April 06, 2013

Krispy Kreme: Mickey Mouse Doughnut

I’m not really fond of donut or doughnut but I love Krispy Kreme Original Glaze so that’s what we always order if ever we saw Krispy Kreme Store. Last Holy Week I’ve read Mel’s post “Mickey Mouse on Krispy Kreme”  and I find it so cute and I’m pretty sure that my son would love it. True enough, he saw this Mickey Mouse Doughnut when we visited Bonifacio High Street and as expected he uttered the magic word ‘’Mommy, I want this! I want Mickey Mouse Doughnut”.

So before going home, my mom and my sister went to Krispy Kreme Store to buy doughnuts for the kids. I was expecting that they will buy the Mickey Mouse doughnuts but I was wrong. So I don’t know what to say to Ethan after I saw the doughnuts because while waiting I kept on telling him to behave so he can have Mickey Mouse doughnut. #trustissueito. If the line is not long I will buy doughnuts but I know it would take me an hour so I promised him that we will buy doughnuts next time.


Yesterday, we were in Alabang Town Center and look for Krispy Kreme Store just to fulfill my promise. We bought 1 dozen assorted but I did not receive a free bag because it is out of stock. #huhuhu. I’ve been persuading the staff to give me the display kaso hindi ko siya naconvince. Hehehe!


The verdict is, “The doughnut is cute but it was not a hit, we still prefer J.Co doughnuts. The only thing I like is the Alcapone look alike and Pistachio flavor”. My son did not like it too, he will just take one bite then “Mommy, ayaw na, finish na”. #waah!

1 dozen = P450: Nakainin na namin bago ko napicturan. =)

I Was Blocked

Two days ago my IP address has been blocked and I don’t know why. Every time I visit my blog I’m getting these errors and I can’t visit other blogs too.


Our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network. Please try your request again later. Why did this happen?

Honestly, I’m so pissed off because I can’t finish my backlogs and I can’t do my normal routine which is blog hopping when I’m just at home. I did my research and I did most of the suggestions like clearing my cookies, cache, and browsing history. I scanned my computer if there virus. I even tried lifting the block but I can’t do it because they don’t accept free emails. Then I wanted to use proxy servers but while I was reading the instructions, I don’t know how to do it, di kinaya ng powers ko. Lastly, I begged my husband to stop downloading movies on my laptop so he deleted those downloaded files.

I felt so helpless and I cried yesterday because I need to do something and I can’t access my own blog. The task was just easy and I can do it in less than 5 minutes but it took me forever because I need to use another internet provider which is Globe Tattoo. Super slow connection and it took me more than an hour just to open my blog, insert the keyword and update it.

Imagine I was so stressed because I can’t access my blog for two days. I’ve read other blogs that were affected too and I was reading their troubleshooting but I did not do it because I was tired already, I just uttered a simple prayer “na sana pagising ko ok na lahat” and God answered my prayer.

I can visit my blog today and I hope it won’t happen again. 

April 03, 2013

Bizu

While we’re looking for a restaurant we saw Bizu besides Café Mary Grace and my husband immediately told me.


Hubby: Hon, masarap yung donut diyan (pointing to Bizu)
Me: Donut?!?
Hubby: Oo, ganito lang siya kalaki (demonstrating the size)
Me: Baka Macaron
Hubby: Yun ba tawag dun, basta masarap pinatikim ni Mel sa kin.

At that moment I wanted to laugh out loud pero I just keep it to myself so after eating at Café Mary Grace we went to Bizu to buy Macarons. Don’t laugh at me because this was my first try of Macarons de Paris. Well, if you knew me I’m so kuripot so everything is expensive, hehehe! Imagine P55 per piece and isang subo lang siya ng anak ko. Anyway, since this is my first try we bought assorted.

Macarons de Paris – At the heart of every famous patisserie in France are its luxurious Macarons de Paris. These fanciful round pastel-colored pastries are heavenly in both texture and flavor. Each perfect macaron has a light thin crust giving way to a soft and chewy center that sandwiches a variety of flavoured crème ganaches. Indulge in lavish Macarons de Paris creations produced out of Bizu’s labor of love.

It is yummy but expensive. I haven’t tried other flavor at sinubo nga ng buo ni Ethan. Hehehe! #bawalmagshare.

Lunch at Cafe Mary Grace




Almost two weeks ago we were in Alabang Town Center and I can’t remember why, hehe! It was lunchtime so most of the restaurants were full and it was not easy to look for a restaurant then I saw Café Mary Grace. We were lucky that there’s still an available table for us. It was our first time in Café Mary Grace so while browsing the menu I noticed that they don’t serve rice meals but we don’t want to find another restaurant so we just ordered Carbonara, Grilled Chicken with Couscous, Ensaymada, and Lemon Chiffon.


While waiting for our order, we were eating Ensaymada P73 and Lemon Chiffon P55. Ensaymada and Lemon Chiffon were yummy but I think it is expensive. Pang P30 below lang ang afford ko and masarap na yun, hello Goldilocks and Red Ribbon. Hehehe!



While ordering, I asked the staff what is their signature pasta, she said Creamy Mushroom Pasta and Carbonara, I chose carbonara kasi may bacon. Infairness, it was really good, we love the creaminess of their carbonara.


Grilled Chicken with Couscous, I’ve meaning to taste the couscous, name pa lang sosyal na but we did not like it, as in nagkatinginan kami ni hubby nung natikman namin. I don’t like the texture; honestly, it is like eating sand. Hehehe! (nakatikim na ba ko ng sand?) Surprisingly, my son liked it and he ate half of it. 


Update: February 26 2018

It's been years since the last time I visited Cafe Mary Grace because we usually eat lunch in the mall and as far as I know, wala rice meal sa Cafe Mary Grace. I haven't checked their menu lang kung may nagbago na ba, let me know. 



Anyway, they already have a branch in Festival Mall so before going home last Saturday, I ordered 6 pcs of Classic Cheese Roll for P320, you can buy one piece at P55. We liked the cheese roll, it is true to his words "soft to the bite, freshness always". The bread is really soft and even I put it in the fridge, the bread is still soft when you eat it. By the way, their famous ensaymada is P85 per piece, laki na ng inflation. hehehe! Next time, I will try their cakes and other pastries. 

April 02, 2013

Lunch at JVF Bulalohan

On our way back to Tagaytay we were really hungry so we have no reasons to be choosy, we immediately parked our car when we saw available slot in JVF Bulalohan. It is a small restaurant parang carinderia type na sosyal, may service charge din. Hehehe!

We were lucky to get the good spot, overlooking of Taal Volcano. We ordered Pinakbet P185, Fried Tawilis P130, Fried Tilapia P180 and because I’m a meat lover I ordered Lechon Kawali P210. Hehehe! The serving was small especially sa fish and the taste is just ok, I already accepted the fact the pag may view ng Taal Volcano the price is kinda expensive. =)


Good Friday

Since 2008 we always visit Caleruega every Holy Week as in walang palya yan. I was still pregnant when we first visit the church and now parang nakakasawa na kasi paulit-ulit na lang picture namin. Hehe! But it is my husband's devotion so I need to support him.

It is nice to visit Caleruega every Holy Thursday and Good Friday because there’s no entrance fee but you have to be early so parking would not be difficult and less crowded. Parking is P30.

We left before 5AM to pick up my in-laws in Laguna and off we went to Caleruega. We were there before 7AM so we ate inside the car while waiting for the opening.


 After Caleruega, we dropped by Chapel of Hills.


Then Taal Basilica or Basilica de San Martin de Tours, according to Wikipedia, Taal Basilica is considered to be the largest church in the Philippines and in Asia, standing 96 meters (315 ft) long and 45 meters (148 ft) wide.


“Ang Basilika ng Taal (1575) Unang itinayo ni Padre Diego Espina noong 1575 sa ngayon ay San Nicolas na dating bahagi ng Balangon. Nagiba nong 1754 nang pumutok ang bulkan. Ipinagawa sa kasalukuyang kinatatayuan nong 1755 at giniho ng lindol noong 1849. Kinikilalang pinakamalaking simbahang katoliko sa dakong silangan, ang kasalukuyang simbahan at sinimulan noong 1856 ayon sa ibinalangkas ni Luciano Oliver, isang arkitekto. Pinasinayaan ito noong 1865.
It was our first time in Taal, Batangas and now I know why it is called Heritage Town. You can really see that this town was preserved, most of the houses are still old and even the 7-11 is in old building. It looks like we were transported at different times. Unlike in Vigan, you can only see the old houses in one place but here in Taal, everywhere you go, you can see old houses. I know that there are several places that we can visit in Taal but my husband wanted to visit 7 churches so we have to leave immediately.

Next stop is this church, I’m not sure if the name is San Roque Parish.


As I mentioned, my husband wanted to visit 7 churches but we were stuck in the traffic on our way back to Tagaytay and were exhausted already, especially his nephew who experiencing motion sickness. As in lahat ng stop namin, sumusuka ang baby. #wawa So after eating our lunch, we went straight home.

By the way, we saw Fantasy World on our way to Taal Basilica. According to the vendor we can go inside for P1000 (max of 10 people). 


How to get to Taal Basilica from Caleruega

From Caleruega, just go back to Nasugbu-Tagaytay Road then turn right to Batangas-Cavite Boundary. If you see the Fantasy World as you drive farther, you’re on the right track. Drive straight until you reach Mahayahay Crossing. Turn left and stay on the road. You’ll pass through Lemery Town Proper. When you cross the Pansipit Bridge, you have entered Taal Territory. Turn left going to Taal Basilica. 

Source: Batangasphilippines.org.

April 01, 2013

S&R Member's Treat and Free Pizza

We were so busy last month so even there’s S&R Member’s Treat last March 13-17, 2013 I did not include this in my calendar but last March 15, our TV stopped working so we have no choice but to buy a new one.

I guess we have to say goodbye to my TV. I had this TV for 8 years already, oh yes; I was still single when I had it so it was really an old model. But we have rules in the house na “pag kaya pa irepair, ipaayos, pag hindi pa sira, hindi pa papalitan”, so even there was an LCD, LED and now Smart TV we’re still using the old one.



But now, we decided to buy new one instead of going to repair shop. New TV models are space saver and energy efficient and I’m hoping that we can save more on electricity. 

Thank God because we were able to visit S&R Member’s Treat last day of sale so we were able to buy TV for less. We save almost P7000 + free home theatre worth P15,000. And because of that we were able to get free 1 whole pizza courtesy of HSBC promo. 

P495

April 8, 2014
S&R Member's Treat

We’ve been a member of S&R for quite some time now and S&R Member’s Treat is something that we always look forward because of the big discounts and buy 1 take 1 promo. People do not mind the crazy lines because of the savings that they will get.

S&R had a March Big Deals but I control myself not to go there and wait for the Member’s Treat April 2-6, 2014. Comparing our experience before this Member’s Treat is like a normal day because parking is available, carts are everywhere, few people and no long lines.

Honestly, I was disappointed para talagang hindi Member’s Treat. Most of the items that we bought are in regular price and I think these are the only items that we bought at discounted price and B1T1 promo. Kirkland Fish Oil Vitamins at P749.95.

Lunch at Kabisera ng Dencio’s




After our Station of the Cross, everybody was exhausted, thirsty and hungry but looking for a restaurant is a challenge because some of the restaurants were closed and some were already full so we ended up in Kabisera ng Dencio’s because they can still accommodate 13 people. Actually, there were more seats available; surprisingly this restaurant was not full.

We haven’t tried this restaurant before except for my husband. We ordered Sarisari Sinugba, Bistek Pinoy, Chicken Asado. Bahay Kubo Gulay, and Ensalada Camote.

Sarisari Sinugba P609
Chicken Asado P425
Bistek Pinoy P399
Bahay Kubo Gulay P195
Ensaladang Camote P119 Steamed Rice P60 per cup Coke in Can P75 Bottled Water P50
After 15 to 20 minutes, our order came and we were shocked because the servings were small. It was too far from the picture in their menu. We were not satisfied with our order and gutom pa rin kami na lumabas. Hehe! Now I know, why the restaurant is not full compared to other restaurants. =) They should also improve their service, it looks like that this restaurant is run by robots. The staff is not approachable, accommodating and their not smiling at all. Parang ayaw magwork o dahil Holy Thursday that day. 

Walkway: Station of the Cross at BHS

I can’t believe that we have finished the first quarter of the year and today is already April and I’m not yet finish with my backlogs. #boo I finished all my laundry and iron clothes yesterday so I can blog today, hehe!

Anyway, last Thursday we went to Bonifacio High Street to experience Station of the Cross. It was our last gala together with my mom. As of writing, she is now back in Norway and time will only tell when she will go back to visit us again.

Going back to the topic, we went there before 2PM, I know that it was hot but it was a good decision because there were less crowd compared to 4PM onwards. There were 14 stations that we need to visit and each station has an “ACT” that we need to do. This was my first station of the cross and it was good experience. It was time for self-reflection.

Let the photo speaks.








According to hubby, mabigat talaga ang cross.





You can finish the 14 stations in less than an hour. 

March 28, 2013

Sky Ranch Tagaytay

When my son experienced Hongkong Disneyland, he always wanted to go back but of course, it was not possible because it was not cheap so when we learned that Sky Ranch was already open we decided to go here after my son Moving Up Ceremony. After our filling lunch at Santis Deli Cafe we went straight to Sky Ranch. It was scorching hot but my son was really excited to try all the rides. 


First stop is Sky Eye “The Country’s Tallest Ferris Wheel with Majestic View and Amazing Lights”. P150 per person. Of course, I did not join my hubby and son because I’m so afraid of heights. I don’t want to spend P150 para takutin sarili ko. Hehe! While waiting I called my husband.'

Me: Don’t forget kunan ng picture si Ethan ha.
Hubby: Natatakot na nga ko e, picture pa.
Me: Basta kunan mo para may souvenir. Hehe!

Then my son rode this “Red Baron” P50.

After that he wanted to ride the ‘Express Train’, I don’t want to buy ticket because for me it is too expensive, P50 per person isang ikot lang and we wanted to go home na sa sobrang init. We we’re able to convince him na sira yung express train. #liar.

But he made another request “Nessi Coaster”, ok fine. We said this is the last ride and we will go
home.

Now, I’ve realized that my son enjoys riding rides, wala yata kinakatakutan. If you still remember our experience in Space Mountain”  we were so afraid, but my son was just ok and wanted to ride again.



Anyway, Sky Ranch is not that huge and some parts are still under construction but for me, nothing special about this place and according to my hubby "parang perya lang rides” and the Sky Eye is not worthy for P150. I hope there’s ride all you can ticket para sulit because if I will pay P50, P100 and P150 for the ride mas magastos.

Sharing with you the Ticket Price.

Parking P50

As of now P50 - entrance fee

March 27, 2013

Lunch at Santis Delicatessen





After Moving Up Ceremony, we immediately went home to change clothes and off we went to Tagaytay to celebrate. We had no definite plan for where to eat so on our way to Tagaytay we were thinking of a restaurant and ended up in Santis Deli Cafe or Santis Delicatessen in Silang. 

We always pass by this restaurant whenever we go to Tagaytay but we’re having second thoughts in trying this Deli-Café because I know the price is steep. True enough the price is not budget-friendly but since we are celebrating today we have reasons to splurge.

It was lunchtime but the place was not crowded, there were only two tables occupied by foreigners. Upon being seated, they gave us the menu. My husband ordered the Menu of the Day (salad + main course) P695 and since I’m not into a fresh salad I ordered Grilled Minute Steak P520. #meatlover They do not have kiddie meals and I was checking the price of the pasta, P400+ so I did not order because I know my son cannot finish the meal.

They gave us complimentary bread while waiting and my son ate two slices of bread. Not to mention he really loves bread and butter.


My son enjoyed the green beans

very smooth texture of mashed potato #yummy

The meal serving was huge so it was a good decision that I did not order pasta anymore. We’re all satisfied with our order so even though the price is expensive for us we did not have any regrets. (sa sobrang busog gusto na namin umuwi at matulog, hehe!) We will definitely go back again if we have an extra budget.

Santis Deli Café also offers fresh meats, vegetables, cheese, chocolates, bread and other products. 

Santis Delicatessen Silang

Km. 52, Buho, Emilio Aguinaldo Hwy, 
Silang, 4118 Cavite

March 26, 2013

Moving Up

It may sound cliché but time really flies so fast and I didn’t notice that we already finished one school year. My son graduated last Thursday and now ready to move up to next level. Can you believe that nakapagpatapos na kami ng Nursery and more years to come. Hehe!

When he started school I was scared and nervous because I’m not sure if this is the right time to enroll him and I’m not sure if he is really ready but I know I have to accept the fact that he is no longer a baby. 

The start was not easy; my son was excited to go to school but not inside the room. He just wanted to stay in the playhouse.  He was not interested in doing his assignment especially the writing and reading part. Reviewing for his exam is not his thing so it was really a challenge as a mom. But now, I’m happy and proud to say that he changed and improved a lot. If there’s “Most Improved Student” award, I will give it to my son.

I was surprised to see my son participating in all their activities such as Linggo ng Wika, United Nation, Halloween, Christmas Party, and Family Day. He was so happy singing and dancing. I was really surprised because my son is such a shy boy so seeing him performed in school was a big leap. Little by little his self-confidence, self-esteem, and social skills were developing. 

One of the things that scared me is the pressure; it seems that most people (family + friends) I know were expecting that my son will get a medal. As a mom, I wanted my son to receive an award; there are only three awards in their school, Outstanding, Deporment and Merit Award so I was a little bit sad when he did not get any award. But I have to remind myself “Grades don`t measure intelligence, and age doesn`t define maturity”.

I’ve realized that my son doesn’t need to give me an award to prove himself because I’ve seen his hardwork all throughout the school year. I know how hard it is for him to learn how to write, read and memorize his lessons. Ethan, always remember that I’m happy and proud of you and I love you with or without award. Now, I know you are “Ready for the Whole New World”


Ready for the Whole New World

The first day for you
Who would have thought that we would be
Just like a family
We all joined hands and helped to learn and understand

As the years gone by
Funny how time just
Now you got all you need from me you learned your ABC’s
You can read and write your 123’s
Now your ready ready for a whole new world

Through all of ups and downs, smiles and frowns
You still learned your letter sounds
Now your ready ready for a whole new world

Now today is our last day
And soon you’ll be on your way
And thought the year must end
You’ll remember when
We were all the best of friends
As I watched you grow I will always know

Now you got all you need from me you learned your ABC’s 
You can read and write your 123’s
Now your ready ready for a whole new world
Through all of ups and downs, smiles and frowns
You still learned your letter sounds
Now your ready ready for a whole new world

Now I got all I need from you
Can’t believe this year is through
Ready for a whole new world
Through all of highs and lows
I’ve had a year to grow you taught me all I need to know
Ready for a whole new world

Now you got all you need from me you learned your ABC’s
You can read and write your 123’s
Now your ready ready for a whole new world 
Through all of ups and downs, smiles and frowns
You still learned your letter sounds
Now your ready ready for a whole new world
Ready for a whole new world Ready for a whole new world
Klook.com