Lunch at Sumo Sam

I was about to blog this yesterday but I felt so weak when I saw our electricity bill. Did you receive your bill already? I expected that there will be a tremendous increase but I still can’t accept it. I’ve been married for 7 years and this is the most expensive electricity bill that I’ve received. Well, it is better to pay electricity bills than hospital bills because of heat stroke.

Moving on, we ate our lunch in Sumo Sam before going to Fun Farm. I called my sister and she’s running late so we decided to eat here instead of fastfood. It is one of the new restaurants in Ayala Pavillion Mall so we tried it.

Since it was our first time, we took our time in checking the menu and I could say the price is not affordable but when our order arrived, we were surprised because the meal is good for two persons so I guess the price is worth it. We ordered Meat Kamameshi P249, Katsudon P268 and Tofu Miso P68.

Tofu Miso

Katsudon

Meat Kamameshi

As I mentioned, they have generous serving so we did not finish our meal. I was satisfied with the taste and flavor but according to my husband, taste is just ok. Well, taste is subjective. 

7 Things that you Can Do in Fun Farm at Sta Elena

I’ve read about Fun Farm at Sta Elena in Daphne’s blog last year, I wanted to visit this farm but I thought the location is really far. It was only last month when I learned that this Fun Farm is located in Laguna. Waah! It is more or less 30 minutes travel time from our place without traffic. That’s what happened if you did not consult Google immediately.

Click here for video

Last month, I suggested this place for our last gala with my mom but they chose the Station of the Cross at BHS. I’ve been meaning to visit the place because I want my son to experience different activities on the farm. Not the usual activity that can be found in the mall. I asked my sister if she wanted to visit the place and she agreed so she made a reservation. Last April, 20, 2013 we finally visited Fun Farm at Sta Elena.

Upon arrival, we paid the entrance fee which is P300 per person, the same rate for kids and adults. Then we immediately explore and enjoy the place.

Things that you can do in Fun Farm at Sta Elena

1. Fishing – my husband caught a small fish but no photo.

2. Boating

3. Animal Feeding - rabbits and guinea pigs

4. Horse Riding

5. Carabao Ride – meet “Choc-nut”

6. Picnic – we brought our own food and drinks because there’s no restaurant inside.

7. Play

We enjoyed our farm experience despite the extreme heat and the kids didn’t want to leave the place but we have to say goodbye because we still need to visit my grandmother. My son was really happy and he had a lot of first-time experiences that I’m sure he will never forget.

How to get to Fun Farm at Sta Elena:

Exit Cabuyao/Sta Elena. After Tollgate, make a right. About 500 meters is the Sta. Elena Village Gate. Enter there and drive straight to the Fun Farm. 

Commuting Directions to Fun Farm at Sta Elena

Kite Flying

Kite flying is one of the activities of my husband and son every weekend. I guess they’ve been flying kites for almost a month already but it was only last Sunday that I went with them. They invited me to join their bonding and since I have nothing to do I’m lazy to do household chores I joined them.

“I hope my children look back on today and see a mother who had time to play. There will be years for cleaning and cooking…for children grow up while we’re not looking”

I brought my camera so I could take pictures. I was just sitting in one corner then after few minutes, they’re calling me already.

Ethan: Mommy, throw the kite. Repeat 10x

Now I understand why they invited me to join, gusto nila na may taga hagis sila ng kite nila. It was a tiring activity, you know naman, I’m not active and I don’t like physical activity. But I had fun; I witnessed how happy my son flying kites kahit ilang minutes lang nagstay ang kite niya in the air. I can hear the laughter and I can see the smile from ear to ear. #walangkapaguran

Homemade Palitaw Recipe

One of my favorite merienda when I was young is palitaw; I can still remember those days that I really wait for the vendor, naglalako habang sumisigaw ng “palitaw” in our neighborhood. After I graduated and started working, we crossed our path again and she still remembers me “ang kanyang suki”, but that was years ago.

Anyway, last weekend I’ve made my very first homemade palitaw. I asked my husband to buy glutinous rice, grated coconut, and sesame seeds in the market. Cooking palitaw is easy, the only problem is I can’t shape the dough properly so I ended up making different sizes. Well, the only problem is making a consistent size of palitaw but shapes or sizes do not matter since I won't sell it. 

Homemade Palitaw Recipe

1. Boil 2 quarts of water.

2. Toast the sesame seeds, mix them in 1 cup sugar, and set them aside.

3. Put the glutinous rice in a bowl then slowly add water until you get the right consistency.  

4. Shape dough into an egg-sized oval and flatten with a thumb.

5. Drop palitaw in boiling water and scoop out as soon as they float.

6. Drain and roll in grated coconut.

7. Serve with sugar and toasted sesame seeds.

Watch the video here

That's it! Happy eating!

Top Family Activities to do in Fuerteventura

Millions of people visit the island of Fuerteventura every year, not only because it’s a truly stunning place, but there are so many things to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start! From historical monuments to amazing beaches, tourists flock from all over the world to experience traditional culture combined with great food, hot sun, and delightful hospitality. Let’s take a look at some of the top family activities in Fuerteventura, and see whether this is a place you’d want to holiday with your family. 

Lobos Island

Lobos island can be found towards the north of Fuerteventura, and until the 1800s, it housed vast numbers of sea wolves and other rare animal species. There are very few settlements here, however, tourists are encouraged to take tours to the island to see the dark volcanic sands, and historical monuments the island’s original settlers built for the Gods. If you’re traveling with your children, then a guided tour of Lobos Island is a great way to introduce them to other cultures, and the sheer beauty of the island itself.

La Lajita Zoo

Zoos are always a great place to take children, and La Lajita is no exception. Although it is a small zoo, it still offers everything a family would need for a great day out, especially if you’re traveling with young kids. Located on the east coast of Fuerteventura, there are a variety of fishing activities to experience in this zoo, as well as rare and exotic marine life to see. With over 200 species of bird, botanical gardens and Camel Safaris, a day out at the zoo would be a great experience for the entire family!

Take The Grand Tour Of The Island 

No matter where you holiday in the world, going on a tour of the local area is a great way to get to grips with your surroundings. One of the best family activities to do in Fuerteventura is to take the grand tour, the all-inclusive trip that will equip you with detailed knowledge of the island, as well as showing you the most spectacular sights.

Departing from Corralejo, your English-speaking guide will make sure you’re all sitting comfortably in your air-conditioned seats before your set off. As the bus takes you south towards La Olivia, you’ll stop off at a number of traditional dairy farms to sample some of the freshest cheeses and olives, and you’ll also be able to see goats grazing in their natural habitat.

Next, it’s back on the bus and off to the sacred mountain of tindaya. This mountain has been worshiped for thousands of years, and there are a number of historical monuments at the bottom of the mountain that your guide will educate you on.

You’ll then be driven off towards La Pared – the old wall and subsequent border between the two halves of the island. Finishing your tour on the sandy beaches of Janida, you’ll be able to dine in some great restaurants overlooking the ocean. Flights to Fuerteventura can differ in price throughout the year, so make sure you compare prices on the internet.

13 Ways to Save Money

I’m a stay at home mom and living with a single income is not easy. There are times that we live from paycheck to paycheck and it is really hard to meet all our needs. If I will look back on the days when I resigned from my work, I really don’t know how we were able to survive it. But God is good and He really provides our needs and even wants. 

As a wife, I need to be a good steward because I know my husband’s job is not easy peasy. I witnessed his overtime without pay, sleepless nights and working even on vacation leave, holiday and weekends. I’m proud to say that he’s doing a good job as our provider. 

Five years of being a full-time mom taught me a lot of things, I learned from my own experiences and other’s experiences. Like I always say, I’m not a financial expert but I hope these tips will also help you in budgeting and saving.

1. Plan your route 

I always plan our trip because I want to finish all my errands in a single trip. I want to hit two birds at the same time so I can save time, effort and money.

For example. 

a. I love going to World Trade Center because of the Christmas Bazaar so after visiting my family in Valenzuela to give my gifts, I will drop here to buy stuff before going home since I live in the South area. 

b. I regularly visit my grandmother in Victoria, Laguna and if we have extra time we try to visit those places listed in Viaje Del Sol. 

C. I love taking notes and I always have a list of “Things to do” and “Things to buy” so whenever we’re going to the mall, I bring my list. What’s in my list? These are the usual things that I have on my list, it just varies on the due date. 

- Pay bills such as postpaid plans, internet providers, credit cards, amortization, and others. 
- Deposit or Withdraw. 
- Go to junkshop to sell our junk of course. 
- Grocery (things to buy) 
- Buy medicine and vitamins. I have psoriasis so I always buy medicine. 
- Pay SSS loan and SSS contribution …and many more. 

2. Refrigerate and Cupboard Awareness 

If you’ve read my energy saving tips, you know for sure that I religiously defrost our fridge every week before Wet Market Day. It is my time to clean the fridge and do my inventory. 

I will check the left-over, expiration date and list the things that we need to buy in the market. As I mentioned before I always have “Menu List”. I do check our cupboard every month to check the expiration and clean it too. 

I have a notepad where I write all the stuff that we need to buy so it is not really difficult to do the inventory. 

3. Do not waste it. Learn to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. You can read more on my Green Living post. 

4. Minimalist Living 

Think before you buy things. Ask yourself if you really need to buy stuff? Do you really need to buy the latest gadget? Do you need to follow fashion trend? We have rules in our house, “If it is broken, try to fix it. If it cannot be fixed, then replace it”. “If we buy something we need to let go something” like clothes because we have limited space in our cabinet. 

5. Decluttering 

Always remember “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. I used to sell preloved stuff in my multiply account and I was able to sell most of my son’s baby stuff. Other baby stuff, I gave to relatives. 

6. Buy or accept pre-loved stuff. 

When I started selling my pre-loved stuff, I also bought some pre-loved stuff. I just double check if the stuff is still in good condition or in great shape. I visit Warehouse Sale, Ukay-Ukay, and Garage Sales. 

If someone is giving hand me down clothes or other stuff, I welcome it with open arms. You can repair or fix the free stuff according to your needs and wants. Free is better. 

7. Join Contest and Giveaways 

If you have spare time, try your luck. Who knows you might win big prizes. I love joining contests and giveaways and my lucky year was last year. 

8. DIY 

You can really save if you do it yourself. Learn how to DIY your travels, kitchen ingredients, gifts and others. Read more here. 

9. Research

I subscribed to Facebook page and emails of different airlines and discount websites so I will be updated with all offers, seat sales, promos and discounts. But I only buy what I really need. 

10. Don’t scrimp on what matters. 

Though savings is a must, there are also times that we splurge for the experience just like our travels and food trips. Recreation is part of our family bonding. There are different ways to save money if you want to travel like searching for cheap airfare, staying in hostels or budget hotel, DIY your itinerary and many more.

11. Watch where your money goes. 

I have a notebook where I write our income and expenses every month. Since my husband receives a monthly paycheck, I have to make sure that we will have money for the whole month. I do list our credit card expenses just to make sure that we will not go beyond our limit and we can still pay our debt on the due date.

12. Teach kids the value of money.

I hope I can teach my son the value of money, as of now he doesn’t know the value of money. For him, money never runs out, you can get it from your wallet or ATM Machine. 

But he has his own piggy bank, savings account, and stocks. The amount is not that big but he is learning how to save his money. 

13. Invest on quality items 

When I say quality; buy furniture, appliances or gadgets that will last for long so you don't have to replace it every few years. Invest in energy saver appliances, solar panels to save electricity and printer that can print up to 6000 pages. 


Bonus: Learn to appreciate what you have and be happy with it.

"Do not envy the rich. They are blessed with the ability to create wealth. While their wealth may be in money you may be blessed in other areas that the rich do not have. We are all experts but only in different subject matters. Envy is a killer. If we keep on looking at the things we do not have then we will fail to appreciate the things we have." – Francis Kong 

Pray and believe that God will make a way where there seems to be no way.

Feel free to share your saving tips.

Lunch at Resorts World: Crisostomo

I mentioned in my other blog that I won in Rica Peralejo’s Giveaway and after getting my prize, we went straight to Resorts World to have our lunch. For the longest time, I’ve been bugging my husband to bring me here but he always say “Wala naman magagawa dun”. Then last Saturday, I told him that he promised us that we will go to Solaire after we pick up my prize then bigla nagka-amnesia, nagging Resorts World na lang.

Anyway, at least I finally visited Resorts World and it reminds me of our Hotel-Casino hopping in Macau. There are casino, expensive boutiques, cinema and theatre where you can watch events.

We checked the available restaurants and settled in Crisostomo. I’ve been reading good reviews here and true enough we went home with happy tummies.

While browsing the menu they gave us complimentary cornick. 

We ordered Bagumbayan Lechon P285, Paella P395 and Extra Rice P60.

Actually, this is the first time that I’ve tasted Paella though I included it in our wedding menu; I wasn’t able to taste it. #diakonakakainsawedding. Anyway, the serving and price are very reasonable. The service is good and they even gave us souvenir picture. Definitely, this won’t be our last visit.

Crisostomo Newport

Unit F &B3A 2^nd Flr Newport city 100

Andrew Ave. Brgy 183 Newport City

Cybertourism Pasay City

Betty Crocker: Super Moist Cake Yellow Cake

Last Friday, I was planning to bake banana bread to save our overripe banana but I saw Betty Crocker cake mix in our cupboard so I decided to bake this instead. I have the Betty Crocker “Super Moist Cake - Yellow” and I’ve made 20 cupcakes.

According to the package it is super moist cake but it wasn’t, the cupcake is soft but it is not super moist. Anyway, we still enjoy our yellow cupcake, I brought this in swimming lesson and my mommy friends love it. 

A Guide to The Beautiful Rooftop Bars of Bangkok

Bangkok has long held a reputation as a city filled with bars and colorful nightlife. The modern city of Bangkok has expanded to the extent that it can now quite simply be described as vast; a recent trend has been to move the bars from the busy and crowded streets of the city into the sky.

Sitting on top of some of Bangkok's most lavish building's rooftop bars are the city's new craze and can there be a better way of viewing the sprawling metropolis than from one of these chic, smart and beautifully designed bars.

1. Vertigo

The aptly named Vertigo bar can be found on top of the sixty-one-storey Banyan Tree Hotel. From above the restaurant resembles the bow of a great ship and provides visitors with a chilled atmosphere and the option to enjoy a relaxing meal with their drink. Popular with British Ex-Pats this is a reasonably priced bar and is free of all obstructions to the view including walls and a roof. While there sample the signature cocktail the Vertigo Sunset with its Malibu base. ( Banyan Tree, Bangkok, 21/100 South Sathon Rd, Bangkok)

2. Sky Bar

Found on top of one of the most coveted sleeping quarters in the city, the Lebua Hotel, this bar has an international flavor and live jazz music to complement its chic decor and stylish clientele. The actual bar itself, which sits on a promontory above the city, is illuminated and changes color throughout the evening. Open until 1AM guests can sip the bar's specialty A Sunset 63 a concoction based on Absolut Vodka and watch from this tranquil haven as the city chases itself through the night. ( Sky Bar at Scirocco, Lebua at State Tower, 1055 Silom Rd, Bangkok)

3. Blue Sky

One of the newest additions to the Bangkok rooftop bar collection this elegant bar is lined by glass walls providing an unobscured view of the metropolis. This is a bar of split personality, frequented by city workers in search of peace and tranquillity in the early evening but becoming a party goers haven as the night progresses. The Blue Sky is open until 2 am and sits on the roof of the Sofitel Centara Granda. (Blue Sky Bar, Sofitel Centara Granda, 1695 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok.)

4. The Long Table

A few floors above the famous infinity edge swimming pool of the luxury Column Hotel, The Long Table provides shelter from the elements with its roof and glass walls and has to be the coolest of all the Bangkok rooftop bars. With a view over the city's lake and Banjakiti Park, this club was created by the same team who created the club scene institution the Bed Supperclub, and the guest list reflects the bar's status. This is where you will find the Bangkok in-crowd possibly seated at the seventy-seater table believed to be the longest in the world. (The Long Table, The Column, 48, Sukhumvit Soi 16, Klongtoey, Bangkok)

5. Three Sixty

For a close-up view of the city skyline. try the Three Sixty, a favored haunt of F1 star Lewis Hamilton. In the heart of the city's luxury hotel area, it can be found on the banks of the Chao Praya river and is a cozy place where its guests can relax and listen to the often internationally renowned jazz singers who play here. (Three Sixty, The Millennium Hilton, 123 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan, Bangkok)

John is a freelance travel writer, who documents his travel experiences on various websites as well as his own. He is currently working with Cheapflights.com.au.

Klook.com

Lunch at Adobo Connection

Last Tuesday after my son’s swimming lesson we went to SM Sta Rosa to pay bills and we had early lunch in Adobo Connection. One of my favorite menus in the house is Adobo, well it is so easy to cook so it is always on my menu. As in every week yata may adobo kami. I cook chicken adobo, pork adobo, adobong liver and gizzard, adobong sitaw and many more. Hehehe! Sabi nga nila "'Ang babae parang adobo, hindi kumpleto pag walang toyo. 

So it took me time in trying Adobo Connection restaurant because I always eat adobo but for the sake of trying this restaurant, we ate here.

We ordered Kuya’s Fried Mix Adobo P109, Lola’s Classic Mix Adobo P119, Gising-Gising P35 and Iced Tea with Soup P32. My husband is ordering extra rice for my son but the staff said “wag na daw bata naman”. Our meal kasi is rice all you can and hindi naman malakas kumain anak ko so we only order 2 adobo meals. Kudos to the staff! =)

The serving is huge so even it is rice all you can, I did not ask for extra serving. I tried two adobo meals but of course, I still like my own version of adobo. The chicken was tender but the pork was not and I find it dry. But my husband likes the Gising-Gising, it is very spicy kaya tagaktak ang pawis habang kumakain. 

Dinner at Isdaan

After checking out in Casa San Pablo we went straight to Isdaan for our dinner. We always pass this restaurant on our way to my grandmother’s house but since we have tried the Isdaan inTarlac we were not tempted to eat here, in addition, we can eat for free at my grandmother’s house. 

Well, my mom was here so we can eat free of charge in Isdaan. Hehehe! I was tired already so I did not check the place but according to my husband, this branch is bigger than Tarlac Branch.

Kids received free balloons and loot bags.

It is not easy to order sa dami ng pagpipilian so we just ordered Boodle Fight Round 1 which includes Pinatola Soup, Binagoongang Baboy, fried Tilapia, Pansit Sisig, Lumpiang Bukid, Tadtad Mangga, Sibuyas, Kamatis, Itlog na Maalat with Bagoong, Tacsiyapong Gulay and Bagong Saing sa Kaldero. (P4763 good for 8 pax). We add 3 Bagong Saing sa Kaldero and Sizzling Shrimp Gambas.

After the food was served, galit-galit na kami and no more talking.

In fairness, we enjoyed the food and we left very full at may take-out pa. Hindi namin naubos sa dami. My husband and son tried boating. It is free but P20 tip for the boatman. They haven’t tried the Gondola in Venetian Macau when we went there so dito na lang, hehehe! 

Day Trip at Casa San Pablo

Casa San Pablo is in my bucket list, as I mentioned before I wanted to visit those places listed in Viaje Del Sol so when my mom told me that they will be staying in my grandmother’s house and planning to swim, I immediately asked what resort?

Me: San naman magswim?

Mom: Splash Mountain.

Me: Wow, bago yan ha, di ko pa napupuntahan yan (joking)

Mom: Yung sa dati. (she did not get my joke)

Me: Wala na bang bago.

Seriously, we’ve been in Splash Mountain for the nth time since I got married and I know how crowded the resort during summer so I suggested Casa San Pablo and I gave her a link. She immediately said yes so I inquired (March 20, Wed) and they gave me this rate.

DAY TRIP RATES:

Day Trip with Lunch, PM snack

1,243/head (inclusive of 10% service charge and 3% local tax)

Special Discounted Rate:

550/head (inclusive of 10% service charge and 3% local tax)

Day Trip with AM snack, Lunch, PM snack

1,412.50/head (inclusive of 10% service charge and 3% local tax)

Special Discounted Rate:

650/head (inclusive of 10% service charge and 3% local tax)

Inclusive of the following:

*Use of a room from 11:30AM to 6:00PM

*Use of the resort amenities

We avail the P650 Day Trip Package (kids and adults) including the morning snack, lunch and merienda. Two years old below is free of charge. I was glad that they were able accommodate us so my sister deposit the 100% payment on Friday for our Saturday day trip which is March 23.

Since my grandmother lives in Victoria, Laguna we left past 7AM so we can reach the place before 8AM. Don't forget to print the confirmation letter because you need to present it before you can enter the gate. They are really strict because the guard really counted the number of people inside our car.

The guard assisted us to the resort, the staff gave me a form to fill out and I paid P500 for key deposit. She handed me the key and assisted us to our rooms. As early as 8AM we were able to check in.

Our room #16 and #17

Dormitory type of room

I must agree with other reviews that the swimming pool is not inviting but for our kids, swimming pool is still swimming pool so they don’t care about the looks as long as they can swim.

Anyway, Casa San Pablo is not really a resort but a bed and breakfast where you can relax and unwind so aside from this swimming pool, you can do more to enjoy the place.

1.You can stay in the swing or hammock.

2.You can play in the playground.

3.You can ride a bike.

4.Or simply take advantage the “Art of Doing Nothing” Honestly, I enjoyed my stay here because I love my routine, “Eat and Rest”. We left at exactly 5PM para sulit ang aming stay.

Food

Morning Snack "Spaghetti + Toasted Bread". Ito lang ang masarap

Fried Fish, Kare-Kareng Manok na walang gulay and Pinakbet na walang sahog, Bland Soup and Ube.

Merienda. Suman with Champorado Drink, oops Hot Chocolate

Pro’s

1. They immediately reply in my emails so we were able to book Day Trip Package in a span of few days.

2. Free Wifi.

3. I really recommend the place if you need some R&R and a weekend getaway away from hustle and bustle of the city.

4. Aside from confirmation letter and map, they will also provide you travel guide where you can visit other places near the area. These places are listed in Viaje Del Sol.

Con’s

1. We enjoyed the place but not the food. Kulang sa lasa and family style ang serving so bitin siya sa min. Imagine kids pa ang kasama namin, how much more kung adult kami lahat na magshare.

2. Service is just okay, the wait staffs are not approachable and parang ayaw magsmile. Ang tagal din naming naghintay sa lunch, past 12:30PM na nagserve.

3. The place is not well maintained because when we went to the swimming pool, we have to wipe the chairs and table sa dami ng alikabok and spider web.

CASA SAN PABLO | Barrio San Roque, San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines

Mobile: +63 920 962 4083 or +63 917 812 6687 | Phone: +63 2 211 2132 | Fax: +63 2 724 7023

Email: info@casasanpablo.com

Free Personalized Logo Development

Are you new to blogosphere or currently building a brand name online? One of the things you should do to make it successful is to create your site’s brand image or commonly known as “logo” especially when it comes to bloggers. In this way, if you are going to take part of some events for instance, people could easily identify your site through the logo you have.

A lot of people find it hard to create their own brand image, lucky to those who know how to use known software in making such thing and those who can afford to pay for it. But how about those new in the field and those can’t even afford to pay for any service yet?  

Good thing that there are still websites which offer free logo maker! Yes, you read it right. These days, it’s quite difficult to search for free software that helps us to create and visualize the logo we desire. Despite of it, there are still good companies offer software tools for free to help us in building the brand image we wanted to have.

And for those who are still in the process of making their blog, there are plenty of logo development tools available online! 

Swimming Lessons

If there’s one thing that I really want to do when I was a kid is to enroll myself in summer class because I want to have productive summer and I don’t want to stay in the house waiting for the next school year. I want to enroll in swimming class, art class, cooking class, baking class and other activities that will enhance my skills but sad to say that we don’t have money in this kind of activities. The only thing that I look forward every year is the DVBS (Daily Vacation Bible School) which only lasts for a week.

Now that I’m a parent, I make sure that my son will have a productive summer and I want him to discover and develop his skills, talents and gifts. That’s why I always enroll him in summer class since he was 2 years old and now he is taking swimming lessons.

It is not a secret here that my husband and son love to swim; it is their bonding activity since Ethan was 4 months old. We’re lucky that he is not afraid of water so we just continue to expose him in the water. But of course, we wanted him to learn how to swim without floaters.

Sharing to you the photos of his swimming lessons for two days.

Briefing

Stretching

learning the basics

bonding with daddy after the lesson

I don’t know how to post video here in the blog so for the very first time I uploaded video in You Tube so you can see it. I even received an email stating “Congratulations on your first YouTube upload!”  hehehe! Video on his second day of swimming of lesson. #proudmother