For the "clueless" young homemaker, always have the following in your pantry; they are basics in cooking Filipino dishes - garlic, onions, tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, cooking oil, patis, soy sauce, vinegar, calamansi, cornstarch and flour.

Invest in a good pressure cooker to allow preparation of your favorite dishes at half the time such as everyday fares (sinigang, nilaga or adobo) or festive choices (beef kaldereta, pata tim).

Wash your meats (beef, pork or poultry) immediately after purchase. Marinate (if necessary), then portion in plastic containers or resealable bags before storing them in the freezer. This makes meal planning easier; next time you cook, you only have to thaw what you need.

To have balanced and nutritious meals, always have vegetables--whether it's a simple and affordable vegetables like kangkong, pechay or broccoli leaves--these greens are so versatile, you can match them with almost any dish.

If your family is not in the mood for veggies, have at least a serving of fiber-rich fresh fruits for dessert like pineapple, melon or other fresh fruits in season.

Have at least one fish dish in a week; if you're not keen on cleaning and preparing raw fish, get canned fish like Century Tuna or Pink Salmon, 555 Sardines or marinated, frozen fish.

Try making simple sweet treat such as cookies or cupcakes on weekends. Your kids will love them and your husband, too as they go well with freshly brewed coffee.

Other must-haves in the kitchen--a good, sharp knife, chopping board, saran wrap, aluminum foil, rubber scrapers, measuring tools, mixing bowl and colander for draining pasta or vegetables.

For working homemakers (like myself) who do not have time for breakfast, set a day during weekends or holidays as your "big breakfast day." Prepare a really good, heavy breakfast such as pancakes with bacon, fried rice with sausage and eggs, fruit juice and freshly brewed coffee. It's a good time to bond with the family and an occasion they would look forward to.

Always keep a small notepad and pen with you. It will help you list down your "to do's" or things you need to buy for the kitchen or the home.