March 08, 2016

Run for Hungry Minds

I’m not really into sports and I’m so lazy to exercise so when my husband told me that he will join fun run, I said ok, magpicture na lang ko. Then he decided to include my son so I bought running shorts last week. Two days before the fun run, he said ‘’niregister na rin kita”. Waah! "The family that runs together stays together" lang ang peg. 

 Most of the time I just stay in the house, ni walking-walking nga wala ko e, then tatakbo pa ko ng 5k run. He said, pwede naman half lang. Ok fine! As if I have a choice pa. I’ll just think that I can help someone because they pledge to donate PHP 150 to Food for Hungry Minds School for each participant who completes the loop (PHP 60 per km run). 

 So we woke up early last Sunday and my husband was teasing me nung nilabas ko running shoes ko. It looks new pa kasi, syempre naman mga 3x ko pa lang yata nagamit. Hahaha! 

 My husband got our race kit on the day of the event. Honestly, I’m not really prepared for this event so most of the time, nagwalk lang kami mag-ina. Hehehe! 

At first, my son was complaining, “Mommy, this is not funny!” (antok pa kasi). Hehehe! There is no fun in Fun Run ba? But after several minutes, he enjoyed walking and running. 

We did 2.5km and my husband finished the 5km run. 

My warm-up and cool down pa but still my body was in pain until Monday. Nagising ang natutulog kong muscles. lol Do you also join fun run?
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March 04, 2016

St. Lukes BGC Restaurants

Almost a month ago my husband underwent Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at St. Lukes BGC. One thing that worries me is, “Where are we going to eat?”, we all know that hospital food is known for bland taste. If they have restaurants, options are very limited. I don’t want to go out anymore because I’m not familiar with BGC area. 

 But my husband assured me that it will not be a problem, “hindi ka magugutom, ang daming kainan dun” True enough when we went there, there are so many restaurants at the ground floor. Budget ko pala ang mamomoblema, hehehe!

 Bizu 
Cafe Via Mare 
Dairy Queen 
Market on 5th Avenue by Chef Florabel 
Mary Grace 
Pizza Hut 
Starbucks 
The Lobby Cafe 

For our fist meal, we chose Market on 5th Avenue By Chef Florabel. If you remember my post, they have a branch in Asian Hospital too, but the name is “The Cafeteria by Chef Florabel”.   

The ‘’On The Grill” meal range from P175 to P275, it includes plain rice or garlic rice. We ordered Pork Barbeque P180 and Pork Sisig with Egg P175. We take-out the food because my husband was alone in the room, additional P10 each for take-out order. 

The following day, I ordered Liempo P175 and Pork Barbeque P180 again, yes hindi favorite ng anak ko ang BBQ, hehehe!. I was surprised to see the food container, iba na. (naubos?) 
BBQ not in the photo
On the third day, we tried Cafe Via Mare for our lunch, we ordered Vigan Longganisa P325 + Extra Rice. I was planning to go back for our merienda because I wanted to try their puto bumbong and bibingka but my husband texted me na pwede na kami mag-out. 

We also bought Blizzard at Dairy Queen, as promised to my son.

 St.Lukes Medical Center
32nd Street Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City
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March 01, 2016

Eat, Swim and Sleep at Vivere Azure

I’ve been preoccupied with so many things so I need to prioritize and do things one at a time to keep me sane. Last month, we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary and for the very first time, I was not able to plan ahead of time because my husband underwent surgery so I’m not sure if we can celebrate. 

 When he went back to work, that is my go signal that we can have an out-of-town trip. I was searching, inquiring, and planning a week before our anniversary, and good thing we were able to fix everything. 

We were reserving a room at Vivere Hotel but they did not reply to my email then I saw the Vivere Azure and I told my husband about it. He called the resort and they sent confirmation on the same day. There are 3 options to reserve the room, you can pay cash in Vivere Alabang, bank deposit, or fax the credit card details.

We availed the Special Weekday promo, the rate includes full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner for two persons), complimentary bottled water, and free use of the game room, swimming pool, snorkeling gear, life vest, raft, and kayak. Additional P2000 for my son. 

We were excited about our trip since this was our first family trip in Anilao, Batangas. You can check here the different resorts that we have tried in Batangas. We left after breakfast and it took us 3 hours to reach the resort, we got lost using their map. Thank God for Waze! We reached the resort before 11AM and check-in time is still 2PM. They gave us welcome drinks upon arrival. We stayed in the cabana while waiting for our room.

We ate lunch first and I was surprised to see that it was a buffet meal. I thought it is a plated meal or maybe it depends on the number of guests. Finally, the room was ready. 

We stayed in Rejuvena Suite, this is room and it is not beach front but still okay for us because it is located in the middle so we are near the swimming pool, cafe, and beach. Mahirap pag beach front at nakakahingal mag-akyat-baba if we want to go to swimming pool. Hehehe! #signsofaging 


I’m so happy to see the brand of toiletries, soap is from Ilog Maria while shampoo, lotion, and conditioner are VMV Hypoallergenics. Other stuffs are dental kit, comb, cotton buds, shaving kit, and shower cap. Free resort bag too, a good souvenir for the guest. 

We took a rest before going to the beach. Don’t expect sand in Anilao, Batangas because all you can see are small and medium stones. You can borrow swimming shoes, flippers, a life vest, and snorkeling gears. I brought swimming shoes for my son. 

We tried rafting first. My husband had fun in snorkeling. 

Then kayaking, my son enjoyed seeing the fish while kayaking. So he liked it here compared to his first kayaking experience in Canyon Cove. No doubt that Anilao is known for snorkeling and diving. The best thing about their location is, hindi rin maalon like Canyon Cove. You can see two islands in front of the resort, Maricaban Island and Sombrero Island.

 I’m not sure if the dinner is always by the beach or because it was Valentine’s Day. But it was a nice setting for us because it was our anniversary and they even gave us free dessert for our anniversary. 


The following day, after breakfast, we just enjoyed our remaining time before check-out. 

All in all, we really had a nice getaway in Vivere Azure, the guests are really spoiled here. We really just eat, swim and sleep here. Service is impeccable because they always serve with a smile and do the extra mile. Food is also good. 

There are only 13 rooms available in the resort so even if it is fully booked, you won't feel that it is crowded. So if you want privacy, go to this resort. We saw a female celebrity before checking out. The only downside here is the rate, yes it is not budget-friendly. But since it is our anniversary, we splurge on this one.  The parking slot is very limited too. There is free wifi but not reliable. 

 Vivere Azure 
Sitio Aguada, San Teodoro, 
Anilao, Mabini, Batangas

 Read: Vivere Hotel and Resort
          Batangas Resorts
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February 26, 2016

Painting at Sip & Gogh

Ever since I was a kid I wanted to enroll myself in a summer art class where I can learn how to draw or paint but of course, we don’t have money for that. So when I saw Sip & Gogh featured in one TV show, I told myself that I will try it someday. 

 Click here for video

The only problem is, QC is so far from where we live. They have other branches pero malayo pa rin. Actually, I already promised to my son that he will paint as my reward for his “Golden Eagle” last second grading period pero hindi pa pala open yung sa Alabang branch so I ended up giving him a gift.

So I was really happy when I learned that Sip & Gogh Molito, Alabang branch is already open. Finally, we can try it na. It was our 10th wedding anniversary when we went to the painting studio. 

Sip & Gogh is a paint-and-sip studio where you can paint while sipping your favorite beverage with family or friends. The fee includes canvas, paints, brush, easel, palette, and apron so all you have to do is bring yourself and enjoy. 
Our family doesn’t have talent in art but we are just frustrated artists who wanted to try painting. We registered for Open Sessions at P1000 each. It includes complimentary drinks and snacks.
Paint, Sip and Laugh

 It is an open session so you can choose an artwork that you wanted to try, choosing an artwork is not easy, parang lahat gusto ko itry and nagdadalawang isip ko kung kakayanin ko ba. We are all first timers and walang kaalam-alam. Hehehe! 

 We were lucky that we’re the first three guests so tig-isa isa kami ng nagguide sa min. They prepare everything that we need and guide us step by step like mixing colors and different strokes that we need.
We really enjoyed ou experience and sa sobrang focus ng mag-ama ko nakalimutan na nila ko kunan ng picture, lol. Good thing the Sip & Gogh staff take pictures and you can see that in their Facebook page. O di ba, may stolen shots pa kami, I thought we only have 2 photos. (picture above and below) 


We really had fun and it was really memorable because it was our anniversary and we experienced painting at the same time. It only proves that anyone can paint. Our painting is now up on our wall, at last, no more blank walls in our living room.


 I recommend this painting activity. You don’t need the skill and talent, just try it, enjoy and you will be amazed at your own masterpiece. My son wanted to paint again and I told him, we will go back if he will get an award this school year. 

 Sip & Gogh Alabang
2/F Unit 5, Molito 3, Madrigal Avenue corner Alabang-Zapote Road,
Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines 

 They have branches in Kapitolyo, Ayala Heights, and Eastwood
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February 23, 2016

La Finca Tagaytay

My husband was on leave last Thursday because it was our anniversary, we don’t have a definite plan where to celebrate that day because my son has classes. He cannot afford to be absent anymore because he already missed his long quiz in one subject because of our trip in Vivere Azure. 

 It was a lesson learned that do not expect na walang gagawin after monthly test. Hehehe! I did not expect na long quiz agad, e nagmonthly test kami ng Friday and Saturday (Feb. 12 and 13). 

 Anyway as I mentioned in my previous post, I suggested to hubby na magdate naman kami while my son is still in school. I suggested La Finca Tagaytay, I saw this in Deal Grocer but I did not purchase the voucher because there is a 48 hours reservation condition.

 La Finca is one of the new restaurants in Tagaytay which is located in Domicillo Design Hotel. There were only two tables occupied including us that time so we did not have any problem with the service. 

The staff gave us the menu and we asked her what is the best seller, she said “Bagnet”, you can choose from Dinuguan, Binagoongan, and Crispy Sisig. We ordered Bagnet Dinuguan P475, Bidasilog P295 from All Day Sunrise meal and extra rice at P75. 

We can dine outside but we wanted to avoid the fly so we chose indoor. Do not worry because you can still enjoy the Taal Volcano view inside the restaurant. I was trying to take a photo of it but it is against the light so madilim lang lumalabas. 


The meal is good for 2-3 persons, so sana pala di na kami nag-order ng Bidasilog. Hehehe! We liked the combination of the dinuguan and bagnet. We can't finish it so we took it home but I was disappointed kasi wala dinuguan sa take out ko, so parang dinampot lang ng staff yung bagnet at nilagay sa plastic. Kung ano lang nakadikit sa ilalim yun lang ang may dinuguan. Hmmm, sayang naman bayad ko sa dinuguan at di sinama sa pagtake-out. 

I also ordered Chocolatey Mess P275, according to the staff that is the best seller. It was good but not really for my taste because I find it too sweet so we weren't able to finish it. It is a combination of ice cream, meringue, cookies and butterscotch fudge. A type of dessert with different texture. 

 La Finca Tagaytay 
Km 58, Emilio Aguinaldo Hi-way 
Maharlika East, Tagaytay - Nasugbu Hwy, 
Tagaytay, Cavite
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February 22, 2016

How Did We Celebrate Our 10th Wedding Anniversary

The 10th wedding anniversary is the first milestone of marriage so we wanted to have a special celebration. We’ve been thinking about it since last year, we already have plans but it did not materialize. 

 Life has been so crazy and busy since June 2015 because of my psoriasis, my husband’s business trip every month, and my husband’s operation two weeks ago. In addition, our wedding anniversary fell on a weekday so it is really hard to plan. 

But of course, we need to celebrate our 10 amazing years so I’ve been checking and inquiring in different hotels, some did not reply and others were fully booked. Maybe because February is love month so a lot of couples are celebrating too. 

Valentine's Day

A few days before Valentine’s Day, I checked Vivere Azure Resort and I told my husband about it. He called the resort and reserved a room for February 14 and 15, 2016. It was an overnight stay only but we had a great time. This deserves a separate post. 

 Before our anniversary my husband bought me Fujifilm X-A2 camera. I was really happy because DSLR has been on my blog’s wishlist for so long, hindi lang nabibili kasi nasisira laptop ko, of course laptop pinipili.

We were supposed to buy this last Christmas but the color that I wanted was not available. Fast forward to February, but it is still not available. I want mint green or pink but yellow is fine because I can’t wait anymore and pagod na rin kami, we’ve been to 3 different malls just to look for the camera. 

 Anniversary Day

 And because I received my gift in advance, I was not expecting anything on our 10th wedding anniversary. I was really surprised when I woke up and I have 10-anniversary cards. It’s been a long time since I received a love note from my husband so this is really something special to me. He gave me not just one but 10 cards so it took me a long time to finish it. 

Then I told him, mag-date naman kami. Seriously, I can’t even remember the last time we had a date since I gave birth. Every time we go out, my son is always in tow. We had a quick lunch at La Finca Tagaytay while my son was still in school. 
We went home and waited for our son. We finished his homework and off we went to Sip & Gogh. This has been on my bucket list for so long because I wanted to paint, frustrated artist lang. But the branches are too far so I was really glad when I learned that they have a branch in Alabang na. 

 We registered for Open Session, and we really had fun because we are all first-timers and we were able to create our own masterpieces even though we don’t have the talent or skill. 
The family that paints together stays together. 

It was a simple celebration of our 10th year wedding anniversary but it was a memorable experience for all of us. How about you, how do you celebrate your wedding anniversary?
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February 17, 2016

How to Cook Lechon Kawali

I’ve been trying to cook lechon kawali since last year but it took me few tries before I was satisfied with the result. The taste is good but I was looking for a crunchy skin that I was not getting when I baked it in the oven. 

So last December, I tried to cook it using the turbo, and voila, it came out perfect; soft and tender inside and crunchy on top. I served it during our Christmas lunch and my in-laws liked it too so it is a confirmation that I cooked it right. Turbo oven lang pala ang need ko. Hehehe! 

Cooking lechon kawali is so easy. 

 First I brine it (salt and water) for few hours. 1/4 cup of salt per 1 liter of water.
Boil for 40 minutes or more (depends on the size of the meat) with garlic, laurel leaf, and whole peppercorn. 
Air dry for few minutes. 
Make a few cut on top so it will be easy for you to slice it.

Cook it in the turbo oven for 30 to 40 minutes at 200C

Update April 2021

Since 2016, I've been cooking lechon kawali in our turbo oven but it was broken after 2 or 3 years of use. I was contemplating if I will buy a new turbo oven but I ended up using our gas range oven to cook lechon kawali but I am not getting the same result so I seldom cook this at home. 



Fast forward to last week, we already invested in Philips Air Fryer HD9270 so I immediately cook my favorite Lechon Kawali and I'm so happy because finally, the skin of the lechon kawali is already crispy and I only cook this for 20 minutes (200C) so mas madali compared to turbo oven. I used the same recipe pero air fryer na gamit ko. 
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February 12, 2016

Our St. Lukes BGC Experience

Some people were busy looking for resorts or hotels to spend their long weekend last week while I was busy checking the room rates of St Lukes BGC. Check the rates here. 

My husband underwent Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy so we had hospital staycation last week. I will share the story on a separate post, for now let me share with you our experience in St Lukes BGC. 

 I was thankful because my son has no classes last Friday so he was not absent. After his school, off we went to the hospital last February 4 as advised by the doctor, the operation is February 5 at 7AM so we need to be there, the day before. There are some preparations that need to follow like fasting at 11 PM. 

 Admission Office 

After we parked the car, we went straight to the Admission office. Just get your number and wait for your turn. The staff gave us the folder with Philhealth forms, reminders and patient/visitor guide. Don’t forget to inform them about your parking ticket, the charge is P50 flat rate per day for in patient. 

 Regular Private Room 

 Then we were ushered to our room. We’re supposed to get the Small Private Room but it was not available so we settled in Regular Private Room. I was surprised because the room is big, I’ve been in different hospitals before and so far this is the biggest room that I’ve seen (regular private). 

The room has a bed, TV, DVD, fridge with a water bottle, telephone, cabinet, side table, couch, safety deposit box, hangers and slippers. 

The Admission Kit includes toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, face towel, glass, and spoon and fork. 

The bathroom has one towel too. 

Checking the facilities and amenities of St Lukes BGC, there is no doubt that it is also called a hospital hotel. My son even said, “mommy, this is like a hotel”. He doesn’t feel that we are in the hospital because he is so comfortable with our stay. Well, hotel rate din naman kasi ang rooms nila. Hehehe!

 Food

Salmon for dinner
I’ve been reading good reviews about their food and I agree with the reviews, gourmet ang food nila. I’ve stayed in different hospitals and ito lang yung time na I was looking forward to hospital food. As if ako yung patient noh! Hehehe!
Breakfast
While my husband was in the operating room, we were eating his meal, “Food for Companion”. You don’t have to go out if you need to buy food because there are so many restaurants at the ground floor. 

Expect your meals to be delivered to your room at

 Breakfast 6:30 - 7:30 AM
Lunch      11:30 - 12:30 PM
Dinner     6:00 - 7:00 PM

 Service

 My husband is the one who chose this hospital and so far we’re all satisfied with the service, from parking, admission office, doctors, nurses and other hospital staffs. 

 Since I was staying in the room, I’ve been calling the O.R. to check my husband. After my husband’s operation, they called to inform me that my husband’s was already transferred to Recovery Room and when they will transfer my husband’s back to our room.

If you need anything, just press the button and someone will go to your room to attend your needs. 

 The staffs are going in your room to inform you or if they need information like the staff from Infection Control. They even ask you if you need anything before going out. We requested for a medical certificate. 

 With regard to billing, they were the one who process everything and they just gave me the papers that I need to settle. I attached our CF1 (Philhealth Form). One thing I like, I can pay the bill on the same floor, imagine kung baba pa ko sa lobby di ba, e nasa 11th floor kami. 

 Note: Free wifi

 We went home last February 6, so it was 3 days and 2 nights stay in the hospital. The rate of St Lukes Global City is not really budget friendly but if the service and food are good, I think it is still worth it. Kung may health card naman, why not.
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February 09, 2016

IHOP

International House of Pancakes, also known as IHOP has been in the Philippines for few years, three years if I remember it right but it was only today that I’ve visited this breakfast restaurant.

 I’m not really fond of pancake because I know I can cook this at home. But when I learned that they have P25 per pancake promo, I told my husband about it.

After the school service picked up my son, off we went to IHOP Filivest City branch, parking is P25 We already ate light breakfast at home, kasabay ng aking student so we just went there to try the pancake. 

We ordered 4 pieces of buttermilk pancakes P25 each, hot choco P75 and pork sausage P85. 

The buttermilk pancake is just ok, there is nothing special about it. I was a bit disappointed because there were only two syrups available, strawberry and blueberry. There were no butter pecan and old fashioned syrup. The hot choco is just ok too, mas type ko pa yung sa fastfood. Lol In fairness, we like the pork sausage. 

 Service is good. If you want to try their pancake, the promo is from February 8 to February 12, 2016 in all branches. IHOP branches at Bonifacio Global City, UP Town Center, Century City Mall, SM Mall of Asia Official, The Araneta Center, Filinvest City, & Fairview Terraces!

 IHOP Filivest Alabang
Spectrum Center, Block 28
Filivest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa
7AM to 12MN
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