Love!

1 down, lifetime to go :) Happy Anniversary, Hubby! 

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 
1 Corinthians 13:13

Image: Carl and Ellie from the movie UP 

Sipping shake in China Town

Trying to escape from the normal movie-dine-date routine, we decided to head off to China Town. Hubby likes old places. It was just unfortunate for us that it was hot that day and after 15 minutes of wandering around we had to take refuge at the nearest shop we can find, so we headed to Seattle's Best. 

To take off the heat, we got Avocado Milkshake for me and Java Chip for Hubby. Their Avocado Milkshake is just awesome. Too bad it's a seasonal drink :( 

We milked what we paid for the drinks and stayed there for almost an hour before setting off to the town's busy streets. Since we had to continuously fan ourselves during the trip, Hubby was just able to take very few pictures. But not to worry, we plan on going there again, this time to taste some Chinese cuisine :) 

Come visit China Town, just be sure your feet are ready for long walks. :) 

Ring Ring

Good thing I only handled one call at a time during my call center days :p 

Viral Spiral

They say that the buffet in Spiral, Sofitel is the longest buffet we have in the Philippines. I have been to Spiral 3 times already, all thanks to my project's team buildings because I can't afford to spend almost Php 2000 on buffet and even if I can, I don't think it's a smart choice. Being the heavy eater that I am, I still don't think that I could eat that much worth of food. 

The Spiral, as I have mentioned, is located at the ground floor of the Sofitel Hotel. The hosts are dressed in what I think is Thai. There are several tables of food offering various cuisines such as Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, Indian and of course Filipino.

My first plate was almost all Japanese. I didn't bother getting any from the Filipino entries for 2 reasons: 1. I can have them anytime I want but not from Spiral of course :p 2. I need a huge amount of tummy space :p

My second plate came from the Italian side of the buffet offering a number of different breads, pasta and pizzas as well as cured meat. Everything on that plate was Italian except for the tempura which I simply must have (again) and the dumpling which I got from the Chinese table full of noodles, dumplings, shanghai rolls and other meat. 

There were also fresh choices: shrimps and oyster. They even have this huge, mean looking crabs but since I thought I was allergic to them I didn't have any. Too bad :(

Now for dessert. I didn't know if taking pictures on the floor is allowed so I just quickly took shots of their long dessert table. :) 

Of all that there is, unfortunately my tummy can only accommodate a few so this was my dessert plate.

My fruit plate. (I know fruits are to be considered dessert, but let this time be an exception :p ) 

And finally, my huling hirit. Ice cream :) (the assorted nuts came from the Italian table. I don't know why they have those but I got them and put on my ube happiness, yey!) 

Needless to say, I had to discreetly unzip my slacks after lunch to relieve my suddenly bulging belly. Haha!

Come to think of it, maybe its worth the spend. Going there one time and saving up for it isn't at all that bad. I might ask Hubby to have lunch there on our anniversary. We'll see :) 

Spiral:

Ground floor, Sofitel Philippine Plaza 

CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd. 

Pasay, Philippines 

One Lazy Evening

Coming home and having to cook is a little bit tiring so one lazy night when Hubby fetched me we decided to just dine somewhere and not wait for the meat to thaw once we arrived from work. My office is in the Pioneer area and since the Go Hotel building is new we checked Tokyo Cafe located on its ground floor. 

 We love Japanese food especially Tempura, which was included in their seafood mix fry consisting of breaded squid, fish and shrimp, so we didn't miss it on the menu. As an appetizer we chose their creamy mushroom soup which was, true to its name, creamy! 

We also ordered Pork Shoga Yaki (sliced pork stir fried in Japanese sauce) which was just ok compared to the must try seafood mix. 

Not that you'd be surprised but yes, we finished them all haha! Trying to digest the food very well, we decided to have some tea and since I couldn't resist it, cheesecake for dessert. I was going for their Blueberry Cheesecake but because of the hour (it was almost 10 pm), the Japanese Cheesecake was the only one available. I took it never the less. If you're into the not-so-sweet-cheesecake you'd definitely love this one. 

Since we were seating at a corner, it was hard for them to see us raise our hands to order or even get the bill. :( Still the experience was satisfying. 

Tokyo Cafe:

Ground Floor, Go Hotels

Edsa, Boni Ave. Cor. Aglipay, 

Brgy. Buayang Bato, Mandaluyong 

Philippines

I heart Robin Williams

Gotta love this guy :)

Challenge Accepted

I'm overweight! Not that I'm surpirsed but still, it's worthy of a "Waaah!". For a 5'2" female like me, according to the ideal weight calculator I should just be weighing approximately 55 kilos. I'm already 66 and counting! My OB advised me to shed some pounds before trying to be on the family way. I've lost 10 kilos in a month before without even trying by just stopping taking in oral steroids (which I use to cure my dermatitis) and I know I'll be able to do it again. 


The challenge: lose 10 kilos in 2 months.  

image from: dudelol.com

Cold Shivering Spoon

To clean our palates with mexican taste (this was right after our Zapata's lunch) we decided to stop by Cold Spoon since it's just on the way. Cold Spoon is home to frozen yogurt. The place was shaped like an igloo which made it quite eye-catching.

This was my first yogurt venture. I actually had fruit yogurts, so I was kind of expecting since this had no flavoring in it, it would be sweeter. I thought that yogurt is just like ice cream (silly me haha) so you could just imagine my horror when it tasted sour. Needless to say, Hubby had to finish it :p 

Cold Spoon:

Fil-Am Highway, Brgy. Cutcut

Angeles City, Pampanga

Philippines

Zapata Adventure

Hubby is from Sto. Tomas Pampanga and one Saturday when we went to Bale ("bahay" in kapampangan) we decided to drive to Angeles and visit this Mexican themed restaurant - Zapata's Cantina Mexicana. 

The trip took 2 hrs and we were pretty starved when we got there. Their parking was already full so we parked along the road. Zapata's facade was not that all great and so I begin to doubt the look inside and the quality of the food as well. (judgemental, right? :p ) 

I was wrong, because when we went in, it felt like we were in a different place altogether. I've never been to Mexico but this might be how an authentic Mexican restaurant would look like.

I could be wrong though, but still kudos to their effort on decorating their place. Now for the food, I'm actually not a fan of Mexican simply because I don't like curry or anything that tastes like it. Lucky for me, I can have Quezadillas. I adore cheese. :) 

Hubby tried Chili Zapata which is all meat chili served with 4 tortillas, boracho beans and mexi rice. 

Both of us wanted to check their Burritos so we had one each. Too much food for us? Well yeah but

we were there almost 2 in the afternoon and we were really hungry. :p Since the Chili Zapata tasted (to me at least) of curry, it was a so-so for me. Hubby, with an adventurous tongue, was quite happy with his choice and cleared his plate. The Quezadillas were lovely, with just the right amount of spiciness in it. The Burritos were just ok. Maybe it's also because were already full when we tried them, but surprisingly though it tasted so much better being eaten straight from the refrigerator because we took them home and ate them for breakfast. :p 

Over all, I'd say Zapata's was worth the driving time. Feast your eyes with how they decorated the cantina and salivate over a Mexican food of your choice. :)

Zapata's Cantina Mexicana: 

488 Don Jucio Avenue

Angeles City, Pampanga

Philippines

63.45.892.0859

CA*: Tuna Omelette

I know it doesn't look like one, but yes, this is an Omelette. Because I was really not feeling well but I needed to cook something for dinner, I took tuna leftovers, got 3 eggs, cut onions and cheese and gave it a go. 

I don't know what went wrong hehe :p What I did was sauteed the onions and when they were sort of white I tossed in the tuna and the beaten eggs after. I then place cheese strips randomly and waited for the egg to get cooked before I fold it into half. Well, I guess the eggs were not that cooked yet because it didn't hold the tuna together. Oh well, at least we have dinner :) 

Numbers:
Prep time: 2 min
Cooking time: 1.5 min
Yummy looking: 1/10 (Fail! Didn't even look edible to me :p ) 
Yummy tasting:  5/10 - Hubby. Thank goodness for Century Tuna Spicy corned tuna :) He likes anything spicy :) 

He brought home smidgets for dessert :) 

* Cooking Attempt - I was not taught how to cook when I was still with my parents because I hardly had time. I was into so many extra curricular activities back in high school and when I was in college, I decided to be a working student just so I have my own money to buy things I wanted. :) 

Sick and Hungry

Because of the rain that has been pouring since 2 days ago, I caught colds and have been sneezing and blowing my nose since I woke up. Being not in the mood to cook, I browsed to check what can be delivered for lunch. I didn't want burgers today, not craving for soup either though it would be perfect for the weather. I checked KFC, Shakey's, and Jollibee but since I don't want the delivery guy getting soaked travelling all the way here , I chose Chowking as there is a store just 10 minutes away from us. 

I loved their King's Congee and I usually partner it with their tofu. I don't know why but now it is only available for breakfast and delivered only until 11am. Sad. So I checked their menu for something else and decided to just get the Chinese Style Fried Chicken Lauriat without drink as I'm trying to cut off on my soda intake. Instead, I ordered Nai Cha (milk tea) for 2 reasons: I like their Milk Tea. It's not too sweet and the tea taste was strong. 2. they have a minimum order of Php 200 for delivery and the Lauriat only costs Php 175. 

This lauriat consists of their Chinese Style Fried Chicken (of course), fried rice (I was expecting plain) pancit canton, few chicharap, 2 pieces of pork siomai and a buchi. 

I was told that though there is a Chowking near us, the one delivering my order was the Petron C5 branch. The operator said the one in Pembo does not deliver. So much for thinking of Kuya's sake. But still, Petron isn't that far from us and it was just drizzling when he came.My food arrived past 3 and I'm already starved so right after taking pictures I immediately bit a chunk of the chicken and shoved a spoonful of rice. I don't know if it is just my colds affecting my tounge but the chicken has a burnt taste to it and the rice was too oily. I went for the pancit but it too didn't taste good. It was dry. The siomai were just ok. I was trained as a kid to finish what's in my plate being made guilty when I didn't by pointing out that I was blessed to have something to eat while others starve, so even though nothing on my plate excited my taste buds except the buchi and chicharap, I left nothing. 

Good thing I had the Nai Cha. As I have mentioned, I love tea so this one, though having a few uncooked and clustered tapioca,  made my day. 

Many times have I eaten Chowking's but this was my first delivery (and probably the last). The food tasted different in a not so good way. I'll probably stick with burgers next time. 


Chowking Delivery
Hotline: 702.88.88

I am loved

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you. 
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. 
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. 
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. 
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. 
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. 
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. 
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. 
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book. 
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live. 
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. 
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. 
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. 
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love. 
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father. 
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. 
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. 
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. 
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. 
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. 
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. 
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. 
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. 
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. 
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul. 
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. 
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me. 
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart. 
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. 
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine. 
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles. 
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you. 
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart. 
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes. 
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. 
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. 
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you. 
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you. 
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love. 
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me. 
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child? 
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. 
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your DadAlmighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications 
© 1999-2011 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

Arf Dance :)

Awww,  how cute can they get? :) 

Flashback: Kamay Ni Hesus 062010

Having suffered another dermatitis outbreak, my parents with me and then bf went to Lucban, Laguna to visit  Kamay Ni Hesus. It is a Grotto at the mountain side where a 50 foot image of the Ascending Christ was standing at its peak. The church at its base conducts healing masses. We left Manila at 6am and it took us 4 hours to reach Lucban by bus and another 30 minute jeepney ride to the Grotto itself. Just across it is a resort called Batis Aramin where we stayed overnight.

We first went to Batis Aramin where we made sure that we had a room to stay for the night. Almost all rooms were booked but luckily, a family decided to cut their stay short and were checking out that day. We were placed in a small room and had to ask for an extra mattress as it was just for double sharing. 

After placing our bags inside the room, we went straight ahead to Kamay Ni Hesus. It was a 10 minute walk from the resort. Since it was drizzling we had to take refuge at the church first and wait until we can go around, take pictures and climb the Grotto's peak.

The Climb

The Church at the base of the Grotto

Garden of Eden

And we finally made it to the top! :) 

After the tiring climb and the pancit Lucban, barbeque and rice lunch, we headed back to our room and toured around the resort.

The building where our room was.

The room was clean but we had flies just outside the door because we were next to the pantry. The TV had cable though it wasn't a new model. But hey, for a rate of Php2100 per night, it wasn't that bad. I assumed that almost all their guests were visiting Kamay Ni Hesus, because the venue was not exactly a place where people would go just to swim and do other outdoor activities.

 The reception area.

 The place was actually beautiful. Since we were in a mountaneous area, the air was fresh and cool. The resort had many buildings under construction when we were there. Only my parents tried the pool so I didn't know if they were hot. They have  a badminton court but I didn't bring any rackets, and other outdoor activities like zip-line and rock climbing. 

The overnight stay was fun and before leaving around lunch time we visited Kamay Ni Hesus again and took pictures of the rest of the place. We went home to Manila tired but refreshed. :) 

Kamay Ni Hesus :
Brgy. Tinamnan
Lucban, Quezon Philippines

Batis Aramin:
Brgy. Tinamnan
Lucban, Quezon Philippines