tina + gabby = love
Providing for my family may not be considered a JOB but it’s still my best WORK ever! 
It’s so inspiring to have reasons for work, for everything actually…
I miss you, honey+gabby! ILOVEYOU!
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*photo above was taken last 30 March 2010 during Gabby’s Kindergarten graduation; my exact arrival date from Tokyo; it was the sweetest to join them back then... now, homesickness kicks in again. 
31 August 2010, Tuesday, Holiday in Malaysia– My colleagues and I finally indulged in Filipino dishes that we all miss the most! Exactly a month and a day since we left Manila for work in a medical university here in Penang, Malaysia, it was only yesterday that we feasted on foods that are so familiar to our palates.
Our casual get-together was intended to express our gratitude to our kababayan who brought us here. She took the effort in orienting us to simple things in Penang, from gradual introduction of culture and beliefs to taking public transportations (bus, ferry, cab) and going to food places, shopping malls and of course, she’s our own mediator to our bosses. And for all of those, we’re extremely grateful. Because almost half of us have moved in already to our permanent accomodation, it was also a sort of house warming for all. Our simple party was held at our condo in Butterworth.
We originally planned to have lechon which can be ordered from Chinese restaurateurs and eatery owners here but upon learning that the price of one roasted pig cost around RM 700 (PhP 9,800), the doctors who were in charge for the dishes instantly considered a more sumptuous options…
Pampagana : itlog na pula, hilaw na mangga at bagoong, kamatis at nilagang talong.
Pangunahing Ulam : Sinigang na BABOY! at Halabos na hipon…
Kilawing baboy at Kare-Kare!
Spaghetti at Ginataang Hipon at talong…
Panghimagas : mga prutas -mansanas, kahel at ubas; ginataang langka (not in the photo).
Thank you to Drs. JS and RM for preparing and cooking the feast; this can be addicting! To the rest of the MD-lecturers who came, when will be our next party? To Miss LMM, maraming salamat!
May the good Lord bless us and our families more so we can continue to be a blessing to others.
Certainly, we all miss our families back home and everything about Pinas but bonding ourselves together surely lessens the homesickness.
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Looking at photographs of annual events makes me more reflective on how time flies so fast. On my son’s photos taken from their preschool’s celebration of Linggo Ng Wika every August, it’s so apparent how he has grown from a cute and chubby boy to a charming little man now.
On August 2008, Gabby who was then a Nursery pupil, was a little Katipunero in their parade.
A year later in his Kindergarten, he appeared like a very young statesman, so dapper in his Barong Tagalog; charming, isn’t he?
And just last week, Tina emailed me the photo that showed how she became resourceful and creatively made used of our old table runners from Baguio City and bought some rooster feathers just to transform Gabby to look like someone from the Northern Philippines.
Our son was assigned by his preschool teacher to be the “apo” or looked like a “mumbaki” to me, as the entire Preparatory level was dressed to represent the northern tribes… Gabby led his group in dancing the lullaby chant of the natives, Salidumay.
For 3 years since he started schooling, this was my very first time to be absent in his activities.
There goes the little sacrifice of an OFW dad.
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Doors of opportunities open at a given time, it’s up to us whether we enter or leave.
I wasn’t ambivalent when the chance to work abroad came along about a couple of months back. I am dead sure to do the job that has been my passion despite the sacrifice of leaving my wife and son back home. I strongly believe that if you’ve set your mind and heart on something, the yield is nothing but positive.
On my 15th day of stay in Penang, Malaysia, my cup still overflows with gratitude to everyone who have contributed in bringing me to where I am now. I am only at the foot of the so-called mountain-to-climb but I feel so fortunate for each day has been a blessing.
Everything would not be possible if the entire universe did not conspire. To my family, closest friends and their relatives, to the people who brought me to this work in this medical university, I am and will forever be thankful.
I am sharing with you the simple words I’ve emailed to my employers this morning with the hope to infect you with gratitude.
Greetings!
I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude for giving me a chance to work with other Filipino Medical educators, and be a part of whom you called the school’s Meducationists. Rest assured, Sir, that I will contribute to the growth of the medical school and its people with the best of my abilities.
Thank you too, for facilitating our accomodation and making us feel so welcome in Penang.
I take pride in being a part of our institution.
Sincerely,
docgelo
I came to Penang from Manila via Kuala Lumpur exactly a week ago with 18 other Pinoy doctors to work as a lecturer in a huge medical college here. Most of them are my batchmates from med school; including one of our former professors and the others are medical consultants from all over the Philippines whom I met only on the flight. Eight more physicians will be coming in next week to join our teaching force with the hope that we can blend well with our foreign counterparts from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Australia, Myanmar and Malaysia.
Thank God my first week in Penang as an OFW has not been dreadful. I didn’t set any great expectations but to earn and save for Tina and Gabby thus I am not disappointed yet. It has been so far so good.
Here are some decisions I’ve made and some things I encountered and experienced in my first week here that I’d like to share.
1. Initially, I planned to bring Tina and Gabby here after a month or two because they ‘re eligible to have “calling visas” as my dependents. I was told that Tina can also work here if she finds an opportunity. However, after a few days of touring the city and going to 3 International Primary Schools in Penang mainland and Penang Island, I found out with the rest of my colleagues who are married with kids, who also plan to do the same, that the cost of private education here soars to the heavens.
Schooling in Penang is like in the western countries, it’s trisemester; they open September, January and April and ends in July. Facilities, staff and environment-wise, almost everything is at its finest except the fees. Since Gabby’s age falls on their Year 1 level, I will be required to pay a term fee of RM 3500 (PhP 49,000) and another term advance fee if he enters IS here. Plus, there are admission and registration fees amounting to RM1500 that should be settled upon enrolment. All in all, the cost per term enrollment is RM 8500 (PhP 119,000 or USD 2587), then add another 2 term fees to complete a school year making a grand total of PhP 217, 000 for Year 1 alone and fees escalate per level of course! Is that logical for grade 1? Granting that my minimal salary can afford it, isn’t it still too much for a primary education?
It’s not that I and my wife would like to deprive our preschool son of the best education but we’re just being practical. After all, it is because of my son’s future that I am here abroad. By thinking so, we decided that Gabby will just continue his schooling as a prep student back home with my wife’s guidance. I will just find means to bring them here for a week-long vacation whenever our schedules permit ; perhaps either before Gabby’s birthday on the first week of October or at the end of the same month during their semestral break. This will give them a chance to experience life in Penang and probably if God wills it, I may enroll Gabby here on September next year, still depending on how we test the waters. Another option is for me to go home on Christmas for the holidays.
2. Penang is a beautiful city. The mainland boasts of colleges, industrial areas, freeways and countryside, while Penang Island cradles George Town, Malaysia’s own UNESCO World Heritage City.
A glimpse of George Town in Penang Island; it's Malaysia's own UNESCO World Heritage City. See you every weekend, George Town and Gurney Drive!
After George Town, we went to Gurney Drive where upscale hotels and hawkers meet before their glorious bay area.
One would take an hour or so to fly to Singapore or Thailand or other Asian countries from Penang. Travel is more accessible now rather than a luxury because of availability of cheap airfares from low-cost carriers.
Would you believe that an overnight stay on a cruise ship that departs from Penang Island costs only RM100 (PhP 1400) ? I can’t wait to experience it hopefully soon.
3. I embrace being in a multicultural community. I’ve travelled a few times but it wasn’t this long that I’ve been breathing same air with other nationalities, colors, cultures and religions.
There are Chinese and other Asians, Indians, Pakistanis, a few Caucassians and others that peacefully thrive in Malaysian soil.
4. Food in Penang came from diverse communities too. Mild to moderate spicy foods predominate the choices that are very apparent in halal dishes. I don’t have a choice but to enjoy every bite. What’s best with it, food is so affordable here that one can buy a Nasi Lemak for only RM 1 (PhP 14). How I wish the same scenario is true in the Philippines.
Chicken Tandoori with Cheese Naan from Kapitan's Nasi Kandar International located at Gurney Drive, Penang Island. SARAP! So affordable at RM8.50 (PhP 119).
5. Buhay-OFW is totally new to me. Every minute has been nothing but a mixture of homesickness and wonderful experiences. I just pause and think the reason for my being here; then when the faces of my child and his mom flash on my mind, everything seems surreal.
To quote my fellow doctor here, “for OFWs, sacrifice is synonymous to remittance.”
Few weeks ago, I received an irresistible invitation via email to join a 3-day-bloggers’ tour and experience the only 5-star-hotel with world-class accomodation in Northern Philippines. The timing was too perfect because it gave me an ample chance to enjoy an ultimate vacation few days before I join the league of Filipino doctors and fathers working abroad.
Dramatically set in a poetic cliff of Poro Point Freeport Zone and overlooking South China Sea, THUNDERBIRD RESORTS is more than a luxurious leisure and recreation facility. It offers a slice of Santorini-experience without leaving the country. Its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, hotel service and amenities at par with international standards are worth the 6-hour-trip from Makati City to its location in San Fernando City, La Union.
An absolute feast for the senses.
Picturesque design…
The Grecian dome ceiling is a welcoming attraction at the reception area of the hotel.
Breathtaking view from the lobby.
Santorini Lounge near the lobby provides a relaxing area where you can view the pool and crystal blue sea.
Who would not appreciate this?
Spontaneity in details makes this resort distinctly beautiful.
Bravo for being kid-friendly!
I like the idea of having the FIESTA CASINO and VEGAS CAFE located a bit far from the main hotel; making the entire experience more comfortable for guests with children.
More than having a casino, several restaurants within the hotel and the vicinity, an amphitheater and recreational facilities, THUNDERBIRD RESORTS is an event center.
Momentous celebrations like a romantic wedding proposal that eventually leads to bride walking down the aisle with the scenic view as the wedding backdrop, or probably just an intimate family gathering or a company team building, THUNDERBIRD RESORTS is a perfect venue for simple to grandiose activities.
Take a peek at one of the most comfy beds in a spacious deluxe room I slept on…felt like waking up in Santorini.
The rooms have verandas that give the visitors a priceless view of South China Sea.
And did I already tell you that I got to drive a golf cart when we visited their greens?
photo taken using my point & shoot cam by ace photographer/travel blogger & my roommate, estan cabigas of langyaw.com
The hills are alive at The Cliffs Golf & Beach Club, Thunderbird Resorts…
Do you play Golf? …I don’t.
Wonderful view at the greens…
Thunderbird Resorts have been existing in other countries like Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and has been operating in the Philippines for 5 years now; the first in Asia before it opens another resort in India soon. Thunderbird Resorts Philippines has 2 branches, one in Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando City, La Union (the one we enjoyed) and in Binangonan, Rizal.
Thunderbird Resorts in Poro Point, La Union offers Pitter Patter promo that runs from June 1 to September 30, 2010. An ultimate vacation lifestyle experience that includes a relaxing resort stay, delicious breakfast for 2, 15-minute massage, unlimited internet access and more for as low as PhP 4,800 nett/weekday and PhP 5,300 nett / weekend. Reservations recommended. Details are subject to change without prior notice.
For more details, please contact their Makati Office at tel # (63-2) 886-5555 located at 18/F Salcedo Towers H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City.
Thunderbird Resorts Rizal at tel# (63-2) 651-6888 located at Eastridge Avenue, Binangonan, Rizal.
Special thanks to the management and staff of Thunderbird Resorts, Poro Point, La Union for their warmest accomodation, to Ms. Nica Serrano for the invite and to my fellow bloggers who joined this tour, Ann (thanks for the referral), Kristel, Vince, Hanna, Sol, Betty, Oggie, Estan, Ferdz, the experience was incredibly fun! Salamat!
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*This is the first of a 3-part-blog-series.
Up next: Gastronomic adventures in Thunderbird Resorts, Poro Point, La Union.
For most married couples, dealing with difficult in-laws is always an issue. Thank God that I don’t have to worry about that thought because I am blessed (I believe so does Tina) with nice and warm “second family.”
Tina’s mom and her brother came home from San Leandro, California last Saturday for a month-long vacation here. They have to attend to some social gatherings and facilitate process of some insurance documents.
We’re thankful that despite the haziness and almost zero visibility in NAIA terminal 1 on the day of their arrival, their flight wasn’t diverted to other local airports unlike the others.
My mother-in-law who has been living and working in California for more than 5 years now, is usually mistaken by most people in the U.S. not as a Filipino or any other Asian woman, but as Spanish and/or Latin-American because of her natural and ageless physical and inner beauty. Tina, I and her siblings would agree that their mom is prettier than them! What made her even more simply attractive is her pleasant disposition in life; that includes being my biyanan. She’s really cool, inside-out.
Needless to say, she’s easy to get along with. And so am I. That is why when she requested her daughters (my wife included) her preferred food for their arrival dinner, we didn’t think twice to obliged. After all, what she wished to savor as they reached home were those all-time-favorite Pinoy foods that I’m guessing she dearly missed.
clockwise from top left : bagoong, hilaw na mangga, adobong pusit, saging pang-himagas, pork sinigang, pritong tilapia fillet.
That Adobong Pusit and Pork Sinigang were only substitutes to my mom-in-law’s original request : Alupihang Dagat or Mantis Shrimp that wasn’t available when we went to Nepa Q-Mart to buy.
Have you tasted Alupihang Dagat already? I haven’t.
And did they like the dinner we prepare? Of course!
For married people who read this, how are you with your in-laws? Are you the same with one of my long-time friends who call hers as “out-laws!” ? lol!
Yes, I’ve been to Oakroom in Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center again and I like it!
24 June 2010, Thursday –A bunch of press people and Gabby’s daddy-blogger (ehem, that’s me!) met up at the 6th level of Oakwood for Oakroom’s AMERICAN WINE and FOOD FESTIVAL Press Lunch.
If you’ve been following this humble site, you know that I’ve attended 2 similar activities prior to this; those were
SPANISH WINE and FOOD FESTIVAL last April 07 and
ITALIAN WINE and FOOD FESTIVAL last June 02.
And every experience in Oakroom has been consistently beautiful.
In time for the 4th of July celebration in the US, Oakroom’s AMERICAN WINE and FOOD FESTIVAL will run from July 03 –30, 2010 and finest wines from Napa Valley, California, BERINGER will be featured in this event, perfectly complemented with delicious a la carte menu prepared by Oakwood Premier’s Executive Chef Jerome Cartailler.
A good wine is truly a complement to a good meal.
My palate had sampled again the best of Oakroom…
CHOP HOUSE SALAD, Traditional chopped salad with Iceberg lettuce, crumbled blue cheese, dried cranberries, avocado, smoked bacon, chopped pecans and tomato served in a heart of Iceberg.
The fusion of its ingredients, their textures and freshness make this starter a must-try.
The salad was paired with BERINGER CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY 2005.
An immediately pleasing wine, this Chardonnay is an enticing blend of ripe stone fruit and vivid citrus flavors. The bright citrus perfectly offsets the honeyeyed apricot, culminating in a smooth, delicious wine with a lasting finish. It is a wonderfully approachable and refreshing wine, full of lush fruit flavors and aromas that conjure up the bounty and sunshine of California.
The event was hosted by Oakwood Premier’s General Manager Brian B. Connelly who takes pride in bringing a taste of California in the elegance of Oakroom. He’s assisted by Oakwood’s PR and Marketing Communications Manager, Genny Puno who graciously attended to their guests, as always.
Also present in the event was Ms. Katherine Yao-Santos, Marketing Director of Happy Living Philippines Corporation, the distributor of Beringer Wines in the country. Ms. Kathy took our conversation about wine appreciation and wine and food pairing to a heightened level of fascination. Her passion on what she does best was truly inspiring and interesting. She really knows wine by heart.
I’ve learned so much from our small talk. When serving steak, for instance, one should consider not only the quality of meat but more importantly, the gravy and herbs infused into the dish. The overall taste of the entire entree should go well with the wine for an entire enticing gastronomic experience. Also, remember that Keannu Reeves’ movie A Walk In The Clouds? We were told that some scenes were shot at the winery of Beringer in Napa Valley, California.
Talking to Ms. Kathy Yao-Santos gave me a push to support my preschooler son’s dream of becoming a chef and perhaps it would not hurt for Gabby (and who knows, me as well) to become a wine connoisseur too someday.
DUET of GRILLED U.S. ANGUS FILLET MIGNON and ALASKAN KING CRAB, Onion rings, mashed roasted garlic potatoes and grilled asparagus bernaise sauce.
This surf and turf medley from Oakroom is a sure winner when paired with BERINGER CALIFORNIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005.
Beringer California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon is full of a jammy black fruit flavors that make this wine enticing from the first sip. The sweet vanilla and richness of the oak flavors blend seamlessly into the wine, offering just a hint of spice. Easy drinking and satisfying, this wine is well-suited to a variety of occasions.
A meal isn’t complete without that sweet ending. For the sampling of American Wine and Food Festival, we were each served with a delectable plate :
DONUT CHEESECAKE + MAPLE ICE CREAM and BLUEBERRY COULIS.
This sweet temptation blended well with my favorite among the wines that were served that afternoon.
BERINGER CHENIN BLANC 2009.
A well balance wine with aromas and flavors of crisp citrus, melon, and spicy ginger. It’s meant to be enjoyed with a variety of foods, from Asian and Mexican dishes to casual backyard barbecue with friends.
I tell you, this Chenin Blanc from Beringer has the lightest and fruity freshest taste among the wines I’ve tasted.
The afternoon ended with wonderful and warm exchange of thoughts and casual chitchat amidst the sophisticated ambiance of Oakroom.
Sublime service + Impeccable wine and food pairing = excellent experience!
Enjoy quality prime beef seared to perfection (21-ounce Cowboy Steak, 12-ounce Porterhouse, 18-ounce Rib-eye, 8-ounce Tenderloin, among others), Berkshire Porkshop, Barbecue Chicken, Maine Lobster, Cheesecake, Apple Pie and Ice Cream paired with Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year” awardee –Beringer Chardonnay and Cabernet which was also voted as “Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast and Wine and Spirits only in Oakroom from July 3–30, 2010.
Oakroom Bar also offers “Girls’ Night Out” on Wednesdays beginning July 07, 2010, “Thursday Night Wine Buffet” and “Beer Friday Unlimited”. Call Oakroom in Oakwood for more details of these events at (63-2) 637 7888 / (63-2) 910 8888 ext 8118. Fax (63-2) 719 1157 / (63-2) 706 7777 and mobile # (63)(0908) 874 1639. website www.oakwood.com
Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila, 17 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1600, Philippines.
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Special thanks to Ms. Genny Puno for the invite! Cheers!
Gabby never fails to amuse me.
Just after he saw a rainbow painted on gray skies the other afternoon, he asked me,
“Daddy, is that a rainbow?”
I said, “Yes, why?”
Then he replied back, “First time kong makakita ng rainbow eh, bakit po sa cartoons dark ang colors nila?”
I’m amazed how kids of his age are so intuitive and easily fascinated with simple things.
Don’t you wish to be forever child-like, to have lots of time to breathe, be worry-free, and do nothing but enjoy simple pleasures in life?
“I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.” ~Albert Einstein
20 June 2010 –I left the house 20 minutes before 6 in the morning when my wife and kid were still curling up in bed. I can’t blame them; everyone deserves longer hours of sleep on a weekend. But I had to leave even with an empty stomach because I gave my nod to a commitment to do clinics from 6AM to 10AM for a pharmaceutical company somewhere near our place. So even if it’s Father’s Day 2010, I didn’t pass on the chance to work even on a beautiful and sunny Sunday morning; after all, providing for family regardless of the value is one of the reasons for the occasion.
After that short but productive stint, I went to TriNoma mall to buy food for our lunch. I bought ingredients for pasta for Tina to cook. I also bought a cake that Gabby and I have been meaning to try.
Because my almost 6-year-old son is still too young to give me presents except for his priceless hugs and kisses, I took the effort of bringing home what we would enjoy together…
We like Blizzard from Dairy Queen. Gabby likes Oreo, while both Tina and I like Chocolate Extreme served upside-down! Ice cream never fails to delight us and having it as a cake is a huge plus! We’re all excited when I came home yesterday with the box of DQ Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream Cake! Sarap! 
“Not your traditional cake. Made with thick and creamy DQ soft serve ice cream and layered with fudge, cookie crunch & chocolate and vanilla ice cream.”
Each slice was heavenly! Our sweet craving was absolutely satisfied.
I rememeber during my wonder years, my parents used to bring us 4 boys to a famous ice cream house along Aurora Blvd Extension in Quezon City to savor their cold treats and take home a box of ice cream cake. Sadly, this place that I’m sure, became a part of many Filipino childhood memories closed several years ago and we never had ice cream cakes since then.
Before dunking our forks to that wonderful dessert, Tina cooked pasta with two sauces to choose from- pesto and carbonara.
So while most families celebrated Daddy’s Day by dining out, we’re at the comforts of our own table, enjoying home-cooked meals and an ice cream cake that’s to-die-for!
To my own Daddy and fathers-in-law and to all dads out there, Mabuhay po, tayong mga tatay!
It’s always a great pleasure to be appreciated for all of our efforts.
How did you spend this year’s Father’s Day?
Guess where I took my kid for a walk?
Even my wife, Tina had no word to explain what got into me when I decided to bring Gabby to this park on one weekend morning. Perhaps, I wanted a breather between our usual routine of going to malls, coffee shops and restaurants or maybe I just wanted our son to experience a different space that may enhance his appreciation of things. Either way, we both enjoyed our 30 minutes in Paco Park, Manila.
It has been ages since my last visit to Paco Park. It was during those Holy Weeks back in the early 80s when we started to accompany my mom in her annual Visita Iglesia in 30 churches (Yes, you read it right–thirty churches including St. Pancratius Chapel inside Paco Park; probably it’s also the reason why I sort of memorized the sidestreets and main thoroughfares of Metro Manila).
Paco Park was initially a cemetery. So when I told Gabby that I’m bringing him to a park and a former burial ground, he was puzzled and just shrugged his shoulders.
The charm of this former cemetery lies on its architecture. It’s circular in shaped with thick hollow walls; old as history.
In 1912, burial or interment at the Paco Park ceased. It had been the burial ground for several generations and descendants of those who were buried in the park had the remains of their ancestors transferred. (Sourced via Wiki)
Walking through these walls reminded me that change is inevitable. The previously built cemetery for aristocratic Spanish families has been accessible for years now as a recreational garden for all and at present can be enjoyed for as cheap as FIVE PESOS ENTRANCE FEE.
There’s an area formerly dedicated to angels…
But the most famous Pinoy secretly interred after his execution at Bagumbayan in Paco Cemetery is no less than Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Note that his initials at the cross was written in reverse to hide his remains’ identity.
Gabby asked me who RPJ is and I just simply replied he’s our National Hero. Although I got 1.50 in Philippine History and 1.25 in Rizal, the subject (1.0 being the highest) back in my pre-Med days in FEU, I cannot explain his works and life in few statements to my almost-6-year-old kid; I’ll let him discover who Rizal is as Gabby studies Philippine History when he grows up.
The St. Pancratius Chapel inside Paco Park is one of the favorite wedding venues of most Pinoy couples. I think it depends on one’s perception of the place; either you feel creepy about it or be lured to its uniquely amazing aura. Every Friday afternoon, there’s always a free concert held titled Paco Park Presents.
As our half-hour stroll in this park came to a close, it was then Gabby became more fascinated and at ease with it. He ran and jumped around the lifeless fountain; he sat and assumed his favorite yoga-like pose; and probably began to absorb a little sense of the place.
Gabby requested if he can have his favorite drink. So guess where we ended up our morning? We went to the nearest mall, Robinson’s Place Manila and he savored a grande of chocolate frappuccino.
The odd weekend became usual again in a blink sip.
Have you been to Paco Park? What do you think of the place?
I have a confession to make.
This may disappoint most of you but Tina and I are not fond of going to the beach during Summer. We prefer to soak under cold shower (together? that’s another story that does not deserve a blog post! LOL!) rather than bathe and immerse on water under the scorching heat of Philippine Sun.
Other than budget consideration during peak season, we enjoy sand, water and what beauty that nature has to offer when it’s not thickly populated. As you may know, my family’s recent beach adventure was last week of October 2009 when BORACAY was in its quiescence…
Tranquility echoed every morning during our days in the island…
Ah, Boracay! When do we get to enjoy your crystal turquoise water and powdery sand again ? It’s not only the beach that’s glorious in this island but digestive feasts too. Summer heat reminds me of spoonful cold treats we had from Boracay’s HALOWICH.
And since we’re not hitting the beach anytime soon, you may now have a clue of how we define SUMMER in our own way…
Yesterday, Tina, Gabby and I went to Iceberg in their Timog Ave. branch to have bowls of Halo-Halo.
What’s a Summer in Manila without it?
For only PhP 98, I enjoyed macapuno balls, slice of peach, sweet plantain, corn kernels, corn flakes, jackfruit strips, ube jam, gulaman on shaved ice topped with ube and strawberry-flavored ice cream!
While Tina and Gabby chose to savor Caramel Flan with Mangoes and Vanilla Ice Cream. Yum!
Summer for us, is a great excuse to devour on these cold gastronomic pleasures.
What’s your favorite food fit for Summer?
How are you spending your Summer? I bet most of you are busy treading on most shores of this archipelago.
Have fun!
Dear Tina and Gabby,
It was last Sunday, March 28 when our group rode Yamanote Train line from Gotanda to Tokyo and hopped off from Tokyo Station to Disneysea. Yup, it’s only in Japan where one can find and enjoy DISNEYSEA. Remember I told you that we availed of their promo rates of Y10,000 (PhP 5K) for both DISNEYLAND and DisneySea on 2 consecutive days? (One park entrance fee on regular rates costs Y5,800 or PhP 2,900). We’re glad to grab the chance because it was all worth the fun!
From the Disney Resort’s main entrance, we paid Y250 (PhP 125) for one-way-Disney Train-ride and off we went to the other happiest place on Earth.
SM Mall of Asia ? Naaaah… Tokyo DisneySea Plaza…
There were those tiny and colorful petals near the entry gates that were so attractive that I cannot resist but to capture… It’s the start of the Spring season in Tokyo when I left. Imagine these plants a few more days from now; they’ll be in full bloom!
Welcome to Tokyo DisneySea…sana kasama ko kayo dito! There’s always a next time… someday!
Tokyo DisneySea’s tag line is : Where Adventure and Imagination Set Sail… It’s true that we sailed into its 7 beautiful themed ports of call starting with MEDITERRANEAN HARBOR…
MEDITERRANEAN HARBOR has the ambience of Southern European port where one can even take a ride on a gondola!
We’ll ride those gondolas in Venice one day (libre naman mangarap di ba?).
One of the features of Mediterranean Harbor is the FORTRESS EXPLORATIONS…
It’s an interactive fun at the Fortress and Galleon…
We all lined up for the LEONARDO CHALLENGE but was dumbfounded that the “mission” on the map given to us by the staff and its clues and directions were all in Japanese! LOL We were all smiling when our “lost in translation” episodes in Tokyo continues…
There’s something about boats, ships and galleons that I like; perhaps, I’m a sailor in my past life, LOL.
The Japanese made an amazing job putting up all these… It’s just fantastic!
After Mediterranean Harbor comes AMERICAN WATERFRONT…
TOWER of TERROR is one of American Waterfront thrilling attractions. It’s a tour of an old, abandoned hotel to explore its treasures and mysteries. Supernatural phenomena and spine-tingling climax await visitors.
According to Tokyo DisneySea’s map, in American Waterfront, one can find both the excitement of the big city and the charms of a New England fishing village in this vibrant themed port.
At CAPE COD…
Our group had a leisure trip around the park via the DisneySea Transit Steamer Line. After which, our feet led us all to PORT DISCOVERY…
People get to visit the scientists of the Center for Weather Control in this themed port located across the horizon of time.
Attractions at Port Discovery include Storm Rider (a movie shown inside a theater) and AQUATOPIA, a twirling ride with watercrafts that spin wildly through a maze of fountains, rock formations and whirlpools.
After Port Discovery, Mount Prometheus greeted us at MYSTERIOUS ISLAND…
Captain Nemo has created this secret base for his explorations into the depths of the Earth and beneath the waves.
Don’t you wish to explore the abyss with that submarine? I think it’s only for display.
All of the attractions in Disneyland and DisneySea have posted time of waiting on queue. In Mysterious Island, there’s that JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (inspired by Brendan Fraser movie) ride aboard fantastic vehicles designed by Captain Nemo. And guess what? Waiting time : 3 LONG HOURS! Some of the doctors who took the ride told us that the wait was worth it. Sulit daw; Sayang di kami sumakay!
Moving on…
LOST RIVER DELTA …
The ruins of an ancient Central American civilization await visitors deep within the remote jungles of this themed port.
One of biggest attractions in Lost River Delta is INDIANA JONES ADVENTURE : TEMPLE OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Another is RAGING SPIRIT for those daredevils who wanted to try roller coaster ride with 360-degree loop.
MERMAID LAGOON is one of the most colorful features of Tokyo DisneySea…
The world of Ariel, the little mermaid, and her aquatic friends is filled with fun for kids of all ages.
Inside the Mermaid Lagoon are attractions like Flounder’s Flying Fish Coaster, Scuttle Scooters,Ariel’s Greeting Grotto, Mermaid Lagoon Theater, Jumping Jellyfish, Blowfish Balloon Race, The Whirlpool and Ariel’s Playground.
Then the last area we’ve explored for several minutes was the ARABIAN COAST…
We set sail for an adventure ride at SINBAD’S STORYBOOK VOYAGE. The tour inside the theater on board a water-floating seats was meant for kids but nevertheless also fascinated me; except for the songs of Sinbad in Nihonggo. After Sinbad’s Storybook, we had hot cups of coffee which were so soothing…(read : it was a single-digit-degree-celsius again that day in Tokyo).
These are the pillars of the cafe where we had our coffee…
Other than Sinbad’s StoryBook Voyage, the Genie from the Disney classic film, Aladdin has created this themed port full of magic and mystery. There’s an entire garden devoted to Jasmine.
With Tokyo DisneySea, I thought I was touring the world; I almost forgot I am in Japan!
Even creeping grass were made to be fascinating…
At late afternoon, we headed to Mediterranean Harbor again near the main entrance; we got time to shop for pasalubong (I’ll have another posts for pasalubong soon) and ate early dinner…
I chose this lunch/dinner set of ham & turkey sandwich with muffin (that I gave to nurse Ruth), strawberry panna cotta and coffee.
I like it even if it was Y1480 (PhP 740); quite pricey but I know nothing comes cheap in Tokyo and secondly, this set came with lunch box with Tokyo DisneySea characters and logo on it. Of course, Gabby the lunch box is for you, anak for you to use this coming June in school!
Our day at Tokyo DisneySea was capped by BRAVISEA MO! a show of waters and fireballs (read : Disneyland has fireworks, DisneySea has fireballs!) over the Mediterranean Harbor. The night came more alive with the miraculous tale of love between Bellisea, the spirit of water and Prometeo, the spirit of fire. It’s a must-see, magnificent and spectacular show of fire and water! A perfect show to end the day.
The Lord knows how I wished that I have enjoyed Tokyo Disney Resorts with you, ‘ney and Gabby. I’ll just hope that one day, I’ll get to bring you there and savor these wonderful themed parks together.
Two days are not enough for these 2 wonderful attractions in Tokyo.
Although most of them say that Disneyland and DisneySea are the happiest places on Earth, I say it’s still HOME!
I love you Tina and Gabby!
So glad to be home.
Tatay-doc.
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Dear Kind Readers,
After viewing my posts on TOKYO DISNEYLAND and TOKYO DISNEYSEA, which do you want to experience ASAP one day ? Which park do you think is far better than the other ? Take your pick.
I’ve got more posts on Tokyo coming up! Thanks for following and may the good Lord bless us all always. Stay safe, healthy and happy, everyone! Advance Happy Easter!
-gelo.
*note : most descriptions of the park’s attraction written in italics were sourced from the Tokyo DisneySea October 2009 –March 2010 Guide Map.
I am home now! I had to cut my Tokyo trip shorter to a couple of weeks instead of 30 days because of an internal problem that I’m not in control and I cannot share publicly. I never failed any training because there was none for me to begin with. Nonetheless, I have experienced the worse and the best of Tokyo and will continue to share them here on the coming days.
TOKYO DISNEYSEA will be my next post so be sure to visit my site again. To my kind readers, I’ll swing to your blog soon.
For now, I’m sharing you the things that happened yesterday…
Tina herself, did the rescheduling of my flight with PAL last Sunday in less than 5 minutes. I had enjoyed my 1-hour trip from Tokyo to Narita Airport terminal 2 via the very efficient Narita Express. Ticket from Shinagawa to the airport costs Y3,310 (PhP 1,655).
Some people told me that flights are fully booked until April but these pictures will speak for themselves…
It’s Holy Week and time to reflect on things so I’ll try to avoid rants…Moving on..
My meal at 36,000 feet before heading home…
Beef stew with blanched carrots and okra; served with Japanese noodle soup, bread and butter and mung bread; orange juice and coffee.
The flight went OK except for bumpy descent and hassle of an hour of waiting for my luggage at the NAIA terminal 2. To PAL : improvement is much needed!
Traffic at EDSA was minimal so I reached our place in Quezon City in less time I expected. I just dropped off my luggage and bags at home and headed straight to Gabby’s big day…
I can’t imagine myself missing this moment. I brought to the graduation venue Gabby’s most requested pasalubong; PSP with 4 gig memory stick which I bought from AKIHABARA ELECTRIC TOWN. A 3rd honorable mention-Kindergarten graduate and a very adorable son deserves more than this.
After the event, we had simple dinner at KKK in SM Cubao… I was craving for Pinoy food for 2 weeks and these were very comforting…
The smart kid requested for Halo-halo…
We shared Nilagang Bulalo, Buko Pandan Juice, Halo-Halo Mestiza, Kaning Puti and Kare-Kareng Baka ng KKK…
Nothing beats the comfort of being HOME.
Time to avoid meat...Have a blessed Holy Week everyone!
Stay tuned for my next posts : TOKYO DISNEYSEA and so much more about Tokyo…
Dear Gabby,
Last Tuesday, I took a train going to Shibuya and Shinjuku. Right after getting off at Shibuya Station, I asked the information desk about the location of HACHIKO. This is the name of the dog, that your Ninong Melton asked me to look for.
I know you might be interested too with Hachiko’s monument. Imagine, a dog was given a tribute here in Tokyo for everyone to admire. There must be something with Hachicko that’s worth the visit…
In 1924, Hachikō was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner’s life Hachikō saw him out from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered a stroke at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting. Hachikō was given away after his master’s death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. Eventually, Hachikō apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikō waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he did not see his friend among the commuters at the station. The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait. This continued for nine years, with Hachikō appearing only in the evening time, precisely when the train was due at the station. SOURCED VIA WIKI
Amazing dog, isn’t it?
At the mall near Hachiko’s monument, there’s a flower shop that sells blooms of different hues; so colorful I can’t resist but too take shots…
I wonder how they grow these despite it’s not yet officially Spring here; there’s still that tail end of winter…
The streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku are considered as two of the busiest and multi-crossing streets in Tokyo. Just look at these people going to different directions at high noon.
Don’t ask me, anak how young ladies tolerate the chilling cold weather here in Tokyo wearing almost skimpy skirts…
This is all for now; I’ll see you and your mom soon.
I miss you and your mommy. I love you both.
Tatay-doc
February 22, Monday – I left my family (Tina + Gabby) at home (date was declared as special local holiday for schools because of EDSA Revolution anniversary) and rode LRT line 2 from our place, then MRT from Araneta Center-Cubao Terminal Station up to this EDSA-Taft-Pasay LRT Station.
I went to Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City to get Tina and Gabby’s new passports. Believe it or not, it took me only less than 5 minutes to claim it. So their previous green passports are now machine-readable-maroon…(sometimes, I imagine them blue! *wishful thinking*)
I renewed mine 2 years ago and will expire 2013 while Tina and Gabby’s passports are valid until 2015.
Allow me to share these old and new passport photos of our little biggest bundle of joy…
Isn’t he a grown little good-looking man at 5 ? That photo on the right was taken at 4:30AM hence the morning face. How time flies so fast! His first passport + photo were taken when he was 4 months old; apparently, he’s really a happy baby; the photographer at the studio in a mall did not find any difficulty making him smile giggle. His old passport was stamped at Hong Kong, Brunei and Auckland, NZ airports. We traveled with his Graco stroller then; even used it on buses in NZ.
I have claimed their new passports in a jiffy but they have applied for its renewal for several hours!
Flashback : February 01, 2010, Monday – Gabby was absent from preschool class and made a personal appearance at DFA. Although kids of his age who’d like to apply/renew their passports can just leave everything to their parents/guardians, and adults can have the process via on-line scheduling too, Tina and I opted to do it traditionally and brought Gabby to avoid any hassles. Turned out to be we’re in for a big old hassle!
Ang saya! We woke up at 3:30AM and arrived at DFA at around 4:30 in the morning. The basketball court-waiting area was already packed! Nothing has changed since I have renewed mine a couple of years ago. Unlike Boarding Gates at any airports where passengers with child/ren and/or geriatric individuals may board first, at DFA, they only give considerations to pregnant and old applicants only.
Yes, it was very systematic but looong queues were still there. We’re done with application, verification, processing and encoding (inside the DFA auditorium) at 9:20AM flat. It was really exhausting. :(
Imagine, until last Monday, the scene was the same…
But let’s thank God for change! Have you heard that DFA Consular facility +passport services will be moving to its new state-of-the-art building located at Diosdado Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City ?
“Instead of sweltering heat, our consular clients will be greeted with cool air at the moment they enter our doors. Instead of monobloc chairs, they will wait their turn sitting on ergonomically-designed stainless steel benches. Instead of long queues, they can shorten their wait by accessing our online appointment system. Instead of going from building to building, they only need to move from ground to second floor,” DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo said.
DFA consular personnel, Romulo added, would also enjoy the convenience of modern work stations, furniture and equipment.
The building was acquired for a price of P530 million with the assistance of the Development Bank of the Philippines.
The facility will be opened to the public once it is formally inaugurated in the next few weeks. For the time being and until further notice, the consular services requirements of the public will continue to be attended to at the DFA’s existing consular facilities along Roberts Street.
Source : KBK, GMANews.TV
Ang mahal pala ng change!
Mr. Sun was shining its brightest as everyone celebrated Valentine’s Day + Chinese New Year. There was never a day better than last Sunday to take a walk through the streets of Manila China town.
I arrived at Manila Central Post Office fronting Liwasang Bonifacio, now known as Plaza Lawton, a few minutes before 10:30AM. This majestic building served as our meeting place for Dong Ho’s KaESKAPO sa Binondo.
I was lucky to be chosen as one of the 5 among the many blogger-followers of Dong Ho’s ESKAPO to explore Binondo on foot using The Big Binondo Food Wok Map by Ivan Man Dy of Old Manila Walks.
The blog contest winners were selected based on Dong Ho’s querry :
Why do you deserve this map and join this food trip ?
It was a pleasure meeting young breed of fellow bloggers Chyng, Cher, Josh, and Ann (with her BF); all of us were recipients of this map from the Dong himself. Although I was the most senior of the group, it just felt like I was only with my students, less the toxicity of classroom lectures We were all amazed how The Big Binondo Food Wok Map was conceptualized; it points out heritage trail and of course, the most interesting food shops in the heart of Manila, from the cheapest finds to the most upscale restaurants. The coupons in the map for some freebies were certainly not left unnoticed.
After a short briefing about the activity and a casual intro to ourselves, we started the walk that led to one-of-a-kind-Binondo trip.
I am not new to the place. I have been to Binondo and Ongpin areas up to Recto and Divisoria countless times actually. But exploring it with strangers bloggers whom I haven’t met is a new experience for me and perhaps the same thing for them. Gladly, we instantly gelled as we enjoyed several hours together.
We’re fortunate to witness a Dragon Dance just few steps from the gates of Manila China town after Escolta.
We had a short stop at Binondo Church…
Then after I uttered my prayers, we headed off to Ongpin…
A festive welcome to the Chinese New Year isn’t complete without Lion Dances…
The colors of Ongpin and its side streets never fail to fascinate me… I’m sure my fellow bloggers were also delighted with such vibrant hues!
From freshest fruits to veggies, lucky charms and figurines; gold jewelries and more; almost everything is in Ongpin!
Although our son, Gabby had been to Ongpin more than a couple of times recently, I’d also wished him to experience Chinese New Year in Binondo. But his mom and I agreed for them to stay at home to avoid too much crowd and all. He’ll surely enjoy the celebration soon when he grows older.
After a few steps and shots, we headed to our food tripping!
Our first stop : the immediate left street at the back of Binondo Church for some remarkable dumplings!
It was only my second time to try DONG BEI DUMPLINGS - the famous KUCHAY or CHIVES DUMPLINGS of Binondo. I’ve written something about these dumplings May of last year, after I’ve tasted them and compared with the same steamed delight from a Chinese resto in a mall (view HERE! ) The major difference : Dong Bei’s version is more flavorful but doesn’t have overpowering taste. Plus, you get to view how it is prepared…
Freshly made dumplings, anyone ?
Your options : Plain Kuchay or Plain Pork; Combinations of Kuchay + Pork (last year I had Kuchay + Shrimp) either steamed or fried; 13 -14 pieces for only PhP100+. Guess what our team had? All of them! Have you tried Dong Bei’s Kuchay Dumplings ? How do you like them ?
Their both best dipped in chili sauce! Some of my co-bloggers didn’t like them that much, perhaps because it’s quite new to their taste buds or they’ve been more familiar with other Chinese dumplings than chives.
Dong Ho (not the owner of Dong Bei, LOL!) also introduced as to Dong Bei’s PANCAKES! These aren’t your usual pancakes served with butter + syrup *yum!* but it’s fried with stuffings of ….surprise –> Kuchay +Pork again! But its thin fried dough was more sticky than the fried Kuchay dumplings and thankfully, both were less oily.
And since I vowed with Tina and Gabby not to drink Coke and other sodas again (deliver us not into temptation, hehe!), I tried for the first time this Chinese iced tea on a can (but forgive me, although i hope it has less sugar, it’s carbonated too!)
My co-blogger Chyng didn’t like the canned Chinese cold tea that much; it was OK for my taste but nothing to rave about and would not cause you to crave for it.
After that quick bite at Dong Bei, the walk continued to the corner of Tomas Pinpin + Ongpin Streets where a shrine is venerated by Tsinoys.
SANTO CRISTO DE LONGOS
Note that incense sticks are used by the prayerful to adore the Holy Cross. It’s an apparent fusion of Catholic and Chinese beliefs.
Moving on… Do you like Tikoy ? What’s a Chinese New Year without Tikoy a.k.a. NIAN GAO / YEAR CAKES or Glutinous rice cakes ? What’s Binondo without horse-driven kalesas? (Note to Gabby : We’ll ride kalesa one day either in Manila or in Vigan!)
My wife knows how we share the love for FRESH LUMPIA. This made our next pit stop as one of my favorite food places we’ve been to. I recall one of my kind readers, JP recommended this when I posted SOMETHING ABOUT LUMPIA few weeks ago.
Tucked inside Uysubin Building beside HSBC, located along Quintin Paredes Street, is a courtyard where New Po Heng Lumpia House is.
I guarantee you satisfaction from these freshly rolled Hokkien-style lumpia! For only PhP 45 per roll, you can taste heaven in every bite! What I like about Chinese Fresh Lumpia is the inclusion of fried vermicelli + seaweeds and lotsa ground peanuts! It’s so delicious even sans sauce! I give my two-thumbs up to New Po Heng Lumpia! Definitely, it won’t be my last there; i’ll surely bring my family and friends there soon.
As we entered New Po Heng, we’re lucky to see the Ivan Man Dy in person on his last leg for that day on his Old Manila Walks. Dong Ho introduced us to him and to my surprise, he said, “Oh you’re the doctor who joined Chuvaness’ contest. Did you win?” I smiled back and said “No” (It was another blog contest with his map and his TOUR as one of the top prizes–The question was : If you were a Chinese dish, what would you be and why? My answer : Chinese Fortune Cookie -Because I believe I am more than meets the eye). I wasn’t only starstruck but was literally in awe because Ivan actually reads comments and entries! Wow!
Chyng had taken the chance to have photo-op with Ivan. I was shy to do so. Perhaps when I and Tina find time to join his once-a-month-Malacanang tour. Ivan is nice; he even offered us tikoy, part of the freebies he was giving to his local and a few foreign tourists who joined his walk.
Another treat for us bloggers was when Ivan introduced the next guy to our table as the TUTUBI of BACKPACKING PHILIPPINES AND ASIA. It was really one lucky day!
Still following some suggested heritage trail in The Big Binondo Food Wok Map, our group went to Ongpin again and went up flight of stairs to visit TE YA KONG TEMPLE…
Seeing almost all people in red, lighting incense sticks and praying, I can’t help but to admire the Chinese-Filipino community for their strong faith.
After several minutes, we’re on to our next merienda stop (I like the way we took this “NO-RICE”- Binondo Food trip; LIGHT & YUMMY) : SHANGHAI FRIED SIOPAO! Have you sampled one already ? It’s more flavorful than ordinary siopao.
The Dong bought fried siopao for all of us and split the bill just before we part ways. We brought them to Eng Bee Tin restaurant where Dong Ho suggested to have refreshing avocado shake; but it wasn’t in season so we all went for the next best thing : mango shake! (I like riped mango). I just forgot to ask Dong Ho how much fried siopao a piece but the mango shake was so good at PhP 50+.
Then after another hearty snack, we’re on our feet again for our last pit stop… On way there, we passed by Plaza Calderon dela Barca right in front of Basilica Menor del San Lorenzo a.k.a. Binondo Church…
I like fountains. (note to self : work for you to bring your family to Europe one day!). The sight of dripping water somehow recharged me to walk a few kilometers from Binondo to Reina Regente, Recto and finally reached Narra Street at the back of Tutuban Mall where the biggest and grandest of Chinatown’s Buddhist temples…
SENG GUAN SI TEMPLE
The facade of Seng Guan Si Temple is already amazing but there’s more than that beautiful front this place of worship has to offer.
The first floor was awesome. But the second floor of this temple was even more fantastic! There was even an enormous section that’s probably considered as the most sacred of them all. I thought that part of the temple is comparable to the Catholic church’s Adoration Chapel.
It was indeed a loooong tiring day but believe it or not, I enjoyed it to the fullest! Although I wasn’t with my family (Gabby + Tina), I’m glad to meet and gain new blogger-friends. Thanks, Dom (a.k.a. the Dong Ho)! Sa uulitin!
We could not let the day pass without taking photos of ourselves of course! So meet my Ka-Eskapo sa Binondo :
from left to right : The Dong Ho and docgelo; right : Chyng, Josh and Cher. photos by Cher Cabula (thanks, Cher!) these photos were taken at New Po Heng Lumpia courtyard.
Newbie and young blogger, Ann with her BF Archie and on right photo, the Chinese charm Dong Ho got for each of us.
One last group shot before parting ways… photo by Dong Ho
You may want to view (again) my previous posts about this most interesting part of Manila called Binondo. Thanks!
CHINESE NEW YEAR 2009 AT MANILA CHINATOWN
In a month or so, Gabby will be done with his classes. And 6 years after we became first-time parents, Tina and I still cannot believe that our little boy has done Nursery and about to finish Kindergarten soon. I guess all parents out there would agree that it’s a BIG accomplishment already; although we know there’s a looooooooooong way to go for the 3 of us. At least we’ve started the first few steps happily together.
Preschoolers nowadays study lessons that my generation had learned later in grade school. We take it as an advantage for them of course. But let me ask you, when did you learn your proper and improper fractions and how to add and subtract them ? What about mixed fractions -the ones with whole number and a fraction ? Synonyms and antonyms ? Concepts of Greater than and Less than ? Differences of Solid, Liquid and Gas ? Were they taught to you as early as Kindergarten ? *grin*
It’s not only the preschool syllabus that evolved and became, IMO, far advanced (–again, I’m not complaining) but also the extra-curricular activities.
Last week, we heard our son singing screaming :
“Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, for my love….will see you..through…”
My wife and I looked at each other with astonishment! Where in the world did Gabby learn a very old OPM song? I, myself haven’t heard of it in years!
Tina and I are children of the 80s. And at 33, I can still recall our preschool activities and whatnot but I do not remember singing these songs in school when I was Gabby’s age :
My Love Will See You Through by Marco Sison
Thank You For The Music by Abba
Somewhere Out There by James Ingram + Linda Ronstadt (I remember this from a late 80s movie)
Actually, it was nice and fun to hear and see a 5-year-old kid singing somewhat-matured songs! He even picks up his Jumbo pencil and assumes it as his microphone while singing at the top of his voice.
Tina and I are just proud parents and are so glad to be in a world of restless and young!
I wonder what’s on for their next week’s classes… hmmm… *excited*
Meanwhile, here’s what Gabby was singing when I’m writing this…
We are the world of the restless and young
And we need a hand to guide us
Helping each other, build each other
As long as we’re together you and meFor together we stand, divided we fall
Together we climb to the top of the world
We can be what we want for the world to see
That we are the children of yesterday’s dream
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Can you recall your preschool days ?
What are your fondest memories of those years ?
What songs were you singing then ?
Dear Gabby,
Although I immensely enjoyed my Sunday morning and afternoon with my co-bloggers in Binondo (which I will narrate to you here soon), still nothing beats spending Valentine’s with you and your mom, naks!
Your mom and I are so glad with your choice of movie; how many of your age would have interest in Zeus, Poseidon, Athena and the rest of Mount Olympus? I myself have almost forgotten my Greek Mythology and haven’t found it more fascinating than this.
It was fantastic! My Our kind of movie–no heavy stuffs, just plain fun. You know how your mom and I are both kid-at-hearts. The story line about Gods, Goddesses and Demigods didn’t bore me from beginning to end. It actually drew me to the scenes that I almost forgot my biggest problem to date; it’s so effectively entertaining! (at least for us, LOL). How can you go wrong with the director of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? To cut it short, it was amazing watching the film with you and Tina as usual. Sarap ulitin sa Gateway Mall dibidi (joke!).
I know your mom will less appreciate it (than dining) but I still insisted managed to buy her official Valentine veggies from Rustan’s.
If Percy Jackson was magical, our dinner was a champion!
We skipped starters and immediately ordered one of our family’s favorite pizzas…
It has been a while since we last tried this. You know it’s one of our comfort foods!
salmon + caviar on pizza = Yum!
PIZZA CAVIALE SALMONE, P365+.
When you told us you’d liked to have a glass of iced tea, we never thought twice in ordering this for you…
TE PESCA, P98+ Peach flavored Iced Tea, refreshingly good!
And since your mom wanted to try other pasta and pass on our usual order of Rigatoni All Alfonso, how did you like this ?
Don’t you just like those bow tie or butterfly- shaped pasta called farfalle ? ’twas your first time to try it, right?
Cibo really knows how to pamper our eyes and palates so well…
FARFALLE ALLA VENEZIANA, LA FAMIGLIA, PhP 455+. Sauteed bits of seafoods in cream + parsley + butterfly pasta
Your choice of dessert was also commendable! Even if at first you’re torn between Mango Panna Cotta and a Chocolate slice; but we ended up having another old time favorite…
TIRAMISU. It was nice you enjoyed it sharing with me and your mom.
With Cibo’s absolutely delicious food, nice and edgy ambiance, almost flawless service and watching that adventure-fantasy movie, we really had another fun start of the week.
Thanks, anak for making our Valentine’s this year memorable and complete.
We love you.
-Daddy Gelo (formerly Tatay-doc)
PS : BTW Gabby, who’s your crush in school ? *grin*
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How was your V-day? Did you celebrate Valentine’s Day or Single Awareness Day ? Is the acronym for that, SAD? *peace*
I give the credit to my wife, Tina who suggested we bring our son, Gabby back to a place that’s perhaps so familiar to you and me; feels like our relatives do exist there (pun intended) hehehe
No, we did not go mall-hopping last weekend but instead revisited creatures that can remind us of our childhood.
The picture below can tell you that Gabby was too uneasy with the claws of this colorful feathered friend on his left shoulder, nevertheless still managed to smile for the cam (read : no coercion was done for him to smile, *wink*).
It has been years since we first brought him to KINDER ZOO –an interactive (read : guests can touch animals with guidance of zoo keepers) and it’s a more colorful zoo inside Manila Zoological and Botanical Park a.k.a. the good old Manila Zoo that has been existing for more than 50 years, would you believe ? When was your last visit to the zoo ?
Kinder Zoo is a smaller scale but with a higher rate of PhP 65 compared to the Manila Zoo’s entrance fee of PhP 40/adult and PhP 20/child below 4ft. The 2 fees should be paid if you want to experience both and expect to see what your money’s worth.
For a family like us who have been fortunate to experience a few parks abroad, Manila Zoo suffered another comparison. Yes, we’re grateful that it is still on operations for more kids will be exposed to “most living things” quite up close, but a little more improvement and a huge reform on maintenance and cleanliness definitely won’t hurt.
Anyway, inside the Kinder Zoo, non living things like original Lego structures are installed…
Even Pooh, Piglet and Tigger can pose with you without a flicker, LOL!
Even Tortoise knows how to smile…
Manila Zoo still has its one and only large mammal…
Yes, she’s the same elephant you probably saw during your educational fieldtrips or ordinary visits to this zoo during your wonder years.
OINK!
Apparently, the zoo has improved through the years, but further development can be done to enhance it more.
I know ecological balance can’t be totally observe in a zoo with cages and all but it’s a responsibility in a way for parents and adults like us to teach our kids about nature and get them exposed to it as close as possible.
VIEW MORE PICTURES HERE.
Truth is, we went to Legazpi Village in Makati just across Greenbelt 5 to try a colleague’s suggestion –for us to subject Gabby to a VTR in a talent/modelling agency for TVC (read : TV commercials). Oops, let me clear that out : Gabby only had his photos taken and did a VTR; no casting calls yet, people! Of course we’ll let you know if he’ll be doing something beyond ordinary. (Well, you know for Tina and I, he’ll always be our GREATEST KID!) We just took a chance; brought him in and we’re glad that our little boy liked it! He told us he was asked in the VTR room to smile, turn right, then left, turn the camera and smile, state his name, school and age and smile again. If there would be no calls for a go-see or whatnot, then there’s no harm, just plain fun!
After few more steps from the agency, Tina, Gabby and I with one of our friends found ourselves seated comfortably here…
Who says you cannot eat breakfast in the afternoon? In Mr. Jones, some of our favorite morning starters are served all day! (Wala lang yatang tuyo, tinapa, danggit at itlog na pula’t kamatis, hehehe)
It was our first time to try Mr. Jones, a considerably newer food place an upscale diner at Greenbelt 5 that’s related to Museum Cafe (also in Greenbelt), Chelsea Market Cafe (in Serendra) and Momo Cafe (Eastwood Mall and Robinson’s Place). According to the wait staff, Mr. Jones serves breakfast-all-day beginning 11AM.
So at around 3PM, I was enjoying one of the most delicious TAPA in town…
U.S. BEEF RIBCAP “TAPA & GARLIC OVERLOAD” , Php 295+. Servings in Mr. Jones are HUGE! Sharing is inevitable! Take my word on it : it’s one of the yummiest breakfast plate I had The beef tapa were sliced as thin as bacon strips, so flavorful that it can still stimulate your palate sans vinegar and achara(pickled papaya)! But the achara and a little-sweet vinegar also add up to the experience! That tapa and garlic overload rests on a bed of garlic rice… Ahhhhhh… ang SARAP!
The eggs can be cooked the way-you-want. I asked the smiley waitress what’s best, and she recommended scrambled. Actually, I don’t mind whether it’s sunny-side-up or scrambled. But it seemed like the staff really knows their stuffs.
Surely, it deserves a second try on our future visits! It’s that good!
For our commercial model-to-be cute kid, he enjoyed sipping heavenly milkshakes from a tall glass and a canister…
CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE, PhP 175+ This tasted like blended chocolate ice cream and we liked it! Gabby loved it. What we liked about it? They serve you even the extra-blended shake in a canister if the glass is already full. It felt like you had 2 for the price of 1.
Tina and our friend shared a huge plate of….
MAC N CHEESE, PhP 350+. We noticed the use of 3 different pasta : rigatoni, penne and macaroni all fused into one dish; creamy and cheesy with bacon bits and mushroom. It was OK but would not sky-rocket you to outer space.
Just look at the evidence that Mr. Jones’ Tapa and Garlic overload is really a must-try :
Whether Gabby will soon nail a bit player part in a TVC or NOT, we’re considering going back to Mr. Jones whenever possible if only for that tapa and to try their other breakfast-all-day menu!
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What are your favorite breakfast meals ?
I do. I have been to the country’s summer capital several times since my growing up years and every Northern trip with family and friends has been always exciting.
It’s February once more and it isn’t only the LOVE month that coincides with the Chinese New Year (Read : Binondo, here we come!) but Baguio City will be literally in full bloom again as it celebrates PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL, one of the most famous and visited fiesta in our country. If Pasadena in the US has Tournament of Roses, Baguio has Panagbenga! And this month, the festivities are scheduled on 27th, Saturday, for the Grand Street Parade and the following day 28th, Sunday for the Grand Float Parade making that weekend the most colorful, extra-special and memorable to all.
If time and chance will only allow us, we wouldn’t hesitate to go to the City of Pines again just to experience its below 20 degree-celcius-climate and to witness its flower festival. Nevertheless, we’re lucky enough to enjoyed it 2 years ago with my entire family. Have you experienced Panagbenga?
And there’s more of Baguio than Panagbenga! What do I miss about Baguio ? Praying at the Lourdes Grotto after counting the steps up to the upper most area; the zigzag mountainous roads on way to Philippine Military Academy; exploring Crystal Cave; afternoon at the Wright Park and picture-taking at the gates of the Mansion; attending mass at the Baguio Cathedral early in the morning and sipping free-flowing brewed coffee and eating a delicious hearty breakfast at Zola restaurant at the foot of the Cathedral, just along Session Road; the restaurants along Session Road and more…
What else do I miss ? A lot more things! Breathtaking view of Mines View Park; the freshest veggies and strawberry-picking direct from its fields in La Trinindad, Benguet; Botanical Garden, spending an entire day at Camp John Hay; going to the Chinese Temple-Bell Church, window-shopping at Ibay’s silver shop and a lazy stroll at Burnham Park.
We may not attend this year’s Panagbenga and still uncertain if we’ll have summer break in this beautiful place, but definitely, Baguio City will always be one of my family’s favorite local vacation spots.
What do you like most about Baguio ?
After a wonderful animal-encounter at Ocean Adventure in Subic, the 5 buses of preschoolers (Gabby & his batchmates) with their parents (including me and Tina of course) and teachers trooped to Clark, Pampanga and had a brief exposure to Filipino history & culture.
We already heard few years ago that NAYONG PILIPINO which was previously located in Pasay City near the airport, is now in Clark, Pampanga but we only got to see it last week. This TEMPORARY RELOCATION of the famous replica of most tourist spots of the country was done to give way for the building of the 2 Ninoy Aquino International and domestic terminals. And the latest we’ve known from our trip, plans have transpired to push through with the new construction of Nayong Pilipino near the SM Mall of Asia area. Have you heard of this news?
First stop : the replica of church in Bulacan imprinted on Philippine Ten Peso-Bill.
MALOLOS CHURCH served as venue for so many Philippine Constitutional Conventions.
Then there’s also those WALLS of INTRAMUROS and what appeared to look like a river however, there was no running water but a rock bed.
The Nayong Pilipino guide informed us that this Clark’s version is divided into 2 parts : Precolonial and Post Colonial eras.
At the Precolonial area, the simple Pinoy lifestyle before the Spanish regime is depicted. We were greeted by an Ifugao native dance…What a warm welcome for all of us!
The short performance of the natives was a fresh sight to the kids who were used to gyrating pop music.
The simple and creative way of living of Filipinos long before we were under foreign rules were shown in these huts built without a single nail or screw and amazingly can withstand any typhoon. I guess these native shelters truly represent what early Pinoys were – imaginative, resilient, simple. Do we still have these qualities at present ?
“Movable Ladder – Walang Akyat-Bahay! Ang galing ng ating mga katutubo!” (click the picture to enlarge)
Weaving of textiles with intricate and colorful patterns was also demonstrated.
Panggatong, anyone ?
This is a replica of an upscale Muslim house that’s suited for a Sultan or Datu, the village chief in Maranao, Mindanao. It’s called TOROGAN.
The Torogan House has colorful and intricate butterfly-like end beams that protrude in front of the house; apparently gorgeous Maranao artwork!
There are also monuments inside Nayong Pilipino to honor Philippine History and Literature…
On the left is Ang Alamat ni Malakas at Maganda… And on the right is Lapu-lapu, the chieftain of Mactan, pardon the pun, appeared to us as depressed in his stance… (click photo to enlarge) I believe Lapu-lapu deserves to be depicted victorious having been considered as the country’s first hero.
There are also monuments for Philippine Folklore’s goddesses – the likes of Mariang Sinukuan and Maria Makiling; but I didn’t take photos for I personally didn’t like how they were created. Imagine a statue of a women who look distraught complete with a dress-slit nearly up to their inguinal areas!
Moving on… The Post Colonial Era…
As far as I recall, there are replicas of houses of Filipino heroes – Apolinario Mabini’s, Jose Rizal’s and others’ that played significant role in Philippine History.
Note the features of houses during post colonialism greatly evolved and was then inspired by Spanish architecture.
As parents, Tina and I are always trying our best to be well-rounded with Gabby. We appreciate joining his field trip for we know that there’s more to life that kids should learn outside the corners of their classrooms and beyond reading their books.
We left Nayong Pilipino at around past 5 in the afternoon to head for our last pit stop : Puregold Duty Free for some shopping.
Another family fun-bonding time enjoyed.
PS : Because we as a family have experienced being in few amusement parks abroad, Tina and I wish that local authorities would exert more efforts in putting up and maintaining quality and cleanliness in our very own tourist spots.
Still under the Subic sun, we queued to claim our lunch. As you know, amusement parks like Ocean Adventure prohibits patrons from bringing food inside; good thing that Gabby’s preschool had availed of the packed lunch inclusive of the tickets for all of us.
Breaded Chicken Fillet + Rice + Brownies = Not bad, actually…
But when we got in the bus, our baon prepared by my wife was so much better!
While most of his classmates were holding forks with hotdogs, we’re eating unusual field trip baon.
Home-cooked Kani Tempura was Gabby’s request; we even brought the entire bottle of tempura sauce! And it could have been a complete experience if we didn’t forget the chopsticks! *grin*
Before we munched those crab sticks, the last feature we enjoyed at Ocean Adventure was their newest show called WALK ON THE WILD SIDE..
Rescued forest animals that serve as environment ambassadors are the main attractions shown in their newest venue ~ Eco-Theater.
My brother who’s a private pilot by profession had experienced Jungle Survival Course in Subic as part of their curriculum before he got licensed. Now, Ocean Adventure had incorporated bits of that course in their show, Walk on the Wild Side….
Before animals and trainers were seen on stage, a true-blooded Aeta demonstrated the amazing ability to build and light a fire without matches but using only one grass : BAMBOO!
Can you do this ?
The indigenous Aeta named, Bruce (yes, Bruce!) also taught us how to boil rice and cook Sour Broth (Sinigang) using 2 different bamboo poles simultaneously prepared under one fire! Kuya Bruce also showed how to make utensils out of what else but bamboo.
Then presentation went on with some of the animals that may be encountered in a jungle. Winged creatures like owl, bats, and eagle were featured with reptile, cat, dog and some mice.
If there’s one important thing that I, Tina, Gabby and the rest of the kids, parents and other guests should always remember from Ocean Adventure trip, it’s the thought “LET’S MAKE EVERYDAY, EARTH DAY!”
We left Subic at around 2PM and headed to Clark, Pampanga…
To be continued…
we had some Chinese eats where else but in…
Did you notice the first letter N in the road sign? It’s been there since God knows when, but no one exerts effort to correct it. Was it done intentionally to draw attention? The little OC in me always kicks in whenever I see this in oNgpin, can someone enlighten me?
After my generous balikbayang-biyanan bought his Chinese medicine for arthritis (read : I have no idea what snake-bone-capsules can do to arthralgia or joint pains), we went straight to a food place to fill in our hungry tummies..
Upon seeing the first floor of the resto so packed because it was noon time, we headed to its second floor and occupied an 8-seater round table. After few minutes, our orders came…
We passed on dimsum and dumplings and opted for thick Chinese soup and that complimentary house tea.
CRAB MEAT and SWEET CORN THICK SOUP, PhP 220+ for regular, PhP 357+ for medium, PhP 600+ for large order. Since it was a lunch treat of my dad-in-law, I never had a chance to secure the receipt.
Our benefactor (a.k.a dad-in-law) asked the waiter if they’re using artificial crab sticks or the real thing in their crab meat soup, and the waiter was honest enough to reply it’s really crab meat; thus the order. As expected, it was satisfying! I always love Chinese soup for its consistency more than taste.
Next to arrive on our table…
FRIED HOFAN with BEEF and SOY SAUCE. This reminds me of Little Asia’s version (along Tomas Morato) but this resto’s hofan is oilier than the others. Although I have to admit I like the satay flavor of the entire dish! And did I tell you that the beef strips are sooo tender and yummy?
Then came…stuffed CHEF’S SPECIALTIES!
TOFU (left). I’m not sure who among us ordered this, but it’s absolutely delicious! ’twas so sublime with a surprise stuffing of mushroom and I think pork bits.
According to my in-law, there’s a resto in California that only serves dishes made of tofu! Can imagine how versatile and healthy this soya is? FYI, if post-operative patients have no renal problems (read :BUN, Crea, Ammonia levels =normal), we recommend soya, tofu, taho intake to enhance wound healing other than vitamin C and Zinc (oops, am I too medical now?)
FRIED SEAFOOD ROLL (right). My wife, Tina ordered these rolls. They’re crunchy outside with stuffing of bits of what esle but seafoods and some carrots in thin mayo somewhat like a seafood salad inside. I like it but would not order on our next visit just to try other dishes for it’s not the plate you’ll crave for over and over.
Gabby had a glass of iced tea and three of us had black gulaman, bottomless.
No one among us was interested in yang chow or other fried rice last weekend so we only had few cups of plain rice (honestly, i only had half a cup) with our last plate…
MANDARIN CHICKEN. It’s similar to Lemon Chicken but pineapples and oranges with sesame seeds were used instead of lemons to glaze the crispy coated chicken.
I know President along Onpin Street itself, is far better than President Tea House located in Salazar Street, Binondo but the latter is more affordable which offers casual dining while the former has the finest of everything. We may have dined at the cheaper resto nevertheless, it was indeed one beautiful Saturday lunch with the family!
Have you tried President and/or President Tea House in Ongpin ?
Have you tasted BINONDO in MAKATI ?
I’ll try to bring my family soon to WAI YING, which I heard is also c0-owned by the people behind President.
Do you know that the year of the TIGER will officially usher on Valentine’s Day that falls on a Sunday?
Kita-kitz sa Ongpin and dare to wear red on V-day to CHASE THOSE DRAGONS once more ?
Let’s see.
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PS : You may click the last photo on the right to make it bigger and view 2 beggars with kids following my balikbayang-biyanan in green asking for some coins. Ugh! When can we be more than third world ?
Last Friday, Tina, Gabby and I heard mass with my brother, JC at Christ the King Church in E.Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City. Then in time for lunch, we met up with my other brother, who’s a private pilot, with his family at our paternal grandmother’s place in Calumpang, Marikina City. It has been a tradition in our family, perhaps like yours, to visit relatives whenever possible or, at least every Christmas.
Who would have thought that this old ancestral home was never spared by typhoon Ondoy’s wrath? The flood in that living room was chest-deep last September; the mud was unbearable. Luckily, it’s a 2-storey house that saved the lives of our Lola and our relatives during those times.
Like my aunt’s place in Pasig City and many others affected by that unforgettable natural disaster that hit Manila and most of Luzon, my Lola Tentay’s house, which was built of love of 12 children, 30+ apos and ‘apo sa tuhod’ was also made ready for the holidays despite what it went through.
We’re glad to see Lola Tentay, who can still finish a plate of rice and viand for lunch and to find her having a good appetite for a hamburger bun for snack was really awesome! Although she’s now forgetful like other geriatrics, she can manage to smile and perhaps recall our names when we remind her.
Tina took her pulse and BP and turned out fine for her age. Our entire clan here and across the globe are still happy to have her. Most of them from LA, and New Jersey in the US and Melbourne in Australia will come home next month as we celebrate our Lola’s 90th birthday.
Look how her great-great grandchildren smiled for the cam upon seeing her on Christmas. They’re not even a quarter of the total number of all her ‘apo sa tuhod’!
Those are my niece KC, nephew Joshua and our son, Gabby.
How did you spend your Christmas day this year?
Did you visit any of your relatives too ?
Aren’t you proud that we Pinoys keep our families in close-knit ?
How different was your Christmas dinner ?
The day before Christmas, Tina, Gabby and I went home again. We visited my parents’ place in Pasig City. Since we’re living in Quezon City for 3 or 4 years now, I certainly missed putting up our old Christmas tree. Its ornaments and decors, particularly the memories that come with each, are even older than our five-year-old son. Seeing it again made me miss more our late Lolo Meliton and Lola Idang, our maternal grandparents who have been happier for years now in God’s embrace. I miss them specially during occasions like this.
We also miss our mom who’s in UAE for work. She just can’t put down her job for a ton of reasons. My 3 brothers, our dad and I definitely felt her absence; spending our very first holiday (in my 33 years of existence) without her. We just settled with a phone call and a few webcam chats with her.
Tina, Gabby and I also went to my maternal aunt’s house in Karangalan Village, also in Pasig which was flooded by typhoon Ondoy last September. Thankfully, they’ve fully recovered without a trace of the incident.
Like our late Lola, our Ate Bunso (my mom’s one and only sister) would always packed her cooked yummies in microwavables for us to bring home and this year was no exception. We had her leche flan, gelatin and fruit salad as our ‘major’ loots. She also prepared Dinuguan and Menudo with pickles or what we call, Luto sa Pickles that Tina served for our dinner back home.
Unintentionally, Tina and I literally did not spend even an effort except for frying our ham for our Noche Buena this year. Since we got 2 sweet hams (1kg each of Purefoods Fiesta Ham and another kg of King Sue Ham), 2 bottles of red wine and a small quezo de bola which were all gifts to us by Tina’s employer and a Reverend-family friend, we decided to just buy 10 pieces of brick-oven-baked pandesal to celebrate our Lord’s birthday.
So while the rest of the world were eating in upscale restaurants or at home, enjoying their expensive Christmas feast, Tina, Gabby and I were all happy to have our own Noche Buena with only, believe it or not, PhP 50-cash-out, LOL!
Tina and I sipped a little of red wine, Gabby had his bottle of yakult! Solved!
We’re truly grateful for all the blessings – big and small.
How was your Noche Buena? I hope you had fun too.
Regardless of what you had on the spread, or wherever you spent it, I wish you have enjoyed it with your love ones and kept the meaning of Christmas in our hearts. Happy Holidays!
How far would you go for your child (or your love one) to stand out in a crowd ?
After I sourced the materials from where else but Ylaya Street in Divisoria, Manila amidst the traffic and thick volume of shoppers beating the holiday rush, my wife Tina began her part. She hand-sewn a Santa Claus’ hat from scratch.
Our 5-year-old son, Gabby attended his preschool’s Christmas Party in this hat, which was painstakingly-made with so much love by his mom. He and the rest of his batchmates joined an all-white-in-a-Santa-hat-themed party yesterday, 18 December 2009, 09-11AM in Shakey’s Pizza, Tomas Morato in Quezon City. It was the signal of the start of their 2-week-holiday break before their classes resume again come January 4th next year.
Can you spot our kid?
Tina and I didn’t want Gabby to just wear like what the others will be wearing so we exerted a little effort for our son’s look to be more “porma“ a bit edgy. Honestly, the lunatics in us were hoping that there’ll be an award a prize for the cutest attendee just like when Gabby won similar title during their school’s Halloween Party this year, but yesterday was none.
Actually, I brought the materials to a nearby seamstress and paid PhP 80 for labor of sewing but when I showed the hat to Tina, she was disappointed with how it was done (cliche “you get what you paid for” applies) and decided she’ll do it herself.
Before I went to Manila to buy red and white satin for Tina to use for the hat, we strolled Rustan’s and Crossing’s department stores inside Shangri la mall and bought his white cropped pants and some holiday trinkets which Tina had to accesorized Gabby’s look.
We got his Hotwheels sneakers from Landmark in TriNoma and made him wear a pair of knee-socks (remember local basketball player, Samboy Lim?) in red and white stripes and his cheap black bow tie all from SM department store. Glad to see his legs looked like candy canes of an elf! Can you imagine we spent more than a week going through malls in Mandaluyong and Quezon Cities to as far as Divisoria just for our son’s 2-hour-occasion?
While Gabby and his schoolmates were having fun with the games and tunes of Nobody and Jai-Ho ringing over our ears, my wife and I had 2 orders of Shakey’s Super Platter (passing on their Bunch of Lunch) which has a soup, a side salad, a piece of fried chicken, a pair of mojo potatoes, 2 slices of thick crust Hawaiian pizza and an oatmeal cookie for dessert. We had a pitcher of house iced tea to share. We were satiated over the brunch but we favor dishes from another pizza bistro place.
Gabby didn’t win in any of the games neither he bought home a prize except for a bar of VanHouten Fruit and Nut chocolate (yes, sugar load again!) but we’re happy to exposed him in an event made specially for kids of his age.
Can’t wait to join their educational field trip this January 15th and to attend their declamation contest on February (FYI : Gabby won 3rd place this year with his poem FOR MY COUNTRY out of 51 students). With our son’s activities, I feel I’m a kid again!
How was your pre-Christmas parties?
This is my 5th post in a series…
As I walked several meters away from Willy’s Rock at Boat Station 1 in Boracay; I left my wife, Tina and our 5-year-old son, Gabby shortly while they were busy playing on the powdery sand, I came across this exquisitely themed beach front restaurant and bar at the far end of the white beach on our second day in island last week.
With wooden tables and large cushioned couches in vibrant and attractive hues, I didn’t pass the chance to sneak in and inquired about their lunch and dinner.
At half hour past 9 in the morning, I found myself too early for KASBAH, an amazing Moroccan food place located at few meters from the shores of one of the greatest beaches in the globe.
The gemstone colors of tables and seats and Moroccan lamps all over the place are so fascinating that one may experience a slice of Northern Africa. With priceless ambiance and authentic interiors, I can only expect nothing but the best cuisine.
The moment I entered Kasbah, I asked a staff for their menu. I became interested with some tangine and couscous in a heart beat.
I was too early to spot Kasbah; I was told they usually open 11AM onwards. The chef and his staff were not yet around when I came.
I could have tasted Seafood Tagine and Saffron, Couscous Lamb Tagine and perhaps Baklava for dessert…
No worries…
No regrets…
There’s always a next time ..
Have you experienced Morocco in Boracay?
This is my 4th post in a series.
I felt I gained 10 pounds kilos after our brief family break in BORACAY last week. You can’t blame me, the island itself is an epicurean paradise; there are tons of gastronomic temptations…
Can you resist this?
COUPLE ICE, PhP 260. This is one of Red Bean Halowich’s refreshing delights. Thinly shaved ice available in 2 flavors- either milk or mango serves as the base. We chose mango ice.
Toppings include corn cereals and red mung beans and a ton of tropical fruits -slices of bananas, pineapples, mangoes, watermelons and cherries with a huge swirl of vanilla soft ice cream.
The moment we walked through D’mall in Boat Station 2 and saw Red Bean Halowich’s window display, we never had second thoughts of entering their airconditioned restaurant to try their iced sweet treats. We only ordered that big bowl and a glass of iced tea for Gabby. Couple Ice, second to their biggest serving, is huge enough to be shared by 2 to 3 people. The bowl reminds me of Red Mango’s, except that Halowich’s is more enormous in size and contains ice, not frozen yogurt. Nevertheless, we love it. Ask my family.
While Halowich offers the best alternative to the famous Pinoy Halo-Halo, ARIA for us (my wife Tina, our son Gabby and I) is another must-try restaurant in the island. A vibrant and relaxing vacation in Boracay is never complete without tasting the best pizza and best pasta from ARIA CUCINA ITALIA.
The fast and friendly wait staff who attended to our table told me that Aria is owned by an American restaurateur with some foreign partners; they also co-own Cafe del Sol, a coffee shop beside Aria and a Japanese restaurant located in the middle of D’Mall.
This was my plate from Aria…
Gabby was asking for pizza on our second day at the beach. As we try not to eat anything that can also be found in malls and Italian restaurants and fastfoods in Manila, we sat in Aria and gave in to our son’s request. We ordered…
QUATTRO FORMAGGI, PhP 475 +. It’s hard to overlook Aria’s finest woodfire oven-baked pizzas. Aria’s version of four-cheeses pizza is light yet satisfying and flavorful. The amazingly delicious crust is topped with four different cheeses : pecorino, feta, parmesan and mozzarella. Gabby had his smile up to his ears when the pizza arrived at our table.
BOSCAIOLA, PhP 370+. A creamy sauce of mushroom, ham and parmesan cheese on pasta of your choice. We had the white sauce on penne. Wow, sarap!
There are many choices in Aria’s menu that are worth a try. There are insalata or salads, meat dishes, antipasti and other flavors of pizza and variants of pasta. Did I tell you already that Aria has wine selection too ?
What to have for dinner in Boracay ?
A few meters from the shore, as dusk comes to the island, beach front restaurants transform the coast line into a seafood and meat buffet, al fresco dining.
What’s a BORACAY VACATION without sampling the freshest catch from the sea? The spreads, which include fruits and some desserts, mostly cost PhP 250 per pax nett, excluded of drinks. While the price of the buffet is so affordable, would you believe that a 1.5 liters of Coke regular costs PhP 140 (regular Manila price around PhP 37 to 40 only). But heck, we have to try the seafood buffet here even for a night.
On my plate… 
On Tina’s…
The gluttons in us had two rounds of the spread and a plate of watermelons and few servings of maja blanca and other kakanin and that’s it. Yes, the crustaceans are fresh; there were garlic and boiled rice even some pasta and fish dishes include Lapu-lapu and Tuna; there were grilled pork liempo and fried chicken too; there were adobong pusit (squid), crabs, baked oysters and mussels and shrimps which I like the most but sorry there were the usual “lutong-bahay” taste. In simplest terms, there’s nothing special about the buffet we had.
My wife and I have this ordinary rule of thumb when dining out : we try to eat something reasonably priced, that can’t be prepared easily; something gourmet, or unusually present at our table at home. And even though we’re satiated after that seashore pig-out, I still felt a bit disappointed. Perhaps, I was expecting more from the spread. At any rate, try it as well, you might like it. As what I usually post here, ‘to each his own’.
What’s best with our eat-all-you-want- dining in Boracay or elsewhere (including hotels in the Metro), our 5-year-old son still eats for FREE Although he only ate soup and few servings of fruits, we’re still happy that we didn’t pay a cent for his plate.
Another must-try in Boracay is LEMON i CAFE located at the heart of D’Mall in Boat Station 2. This resto boasts of all-day-breakfast ala carte menu, delicious entrees and of course, desserts.
On the afternoon of our first day in Boracay, Gabby was looking for McDonald’s or Jollibee for his favorite staples. To no avail, I and his mom asked him of other food he wanted to chow down. Thankfully, he pointed to a cake on a glass window display from Lemon i Cafe.
TIRAMISU, PhP 120+. This is one of the best Tiramisu I’ve tasted, hands down. Gabby’s picky palate likes it too.
For most travelers like us whose budget isn’t sky’s the limit, finding affordable food places that offer combo-meal that also doesn’t disappoint is so comforting.
D’Mall also has ANDOK’S that offers budget-friendly meals like… 
PORK SINIGANG, PhP 69. Andok’s big bowl of sour soup of pork and veggies is surprisingly delicious! The string beans, kangkong and tomatoes are fresh. FYI, we haven’t had anything from Andok’s in Manila other than its grilled chicken + gravy + atchara or pickled papaya. Now, we know that there’s more of it than lechong manok.
SIZZLING SISIG, PhP 145. Lipid-rich Sizzling Pork Sisig is one of Pinoy food favorites. Since we don’t eat it on a daily basis, I guess having it on a plate during a (self-declared) holiday is logical enough (*defensive*). Tina and I like this, malinamnam! (tasteful, compared to other restos’).
We also sampled Andok’s PORK BARBECUE, PhP 22 per stick and Gabby was delighted with Andok’s LECHE FLAN, PhP 34.
And I almost forgot, our brief stay in the Boracay was made special each morning with FREE breakfast inclusive of the package we availed from ESCONDIDO BEACH RESORT. A plate of toasts, fried egg, butter and strawberry marmalade plus a cup of coffee is quite simple but good enough to start our days in the island. 
When you have a chance (again) to be in one of the world’s best beaches, take your vacation to the fullest by defining your digestive pleasure. If without dietary or health restrictions, go ahead, by all means, INDULGE!
Up next : More Boracay posts…
I know it’s off season.
But we all need a break.
Our son is excited.
And so are we.
It will be his first domestic plane ride.
It will be his first travel to the beach.
It will be our first time to be there.
Weather, please behave.
You’ve been furious lately.
We had enough.
Give us a little time to relax.
Can’t wait for Sunday
One day, my family and I were enjoying brunch at a luxurious hotel in Makati; the next day we found ourselves having another extraordinary breakfast in a rustic quaint comfort food place in Marikina City. Regardless of the place we’re at, the important thing is we’re having family fun, fun, fun
I was surprised when my wife, Tina agreed to my suggestion that we’ve to try PAN de AMERIKANA for breakfast. Even it would take us approximately 20 to 30 minutes less traffic to get to its location at Concepcion, Marikina City from our place in Quezon City, we wouldn’t care less. After seeing it on a local morning TV show and learning that it’s owned by the same family who runs the school I attended during my High School (OLOPSC), the more I became interested to try its 1950s wheat pandesal and other affordable yummies.
With empty stomachs, we hit the roads to Marikina and reached Pan Amerikana around 10AM. Pan de Amerikana greeted us with its facade…
Where in the metro could you see a wooden windmill? LOL, only in Marikina! It’s really interesting!
The place isn’t only a bakery but an all-day restaurant as well. It has lots of fascinating things that may amuse you while you dine or simply can provide you a venue to kill time by playing chess on tables or on the ground, literally.
There’s this giant chess set much to delight local tourists like us especially the kids. It was a bigger chess set than the ones we saw in Island Cove Resort in Cavite early this year. Gabby was really excited to get hold of those black and white pawns.
At the counter, there are lots of regular-sized chess sets that diners can borrow for FREE after presenting a valid ID.
Do you play chess? Shame on me, I don’t, LOL. So when Gabby asked me to play with him, I thought we can just delay it until the day we both learn the game, LOL For that moment, we just had it as props for photo-ops! hehehe
Pan de Amerikana boasts of not only chess sets but a distinctly Filipino ambiance…There’s an overload of arts and culture that is truly Pinoy! Look at the kalesa parked near those bikes and a woven rattan hammock that’s so inviting.
Then there’s this antique grinder of something which led me clueless, if it’s a coconut grinder or an ice crusher. Can you please identify ? I found this collectible old piece few steps next to Popeye!
There’s also that miniature pugon or brick-oven to depict where the famous pandesal are baked.
The dining area has laid back atmosphere. It’s only provided with large units of electric fans, at times, it can become humid; the entire area is roofed so everyone is safe from inevitable downpour. There’s also a place where dripping water serves as fountain…
And did I mention already that the entire food place offers FREE WI-FI ACCESS? A lot of people across ages came in with their laptops and chargers doing school or perhaps office stuffs while having brunch.
As I went to the counter to order and pay for my food, I saw these striking things that can stimulate one’s interest : A tiny set of dining table and a small billboard with schedule of activities offered by Pan de Amerikana.
So did we try those 1950′s wheat Pandesal ? Of course!
PAN de AMERIKANA’S WHEAT PANDESAL, PhP 5.50 each. It’s humongous! So rich and fibrous, very filling. We took them home as our afternoon snack.
PAN AMERIKANO (mega-sized pandesal) gained its popularity when the Americans arrived during the 1940′s. It looks like a giant baguette that was processed like the pandesal. It was during the 1960′s that it suddenly disappeared and was replaced with rectangular loaves. Then came the famous Nutri Bun (monay shaped bread -3 -5 times the size of the pandesal), which was a hit during the 1970′s.
More than that Harley Davidson on display and FOR SALE and the other things we saw at Pan de Amerikana, the one that really caught my attention was this wooden posting in front of the big bike and a concrete bridge; figure out why….
Although this restaurant observes self-service policy, there are wait staff who will bring your tray to your tables; so we were handed a customer-number that was creatively Pinoy!
We also tried their pandesal with chicken and sardines, at PhP 25 each. Tina had the SARDINES PANDESAL, I had the CHICKEN PANDESAL; equally must-try!
Gabby wanted ARROZ CALDO with EGG, PhP 28 and a cup of HOT CHOCOLATE, PhP 25…
The arrozcaldo was good, but Gabby failed to finish it.
Before going to this place, I’ve heard that two of its specialties are WAKNATOY, PhP 35/order; a dish similar to menudo and EVERLASTING, PhP 35/order; which is I’m more familiar with. Everlasting is Marikina’s own. I grew up with that dish made of grounded pork with green peas, some hotdogs, boiled egg and carrots for garnishing; similar to embotido but steamed in an aluminum container. My relatives in Calumpang, Marikina and my late Lola used to cooked the best Everlasting, even better than that of Pan de Amerikana which was a bit soggy and has a bit poor consistency. Nevertheless, their version satisfied my craving for Everlasting!
The servings of each dish were good enough for a diner with regular appetite. And I must say the prices were very budget-friendly. After feasting on my pandesal, I dunked my spoon and fork at Waknatoy and Everlasting and sipped brewed coffee, PhP 15/ cup, in between.
Tina ’s breakfast choice other than Sardines Pandesal was DAING NA BANGUS MEAL, PhP 48.
She enjoyed that boneless dried milkfish with vinegar. Perfect meal to start a day!
There were also desserts like Halo-Halo, Saba con yelo and others but we’re just so full to try those sweets.
With Pan de Amerikana’s homey ambiance, friendly service, free-wi-fi access, and to top it all – most affordable food, Tina and I envied the people living within the area. After rising from their beds or coming home from schools or offices, they can just go straight to Pan de Amerikana and savor that family-friendly bonding moments.
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PAN de AMERIKANA, 92 Ordoñez St., Corner Maroon Concepcion Dos (near World of Butterflies) Marikina City/ Tel # (63-2) 934-0667 and 475-2398. Branch : 118 Katipunan Ave., White Plains, Quezon City.
September 20, 2009 - Two days after my 33rd birthday, my wife, Tina gave me her present : a confirmed reservation for the two of us, with our son, Gabby who eats for FREE at Dusit Thani’s Family Sunday Brunch Buffet! It was our second time to experience such gastronomic adventure in 4 different themed restaurants of Dusit : Benjarong – Thai; Basix -Asian-Continental; Tosca-Italian; Umu -Japanese; Our first dining experience of such epic proportions at Dusit was only last March and can be viewed here; it was such a blast, we had so much fun!
After I have donated blood last Thursday at St. Luke’s Medical Center, as my humble charity work for my birthday, and revisited Bellini’s with my family on the day when I turned a year older, this buffet brunch is more than enough. For the moment, life cannot be better than this!
We both love Dusit; it’ll be forever memorable for the 2 of us, because 2 sections of its ballroom served as our wedding reception venue more than five years ago. And the brunch we had six months back was so remarkable that we promised ourselves that we’ll try and explore other dishes some time. We even spread the word about this Family Brunch Buffet to our colleagues and friends.
We arrived at the hotel lobby at 11AM exactly half an hour before buffet starts. After paying PhP 1450 nett per pax, the friendly staff gave our wrist bands that rendered access to those 4 fantastic restaurants in Dusit Thani. We also got a chance to roam around the Japanese garden opposite Umu while waiting…
We like those kois on the pond and that man-made waterfalls…
We shot photos of Gabby at every ‘road signs’ heading to those 4 restos which he enjoyed so much!
Though she likes Basix, my wifey chose to reserved a table for 3 at Umu for she knows that I like the ambiance of that Japanese restaurant; not to disregard the fact that I’m excited to eat Umu’s teppanyaki again!
Who can resist the beauty of Umu?
Its contemporary Japanese interiors is so inviting. With those wooden tablets in black with gold Japanese characters, and a sushi-sashimi station at the center, and a classy atmosphere, everyone is easily drawn to its charm.
After being ushered to our table by a purple-Kimono clad staff, Tina and Gabby went to Basix to get some yummies, while I walked straight to an area in Umu to get some of these…
At the Teppanyaki section, you have the freedom to choose the ingredients you’d like the chef to grill for you at his teppan – from the freshest beef cubes which I skipped; to thinly sliced veggies, bean sprouts, mushrooms, shelled tiger prawns, pink salmon and lapu-lapu…A dash of salt and pepper and other Oriental seasoning and oil, voila!
My teppanyaki plate from Umu is always a personal favorite! I just love how those fresh seafoods are grilled to perfection!
I also got goodies that were deeply fried upon request : prawn and bacon which was sooo good! and ham and cheese, eggplant on sticks.
I didn’t pass the chance to try another favorite from Umu : SUKIYAKI Look how those bowls of very tender marbled beef and stock with veggies and soft tofu are prepared…
The glass noodles were soft and thick; the soup itself was never too sweet, neither too salty… Sarap!
Unlike Sukiyaki from other Japanese restos, Umu’s version doesn’t disappoint because of its almost fatless beef. Isn’t it obvious that I really like Umu? LOL
Other delectable must-try are : (from left to right) Tamago rolls, Ika Karaage, Salad, Cold Soba…
What’s a Japanese restaurant without sushi and sashimi ?
On way to Basix, there’s a lady dressed as Thailander who played the string instrument, Khim.
Basix has this relaxed and cool ambiance…
Tina and Gabby brought to our table at Umu this plate from Basix…
I was informed by the chef at Umu’s Teppanyaki section that Ebi Tempura’s cooking was transferred to Basix. Because it’s one of Gabby’s favorites, Tina got him generous servings of those battered shrimps. It’s not the best tempura we’ve tasted but nonetheless, OK. The mussels from Basix were bordering from tasteful to bland; still we favor Circles Events Cafe of Makati Shangri la when it comes to New Zealand Mussels.
When I went to Basix, I got a slice of Roast Beef and 2 wrapped rolls of Peking Duck. Peking Duck tasted fine, but I wish they can improve the Roast Beef’s mushroom gravy into a thicker consistency and making it more flavorful.
There are tons of choices to choose from the spread at Basix; the buffet duration of 11:30 AM to 3PM is just not enough! Too many food, so little time, LOL
What makes Dusit Thani’s Sunday Family Crossover Brunch creatively unique compared to other Live-cooking / open-kitchen buffets in other hotels is that diners in Dusit can burn calories immediately after munching. How? One has to walk from the base-station of choice (for us :Umu!) to the other 3 themed restos. I view it as Dusit’s advantage rather than its opposite. Diners may take the grand winding stairs, or on our case, who were tooooo lazy to walk, take the lifts to go to the mezzanine where Benjarong and Tosca are located. At the lobby, there are interesting characters to cheer up kids and the kid-at-hearts – just like this smiley stilt-walker who’s always ready for a photo-op :D
Being a Thai hotel in Manila, it’s not surprising that Dusit Thani’s Benjarong boasts of ambiance that’s so elegant and enticing to the senses. The entrance to Benjarong has a wall adorned with ceramics that will lead you to the main dining area.
But, I guess my palate isn’t partial to Thai dishes, whether mild, or super spicy. I only like their desserts.
YAM SOM O : Pomelo Salad, and YAM PLA DOOK FOO : Crispy Fried Catfish with Green Mango Salad
YAM SAI KRAWK BACON THOD : Spicy Bacon Wrapped Sausage
MEE KROB KRATHONG : Sweet and Sour Crispy Vermicelli in Pastry Cup.
My Thai plate had a bit of everything…
I like those Thai sweet treats with coconut milk and glutinous rice…
KHANOM TAKO : Sweet Water Chestnut and Coconut Cream in Pandan Cup -> sarap!
KHANOM SOD SAI : Stuffed Glutinous Flour Ball with Grated Coconut and Sugar -> yum!
KHAO NIAO MAMUANG : Ripe Mango with Sticky Rice -> I love mangoes; i like rice! Tasted like bico.
Let’s leave Benjarong and allow me to take you to TOSCA, the Italian Restaurant of Dusit Thani in Makati…
Tosca is noted for its sophistication and class… the atmosphere is made subdued and comfy by a musician who plays the piano while diners enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine…
FREE FLOWING ITALIAN SPARKLING WINES, anyone ? This is another edge of Dusit Thani’s buffet. In other hotels, rates do not include beverages, but in Dusit, you can enjoy Italian wine flavored with either Dalandan or Raspberry to your hearts content! Other drinks available are Lemongrass Juice from Benjarong, Iced Green Tea from Umu, Dalandan and Raspberry Juices from Basix all in bottomless servings! Plus the staffs are always ready with smiles, which I most like!
There are wide array of food to be cooked and prepared upon request, from pasta to pizza, to salads and more.
I so wish our stomachs are bottomless too, LOL We can only eat as much.
I asked one of the chefs in Tosca to prepare me a personal-sized pizza. As he began to knead the dough I requested all toppings available except for olives. Tina and I aren’t fanatics of olives. He politely told me to return after 5 minutes as he bakes my pizza. It was delicious; the bread alone can stand sans toppings! As I enjoyed the pizza freshly made from Tosca, I failed to savor other Italian dishes like that Turkey Breast Stuffed with raisins and sage on roasted tomato cream (photo beside pizza); it looks delicious as well.
One rule that Tina and I have learned from buffets : MAKE ROOM FOR DESSERTS !
After my wife entrusted Gabby to the very accomodating staffs of KIDS’ STATION at the lobby, Tina and I became so busy with desserts… (Gabby opted to play and watch his favorite cartoons, Spongebob rather than stuffed his tummy like his parents, LOL). We had ice cream from Tosca, as we look upon Gabby.
DESSERTS from TOSCA : DIVINE!
DESSERTS from BASIX : SUBLIME!
Care for some D-I-Y HALO-HALO or CHOCOLATE FONDUE that tastes like Hershey’s?
While Gabby became occupied with having his face painted for FREE, Tina and I sat at Basix and had blueberry and mango crepes! I had mine topped with almond flakes.
BENJARONG SWEETS : EXQUISITE…
DESSERTS from UMU : TOOTHSOME…
Half hour before 3PM, we took time to photograph Gabby with the friendly balloon-maker and the man on stilts…
It was another memorable fun day with my family. What a way to welcome my 33rd year! The buffet was only icing on the cake; I am so grateful to our good Lord for my family’s health and safety. I am just thankful for having Tina and Gabby!
We love Dusit Thani’s Sunday Family Crossover Brunch!
Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati City/Tel (63-2) 867-3333 Every Sunday 11:30 AM to 3:00PM/ PhP 1450 nett for adults/PhP 725 nett for children 6 to 12 years old.
Our munch plan for my birthday :
Friday late afternoon snack/early dinner + Sunday hotel buffet = family bonding
This is the first of two celebrations I had with my wife, Tina and our son, Gabby…
It took us seven months before we revisited this quaint Italian restaurant tucked in the low-key area of Cubao (our first can be viewed here ). I like its interiors and ambiance more than their food. OK, their menu may be authentic, as the owners are a former paparazzo who married a Filipina; but I guess my palate has been biased with other restaurants that serve similar cuisine. Nevertheless, I always find BELLINI’s pleasing…
These aren’t paintings on the walls but murals on the ceilings.
Check out how enticing the interiors is…
Bellini’s, owned by Roberto and Ma. Luisa Bellini, has been a location of a local movie because of its romantic appeal…
It’s like a small piece of Italy in the heart of Marikina Shoe Expo in Cubao, Quezon City…
Bellini’s delightful atmosphere is artistically beautiful but I just wish the service will be friendlier. The two wait staffs who attended to us were discreet and courteous; but smiles were inapparent. I like food servers who always flash their best smiles while at work. For me, smiles mean that they love and enjoy what they do. It lessens my appetite if the servers are apathetic.
I always expect waiters and waitresses to be acquainted with the menu. I usually ask something like the serving size and the restaurant’s bestsellers; and I admire staffs who are familiar with the food they serve. Yesterday was not my lucky day at Bellini’s; for the querries I addressed to our waitress were all thrown to her colleague.
I ordered one of my favorite breads, focaccia; even asked the waitress the dip that comes with it, but got no reply from her but from other waiter. And when I checked the bill before paying, the focaccia bread was charged but it wasn’t served. To be fair, I’d say the waiter was apologetic and did the necessary changes on our bill; but there’s no room for mistakes to render remarkable dining experience.
Poor me, I just thought that the waitress was new and still untrained, and I just swallowed my temper and remembered that it’s my birthday.
Enough, and on with the food…
BREADSTICKS, Complimentary House Iced tea, PhP 50+; it tasted like Peach flavored Sola Iced tea, not bad for me; i love peach!
Last February, we ordered a pasta that won our hearts, so we had another plate for my birthday!
BUCATINI AMATRICIANA, PhP 250+ (bacon, tomato and onion sauce).
We love its thick strands of pasta and its simplicity made it so tasteful.
What’s an Italian dining without pizza?
QUATTRO FORMAGGI, PhP 250+ (mozzarrella plus 3 different kinds of cheese; tomato based).
All of Bellini’s pizzas are mozzarrella and tomato based. We had Bellini’s special pizza seven months ago. It was fine combination of most toppings in super thin crust.
Yesterday, we chose this 4-cheese-pizza because we considered our son’s preference. He doesn’t like any toppings on his pizza but cheese. We all liked its flavorful thin crust; but we all thought that Amici’s version is far better.
POLLO ALLA DIAVOLA , 1/2 PhP 280+(grilled chicken breast with herbs and chili).
I ordered this grilled chicken breast with herbs and chili just to taste how different it is from other chicken recipes I’ve sampled from other restos. I like its well-marinated meat that was so tender that once you dunk your fork into it, it easily shreds off from its bones. I like it but not to point it’ll become my favorite. Unfortunately, my wife gave this dish her thumbs down. She was probably not in the mood for some spice.
TIRAMISU : GELATO CAKE, PhP 170+
Gabby immediately recognized that it’s a combined mocha and coffee ice cream cake. For a barely five-year-older, we’re proud to raise Gabby as a food enthusiast too (with the hope that he’ll pursue his early dreams of becoming a chef one day). But to my wife Tina, this gelato cake is a dissapointment; not of its taste, but of its price. I have to agree with her that it’s pricey for its serving. C’mmon, with its price more expensive than a pint of ice cream, the cost is just too steep! Look how fancy the layers are but its tiny size of slightly bigger than a teaspoon drowned all its glory…
Although we’re full after that meal, I felt something’s missing. I never experienced the excitement of dining I had during our first visit. Perhaps because of the gloomy weather, or can I attribute it to the service and some dishes that can still be improved?
Anyway, there’s still tomorrow for another day of gastronomic adventure.
Abangan!
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Bellini’s Italian Fast Food and Restaurant / Stall 68-69 Marikina Shoe Expo, Gen. Romulo Ave., Cubao, Quezon City/Tel #s (63-2) 913-2550.
My wife, Tina our son, Gabby and I have made grocery shopping once a week a part of our family bonding. We like buying our stuffs from toiletries to laundry and kitchen supplies including bottled and canned goods, fresh meat, poultry and fish from huge stores like Landmark in TriNoma, Shopwise and Rustan’s and SM Supermarket in Araneta Center all in Quezon City. As simple as it is, we really enjoy pushing carts from shelf to shelf getting our weekly needs from our favorite groceries. Convenience spells the difference between a wet and dry public market and airconditioned, mud-and-insect-free supermarkets. Sure you can’t haggle with vendors unlike in the market, but there are a lot of bargains and items on sale in groceries too.
On a budget, this was our cart with four bags of goodies this Wednesday afternoon…
I’m not sure when did SM supermarket start this eco-friendly idea of avoiding the use of plastic bags every Wednesdays but I definitely appreciate it. Even on a once- a-week scheme, everyone is encourage to bring their green bags available at SM for PhP 35 buy-one-take-one. Each bag has printed tag line of “Save a Bag. Save the World.” It also entitles the bearer of SM Advantage (rewards) card to earn 2 points every shopping with those reusable bags. Otherwise, any customer who’ll deny its use, he/she has an option to carry his/her grocery items on carton boxes and paper bags similar to what is being practiced abroad for the longest time.
Other than those green bags from SM, we also have canvass grocery bags from Shopwise which can also be use at all Rustan’s branches.
At work, I never forget to bring my Starbucks tumbler to fill & refill it with water and I avoid using plastic cups which are not biodegradable when crushed, or will take years to decay at least.
Our little cooperation as a family to use these reusable tumblers and grocery bags and segregating garbage will contribute a lot in prolonging the life of our one and only planet. Imagine if all families in all cities within the country will learn to practice this, there will still be trees and fresh air that our children’s childern can enjoy in perpetuity.
Recycle, reduce, reuse. Be environment friendly!
Guess what type of food we had for dinner on a lazy Monday-holiday…
After a brief phone conversation in the morning and few text messages until afternoon, I, my wife Tina and our son Gabby were invited by our good friend of 16 years and counting, Rob to a dinner in one of the restaurants at the Atrium of SM Megamall. He’ll depart again to middle of nowhere by the end of the week after his official days off so he had to see us and feed us; LOL, before he bids temporary good bye for another 3 months of medical work that gives him his bucks.
Because our host doesn’t eat meat and practices Pescetarianism by choice, seafood and no-meat diet should be present on the menu every time we’re eating with him. WE ARE NOT COMPLAINING! We love seafood!!! But that night it was only him who had such craving, or was he? I know it’s unusual, but believe it or not, I wan’t craving for anything. I just went with the flow and trusted Rob’s preference.
Enough with the guessing game. I know I’m no good at that
OK, we had our first chow at THE KEBAB FACTORY. It’s our first time there but Mediterranean food is never new to our palates. I’m a fan of beef or chicken shawarma. There was an episode in the life of Gelo & Tina when we became so addicted to shawarma that we had it for almost a week as late afternoon snacks to the point that we got so umay or found it ‘sickening’. But after few weeks, we craved for it again, lol and had tasted so many varieties from food stalls on streets and groceries to high-end hotel restos like CIRCLES EVENTS CAFE at MAKATI SHANGRI LA where the chefs also serve such dishes to bakeshops like BreadTalk where they also sell Naan.
Going back to The Kebab Factory, it was almost empty of customers when we got there that late Monday afternoon but as our son’s ‘magnetic powers’ with diners worked again; as everywhere we eat he attracts more clients. With less than half hour, TKF was filled with hungry stomachs craving for something different.
Here’s a peek of what we had…
PAPADUM MASALA, PhP 65 +. Fried lentil wafers garnished with onions, tomatoes and coriander.
I ordered this appetizer. It’s marked as one of the bestsellers of TKF on their menu and the logic got into me after trying it. The wafers were thin but crispy and were perfectly served with dips of yogurt and hot sauce.
I wanted to compare Naan of Breadtalk and Circles with that of TKF so I aslo ordered its kind…
GARLIC BUTTER NAAN, PhP 65 + Traditional leavened Tandoor bread with garlic… Not bad either.
HYDERABAD CHICKEN BIRYANI, PhP 200 + The famous city known for its authentic chicken simmered in rice with the rich array of spices. Tina and I shared this dish and again, we can tell that this was satisfying.
I only remembered that I’ve watched an episode on Asian Food Network long ago, on how to prepare this Hyderabad Biryani when we got home. And now that I’ve tasted the dish, I can tell that it’s truly flavorful and perhaps next to paella which tops my list of rice dishes, I think given few more exposures, I can learn to love this too.
A visit to The Kebab Factory isn’t complete without trying one of their kebabs on skewers…
BEEF KEBAB, regular PhP 225+ / also available at 1 skewer for PhP 115 + Mouth watering minced beef kebabs cooked in a Tandoor oven. It was Tina who chose this and Beef Kebab doesn’t disappoint.
As for our pescetarian friend, here’s what he ordered that he genererously shared with us as well…
SAFFRON RICE, PhP 120+. Long grain rice cooked with butter with delicious aroma of saffron.
VEGGIE MEAT KEBAB, PhP 250. This plate got mixtures of flavors. There was a little bit of sourness we tasted which I guess, was part of its character.
PRAWN TANDOORI, PhP 480+. The plump shrimps had that lingual stimuli from those unfamiliar flavors that were fused in one dish. It’s neither spicy nor bland. The taste was good but far from standard and new to my tongue.
Except for the Persian lamps and nicely woven comfy chairs which are far from being eye-sores, the ambiance at The Kebab Factory is typical and casual. Entire staff was discreetly attentive, although constant smiles would help soar their service to the highest heavens. Food was served after 10 to 15 minutes after order which was good and the taste of what’s in the menu isn’t bad either.
Considering that our friend, Rob has been eating similar food at his work site, nevertheless, our tongues are still bias with our staples and with the few Italian, Continental and of course, Oriental. Although we found the food at The Kebab Factory as uniquely tasteful and a bit new to our senses, to nicely put it- I think it would probably take more gastronomic adventures partial to Mediterranean food before it tops our list.
Do you like Persian food?
The Kebab Factory, 2/F SM Megamall Atrium, Julia Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City.
We needed to go back to our place before lunch time to freshen up after we enjoyed our son’s preschool activity a couple of days ago. Then, we found ourselves in one of familiar restaurants that we learned to like love because of its nonintimidating, family-friendly, canteen-ambiance with delicious and reasonably-priced- but not-so-authentic Italian menu. It’s none other than AMICI and CARA MIA ! 
PENNE AL SALMONE AFFUMICATO, PhP 230+
This pasta plate is definitely a winner for us. My wife Tina, our son Gabby and I like its flavorful taste of smoked salmon that perfectly jived in unison with its creamy tomato based sauce. Its serving is enough to be shared by two.
AI QUATTRO FORMAGGI, PhP 290+
It was only our second time to order this Amici’s FOUR CHEESES pizza but it has grown in our palate. It’s our son’s favorite pizza! Sans toppings and all, it stands out! I like its thin crust made really crunchy and quickly served because of brick-oven baking and the sumptuous taste of combined cheeses is just irresistable.
A visit to Amici and Cara Mia would not be complete without those heaping scoops of gelato! As I’ve stated in my former post about this wonderful food place, the only difficult thing is to decide what to try- because everything is worth the drool, lol…
Other than Cara Mia’s wide variety of gelato flavors, they also offer gelato cakes!
Don’t they look so divine ?
After few minutes of looking at those delectable treats, we’ve finally selected our choices that noon…
Gabby had Cookies and Cream Gelato cup and I tried Caramel Nougat cup, at PhP 50+ each.
As if we’re not hyperglycemic yet, we dared ourselves and ordered more Cara Mia yummies…
Tina’s choice : SPUMONI SURPRISE, PhP 80 per slice. She liked it. A blend of chocolate and pistacchio with vanilla creaminess of that gelato cake.
As for me, I finished a bowl of this gelato cake in a few minutes, lol…
BANANA BLAST, slice PhP 80. Who says nothing can be enjoyed less than a hundred pesos? Presenting to you, the gelato cake that caught my discriminating gustatory sense. OK, I haven’t tasted them all, but for that moment, I think this one’s superb of its kind. If you like flavors and textures, this one’s perfect. With chilled strawberries and banana-based Italian ice cream mixed with another chocolatey flavored gelato -Banana blast is simply fantastic!
When we were just ready to go, the waiter asked Tina if she would gladly submit her palate to a free taste-test. Immediately after a nod, the waiter offered this…
PISTACCIOCCOLATO (Choco Pistachio cake). How can you resist such beauty? lol…
Her verdict based on APPEARANCE, SERVING SIZE, TASTE and TEXTURE/MOUTHFUL and my family’s smiles…
It has a canteen-ambiance because of combined wait-staff servings and self-service. I am not complaining. I look at it as Amici and Cara Mia’s positive appeal and edge from the others. Since one has to go to a corner with freezers of ice cubes and pitchers of water for you to bring to your table, after paying at the cashier counter upon order, I see no complexities but simplicity in dining. A similar experience we have in the comforts of our own homes.
AMICI PIZZA PASTA GELATO and CARA MIA GELATERIA, Bellagio Square, Tomas Morato corner Scout Fuentebella, Quezon City. Delivery (63-2) 818-4444.
The month of August in the Philippines is never complete without celebrating Quezon City and Quezon province day on the 21st and Linggo ng Wika in honor of one of our presidents, the late Pres. Manuel L. Quezon and the Filipino language. And most schools nationwide do have annual activities to propagate the use of our own language. (Isn’t it ironic that I’m posting about these festivities when in fact I’m blogging using the universal language? lol) The preschool of my son, Gabby is no exception.
Last year, Gabby looked like a Katipunero when he wore this…
This year, he was in his fighting form again for the parade and a performance on stage wearing this…
Their school opted to finish their quarterly exams first before having the event so it was delayed for a week and was scheduled this morning. My wife and I made sure that we attend this year’s together since she wasn’t able to fix her work schedule last year. My dad was ever present since his apo had started joining such extracurriculars.
The parade that was escorted by a mini band of drums started at around 8AM; it was a short walk from their preschool to the next street where the baranggay hall covered court is.
Look how parents prepared their kids for this…
I don’t have a sister, I grew up with 3 brothers. I am happy having a son now but of course my wife and I would like to have cute little chubby girl/s of our own soon someday Aren’t they too cute for their Filipiniana costumes?
My wife and I and Gabby’s lolo were all there to watch our son’s sing-and-dance performance on stage with his schoolmates. They danced in pairs to the tune of Ang Pipit.
They also sang the song Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika in chorus… Some of the groups of grade school students recited nationalistic poems in Filipino but the performance that was applauded the most was a dance number from older grade schoolers to the tune of Rico J. Puno’s Macho Guwapito….
Gabby could have been perfect for that song, don’t you think ?
Good job, Gabby!
After that morning activity, we trooped to Tomas Morato to munch on something that I’ll post next…
I don’t know about you but I love SUKIYAKI. I never missed to try having that warm broth everytime we eat Japanese. That sweet soyed stock that fused well with tender beef strips and some veggies, glass noodles and the softest tofu, served with a fresh egg is always a comfort food for me especially on a rainy cold weather. And Omakase’s sukiyaki, may not be the best in the Metro, but was still good to satisfy my craving for that soothing soup :D
I’ve read quite a number of posts about this Japanese restaurant in Intrepid Plaza, Libis, Quezon City called Omakase but it took months and for them to have another branch in Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato before we sampled some of its must-try goodies.
Omakase (お任せ?) is a Japanese phrase that means “It’s up to you” (from 任す, entrust).
The expression is used at sushi restaurants to leave the selection to the chef. It differs from ordering à la carte. The chef will generally present a series of plates, beginning with the lightest fare and proceeding to heaviest, richest dishes. The phrase is not exclusive to service of raw fish with rice, and can incorporate grilling and simmering as well.Customers ordering omakase style expect the chef to be innovative and surprising in the selection of dishes, and the meal can be likened to an artistic performance by the chef. Ordering omakase can be a gamble; however, the customer typically receives the highest quality fish the restaurant currently has in stock at a price cheaper than if it was ordered à la carte. From the restaurant’s perspective, a large number of customers ordering omakase can help in planning for food costs. —>SOURCE.
Last Saturday’s lunch was another new foodtrip experience for us. My wife Tina, our son Gabby and I went to Il Terrazo again, to try the much-talked about sushi from OMAKASE.
Isn’t that maki made of kani or crab meat, topped with fish roe or ebiko with sesame seeds and that so flavorful salmon skin just perfect ? It might not be an authentic Japanese maki or it’s only a delicious fusion of East-meets-West cuisine, but heck, it now officially reigns supreme on my list! sarap!
This is what they call JURASSIC MAKI, PhP 280+.
I was geared to order JCS : Jurassic, Crazy and Seabreeze Maki, a platter of combination of 3 specialties from Omakase but my queen begged off. Tina thought that we might not finish everything on that monstrous servings and having sushi as to-go would not be a good idea as sushi and sashimi are ideally eaten fresh immediately once served. So I obediently reserved the other makis to our furture visits.
How can you resist those salmon skins on that Jurassic maki? 
To make it even more tasty, a plate of Omakase’s Jurassic maki is served with a thick sauce similar to soy sauce & mayonnaise consistency, but I am guessing it’s more than those two ingredients. Sans this sauce, Jurassic maki is still superb. 
And there’s my favorite SUKIYAKI, PhP 250+. The best Sukiyaki I’ve tasted was from UMU at DUSIT THANI’s FAMILY SUNDAY BRUNCH but as I’ve stated, Omakase’s version does not disappoint.
Our 4-year-old son Gabby was excited to add in the fresh egg to the medium-sized bowl of that warm Sukiyaki. He really dreams of becoming a chef one day, lol.
Gabby enjoyed 7 out of 10 pieces of these KANI TEMPURA, PhP 145+
I asked my wife is she wanted to try the rice bowl toppings of Omakase or the other entrees from the menu, but she decided to eat light (believe me, this was one of our lightest meals, lol) that day and settled for SEAFOOD DUMPLINGS, PhP 250+.
The SEAFOOD DUMPLINGS are also a must-try from Omakase. It’s a combination of fish and other calcium and iodine-rich ingredients wrapped in nori deep-fried to its crispiest. Its sauce is different from that of takoyaki we sampled from Hana at Little Tokyo and from food stalls everywhere. 
It was indeed another satiating and heart warming food trip!
OMAKASE JAPANESE CUISINE, UG Il Terrazzo, Sct Madrinan, corner Tomas Morato.
Believe me, it wasn’t intentional. We did not plan to eat pig-out at a Pinoy restaurant on a holiday in honor of Ninoy Aquino’s assassination some 26 years back. But it was not that bad after all.
It has been half a decade since we last dined at one of Cabalen’s branches in a mall. I admit that my parents are the ones who prefer it just as they like other food places that offer Filipino cuisine. I and my wife are not fond of going out just to eat the same food that we have at our own dining table at home. In short, we’re not fan of home-style cooking, sorry. But I have high regard with those establishments that made efforts in putting Filipino cuisine upfront. My wife and I with our friends enjoy CLASSIC CUISINE PHILIPPINES or C2 and CHEF LAUDICO’S BISTRO FILIPINO. Both of these restos offer Pinoy food as gourmet and with nice twists and taste. And did I tell you that CAFE ADRIATICO’s Lola Ising’s adobo and Lolo’s pancit canton binondo are to-die for?
We could have eaten our brunch last Friday, August 21 at a pizza and pasta resto, or a fastfood perhaps, but for no particular reason, our feet were drawn to Cabalen’s all-day-buffet and there was no regret.
My starters were a bowl of beef stock with corn, fried crispy kangkong with mayo dip, some mango and tomato salsa with bagoong and a slice of red salted egg, some onion rings and pork and tofu a.k.a. tokwa’t baboy…
Not bad actually. Even in Kamayan whenever we dine at Dad’s Ultimate Buffet that includes Saisaki and, yes, Kamayan, I do not miss to munch on those cripsy kangkong. I also liked Cabalen’s mango-tomato-bagoong salsa. The green mangoes were chopped to bits, which for me was the best rather than having unriped mangoes in chunks.
One of the Pinoy dishes I cannot resist is Kare-kare or stewed beef in peanut sauce with bagoong (again). I like the peanut buttery sauce and the VEGGIES : string beans and egg plants, cooked with ox tripe and ox tail …- Good Heavens, I am salivating now as I write this!
My second plate had Pampanga’s bests — from tocino ( I hope they don’t use salt peter), longganisa and atchara or pickled papaya. I had Kare-kare too, and of course garlic rice. I like the distinct taste of Cabalen’s longganisa, it’s so flavorful. Isn’t it obvious that I like local version of sausages? lol. From Vigan’s to Lucban’s, I like garlicky longganisa paired with tomato salsa! Man, I can eat it any time of the day!
My wife’s plate had similar dishes from Cabalen’s buffet spread except she sampled their fried chicken which I avoided for I had eaten too many of them over the past weeks.
For our desserts, Gabby, Tina and I tried Cabalen’s guinataan and halo-halo. What I like about the minimal dessert spread was the presence of a huge bottle of coconut milk or kakang-gata. It’s actually an ingredient of guinumis – local cold sweet treat of crushed ice with coco milk, gulaman and pininig or rice crispies. You can also make your own guinumis from the spread at Cabalen.
Tina suggested we put coconut milk over halo-halo instead of the usual evaporated milk. As an obedient husband and a food enthusiast, I surrendered to her craving. She was right; halo halo’s better with coco milk as we enjoyed it! We just added syrup to taste.
The guinataan was also great with those strips of jackfruit and sweetened bananas and generous amounts of small balls of tapioca. 
Everything tasted OK except for the red gulaman of the halo-halo. It tasted like soap suds for goodness sake! I immediately called the attention of the waited and told him of our concern. He immediately responded by removing the square bowl of red gulaman from the spread and I noticed he reported the incident to his manager. We were in a hurry as we already paid our bills so we did not spend time bringing the matter to the manager. I appreciated the move of the wait staff.
We did not plan to eat at Cabalen, but nevertheless, we enjoyed it. What we intently did last holiday was honoring Ninoy and Cory’s ideations and contributions to Philippine democracy by simply wearing yellow that day.
Cabalen’s Eat All You Can P298 per adult; half price for kids; located at most malls in the Metro.
But wait! While I was getting my food from the spread, I noticed a distinctly Kapampangan dish that I learned from Kuya Kim Atienza’s report in TV Patrol World ( a local news ) that this was one of Ninoy Aquino’s favorites…
Do you eat KAMARO or cricket ? No offense to all Kapampangan, but I don’t. I call myself a food enthusiast but not a dare-devil and an adventurous as you are.
To each his own.
My family (referring to Tina & Gabby) and I have glucose levels going haywire lately.
Good thing we know how to control it (referring to our craving, lol).
We usually dwell on Starbucks with venti cups of white choco mocha frappuccinos and caramel macchiato beside a slice of heavenly cake or corned beef pandesal and we still long for more cups and dose of caffeine, but our sweet tooth also desires for more sublime desserts…
We’ve been enjoying both the regular and Italian ice cream called gelato…
–>click on photo and view post about it.
GELATONE's GELATO
AMICI / CARA MIA's gelato
Then, there was a day we began to look for great-tasting yogurt…
Golden Spoon : Yogurt that tastes like Ice Cream
Red Mango frozen yogurt
RED MANGO's green tea and original frozen yogurt
Yoh Gurt Froz
Tina likes fro yo of YOH GURT FROZ over others for their CHILLED/FROZEN toppings that don't melt the yogurt quickly.
Last weekend, we got to taste WHITE HAT FROZEN YOGURT from their branch at Shangri la mall.
Our four-year-old son ordered regular sized yogurt from White Hat with KITKAT chocolate wafer toppings..
I had blueberries, mandarin oranges and kiwi as toppings while our friend Rob, enjoyed heaping cup of cherry-topped White Hat yogurt.
The staff at the counter was sweeter than her yogurt when she handed me a discount promo card…
White Hat staff should be trained more on how to properly topped those yummy yogurt so it won’t spill and would still be appetizing once served. We also finished those cups and enjoyed till the last scoops, nonetheless.
Then this afternoon, we went to Il Terrazo in Tomas Morato for lunch (I’ll post it soon) and after that hearty Japanese pig-out, Gabby asked his mom and I to buy him what else but yogurt, this time from FYI…
Gabby had his favorite Kitkat-topped yogurt again! Note that FYI’s kitkat yogurt was crushed to bits as against to The White Hat’s kitkat cut into cubes-toppings. I don’t know with Gabby’s but Tina and I liked what we shared…
This is FYI’s yogurt topped with maltesers and almond chips, sarap!
Do you like yogurt too ?
HAVE A SWEET WEEKEND
Last Monday, Tina and I had a free schedule to fetch our son, Gabby from his 8 to 11AM kindergarten class. We went to the school on the dot but the kids weren’t dismissed until after their 30-minute-rehearsal for their dance performance for the school’s celebration of Linggo ng Wika which was scheduled by their school on a later date, the 28th of this month, next Friday. While my wife was happy to see Gabby dancing to the tune of a folk song, I grabbed that waiting period to go to a nearest bank and settled our domestic bills. After which, I went back to them and Gabby was surprised to see us together instead of his yaya fetching him that day.
After 10 minutes, we were at a mall called Il Terrazzo, along Tomas Morato in Quezon City. I’ve been reading and hearing about this mall that has Rustan’s supermarket, and a number of affordable and upscale restaurants and food stalls. One of those is BANAPPLE PIES and CHEESECAKES .
Since I did my Post-Medical-Graduate Internship at Quirino Memorial Medical Center along Katipunan Avenue almost a decade ago, I’ve been passing along BANAPPLE’s original branch few steps from that tertiary hospital but for no particular reason, it took years and a family and Banapple’s second branch for me to try and taste the goodies they serve.
We only saw a couple of women dining outside Banapple at the second floor of Il Terrazo before noon last Monday. But soon after we ordered, people came in troop.
Tina noticed that wherever we dine, it always happens as if Gabby’s attracting more customers for the restaurant. Is this an indication that he has to pursue his early inclination to becoming a chef for us to put up a restaurant years from now? *wishful thinking*
Bannaple in Il Terrazo is a small but with homey and charming appeal to families and friends. Though with limited space, it has high ceiling and is well interiored that gives that welcoming ambiance. This was the view from where we sat…
A huge multi-layered glass fridge keeps the cakes fresh and a smaller one is used near the counter to display those delectable yummies.
We occupied two round tables and it was delightful to see art on them! Colored glass marbles were embedded in round cemented tables in different mosaic patterns. These simple details make dining experience remarkable!
We had different cravings that day. I ordered one of Banapple’s entrees, Tina only had sandwich and Gabby, pancakes.
ASIAN CRABSTICK & MANGO SALAD SANDWICH, PhP 100.
I was able to taste this sandwich; the salad dressing was OK, slices of mango were sweet, the toasts were nearly perfect but Tina and I were expecting that the crabs sticks are thinly shredded but were not, so it’s quite disappointing. Another comment from my discriminating wife, lol, she didn’t like the cheese-flavored chips as sidings of her sandwich. Plain salted potato chips could’ve save the entire plate.
While Tina was partly satisfied with what she ate, I enjoyed mine.
PAN-FRIED PORKLOIN WITH HERB MUSHROOM GRAVY, PhP 160. I like its sidings – freshly blanched and seasoned carrots slices. I have high regard to those carinderias and restaurants that prepare their own vegetable side dishes instead of the chilled-readily available carrots and corn packs from groceries. The porkloin strips fried in olive oil were so tender and its thick gravy was flavorful. I might order this again on our future visits.
Gabby, who was a little tired from their dance rehearsal, ordered pancakes… 
BUTTERMILK PANCAKES, PhP 100. As expected, Gabby wasn’t able to finish this plate because it’s too much for him. But we were again disappointed with its consistency. The menu says their fluffy but were not. It has the poorest pancake consistency. Sorry
A visit to Banapple isn’t complete without tasting pies or cakes. With the variety of flavors, it took us few minutes before finally deciding what cakes to order…
BANAPPLE’S BANOFFEE PIE, PhP 70. I love Starbucks’ Banoffee pie. But Banapple’s version at almost half the price of Starbucks’ is also satisfying, hands down!
TIRAMISU, PhP 95. It’s a multi-layered mocha-coffee cake with different textures that’ll stimulate your palate. Sarap!
We didn’t order pasta and only tasted two of the many cakes. With few flaws on what we ordered and with those uniquely delicous cakes that are different from those too-commercialized ones, we’ll definitely visit Banapple again soon.
BANAPPLE PIES & CHEESECAKES, 2L Il Terrazzo, Tomas Morato cor Sct Madrinan, South Triangle, Quezon City. The other branch is located along Katipunan Avenue, Project 4 Quezon City.
With my usual craving partial to Japanese food, I wouldn’t mind being reborn even as a half-blood Japanese, lol
I noticed that my palate has been biased with Japanese food. I share this craving with my wife, Tina and our preschooler son, Gabby who favors kani tempura so much; he even enjoys eating it with bare clean hands and dipping it in tempura sauce. Tina and I are partial not only to ebi and kani tempura but to sushi and sashimi and soups like sukiyaki and more.
Over the past few weeks, Tina usually comes home from work with 2-packs of takoyaki as her pasalubong to us. And lately, if not Italian or Chinese, we’ve been dining out in Japanese restaurants – from HANA in Little Tokyo where we enjoyed sukiyaki plate, takoyaki and ramune or flavored ice shaving to KAGURA also in Little Tokyo where we first tasted okonomiyaki. We’re also loyal patrons of SAISAKI in Glorietta 3 and had tried ZENSHO buffet in Tomas Morato. Even fastfood stall like KARATE KID did not disappoint my craving. Of course, on the top of our list that we have tried is UMU in DUSIT THANI Hotel. I swear, Umu’s one of the finest, that we have to experience it again soon.
Our last Sunday’s lunch was nevertheless, special. We revisited KIMONO KEN; this time at the basement of Shangri la Mall in Mandaluyong City. We first dined at this casual Japanese dining place a couple of years ago at SM The Block and since then, I’ve regarded it as one of those that offer best-tasting and affordable Japanese food.
The pictures can only speak for itself, but the experience of tasting food and dining at Kimono Ken would be another story. Service was fair, wait staffs were all attentive, courteous and quick. Ambiance was always casual but with zen-inspired cleanliness and order. With Kimono Ken’s great tasting food and value for money, without even charging extra charge for service, they’re true to their tag line, Enticingly Japanese. For Less.
KANI SALAD, PhP 160. A chilled plate of crunchy cut lettuce, thinly sliced cucumber topped with generous volume of shredded kani strips with fish roe tossed with flavorful dressing. It’s simply a must-try!
I have been craving for a good-tasting seafood ramen for the past weeks now, and I was content with Kimono Ken’s GOMOKU RAMEN, PhP 200. 
The serving was good for 2 to 3 persons; the salt-based soup perfectly blended well with the shrimps, boiled egg, some chicken slices and noodles. The waitress even offered a small bottle of chili powder as an optional spice. Tina enjoyed this ramen too. But I also liked her beef rice bowl served with fresh egg.
GYUDON, PhP 195. We both love eating Japanese rice. It has thicker grains and sticky consistency when boiled; so flavorful when cooked or topped with dish like this. Gyudon is a rice toppings of sweet-soyed beef with leeks and other ingredients that fused in that delicious bowl. I’m lost for words to describe the wonderful experience of eating it. I can consider it another “I-can-eat-this-everyday!” -meal.
Gabby ordered a glass of iced tea, PhP 40. And I’ve tried sipping KIMONO KEN’S SPECIAL, PhP 75.
KIMONO KEN’S SPECIAL is a slush mixed of orange and mango but the taste is more than that mango-orange; it’s not that tangy but sweet and refreshingly similar to four seasons. I guess everything’s reasonably special in Kimono Ken.
CHICKEN CHEESE ROLL, PhP 160. With fried chicken rolls topped with melted cheese, how can you go wrong?
MANGO TEMPURA A LA MODE, PhP 100. This was Gabby’s plate. He ate the ice cream but did not finish the mango tempura. This was probably because he’s used to crab tempura instead of mangoes, and he was also craving for his favorite fastfood meal – McDonald’s fried chicken happy meal that we gave him after eating at Kimono Ken. Nevertheless, this dessert perfectly ended our hearty lunch last Sunday.
Thank you God for another opportunity to enjoy Your blessings with my family.
How was the start of your week? May we have great days ahead!
KIMONO KEN, Garden Court LG Level, SHANGRI LA, Mandaluyong City.
Yesterday, we had another remarkable afternoon dining at Conti’s in TriNoma. Tina, Gabby and I like their food so much that it has become one of our favorite restaurants. The ambiance is simple, never intimidating; their patrons- mostly family-oriented; the service is always fair; prices of dishes-value for money, and the food itself -impeccably delicious!
We first asked Gabby of what he’d like to order and quickly browsing the menu, he pointed out to a cake and a tall glass of iced beverage.
Our preschooler son opted to only have desserts. And just like his father, ehem, I guess he has good taste! He is sure of what he want, and he’s not “takaw-mata”. He makes sure that whatever he orders whenever we dine out, he’ll eat it. Yesterday at Conti’s he ordered for a glass of MOCHA FRAPPE PhP 110 and had a slice of a heavenly cake called BANANALICIOUS, PhP 80.
Its crust is made of fine graham powder topped with soft cake and cream with slices of chilled bananas in between. It’s simply hard to resist.
Since I’ve described what our son had for his sweet tooth, might as well continue with what Tina and I shared for dessert….it’s a slice of my favorite cake from Conti’s…
In my opinion, it’s a mortal sin to dine in Conti’s without having a slice of MANGO BRAVO, PhP 105. lol. IT’S MY FAVORITE CAKE for few months now. And nothing had replaced its place in my heart palate, lol.
Look how gorgeous those layers of lady fingers a.k.a. broas are! Perfectly fused with just the right sweetness of that cream and chilled slices of mango with minimal drizzle of chocolate. It’s just sublime!
Prior to being hyperglycemic with those divine cakes from Conti’s, Tina and I enjoyed these plates…
For our starter, we had RUSSIAN POTATO SALAD, PhP 115. The plate was served with chilled cubes of potatoes, carrots and red beets that made it pink, sarap!
Tina had this CHICKEN BALLOTINE, PhP 195. It’s a dish of chicken rolls with ham and cheese stuffing topped with white creamy sauce served with freshly blanched veggies.
What is BEST with Conti’s isn’t only the tastes of the dishes and of course their cakes and pastries but moreso, I like the fact that they don’t use commercially available packed corn and carrots. Don’t get me wrong, we also buy it from groceries once in a while, but I believe that all restaurants should served freshly cut and blanched vegetables as sidings to their entree for the benefit of their clients of course.
What I HATE about eating at Conti’s is the difficulty of deciding what to order. It’s not our first time to dine there but I still had a hard time again in choosing what to chow down. After several seconds of staring at their menu, pondering, lol.. I finally told the waiter of what I’d like and if the experience yesterday was a lottery, I think I hit the jackpot with this dish…
ROAST BEEF in MUSHROOM SAUCE, PhP 270. The beef slices were so tender; the mushroom sauce was flavorful and creamy, even the sidings as I’ve told you, were so pleasant not only to palate; it was just delightful.
I wouldn’t mind eating at Conti’s on a weekly basis.
CONTI’S TRINOMA, P1 Level, TriNoma EDSA corner North Avenue, Quezon City, Tel # (63-2) 900-5013.
They also have branches at BF Homes, Parañaque, Connecticut Street in Greenhills and in Serendra in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Conti’s also have catering and food order services : tel # (63-2) 842-5265.
note : Just the same whenever I feature other food places we enjoy, this post isn’t paid by Conti’s.
Oops, we did it again!
Three days ago, I brought my family to one of our favorite malls – Glorietta, to claim our free buffet plate from Dad’s,Saisaki,Kamayan Ultimate Buffet as we have completed another promo card.
After completion of ten validations (one signature for each visit —> read : yes, we’re a regular patrons), a FREE CROSSOVER BUFFET PLATE can only be claimed Mondays to Thursdays, lunch or dinner. FYI, it was our second time to finished a ”Happy Diner” promo card. As the cliche goes, the best thing in life is FREE.
Since I was off the whole day last Monday, and my wife Tina was done with her work around 2:30PM, together with our son Gabby who’s more excited to eat his favorite kani tempura, we headed to G3 in Makati.
However, we came too early for dinner so we decided to munch on something light as late afternoon merienda before pigging out at Saisaki. Tina wanted to have Taro Ice from Quickly at the Foodcourt of Glorietta 3 but it wasn’t available, so she and Gabby settled for Chocolate Ice also from Quickly. While I’m not sure of what to eat, Tina suggested for us to have dimsums. Immediately I thought of President’s Tea House.
We only ordered Japanese siomai – a piece of crab stick wrapped in nori, Asado siopao and of course, Hakao or shrimp dumplings. I eat anything with shrimps, lol.
The Hakao of President’s Tea House does not dissapoint; its moist-melt-in-your-mouth wrapper was just perfect to embrace those plump shrimps. And the Japanese siomai also is a must-try. I can’t say anything bad with the Asado siopao; the dough was just finely steamed; its filling-delicious.
After that quick bite, we took a stroll around the mall just to burn those few calories (as if we’re too health conscious, lol), and awited for 6PM, dinner time at Dad’s, Saisaki, Kamayan.
This was my first plate from Saisaki, sushi and few sashimi I like Saisaki’s Tamago rolls; I want to learn someday how those sweet fried eggs are rolled into its form
Tina also had similar choice…
Not too long, my wife came back from the spread with these deep-fried Ebi and Kani Tempura –yummy!
For a buffet price of PhP 455 at the Ultimate Buffet (crossover from Saisaki to Dad’s to Kamayan), it’s already a steal compared when one orders Tempura as an entree from other Japanese resto. We paid half price for Gabby.
Gabby was delighted munching his favorite Kani (crab) Tempura and sipped some of these bowl of creamy rich seafood chowder from Kamayan, while I didn’t pass the chance to taste Saisaki’s Sukiyaki again…(read : i like them both,lol).
Just before we thought we haven’t had main dishes yet, we’re almost bloated. But heck, we went there to pig out, so on with the deglutition, lol.
We had some fibers in between. Then I got my turf and surf plate - I had few rings of calamari seasoned with pesto (it was overpowering and too salty, sorry.), a slice of roast beef with pepper mushroom sauce, a thin slice of Dad’s original ham with sweet sauce, and my buffet in Dad’s isn’t complete if I didn’t taste lengua. It’s only in Dad’s that I get to enjoy this dish. Dad’s lengua is always tender, flavorful with its mushroom gravy.
I and Tina were not into Kamayan that much, as we’re into Saisaki and some of Dad’s dishes. Because we’d like to taste something different from home-style cooking whenever we dine out. But we cannot resist Kamayan’s puto bumbong at bibingka served with coconut shavings and muscovado… I don’t know about you but just like most Pinoy, we like it too! :D
While Tina and I shared the unbeatable tandem of bibingka and puto bumbong, Gabby was busy eating his plate of pasta with tomato cream sauce topped with bacon bits from Dad’s.
Gabby ordered bottomless iced tea but more than the beverage, he was more excited with what comes with the drink. He asked the waiter politely if he can choose from the many colors of those stuffed insects and he favored a red bug.
A satiating dinner would not be complete without a stimuli to my sweet tooth. The scoop of mocha ice cream was sweet, but my family’s hearty smiles were sweeter.
While most of us are busy sweating it out in our work places like carabaos in the fields, some people in the national government were spending USD 20,000 at Le Cirque in the US; ordered the most expensive wines and munched in style.
For my blog buddies who frequent my site, you know by now that my family loves dining – from fastfood to upscale carinderias, lol. I can relate to from the simplest food item to the most gourmet and well-prepared and plated dishes. But my eye globes popped out when I read this news item on page 6 of the New York Post dated Aug 07, 2009, Saturday.
How can these elected officials stomach to chow down almost a million pesos for a single dinner while most of their countrymen have nothing but instant noodles and or tuyo on their plates?
Here’s the link, CLICK IT NOW and read it for few seconds for yourself…—> EAT and DRINK.
Please tell me this news item isn’t factual otherwise, i’ll hum the tune of “NAPAKASAKIT, KUYA EDDIE!”
A couple of days ago, we had to go to Landmark in TriNoma to buy stuffs to fill in the fridge at home. But since it was half hour past 4 in the afternoon, we decided to munch on something as late merienda/early dinner before heading to the grocery shelves.
I had a short list of restaurants in mind to satisfy my own craving for some delights but I became too submissive when our four-year-old son Gabby called the shots. While walking towards the escalators, he told us that he wanted to eat a specific favorite at one of the common resto that we frequent. Since we just weaned Gabby from bottle-feeding several weeks ago (I know it’s quite late but what can we do? we’re just parents) and is now still adjusting with the sipping cup that he uses whenever he drinks milk, Tina and I are always excited to give in to his personal food preference.
Look how he candidly expressed his excitement to order the food that he wanted…
While I was wearing a blue shirt that day, they’ve conspired to wore politically-significant-YELLOW.
I think it’s a small hint of maturity for our kid that at a young age, he begins to have personal preferences towards food and starts to distinguish fastfood yummies from restaurant’s entrees. I also consider this as a result of our brain-washing motivating him to become a chef one day; which Gabby already disclosed since his mom allowed him to watch Iron Chef America on cable TV and of course, as we bring him to few hotel buffets and various restaurants, he developed his good taste for good food. We wouldn’t mind if he becomes a chef one day; we’re actually excited with just the mere thought of having a chef or a restaurateur in the family. Isn’t it obvious that we really love eating :D
Last Thursday, our son was craving for a pan pizza of a particular pizza place…
I like Pizza Hut’s pan pizza too. Mahusay pumili ang anak namin! But I was surprised with what Gabby favored. It’s 3-cheese pan pizza sans toppings!!!! Not even a single chopped mushroom was seen covering those cheeses.
It’s a cheese lover’s delight. A pan pizza of only cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan, family size costs PhP 429… Sarap, but my palate was looking for some toppings…
I was happy that Gabby volunteered to eat on his own plate of his own preference but I did not allow the chance to pass without trying again my own Pizza Hut favorites which I know are Tina’s favorites too…
CAESAR SALAD. With crisp romaine lettuce, bacon crumble, parmesan cheese, and herbed croutons tossed in Pizza Hut’s own caesar dressing served in chilled plate, how can you not start your meal right ? The price too, was very reasonable at PhP 79 a plate.
GARLIC BREAD. Toasted bread with garlic parsley butter, PhP 55. Happiness is affordable at Pizza Hut!
Then we ordered one of our favorite pastas from their menu….
GARLIC SHRIMPS and MUSHROOMS. Spaghetti tossed with sauteed shrimps and mushrooms, in garlic-butter sauce; PhP 119. It’s so delicious that I can eat it everyday.
Gabby also ordered his preferred drinks- Iced Mocha. Once in a while, we allow him to sip a small dose of caffeine and his other favorites are the frappuccinos of Starbucks. Calories, calories, calories….
After that hearty meal, we burned those calories by pushing carts at the grocery….
Till our next foodtrip.
Last Wednesday, my wife and I joined the entire nation and the rest of the Filipino communities worldwide in spirit of sadness as we’re deeply affected with the demise of the icon of Philippine democracy and freedom. We also rejoice and celebrate that she’s now with our Creator and is presently free of physical pain and sufferings. She lived a full life that inspired most of us Pinoys to continuously value our faith and strong belief that the we are indeed worthy of all of their sacrifice; and with that we’ll forever be grateful.
But can you honestly spot what’s wrong with the photo below? Please convince me that this was not done on purpose neither a SUBCONSCIOUS WISH of the many, lol.
Feel free to post your comment/s.
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Few minutes after I woke up yesterday morning, I heard the door bell rang. Then I saw someone was at the gate asking for my wife. As I approached him, I also saw a delivery truck; I knew it was the package from my in-laws that we were expecting.
I guess giving pasalubong or padala from someone abroad to their families and relatives here in the Philippines is one unique Filipino trait that we had been used to. And my relatives abroad and in-laws are not an exception.
Go to an arrival area of any airport and you’ll see a balikbayan box from a Pinoy definitely. Only Pinoys aren’t satisfied with just luggages; there has to be those boxes! In fact, some business-minded individuals have been so creative in producing zippered nylon bags that can cover and protect these balikbayan boxes.
I remember my aunt in LA used to keep balikbayan boxes in their garage that we saw when we were there several years ago. We’re told that she continuously add things to those boxes bought whenever they’re on out-of-season-sale from branded shops and factory outlets and in groceries in California. A balikbayan box usually contains samu’t-sari – from clothes and toiletries to chocolates and cans of spam and corned beef, lol.
Upon seeing it, our preschooler son, Gabby became too excited to open this huge heavy box. However he had to wait until the day’s over.
After dinner time, as my sister-in-law came over to get her family’s share, my wife Tina and Gabby finally opened the box with the usual stuffs, properly labeled with the names to whom the things are due. It has towels, T-shirts, pants and shorts, perfumes, make-ups and toiletries, a mobile phone, and yes, canned goods and coffee! :D
It was the first time Gabby witnessed the opening of a balikbayan box and he was delighted with what he saw inside…
These were just a fraction of its contents. Of course, what caught my attention were the yummies that are enough to keep us hyperglycemic for few weeks months, lol. :D
I know everything should be consumed in moderation otherwise, a visit to the dentist might be inevitable.
I love pistachios (even as an ice cream flavor), so glad a big pack was included in the box. I also like those microwavable popcorns; too bad our oven retired from its service that we have to buy another before we get to enjoy those snacks get to pop.
I can’t blame my son for being so excited with all these sweets that he got from his grandparents… And have I told you that I like those Hershey’s Special Dark Mildly Sweet Mini Chocalte bars?
It’s not that recipients of a balikbayan box cannot afford to buy these stuffs here (defensive, lol), but the gesture of sending some things to your love ones and receiving gifts are sweeter than a box’s contents.
The package contained sweet candies and stuffs that anyone can buy, but my son’s joy that came with it was priceless!
Barely a month ago, I posted an entry about an art contest conducted by LRT Authorities that featured Filipino life inside the train that makes public transportation in some areas of Metro Manila readily accessible. View my former post here —> PINOY ART & LRT .
Unexpectedly, it was still on display; so I got a chance to view the exhibit again yesterday at the LRT Araneta Center-Cubao station as I went to Gateway mall. I’ve clicked my cam to note the titles of the masterpieces and the names of the remarkable Pinoy painters.
Take a peek at the entries and see the frame that championed the contest as you scroll down this post. Enjoy!
Daytoy Iti Biag Ko by Isagani P. Carlos, acrylic on canvas
If you’re a Filipino and you’re Catholic, you’ll surely admire how the artist of the painting below depicted our faith.
Last Trip ni Sante, Kalong Munting Bro by Godofredo F. Zapanta, Sr., oil on canvas
The next entry gave me a smile. As a father to our preschool son, I can relate to this simple art work.
Kaagapay sa paglalakbay by Dean Mark Enoza, acrylic on canvas.
It’s nice to see Araneta Coliseum, the clock tower of Manila City Hall and Rizal monument in Luneta together in one canvas. These places are reachable within 20 minutes via LRT…
Ayan na ang tren! by Marvin D. Gonzales, acrylic on canvas.
I like the use of primary colors in this abstract…
Sulong Pilipinas – Lalarga din Tayo by Patrick B. Fernandez, acrylic on canvas.
Agos Enerhiya by Joseph S. Domirez Jr., acrylic on canvas.
LRT, Kabalikat ni Juan sa Kaunlaran by Ronald L. Jeresano, acrylic on canvas.
And the painting that won GRAND PRIZE …
Sakay na rin po kyo by Mario B. Panis, oil on canvas.
Hats off to all Filipino artists! Thank you for sharing your talents. Mabuhay po kayo!
OPINION COUNTS…