own desire, then desire has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived.

NATURE OF MAN

Temptation is not external, it is what’s in your heart. Sin does not begin in the external, it starts with our desires, emotions, longings. It begins from within. It starts from within.

Beware of a bait or a lure! The physical world lures us. One thing leads to another.

Lust. Avoid triggers. Avoid appearances of evil. Don’t put yourself in situations that could lure.

Temptation is still resistible.

Soak your mind to what is pleasing to God. It will overflows in your mind. Fill your heart and mind with the words of God. He reminds us. To live a blameless life.

Don’t make excuses.

God’s commanded, "Be holy, because I am holy." ~1 Peter 1:16

Once you have a desire, you begin strategizing to fulfill your will.

When desire conceives, it gives birth to sin. Don’t let the desire take over your will. Sin gives birth to death.

Sin does not bring anything good.

NATURE OF OUR GOD

Only good and perfect things come out of good. God is unchanging. ~James 1:17

God never changes. He knows how to give good gifts. ~Luke 11:13

His words stand true. All things work together for good. ~Romas 8:28