Enjoy the season while the sun still peeps into our windows every morning. Try cooking Filipino famous dried fishes (assorted daing and tuyo) paired with ‘sinangag’ (fried rice ) or champorado (sweet glutinous rice with chocolate and milk) at the comfort of your patio, suggests a Cebuana friend. Bring out your portable camping stove or barbecue. Simply use your thin camping pan, drizzle with canola oil and throw dried danggit or stir- fry dilis. After all, most Filipinos would love to eat these food items, of course, less the unfavorable smell during and after cooking. So, for those who have not tried indulging in these favorite ‘pinoy’ favorites, take time to savor!

Summer also brings in exciting fruits to indulge with and flowering plants to decorate gardens and homes. A season for farmers to show and bring out their fresh harvests is a something that every homemaker should take advantage of.

A time to indulge into refreshing smoothies made of fresh summer berries like strawberries, blueberries and blackberries instead of rich ice cream. Plums and nectarines are just perfect and refreshing when served chilled, pitted and sliced into segments. Watermelons (Pakwan), cantaloupes (melon), mangoes (manga) and pineapples (pinya) are plentiful. These fruits are bonuses or perks of the summer season that provide our tummy a break and resist the temptation of baked and sweet desserts. These fruits are rich in Vitamin C , minerals and fibers. Cooking outdoor in summer is the best way to retain the cold air inside the house.

It is also a season to spend time for outdoor hobbies. Summer picnics at the nearby parks, discovering nature by trekking or hiking, biking, swimming and playing outdoor sports are some suggested activities to explore.

In Vancouver, it is interesting to know that some companies provide shortened
hours of work every Friday during summer season. It is called TGIF (Thank God
it’s Friday) summer delight!Indeed, another reason to enjoy the perks of summer
season!

Recently, we responded to our imagination of swimming in a beach. We packed
some food to munch along the way and drove to Jerico Beach, a popular Vancouver beach located at the west of the seaside neighborhood of Kitsilano. It is surrounded by Jericho Beach Park, a large grassy area for picnics and wide sandy shore space for playing ball games like Volley ball, Frisbee and sunbathing Jericho beach is a beautiful place to relax while watching the sail boats swiftly gliding on the smooth sea. After all, Jericho Beach is a haven for Sail Boat Association of Vancouver.

Unfortunately, as expected, swimming in Vancouver beaches was ‘delusional’ for us who experienced the warmth and freshness of Philippine beaches. Before heading home, we feasted our eyes with interesting stores in the Kitsilano area. Surprisingly, there were quite a number of stores operating on a sunny Sunday afternoon. A trendy place as described by some sociable lads. As to interesting restaurants, would Las Margaritas Restaurant worth 85 km drive next time around? We will check out next time! Stay ‘glued’ reading this column! Continue to enjoy the ‘perks’ of summer! Stay safe!

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