A Scientist in the Kitchen – A Year in GenSan

Today I celebrate my first year in Gen San. Well, not really a year if you count the number of days I stayed here in the past year. But it’s the day I started work as a corn breeder.

cornbreeder

So many things to learn, not only about breeding, agriculture, but also many I learned about myself. I met a lot of new friends here, and also realized how important the old friendships I had all these years. I finished my PhD after many years of toil, the last few years making me want to quit the game. Still, love of science prevailed. And the inspiration that my work is important for farmers not only in the Philippines. It was a big leap of faith to decide to live here. I miss my family and friends. I miss cooking for my family and friends. Happy though, that I met a lot of wonderful friends here in GenSan.

lunch

I can not say how long I will stay here. Perhaps there maybe other reasons for me to stay. Still, I will embrace what life in GenSan has to offer. This is home for now.

As for blogging and cooking, I still cook. I still keep on telling myself I should start again writing posts. I’m still at it, though sporadic. Hopefully, my blogging groove comes back. Anyway, not only work is keeping me busy. I got myself a new companion, a black Labrador retriever who doesn’t have a name yet.

Dog with no name

Isn’t she a beauty?

A Year in GenSan

Today I celebrate my first year in Gen San. Well, not really a year if you count the number of days I stayed here in the past year. But it’s the day I started work as a corn breeder. So many things to learn, not only about breeding, agriculture, but also many I learned about myself. I met a lot of new friends here, and also realized how important the old friendships I had all these years. I finished my PhD after many years of toil, the last few years making me want to quit the game. Still, love of science prevailed. And the inspiration that my work is important for farmers not only in the Philippines. It was a big leap of faith to decide to live here. I miss my family and friends. I miss cooking for my family and friends. Happy though, that I met a lot of wonderful friends here in GenSan.

I can not say how long I will stay here. Perhaps there maybe other reasons for me to stay. Still, I will embrace what life in GenSan has to offer. This is home for now.

Heidi December 19, 2009 at 9:52 AM -

What a nice post. So, it has been a year already, huh? I remember you were still living in a hotel this time last year, and I always texted you whenever I’d hear about a bombing in Mindanao. You know how bad my geography is. Anyway, I’m happy that you’re happy there, in spite of the occasional pangs of homesickness. Hope to visit you there one of these days. And yes, you baby Lab is a beauty.
God bless!
tanchi December 24, 2009 at 12:55 PM -

thanks for an inspiring post. i realized that i should be making a year-end post..! keep up the good posts mam!
Gay December 24, 2009 at 11:22 PM -

Nostalgic nga in a way, I’m remembering my first impression of GenSan – ang init! Maiinit pa rin hanggang ngayon. First time to meet my colleagues, first time to meet the boss, first field work and walk through in the maize fields…
Gay December 24, 2009 at 11:23 PM -

Thanks, Tanchi! Sort of looking back, `no?
Ry Sal January 8, 2010 at 12:50 AM -

I haven’t checked in on your blog in a while! I hope that you keep writing posts! Love the puppy!
Muneeba January 10, 2010 at 10:54 PM -

Oh I love the new addition in your life … so darling!!! Do let us know when u decide on a name for her
punky January 13, 2010 at 12:33 PM -

masarap daw yung mga giant carps diyan sa gensan!
Neil TG April 23, 2010 at 11:12 AM -

Hi Gay,

Inspiring blogs…food blog… I hope to come up with one soon.?And hopefully to visit GenSan. It must be a place of gastronomic delight. Seafood and tuna.

Warmest regards,

Neil TG
Gay April 24, 2010 at 12:08 AM -

Thanks, Neil! Yes, hope to see you in Gensan. Let’s cook up a storm!