when patent showed at my doorstep..among other things

Honey baked ham, smoked turkey, sugar cake, family. Oohh how I wish we also have thanksgiving here in the Philippines… and snow as well..minus the forest fires hehe. How I wish I can get enough sleep to remove all the nasty pimples on my face. My bad, I had been up all week (no thanks to traffic and divi!) so I caught up on my zzzzzs and wasn’t able to post anything for a week, tsk, tsk, tsk. So many wishes, so little time.haayyy.

Hey miss Noity woity, you were here pala last Nov 15?!? Sayang we weren’t able to catch up on our chikas, you’re back to Bahrain again. Good thing they have bibingka there at Megamall:) so you liked it? It’s much better here though with the smoke of the charcoal greeting your face and all+dirt:) it makes it more masarap. I guessed you did more than eating there at Megamall right? *wink* *wink* oh well what’s a girl to do?

Speaking of which, what’s a girl to do when pretty shoes are smiling at you? Especially if they are patent…and are size 7!!?? Buy it of course, honey! Since patent are making a comeback, now’s the time to get your own pair (and to take advantage of the cold weather as well) Huh, fall, summer waht have you, gotta get these shoes!!

Here’s some pretty finds from CLN


I truly truly adore this pair! When was the last time I owned one with this style? Hah, elementary days. Hehe the wonder years. I use to wear it with white stockings with matching beribboned head band, cute:) (try to wear it now and I’d look like Kelly Osborne!)

Another fetish: don’t you just love the smell of brand new shoes? It has that crunchy leathery smell that makes you wanna wear the pair everyday! Until one day you can’t stand the smell of it haha.




I’m fond of this one also!! It’s got that mannish oxford style but the strap makes it sexy so it’s kinda androgynous in a sense. And nice gamuza detailing on the heels( both shoes have gamuza heels)

Uhh! I’m head over heels haha











Twiggy’s famous crop. Grace Kelly. Audrey Hepburn. Jackie O. Princess Diana .Yes, like many girls (and gays) I look up to these women. They’re everyone’s style icons. they epitomize elegance, glamour and grace. But in this girl’s life I was a bit dazed. are the Olsen twins my new fashion icons?





Olsen Twins :)

Yes, my nieces Sage and Zoe. Shoudn’t it be the other way around, me being their glam guru? Hmm learn to blog you two! Thanks to size 18, and thanks to Kids of Bayo!




Me wearing the boat neck cut Kids of Bayo shirt to work..










..and Zoe with Nikki Gil (post show) at the seussical the musical stint(ATC)



hoo hoo poor Zoe, she’s got no idea I’m making gaya her looks:) this razor back tee is just palin funny, the print says CEREAL KILLER +++++ loving the mustard color!!!





yup, i also have that shirt! again, many thanks to size 18 (clap, clap)



...and weee i have a new woven bag from mendrez. sorry it's black again. i was black-bag-deprived on my younger years, all i can spell is n-a-t-i-v-e. although this one still has a native feel to it because it's woven naman.





Mary Janes, Kids of Bayo, am I becoming senile? Whichever way, I am enjoying every bit of it.


P.S.P.S.P.S.P.Snicey bangles from divi. i've got a secret to squeal. i am a big fan of anything leopard!! my big time dream is to wear it from head to toe!! i can hear my ate shouting 'you are not Gwen Stefani!!!!'

flavors of the sun..how original:)

Penny lane must be enjoying her Moroccan trip right now (shades& little black dress) sans front man Russell of Stillwater… so hold me closer Tiny Dancer :)( it’s Almost Famous slow Joe!)


OPA! Hey I’m speaking greek already.:)

Hmm Mediterranean. Egypt, Greece, Italy, Turkey and Lebanon come to mind. Rich and diverse culture influenced by the middle ages. Mediterranean food? Couscous, veggies, lamb and legumes come to mind... Food ending with bah, mus, leh, pav and blah hahaha..and all those weird tasting spices! So I was a bit apprehensive when my kuya suggested we try Café Mediterranean at ATC, my first reaction was eeewww I wanna run to Cibo, plus I’ll be treating them so I don’t wanna use up my moolah on some odd tasting food( aannd we have been disappointed by his restaurant preference countless times! Soory Jayps) Add Zong at Westgate on my list! Going back to my story..are you still listening? No choice, since we’re soo hungry already, we entered the café and looked at the menu. Gyros, couscous (told yah), and veggie platter greeted me. So much for starters!! We ordered two pizzas, Ragu and Beef gyro, pasta Pomodoro, and Large plates of Moroccan fish filet, pork tenderloin and grilled chicken with couscus. Here’s the verdict:


RAGU PIZZA

A medley of Italian sausage, prosciutto ham, and mozzarella cheese. I didn’t like it, there’s something missing on the taste. The crust is not as crunchy as it should be.



BEEF GYROS PIZZA

This one, such a surprise! I really enjoyed this pizza. It’s like eating shawarma! Understandably it tastes like it because Gyros is a Greek food and a term used for rotisserie beef served over pita bread, well this is the pizza version. It’s a refreshing departure from the tomato based pizzas that I’ve been accustomed to. I also loved the special sauces served with it.




PROSCIUTTO E POMODORO SECCHI

Parma ham, sun dried tomatoes, cream on penne. The intentions were good, but this pasta dish is just too bland for my taste.






MOROCCAN FISH FILLET

I was never a fan of seafood dishes but this one is actually good, the spicy tomatoes complimented the Grouper, it’s like your mom is not forcing you to eat fish hehe.






GRILLED CHICKEN MEDITTERANEAN STYLE

For large plates, you can choose plain, buttered rice or couscous. This one is served with couscous. This dish is so delish. It’s carefully marinated, a bit spicy and kinda lemony at the same time.







SPICY PORK TENDERLOIN

By this time I’m hoarding other plates haha. This is Pork tenderloin marinated in balsamic vinegar and harissa. Harissa is a paste made from chilli peppers, yup its red hot.






I’m a convert by the end of the course! Some hits and misses but its all good. Next time we’re gonna try out the gyros and paninis. Oohh don’t forget the dessert. I’ll feast on tartufo and panna cotta.

HERETE!



P.S

My favorite focaccia disk from BIZU.yum for breakfast:)

wake up and smell the horses

Note to self: You are not an outdoor gal. Remember the time in Baguio when you were twelve? All the other horses at the park seem to be fine and enjoying their horsey lives but the one you were riding just snapped and suddenly wanna join a show jumping competition! Yes, yes you were all white and stunned! What about that day in Taal Lake? It was a fine day. The lake is tranquil and the trip to the island was a breeze. This was the complete opposite on your way back! The skies are at its darkest and the lake was furious. Again you were all white and stunned (a rarity judging from your complexion bwahaha).


Ahh mean person! (Easy, easy that’s yourself you’re talking to). It was my niece’s turn to battle her own evil, if she’s an outdoor gal that is. She did well (clap, clap) She rode the horse trouble-free, good for her. I on the other hand just enjoyed the day snapping away. Hmm, flowers I can take (they don’t wilt when I touch them... umm do they?) My mom bought some for the garden, well the truth is she wanna have her own Christmas (sorry, no Christmas for us, but we do accept gifts for the holidays hehe)









Poinsettias, is a perennial plant native to the country of Mexico. This plant is most popular during this season. The more blooms the more expensive the plant is. And it's kinda sensitive to the sun; they do wilt easily, as seen on my window (tsk, tsk).


I wish i was into rock-climbing and i how i wish i'm a sporty chic too, but hey i'm not, so who gives a. Hah, i think i've found my own playground and my own outdoors.. the MALL:) This just in:


Ivory necklace from CMG. reminiscent of Mia Borromeo's Celestina necklace.





Chain necklace from Penchant, at 50th avenue. Goes with tunics, dresses, or just with a white tee.





And check out the latest issue of Preview (bag and beauty issue)





Kris Aquino, first time on print puts all her pink and colorful gowns at the backseat in exchange for BLACK! It took a while before it sinked in that indeed it was her!

She also obliges to be photographed by Marc Nicdao, instead of her usual lensman Jun de Leon and her make up artist Bambbi Fuentes.. in short she is not annoying in this ish:)

Hmmm wait for my Mediterranean adventure on my next post:)

paparapapap...at McDonald's

FRANKIE

and MIEL






Running man. Hammer time. Poodle bangs. Barbie and pinggan-pingganan. Little Miss Philippines. Montessori days are happy days. Mother’s Choice, Go-to-eat, and Shakeys.What’s my age again?!?


More than anything, when I was a kid, I’d be at my most happiest every Sunday after church and my parents would drive us to McDonald’s in Alabang(the nearest to our place then!!) for a late breakfast and then later cross the street to ATC( think twin cinemas and South supermarket and castanas)


Even then, I love breakfast!! I love starting the day with a smile (after a long process of my mom waking me and my siblings all up) and a good cup of hot chocolate and pancakes. Answer games on Junior Inquirer..umm tried at least, and just savor the remaining hours before the noon sets in. Now that I’m older, an egg muffin+hash browns+sundae+fries is enough for me to sing ‘paparapapap’

Yesterday morning, this time at McDonald’s tagaytay, we had a feel-Sunday breakfast with my family + my ate’s two mini-me’s. The branch was recently renovated, when? Heck I don’t know! Anyways, it’s so much nicer to dine al fresco and take pleasure in the Tagaytay sun….I’m reading the broadsheet now, I’m not wearing my Sunday dress anymore, pinggan-pingganan was a thing of the past, but hey, I’m still pouring syrup on my pancake, dipping my fries in ketchup, sipping my hot drink, and yes, I’m still sitting beside my ate and kuya, fights not included. Nothing’s changed.

….Papemelroti. Megamall.Robinson’s Ortigas. Piano lessons. Sheklay and Tikyo. Amar Village. Ford liftback. Summer outings.Sago and Gulaman. Bicycle rides. Tagu-taguan.10-20. Game and watch. Mario Brothers.

So super size me!

Sta.Rosa sa mga kuko ng liwanag (sta.rosa in the claws of brightness)

Every city has its own little stories. And every city has its own version of everything... from longanisa, halo-halo, suman and the center of my attention nowadays the puto bumbong and bibingka. Here in the Philippines, especially the ‘ber’ months it is almost typical to find every street with stalls selling the famous delicacies. No not isaw and adidas, that’s another story, and if you’re from Sta.Rosa, Laguna I’ll hang you at the plaza if you haven’t checked out or at least heard of the kakanins that they sell there. Being the pure bred Sta.Rosa kid that I am, my childhood memories were filled with trips to Chato’s for their halo halo and pancit palabok , Holy's siomai and qwek qwek, Mang Bok’s home made ice cream and yes, vivid memories of smoke and the smell of rice brought about by the cooking of the bibingka at the plaza.



Nothing beats a lovely night eating bibingka and puto bumbong..the mere thought of waiting at the stall for them to cook and enjoying the night sky, looking around the city, amidst twinkling Christmas lights and the sound of the jeepney passing by, the calm December breeze completing the quietness of the night..ahh simple joys.

BUT( disclaimer)


I love afternoon walks better! And if given a chance I would have visited the plaza around 3 or 4pm, the time when the stalls are usually set up… and hopefully insane-free! As of this writing, I’m still catching my breath! My mom and I were just waiting for the puto bumbong ‘coz the vendor is still wrapping it in the banana leaf..and all of a sudden, bam, there she was..a crazy lady(as in crazy coo coo) walked near us and shouted and cursed at us! Embarrassed and scared at the same time we ran at the car..waiting for her to go away. Even the tinderas got scared! Saying it was the first time that the crazy lady shouted and acted that way (hmmm was she mad at us? Tsk conspiracy theory hehe). Yes, we still ate the bibingka and puto bumbong, no crazy woman can dampen our spirits err our appetite for that matter! Good thing I’m done taking pictures! Crazy girl, hmm! Grrr. Thanks mom for joining me hehe(my number one fan) and dad, for driving us there:)

For my I.S. friends *haha* here's an FYI


The bibingka (rice cake) is made from galapong and usually topped with itlog na maalat( salted egg) and kesong puti (white cheese).. It’s cooked with live coals from top and underneath.





The puto bumbong on the other hand is glutinous rice added with purple food coloring and is cooked in a steamer cooker thingie:)...both are best served with niyog(grated coconut and sugar)i forgot to put some though *hehe*





Hmm looking back, i'm thankful for those memories(yeah including that recent one!) and i'm thankful for this city that made those memories possible..I love the idea that I have these to go home to on a bad weather.When your mind is loaded with different things and ideas.. Really, there's no place like home eekk!



P.S. P.S. P.S. P.S. P.S. P.S
This post is dedicated to my friends at englishforums( hey guys there’s more than pizza meets the eye) hehe..WOW Philippines!

And to my friend Nanette (a.k.a noity woity) who’s now based in Bahrain(on a good day hehe) and is salivating for these yummy treats*:)*

the Corleones go to Piccolo Mondo

Away from the trickles of restos circling Tagaytay lies a quaint li’l place named Piccolo Mondo. Situated near Angelino’s and Mushroom Burger (hmm both places bring back good ole childhood memoirs) it’s a nice place to savor authentic Italian cooking, no less than by the owner itself, which I know by now you’ve guessed already, yup, an Italian!

This restaurant reminds me of Godfather and the town of Sicily, there’s this homey feel to it + the cool breeze, ahhh good feelin’. It’s really a place for pure family dining (a.k.a mafia meetings hehe)

Since it’s our first time here minus my brother (he ate at the now defunct Alabang branch) we were very careful on what to choose. We decided to play safe by ordering pizza.. no pasta for us since my mom already made her ever famous fettucine alfredo (ginaya sa Friday’s) earlier that day (post bday handa for zoe & kuya)


First pick is Pizza Arrabbiata

i like this better than meditterana. this roundie's got mozzarella,spicy salami, olives and italian sausage.






Pizza Meditterana

honestly it tastes ummm what's the term? funky:) i dunno. was it the capers or the artichokes? good thing it has bacon and ham! or else..





this one, a staple in every italian restaurant and the most famous nibble-food in italy before serving the main course

pita bread or thinner version of focaccia? i'm not sure, the server said it was focaccia.. oh well he works there so he wins


it's always served with a dip: mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese..



Gelato? nah i passed. we went back to the trickles of restos hehe

a frappuccino is better to end an italian meal:) looks familiar eh?