My life has always revolved around food, pets, fishing and gardening. Nothing makes me happier than planting out a vegetable patch with my pug, Squishy and my terrier, Lampard. My husband looks on from the deck whilst reading a book in the sun. It’s quite relaxing and fulfilling.

My childhood was spent with a few years on Alyangula, Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory, Australia. My mum is from the Philippines and my dad grew up at Speers Point, New South Wales.

My dad kept chickens, had an enormous vegetable patch and a myriad of fruit trees, including jackfruit, mangoes, calamondin (in tagalog we call them calamansi) and carambola (starfruit). So in reality, I was a spoilt brat when it came to fresh fruit and vegetables.

My dad is also an excellent fisherman. Considering we lived on an island for the first part of my life, it was only natural I would get into fishing as well. My dad would bring home a range of fish from Mangrove Jack, to Red Emperor,  Mackerels and more! He would also teach me how to catch mud crabs in a crab pot. I never knew how good I was getting it until I moved to New South Wales.

And the real journey of food, pets, gardening and cooking begins…………………………….