happy friday foodies!

Friday once more and I’ve got nothing but leave you drooling on this,

Hongkong Style Street Food –Big Isaw, Tito, Crab Balls, Pig Ears and Breaded Scallops

Tausi Spareribs

Laksa

Pancakes (which are called Egg Puffs back in HK)

Oh, I asked the husband to date me out again tonight, TGIF!

 

Eat Fresh Hong Kong Famous Street Food

 

Nanay’s Day

When someone hit me before that I was desperate to be a mom, I wanted to hit her back and tell straight in her face that I’m definitely not. Yes, I know I’m becoming egotistic about it but I won’t deny the fact that at my age right now I wanted a baby. Tho bearing one would be of much difficult this time, I still pray that we’ll be blessed soon.

Sunday was Mother’s Day and unlike last year we’re home this time to celebrate it. I had no plans to start the day tho I was considering three options for lunch. First was Gourmet Farms Mother’s Day Buffet but I find it pricey at P599 excluding drinks, so when Leoncio called up and was told that it would cost us P700+ per head I ditched the idea despite my wanting to sample their Mediterranean cuisine. On my second list is Bag of Beans Brunch Buffet, I know we’ll definitely enjoy this one but we were informed that they can no longer accept reservation, we were advised that walk-in can still be accepted only that waiting can be pain in the ass (they didn’t say the last part of course ). So when we left home past 12 noon, I was still undecided but in time (before we hit the ridge) figured out that we can give Josephine Restaurant’s a try.

At our arrival, I can see a lot of people waiting to be seated. If we came so hungry we could have backed out at once but sensing my party’s preparedness to wait there should be no room for any second thoughts. Plus I know anywhere in Tagaytay will be as jam-packed as Josephine’s that day. It took us almost an hour to get a seat and while waiting I still worried my Tatay would feel annoyed by the long line and people coming in. Happily he didn’t feel any in fact he’s relaxed the entire time while enjoying a cone of ice cream. Nanay on the other hand is easy to please, she’s simple like that. A Jollibee meal can make her smile already but Sunday was exceptional –it’s Mother’s Day you know. My parents are now senior citizens tho still active I know time will come that the outdoors will no longer friendly for them, so, while everything remains to be normal I want them to have a good time. And since it was Nanay’s day out and Tatay was just a tag along I gave her the floor to order to her heart’s desire.

I didn’t mind that we ordered the sinfully pork knuckles –Crispy Pata, it was mouth-watering, we also had an order of Kare-Kare which is equally good, Grilled Hito which Tatay ate by himself, Grilled Assorted Seafood and my new favorite Oyster Rockefeller. Sorry for the shortage of photos my SD card remains a problem till now.  Nanay doesn’t eat much meat and more of a veggie person but I was surprised how she knocked down the crispy pork meat. I love how she ate with much gusto this time without worrying anyone. I bet it would be a different scene if the kids were around because she would eventually gave out her share of whatever.

I know how she loves Halo-Halo so I didn’t zero this out right after a hefty lunch. We shared an order of Halo-Halo Espesyal which is nothing but of an old good Halo-Halo we can’t help but rave about. It was excellently good and reasonably priced. And I see us going back for this. By the way, I have to mention here that we got 10% discount courtesy of Nanay’s former student who’s working at Josephine’s.  Special thanks to you!

We’re done around 3pm and before we went home we lounge for a while at Josephine’s viewing deck of Taal Volcano. I don’t know but its panoramic view never fails to give me a chill of wonderment. We could just stay longer and sit down at those benches only that it began to rain slightly so we walk off and readily head home.

I am far from being a perfect daughter but while I have time I want to make the most out of it, I really wanted to make up for the lost times. I may not be outspoken of how I value you and love you but I hope my actions will be enough to prove you that all these years I only wanted to give back and say thank you for everything.

And Nanay, I won’t grew tired of your unending griping, I won’t grew tired of your stories of everyday, I won’t grew tired of sharing you my little things (clothes, escapades, etc.). We may not have that wonderful mother-daughter relationship nonetheless I know you love me and I love you back. Happy Mother’s Day Nanay!

Later that day I squeezed a date with the kiddos at Summit Ridge. No, they aren’t mine but they will always be my bundle of joys. They can be nasty and naughty at times but they’re my favorite in the world.

 

P.S. On my Mother’s Day day, there’s this thoughtful heart that did remember and recognize me as a “mom”. Thank you for seeing a mother figure in me GGB. 

 

Josephine Restaurant

Km. 58 Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West, Tagaytay City • © Josephine Restaurant 2010

 

Manila Landline: (02) 871.5627
Tagaytay: (046) 413.1801
Mobile: 09159856711
Fax: (046) 413.1802
Email: josephinetagaytay@gmail.com

post-election thoughts

Voting like obeying laws and paying taxes is a good citizen act.

I’m not someone who can talk brightly of our government; there are times I find myself ignorant of the laws and the likes. Just recently at the May 13, 2013 Election I exercised my good citizen duty once again. This is something I don’t miss and mess up, meaning I don’t skip any election so far and I don’t vote for a candidate that was just endorsed by my family. I know a lot of people had their own take on whether to vote or not, and at some point I don’t understand why some had to skip just because they don’t feel like doing it. I don’t know with you but I don’t find it a valid excuse at all. Yet at this issue I am not sure about the penalties or if there really exist any to people who refuse to vote. I wish there is, so everyone will realize how important it is that you register and take part in an election.

So did your bet won? I won’t ask your line up because I’m keeping mine private too. On my way to work today, I heard too much disapproval already on this and that candidate who already had a sure spot at the senate. They’d been questioning the credentials and credibility. How come she’s number one? How come he made it on the line up? The answers to these whining are straightforward, the people had spoken, they made their choice and those are only few of the reasons why. Take for example; a media man disclosed his voting for Grace Poe because of her simple yet realistic promises. He added that during the campaign Ms. Poe didn’t promise too much like the others (bahay-pagkain-trabaho), she went on and promise to bring back the “nutribun”. Like this media man, the thought of “nutribun” brings back memory of my grade school years. I can be sentimental like him and consider a candidate with that. Now you know I went to a public school during my grade school years.

At my workplace talks about Nancy Binay had been going around before and even after May 13. They’d talk about how dumb she is after seeing her at interviews and forums and worst is how they’d talk of her skin color. I was disturb hearing all those negative comments, by the way I’m not a pro-Binay but I know right that questioning her competence with her physical looks is very wrong. And mind you these people who talks badly and racialist doesn’t even belong to class A & B, they’re commoners who just want to get into the hype of it. Nakakatawa lang I heard one saying ano kaya ang bagay na lipstick sa kanya (referring to Nancy Binay), orange? or pink? See, even her lip shade is a bit of issue to them. They’re too comfortable in mocking Ms. Binay when in fact they’re not even fair-skinned to hate the black and they’re not even fluent in anything when they speak. I pity them because it’s the best they can do to put someone down. Sometimes I think our democracy has given us much freedom of speech that at times it becomes destructive and personal. My advice –you get a mirror and look at your own blemishes first before hitting the others. You’re not even at your 20’s and it’s no longer fitting for your age to big mouth lousy things like that. And yet even if you’re Ms. Universe, it won’t give you a pass to make fun of anyone.

Generally, Election 2013 is one peaceful sight at my neighborhood, the party who lost the race even without the official tally humbly conceded, there were no violence reported and the good thing is five of my senatorial choice already has a secure slot in the Magic 12.

 

#skyranch #skyeye #skyfun

Ever wonder what a tsubibo is? or ever heard the word before?

May is a festive month in my hometown as the town celebrates its town fiesta. I remember my growing up years, my sister and I would normally pack and spent a week before the fiesta at my Ninang Elo’s house. We do this so we can visit the perya (carnival fair) at night and play Bingo and other games including my favorite color game trick. Other than these games that entertain the town folks there were carnival rides too including the tsubibo or Ferris wheel. I can’t remember riding once because of fear, yes I’m scared to try after all the screaming I’ve been hearing from afar. And our small allowance can’t afford to pay its entrance fee before. So, I thought the Ferris wheel ride isn’t really ready for me.

Fast forward to 2000, my first visits to Enchanted Kingdom, my first Ferris wheel ride happen. It was one of the many happiest times, I was able to conquer my fear with the former. I can’t help but love the feeling above and the beauty that my eyes could reach. I’ve gone to EK more than thrice and every chance I don’t pass up riding the Wheel of Fate. Now that there are theme parks developing rapidly the Ferris wheel became a permanent fixture. And it’s now being referred to as the “eye”. Why the eye? Because riders can have a panoramic view of all directions and you can do a lot of eyeing from the eye. I really don’t know the exact reason why it has to be named the “eye”, there are plenty of reasons available online if you’d check. Hehehe

Last year my first “eye ride” happened at the bayside of MOA where the grand MOA Eye stood to its mighty overlooking Manila Bay. I had to do a lot of convincing to Leoncio that we should ride it, it’s one of its kinds in the Philippines and we have to try it, it’s a must I say. After bribing him of a sumptuous dinner after he agreed timidly. So, while I was enjoying the 10-minute ride he was pretending to be fearless. Hahaha

Recently, just this March, a new eye opened at the ridge of Tagaytay. This one called the Sky Eye which stood within the Sky Ranch, the newest theme park at the heart of Tagaytay. We’ve passed this site many times because the place is always packed out but eventually we scheduled the visit to grant the kids request. During Labor Day off, while husband and I decided to spend our one day off at Cavite we squeezed the Sky Ranch visit in the afternoon. The kids cannot contain their happiness and excitement. They’re like me the first time I had my Ferris wheel ride. We paid P50 for the entrance fee (take note that by June 1 entrance fee would double to P100) and you have to pay separately for the rides. The Sky Eye ride priced at P150 per head, the Super Vikings at P100 and the rest of the ride at P50. There weren’t too many rides yet and mostly it’s for kids. Food kiosks were numbered too. So after the Sky Eye ride we didn’t stay too long. Oh by the way the little boy didn’t miss the Thomas train ride. He was the happiest and the scariest while we’re up on the eye. Hahaha. I told the kids that we’re not visiting the Sky Ranch again up until the commercial area is opened.

My Ferris wheel experience was not different from any of you, only that mine had several stops and each stop has something to learn, something to ponder and something to look forward to.

 

 

P.S. I’ll share more photos once my SD card works, hopefully it will…and oh tomorrow will be town fiesta again but after my Ninang Elo’s passing away in 2009 we don’t look forward much on marking this occasion, I miss her and her cooking…

 

a summer getaway with the team

I was at my earliest last Saturday. At 5am I was already boarding Bus #1 at the front of our office building. It wasn’t a normal thing for me to be that early but I felt the need to other than I don’t want to be the cause of delay. Mrs. F like the usual was late; we still have to text her and call her to ensure her coming. What’s new? And just when everyone thought we could leave already at 5:30, we were hold up again because our first aider came even late. So we’re the last bus to leave at 6. Hay!

Finally, we’re on the road to south, the mood at that early was lazy and quite except that our assigned marshal was thick-skinned to notice that everyone wants to doze off rather than pay heed to what she was airing, more so to entertain her liking to do videoke songs (our bus was equipped by the way). Oh my! Are you sick? I kept on ignoring her noisiness and tried to catch up some sleep but I didn’t succeed and I guess everyone make an attempt to do the same way, I don’t know if they make it. Aren’t she tired of talking? I couldn’t imagine her doing it the entire 4 hours trip. Swear I hate her evil laugh! Hahaha

Since it was Saturday and still in the early hours, there was no major traffic along our way. We stopped at Petron SLEx to pee while some still have to buy their chips and water. I wonder why they didn’t take time to buy at the supermarket in advance; don’t they realize that prices of those doubled at convenience stores? You know me I’m always ready for trips, I normally takes a trip at the supermarket to buy all the supplies so I can’t help but shake my head seeing them. It’s a waste of money for me.

We’re shortly back at the road and thank God the marshal chose to keep mum this time. But my sleepy feel let go already, so, I tried to kill time and make small talk with my seatmate. In between I’d played on my mini or surf and do instragram and facebook. My girls were chatting and goofing all the while. It was a rather a boring trip for an old folk like me.

Oh by the way, I brought these little sandwiches for my girls. I called it my gourmet sandwiches with tuna filling and greens!

I didn’t know that Calatagan was that far, from Tagaytay rotonda it took us another 2 hours so I’m feeling bushed already the time we arrived at Stilts Beach Resort. It’s the venue of our company outing; yes we had one again after 5 years. At first, I was 80% not coming to this event after past experiences, those preceding outings that left a bad impression on me but all my girls decided to join the reason why I was obliged. I want them to feel my full support on endeavors like this.

Stilts was a surprise for me, I didn’t know that there exist this clean at this side of Calatagan. The sand wasn’t powdery white, its okay so long as it’s free from any form of trash. Before this trip we were advised that we do not have cottages as the resort was highly booked instead we were provided only tents at the beach front. There was a stage set up too which became of no use after a game. Walking from our drop off point, I could feel the blistering heat and I couldn’t imagine more how we’re going to survive beneath those open tents. Anyhow, a simple morning snack was served upon our arrival, it didn’t help that the juice was iced cold; you’d lost appetite by the intense heat. I didn’t enjoy lunch as well, I don’t know but maybe I was expecting it to level up with that of La Luz or Blue Coral’s buffets, they’re not the best but at least their reasonable enough. We had another serving of snack before we left; don’t bother to ask about it anymore. Hehehe

Let me give you a peek of Stilts, you may want to consider the place if you’re planning a beach trip that isn’t so far.

They have cottages perched on the water for those who’d like to spend a night, each has a private veranda which is perfect for lounging during the night. It’s spacious and homey.

They also have beach houses along the beach and multi-purpose pavilions, if only we were provided even just the pavilions it would be of much comfort for everyone. There’s also a restaurant/bar, you can bring in food only that they will charge P100 per head corkage fee.

Swimming pools for children and adult.

And wash areas are plentiful. At least this part didn’t disappoint.

Kayaks, pedals, banana boat and bamboo raft can be rented. And boat tours can be arranged. Overall Stilts is a great place just don’t mind the food and bring your own.

Now, allow me to share the highlight of this year’s company outing –fun games!

These aren’t my photos (all regular photos without the effects) because I didn’t bring the bulky cam, credits to our Marcom and HR team. While I captured few photos for instagramming purposes only.

Like the usual we left the beach resort at 4pm, depriving us of the beautiful sundown. The trip back to Manila was more exhausting this time. We were caught by traffic on our way up to Tagaytay, I was considering getting off the bus and ask my household to pick me up along the ridge so I can easily retire but I have to consider the next day. It would be tiring for Leoncio to drive back and forth just to pick me up besides we just recently visited the previous week.  So, Mrs. F and I were left with no choice but to endure the 5 hours trip back to Manila. It’s that long which equates to Manila-Baguio already.

The experience was nothing but like the past summer outings –tiring, dissatisfied and famished. When will the organizers realize that everyone wanted to wake up with the view of the blue sea and gentle sea breeze? This isn’t a yearly thing so I guess the company can sponsor it and play generous once in a while to make everyone a happy worker that is, I’m still hoping…

 

 

Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort

Calatagan, Batangas, Philippines 

 

Makati Booking Office

• 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mo-ndays to Saturdays
  (+632) 511-8120 / 511-1895 / 845-0676
• 6:00 PM onwards Mondays to Saturdays and Sundays & Holidays
  (+632) 211-6464 / (+63) 917-580-7653 /
  908-866-2254 / 917-523-7777 / 917-586-3343

TeleFax Numbers

• (+632) 511-7469

Sales & Marketing Team email:
stilts.sales@gmail.com
sales@stiltscalataganbeachresort.net

 

Happy Three!

The blog turns three yesterday and I was too lousy  to do an entry after seeing my bucket still full with things to write about. Oh my! The first time in three years I failed.  I’m really sorry for the mood, you see its Monday yesterday and you know right I have this Monday sickness ever since I don’t know when. And coming from a very wearing company event last Saturday I felt heavy that Sunday was all spent lounging and dozing off at home. I know I can make too many excuses hehehe, and bottom line is I still have this attitude to procrastinate whenever I can.

So blog is three and so I’m old and I don’t mind us both getting old. The blog will remain updated as long as I have the oomph to stop and smell the roses. I know the past three years has been all about my personal take and opt to retain it that way, tho it will be hypocrite of me if I won’t say that I wanted this blog to earn from PRs and other forms however, my job is not so permitting, it’s demanding of my time and I’m into a bigger challenge this time. I envy those blogs that earns money to pay for so many things, I envy much those blogs that do product reviews, I envy you who attend plentiful of beautiful events but I love my job still and it remains my bread and butter to date so I cannot be neglectful and careless. Anyhow, I get winnings at times that entitles me to free dinner and freebies, I’m happy that way at least I get to hold something without me paying for it. And I can only wish more winnings like the previous years so I can treat the family once more. Remember my Boracay and Cebu vacay last year? I got our accommodations free of charge so it’s not really too heavy on the pocket. I want something like it again, calling Boracay hotels you can write me and invite me to your posh hotels, I promise to give a worthy write up back. What a desperate move! Hahaha

No kiddin this time, the past three years was a test. I had my ups and down, and 2012 was not spared. But despite those stumbling blocks I remained unscathed; I still know who I am and what I can do. I may not be a super hero or anyone with magical powers to make dreams come true but I know I became a blessing to many and I’m happy to know it. I don’t expect them to return back the favor; I expect them to do the same whenever they can.

And remember that,

Life is too short to be anything but happy. Love deeply, forgive quickly, take chances, give everything with no regrets and forget the past with exception of what you have learned and remembered everything happens for a reason. –Anon.

I believe so that happiness would always be a choice, I wouldn’t be if I chose to spend a life feeling miserable just because you have it and I don’t. I may not have everything in life but I am thankful that I have a sound mind and a sound body to keep me going everyday. And yet another year for me at the blogosphere, I hope to make it worth.

Here’s to us to beat the summer heat, Happy Birthday Blog!