Proud Mommy :)

Daughter's Toycon 2013 Experience just got published in Manila Bulletin, Fun Page Section (6.29.13).

Congratulations, Baba !!!



Hubby and I discovered her knack for writing about three years ago but it is only now that she was able to write for a publication. I believe that there is a perfect time for everything and for daughter's writing talent, it is just ripening now. I will let her discover her talents on her own but I will guide her from behind, and give her a little push every now and then. Besides, she is still a kid and has so many years ahead of her. She needs to enjoy being a kid without any pressure whatsoever.

Cheers!

Scenes from Toycon 2013 Part I

Scenes from Toycon 2013 Part II


Ice Cream Ice Cream

This our current fave flavor from Selecta. We love, love the cookie bits. Yum!

Forget the diet and eat Selecta's Mrs. Fields ice cream now. ;)



Charlie Wanton Special

Hubby and I have been running around town the whole day today so come dinner time, my energy failed me in the kitchen and I still have to feed hubby and daughter.

Luckily, our house is just walking distance from these fastfood restos --- Shakey's, Jollibee, KFC and Chowking. Then there's also Aling Banang's (tapsilogan), Hosena's (bulalo et al), several lechon manok stalls, numerous carinderias, and Hypermart (lots of food stalls that includes a Mang Inasal branch). But we decided to walk farther (free exercise) until we reached Charlie's.


EVENT: Cocina Centrale

Mercato Centrale is coming to Pampanga this June 
Invites Pampanga and Central Luzon-based food entrepreneurs


The Mercato Centrale Group is bringing the premier food and lifestyle night market experience to the culinary center of the Philippines – Angeles City, Pampanga in Ayala's Marquee Mall! 

 “We’re inviting food entrepreneurs from Manila, Pampanga and the surrounding provinces of Central Luzon to join our newest market - Cocina Centrale! It will be a culinary showdown where the best of Pampanga will meet the best of Manila!” said RJ Ledesma, co-founder of the Mercato Centrale Group. 

Mercato’s Cocina Centrale will have its grand launch on June 29, Saturdayat the Marquee Park of Ayala's Marquee Mall in Angeles City Pampanga. It will be open every Friday and Saturday starting July 5 from 4pm to 3am. Interested food vendors who want to join Cocina Centrale may call(+63917)8401152 or (+632)8120102 or email admin@mercatocentrale.ph. You may also visit www.facebook.com/cocinacentrale. 

“This is our first food market outside of Metro Manila, and we feel the most ideal place where we could share the Mercato Centrale experience is with the Pampanga foodies,” said Anton Diaz, Co-founder of the Mercato Centrale group and the blogger behind the popular food and travel websitewww.OurAwesomePlanet.com. 

“The great tradition of cooking in this part of the country means we have to ‘level up’ when it comes to the quality of our gourmet and artisanal vendors, so that the food satisfies the discerning taste buds of the Kapampangans,” added Diaz. 

The Mercato Centrale Group is the events team behind Metro Manila’s most happening night weekend markets that include Midnight Mercato in Bonifacio Global City, Cucina Andare in Glorietta Park Makati, and two in Quezon City -- Mezza Norte in Trinoma and Levante in Eastwood. 

All food vendors undergo a taste test by the Mercato Centrale Group. Vendors are chosen based on flavor, innovation and uniqueness.

Craving For Paella Negra And Crepe

Whenever I discovered a restaurant and the food tastes great, I go back there again, and again and I bring my family and friends.

And my current favorite is Calderon. I just can't get enough of the paella negra. Super sarap!

So when I met up with my college frinds for my post-birthday get-together, I suggested Calderon.



Ramen Mondate

First time to eat here. Lucky us because we went to the ramen house early because the waiting line is quite longish during lunch and dinner time.


B1T1 Starbucks Mocha Cookie Crumble Frap

Daughter and I got lucky because they don't have class today since Manila is celebrating its 442nd Anniversary. So off we went to the mall. Our destination- Shangri-La Plaza because hubby is there with a client. And lucky us for seeing Starbucks B1T1 Promo on Mocha Cookie Crumble and Green Tea with Red Beans Frap. We got the mocha cookie fraps. :)



Super sulit! Daughter and I both love this drink. I hope it stays forever. :)


Zombiepillar

I'm kinda obsessed with caterpillars lately. It started with Fatsopillar. And because its rainy season already, I've been checking our plants especially the calamansi for the caterpillars.

Here's what I saw today ---


--- a zombie-ish looking caterpillar. I'm guessing he is one of the tweenie-pillars. He's almost ready to hibernate but is still so matakaw. And he really, really like calamansi leaves!

Hope to find him when he turns into a cocoon and eventually into a butterfly. :)

Meet Soleil

I've been meaning to change my phone since last year but I haven't found the one that makes my heart beat. You see, I've been using a very old model of Corby. Actually, I fell in love with the phone thanks to a koreanovela- hahaha.

Una Fiesta Compleanos Espanol

A Spanish Birthday Feast At Calderon Restaurant

We've always wanted to dine at Calderon: Cocina Tapas y Bebidas but during those times that we go there, it is always full. Maybe because its dinnertime already that's why. And because its my birthday and I've been craving for something new, I wanted to spend my birthday dinner at Calderon with my family.



Golden Spoon

Haven't visited this store for a very long time since they renovated their Shangri-La Plaza Branch. And it took us ages again to drop by after they opened their doors again. 

We got the cup that costs P199. From that small cup, you can fill it with as much ice cream as you want, and can even mix all the flavors. Then add as much sprinkle and toppings and sauce (chocolate and caramel) and you want also. Sadly, daughter and I are too tired to do just that and all we wanted to do was sit down. But its okay since we still got a lot on our cup. I love the cake batter and kahlua flavors. Forgot what flavors daughter added. 


Birthday Lunch With Friendships At The Mercado

Had a nice birthday lunch with my friends at The Mercado in Resorts World Manila. Its just too bad that we can't take a decent photo inside the restaurant because the resto happens to be inside the casino. But I did manage to snap some shots using my phone but the resolutions not that great.


My salad plate. Just some veggies with ranch dressing. Then I got a chocolate muffin, which turned out to be really, really good.



Another Look At TOYCON 2013

Toycon 2013.    


Superheroes. Wolverine. Superman. Batman. Flash. Green Lantern?


Adventure Time characters. Lovely crochet work.
\

Black Canyon Coffee at Tuscany, McKinley Hills

Coffee drinkers have now another reason to celebrate because Black Canyon Coffee opened its second branch here in the Philippines. Located at The Tuscany, McKinley Hills in Taguig City, this two-storey coffeeshop is a nice place not just to drink coffee but to dine and hangout here as well. The second floor area which can seat about 20 pax comfortably are also great for meetings and brainstorming, and even small parties.

The event was graced by Mr. Pravit Chitnarapong (at the right), founder and CEO of Black Canyon Thailand Co., Ltd. "Black Canyon Coffee is of the highest quality with the best aroma and taste made from 100% fresh Arabica beans most of which are grown in the farms of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand." 


"Coincidentally, "the Black Canyon Tuscany, McKinley Hills is the 50th overseas outlet of Black Canyon Thailand Co., Ltd."  according to Mr. Chitnarapong. So that means, this is the Golden Branch. Congratulations!

Scenes From TOYCON 2013

Its been set and decided, written in blood (imaginary) that daughter and I would attend the Toycon at SM Megamall since attending the launch at the Newport Mall last May. Please see TOYCON Launch post here. 

So today, on Father's Day-- daughter and I went to Megamall sans hubby. Will meet him for dinner in Shang- yey!


Lots of people when we arrive. The Megatrade hall crowd and cool items will turn Divisoria to shame. ;)


SPOTLIGHT: Gerard Papillon

Gerard Papillon's name is synonymous with Pamora Farm. I already saw him years ago at the Salcedo Market but wasn't able to have a chat with him because I was feeling shy then. Then I saw Pamora Farm's booth at the World Trade Center and he's there. So I was able to have a friendly chat with him about Pamora and the healthy effect of free-range (organic) chicken as compared to the commercially grown (and headless) chickens.




Miracles Happen When You're Not Expecting It

A few weeks ago, I blogged about Fatsopillar here and here and here. The last entry was the time when we can't find him in his calamansi plant home.

I was really feeling sad because I've grown to "love" my Fatsopillar. I even gave him a whole calamansi plant for him to chew so that he will grow big and strong. But one rainy night last month, he vanished when I was looking for him the following morning. I blame myself for transferring him to a new calamansi plant which was placed outside the garden, sans roof.

And just like that, summer's over. Rain comes frequently and yesterday, most part of Manila were flooded. It was really a gloomy day yesterday. But today, I woke up to the blinding sunlight (late na kasi nagising! hahaha) and even used an umbrella to hide from the sun.

Rainy Thursday Dinner

Its been raining non-stop today and some parts of Metro Manila especially Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, V.Mapa, Taft Avenue and Espana Boulevard were flooded. Some schools suspended their classes as early as 3pm so that the students and teachers can go home early.

I think that this is going to be a rainy year so time to use rain boots and raincoat and invest in a durable umbrella.

Takaw Yaki At Tama Yaki

Today is Takaw Yaki Day.

Just look at that character, ang cute !!!



Stackers Burger

Another food-bonding activity with daughter. Her tummy is like a bottomless pit! But because I support daughter's food cravings and because she is growing (I believe she's a few cms taller than me now!), I indulge her food cravings.

We went to Promenade to check the new books at Fully Booked but she got hungry first and is craving for a burger.



Yum! Lots of yummy choices. Even if I wanted to eat at the vegetarian resto at the other end of the mall, I couldn't resist the delicious-looking burgers.



Nice lemon decor.



We ordered the classic burgers.


Shared an iced-tea because we might hangout at Starbucks or Happy Lemon after Fully Booked.


Cheese Burger. Daughter's order. P135. Its cheap considering the size. As usual, the burger's gone in less than five minutes. You wouldn't believe how "takaw" my daughter is if you see her skinny frame. Lucky! I used to be skinny when I was her age till after giving birth to her. Then the rest is history. I mean, from XS to M-- huhuhu.


Diet-mode ako. Plain Cheeseburger. P105. But there's nothing plain about it. Each and every bite is beef heaven. Patty is juicy. Ang sarap! I'm glad I didn't opt for a vegetarian burger this time. Anyways, I'm not on a diet naman. Hehehe



Stackers Burger
GL Promenade Mall
Greenhills, San Juan

SPOTLIGHT: Chef Edgar Grajo

I met Chef Edgar during Fishta's Event at the World Trade Center. It was my first time to attend a live cooking demo and at the same time I was also covering the event. He prepared three different dishes using Pampano Fish.




Ramen Bar

I discovered Ramen Bar late last year but I forgot to blog all about it. I only dined there once and the food is quite memorable. Sadly, we don't frequent Robinsons Magnolia lately but I promise to visit again, with hubby and daughter in tow. :)




Sundate At Tama Yaki

Daughter and I love takoyaki and we haven't had one for quite some time now. Luckily, there's this relatively new place along P. Guevara in San Juan. I'd like to think P. Guevara as the newest food area in town, and its  just nearby.




A Day At The Highlands

When Manila's heat becomes unbearable or simply because going on a short trip is fun--- the nearest and coolest place that we can think of is Tagaytay. Not only of the scenic views but because there are really a lot of things to do there especially if you have kids in tow.

Also, Tagaytay has a nice cool climate especially in the evenings or during rainy days when it can get really foggy. I find it nice to drive in the fog, but I will save that for another blog post in my other blog! ;)



Lunch was at the Chinese restaurant inside Tagaytay Highlands. We made an after lunch reservation so that we can eat in solitude, with only us making the noise-- hahaha.

Having lunch with the family that includes two lolas and a Dutch lolo, plus 3 kids and the rest-- mga isip bata. :P


No time to take photos. Everyone is really hungry. Attack! Fish Lip soup was served. Ewww.. not really fond of it, but it is Ola's fave so okay lang. I can see sweet and sour pork and the fried chicken. We also ordered some hakaw and siomai which was literally gone before I could take photos, plus tons of other dishes not seen in the photo.


Afterwards, we had fun at The Animal Farm. Alice got lucky because the llama is not in a bad mood, otherwise, he would've spit on her (according to the zoo keeper). I remember the kiddie film-- The Emperor's New Groove. The emperor was turned into a llama.


The kids also had tons of fun feeding the pigs and the birds, and having a "staring" contest with the fish. Even my Dutch Uncle joined the staring contest. Hahaha. Its funny because fishes doesn't have eyelids. So they sleep with their eyes open. Reminds me of Garfield having a staring contest with a fish also. Then when his eyes were already so round, Jon told him that fishes don't have eyelids. :P


Got hungry after touring the zoo, and we all needed some fresh air--- meaning aircon. So up the adults went to the bowling area (too lazy to play), while the kids were left behind at the computer room.

Ordered a not very flattering-looking turon. But I love the caramel dip. The food presentation is kinda off.



Another unflattering-looking saba-con-yelo that's so full of yellow food coloring. Well, the vanilla ice cream tasted nice. Plus its cold, so I guess it okay.


Another unflattering-looking order. The halo-halo. But it tasted better than the saba-con-yelo. I love the ube and the macapuno. Never mind the pinipig. I think I want to order another one. ;)


Dessert Factory Is LOVE

Years ago, when daughter was just 7 years old, I tasted this delicious cake from Dessert Factory in Cebu City. I am not really fond of strawberries except that I like its color but eating strawberries is not my thing. But this cake was one of the few exceptions that I really enjoy strawberry. The cake is called Strawberry Surprise.



Fast forward ... and daughter is now eleven. We had a day to spare in Cebu and one of the places on my list is Dessert Factory. It is located in the posh Ayala Mall in Cebu City.


I know I have to eat this cake. And it is still called Strawberry Surprise but it looks different now. But it still tastes oh so good! Moist cake with strawberries. Never mind that yellow thingy. I'm tempted to hand carry a box but it needs to be refrigerated.



The other cake, the one that daughter ordered was Oreo Something. Actually, she loves anything with oreos.


Daughter is excited to eat her oreo cake! :)


I don't think I will tire of eating the Strawberry Surprise Cake. Looking forward to our next visit to Cebu because I'm going to eat my dessert there again.

Btw, Dessert Factory also serves other dishes like rice meals and pasta, and other sweet goodies.



Dessert Factory
3F Ayala Center
Cebu City


Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu awarded TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Cebu, Philippines- The Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence last May 22, 2013.




TripAdvisor.com, presently considered one of the most popular travel websites among online netizens around the world, is renowned for providing its readers with key travel information. It features reviews and opinions of individuals who aim to share their unique travel experiences with the rest of the world. TripAdvisor showcases wide-scale reviews about hotels, restaurants , and mush more.

The TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is awarded annually to the top performing 10% of all hotels worldwide, and is given to establishments that consistently earn high ratings from TripAdvisor travelers.

RECIPE: Avocado Nutella Smoothie

Hubby brought home some avocados yesterday and we plan to just eat it with sugar. However, temperature seem to be a bit hot today (even if it rained earlier) and daughter was eating bread with nutella. So instead of making a plain avocado shake, I added some nutella. Healthy yum yum! :)



We Love Our Bread ...

Are you familiar with the cartoon show Madeleine?

Years ago, when daughter was still a toddler, she loves to watch that show on Disney Channel. Maybe because she thinks she's Madeleine since both of them sports the same short hair and is surrounded by nuns. Well, Madeleine is surrounded by nuns while my daughter has an aunt nun! 




Mu, Share Tea And Toribox All-in-one Goodness

First stop was at Mu Noodle Bar in Wilson Street, San Juan. It's just a few steps away from the P. Guevara intersection.

Mu, in Mandarin means mother. We were supposed to dine here last Mother's Day but we forgot to make reservations and the place was full. We did manage to get a table but the place was really hot so we opted to dine at La Creperie instead.

So, here we are now, just daughter and I (my food-buddy and bff). I'm craving for some beef noodles kasi (thanks to the rain).


Introducing Naga eXcursions

Last May 31, 2013, the Metro Naga Development Council held a presscon at Barbara's Restaurant in Intramuros. Invited among the journalist and media men were bloggers from the Wazzup Pilipinas Group. MNDC which launced Naga eXcursions aims to bring Naga closer to the traveler's heart.


Metro-Naga engages private sector support for tourism development

Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC) has launched a new destination-marketing brand, NAGA eXcursions or Naga X to promote its packaged tour offerings in Camarines Sur. Fifity tourism establishments formed a marketing consortium to support MNDC. This is the first tourism consortium organized by an LGU, aimed at standardizing primary and secondary tourism ventures, cutting across all tourism services in the province that include accommodations, tour operations, transport, adventure parks, and eco-tourism.

The X in Naga X stands for Excursion, the local term for a leisure trip, referring to the different tour experiences developed by the Metro Naga Association of Travel and Tour Operators (MENATTO), like religious pilgrimages, eco-adventures that cater to domestic and foreign tourists as well as balikbayans. It is also reminiscent of the famous Bicol Express train from Manila to Naga.

MNDC is an alliance of 16 LGUs in Camarines Sur headed by Naga City Mayor John B. Bongat, which is aiming to make the province the premiere investment and tourism hub in the Bicol Region. Naga X and the formation of the Consortium are MNDC initiatives that form part of a two-year grant from the Local Economic Development (LED) program until 2014.  



Barbara's Restaurant in the fabled Intramuros was the dramatic backdrop of Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC) presscon launch of Naga eXcursions last May 31, 2013.


RECIPE: Beef Tapa Ala Bistek Tagalog

Ingredients:

beef tapa, 200g
2 medium onions, sliced
ground pepper
chili flakes (optional)
kalamansi




Procedure:

Add tapa strips into a heated pan and cooked until a bit brown. You can season it with ground pepper and chili flakes. Add onions, squeeze some kalamansi and serve. Yummy! :)

June- July Treats by The Makati Shangri-La

For us, June means back-to-school but for The Makati Shangri-La, it means a month-long treat. :)




photo by The Kitchen Goddess


Heirloom Recipes at Circles Event Cafe
June 10-14, 2013

Join us as we pay homage to the 115th year of Philippine Independence at Circles Event Cafe, featuring traditional Filipino recipes passed on from generations, prepared by our very own team of award-winning chefs.

Executive Room Upgrade
June 14-16, 2013

Relax with the whole family this Father's Day in the luxurious abode of the hotel, and enjoy an upgrade to the Executive Room when you book a Deluxe room during the Father's Day weekend during June 14-16, 2013, including buffet breakfast at Circle Event Cafe.

Father's Day
June 16, 2013

It's dad's turn to shine this month! Spend dad's special day at the Makati Shangri-La with a lineup of Father's Day offers that the whole family can enjoy. All Dads are in for a treat as with afternoon high tea at The Lobby Lounge, buffet at Circles Event Cafe, utegu spread at Inagiku, and special set menus at Red and Shang Palace.

Summer Collection at Inagiku
June 19- July 26, 2013

Experience summer Japanese favorites from Inagiku's Chef de Cuisine Wataru Hikawa as he unveils his authentic specialties for the season made with seafood flown in fresh from Tokyo, Japan. Available for lunch and dinner from June 19- to July 26. Prices start at P250+++

The End of An Era ...
Conway's Count Down With A Big Bang
June and July 2013

It's a big farewell bash for Conway's Bar as we bid adieu to the hotel's iconic bar with a bang! Come and party to three festive shindigs lined up at Conway's-- from evenings of Samba on June 28, Blue and Rock & Roll on July 5, Tuxedo Junction Jazz on July 13 and Ballroom on July 21.


For inquiries and reservations please call (632) 813.8888
email:  reservations.slm@shangri-la.com for rooms
           rric.slm@shangri-la.com for dining


*** text credit goes to The Makati Shangri-La



Happy kids at The Makati Shangri-La.
photo by The Kitchen Goddess