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

#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

 

an urbane country fair

When FarmVille was on its high success in facebook I never make an attempt to play it or even open the App, I dunno know but I was never been a fan and probably because facebook was prohibited at work hence the lack of interest on it. But when the Candy Crush Saga began to be the talk of the town I really got curious and download the App after which to end my curiosity. And eversince then, I became hooked and the husband too if I may add, and we play most at the same time when we’re home. So blame the jellies if we’re mostly late on scheduled times.

My formerly planning that we should leave early that Sunday to avoid the scorching heat was dismissed because we woke up late, blame the jellies here because husband and I stayed late on Saturday eve trying to unlock level 70. I woke up past 7 and the first thing to do was played it again, addict lang. Hehehe… tho if you’ll notice we’re not really advancing so so much, maybe we’re not so focus and we just want to get the hang of it like everyone I know. So again blame the jellies here because we’re left with no choice but to take a trip at midday, when the sun is really hot and the highway is a busier sight.

Photo was taken after the Petron Gas Station at SLEx, tho it didn’t appear so busy when I took it there could be a lot more difference if we drive at around 8 in the morning.

Anyhow, the post isn’t really about the jellybeans hehehe, it’s all about the event we attended that somehow still really find it ways to connect to the modern times when kids would rather stay home and play gadgets rather than bask in the field and play the traditional games –luksong baka, luksong lubid, etc.

Balik Bukid is a country fair, a one-of-a-kind as tagged by previous guests, the event features shopping, feasting, playing and unwinding. Read flyer SHOP, FEAST, PLAY and UNWIND so I should be really expecting a lot esp that it has worthy reviews from renowned bloggers around town. And like the previous (BB1 and BB2) affairs it was aptly held at the Sta. Elena Fun Farm (inside Sta. Elena Gold & Country Estate). If you’re coming from SLEx Sta. Elena’s posh gate is located less than 500 meters right after exiting Cabuyao toll gate, don’t be fooled to ask the toll cashier like what we did. It was a wrong move from the start.

Leoncio to Toll Cashier: San un Sta. Elena Golf & Country Estate? (Where is Sta. Elena Golf & Country Estate?)

Toll Cashier says: Ay Sir sa Canlubang exit dapat kayo (Sir, you should take Canlubang exit)

Me: No miss, ang nakalagay sa flyer namin Cabuyao exit (No miss, our flyer indicates Cabuyao exit)

Toll Cashier insists: Canlubang po kase un Sta. Elena (Sta. Elena is in Canlubang)

But cashier pointed out that we turn left, so we did. We drove onto direction that says to Cabuyao proper but we remained hesitant so we stopped and ask the locals for a more definite location. And our suspicion was right, we took the wrong turn, we should have turned right after the toll gate. Just my two bits, aren’t these cashiers supposed to be familiar of the place or at least of the prominent places around. I guess it’s normal that they are asked for directions so they should be knowledgeable at it. I Googled and it seems there’s a Sta. Elena City in Canlubang and another gate in Sta. Rosa but hey that still didn’t give justice that she led us to the wrong way.

After getting our day tour stickers at the gate we arrived at the Fun Farm in no time. I was excited to go into right away and explore around. The Fun Farm achieved the farm-like setting where kids can play, saddle a horse, ride a carabao cart, chase the chickens, go fishing, pat the bunnies and climb the ropes. It was truly designed for family bonding. And the organizers must have successfully managed the past BBs and evidence was the number of families visiting again last Sunday.

At the registration I handed out a paper, it was my voucher for winning the facebook trivia games and that entitles me for a free After Party Pass and 1kg of Coco Natura Sugar. Yey! We bought another After Party Pass for P250 so we can hang-out later.

I initially wanted to have a meal since it was already passed 2pm so we went around to look for something more than the usual fare. I’m ready to indulge and break away from my diet, if needed, but the choices that welcome me dishearten my growling tummy.

I was expecting more than pizza, burgers, grilled chicken and empanadas, I was more than expecting to see native delicacy. And with the Balik Bukid theme, I thought it was more than appropriate to see some boiled or grilled corn, boiled bananas, kakanin from all natural products and binalot for lunch would be more than interesting.  I was also expecting products produced by the locals nearby Laguna, Batangas and Cavite. Tho on a second note the food stores claim the use of fresh and healthy ingredients on each piece but still it failed to make an impact on me.

This was the not so appetizing late lunch we shared,

Pizza Margherita from Pizza Morena P300, it was okay but not the one I’ll rave about.

Grilled Chicken from Lolo Art’s Chicken Sarap. This one tasted good but we remain as Mang Inasal fans to date. Our palates are such simple like that.

We got to try some scones from Ginger Confections but knowing how sweet is the husband’s preference he didn’t finish his share.

Before coming here I read about the rave for the Grass-Fed Beef but felt sorry for myself seeing this, “Sold Out”. Actually, it wasn’t only that stall, even the Fresh Buko stall ran out very fast. And I feel short because the event is supposed to be until 6:30pm and yet most of the food stalls had nothing to vend. Yes, even Starbucks pulled out their booth early on.

So after wiping our late lunch we roam around to check out the non-food stalls. I don’t know if it’s just me but I didn’t see any that catches my attention. I feel that the displays or rather the items sold at this fair are too high end for my taste. Di ko masakyan hehehe so we left the area with nothing because I felt I might buy something which will be of no use later on.

Eco bags were plentiful but I don’t think I’ll need another one.

The rest, check it here.

Aranaz bags which were too expensive for a beach bag acc to the husband.

Different arts and crafts

Maybe I have to add that because it’s too humid at the market area I was not really in the mood to go through thoroughly with those Balik Bukid buys.

And rather than bore ourselves in one corner, husband and I explored the farm.

The Fun Farm is really good for kids and my sister’s kids would have enjoyed its playground.

There were bike trails, obstacle course, zipline, horseback-riding, carabao-cart riding, rowboating, animal feeding and outdoor water shower. It’s a big big playing field for me where you can run freely. I don’t mind going back here and go on a picnic with friends and family. I guess even without the country fair the farm would be a good getaway from the metro.

We stayed to attend the mass and the After Party. The After Party started behind its schedule and we stayed only until Noel Cabangon performed. I love his songs.

Fan mode!

And now my two cents worth about this country fair –yes, it’s one-of-a-kind but it’s too high-end for my taste. The merchandise were expensive, or maybe it does not really fit my lifestyle the reason why I find those pieces pricey. Short of food stalls to cater the guests until the evening, we should have brought our own baon because we really got too hungry even after finishing two empanadas each.

See there’s even an ATM machine to ensure you won’t run out of cash. That’s high-end it was because it was my first time to see a mobile ATM machine. Hehehe…

The Fun Farm is a hit.

Balik Bukid is miss for me. (I’m just being honest…)

But in all fairness, I have to highlight that Balik Bukid activities for the kids are remarkable and enlightening especially that kids nowadays are hooked to gadgets. It’s a fun way to spend a day at the outdoors and gets dirty and sweaty while bonding with the whole family.

 

Sta. Elena Golf & Country Estate

E-mail: contact@staelena.com
Mobile: 0920.949.8260
Landline: (02) 886.8686

For Golf-related Inquiries, you may e-mail: staelenagolfoperations@gmail.com

 

getting the hang of it

I’m seeing a very eventful weekend as early as now, there’s my favorite outlet sale happening starting today until Sunday (see flyer above),

there’s this 50% markdown on lunch and dinner buffet (tho this one can really, really wait until the end of May) and,

there’s this country fair I’m itching to pay a visit on Sunday. I also have to keep in mind to squeeze a date with my dear Tating, am still thinking if she would enjoy an afternoon tea in one of those posh Makati hotels. Oh my, I need to fully maximize my two days off this time and pass up the long sleep in the morning, avoid the internet as much as I can and start my day as early as 10am tomorrow by visiting the nail salon. Wow! And if I may add, I’ll date Mrs. F later; I thought this the best way to bond and for me to discuss quite a few things about work and her forthcoming assignment.

Anyhow, this week had been a challenging one for me especially that my attention was called last Tuesday, it still puzzles me where the heck that inkling came from, me and her conniving, probably the buzz went around because they thought we’re close like before. These people don’t really know our history, tsk! I guess this leave me no choice but to continue hating nonsense people at work; mind your own business please. I also had a heart-to-heart talk with two of my staffs; the first was with J, whom I’d started working with in 2010. I appreciate all her comments, her suggestions, her concerns, her initiatives, it warms the cockles of my heart to know she’s getting the hinge of work, finally she’ll advanced and I’ll get to relax on the side. With BJ, which I scheduled yesterday, was a different story. It’s sad that she had to feel that way, it saddened me more that she has to consider other things outside because she’s no longer pleased with the turnaround of events. I value her, a lot if I may say, because she’s committed, she’s hardworking and she’s easy to work with. I cannot recall any faulty issues with her, I never received any complain either. The past four years with BJ was all about teamwork and objectivity. I have bigger plans for her and I hope it won’t go to waste in the end. And I hope she got a better sleep last night after hearing all my two cents worth. Me –behind those defying moments, I felt proud of myself because I think I’ve given and said what’s needed to say including the right choice of words so as not to hurt or make anyone unhappy. I may be a silent creature at work because I choose to detached myself but I can be a roaring tiger if provoked, a small number of people know me by heart and I don’t mind how the others look upon me with hate. Huh!

It still summer in my country folks, I still don’t like much the outdoors but with good things lineup from time to time I’m willing to go and walk around. Remember I’m on instagram, so get your own account and stalk me there. Hehehe…But like what the Barreto’s had been shouting all over the net. “Enough is enough. Leave us alone. Leave my family alone.” Intiendes?

Oh these were my recent photos on instagram in case you missed to like it, hehehe

My latest winning, a masflex sauce pan from the celebrity chef Luigi Muhlach. Many thanks!

And my not so hungry dinner chow last night at KFC, a streetwise bucket meal just for the two of us. Burp!