Johnny Moon Cafe

On our night in Laoag, we strolled along the Capitol. The city was celebrating the Pamulinawen Festival so the Capitol was buzzing with activities. That night, there was a concert and fireworks display at Aurora Park.

Herencia Cafe at Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Herencia Cafe is located right across the famous Paoay Church and is known for its Pinakbet Pizza.

I Lost at The Food Club

Inay and I went to The Food Club Lifestyle Buffet a few weeks ago to use the vouchers I've bought. We were excited. We were ready.

We got to the restaurant a few minutes before its opening hour. We waited awhile outside. Good thing, there were tables and chairs for guests.

Preparing for an Eat-all-you-can

Photo credit: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com

Late last year, I bought two vouchers for a discounted lunch buffet at a restaurant that I've been wanting to try. I'll be using these vouchers with Inay soon and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to give her her first encounter with an eat-all-you-can restaurant.

Bonitos Bar & Restaurant

Last Saturday, my bestfriend since high school and I went to our alma mater, UP Los Banos, to catch up and walk/stroll around the campus. Since we're chained to our desks on weekdays, we decided that it's time to be active even only once a week. And UP is the perfect place for this since trees are all over the campus grounds, assuring us of fresh, mountain air. And reminiscing about our college years is another plus.

After our "walk," we were famished and decided to try one of the restaurants outside the campus. The street outside the campus was called "Grove." We walked and checked out the shops along the Grove and discovered much has changed years after we graduated from college. There were many coffee shops, little memorabilia stores, and there was even a newly-built mall! When we were studying there, the norm was cheap finds, budget meals, affordable dining establishments, and definitely, no shopping malls. Now, it was different. Maybe the students were living better financially compared to our batch? I don't know.

We saw a poster of a pizza-pasta place called Bonitos Bar & Restaurant and decided to try it. We ordered Ravioli Lasagna (P170) and Everything On It Pizza (P270). As we waited for our order, we took pictures of the dining area. The restaurant used recycled materials in the decoration which was smart and neat. 

This chandelier looked lovely, mimicking a crystal chandelier but upon closer look, it was made of clear plastic spoons. Clever, huh!

This round floor decor was made of ice cream plastic cups stapled together. It looked like a coral of some sorts.

The tables were made of crazy-cut tiles that gave a colorful and playful design. The black trim was made of old bike tires.

The cover of this light fixture was made by putting strings with glue around a balloon. Once the glue dried, the balloon was popped, leaving this web-like decor.

The restaurant had a nice ambience, which I thought was a good date place. The lights were soft and the decors had interesting stories behind them.

Our food arrived about 20 minutes after our order, and the long waiting time made us hungrier. The smell of the Ravioli Lasagna was heavenly. I could smell the pesto sauce, tomatoes, and cheese. The taste was great, as well. The pasta was al dente and the meat inside the ravioli was lightly seasoned. The cheesy lasagna was good for two people.

I only ate a slice of the pizza since I was full after eating half the lasagna. The pizza had lots of toppings including eggplant, green bell pepper, pepperoni, mushrooms, and ground meat. I thought I could eat a pizza with veggies, but my palate is not yet used to them. Sorry (sad face).

Overall, Bonitos did not fail us. We loved the food, the ambience, even the restroom (which was clean and smelled clean).

Bonitos Bar & Restaurant
Oregano St. cor. Lopez Ave.,
Demarses Subd., UPLB

The Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag

The altar

Since my mother and I were in Pangasinan for two days, we visited The Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary Manaoag and heard mass that Sunday. Every Sunday, masses are held hourly from 5-11am and 3-6pm (I think). Since it was a Sunday, hundreds of people were in Manaoag to hear mass, buy religious items, take photos, etc. 

As a popular religious and tourist spot, Manaoag has a hodgepodge of vendors around it. Vendors sell a wide range of products from religious trinkets to local food items. If you're walking towards the Shrine, vendors will offer you the Lady's image in different sizes.

We arrived in the Shrine a few minutes after the 9am mass. We entered using the side entrance and were able to have seats even if there were many church goers; it was like a mass in Quiapo Church. After the mass, the priest blessed religious items and the people as well at the front of the altar. I was able to take a picture of Our Lady up close. If you want to touch the statue, you can queue outside the Church where there is a long line of devotees waiting to be near and touch Our Lady's gown.

Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag

After the mass, I bought candles and lighted them at the designated place. There was a prayer when lighting candles.

Prayer when lighting the candle

I bought a small bronze-like statue of Our Lady and had it blessed. In Manaoag, there is an area where religious items are blessed 15 minutes after every mass. If you weren't able to have your religious items blessed after the mass, you can still do so in this area. People place their items on the platform and wait for the priest to bless them.

Religious items waiting for the blessings

Before leaving Manaoag, we bought food such as the native delicacies Tupig and Puto Calasiao.

Soft Puto Calasiao

Tupig

A Trip from South to North - Part 2

Inay and I spent a weekend in Pasingan.

For me, a travel will not be complete without visiting the market. A local market tells a lot about a community's culture. The products and produce on sale reflect how people utilize the bounty around them.

Fortunately, the house where we stayed was near the market. Walking distance! Imagine if you live near the market, there is no need for a refrigerator. You can get the freshest food every day!

Pangasinan means "place for salt." It is a major producer of salt in the country and their market proves this. The market in Asingan offers a wide variety of salt-based products such as bagoong (fish sauce), and alamang (fermented fish). They come in bottles and can be bought in bottles. If your nose is not used to the funky smell, stay away.:)

Tubs of fermented fish

Up close and stinky

Bottles of fish sauce

Alamang in retail packs

Exciting Project!

Fresh produce from the local market

My cousin who is a classically trained chef in the US launched a website dedicated to Filipino cuisine. I was excited when she asked me to help her write articles in her website. She sent me her ideas and topics to be covered and my mind was racing on what to do first. I've been dreaming of being a part of a project which will highlight Filipino food and this is it! With many fastfood chains mushrooming here and there, it's good that we still show the goodness of having home-cooked meals. Our food and local markets represent our rich culture and we want to share it around the world.

Food + writing = FUN!

My Thai Kitchen

During the Christmas season, Hubby and I get together for dinner with our Ninong and Ninang. For the past two dinners, it was only me who had dinner with them but this year, Hubby was able to come, too! A friend and his wife also joined us that night.

We had our annual Christmas dinner at My Thai Kitchen in Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City. Located at the third floor, My Thai Kitchen shares its kitchen and dining area with Pho Hoa, a Vietnamese restaurant. You can order from both restaurants. Superb! Another plus point is that Thai and Vietnamese cuisines have lots of veggies in its dishes. In this season of food indulgence, it's good to eat healthy greens to combat the fatty and sweet foods served during the holidays. 

Pomelo and shrimp salad (P235)

Grilled beef salad (P200)

We loved this salad!

Beef Stew (P295)

Bagoong Rice (P230)

Fried chicken garlic shallots (P260)

Each dish can serve 3-4 persons. We shared stories, and our TTC experience was also talked about. Ninong said a very important message to us, "God is always on time. He is never late. He is never early." He added that the time waiting for a baby meant that God was preparing us for it. We should never lose hope. 

We enjoyed the night and Hubby and I were grateful that Ninong and Ninang prayed over us before we went home.

No Meat Please

Dinners on Mondays look like this plate.I'm trying to live up to the Meatless Monday campaign. I want to live and eat healthier. Don't get me wrong. I lurve my meats but I have to consciously make the decision to skip eating them on Mondays. Even for one day a week, I can curb my carnivorous side.

Ba Nois

Ba Nois is a small Vietnamese restaurant, accomodating less than 100 guests, tucked in Perea St., Makati. I have a group buying discount voucher for a four-course meal for two. I paid around P450 for the voucher.

After shopping, we used the footbridge to go to Ba Nois. We rarely go to Makati and I was afraid of getting lost and looking like a fool. As we walked to the end of the footbridge, I realized that we are in Perea St. Yehey! We looked for Chinabank since it is in the same building as Ba Nois'.

There were three diners when we went to Ba Nois that afternoon. I told the waitress that I have a voucher which I gave her. She told us that the voucher entitles us a fruit shake, appetizer, chicken noodle soup, lemon pork tenders and pandan cake. Sounds yum!

The watermelon tastes like the fruit itself. Though too much ice for me. It's a refreshing way to start the meal.

Next, the fried rolls came.It was lumpiang shanghai Vietnamese version. I love the fact that it was served hot and the vinegar-chili dipping sauce is perfect. Wish they sell this sauce since I like to take it home. There are lettuce and mint leaves on the side. For maximum flavor, put the mint on the lettuce and put a fried roll. Roll them together then dip in the sauce. Wow for flavor!

After the appetizer, the waitress served hot chicken noodle soup. I give emphasis to "hot" since Hubby always expects food in restaurants to be served hot not just heated.
I was full after finishing a bowl of the soup.

Then came the lemon pork tenders with two cups of rice. I didn't touch mine but Hubby ate some. We asked the waitress to have the pork tenders to go including the pandan cake since we were already full.


Ba Nois
G/F Greenbelt Mansion
Perea St., Legaspi Village
Makati

Kogi Bulgogi

My sister and I had dinner at a Korean restaurant in Eastwood called Kogi Bulgogi. She said the dishes and prices are good.

We ordered the Bibimbap, Dak Ssambap and Melon ice cream bar. Total: P390!

Bibimbap (above) is rice, beef, cabbage, carrots, onions and fried egg served in a very hot stone pot. You need to mix it once served at the table. They have other options for protein such as chicken, salmon and pork. You can add the red tomato paste (I think that's what it is) to give it some flavor and spice.

Chicken Ssambap is like fresh lumpia. You put the grilled meat and balled rice into a lettuce leaf, add some sauces (they serve three sauces) roll and then eat. Yum!

To cap off our dinner, we shared a Melon-flavored ice cream bar. The smell and taste is melony of course.

Tip for first-time future diners at Kogi, ask the waiter to serve appetizers. They're free of charge and you can munch on them as you wait for your order.

Happy eating!

Young coconut water

The local hilot says drinking water/juice from a young coconut (malauhog) helps the sperms to stay inside the uterus. This may be true or just plain hokum. Nevertheless, you cannot dismiss the fact that coconut water is good for your health. So, drink up for better health!

A Nut to Me

When Hubby arrived from overseas work, he gave me a bag of nuts. He said there are many bags of nuts that he left in his kitchen since he thought we would have a difficult time cracking/opening/getting the nuts. I was in a "Sayang naman!" mode. I like to eat nuts. Instead of the usual bag of chips/junk foods, I munch on nuts. So, I was sad that he left lots of nuts there.

I recognize the walnuts and chestnuts (kastanyas). I googled to find out what nuts are in the bag. Seems we have brazil nuts, pecans (the red, oblong ones), hazelnuts (the small light brownish ones), and almonds (the lighter colored ones).

Still, these nuts are in the bag. I'm not sure how to get the nuts without a nut cracker. Pliers, maybe? :)

Honey + Cinnamon

I read an article saying honey and cinnamon help in conception.

In another article (sorry I cannot locate it) says that in some countries, women mix honey and cinnamon. They rub this sticky mixture in their gums all throughout the day to help them conceive. This practise is doable but I admit it's quite not practical for me. I work all day on the computer and I can't imagine washing and re-washing my honey-cinammon stained fingers. :) To compensate, I just add these two ingredients to my morning meal which is muesli. 

Tip: When buying honey, check out the label. It should say 100% pure honey (or the likes). In groceries, there are lots of honey on the shelves but some are just caramelized sugar. So be wise.

DIY Trail Mix

Summer is officially here. This means O-U-T-I-N-G-S!!! Family outing, company outing, barkada outing, graduation outing, despedida outing, any excuse just to have summer getaway will do.

Our company will be having our own outing too. Aside from thinking about what to pack, I'm faced with what snacks to bring. I'm trying to really lessen my junk food intake but the temptation of that salty bag of chips is just too much for me. I can live a week without junk food but come the weekend, my resolve to eating healthy vanishes. Having to go to an outing adds to the challenge of eating healthy!

Then I thought about bringing trail mix! Trail mix is a combination of nuts, seeds, choco chips (yes!) and dried fruits. To make my own, here's what I bought from the grocery: banana chips, Nips, raisins and unsalted peanuts.

The night before our outing, I will just combine all of these goodies in a plastic bag or container, shake it a little and viola! DIY trail mix!

Personal Oven

image here

I'm thinking of buying a personal oven. I want to learn how to bake cookies, cup cakes, lasagna, baked mac, etc. Everytime I watch cooking shows, I'm disheartened whenever a delicious dish needs baking since we don't have an oven at home. Also, every year, I wanted to give baked goodies during the Holidays. So, an oven is definitely needed.

Since I'm a beginner, a personal oven is more practical to buy. I'm searching the costs of personal ovens and the range is between P1,700-2,000.

I'm excited to start learning the ropes of baking!

Power Breakfast

This is my morning meal. It's muesli with a tablespoon each of wheatgerm (for folic acid) and flaxseed meal (for fiber). I add honey and cinnamon to make this mug of breakfast more delicious. It looks murky but it's delicious and very healthy!

As a rice-eating country it would be hard to imagine not eating this staple in the morning. But I've learned to love muesli. At first, my jaws hurt eating this stuff. Since muesli is made of seeds, nuts and oats, you have to really chew before swallowing. I'm not used to it! Unlike when eating rice where you can easily swallow each spoonful.

It took awhile before I was able to concoct a perfect combination for my morning meal. Now I'm happy.

Despedida for a Dear Officemate

After three years working for the company, my colleague and friend, A, decided to try for greener pastures. On her last day at work, we decided to have a send-away dinner.

We went to Carlos Pizza in Metrowalk. We ordered two large pizzas and several plates of pastas. I ordered Spaghetti in Garlic and Oil. After eating this dish at Pizza Hut Bistro, I vowed to try this dish at any pizza/pasta place which serves it to know which place serves the best Aglio Olio.

The Quattro Formaggi (Four Cheeses) is a hit. It's so delicious I haven't had the chance to take a picture.

We also ordered Capriccioso, an all-meat pizza.

This is the Spaghetti in Garlic and Oil (P110). The dish is called a solo but two can share this. For me, this tastes a bit bland. I would suggest more chilli flakes in this dish to give it some kick.

We talked endlessly, stories overlapping another story, people butting in, it seems we haven't had enough time to share what's on our minds. Happy night!

To you, A, may you have a wonderful experience in Singapore. May God bless you in your endeavors.

Healthy Options

I've decided to have a healthy lifestyle to help me conceive next year. Since I was diagnosed to have anovulatory cycle (meaning, I don't ovulate regularly) due to PCOS, I will do whatever I can to alter my body's physiology to make it conducive to pregnancy.

Articles about PCOS recommends the patient to have a high protein-low carbs diet. White rice, pastas, white bread and potatoes are a no-no. Also, a big NO to refined sugars, pancakes, jams and syrups. All the things I love! Now, it's YES to brown rice, multi-grain muesli, organic and dark leafy veggies and unprocessed foods.

To jumpstart my healthy living goal, I checked out Healthy Options for some healthy food options. I bought Bob's Red Mill Old Country Style Muesli. A bag costs P249.

You can take the muesli hot by boiling ¼ cup muesli with ½ cup water or milk. If you want it cold, pour 1 cup milk to ½ cup muesli. Let the muesli soak the milky goodness before eating.

The bag is transparent so you can see what the muesli contains. It has raisins, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds and oats.

Healthy Options
2/F SM Megamall Bldg. B