Earle's

At last, at last ... I was able to meet and dine with Earle. 

It was not really a planned trip since me and my friend, Jean, were craving for some cream puffs and meant to go somewhere but for some unknown reason, we ended up at Earle's Delicatessen at The Columns. But I'd like to thank, Uncle J for meeting us up first in Starbucks Columns because if not for him, we won't be ending up at Earle's.



And ang daming choices --- ***hyperventilates




But since Jean and I were still full from lunch, we ended up ordering only this ... ang sarap!!!!! Bought some for hubby and daughter.




Stuffed Breadsticks are also available and being sold for P19/pc and there are several flavors to choose from. Bestseller daw ang Chicken Pesto but daughter and I loved the Beef Taco. A pack of 10 costs P160 but single flavor lang. This is like Mantou Breadsticks. And is a great snack / baon idea since its almost the beginning of SY 2013-2014. 

Lovely Beef Day

Daughter and I have been craving for some beef strips lately that a cancelled movie date at RWM means that we can enjoy grocery shopping at Lucky Chinatown Mall. You see, it is only at the Metro Gaisano Supermarket where I can find this particular beef strips that hubby and daughter enjoys. I don't know why it is not available in other groceries or if they have, it doesn't look just right. We also love steak (who doesn't? please raise your feet!) and they're always available in that grocery. So okay lang na its far awar from where we live as long as maraming grocery haul.

So when I received an invite last week to join the Media Launch of Angus Cow Beef Tapa, I didn't think twice about it. I mean, a-n-g-u-s beef. Go go go!:)

And it made me happy to know that this beef tapa is not just any beef tapa but an angus beef tapa, and this particular one is synonymous with Chef John Cu-Unjieng of JAM Foods and Company. I've been hearing buzz about this yummy beef tapa from several foodie friends but I still haven't tasted it-- wawa naman ako. So today's my lucky day.

Metamorphosis

I was feeling a bit sad last week because I can't find Fatsopillar in his calamansi plant. It so happen that we visited Ola last week and stayed until after dinner in her house. Also, it rained that night. And I got worried because the calamansi plant where Fatsopillar (was) staying is right at the middle of the garden--- hello, rain!

The next morning, we can't find him anymore. Hubby said to just look for a cocoon, then jokingly added that a bird or our (pa)gongs must have eaten Fatsopillar-- huhuhu.

The photo below was Fatsopillar's last photo before we left him. :(



EVENT: Astrology 101 Workshop

What:            Astrology 101 Workshop
When:           June 1, 2013
Where:          Third Eye Manila Wellness Center
                     6F Jecoprime Bldg., 20th Drive
                     McKinley Bussiness Park
                     (its the street in-between Essensa Towers)

The workshop aims to teach participants how to create and read their own astrological charts, thus veering away from pop-horoscope.




Please register at The Third Eye Wellness Center, (02) 808.2984 / 0917.6362800
or email at--- manila@thirdeyeonlin.com

Third Eye Manla FB Page

Reunited: A Cat's Story

Saw this from yahoo.com and I just have to share this. I love cats and I've cared for two cats years ago (Miyaw and Cat), both of whom acted like they were humans and not cats. Who cried piteously whenever they were left alone in the house, who even without being taught made their business in the toilet bowl (no kidding), and expected to be served their food whenever they saw us eating breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Miyaw, a feline, loved to watch TV, and sang (meow meow meowing) whenever my father played the violin. (tom)Cat, was naughtier but sweet. Loved to catch mice and played with it until it died of a heart attack. He was a vegetarian. He will capture a mouse with his paws then let it go then capture it again--- on and on and on--- until the poor mouse died from fright. There was also a time when he gifted me with a dead mouse. I didn't know about it until I placed one foot inside my shoe--- yikes! Cat also loved to follow me around the neighborhood (maybe he thought of himself as my little brother).

And I loved both of them to bits but sadly, they were in Cat Heaven now. I don't have the heart to own a pet after them because they were not just pets to me but family.

Below is the link to the yahoo article that I just read. And this is dedicated to all cat lovers. :)

http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/woman-reunited-with-cat-after-13-years-172318111.html


So, what is your cat story?

RECIPE: Dory In Mango Cream Sauce

When I cook, I just let my creativity flow- like when I write stories (before). And I make use of whatever ingredients I have in the house. So to cut the long story short, I bought a pack of cream dory from the grocery and then I found some ripe mangoes in the fridge. And the rest is history --- I mean, the food is in our tummies now. ;)

Ingredients:

cream dory, 500g (cut into desired portions)
ripe mangoes, 2 (cube)
ginger, 2 tbsp (slivers)
cream, 1/4 or less 
olive oil
ground black pepper
salt
water



TOYCON 2013 Launch

Daughter and I have been planning to attend a toycon for years now but we haven't been able to attend one until yesterday. And Toycon Philippines is already on its 12th year!




We arrive a bit early so we enjoyed looking the displays and tiangge sans the crowd.

The superheroes display was conveniently located at the ground floor, just near the main entrance and beside the escalators. I don't know all the names of the superheroes except a few like Superman, Thor, Hulk, Iron Man, Voltes V Base (hahaha, my age is showing!). Anyways, it was fun to take photos and reminiscing what its like to read comic books or watch related films. As for daughter, she can't relate to the superheroes thingy.



The King & I

Yesterday, after some "I will watch," "I will not watch," conversation with myself, I finally gave in and watched The King and I with daughter at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre. Actually, daughter already watched it last year with her cousins. But since we were really meant to go to RWM because daughter wanted to attend the 2013 TOYCON Launch, so why not. And another thing (the best part), the tickets are free--- a special treat from Momsie. Thank you, Momsie !!!



(above photo was taken last year with Ms. Monique Wilson as Mrs. Anna and Mr. Leo Valdez as the King)

So, here's the kwento:

Years ago when I am still a kid (still a kid-at-heart, though), my father used to work for one of the top companies that manages cinemas in Manila. So I get to watch a lot of movies, free movies. Also, we have a movie projector and I remember watching The King and I here at home. Hmmm ... I'm not sure if we ate popcorn. But anyways, it is a favorite family film. And between Sound of Music, and this, I prefer The King and I. And I love Yul Brynner.

Ms. B's Bawai Vietnamese Kitchen Experience

Located in idyllic Silang, Cavite, Bawai Vietnamese Kitchen renders its charm not only to local residents but to the urbanites who seeks a quick-and-relaxing get-a-way from the rigors of city life. And even foodies have a lot to say about it.

And today, my friend, Ms. B, who just arrived from Tagaytay is my correspondent for Bawai. Text and photos by Ms. B :)



Isang Araw Sa Rockwell

First stop was lunch. I don't know why but we only patronize a few restos whenever we go to the Powerplant Mall. And today, the chosen one is ---


We chose a table near the entrance because the last time we dined there, we were seated near the kitchen and we have this "grilled meat" smell around us after we left the resto.

RECIPE: Beef Tapa

Daughter and I planned to make pancakes today but for some unknown reason, eating pancakes doesn't seem appetizing today. Maybe its the weather! Haha

Anyways, I have an unopened pack of frozen Angus Cow Beef Tapa in the fridge so thinking about what to cook for breakfast is a no-brainer.

Ingredients:

beef tapa, 100g
olive oil or any cooking oil
tomatoes, 5-6 pcs cubed
1 medium onion
chili flakes (optional)


Procedure:

Heat a small amount of olive oil in pan and add beef tapa. Cook beef tapa until its almost brown before adding tomatoes and onion. Remove from pan after 3 minutes or less, making sure not to overcook tomatoes or unless you want it cooked and juicy like I do. Transfer to a plate and serve with egg. No need for vinegar as the tomato lends its flavor.







Fatsopillar In His New Home

Daughter and I enjoyed staring at Fatsopillar and taking pictures of him (yes, we think its a boy). I guess he's been one of the most photographed caterpillar model. However, after finishing off the other leaf earlier, I decided to move him to a new calamansi plant, even if I know he will devour all of the leaves. I did try to place him in another leaf (ornamental plant) but he just smelled it and looked sad. I also gave him lagundi leaf, but still--- isnab nya! Oh wells, there goes my calamansi plants. Actually, the plant will still live, sans leaves for maybe a few weeks until new ones can grow. And I hope that by that time, Fatsopillar will have morphed into a beautiful butterfly.




That's Fatsopillar on the photo, munching a new leaf! Ang takaw nya...

And because of the eventually that Fatsopillar will turn into a butterfly someday soon, I asked daughter to read---- Hope For The Flowers by Trina Paulus. Its a very nice book. I remember my mother reading that book to me every night and then we would be talking about Stripe and Yellow.


Tilapia Is Bad For The Health

Years ago, galunggong was the poor man's fish, nowadays, its tilapia. Tilapia dishes are also included in most restaurants now so almost everyone knows what it is. Its as popular as the bangus and I think most kids eats tilapia compared to bangus unless its boneless bangus.

Although I am not that overly fond of tilapia, I do cook it for my family since you can buy it fresh (alive) from the market and is always available even in supermarkets.

However, upon reading the article --- Eating Tilapia Is Worse Than Eating Bacon ... I began to have some doubts about this fish.

1. It says in the article that "tilapia may worsen inflammation which can lead to heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and a world of other serious health problems."

2. "Contains cancer causing pollutants." This, I believe is true since farmed fish- like chickens, are being fed chemically enhanced pellets to grow fast and multiply.

3. And "to keep them alive, farm owners give antibiotics to the fish to stave off disease."

Hmmmm ... so what fish do I buy now? Luckily, hubby and daughter prefers gindara, tanigue, tuna and the occasional salmon. We also love lapu-lapu but after being sold a fake one (formalin laden, I think) two years ago, we scraped it off our list.



Fatsopillar: All Creatures Great and small ...

This poem is for my little Fatsopillar ...

Maker Of Heaven And Earth (All Things Bright And Beautiful)
- Cecil Frances Alexander

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings.

RECIPE: Baked Dory Ala-pobre

Feeling healthy today. Prepared baked dory ala-pobre which means-- I'm too lazy use the oven so I improvised and baked (?) it in the pan instead. @-@


Ingredients:

dory fillet, 500g
cream, 100ml
marble potatoes, 8pcs sliced
celery, 3-5 stalks, sliced
butter, 3-5 pats (or olive oil) (I used butter)
salt
garlic powder
ground pepper
dried oregano
dried basil (best if fresh)
mozzarella, 50g sliced thinly



Let's Help Build A Better World

When I was a kid, I don't worry about how will I go to school, how will I eat or what will I eat, my health, or how my parents earn money for my allowance. Nor do I worry about my house, the environment, the government. I don't even care about how important the roads and highways were as long as I arrive at my destination. But now that I am a parent, I worry about these things. I worry about what my daughter's world be like in the future.

And I feel that NOW is the time to ACT. Luckily, the place where I live in the city has a very responsive local government so cheers to Mr. Brgy. Chairman. Although not perfect, the people in my community are joining hands to make to make a difference. Garbage have been segregated, plants and vegetables are being planted and harvested in the community (yes, we live in the city), roads and drainage was fixed so as to prevent floods (Ondoy and the Bahagat flood in Metro Manila), additional lamppost and roving tanods were also a great addition to our community thus making everyone safe. Then our community also has an ambulance at our disposal for emergencies. 

But still, I worry. I worry about my daughter's education. I feel that if I don't send her to a good school, she won't receive an excellent education. However, sending her to a good school means that I will have to pay a lot for her school tuition fee. So then, I begin to worry about my job (and that of my hubby) and that if we will not work hard, we won't be able to send our daughter to a good school. Then there's the concern about health and pollution. I worry that the food and vegetables and meat that we are eating are full of preservatives and pesticides and other harmful stuff. Best to buy organic vegetables or grow your own vegetables. Luckily, we have a small garden at home and I've already planted calamansi, ampalaya, tomatoes, lagundi, oregano and aloe vera. I'm planning to plant some more vegetables like okra, pechay, string beans, patola, etc. And to lessen the pollution entering the garden, we've already planted trees outside the yard that partly covers the garden and our home. Then I also worry about climate change and how my community was flooded for the first time by Ondoy, and the another one by Bahagat (moonson rains) last 2012. I believe we should plant more trees, not condominiums and buildings in the metropolis. Even the once lush mountains in the provinces are now almost barren. I cannot imagine my country being a wasteland in the future (year 2075) if we don't act now.

So let us join hands and help build a better world. Please visit the My World link by the United Nations and take time to answer the survey. Thank you. :)


Here's my top 6:

1. A good education
2. Protecting forests, rivers and oceans
3. Action taken on climate change
4. An honest and responsive government
5. Better job opportunities
6. Affordable and nutritious food

EVENT: TOYCON 2013

Daughter and I got so excited when I saw RWM's fb post earlier today. TOYCON 2013 at the Newport Mall.

You see, daughter loves watching animes and reading mangas and is also a frustrated cosplayer. Nah, she haven't joined one yet except that she dressed up (or rather I dressed her up) as Sadako when she's still in nursery (trick-or-treat event in school), if that counts. Of course, most of her classmates were dressed up as princesses, fairies, pirates, winnie the pooh characters, etc. All cutey cuteys so she was not happy with her costume; but she did win a price for being the scariest. Hahaha

Then several years back (2008), we attended the debut party of a friend's daughter and theme was cosplay. Yey! Unfortunately though, guests weren't asked to come in costume and I have a small part on the program since the celebrant- Alexis, is my goddaughter.

The early birds posing in front of the camera. These kids belongs to the first cosplayers group in the country and most of them are professional cosplayers now.


RECIPE: Beef Bulgogi

Cooked beef bulgogi last week. This is so easy to do.

Ingredients:

300g beef strips
worcestershire sauce
kikkoman
oyster sauce
sesame oil
knorr seasoning
salt
sugar
ground pepper
sesame seeds
1 medium onion (sliced into strips)
bean sprouts (toge)


Mitre And Peanut Butter Tourists

Its so hard to sked a kita-kits with friends especially during summer but since Jovee lured us with sweet treats and hello kitty goodies, the "date" was set faster than a blink.

As always, we don't bother to order anything from Mitre but crispy pata and laing. What can I say? The crispy pata was calorific but divinely delish! Must try. Costs P318 regular and P480 large. Three to four persons can enjoy the regular size crispy pata as long as you will order other dishes too. Or good for 2 pax! ;)



Mondate At C.Verde, Toribox + Serenitea

Daughter and I delivered something to tita M in Greenhills so found ourselves having a pre-dinner snack at Cafeteria Verde or C.Verde in Promenade. It was Princess Y who introduced me to this yummy vegetarian restaurant.

Same old, same old ... we love the vegetarian sliders and watermelon shake. This was my first post about Cafeteria Verde Even daughter love the food there so we've been eating there a lot whenever we go to Greenhills. The sliders are L-O-V-E.



Date With Spock And Kirk

Daughter was so excited that she woke up early today. It is because we have some movie vouchers at RWM (thank you, tita B!) and because she wanted to eat donuts at Cafe Maxims. Please see Maxims Donuts for official photo.



Vaya Con Dios, Tita Niza

An aunt passed away Sunday night. I was able to be with her yesterday afternoon  although I did not think then that it would be the last time I that I will hold her hand and see her breathing. Please join me in prayer as I offer the Lord's Psalm for her. Thank you.




Photo was taken last March 2012 during our trip to Apo Island. 

Then this evening (Monday), daughter and I rode a cab to Greenhills. The name of the cab that we hailed was- Vaya Con Dios. I added the Psalm 23 prayer on the photo (above) as soon as we arrive home last Sunday night. I believe she heard me say the prayer for her when I visited her last Sunday, and heard me say it again when I was typing the prayer on the photo. A way of expressing her thanks and letting me know that she is with God now. 


Saturdate At La Creperie And Serenitea; A Mom's Day Prelude

We were supposed to have a pre-Mom's Day dinner at MU Noodle Bar but all tables were already reserved when we arrived (I should've called in advance). The only available table was the bar table but the lamp was just too close and it felt hot sitting there. It's like we are being slowly-roasted. Di bale, will come back soon. After all, its just a few minutes away from our place.

Hubby suggested Alex III but I want to eat noodles. Kanzhu Hand Pulled Noodle Resto was also full- it was already past 7pm. So we ended up at La Creperie which is a family favorite. Think delicious crepes.

I love this table near the window. Pang-date! But we didn't sit there because the table was too small.



RECIPE: Vegetarian Sisig

I love sisig but I know I can't eat it every day. Besides, we've been more conscious of eating healthily for the past few months now (with a few occasion to indulge in sinful food pleasures) that our fridge is never without vegetables and fruits. Luckily, daughter prefers fish (and other seafood) so healthy eating is win-win.

Contrary to other people's belief that vegetarian food is tasteless, let me share with you a recipe that will prove otherwise. 

Ingredients:

ground vegemeat, 100g
minced gluten, 100g
olive oil
1 minced bell pepper (medium)
1 minced onion (medium)
1 minced garlic (small)
2-3 pcs bayleaf
ground black pepper
salt (preferably rock salt)
sugar
chili pepper (optional)
tabasco sauce (optional)
egg (optional)


Stir-fry vegemeat and gluten in olive oil for 5 minutes, then add garlic and bayleaf. Add onions and bell pepper once the garlic is cooked. Add salt, ground pepper and sugar according to taste. 

Bon appetit! 





Happy Mother's Day :)

Sonnets Are Full Of Love
by Christina Rossetti

Sonnets are full of love, and this my tome
Has many sonnets: so here now shall be
One sonnet more, a love sonnet, from me
To her whose heart is my heart's quiet home,
To my first love, my Mother, on whose knee
I learnt love- lore that is not troublesome;
Whose service is my special dignity,
And she my loadstar while I go and come 
And so because you love me, and because 
I love you, Mother, I have woven a wreath
Of rhymes wherewith to crown your honored name;
In you not fourscore years can dim the flame
Of love, whose blessed glow transcends the laws
Of time and change and mortal life and death. 



Turo Turo Philippine Cafe

Living far from home doesn't mean you have to be homesick all the time. Those residing in Auckland, New Zealand can just go to Turo-Turo Philippine Cafe for some comfort food and pinoy chikahan.

Aside from serving popular pinoy dishes like goto, adobo, bulalo, sinigang na sugpo, etc. the resto also serves street food such as isaw and bbq.

FB Page of Turo- Turo Philippine Cafe

Turo- Turo Philippine Cafe
26 Mayfair Place,
Glen Innes, 1072
Auckland, NZ
+649- 5286050

FWGP Workshop and Q Kebab

Last Sunday after attending baby Mikael's Baptismal Lunch at Saisaki Greenbelt, I went to FWGP's workshop at 47 East Hub, E.Abada Street, Quezon City (at the back of McDonald's Katipunan).

Workshop was about how to write, send proposal letter to editors and get published. It was fun although I didn't get to meet and make friends with the other participants since I arrived a bit late. Its a tough decision between Iron Man 3 and the workshop. Daughter watched the movie with cousins after lunch while I (alone) went to the workshop via MRT/ LRT2. Fast commute but lonesome nonetheless.



photo by Dino Manrique / Linus Lopez

Meiji's Green Tea & Red Bean Ice-Cream

Daughter and I got lucky last week when we dropped by at Jash Mart along Wilson Street, Greenhills because the "kuya" there informed me that "me new stocks ng meiji ice-cream." Wow!

*** I wasn't able to take a photo of the freezer because its not allowed

And here's what we got ...



PROMO: Circles Event Cafe Lunch P800 +++

Saw this on FB a few minutes ago and I know I have to share this with you ...

"Enjoy a scrumptious feast from Circles Event Cafe for only PhP 800+++ from May 6-9 and May 13-16 when you book your lunch reservations through our online reservations page."

Book now as there are limited seats available.


Makati Shangri-La FB Page


EVENT: Vegan Potluck on May 10, 2013

Inviting everyone to the Vegan Potluck on May 10, 2013
at 10A Alabama St., Quezon City
Please RSVP by May 6
Admission is FREE :)