where were you in april and may

*a late post in fact…

PH Election 2022 had just concluded a couple of days ago and surprisingly there’s no need to wait for days, weeks to know who won the electoral race. It’s a no brainer coming from the Comelec transparency server, from the Executive to Legislative branches of the government votes were easily calculated pronto, that fast considering that the Philippines has the slowest internet speed in the entire Southeast Asian region. Comelec must be really good and prepared this time hence the speedy results, I’d like to leave it there but how about the faulty VCMs, seniors and PWD unable to cast their votes and brownouts (2^nd district of Makati for example) and the long queue of voters at Bgy. Sta Cruz in Makati at 6:30pm. The long queue, I didn’t capture that story in any news because I personally saw it when we pass by Monday afternoon. I actually worried that some may not make it at the voting precinct.

I won’t deny that I felt really sad and disappointed at the turn around of the election because all the candidates I supported didn’t make the cut especially the Presidential post. I was rooting for Leni because I know in my heart she would bring balance, she would make a difference and through her platforms a better and improve quality of governance will begin. But all my high hopes together with the 14M people who voted for her died following the next morning. It was like a nightmare for the working class and I know many will agree with me. Six years under the Duterte admin was a joke, it’s because the President himself was so fond of making all issues a joke, a disgusting joke. And now that the presumptive President is another Marcos, I have mix emotions and fear. I fear that history will repeat itself. I fear that he may not carry the role. And I don’t know how the next six years will fare under his presidency.

Sana nga mali kami, sana tama kayo.

Bakit nga ba ang hirap mong mahalin, bayan kong sinilangan.

And to end my election rant here. I hope YouTube and TikTok university scholars are vigilant to spot fake news from the authentic content. I hope we do not rewrite history falsely.

Anyhow, back to my personal space. I was frequenting the city the last couple of weeks because I had my APE, office visits to clear my personal stuffs and DFA appointment. Finally, after a year I was able to secure slots for our passport renewals. You see, I was at the verge of phoning the Phil Consulate office in Vancouver already just to get help. And it’s a blessing that I chanced upon a tip from an ig celebrity whom I follow before I troubled the cousin. 😀

Long story short, I got the slots, we did go and we now have passports for the next 10 years. charaught lang yarn, we can’t afford Wolfgang yet 😛

Because going to the city is something bigtime for me now, I always look forward to trying new things apart from the gazillions of errands I have every visit. Sabi nga you only live once so make the best out of it. I realise that ze husband and I need to date out exclusively at least once a quarter because we need some time alone, we need to normalise like what we’ve used to ­—we need to continue our lives despite the leftovers of the pandemic.

So, before we went home we had dinner at one of the nice restaurants at the Newport Mall. Parmigiano Pizzeria Ristorante serves Italian cuisine. The restaurant itself was lovely, it passed all the ristorante philosophy ­—formal & refined menu, wine, deserts, in other news malakas maka-sosyal!

Burrata Salad

Spaghetti Polpo Al Marinara

6 Cheese White Pizza

We didn’t order everything of course because we’re over that stage na takaw tingin. First, we had the Burrata Salad, mixed greens and arugula with red apple, walnuts, cherry tomatoes and topped with whole burrata cheese with honey and balsamic syrup. At P420, serving was generous and fresh, two thumbs up for the very rich & milky burrata cheese. Ordered the Spaghetti Polpo Al Marinara because we don’t want meat to our pasta —cooked with octopus, spiced tomato sauce, zucchini, eggplant and bell peppers. At P520, you get a single order which is basically good for sharing especially if you are ordering other foods. The pasta serving tho had too much sauce making the noodles look lesser than it should, the octopus made the cut, it was tender and flavorful. Last but not the least, we got the 6 Cheese White Pizza —purely cheese based pizza, gorgonzola, mozzarella pecorino, parmigiano reggiano, scamorza & taleggio. Price was very reasonable at P595 and pizza was insanely good because cheese! ♥ I was actually itching to order paella or risotto but ze husband stopped me, save it to our next visit daw. I also like to order wine or beer next time. We didn’t get desserts because I want coffee after but we’re so completely full. We ended up checking some stores. I have this story from way, way back during our first visit at Resorts World. When we passed by MK store, I was awkwardly looking outside lang. I felt the store was so intimidating that’s why I missed my chance to get the “I love NY” tote bag. Un tote bag na made of high end katsa and sells P2,500 that time. Fast forward today, I love visiting high end shops at Rustan’s so I can feel the texture of the item and see how it is when carried then leave and look for legit online sellers who can give it at a better price, reasonable actually. It feels good, guilt-free to buy the real item(s) every time. Then persons at my household would always pop the question, saan mo gagamitin yarn? hehehe

Just so you know, I bought an XL MK office bag and laptop sleeve so I could fit everything nicely during my office visits. It took me a couple of weeks to decide because despite the better pricing I’ve mentioned earlier, the sum was still a hefty one and sometimes I still get that guilt feel pag tinitingnan ko sya but the guilt trip would easily get away naman. 

my forever date ♥ na poging pogi sa sarili nya when we had our pp appointment 😛

I still have a lot of kwentos, how we spent the Holy Week, that 4-day trip to Ilocos and Nanay’s 70^th. Too many to write about but so little time because you know, I have too many things to balance and I get so little time for self-breaks. For now, ciao and enjoy the weekend! ♥

DFA TOPS (confirmed appointments only)

3/F Newport Mall

www.passport.gov.ph

 

PARMIGIANO RISTORANTE PIZZERIA

2/F Newport Mall, Newport Blvd.,

Resorts World Manila, Pasay City, Metro Manila 1309

http://www.parmigianoph.com/

16th at charito

This came a little late when in fact I should have posted it last December 13 to make it more celebrated.   

vacay in Macau, many years ago ♥

Last Monday was another milestone as we marked our 16^th wedding anniversary. There was no actual plan because I was still in my general cleaning mode so we can finally light my tree. My tree arrived sooo late this year, so, hello naman S&R for making it quite an ordeal. (Check out my tree at the bottom of this post, I change theme so it’s barely decorated now.) The husband also has some works in the morning and knowing how he always fails to come in time I expect less, lesser activity to happen. But originally, I planned to visit the assesor’s office to settle my real property tax for 2022 (tip: pay it ahead to avail of discounts). And then, I thought we can drive to Crosswinds in Tagaytay to visit that Instagram worthy café. And lastly, sit down for an early dinner with the whole family. Well, at least the family dinner happened perfectly and I couldn’t ask for more.

I was in fact scouting few of our Tagaytay’s favorites. First on my list was Josephine, but after reading recent reviews at Tripadvisor I dropped the resto from my list just because they don’t have paella anymore and serving was quite a disappointment to many now. We first thought of Josephine because the husband was craving for crispy pata, but we eventually gave up the whole idea following a lunch at LZM Silang during the holiday break last week. This pandemic really made worst of everything and it sad that the best places to go in Tagaytay were not spared. I also checked Buon Giorno! because they also have a good slab of baby back ribs + risotto but the menu prices scream very pricy now. Concha was also on my list but I didn’t even bother checking the menu, another is Sonya’s because it’s kinda healthy and light and I will be less guilty I thought. And then, there’s Chateau Hestia which I would love try. But the latter was quite distant so I cross it out.

Guess we ended at one of my personal favorites, and the family too! Charito is the upscale branch of Bag of Beans, it’s more stylish in terms of fixtures. Check out my review here. The whole fam enjoys every visit at Bag of Beans because everyone loves that huge serving of baby back ribs and grilled pork chop. We also ordered pasta —Carbonara & Lasagna, which we all rated just ok. Prior to entrée we requested for raisin bread which we all enjoyed while waiting. We skipped coffee despite the very tempting weather because we have lotsa tea at home and it’s perfect to drink before bedtime.

Everyone enjoyed dinner and the husband and I would like to thank the family for celebrating with us. If you know us truthfully, the journey of our married life was not at all idyllic, we’re far from being perfect and there no exist in reality, only a happy one. So, everyday I’m choosing to be happy. Periodt. 😊 I just pray that our marriage continues to grow in knowledge, faith, joy and love. Amen!

16 years and counting…

 

P.S. I know how some people do not agree with me buying a fresh tree each year, but if you know me by heart I don’t have any other bisyo, I’m low maintenance, in short, I don’t splurge on things except for a fresh cut tree every year. So, don’t judge 😛Fresh-cut Douglas Fir Tree from S&R Membership Shopping ♥

 

fresca, samgyup sa farm

Before anything else, thank you for ze cousin for reminding me to write about the samgyup experience we had last December. I actually forgot it for reasons I don’t know, aging maybe. I’m inclined to forget things that’s why it’s important that I keep a reminder or put something in draft so I can revisit it right there and then. 

December 13, 2020. Whilst still in community quarantine we were able to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. I remember the last we were able to celebrate it with the fam (with Tatay very much alive) was back in 2014, during our 9th. It was one of the most memorable occasions because of the annoying yet funny experience we had going at Ted’s. Read here. We actually went out also during our 10th anniversary just to bump off all the negative vibes but it ended just like a regular day for everyone. Anyhow, this year was a different story, I thought we should still celebrate despite the pandemic. Life is too short to miss anything now, every occasion deserves celebrating whether it’s a minor or major milestone. It’s essential now that we put a mental bookmark on any experience so we have something to recollect when everything and everyone gets older. 

This fam date was well thought of (this is what I’d like to believe) becos we have minors and a senior citizen in tow, I prayed that everything will go well becos there are decorums we thrust aside. Please, do not judge I checked thrice if we will be allowed to dine and they responded a yes. So a date was all set, we arrived at the farm at past 3pm. 

Fresca Farm, tagged as Samgyup Sa Farm is located in Amadeo. It’s actually a Pick N Pay lettuce farm at the start, the owner happily narrates how his family was samgyup fanatic and then his children thought of setting up an al fresco resto and started to invite family and friends to dine. Because of the large green open space, it feels safer  although still risky. We picked the kubo type so we don’t blend with the rest of the guests; glad that the kubo is quite big and we don’t need to squash like sardines. It’s sturdy as well to hold us for long.  

The rate for unlimited samgyup is 499, all meats included (beef, pork & chicken) plus unlimited side dish, lettuce, rice and a pitcher of iced tea. If you don’t like beef, the rate is at P349 only. Of course, we got the unli with beef becos ze husband and i prefer beef over anything else. The sides includes –rice, egg rolls, soy potato, pickled radish, cucumber salad and freshly-made kimchi. They gave us egg drop soup also. I can’t count the many times we asked for a refill of everything. It was so filling and exciting to dine out once again.

We spent more than 2 hours devouring all the meat we can. And, I commend the staff for not giving us a face everytime we raised our hand to call their attention.

On our way out we were greeted by the owner, I learned later on that he was called Ka Jerry. We asked if we could take home the leftover lettuce we had, without ado he gladly packed and even added some more for us. Thank you po! Thank you for making our visit a pleasurable one. ♥

Happy Anniversary to us, always! 

 

Fresca Farm

Amadeo, Cavite

 

For the two of us, home isn’t a place. It is a person. And we are finally home.
–Stephanie Perkins

 

 

la kusineros

GCQ once again. After months in modified status already the government recalls due to the surge of new cases everyday. I wonder what will happen next with the vaccine scarcity, no doubt that community immunity will take time, much more time than expected, I think. 

Felt lucky that I was still able to go out and see friends last Saturday, following a stricter guideline today. Actually, we didn’t plan it sorta instant after we visited a wake. That afternoon was a breath of fresh air, an escape from the household and a much needed time to reconnect with my high school girl friends. Literally, a happy pill and I’m grateful we’re all healthy and virus-free to date. I suggested an eatery in one of the barangays nearby the poblacion. It was another newly-opened food hub with that neighborhood vibe. I like it that there is now a line of eateries nearby tho very amateur in terms of food prep, I guess these restos are better options now. 

La Kusineros is tucked in a residential area, only that the owner was fortunate to own a big property so the dining area was designed al fresco. It was very appropriate because the new GCQ only allow outdoor dining, plus points for them. The setting was very relaxed, with decade old trees surrounding the area, you can almost hear birds chirping. The offering is mix of Mexican and Indian food –nachos, tacos, shawarma, quesadillas, burritos, kebab and biryani.

I got us nachos, tacos, shawarma, quesadillas and sodas. Amongst, it was the quesadillas that was palatable. Between the tacos and open shawarma I can’t really tell the difference. 

El Toro Taco. Soft taco shell, Shred Beef Meat, Corn, Signature Sauce/Garlic Ranch/Masala Sauce, Tomato, Cucs, Lime on the side. What we got, ground beef, tomato, cucumber, I think it’s the signature sauce, all in soft taco shell. 3 pcs per order. P99

Shawarma. Pita bread, special spiced meat, tomato, onion, cucumber, special sauce. What we got is ground beef, tomato, cucumber, signature sauce and a pita bread which is the same as their soft taco, only bigger. No onions. Btw, you have to wrap your own shawarma. P99

Nachos. I did not touch this becos this was immediately consumed by my party but IMO my neighborhood nachos at P70 is better than this (free delivery pa sa balay).

Quesadillas. It disappoints my niece (I had her a to-go) just because her standard of quesadillas was that of Army Navy and ze husband was Silantro. The most decent looking palatable for me.

Overall, the food did not disappoint neither it pleases me. It’s average at least. I think I will come back just to try their biryanis if it really is their specialty. And I hope they would generously serve sauces and cheese. 

I read some displeased customer airing their bad experience, so here’s a handful of tips to avoid being pissed off.

• pick a weekday, or if it’s the weekend try not to come during peak hours. besides it’s safer to dine when there are less people around.
• if you still please to come during peak hours, message them for table reservation (and hope that your request will be penciled) 
• don’t come at pass 5pm or later, avoid catching malaria. the mosquitos are giant and thirsty.
• get the best seat. if you really want to observe social distancing, request the small patio with long benches, generally a bit distant from other tables.
• again, they are still relatively new (just abt 3 mos) so better to manage your expectation. bring with you a good dose of patience, you will never know unless you need it.

If you need just a good place to hang out, yes a breather away from your monitors, visit the place and pretend everything is delicious. 

 

 

LA KUSINEROS 

Buna Lejos, Indang, Cavite

 

 

p.s. current situation at home, freshly made cinnamon donuts! 

p.p.s. dear wordpress, this new look is giving me headache, much more the editing end. gawd, send halp!

 

 

kusinera chicksters

Life in the barrio is a lot different from what I was accustomed especially that more than half of my life was spent in the city. When the pandemic happened everything was held back and I have to adapt to barrio life once more becos wfh became the new normal. There were a lot of changes and cravings. I miss Fridays and dinners after a full work week. But last Friday, I gave it a go with the fam. We trooped to the neighboring barangay and visited a hole-in-the-wall eatery. It was a good experience to date.

Kusinera Chicksters offers pasta, burger, pizza, milk teas and chicken wings. And it’s a no-brainer, we came for the famed Unli Wings. For P199 only you eat to your heart’s content or you go ala carte for P150. The chicken wings come in 7 flavors and the favorite amongst them will be the garlic parmesan, altho we couldn’t really identify the salted egg variant. I think this was a good one too. I wish I had even a single photo of their chicken wings so you can judge how delicious every piece was. It was tender and moist and flavorful –they don’t scrimp on the flavors. we could have eaten more and more and chant “sarap” in every bite but, but, we were stopped midway our gastronomic adventure becos they ran out of wings. 😛 Of course, it was a disappointment but sometimes life sucks and you have to be more understanding. The owner was very apologetic and charged us ala carte meal to compensate the shortage. It was actually an oversight and miscalculation of our capacity, we did not mention that we are big-eaters by the way and we’re so used to a 4-hour buffet. Hehehe. Honestly, if this happens on a different occasion (reasons I would not mention becos it’s too many) probably my party would be unsympathetic and all, they could be the worst customers of all. Truly, the pandemic had it’s good and bad side becos it taught people to be kinder and considerate now. Our family understands how everyone thrives to survive at this time so being tyrant is a no. Always play the bigger person amidst the situation. 

Anyway, here are a few tips before you dine at Kusinera Chicksters. 

• phone in advance, mention that you’re a big group (and big-eaters too)
• come earlier or latest at 6pm so you can fully enjoy the 2-hours unli wings
• order all the flavors of chicken wings if you are getting the unli serving
• their burger is kid approved
• manage your expectations (service, vibe, etc.)  
• and lastly, come very hungry! 😀

KUSINERA CHICKSTERS

Purok 6, Banaba Cerca, Indang

Call 0961 2137316

 

p.s. becos we love the Korean spice; can we bring our very own kimchi next? 

p.p.s. by the way, the owner offered to send us chicken wings but we declined of course. 

 

I still blog at this age of vlogging becos I’m old school, you know –E

 

still in community quarantine

*GCQ dates with ze husband, embracing the new normal 

With the entire metro & CALABARZON under General Community Quarantine again for economic reasons I’m with the government but the thought of returning to normal despite the surge of cases over the past weeks I’m afraid the government is making a wrong turn again; it’s another story which I can’t agree. And whoever says that PH has flattened the curve, I wonder where you got your statistics, Sir? And a casual apology after? Maybe it’s really high time that these government officials a.k.a. the president’s minions leave their jobs and go somewhere else. Mars, maybe?

*to alleviate stress and other nega vibes, i set up a small café at home (for family use)

*and online shopping is emptying my pocket hard 😛

Anyhow, COVID-19 would not go away like that and that all we must do is to live within the new normal. It’s quite a bore really and to be honest it’s annoying me bit by bit and the fact that it’s long term consequence may affect my life, work and sanity –I’m trying to be more optimistic and rational at the same time. I really hope I’m doing the work-life balance right and that I’m living a healthier and more productive lifestyle at this point.

*a short visit at the workplace with 2 of my masisipag girls

Although everything seems in order now, let’s not discard the idea that the worry end and discomfort of these life changing events might be like what happened to the TV giant. Cutting of cost would mean people and resources –very unfortunate while this pandemic is happening but then again, we have to take both sides of the employer and employees. While my employer’s issue may differ, it won’t make any difference once someone becomes redundant. And it would pose a great challenge for me to weigh things and let go. I’m praying that it would not happen, not to my team of course. I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news. Consequently, I hope my team realizes how lucky they are to enjoy a full employment even after the company’s ordeal of low revenue.

*not really related to any but i’m thankful for Sunday lunches at home

And while everyone else’s concern now is to retain a living so they can bring food to their table and roof to their heads, I think it’s high time to review your morals pronto. I will not drop it word by word so listen and read between the lines. Administrative Investigation. Decency. Really, I don’t care how you live or whatever creed you preach and I won’t spare you of anything so don’t take the liberty of gambling what you only have. Try to summon up your actions. I’m a million times better, far ahead of you and I don’t need to prove my worth to anyone. I’m not desperate and miserable like you.

Now, make better when you attempt to do another sadfishing story in social media. The sad truth about you –you don’t make any sense so just watch me get ahead or I’ll watch you fall flat.

Baked Sushi by yours truly! recipe by papa Erwan 😛 because i can 😀

Excuse my weekend drama hehehe. I’m just excited to fire up another delicious offering –belting the hype soon!

 

 

P.S. edits later, i’m off now…