*Our simple yet hearty lunch the past weekend, prepared, cooked & taken by my lovely wife, Tina.
This is my entry to : Weekly Photo Challenge : From Above
Posts Tagged ‘lunch
Indulgence is a must when spending quality time with the family or with friends. My family and I are very grateful to the people of Hard Rock Hotel Penang for they perfectly know how to pamper their guests across all ages by providing A COMPLETE SENSORY EXPERIENCE.
You’ve probably read my first post about our family’s grand experience (blog post HERE!). Now, here’s the conclusion of my 2-part-blog-series about Hard Rock Hotel Penang; I’m ending it with everything that satisfied our digestive tracts. 
WARNING : FOOD PORN AHEAD! You may want to drink a glassful of cold water first before scrolling down this post. FEAST YOUR EYES! ENJOY! *wink*
OUR FRIDAY DINNER @ STARZ DINER : THE GREAT AMERICAN BUFFET with A TWIST
Shameless dispaly of indulgence. My plate # 1 : Fresh green salad, prawns, crayfish, salmon sashimi and cheese on a biscuit. Nom nom nom!!!
My plate # 2 : Mini Lamb Burger, Chicken Fingers, Mashed Potato, Chicken Wings and the most delicious and tender Smoked Beef Rib I’ve ever tasted! Tender. Delicious. *sigh*
Sarsi Longgan, anyone? Surprisingly, I liked it. It’s light, fruity and refreshing!
Our little-big-boy’s preference : chocolate fondue goodies!
HAPPINESS!!! …Can you imagine a world without ice cream?
This trio melted all my worries away, seriously!!! 
Res Ipsa Loquitor means the evidence speaks for itself. Here’s a proof that Hard Rock Hotel Penang is beyond rockstars and adult-fun. People of HRHP are certainly KID-FRIENDLY TOO! 
The next day was made for another gastronomic adventure in epic proportions!
OUR SATURDAY BREAKFAST BUFFET PLATES @ STARZ DINER
LOVE! This platter on the buffet spread is just love. Smoked salmon and salted fish are so right in the morning!
My plate obviously. Smoked salmon FTW!
Tina sampled the do-it-yourself-congee.
Our kiddo is a cereal-monster!
Apparently, Gabby’s Don’t ask me if appetite is hereditary. LOL!
Early Weekend Morning Look! hahaha!
Dim sums in the morning? I had it for 2 consecutive weekend mornings. First in Singapore, then at Hard Rock Hotel Penang. It’s habit-forming and I’m not complaining! :)
Fiber-rich fresh fruits : A must for digestive process. Nutritious too!
What Gabby does to express happiness. 
Tina’s.
My world revolves around them. End of story.
OUR SATURDAY LUNCH @ PIZZERIA
There’s so many nice things to experience in Pizzeria at Hard Rock Hotel Penang. For one, diners get to enjoy watching the chefs tossing and flipping the pizza as per order. It’s entertaining in its own way! The wannabe-chef in Gabby and me enjoyed it a lot! Having an open-air-ambiance, located few steps by the beach provide a very relaxing and casual dining feel; it’s non-intimidating. Italian dishes on the menu look and taste authentic too! Highly recommended, a really must-try in HRHP!
Watching the chefs prepare those hand-tossed pizzas is an extra special treat!
Antipasto combo includes that tender baby octopus, mushrooms and diced eggplant that are complimented by that mayo-based dip.
All about Pizzeria’s pizza : I liked the thin crusts and the fact that toppings are served generously!
My family’s (Gabby’s) choice : Pizza Contadina, 14 inch for sharing. Tomato-based topped with chicken, mushrooms, onions, the works!
My plate : Pasta Aglio Y Olio (spaghetti with garlic, olive oil and chili peppers- very Italian? eduate me!). My verdict : I liked it except that my tongue does not favor too much spice, nonetheless, I finished the entire plate.
Gnocchi for Tina. If you must know, this pasta dish called Gnocchi is made of potato-pillows. Those worm-like-pasta are actually made of potatoes and starch.
Hot chocolate for Gabby on a hot weather. Why not.
Our blogger-fellows from Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Isaac, Chris and Emily with their companions savored these Italian goodies…
Gamberi pizza. Prawns in tomato base.
Calzone = folded pizza. Can’t get enough of that Pizzeria pizza-goodness! I’ve tasted this and I gave a thumbs up!
Tomato-based spaghetti.
Calamari. Classic.
Pizzeria also offers local Malaysian dishes…
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce. One of Malaysia’s favorite dishes.
BEVERAGES compliment tasteful dishes best. Either alcoholic-based or otherwise, Sand Bar and Pizzeria in Hard Rock Penang, as well as Hard Rock Cafe have a long list of choices from their beverage menus. There’s something special for everyone; even Gabby was happy with his Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Smoothies drinks.
Fellow Blogger Chris’ choice : Mojito
For our Saturday Lunch : Watermelon and strawberry-based smoothies for me, Tropical Paradise, a fruity shake for Tina, and Hot Chocolate for Gabby.
On the very first weekend evening that we met the invited Malaysian awesome bloggers, Isaac, Chris and Emily with the very hospitable people of Hard Rock Penang, we had a few drinks at Hard Rock Hotel Penang’s Sand Bar, a very apt spot in the resort to chill out and watch the gorgeous sunset.
Gabby had his Chocolate Smoothies from the Sand Bar. While admittedly, Tina and I are non-alcoholics (and non-smokers too), we’re not kill-joy-junkies when an occasion calls for it. I made Tina sample the drink from Sand Bar’s menu called, PICKLED TINK which is an infusion of Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka, Pina Colada Mix and Fresh Strawberries Served Frozen and garnished with two Maraschino Cherries.
Guess who had what. ;)
OUR SATURDAY FAMILY DINNER @ HARD ROCK CAFE PENANG
Didn’t I tell you that the entire Hard Rock Hotel Penang including Hard Rock Cafe is very family-friendly? Gabby’s delighted at the sight of specially tailored menu for kids his age. He immediately scan it and made his choices. Oh and by the way, he had two cups fresh milk that went perfectly with his preference. Can you believe Hard Rock Cafe has fresh milk for kids? They have actually! :)
Gabby’s choice # 1 : Ceasar’s salad
Gabby’s plate # 2 : Mac and cheese. This is a favorite-kid-friendly-plate. Agree?
The scene early that evening. It became packed with hungry diners in a blink.
I went up the mezzanine of Hard Rock Hotel Penang and a volume of Rock and Roll memorabilia are on display too to delight the music-loving patrons. Can you spot that Madonna costume?
Now, I have a confession to make. It’s a lame excuse, I know but because of my hectic schedule from my social media commitments for two consecutive weekends (Singapore Blog Awards 2012 and this Hard Rock Hotel Penang invitation), not to forget the stress that my wife and I are currently getting from work, I committed an isolated glitch. It slipped my memory that we’re instructed to try the “Hard Rock Cafe Eats Platter” special offering from HRC during the Fasting Month (Breaking of the Fast or Buka Puasa during Ramadhan) and for that I’m really sorry. 
What I remembered from the invite they sent in pdf via email and a printout form was the phrase that made me smile ear to ear : “if you wish, you may order other stuff.” I forgot to memorize the phrase that came before it (“After the platter,” ) toinks!!! We came earlier at Hard Rock Cafe that Saturday evening than our fellow blogger-buddies, thus my family and I were done with the last meal of the day earlier too. I immediately emailed Ms. Danielle Fung of HRHP to explain and verify everything after our sumptuous dinner. And I must say, they’re really generous. Everything’s waived and we didn’t pay a single ringgit. THANK YOU SO MUCH, HRHP & HRC! I just had to be honest about it. Now, continue to feast your eyes on our dinner that Saturday night…
Tina ordered this thick prawn-based soup. It could have been better if it’s not too salty.
Gabby got MILK. Fresh Milk. Two Cups. From HRC Penang!
We did not expect it too be in HUMONGOUS servings! I ordered JUMBO APPETIZER COMBO that includes Fried Spring Rolls, Chicken fingers, Potato Skins, Onion Rings and Buffalo Wings with respective dips! SEDAP, SARAP!!! The HRC EATS PLATTER that my family and I failed to sample (please see posted below) has similar offerings except it has Mini Lamb Burger and the others.
DISCLAIMER : Tina and I did NOT finish everything we ordered; we had most of them as takeaway (or in our words, take-out, take-home). It’s good that our seaview deluxe room in Hard Rock Hotel Penang has a personal fridge to temporarily store those delicious leftovers. We literally took them home the next day after check out.
Tina was astonished with the serving size of her order. TRIO COMBO. BBQ flavored Chicken, Beef Ribs and Roasted Beef Brisket (Believe me, it’s the most tender beef dish that I’ve tasted! Flavorful too! We loved it! The chicken’s OK too however, it’s so frequent for us to eat chicken so the beef ribs and roasted beef tantalized our taste buds effortlessly. )
My HRC Surf and Turf dinner plate : NEW YORK BEEF STEAK with PRAWN SKEWER. I had it medium well and I lost superlatives to describe it. I finished the side dishes that were also remarkably delicious plus the prawns, a personal favorite! I had the rest of the steak as to go.
I just had to take one more shot. Beautiful plate, isn’t it?
What’s a rock and roll meal without a sweet ending? DESSERTS we had included this CHOCOLATE MOUSSE, it’s Gabby and Tina’s choice. I liked it too!
My choice from the HRC dessert menu : Haagen Dazs Sundae Trio. Simply divine!
OUR SUNDAY BREAKFAST BUFFET @ STARZ DINER
Our last meal enjoyed at Hard Rock Hotel Penang during that 3D2N sponsored staycation was our breakfast buffet at Starz Diner. There’s a vast selection of bread for those who want to have carbo-loading. There’s a station for free-flowing morning drinks -from coffee, tea, fruit juices, fresh milk and chocolate. The difficult part was choosing what to chow down! So many food, so little time and limited gastric pits! Nevertheless, I’ll state it again that we’re very blessed to experienced all this. Thank you, God! Thank you, Hard Rock Hotel Penang!
I told you, that smoked salmon got my taste buds seriously. I love it to bits.
Tina and Gabby’s Roti Canai, one of Malaysia’s famous breads for breakfast, actually, it’s all good anytime of the day!
There’s only one thing that Tina and I regret of not doing in Hard Rock Hotel Penang and that’s failing to watch the Filipino Live Band called, Tiempo who plays at Hard Rock Cafe at 10:30PM that (every) weekend. We like watching live bands however the show’s strictly for adults 21 years old and older and Gabby didn’t allow us to sneak out leaving him in the room, even for an hour. Oh well, parenthood duties!!! We’re not complaining. At least it became one of the reasons to go back to HRHP and HRC in the near future.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, HARD ROCK HOTEL PENANG!
———-
Part one of this 2-part blog series : http://docgelo.com/2012/07/31/our-rock-roll-family-weekend-hard-rock-hotel-penang/
Buka Puasa & Hari Raya Buffets | Hard Rock Hotel Penang offers a wide array of dishes specially prepared and cooked by their rockstar chefs in time for Buka Puasa (breaking of the fast during Ramadhan season) and Hari Raya.
Buka Puasa at Starz | Starz Diner | Mondat to Thursday | 6:30PM till 10:30PM | RM 60++
Great American Buffet With A Twist | Starz Diner | Friday & Saturday | 6:30PM till 10:30PM | RM108++
Buka Puasa & Hari Raya Barefoot BBQ | Pizzeria | Sunday | 6:30PM to 10PM | RM60++
For reservations call +604 8811 711 ext 8703 or email fb.penang@hardrockhotels.net
———-
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Batu Ferringhi Beach | 111oo Penang, Malaysia
http://penang.hardrockhotels.net/
Take the Hard Rock Hotel Penang VIRTUAL TOUR HERE!
———-
*Thank you to Ms. Danielle Fung of Hard Rock Hotel Penang for making this grand family weekend experience possible.
Minimalist. Contemporary. Edgy. Relaxing. The zen-like interiors of OASIA made up of mostly wood with detailed grain, interesting textures and nice lines, that very pleasant cedar wood scent of the lobby wafting through the lifts, make any client feel so at ease in a heart beat. Located right across Novena Square mall in Sinaran Drive where Novena MRT Station is, Oasia offers accessibility to Changi airport to any point in the Lion City. As impressive as QUINCY HOTEL which served as my family’s urban sanctuary in Singapore back in 2011, I believe OASIA’s FRIENDLY & VERY WARM CUSTOMER SERVICE puts Far East Hospitality hotels over and beyond the others.
I’m blessed to have been invited to
2012 Singapore Blog Awards by OMY.Sg
and was even luckier to have
OASIA Hotel
as my home away from home.
When I arrived at the lobby around half hour past 2PM of July 20th 2012, Friday, I was greeted by a friendly smile from a Filipina staff named, Janice (not in photo) who’s stationed at the front desk of OASIA Hotel in Sinaran Drive within Novena area, Singapore. She warmly received my reservation voucher and immediately endorsed to Malaysian staff, Guru to bring me to THE LIVING ROOM, Oasia’s exclusive lounge for Club Room guests located at the 22nd floor. There I met Randy, another Filipino staff who checked me in one of the Club Rooms at 23rd floor.
My wonderful days in Oasia officially started with this welcome drink called, Singapore Bliss. Refreshingly good!
Beyond Toxicity @ docgelo.com X Oasia Hotel, Singapore…
How do I love OASIA? Let us count the ways…
Showcasing my bedroom at Oasia’s Club Room : It’s sooooo inviting! For that 3D2N Club Room accomodation in this firm bed with varied pillows, you can’t blame me if I wish it could have been longer!
I love the bed and I adore their toilet and bath too. Clean lines, fuss free and always spotless.
In Oasia, I can stay in the bathroom all day; it’s that good!!! The shower comes into two types- the classic rainfall effect and the not-so-common among hotels (but we have the same in our apartment), the hand-held. I prefer the former with lukewarm water! While Oasia went beyond the basic of toiltries – they’ve got loofah which is another rare find in most hotels and of course, THANN aromatherapy body milk, bath gel, shampoo, hair conditioner. And yes, I soaked myself onto the bath tub, I almost fall asleep.
Coffee making facility is as special as a Nespresso machine! If one don’t dig coffee, there are a lot of Twinings of London tea bags included.
Did I tell you already that the mini-bar is complimentary too and best, replenished daily ?
I remember my son, Gabby when I saw the huge Samsung flat screen…
How many hotels that offer so called-STAYCATION provides flashlight for emergency purposes, various electrical plugs and sockets, a safe that beautifully opens upwards, giving you less chances to overlooked things that might be forgotten, flat iron and stand, slippers and bathrobes with more threadcount than you can expect? OASIA doesn’t offer an ultimate staycation but rejuvenation, convenience and maximum comfort.
The health buff in most clients will be delighted because of the topnotch amenities at the 8th floor…
The same floor houses the pool and jacuzzi that are open to all guests checked in the hotel.
While at 22nd floor, there’s an infinity pool and a kiddie one for exclusive use of Club Room guests. Believe me, it’s more inviting as my photos don’t give justice.
Inspiring corners at The Living Room : It’s incredibly creative how they made use of wine glasses as chandeliers…
The view from 22nd floor beside the infinity pool…
The pampering in Oasia doesn’t end at having excellent amenities, outstanding services, relaxing atmosphere, priceless view; the stomach too, is satisfied…
GLORIOUS FOOD in OASIA HOTEL SINGAPORE..
Here’s a rundown of Oasia’s breakfast spread and my first meal and lunch plates during my 3D2N stay at The Living Room…
21 July 2012. Before heading to Singapore Blog Awards at Singapore Flyer, OASIA hosted the bloggers’ buffet lunch at the ZAFFRON, the in house restaurant at the lobby. It was sumptuous!!!
This is Mag, our warmest Singaporean blogger host. She’s like my long lost Singaporean sister, seriously!
COLD ROCK is the house ice cream of OASIA. Can someone top that? …I mixed Coffee and Mint with chocolate chips and M&M. It’s a perfect match made for my palates! Delicious!
Can you blame me if I am terribly missing OASIA now?
OASIA HOTEL. SINGAPORE | 8 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307470 | Tel +65 6664 0333 | Fax +65 6664 0300 | Email : info@oasiahotel.com | www.oasiahotel.com
Do check out PROMOTIONS from OASIA and the other premiere hotels of Far East Hospitality Group
–>HERE!!!
*Thank you OASIA Hotel Singapore, Far East Hospitality Hotels, Singapore Blog Awards 2012 and OMY.Sg for making this wonderful experience possible!
12
Jul
12
MY WIFE’S CULINARY PROWESS
In case you’re wondering why Gabby and I are continuously gaining weight, the following photos are a few proofs of Tina’s home cooked meals that we share here in Penang; this set of pictures simply justifies everything. Happy eating!
*The yang chow fried rice and everything in this post were made from scratch by Tina except those siomai toppings; although she also prepares, steams and fries dim sums once in a while.
16
Mar
12
IN TUNG CHUNG
Parang Nasa MRT / LRT lang sa Pinas (less the stampede and the bomb threats! *no pun intended*)
Closed. Sarado. Tutup.
Siklistas are mall rats, train riders and bargain hunters too!
To the Left. To the Left
Finally, we reached the CityGate Outlets located at the terminal end of Tung Chung Station via what else but Hong Kong’s very efficient MTR lines (Mass Transit Railway). Although it’s just a ride away from Sunny Bay Station where we hopped off from that awesome Disneyland Resort Train Line, you know what a new place can do for some first-timers-unseasoned-travelers like us. Luckily, our feet didn’t get lost.
CityGate Outlets is one those must-visit spots in Hong Kong particularly when you only have limited time to kill or you’re on a hunt for some branded merchandise on a super bargain price (read : 50 – 70% off, which to us wasn’t a surprise because in malls in Penang, discounts also go as low as those during sale season). As for us, our game plan for this short trip to CityGate was simply to see the place and while away time as we wait for our 5:45PM flight back to Malaysia. Oh, and to fill our tummies too!
KIDDIE TEMPTATIONS AHEAD!
Amongst the many branded stores of rubber shoes, bags, clothes offering huge sale, nothing seemed so enticing (to someone whose wallet was well guarded because the budget is uber limited!) to us than this kiosk…
LEGO. Eye Candy to Gabby and Me. And you? Do you dig Lego too?
Gabby's eyes popped upon the sight of this kiosk filled with Lego goodies. While he was asking Tina and I to buy him at least a piece (read : he still has a new large box of Lego which he got as a gift from my father in law last holiday and he just received an exactly similar Lego-Light Buzzyear watch from one of our fellows in our HKDL trip) I held on to my wallet tight and kept my will power. Success! haha! And although those keychains are cute, I passed the chance of buying for I am not much into keychains.
The Star Wars Lego gift that Gabby got from his maternal Lolo last Christmas was as big as this. He has yet to explore and build it soon!
If you must know, I frequently rise up early and always beat my alarm clock- even weekends and holidays, mind you. I believe I don't need a large one as that in my old mobile still does the job perfectly. But these Lego-movie-themed alarm clocks were such an enormous temptations that greater will power to held on to the budget was a must! I know I only wanted them but don't need actually (why do we buy things often times we don't need anyway?) . But then again, they're so cute, aren't they? haha!
FOOD REPUBLIC,
CITYGATE OUTLETS,
TUNG CHUNG, LANTAU ISLAND, HONG KONG.
Yes, Food Republic is the CityGate Outlets’ food court! And I apologize for thinking that we might smell like the food they offer after eating inside; I was so wrong! It must be a great food place for it’s almost packed when we arrived.
Thou shall not judge people by their hairstyles. There are 5 types in this shot, can you count them all? *snickers*
hip and edgy... i like the hoody more than the hair
It's a must when in Hong Kong
Ate, ano ginagawa nyo sa dim sum?
Bibili na sana ako Kuya, pero parang galit ka. Why?
HCR = Hainanese Chicken Rice is happiness. But we passed up because hawkers offer this in Penang anyway or perhaps, we're craving for something else.
Korea House : Tina's choice
Milo or Ovaltine? Guess.
Tina's Korean Lunch : A Bowl of Beef & Veggies. It was OK according to her.
I almost ordered a Korean Bento Box from that Korea House where Tina bought her lunch set but I decided to hop from one food stall to another and tried to feel what my gastric mucosa’s craving was.
Food Republic’s made of various Asian cuisines -Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and my palate opted for a Japanese fastfood favorite!
Impeccable Teamwork : While a lady-crew tends the cashier, these two create our very own favorite that was sorely missed (read: it has been more than 2 years!) Japanese fastfood sizzling yummies in a few sec. However, because queues and orders pile up, customers and hungry diners like Gabby and I need to wait despite the two's perfectly coordinated moves in the kitchen.
They're making Gabby's lunch!
I know.
When in Hong Kong, one should savor Chinese dishes –dim sum, noodles, and anything cooked Cantonese or Sichuan.
But it has been years since we last enjoyed cooking our own food in a sizzling plate with lotsa butter and pepper on the rice meal.
We love Pepper Lunch! We miss their Shangri La Plaza and Powerplant Mall branches back home (We have not tried Greenbelt branch yet). We even won in one of PL’s promo contests years ago (CLICK THIS!). I know now that PL has a branch in Malaysia, but it’s in Pavilion Mall in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur! That’s 5 hour-away via bus ride from Penang. So when opportunity presented itself, Gabby and I didn’t think twice, we had PL Rice for our last lunch in Hong Kong!
Gabby's Pepper Lunch favorite : Beef Pepper Rice (I can still hear my boy saying, "Daddy ang sarap! Favorite ko ito!")
My Pepper Lunch Meal : Cut Steak and Hamburger Combo. With butter beneath and over the meat, plus that favorite HONEY BROWN SAUCE, a cup of Japanese rice seemed not enough! ANG SARAP!!! Miss na miss!
We loved those moments in Tung Chung!
Before 3PM, we went back to Disney's Hollywood Hotel, collected our luggage and bags and rode a cab to the HKIA. Bye bye, Tung Chung! Bye bye Hong Kong. Thanks for the memories! They're one of our coolest! See you again in the near future!
*PS : LEGOLAND MALAYSIA in Johor Bahru (near Singapore) opens end of 2012 (view HERE!)
Our Christmas Break 2011 Series includes :
- En Route To Pinas
- Day 2 : Ulingan, Tondo
- Day 5 : Malacanang Palace
- Day 8 : Bisperas Ng Pasko Sa Ulingan
- Day 11 : Our Students’ Wedding
- Day 14 : Our Celestial Weekend at Hotel Celeste
- Day 19 : Our Big Binondo Food Wok
—————————–
28 December 2011, Wednesday. To be honest, I extremely enjoyed our trip to my in-law’s farm! Our entire day spent there was definitely a breather from the common mall ratting and absolutely far from our usual work-home-routine. Inhaling fresh air and savoring cool mountain breeze was definitely a fantastic treat for all of us.
The whopping 4.6 hectares of farm of various crops owned by my brother-in-law and his family is located at Boso-Boso, Antipolo Rizal. A roughly an hour and a half drive from Pasig City and Ortigas took us to this beautiful respite from the hustle and bustle of the urban life.
Meet one of their farm caretakers….
who lives in this paradise…
The place reminded me of my maternal grandmother’s hometown, Barangay Halayhay, Tanza, Cavite where we used to visit every Summer of our growing up years; where houses were built separately from their toilets (the ones that require you to walk before you pee or poop) and where life is incredibly simple.
Aren’t these puppies, despite the lack of breed (or so called, askal aspin or asong pinoy) and a dumalaga so fit for Tinola, too cute for words?
The farm has a family house too where toilet is much comfortable. (There’s our Tita/Ninang sa Kasal on the photo).
Seeing a white cow grazing in grass doesn’t happen on a daily basis –definitely another treat!
Next photo reveals how my father-in-law who came home for the holidays from Missouri attempted to enjoy fishing.
And our Tito/Ninong sa Kasal became too busy too snapping his camera at this nature’s best. BTW, this is the bahay-kubo where we ate our sumptuous lunch. Very Nice! Cool eh?!
Another shot of that beautiful bahay-kubo…
One of the abundant crops are coconuts. Photo below exhibits Gabby’s amazement on how Kuya Boyet, one of the farm caretakers climbed and tried his best to get us freshest coconuts.
Coke and distilled water were rivaled by delicious coconut juice and pulp. Thirst-quenching!
Sarap ng buco, lalo na libre!
Other than coconuts, rice, some mangoes, there are also grapefruit trees. I’m not sure but it tastes and looks like grapefruit and tastes like pomelo as well.
Abot-kamay ang mga prutas!
Meet Gabby’s cousin, Raphael (left), the heir to this farm.
Look what’s cooking…
Preparation always comes before success. And my sister in law prepared and cooked on the spot a very tasteful Sinigang na buto-buto! The tender meat almost effortlessly fall off from its bones. The sour broth and the veggies were just perfect! Sarap! Success!
Here she is, doc bibsy, a.k.a. my former classmate in med school and Tina’s sister; that makes her my sister-in-law who happens to be the haciendera of this vast farm. Sarap ng buco, bibsy!
Tina and Gabby obviously enjoyed it too…
Jun, my brother-in-law and owner of this farm provided one of the best tasting barbecued liempo (pork belly). His recipe –a marinade of mustard, rosemary, salt and pepper. Imagine, it was my first time to eat liempo sans soy sauce and vinegar. Ang sarap!!!
While the adults were busy cooking, the kiddos were having their own business.
Another addition to our feast that afternoon was 2 kilo-takeaway/takeout by my dad-in-law enroute to the farm; its packaging says, Malutong. Masarap. Masaya!
tadaaaaa…. (nagsebo na kasi malamig sa farm!)
More artery-clogging delights : Crab fat, bagoong, salted eggs. Extra rice, please!
Tina must have her favorite green mangoes that she personally sliced into pieces.
It was Gabby’s first time to eat on banana leaves and it has been a while for me.
The lunch at the farm was surreal.
Shameless display of my plate, err, leaf.
Burp!
Gabby : “Daddy, how do we use this cable car?”
Me. : “CABLE CAR?!!? What cable car?” Then I looked around and found an old swing. Kids loved it!
To Jun, Bibs and Raphael, Papa Chito, Tito Mars and Tita Emma, thank you so much for that fun afternoon at the farm! Wonderful!
Despite we spent a day WITHOUT mobile signal, NO WIFI, no cable TV because the farm is located uphill the barangay in Antipolo City, the experience was still memorable. Food. Family Bonding. Nature. Surreal!
The 4.6 hectare private farm is on the planning stage of progress, either to keep it as crop-producing farm and/or part of it will be converted to a resort. Regardless, it’s a clear gem from Mother Nature.
03
Jul
11
WELCOME TO OUR OWN SPACE!
It’s our third day in our new humble abode since we moved in last Friday, 1st July and Tina, Gabby and I are so thankful for having our own space finally! It’s almost indescribable living with just your family; with no other people who have less concern, consideration and sensitivity. The feeling is tantamount to independence, liberation, freedom. Simply surreal!
The priceless seaview from our 10th floor unit (11th actually since they have ground floor prior to first). Gabby and I will add more pin wheels to gauge the wind and sea breeze with vivid colors.
You don’t have any idea how I appreciate and value my readers’ comments. When I posted that We’re Itching To Move In to our chosen appartment to rent here in Butterwoth, Penang, I got helpful words from my blog buddies and one of them came from Marga aka Midge, the passionate blogger behind Sybaritic Diversions, whom Tina, Gabby and I met in one of her informative and fun sessions of Chocolate Appreciation 101 in Heavenly Chocolates, she generously shared the essentials to bring before one occupies a new home.
In the same words our late grandparents told us, fellow blogger, Marga reminded me to bring : "Salt to keep evil at bay, rice so that the kitchen/pantry never runs out for food, matches to protect the family from harm, and coins for prosperity."
Superstitious or not, I heeded to Marga’s words for I knew there’s no harm if those little items will be the first to be hauled.
I was truly overwhelmed with suggestions and pieces of advice to make our personal space as homey as possible. Online friends who mostly I haven’t met are always unselfish to share their ideas. Even on tweeter, fellow blogger-educator and an architect at that replied to my request when I asked her expert advice for free! Thank you, Architect Reena of Reena’s Thoughts . I really appreciate it.
Here’s a peek to our home in Butterworth…
Dad & son attempt to urban gardening : After I bought some potted plants in the island, I put them in our doorstep and Gabby arranged those pebbles around them. It was our very first father & son bonding in our new home.
Limited space requires you to be creative in maximizing everything. Without being boring but minimalist, our unit is still a work in progress.
the couch where we'll spend lazy hours; it's strategically located facing the porch that offers the view of the bay
Huggables : we bought some uncoordinated pillows to put life and colors in our living room.
The curtains were bought on sale. From RM 114 (PhP 1596) each, we only paid RM 28 (PhP 392) each.
Gabby’s choice : Because we love our almost 7-year-old kid, we gave him a chance to put on some decors that he likes. At the console table, there are framed photos, indoor potted plants and our boy’s little things.
While shadow puppets of Rama and Sita made from cow hide and artline inks that we bought from Kota Bharu, Kelantan which we haven’t framed yet stand side by side with our wedding photo, on the other corner of the living room lies another Gabby’s favorite : Plants vz Zombies!
Tina’s favorite area of the unit…
We’re fortunate that in Penang, discounts can get as low as 70-80% off. Tina bought these electric kettle for only RM 29 (PhP 406) from RM 99 (PhP 1386) and the mini oven for another affordable price.
Old but still at its best : Sharp fridge that came with the unit decorated with our ref magnets
Our fully furnished 3-bedroom-2 toilet & bath-appartment (or condo in Manila; flat in other parts of the globe) owned by a Christian Chinese came with a TV set, 3-piece sofa, 3 airconditioning units, ceiling fans for each rooms, queen size beds and a single bed, a dining table, a simple but charming kitchen, a refrigerator; our landlord was so nice to provide us a brand new washing machine. So when Tina is busy cooking, I do the laundry, hehe…
With A Mind of Its Own : We love this brand new washing machine provided by our landlord; it calculates first the exact volume of water per load of laundry before it starts spinning. Excuse our amazement; walang ganito sa probinsya namin, hehehe!
The very first meals were memorable! Despite we truly miss having pandesal in the morning, breakfast with Spam Lite, rice and coffee tasted great as we ate as one family.
The lunch with paksiw na bisugo was superb! Do you eat bisugo?
Paksiw na Bisugo : best eaten with fish sauce + siling labuyo. Try it! hehehe...
While I only went to the public market which is a bus-ride away and mini groceries downstairs to purchase some more stuffs, I have to give credits and much love to my wife because she exerted extra efforts to prepare our first dinner.
garlic buttered shrimps, beautifully deveined by Tina : one of our favorites!
Udang (the Bahasa Melayu term for shrimps or prawns) is cheaper in Penang than in Metro Manila. The cost here ranges from RM 16 – 25 per kilo (PhP 224 -350) thus enabling us to enjoy it every now and then.
We only invited one of our senior colleagues who also lives in the same building. For almost a year now, she stands as my/our genuine friend, comforter and a nanay-nanayan. She came with her sister and together, we shared our very first dinner. We could have invited another senior-fellow who have inspired me so much about family life, life in general and whatnot but I thought he’s busy enjoying the weekend with his own family. (read : We’d rather keep one or two friends only here in Penang rather than have an entire community who backstabs us; our world will peacefully revolve without them!).
Best Home Cooked Dishes : Kare-kare with Bagoong, Camaron Rebosado and Garlic Buttered Shrimps
At anytime of the day, our porch offers a relaxing view; now we know how it feels like to dwell in those hotels and serviced appartments along side Roxas Blvd back home; the only difference is, it’s a lot affordable here in Penang for the purchasing power of Ringgit is higher than Philippine Pesos.
The coming days will be brighter. As we begin to enjoy our new home, my parents from Manila and UAE will be coming over to share the love and fun with us. Gabby will continue schooling here in August and the rest, I know will be epic.
A new chapter of our expat lives unfolds.
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In the heart of one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where century-old structures fused harmoniously with modern and restored ones, a gorgeous hotel stands proud and celebrates its contemporary and stylish designs with non-intimidating ambience.
Saturday, 11 June 2011. When you’re living an expat life with your wife and kid and you both work 5 days a week with a daily routine that can be almost utterly boring (read : home-work-home-work routine), you strongly need to be creative in spicing up your weekends to break and prevent monotony.
Last Saturday, Tina, Gabby and I woke up at 5AM to go to an event that I will post next. After being sun-kissed, walked up and downhill and felt fatigued, we decided to reward ourselves by trying out the buffet lunch at G Cafe at the lobby of G Hotel located in Persiaran Gurney, Penang.
Tina, being modestly frugal as she is, reminded me to be conscious of our budget. So after we all went to the toilet to freshen up, I approached the counter at the entrance of the restaurant to inquire the rates of their buffet. We were keeping our options in mind in case the price is beyond our taste.
At around half hour before noon, a friendly and courteous banquet manager spoke to me and informed me that their International buffet lunch on a Saturday for adult costs RM 52++ (PhP 743++ or USD 17++) inclusive of free flow of fresh fruit beverages, coffee and tea, and kids of Gabby’s age eat for free. Well, that sounded like music to my ears! The price is definitely a steal and imagine, our little-big boy would eat for free! We gave it a nod and reserved a table for three at 12 noon.
The cool and edgy atmosphere at the lobby is spontaneous. Other than the use of various wonderful and comfortable seats, I like the air of having tall ceiling and the presence of glass walls to stimulate appreciation of huge trees and lush greens outside surrounding Gurney Mall. Yes, if you are familiar with Greenbelt Mall in Makati, Philippines, G Hotel in Gurney Drive Penang reminds me of home.
The interiors of G Cafe also boasts of simple lines, repeated circles and other geometric patterns which are also apparent in the use of modern yet ergonomic chairs and tables.
The use of those striking royal blue drop lights on the walls somewhat like echoes and matches with the drinking glasses of the same hue; isn’t it nice?
Who would not want a breather from the usual homecooked dishes, or worst, the repeated consumption of fastfood value meals? Luxury sometimes, comes reasonably affordable as we always keep in mind that our pocket dictates indulgence need not to be expensive.
Who would not want to dine under these lights?
Without idea of being rushed (as in quick bites every breakfast and that 1-hour lunch breaks at the office except on Fridays, 12-2:30PM) and most importantly, dining comfortably with your family with foods you love eating, the experience was truly divine!
And so Tina, Gabby and I took our taste buds to another gastronomic adventure at this sumptuous lunch buffet at G Cafe.
I started with their creamy corn soup; i like its light buttery taste with thick and textured consistency.
Salad comes next : My plate had prawn salad, cheese, mix salad (tossed with crab sticks) and one of my favorites, potato salad… everything was superb! the prawn salad’s flavor wasn’t overpowering; it wasn’t too spicy, neither too oily. Sarap! it was like a perfect prelude to this wonderful dining experience.
I tell you, I can eat this seafood plate everyday! hahaha!
Although there were no sushi and sashimi, which God knows I am biased with (Japanese foods are only offered every Thursday nights at G Cafe as of present), and notable absence of carving stations except for some Peking duck and smoked chicken, Tina and I concluded that when you enjoy every bite, everything seems to be complete.
At the spread, these burst of colors reminded me of my favorite season of the year, Christmas!
Defensively, we know buffet plates should not be stuffed with most from the spread to effortlessly look like you’re eating as if there’s no tomorrow, hahaha! but Tina had this plate because she wanted to share those dishes she preferred with me and Gabby, isn’t that sweet?
My wife recommends this Chinese prawn dish and comments,“It feels like eating in Ongpin (Manila’s Chinatown).” My palate dictates that it’s the sesame oil that makes most Chinese foods taste Chinese. I miss having some dimsum and dumplings, though.
You can never go wrong with Peking Duck and smoked chicken with honey syrup… Yum! *unless you’re allergic to it*
*unless you’re allergic to it*
Baked vegetables, spring rolls and calamares, anyone?
Delightful desserts!
Irresistible temptations!
Guinataan! Wow!
As I’ve always stated it, the world is so incomplete without ice cream, agree?
Fibers are essential, we know.
And coffee is a must to end our meals.
Above all, my family is happy. It was indeed, a happy weekend!
Tina and I were so impressed at their highly efficient wait staff. Our glasses were refilled with freshly squeezed fruit punch promptly, attended to our needs in a blink making their service almost impeccable!
I almost forgot to tell you that Amex credit card holders receive 15% discount on top of the reasonable cost of this lunch buffet. We only paid RM102 (PhP 1,458 or USD 33.7) for two plates as Gabby ate for free, I know it’s the usual price of one buffet plate in some hotels when I left Manila last year, so it was truly a steal!
We only paid RM102 (PhP 1,458 or USD 33.7) for two plates as Gabby ate for free, I know it’s the usual price of one buffet plate in some hotels when I left Manila last year, so it was truly a steal!It won’t be our last time to dine at G Cafe in G Hotel, definitely.
I wish to bring back my family there to experience their room and amenities too someday.
I wish to bring back my family there to experience their room and amenities too someday.
After all, the view from their 300+ rooms include priceless sight of Penang bay and the tourist-famous Gurney boulevard. *wishful thinking*
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G Cafe, G Hotel
168A Persiaran Gurney 10250 Penang, Malaysia
Tel +604-2380000
website : G Hotel, Malaysia
OPINION COUNTS…