Michi Photostory: August 2011

August 31, 2011

Bananalicious Pie

I promised to my mom that I will bring her to Nuvali so we went there last Sunday before going to my Aunt’s house in Victoria, Laguna. As expected, it was crowded and we had a hard time looking for a good spot where we could feed the fish.

After feeding the fish, we went to Contis to buy Tiramisu P295 and Bananalicious Pie P625. My son loves tiramisu so I’m not surprised if he finished half of it on our way to Victoria.

Bananalicious pie is like banoffee pie that has banana, cream and caramel. Everybody enjoyed their slice.

August 28, 2011

Day in Paradise at Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa

Last Monday, we availed the day tour package of Shangri-la and it was indeed a Day in Paradise. We all enjoyed our stay in Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa and P2,500 per head is very worth it. Kudos to all their staff because they are all approachable, friendly, helpful and they never fail to smile at you.

After our Mactan City Tour, we went to Shangri-la Mactan to spend our last day in Cebu. Day tour package is from 8-9PM so it was perfect for our 10:40PM flight. The resort is just 20 minutes away from the airport.

There are so many tourists inside the resort and we can’t find any vacant beach chairs where we could stay so we just roam around the resort and look for a place where we could wait. We decided to take our lunch first before we plunged into their pool and beach.

Finally, 12NN came and we went inside the Tides Restaurant. I zeroed in on expensive dishes, I’ve tried the lamb chop and still, I did not like it. I don't really like lamb chop, ok na ko sa beef steak. My son enjoyed his dinner roll and butter and he really liked the crème brulee and was able to finish two cups. Drinks are not included in their free buffet lunch and the cheapest drink is softdrink in a can which is P184.

After our meal, it is time to enjoy their amenities.

After swimming, we took advantage of the free use of their Health Club Amenities where complimentary drinks are available. Hehe! You can use the gym, sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi for free.

Overall, I do not have regrets in choosing Shangri-la Mactan and this is one of my memorable experiences and fabulous birthday celebrations. I hope we can go back here.

Day in Paradise Package includes

Lunch Buffet at Tides Restaurant (drinks not included)
Free use of beach, pool, towel
Free use of Gym and Health Club facilities (sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi)
10% discount on Health Club and Salon Services for adults
Complimentary 2 hours use of Kid’s Adventure Zone for kids (kids must wear long sleeves and socks)
25% discount on Dinner Buffet at Tides Restaurant

Be sure to contact them first before going there because day tour is not available if their hotel is full.

Update: April 2016

When we went back to Cebu, I inquired about the Day Trip package but I was advised that they don't offer day trip package at that time. So we just went to Crimson Mactan instead.

Read: Makati Shangri la Hotel
Shangri la Hotel in Jakarta Indonesia
EDSA Shangri la Hotel

August 24, 2011

Food Trip in Cebu

Update: Read "Where to Eat in Cebu" for more list of restaurants to try in Cebu.

1. Jollibee – After taking pictures at Basilica Sto. Nino and Magellan’s Cross, we went to La Fortuna Bakeshop for our breakfast but unfortunately their rice is not yet available. We’re not willing to wait because we’re really hungry so we went to Jollibee. We ordered daing na bangus P88 and longanisa P88 breakfast meal.

2. Casa Verde – I’ve read a lot of good reviews about this restaurant so after visiting Taoist Temple we had an early lunch at Casa Verde. We’re there at past 10AM so it was not crowded. I love the exterior and interior design of the restaurant. The staffs are all friendly and attentive.

We got Brian’s Ribs P188, Pork Steak P178 , Death by Chocolate P105 and Raspberry juice P110 (pitcher). The servings are really huge for a very affordable price. Do not miss this restaurant if you are going to Cebu.

3. CnT Lechon – my original plan is to have dinner at Larsian but it was raining so we opted to go to Ayala Mall to have an early dinner at CnT Lechon. Of course, we got ½ kilo of lechon and rice.

4. Fuente Oro Business Suites – We’re very satisfied with our free breakfast. I love their beef tapa. We ordered additional meal for my son and he enjoyed his Belgian waffle P150.

5. Tides – We got free lunch buffet at Tides Restaurant, it was included in our day tour package in Shangri-la Mactan

Read: Day in Paradise

6. Café Cesario – From Shangri-la Mactan we went straight to Mactan Airport so we have no choice but to eat here. We ordered garlic chicken and pork steak, the taste is just ok, not worth it for the price of P200+ per meal.

Read: Cebu's Lechon

Mactan City Tour

As much as I want to continue our Cebu City Tour, we no longer have time so we just went to Taboan market to buy dried fish, dried squid, dried mango and other pasalubong.

Knowing what to expect in Taboan market, we did not bother to take a bath. Hehe! From Fuente Oro, you need to take two jeepney rides, 06B and 06A then walk to Tabo-an Market or just ride a taxi cab, the fare is around P100.

After Taboan market, we took our free breakfast and prepare for early check-out. We went straight to Mactan Shrine for our Mactan City Tour.

Photo-op with Lapu-Lapu Monument and Mactan Shrine. I cannot find the Magellan’s Marker. Hehe! Sutukil is just around the corner offering fresh seafood but we did not eat here because we are going to avail Shangri-la Mactan Day Tour Package.

This site marks the place where Lapu-Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan fought on April 17, 1521. The monument serves as a reminder of Filipino bravery as this is where Ferdinand Magellan was defeated by Lapu-Lapu, the very first Filipino hero. From here, we took a taxi to reach the Shangri-la Resort.

DIY: Cebu City Tour

Last Sunday, we went to Cebu to celebrate my birthday in advance since my birthday falls on a weekday. I was very thankful to God for hearing my prayer, there was no storm.

After 13 long years, I was back in Cebu but this time, we only stayed for two days because my hubby can only take one day leave. Good enough because last year, his VL was denied. I really took my time to research everything so we could maximize our two days stay. I’ve got an early flight to Cebu and last flight to Manila.

Before 6AM, we arrived at Mactan Airport so we went straight to Fuente Oro Business Suites hoping that we could early check in but unfortunately the room was not yet available so we left our baggage and start our Cebu City Tour.

We rode a jeep to Basilica De Sto. Nino, our oldest church that was founded in 1565.

Then walk to Plaza Sugbo where Magellan’s Cross is located.

At the back of Magellan’s Cross is the City Hall

From Magellan’s cross just walk until you reach the Plaza Independencia where Fort San Pedro is also located. Right side of the plaza is the Malacanang sa Sugbo.

Opening time of Fort San Pedro is 8AM so we waited for almost 30 minutes. Entrance Fee is P30 per head.

Then we went to Taoist Temple, you can ride a Jeep 04C, just inform the driver that you are going to Taoist Temple, landmark is Julie’s Bakeshop. There are motorcycles or habal-habal that you could ride to bring you to Beverly Hills Subdivision Gate and from there you need to walk. The best way to reach Taoist temple is through taxi and asked the driver to wait for you.

The colorful temple with 99 steps offers a beautiful view of the city too.

We were all tired after walking and climbing up the stairs of the Taoist temple so we decided to have an early lunch at Casa Verde then go back to Fuente Oro so we could take a nap. Good thing that our room was already available.

We’re supposed to continue our Cebu City Tour but it was raining so we just went to Crown Regency to watch 4D movie. I’m afraid of heights so I will not try the skywalk or sky ride. Anyway, we enjoyed our 4D movie experience even it was only a 15 minutes movie for P250 per pax. (1 movie + souvenir shirt). After the movie, we went to Ayala Mall to eat my favorite CnT Lechon. (early dinner).

Dulce De Leche Cake

Yesterday, I just stayed home and I could not join my family to celebrate our birthday because I was really tired from our Cebu trip. I have no strength to travel to Valenzuela from Cavite. Missing in action since Sunday, haven’t seen my mom who just came home from Norway last Sunday. But, I’ll be there tomorrow. =)

My husband brought me this cake to have a mini celebration of my birthday at home. Dulce De Leche is our favorite cake from Red Ribbon. We enjoy every bite of this cake, it so soft that it melts in your mouth.

I really had a blast birthday celebration and I felt so love, love and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the greetings and I truly appreciate the effort.

August 23, 2011

29 Years and Counting

Celebrating my birthday and this is the last year that my age will start in 2 but I don’t look and feel old. Hahaha! But looking back, I’m so happy and grateful to God because He’s been with me throughout these years and I could not imagine my life living without His guidance, protection, understanding, and love.

There are really no words good enough to express how grateful I am for all the blessings that He has given to me though sometimes I feel that I do not deserve it. Thank you, Lord, for giving me 29 years and I am still counting for more years, I know that you have still something for me and the best is yet to come. Happy birthday to me, to my brother, and to my niece!

I just came back from our Cebu trip so I’m still tired but happy. I will soon share my birthday celebration in Cebu but for now, I will take a break.

August 19, 2011

Simple Shrimp Pasta

I have no internet connection for almost two days and using tattoo is not helping me because it took me forever just to load the page. I have nothing to do on my spare time so I cooked red spaghetti sauce then after cooking red spaghetti sauce; I decided to make another sauce from our leftover shrimp. I just used all the ingredients in my pantry so I called this simple shrimp pasta. And because of this, we’ll be eating pasta for the next few days.

August 15, 2011

Bibingkinitan

I always love bibingka and this is one of the reasons why I am so much excited on ber months but I do not have to wait for ber months to enjoy this food because Bibingkinitan is almost everywhere. We had a quick snack last Saturday at Bibingkinitan kiosk while waiting for the rain to stop. For P50, you already have barako coffee and one piece of bibingka. My son loves bibingka too.

P20 per piece

August 13, 2011

Best Love Advice

I can definitely say that I am not an expert when it comes to love because I only had one boyfriend in my entire life and I am proud of it because not all women ended with their first boyfriend. Of course our relationship is not perfect; we had our own ups and downs but thank God because we are still together.

Cliché as it may sounds but I really want to grow old with my husband so annulment is not an option for me. I know that there is no perfect marriage but if you put God in the center of your relationship, He will hold your hands to pass all your trials.

Like what I’ve said I am not a love guru but I want to share some of my favorite quotes that might help you along the way.

“Love is not about staying with someone because you don’t want to get hurt… It’s all about staying because you are happy and there’s no place you would rather be...”

When you love someone you’ll realize that it would never be about you and how you want your relationship to be. It’s about staying and finding ways of making things alright when life says they shouldn’t be. It’s called defying all the odds for something they call everything.

One rule in every relationship: “No matter how fed up and carried away you are in a fight, never ever suggest a breakup”

August 11, 2011

Goodbye Sofa Bed

Yesterday, I left my son in our room to put the laundry in washing machine and I was shocked when I came back, my son is ripping his sofa bed into pieces. I don’t know what in his mind why he ripped his sofa bed and I don’t know how I can put this back together. When I showed this to my hubby, he just smiled at me and told me that we can no longer use it. So I placed everything in plastic bag.

The same day my son was looking for his sofa bed so I am not sure if I will buy the same sofa bed or the real one. I know that he loves his sofa bed because this is where he sits while watching TV. There are times that he will sleep here during day and night time and I’ll just transfer him in our bed. But we have to say goodbye to his sofa bed but for sure it will be missed.

Ilog Maria Honey-Propolis Feminine Wash

I bought this product few months ago when I visited the Ilog Maria Honeybee farm, see my previous post here. I’ve been using feminine wash for the past few years even my OB told me to use regular soap to avoid UTI.

This week, I’ve tried to use this and they have the same cooling effect of ph care. So if ever I will visit Ilog Maria Honeybee farm, I will definitely buy this. From the name itself, it contains honey and propolis that will protects you from fungi and bacteria. It is affordable, P45 per bar so why not use natural products.

Description: Propolis is a powerful natural resin which bees collect to protect their beehives from fungal, viral and bacterial infections. Honey is bacteriostatic, emollient and is the best skin cleanser.

Grilled Rosemary Pork Chops

While checking my recipe notebook, I found this recipe “grilled rosemary pork chops”. I’ve got it from old magazine but I can’t remember which magazine. =) I decided to give it a try since I have all the ingredients in the pantry. I was so happy with the result and we both enjoy our grilled pork chop and my hubby suggested trying the recipe with beef. The pork chops are very flavorful and I like the aroma of rosemary herbs.

Here is the recipe

6 pork chops, skin removed (but I did not remove the skin)

4 garlic cloves, peeled

1 tbsp rock salt

1 tbsp black pepper (coarsely ground)

1 ½ tbsp dried rosemary

6 tbsp olive oil

In a mortar, roughly pound the garlic with the salt, pepper, and rosemary. Add olive oil. Spread this marinade over both side of each chop and leave in a cool place, covered, for about 15 minutes. Preheat the griddle pan to very hot and grill each chop for 5-6 minutes on each side. Maybe the grilling part will depend on how thick is your pork chop.

August 10, 2011

Viaje Del Sol

Viaje Del Sol means “the way of the sun”. It is a map that has a list of places that you can visit in Laguna, Batangas and Quezon. Some map has 16 or 19 places but I have my own list from what I’ve researched on.

Viaje del Sol is like having an educational tour because you will learn more about food, art and cultures. Not only that, you can also relax and stay in different bed and breakfast.

I’ve been raving about this tour for quite some time now but still, I was not able to finish the list. Out of 26, I’ve only visited two places, Villa Escudero and Arabela in Liliw, Laguna.

Read: Viaje Del Sol

There is an upcoming long weekend this August and I’ve told my mom that I want to go to Lake Pandin and she suggested celebrating our birthday there. So this will be an extension of my birthday, I mean our birthday. August 23 is my brother, my niece and my birthday so it is really hard to celebrate on the same day because we have our own celebration. The truth is I never attended any birthday of my niece except her upcoming 7^th birthday which will be held on Aug. 27. If there is no rain, we can go to Lake Pandin which is part of Viaje Del Sol list. I guess, this is the longest celebration of my birthday.

Here is the map of Viaje Del Sol just in case you want to have this tour.

Laguna

1. La Vista Pansol

2. Petty John Pottery workshop

3. Casa San Pablo

4. Herbana Farms

5. Café Lago

6. Majayjay Bed and Breakfast

7. Museo di Cipra

8. Villa Socorro

9. Sampaloc and Pandin Lakes

10. Tahanan ni Aling Meding

11. Carlito’s Workshop

12. Colette’s Buko Pie

13. Pillar Plants and Novelties

14. Sitio De Amor

15. Successful Family Farm

16. Sulyap Gallery Café

17. Arabela

18. Nagcarlan Cemetery

Batangas

1. Casa Rap

2. First Asian Institute of Technology

Quezon

1. Earthkeeper’s Garden and Restaurant

2. Café San luis

3. Ugu Bigyan Potter’s Garden

4. Villa Escudero

5. Kinabuhayan Café

If you’ve been here, please share your stories or links so I can read them.

Chicken Curry

Every time I include chicken curry on my menu I ended up cooking chicken adobo because that is my favorite dish so sometimes my husband will ask me what happened to the chicken curry. I just smiled. Coconut milk is not my main concern because it is readily available in supermarket so no more squeezing of grated coconut but I am not into curry powder so I rarely cook this dish but finally I follow my menu list so I cooked chicken curry.

Tim Tam

Last month I attended my cousin’s daughter's 1^st birthday party and my brother just came back from Australia so I was able to get our pasalubong. It is like hitting two birds at the same time, I guess I really have good timing when it comes to packages and pasalubong. Hehe!

Well, one of the pasalubong is Tim Tam, actually this is his favorite pasalubong because the last time that he went there, he also gave us this chocolate. Tim Tam is the favorite chocolate biscuit of Australians. It is composed of textured chocolate for coating, chocolate cream filling, and chocolate malted biscuits. Other variants are chewy caramel, hazelnut praline, double coat, classic dark, and fingers. For me, this is a better version of Kit Kat.

photo from arnotts

This is the last chocolate that we have in the fridge to give way for the next pasalubong because my mom will be home next week. (expecting for chocolates) =)