Yesterday Food Trip

Yesterday was such a long day for me and my husband. We decided to visit the kids (nieces and nephews in his side) and treat them to Jollibee and since our pastor is officiating a wedding on the same place we went to ride with them. Thanks to Cavitex (the new cavite expressway) travel to Cavite is far more lighter now than before.

The Jollibee treat was nice but I was worried this little one nearly got lost :( My husband found him with the Security Guard and sobbing. Too many kids to handle. I promise I won't be doing that again.

After that, we invited ourselves to the wedding due to the same ride with our Pastor :) It was a simple wedding with only the people in the church (whom we are all acquainted with specially my husband) Others thought we were really invited..hehe! I'm so ashamed of my self because I was wearing shorts :( Anyways, we enjoyed the food there.

(the gatecrashers)

Then, someone from that church invited our Pastor again (and so are we) to drop by at their house and visit after the wedding (it was already past 7PM) but we all gladly went and were all amazed on how beautiful their house is. And it's like we haven't eaten at all, we nearly finished 1 gallon of ice cream and 2 bags of loaf bread. Mine was coffee lang and the bread ( no ice cream)

 (the husband fell in love with the painting)

After lots of picture taking and praying for the host we left for Manila at about 10 PM.

And guess what? on our way home, my husband and I decided to drop by at Distrito- a food market on its last day and yup! we ate again. :)

This is bibingka (native rice delicacy that is mostly available only on December)
Mmy husband bought his favorite kebab

A strawberry drink capped our night. Imagine how full we are yesterday :) No wonder why we can't wear our wedding bands now. :)

And today..we have no food at all..hahaha!! At least we enjoyed a lot yesterday.

Happy New Year!

December wrap up

Our current home didn't have any Christmas decor this year. I opted not to put up anything and decided to donate my decors in our church. Now I am thankful I did that, I don't worry of anything to pack away after the holidays :) One less stress for me!

Not having the decors means we have a lesser meaningful Christmas because I can surely say It's the same, sans the extra electricity bill :D

December was so usual with me and my husband, even more hectic if I may say because of the work we both have now. It's like we were on endless trip to supermarkets every night and on the stores closing time, been seeing barcode scanner everyday last week. And no it's not for us but for the ministry we're working with.

Last Wednesday was our last Christmas party for them and it was tiring to have 180 kids in a day but it's worth it. The endless trips to supermarket and the sleepless nights are all worth it.

Over all, we had 3 kids Christmas parties, 1 Christmas party in the church, we also had 2 debut party -where we both set up balloon decors and  did some venue decors. 1 Child dedication and that's it!

busy but happy December :)

Dinner at Flower Stories Cafe

We bought this voucher from Metrodeal months ago and together with my friends, we finally pushed through with the dinner last Sunday night (December 12). reservation is quite easy, I called an hour before dinner time which is 7 pm and the girl on the phone said yes, they can still accommodate us.

BUT...if you are not familiar with Intramuros area, you'll surely have a hard time locating the place. So better be ready and have a printed map with you.It will save you time.

We arrived past seven and there were few people dining in, there is no line in the buffet area so we were able to get food immediately after settling in our table. I didn't have enough pictures of the food but for me it doesn't look very enticing enough to make you feel you want to taste them agad. Here's what I managed to take though;

I took picture of the food on our plates and I think these pictures are much better :)

By the way, we paid 250.00 for the voucher and they said that original price is 700.00 :( I don't think I'll get this for 700.00 because there is nothing exceptional with the food. It's okay but will not be back again.

My friend even joked that our chocolate fountain looks even better :) Actually, they had bad reviews before but I think they improved a lot na. I notice they are refilling the food trays so you can go get food again, also the ambiance is quite good, thanks to the solo singer/performer :)

this is outside/veranda where the singer is located

 My husband and I had fun though because we were with friends and their kids whom we love so much! See the pic below? looks like they are our own no? hehe :)

Anyways, I still think it is always a risk to buy online (whether goods,gadgets or vouchers) and if you do, you really have to do research about the seller and the item you are buying, same with buying insurance term life online.After all, it's your hard earned money you're spending.

Have a nice day everyone!

Christmas Rush

I still don't understand how and why there is so much traffic around Metro Manila during Christmas season. People say it's Christmas rush..but that doesn't mean people bought cars and are out there in the streets right? If you drive here (specially on Fridays) you'll definitely have a terrible headache before reaching your destination.

Yes, people are out shopping for Christmas gifts and all but I still don't think it could be the main reason for clogged streets. What do you think it is?

Anyways,I know Christmas is just around the corner (10 days to go) and my gift list is not yet done but I don't worry a lot..I don't want the Christmas stress and rush :) that most people has this time around.

I've been out a few times to shop for gifts, bought some toys and accessories for girls, saw also some linens and bedroom stuff on sale (I want that for my self!), kitchen wares abounds in every mall, few medical scrubs and lots and lots of clothings on sale :)

I'm going to finish my list when I have time. I don't see the need to rush. :)

FUJIDENZO GIFTS THIS CHRISTMAS

This Christmas, give the gift that keeps on giving through any of Fujidenzo’s home and commercial appliances. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate gift for your parents or a great prize for your company’s raffle, Fujidenzo will surely bring its recipients a grateful smile and cheer.

Fujidenzo appliances promise ‘Quality above all,’ assuring a high level of quality control in the products’ manufacturing process. Purchase power is not an issue since Fujidenzo assures its affordability to the average Filipino family with its reasonable prices. Thus, buying your parents a new refrigerator or purchasing several twin tub washers for your company’s raffle giveaways won’t drastically break your budget. It’s a win-win situation for you, whether you’re the giver or the receiver.

Fujidenzo’s product line-up includes refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwave ovens, and cooking ranges. There are also appliances that can be used for businesses such as chest and upright freezers, chillers, bar fridges, and wine coolers.

Other products worth considering as either a gift or for your company’s giveaways are small appliances such as electric fans, food steamers, electric kettles, coffeemakers and tea brewers.

Through its balance of quality and affordability, every Fujidenzo appliance will surely be treasured and loved since it has a useful purpose in every home. They also come in a sleek and modern design that can match any kind of kitchen design.

So this holiday season, give the perfect Christmas present. Give a Fujidenzo product today.

And for me?? give me this please :)

Lets Sparty! World of Wellness anniversary

WOW World of Wellness is turning one and they are inviting everyone to come to their not so ordinary party on the 17th of December at One Esplanade. For the ticket of only 250.00 you get free perks like back and foot massage. Bring your girlfriends and make this a bonding moment and get yourself a chance to win a raffle prize!

22 days before Christmas

And I have yet to complete my gift list.

I still do not have any idea what to give my husband, although when he saw these cutting tools and drills from the internet, he said he want that -but obviously I will not give him such as a Christmas gift.

While him - knows already what to get me for Christmas, I showed him the exact color and style. I don't want him buying anything that would disappoint me so I'd rather tell him straight what I want :) No element of surprise there but I prefer that.

Anyways, I know most of you are done with your list or at least halfway through it. I hope I'll get my bonus soon so I can finish mine too!

Date with the husband

I am thankful that despite of not having that much, my husband and I still can have at least a fun date  once in a while. I strongly believe that a couple should have time alone specially those who have already children but those who have not should do that too. It doesn't necessarily have to be an expensive date (but if you have the means why not?) If I have money I'll have reservations to 5 star hotel every weekend!! hehehe!

But even if we only had a coffee date, we surely had a good time together!

 making memories over a cup of coffee :)

 our cinnamon roll

after that, we decided (more on I persuaded him) to go to Mercato (food market) just to take a look and see if we'll see something that would entice our taste buds. I found nothing but he did, he tried this beef kebab that is being sold for 80.00 per stick. Not bad because it is very filling.

Chicken kebab for 75.00 per stick

I wanted to try something too but I'm full with my grande coffee already.

We went home happy and satisfied.

Till next time!

Jolina-Mark Wedding

Celebrity couple Jolina Magdangal and Mark escueta tied the knot today...and they managed to keep it as private as they can!! The wedding took place at Splendido Taal Golf and Country club. It was a garden wedding as expected. Congratulations to both of you!! (feeling close hehe!)

From what I read -Judy Ann Santos is one of the bridesmaid.

here's a picture from pep :)

 

Ang cute lang ng pinto!! :)
I'm sure there will be more pictures over the internet soon!

 See more  lovely wedding photos of Jolina and Mark from MangoRed.

Tagalog Wordings for wedding invitation

I notice there are lots of traffic here in my blog from people searching for Tagalog wedding vows and since our whole wedding was done in Tagalog I just thought of sharing our invitation wordings which is also written in Tagalog. This might help those who are planning to have Filipiniana theme wedding and would want to have their invites in Filipino (Tagalog) language.

Our main invite said:
"Sa biyaya at habag ng ating Poong Maykapal, 
kami Rudolf at Raquel 
sa pagpapatnubay ng aming mga magulang 
malugod kayong inaanyayahan sa pagdiriwang ng aming pagiisang dibdib 
na gaganapin sa Biyernes, ika 21 ng Abril 2006 
sa ganap na ika lima ng hapon, 
Sa Lumang Bahay, Maharlika Hi-way, Cabanatuan City.
 Kasunod nito ang munting salu-salo, 
Ipagbigay alam ang inyong pagdalo.........
Kami ay naglaan ng __ upuan para sa inyo

here's what we wrote in the entourage card :
Punong Tagapagdiwang -Officiating Minister)
Mga tatayong saksi at gabay sa aming pag-iisang dibdib - Principal Sponsors
Piling Maginoo - Bestman
Ginang Pandangal - Matron of Honor
Mga natatanging ginoo - Groomsmen
Mga natatanging binibini-Bridesmaid

Magbibigay tanglaw sa Aming Bagong Landas - candle Sponsors
Magbibigay sukob sa aming pagiging -isa - Veil Sponsors
Magbibigkis ng tali ng katiwasayan - Cord Sponsors
Taga-pagingat ng sagisag ng aming pagmamahalan _ Ring Bearer
Taga-pagingat ng sagisag ng aming kasaganaan - Coin Bearer
Taga-pagingat ng sagisag ngaming pananampalataya - Bible Bearer
Mga munting natatanging Ginoo - Little Groomsmen
Mga munting natatanging Binibini - Little Bridesmaid

We also have a prayer written in Tagalog in the last page of our invitation and our verse as well.

The whole ceremony was in Tagalog also, it was a bit hard as I have three foreigner guests but everything went fine.

I wish I could credit myself for all those translation but nah..I also did search from everywhere and just edited them for my preference.

One proud wife

I'm just so proud of my husband. Tomorrow in our church service, he will be in keyboard and not with his usual acoustic guitar. This will be his first time and though he doesn't really knew that much  I am still one proud wife. Why? You see, when our regular drummer was on sick leave, he pitched in and played drums for a month, at times when our bassist is leading the worship, he will be playing bass guitar. I can now therefore say, he really can play all the instruments we have in church. Not to mention of course that he can sing too! Aside from that, he was able to composed several songs that we regularly sing in the church and in other outreaches. What makes me even more prouder is that he didn't have any formal lesson in music.

                            (here he is leading a worship service in Malaysia sometime 2009)

Now if only I can have at least one third of his God given talents :(  Well, I am singing too in the church but I just have a regular plain voice.Nothing much. And even if I try to remember way back in elementary or college days (as far as I can remember) I really didn't have any inclination in music. Arts? well, sort of but not major preference. Sports? none either, even with the cheering part of sports ( so never got to try any cheerleader costumes for adults or any cheering costumes at all) all I want to do then is read. :(

Anyways, I am blessed with a husband that has so many talents and I hope and pray that the Lord will bless us too with kids that will have the same talents as their father had.

Precious Moments Showroom and Restaurant

I almost forgot about our dining experience here last month. I was browsing my photos last night and saw these pictures that explains me now blogging about it.

The Precious Moments Showroom and Restaurant is located at Laredo St. Palanan,Makati City. A stone throw away from our church. We regularly pass/walk along this street and we were always saying let's eat there sometime soon and that sometime soon happened only last month, it's unplanned though as we were tired and hungry from a rehearsal of our church event,they said we needed a reservation but good thing there are only few customers that evening so they let us in. Initially we thought of just checking the menu and if it fits our budget at that time :) Surprisingly, they are not as expensive as we thought. We then proceeded and ordered and we took a lot of pictures, here, you only not get your tummy  filled with delicious food but your eyes will also feast on beautiful precious moments dolls..

asparagus chicken soup

mixed vegetables (chopsuey)

Fried Chicken(served with chips)

Sweet and sour pork

Our order was a meal package good for four persons, it comes with rice, dessert and one round of drink. Peso Power : 1,000.00 :) we went home full and happy :)

We were also informed that they do accept private functions such as baptismal,birthdays or small wedding reception. the whole place can only accommodate 55 people. We inquired for a small Christmas party and they lowest per person for a buffet meal is at 350.00 and a minimum of 30 or 35 pax for them to close the restaurant for your event.

Here is their contact number if ever you want to inquire : 856-6615 and 387-1092.

They also serve good coffee from their Sam Brew Cafe coffee shop which is located along Arellano Avenue in Palanan also.

Going Organic

I am ordering several human heart nature products online. I intend to give it as gifts to some of our godchildren. I always thought that organic and natural products are more expensive than the regular ones (loaded with different chemicals) but surprisingly I found one brand that is not at all expensive.

I'm ordering shampoo and conditioner for me too. I'm going organic :) and natural.

I also want the argan oil for skin which from what I read is anti wrinkle, anti oxidant and makes skin supple and soft. I hope I'll win the give away contest I just joined a while ago :)

let's all go organic and help our mother Earth!

Personalized Gifts for Christmas

I've been looking for personalized but inexpensive gifts over the internet for the last few days now, you see, I've updated the gift list I mentioned on my previous posts and I'm hoping I'll find some nice gifts out there. As much as possible I would love to give personalized gifts, I remember one Christmas I gave more than a dozen coffee mugs with the recipient's name on it, then I wrote each a personal letter, put it inside the mug and wrapped it with tulle. I knew my friends appreciated it because of the personal touch :)

Now I'm thinking of these very cute personalized notebooks I saw from some multiply sites. I am wishing though for a much lower price or maybe I can hope to have personal creations promotional code so I can buy from them with discounts. I checked their site and they do sell some very good personalized stuff too.

Maybe, I can repeat the coffee mugs..and will give to those I have not given them before...what you think?

By the way, I love receiving personalized gifts too, I treasure my personalized notepad with my new married name which I received months after our wedding. :)

Christmas Gift List

For the past few years, I've been making a Christmas gift list just to make sure I will be able to buy each one a gift specially our godchildren which numbers are more than the count of both me and my husband's fingers (hand and feet) yes too many to count ( but some of them I have not seen for many years now. But most are children in our church and in my hometown where we regularly spend Christmas thus it is a must that we have gifts to give them come Christmas day.

Included in the list are also our nephews and nieces. The list can be so long but I find my self happy when I see each name with a gift.

But I do not know though this year. I haven't even opened my list which is saved on my office computer. Although in my heart I want to buy them all a gift,I really do not know if we can.

Only if I or my husband earn as much as those in Network Architect Jobs and money is the least of our worries, for sure I'll buy them all what they want :)

Anyways, I am not giving up, I know my God is able and that HE can bless me so I can bless others too. It's only November and I still have plenty of time to PRAY and to WORK.hehe!

On wedding preps again

I'm officially on full wedding preparations again. And as usual even if it is not my wedding I get too excited about it. My brother in law's wedding is 30 days away and though we we have limited time for the preparation I still think it's gonna be a beautiful wedding. I already mentioned before that the theme is "travel" and yesterday they got their "passport invitations" and they were happy with the outcome. For a 50.00 wedding invitation made in somewhere in Recto, I think that's a steal, embossed and with a nice envelope with silver lining. I forgot to take picture but I promise you, I'll post it here.

We also did the ocular visit of the wedding venue (Aerospace museum) last Saturday. I now have in mind what to do for their background and for some venue styling. I just hope I'll be able to do it, with the help of my husband of course)

Now, our next to do is the ring, the bride asked for my help to find a good but not expensive wedding ring. I wish I could refer her to look for the grandest diamond ring she can find but not now. Not when budget is a big issue. Maybe someday :) Anyways, I have said this many times actually-that having the most expensive everything for your wedding doesn't guarantee you an everlasting love in marriage and that happiness is not having the most priced wedding stuff.

And like ours, maybe this wedding is a budget wedding but I know the couples will be happy because they were God's best gift for each other :)

Food from pamanhikan

I didn't realize that It's been 6 days since I last posted until I saw my link from a friends blog that said "updated six days ago"...

Anyways, I'm posting another food photos taken from the "pamanhikan" we did last Saturday somewhere in Batangas. The pamanhikan is for my brother in law who is getting married soon!

Here's what we have and I tell you they were all yummy, my husbands and I feasted on the Sinigang na hipon and my favorite ever..sopas..hehe!

 

The sinigang na hipon right there in the pot..hehe!

 We had some crabs :)

Another sopas!! my all time favorite (and just by looking at this..I'm like craving for it again)

Ginataang laing made by our Pastor..yummy!

For dessert, we had "maruya" the mother of the B2B prepared it - that's delicacy made from banana but I didn't try it. (sweets are not my favorite) instead I had the bananas itself sans the oil and the starch.  We went home very filled :)


Now, these pictures made me even more hungry..

Sopas

Last Sunday night, I craved for "Sopas" (one of my favorite food) and so I gave in to my carvings, I made sopas with only the basic ingredients, I call this one my quick sopas because in 30 minutes I was able to satisfy my craving.

Ingredients :
1/2 kilo spaghetti noodles
1 small can Evaporated milk
sausage
onions
garlic
1 sachet magic sarap
butter

I have no available vegetables in the fridge so it lack colors but my husband and our two guests loved it. I even got a compliment that "I always make the best sopas" whether full ingredients or not. :)

Motorbike for sale

I posted an advertisement over sulit.com just a while ago, it’s about our motorcycle. It’s been up for sale since last week and sad to say the buyer we considered turn out to be a hoax. So we move on to next prospective buyers and hopefully we can close the deal this week.

And while the husband is negotiating, I volunteered to post the ad not knowing that I would be needing some very technical information with regards to the bike. It’s not even auto estimating, just posted an ad and I was lost to technicalities which are husband’s forte.

Anyways, am also posting the picture of our motorcycle her and if anyone of you or anyone you know wants to buy one or interested, you know how to contact me. :)

Thanks and have a good day everyone!

Perfect Basket gift

for me that is :)
and friends knew that giving me coffee will make me happy and grateful. Starbucks or not, it doesn't matter.

Whenever  someone asks me if what pasalubong I want, i always say coffee from that country. Yesterday I got one hazelnut vanilla flavored coffee and I'm one happy person last night when I had my first cup. I specifically told my husband that, that coffee is only for me! (damot no?)

It's so good when your friends knew what you want no? Oh well, I do the same , When I give gifts, it is very important for me to know what they  love or like so they won't be disappointed and I won't feel unappreciated, even if it is only small and cheap one.

Why am I writing this? it's 73 days before Christmas and I am letting my friends know what I want through my blog posts..hehe! for my blogging friends, share yours too through your  posts and I'll check them! If you have no idea of what you want or what to give, just surf around, Gift Basket ideas for Men and Women abounds over the internet :)and I hope you'll find what to give me too!!!

Floating Shelves for small space

Because our place is small, floating shelves are my best option. And I am hoping before the year end, my husband and I will be able to install something like these ( found them at floating-shelves.info)

Buying them is expensive so we are doing them our ourselves, DIY again!

I like this in our bedroom in top of our headboard. I can imagine my picture frames here

And this in the living room. I wish we can do it soon!

IBAYO by Barrio Fiesta

Few weeks back, we bought voucher from Metrodeal. The voucher is a discount deal from Ibayo Restaurant. Ibayo is by Barrio Fiesta and they are known for their crispy pata, kare kare an more native Filipino dishes.
The offer is 475 for 4 people, food are pot of kare-kare and lechon kawali, rice and iced tea. Here's the picture from the offer;

So yummy and enticing di ba?

Last Sunday night, we went to MOA (seaside) to avail of the voucher. We didn't wait that long to get seated but we waited for a while before the food was served.

Here's what we had, sorry for the bad pictures..that's from my phone :(

It surely doesn't look like the picture above but I must say that kare-kare is so good!
I'm quite disappointed with the lechon kawali though, the serving will not even satisfy two people (specially me and my husband..hehe)

We ordered additional food, the crispy pata :)

and tahong soup

I can say we were full naman after the dinner. And for the discounted price, I think it's okay na. But I think I won't go back anymore not without a discount voucher :)