Hi, I’m Rica—welcome to Pinay Prairie Mama 🌾. I’m a Filipina homemaker living in Nebraska, where prairie life meets Filipino roots, and where ordinary rhythms of cooking, gardening, and homemaking have become a canvas for both creativity and faith.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved being in the kitchen. I grew up around Filipino food, went on to attend culinary school, and spent nearly a decade cooking in restaurants. Food has always been part of how I express love and care. Today, that passion continues as I create meals for my family, blending traditional Filipino flavors with the seasonal ingredients we grow here on the prairie. Cooking is more than just food on the table—it’s about connection, heritage, and creating moments of joy in the home.
But homemaking for me is more than recipes. I also love the beauty of flowers—harvesting them from the garden, arranging them in simple vases, or pressing and drying them to use in home décor. It’s these little touches that make a house feel alive and welcoming, and I believe beauty in the home reflects the goodness and creativity of God.
Another part of my journey is wellness. In my past, I sought meaning and healing in the New Age movement, exploring energy work, herbalism, and alternative wellness practices. But none of it truly satisfied my soul. When I encountered Christ, I discovered that true peace, wellness, and freedom can only be found in Him. Today, I share a redeemed view of wellness—herbal teas, natural homemaking rhythms, and rest that are not rooted in self, but in a life centered on faith.
Most importantly, this space is a testimony of God’s grace. I once believed in New Age teachings, but the Lord drew me out and gave me new life in Christ. Everything I share—from recipes, to flowers, to homemaking, to wellness—is rooted in that redemption story. My prayer is that as you visit Pinay Prairie Mama, you’ll not only find inspiration for your home and family, but also encouragement for your heart.
This blog is about food, faith, and the beauty of everyday life. I believe God is present in the ordinary—the meals we prepare, the gardens we tend, the flowers we place on our tables, and the small moments of family life that often go unnoticed. Through this space, I hope to inspire you to slow down, to savor the beauty around you, and to see homemaking not as mundane work, but as a meaningful calling that reflects God’s goodness.
So whether you’re here for a Filipino recipe, a homemaking idea, or simply to hear a story of redemption, I’m grateful you’re here. Pull up a chair, pour yourself some tea, and let’s walk together in the simple joys of food, faith, and home.
Check out my Youtube channel:
Pinay Prairie Mama 