About


Hello! Welcome to Manila Spoon! Thanks for dropping by.

I am Abby Raines, born in Manila, Philippines but currently residing in Holland, MI, USA. I am a lawyer turned stay-at-home mom. I have two tots (William - 6 and Sophie - 3) and one very loving husband (Mark), from England, for whom I am very thankful to the Lord for. My life is truly wonderful because of them.

ManilaSpoon came into being due to my desire to have all my favorite recipes be compiled into one easy to access file. Having it all online not only makes it so convenient to find them (gone are the days of looking for the scraps of paper where I have written the recipes!); it is also a lot easier to share them with friends.

So how did my love for cooking begin? Not naturally. Not right away. Truth is, I had to learn to cook out of necessity. As anyone familiar with the Philippines would know, when you grow up with a maid, oftentimes you never learn the wonderful art of cooking. Back then, I always knew that when dinner's on, the food would be ready at the table, often prepared by anyone in the house but me. I did dabble a bit on cooking after college but never really pursued it passionately.

However, when I got married and settled in the USA, I had to really learn how to cook. Otherwise, my hubby and I would have starved to death! J
Thankfully, the kind folks who help us settle in Grand Rapids gave us a copy of an American cookbook as a welcome present. Perhaps they sensed our predicament. That began my love for cooking and anything that has to do with food.

I learned to cook initially by following recipes to the letter but, eventually and more extensively, through trial and error. The results of my culinary adventures are shown in manilaspoon.com, which is simply a collection of recipes which my family have tried and enjoyed through the years.

I love to blog because it's my 'creative therapy' allowing me to put into words and pictures things I enjoy and have passion for. So I do hope you enjoy reading the posts as much as I enjoy writing them!

If you wish to follow the posts, do join our site and like us on Facebook. Thanks again for visiting!




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47 comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 13, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    Hi, I really enjoy reading your blog. it is really great! Your recipes sound delicious and your photos are beautiful!

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  2. Gail MonteroAugust 13, 2012 at 9:36 PM

    Thanks for dropping by! You are so kind! Glad to have discovered your lovely blog too!

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  3. UnknownAugust 18, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    Nice to meet you! Found you on Blog Hop! Lovely family.

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  4. Gail MonteroAugust 18, 2012 at 4:28 PM

    Thanks for visiting! Glad to meet you as well!

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  5. The Red ApronAugust 20, 2012 at 9:28 AM

    Hi Abby! So glad I found you at Ellen B Cookery's Blog Hop.
    I still need to read more about it and join in.
    I love finding fellow filipino bloggers esp. a fellow Michigander too.
    Love Holland!
    Just started following you.
    Visit me at http://www.theredapronscravings.com

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  6. Gail MonteroAugust 20, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    Thanks for dropping by Kabayan! Glad to meet you too! Now, at least that silly mistake led to something nice. :-) Thanks for visiting!

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  7. peachkinsNovember 3, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    Hi Abby,

    First time here in your blog =) I enjoyed browsing around.

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    1. Gail MonteroNovember 3, 2012 at 10:16 PM

      Hello Peachkins! Thanks for stopping by! Glad to meet another Kababayan! :-)

      Delete
  8. Biren @ Roti n RiceNovember 16, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    Lovely family picture! Glad to meet you and nice to read a little more about you. :)

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    1. Gail MonteroNovember 16, 2012 at 4:47 PM

      Hi Biren, thanks for stopping by Manila Spoon and spending some time here. So happy to have met you as well. Love the food in your blog too! So nice to see many Asian/cultural connections between us! :-)

      Delete
  9. wok with rayNovember 21, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    Hi Abby,

    This is the first time I visited your site. Very nice food blog you got going here. May you have more success on what you're doing. Have a blessed holiday to you and your beautiful family.

    ~ ray ~

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    1. Gail MonteroNovember 22, 2012 at 12:02 AM

      Hi Ray! Thanks for your kind words! Glad to meet you and appreciate you stopping by!

      Delete
  10. Marie @citronlimetteDecember 8, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    What a beautiful family! I am so glad we have connected on facebok. Lovely blog!

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    1. Gail MonteroDecember 8, 2012 at 11:20 PM

      Thanks, Marie for stopping by! Equally glad to have met you!

      Delete
  11. KristenDecember 12, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    Hi! Its Kristen from make the best of everything! I was just reading through your about me. I went to cross country camp at Hope College when I was in high school ( 12 years ago now). I love Holland. Such a pretty area!!!!

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    1. Gail MonteroDecember 12, 2012 at 8:55 PM

      Hi Kristen! Glad to meet you and what a small world! I know, Holland is a lovely town for sure. Of course, we love Hope College too! Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  12. NancyDecember 14, 2012 at 2:53 AM

    You have a beautiful family and and beautiful photos. Just discovered you through Cynthia at What a Girl Likes to Eat blog. I'll have to explore your site to learn more, but I already like what I see. Good job on everything and Happy Holidays!

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    1. Gail MonteroDecember 15, 2012 at 12:17 PM

      Thanks, Nancy! Glad to meet you as well. Happy you have discovered our little blog. Hope you enjoy your time here. Have a blessed holiday season too!

      Delete
  13. AshimaDecember 24, 2012 at 4:52 AM

    loved reading your blog! :) Your family picture is lovely! and the food pics are so inviting!
    I'm glad I stumbled upon your blog during another internet search! :)

    Happy Holidays!

    Cheers!
    Ashima

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    1. Gail MonteroDecember 24, 2012 at 8:53 AM

      Hi Ashima! So lovely to meet you too and glad you found us. Hope you enjoy Manila Spoon! Merry Christmas too!

      Delete
  14. RogersJanuary 14, 2013 at 11:37 PM

    Dear Abby,

    You have a wonderful website and more than that you have a lovely family. God bless you and your family.

    Thanks for stopping by my page.

    Rogers
    www.foodival.com

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    1. Gail MonteroJanuary 16, 2013 at 10:31 PM

      Thanks, Rogers! Glad you came and visited us too!

      Delete
  15. LizyJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:49 AM

    Hi Abby, I just found your blog through someone's post of FB, the name of your blog caught my eye since my great-grandfather was from the Philippines too I wanted to try some recipes from my ancestors. By reading your page I also found that you live in Mi, and so do I, lol..what a small world. I'm in Detroit. I just started blogging a few months ago and would love for you to stop by my blog and check it out and give me any suggestions on food photography love yours! I now subscribed to your blog and I'm following on GFC! Have a great weekend!

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    1. Gail MonteroJanuary 22, 2013 at 9:05 PM

      Thanks, Lizy! What a small world! Glad you came by and thanks for joining us! Will check out your blog after this.

      Delete
  16. BettyAnn @Mango_QueenApril 7, 2013 at 7:27 PM

    Lovely to meet you, Abby. Glad to find your Manila food blog. I look forward to your recipes ! Mabuhay!

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    1. Gail MonteroApril 9, 2013 at 11:22 PM

      Thanks, Betty! So delighted that you stopped by. Lovely to meet you, too!

      Delete
  17. UnknownMay 3, 2013 at 7:31 AM

    You really have a wonderful site, but beyond that you sure is blessed to have a wonderful family! I just started following you. Love your recipe's they are all "manyaman/masarap/delicious". :)

    Tina
    http://fashionandchocolat.blogspot.com

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    1. Gail MonteroMay 23, 2013 at 9:34 AM

      Thanks, Tina! That's so very sweet of you. So glad you found us. Welcome to Manila Spoon!

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  18. UnknownMay 20, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    very nice to meet you. Looking forward to read more of your posts

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    1. Gail MonteroSeptember 10, 2013 at 11:47 AM

      A pleasure to meet you too Dixya! Welcom to Manila Spoon. :-)

      Delete
  19. AnonymousMay 21, 2013 at 10:34 PM

    Hello. I found your blog through the Portia Alumni link c/o Florence. :-) Glad to find your blog and a fellow-blogger sis. :-)
    I wish you the best. :-)
    ~Imelda

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    1. Gail MonteroMay 23, 2013 at 9:36 AM

      Thanks, sis Imelda! Yay! So happy we connected. So glad to meet you.

      Delete
  20. AnonymousMay 22, 2013 at 8:51 PM

    I am enjoying your blog, Abby. Your recipes look delicious and your photos are lovely. I learned about your blog through Florence post in the sorority page. I am glad to meet a fellow blogger sis. :-) I am from batch 88-B. I hope you win.
    ~Imelda

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    1. Gail MonteroMay 23, 2013 at 9:39 AM

      Thanks, dear sis! How wonderful to connect with you this way and so happy to know that another sis blogs too. Yay! Will be checking your blog in a bit. :-) Thanks for stopping by and for your support too! I am batch mates with Marose - 93-B, I believe. :-)

      Delete
  21. MangyanMay 28, 2013 at 11:14 PM

    I'm very much excited to taste all your stuff when you visit us again here in the Philippines. Hoping to see you soon!!!!

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    1. Gail MonteroSeptember 10, 2013 at 11:48 AM

      Please enjoy the recipes and yes, I can't wait to come back for a visit! :-)

      Delete
  22. AnonymousSeptember 10, 2013 at 1:44 AM

    i want a manila spoon! or 2. :)

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  23. Gail MonteroSeptember 10, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    Thanks, please enjoy the site. :-)

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  24. UnknownNovember 4, 2013 at 11:26 AM

    Hi Abby,
    I found your blog via internet search for Filipino food pics. Thank you for sharing! The recipes and food pics look yummy!

    -Dagmar

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  25. UnknownNovember 4, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    Hi Abby!
    I found your blog via internet search for Filipino food pics. Thank you for sharing! The recipes and food pics look yummy!

    Dagmar

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    Replies
    1. Gail MonteroNovember 7, 2013 at 10:49 AM

      Thanks, Dagmar! So glad you found us. Hope you find the site helpful and visit us often.

      Delete
  26. Personalized Sketches and SentimentsNovember 27, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    Hi! I found you just looking and blog hopping :o) Nice to "meet" you here. I noticed on your sidebar the comment of the Avocado milkshakes :o) (My mom is from the Philiipines and married my dad who was stationed there while in the Air Force. I have grown children and one sweet grandbaby, so many years have passed ;o) Hope you get a chance to stop by my "place" in blogland. If you do, please let me know by leaving a comment.

    Blessings & Aloha!
    (My husband's family are all from Hawaii...thus the Aloha...he is the only one of his siblings that had joined the military and then has not lived there since...although we do love the islands, we are living now where all our children's spouses are from...here in Kentucky.)

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  27. RacquelJuly 23, 2015 at 9:06 PM

    Glad to find your site! Thanks for sharing your great recipes!

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  28. thestorkNovember 20, 2015 at 12:40 PM

    Abby,
    Your blog is informative and beautiful without being pretentious. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your "about me" story and am glad that you (eventually) discovered your passion for cooking. I found your blog when Googling an "upside down cranberry cake" which I'm planning to make for this Thanksgiving. I'm a huge dessert and pastry nerd yet I've never heard of upside down cranberry cake until now... go figure. I'm looking forward to following you on this blog and on Instagram. You have a beautiful family, handsome hubby, and absolutely adorable kids. Have a peaceful, loving Thanksgiving. -DW

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    1. Gail MonteroJanuary 4, 2016 at 12:05 PM

      Thank you for your very kind words DW! Appreciate your support!

      Delete
  29. Adobo RecipesFebruary 6, 2017 at 10:24 AM

    Hi Abby, I love your website specially the personal touch of this about page. Let me help you generate more followers by sharing your adobo recipes on my 8,000+ fans at www.facebook.com/adoborecipes. God bless you more and your family.

    ReplyDelete

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