My Birthday - Good food. Good times. Good fun.

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January 23, 2011 -- Happy birthday to me!!  Yesterday, I celebrated the anniversary of my 25th birthday.  Of course I am not giving away my age, for they say that  most of the time, I do not look like it.  Thanks to my own Belo and Calayan in the form of positive attitude, happy disposition in life, love of comedy film, and music.  And the biggest factor of all--my big man and my little man, who when I watch play and make a fool of themselves together, give me that instant face lift.   These are the reasons, I suppose, that make me not look my age most of the time.  That's most of the time, I am stressing that out, for there are times I look older than my real age.  I am thinking the culprit would be sleepless nights due to deadlines,or due to paperworks brought home, or due to my little man's unpredictable sleeping behavior, or due to dvd marathon.  Lack of sleep that brought stress, that brought sagging of the face, wrinkles, fine lines and out-of-this-world tantrums.  Sleepless nights can really bring out the monster in me, physically and attitude-wise.  Other than that, not patting myself on the back, a lot really say I do not look like my age.  I really hope so.

Prior my natal day, my cousins planned of a dinner date for all of us.  We went to Yakimix in Tomas Morato.  Original plan was in Trinoma branch but due to the long queue, majority decided to shift to Morato.  Elmer and I were the first ones to arrive, and by then we found out that we did not have a reservation!  Yakimix, now gaining a large population of followers, is full especially on weekends.  Reservation is a must, really.  We were like 18 hungry ones, so we had a hard time arranging ourselves in one table.  After a long 1 hour of waiting, we finally had a taste of their all-you-can-eat dishes.  Japanese food reign on the buffet, yet there were some Filipino food (I saw a crispy pata) and surprisingly, Italian (there was a pizza there, I swear!)  Sushi person that I am, my tummy feasted with different kinds of sushi they have there.  I enjoyed their salmon and tuna sashimi so much.  Valued at more or less 650.00 per head (depends on your add-ons), with a lot of food on the buffet, this rate is not bad at all.  Later that night, we transfered to Starbucks and there we welcomed my birthday.  I felt so old, who wouldn't?  I am the eldest of all the cousins, and there they were with me.  But I also feel so young, for despite the age differences, we still have times like this bonding with each other over some plateful of yummy dishes.

Yakimix in Tomas Morato

I enjoyed a lot of sushi in different colors and shapes (and calories!)

They also have a shabu-shabu

A gathering that will soon be on a regular basis (crossing fingers!)

I usually celebrate my birthday in two days. The birthday itself, the 23rd, with my Rockville/Bonifacio family, and the day after with my Fairview/Kimpo family.  My Rockville treat would always be at home.  My dad dreads going out for whatever reason so you will find me dialing numbers of food delivery service so I can still treat my family in the comforts of our home.  Not losing hope each year, I still announced my plan of treating them out on my birthday.  I expected my dad's usual contra-reaction.  Surprisingly, dad just kept mum about it and everybody was kinda surprised of this big leap (big leap na talaga 'to!).  So on my birthday, I treated them for lunch at Romulo Cafe.

I am not at all new to Romulo's and in fact I also blogged my first Romulo experience here.  We ordered the bestsellers:  kare kare and flying tilapia.  This time, we added another best seller on our table--the pancit puti. Everybody raved about the food we had at Romulo Cafe.

I do not know why despite my knowledge of Romulo Cafe's
swirls of black and white interior, I still wore this blouse.  I only noticed
 it when my sis pointed it out.  What a booboo!

Later around 6;20pm, we went to the restaurant where I put my reservation for dinner with my Fairview family.  Yes, this time, I celebrated it with them on the day of my birthday itself.  The restaurant, whenever I pass there, stirred my curiosity for aside from the great interiors that can be viewed from outside, the place is always full not to mention the peeps lined up outside patiently waiting for their names to be called.  So because the place really looked interesting, I decided to bring my Fairview fam there.  The restaurant's name is Lugang Cafe.  Quite an odd name for a restaurant, I thought.  Later I found out that this restaurant is the famous Bellagio in Shanghai that is known for their delicious Taiwanese dishes.  Now in Manila, they changed Bellagio into Lugang, one of Taiwan's best places.

Lugang Cafe's interior is awesome!  The walls are of different designs.  Our side of the wall have bricks with mirror-like posts in front that when viewed from several meters away looked like a weaving pattern.  The wall in front of (but a bit far from)  us have a different pattern  in which I cannot describe blow by blow for I had no chance to scrutinize but it looked like a weaved pattern of some solid material in immaculate white.  Our couch has black and white swirls  that goes very well with the wall behind it, while some couches in the middle are made of cream leather material.  For some reason, the chairs remind me of Gucci and Chanel patterns.  Lugang Cafe's door is a massive one and is really beautiful, that kuya Edmund, the one that has an eye for what's pretty when it comes to furniture and interior, noticed it at once.

Elmer, my big man, enjoyed the couch of black and white swirls that goes
very well with the weave-like wall behind it.

We ordered  Lugang bestsellers:  3 cup chicken, beef with crullers,  spicy dory (fish), and golden rice.

Spicy Dory is a personal fave.  The dory fish is so tender, and the spicy-ness
is a bit powerful yet not that kind that will make you quit munching anytime.
In fact, I had this without rice, so to appreciate the taste more.  I love it!

No meal is complete without the rice. 

Small chicken parts cooked in 1 cup sesame oil, 1 cup rice wine, and 1 cup
soy sauce, hence the name:  3 Cup Chicken.  I love how the marinade of three
different sauces blend well together coming up with a yummy dish.
p290 good for three.

Beef with chinese crullers is my personal favorite. It has thinly sliced beef,
that was so tender with crunchy bicho bicho, all embraced by the tasty
sauce.  This one is a steal for P280.00 good for three.

My lovely SIL's gave me cakes from Conti's.  I was really craving for a Mango Bravo and they turned into mind readers that day for they gave me just what I craved for.  We finished Mango Bravo so fast!  My little man loved it too!!

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Yakimix -  2nd floor, Forum Building, 270 Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Reservation is a must - (02)3857500

Romulo Cafe - 32 Scout Tuazon corner Dr. Lazcano, Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Though they allow walk-in's, it is still wise to reserve- (02)3327275

Lugang Cafe - 115 Connecticut St., North Greenhills, San Juan

Reservation up to 6:30 only and they allow 15mins allowance.  

7:00 pm onwards are for walkin's - (02)7757599

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Precious Moments Haven

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Having a collection, I guess, is part of growing up.  When I was in grade school, I would collect Sanrio items, Hello Kitty being the queen of them all.  In high school and some years in college, my collection of Sanrio stuff dwindled and my attention went to these dolls that are so adorable because of their teardrop-shaped eyes.  These dolls, famous around the world as Precious Moments, are the creations of Samuel Butcher.  He gave Precious Moments sketches as gifts to friends and relatives, until 1970 when he and a friend formally started a business out of it.  They sold greeting cards and posters of Precious Moments and the response in the market was overwhelming.  Not long enough, Enesco, a global leader in giftware, garden, home and decor industries, approached Samuel and requested to make a three-dimensional figurine of Precious Moments.  When he saw the first sample of the porcelain figurine, he knew right then that it was Precious Moment's time to shine.  And it's been shining so brightly up to this day.

                                          *This video shows how Precious Moments are made*



The success of his creation did not satisfy Sam.  Since he is a man of faith and devotion, he showed his honor to the Lord by building a chapel inspired by Precious Moments.  It was opened in 1989 and millions of visitors came to share the faith and admire his works. The chapel, located at Carthage, Missouri  is a sight to behold with angels, stained glass, and different art works from Sam.  In almost every corner, there reflected Sam's faith and devotion to the Lord--angels everywhere, framed prayers, and other stuff that shows his belief to his creator.  The grounds where the chapel was built is called Precious Moments Park.

Here in the Philippines, there is also a Precious Moments resort found in Kalibo, Aklan.  Owner of this resort is none other than Samuel Butcher himself.  Sampaguita Gardens, as it is called, is a vast land that is popular to tourists landing in Kalibo.  Being a Precious Moments fanatic, it was quite an experience for me when we stayed there.  There were couple of Precious Moments life size figurines, and a lot more in their showroom.  Tons of Precious Moments in different sizes, themes, colors, and figures made my eyes twinkle in delight.  The stuffed dolls were placed loosely everywhere, but the porcelain ones were secured in the cabinets.  Despite my buffet breakfast disappointment (I am a sucker of breakfast buffets but theirs was a turn-off), I still look forward to finding myself inside the Sampaguita Garden grounds.

Now, there's a thought that's been bothering me since that Sampaguita Garden Resort experience... shall I revive my Precious Moments collection or not?  Hmmmm....


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Sun, splash and sand with little man

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Boracay!  Yes, my little man experienced Boracay already, and I am so proud of him.  Barely two years old, he already experienced the sun, the splash and the white sand of Boracay.

Prior to this, I was worried on Migo's reaction to his first airplane ride.  I prepared my "resbak" just in case he gets cranky inside the plane.  I uploaded the Ipod Touch kuya Eric gave Elmer and I last Christmas (a huge thank you, kuya Eric!) with videos that would make him settle--Mickey Mouse singing the Clubhouse theme, trailers of Despicable Me (his favorite film this time), Eensy weensy spider nursery rhyme video, and Spongebob Squarepants  video.  I also loaded my bag with his favorite bread, some candies, and I also prepared milk.  These things would perfectly pacify my Migo.  Though it was his first time, he did not misbehave and that was quite unexpected.  He was not malikot, he did not cry, and he was good all throughout the ride.  As a matter of fact, he even fell asleep halfway through the ride.

Boat transfer goimg Boracay was a different story.  It was sooooo hard for Elmer and I especially with three traveling bags in tow, plus a little man attached on my hip.  I had no choice but to allow the manongs to carry Migo to the boat.  Me carrying him from the shore to the boat was impossible, so I really had no choice but to resort to the manongs.

Elmer's cousin, pretty Annie, arranged everything from transfers to accomodations.  Must be a not-so-easy task to arrange and be responsible for almost 60 pax, but since it's Annie's forte, she did it with ease.  Everything she arranged went perfect. We stayed in Paradise Garden found in Boracay's station 3.  The place was decent enough and big for all of us Kimpos who were there. The staff was polite and friendly, always greeting us and giving us their beautiful smiles.  Just eight minutes going to the beach, this place is cool enough to stay in.

The three of us went out for a walk past twelve noon and the first thing we searched for-- food.  When we were in Boracay last 2005, we were hooked with this humble resto that served cheap yet really delicious food.  I am talking about Smoke. We desperately searched for it (we already forgot where it was located), and luckily after almost an hour of looking, we found it.  The diners there were mostly tourists, and if I remember it right, there were only two tables occupied by Pinoys. I ordered spicy chicken, my usual favorite.  The food, after all these years, YUM!!

After the food trip, we went to the water for it was already time for my little man to have fun with Boracay sands and waters.  He enjoyed it so much!  He enjoyed Boracay for two days!  What a lucky little fellow!

 

 

Bye Fever!!

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Thursday evening.  As of this writing, my little man's condition went from better to best.  That's good news, for that means he can go to Boracay tomorrow, enjoy the ati-atihan in Kalibo, and attend the grand reunion of the Kimpos.  Nice!

I am not a big fan of meds, and as much as possible I refrain from giving meds immediately.  Good thing  my pedias are the same.  It's always observe first before anything else.  But since we have to bring down his temperature fast due to the upcoming trip, I allowed myself to turn back from my belief and succumed to meds, as what I have mentioned in my earlier post.  And I am just glad that he is very well now.

Having a fever is not always a bad thing.  Usually caused by bacterial or viral infection, fever is considered a symptom not an illness.  It is the body's way of fighting the infection.  However, being a parent, we just do not sit down and do nothing about it.  Here are the different ways of dealing with fever as advised by pediatricians:

-Give the patient plenty of fluids.  Fluids here include water, juices (not so sweet, without sugar), milk, chicken broth and other soups.  Never give coffee, tea, or soda because these drinks are diuretic and can easily cause dehydration.

-Solid foods might not be so inviting for now, but do not be alarmed.  As long as he is drinking plenty of fluids, he is fine.  His appetite for solids will eventually go back as soon as he feels well.

-Constantly check his body temperature.  An interval of 45minutes to an hour is ideal.  His temperature may reach 38 to 40 and may be low in the morning and gets high in the afternoon to night time.

-Give your baby a lukewarm bath.  We used to hear from our lolas that taking a bath when one has a fever is not the thing to do for the patient's condition may worsen after the bath, but it's proven that this old school belief is not true.  On the contrary, taking a long lukewarm bath is adviced for it helps let the heat out from the body.  Just make sure that the water is lukewarm, not cold.  Cold water will make the baby shiver and can again raise his body temperature.

-Dress less.  Again, there's this belief that wrapping the body with heavy clothes, plus covered with blanket from head to toe, will bring down the fever.  On the contrary, this causes the temperature to rise even more.  It is important for the heat to escape out from the body, and the best way to do that is not to cover-up but to dress lightly.

-Wet wash cloth to be placed in the forehead also works.  The damp cloth absorbs the heat of the body.  This is very ideal if the baby is just lying down, but if the baby is active and playful despite the fever just like my little man, Kool Fever may be used.  It works like that of the damp wash cloth, but this one has an adhesive that helps it secure on its place.  

-If the baby is not his usual self and there are changes in his actions and movements, or changes in the color of the skin, eyes and lips, or just for peace of mind, it's still best to go to your trusted pediatrician.  Medicines may be given to normalize the baby's temperature, or other tests may be conducted to find out the real cause of the fever.




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Feverish little man

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I am beginning to wonder if fate would not allow us to go this much awaited trip.  On Friday, I will be facing another adventure with my little man and my big man.  We will be going to Boracay!! And not only that, the main reason of our trip is the Kimpo grand reunion that happens every three years (it used to be every four years, I heard) that happens in Kalibo, Aklan just in time for the ati-atihan festival.  That means airplane ride, baby!! And that would be my little man's first airplane ride!  I am so excited, yet so anxious.  I am not so sure of what my little man's reaction to the ride would be.  This early, I have butterflies in my stomach already.  But what the heck, my little man has a fever for two days already.  Talk about spoiling the trip!  Hey, we already have tickets, so please fever, go away!!

As a mom, I cannot stand not to be with him on times like this.  One advantage of working for the family business and with parents as bosses is that I can easily go home without much explanation needed.  Their apo has a fever and they are the ones pushing me to go home, so it's really that easy.  When I learned thru the caregiver's text that Migo has a temperature of 38.5, I hurriedly went to the drugstore that's just infront of my office and bought the things I will be needing to get rid of the fever--paracetamol drops, Calpol in particular, and Kool Fever.  These two never fails to vanish the fever in a snap.  However, this time, my little man's fever keeps on bugging us.  His temperature is between 38.5 and 39.5 despite paracetamol and Kool Fever.  Now this is really making me frustrated.  It's Wednesday already and I hope it goes away tomorrow so we can make it to Friday's trip.  I am crossing my fingers!!

Christmas sentiments

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Just how fast could that be?!    Never-ending celebrations, reunions, parties, done.  Endless shopping for oneself as a reward for a whole year of hard work, pressure, and abuse; gift-shopping for friends, families, inaanaks, and people that matter, done.  The most anticipated times of the year that allow us to spend our bonuses up to the its tiniest value, done.  Christmas, done.  New year's eve, done.  Which makes me wonder, why on earth it ends in a jiffy, as fast as a bullet train that no mortal can stop on its tracks?  I woke up one day, merry and gay for it was already Christmas day, and all of a sudden I found myself watching fireworks in the brightened skies to welcome the new year.  That fast.

I know for a fact that I am not doing solo on my sentiments. We Filipinos start the holidays as the first -ber month steps in, which common sense dictates, is September.  We go gaga buying Christmas decors to add to the existing ones.  Honestly, we cannot get over with decors, do you agree?  Even if we own a bunch already, it looks "not enough" in our eyes,  and so buying few pieces more each year adds spice to the anticipation of the big event.  We spent sleepless nights planning what gifts to give our loved ones, how much aguinaldo shall our inaanaks receive this year, what would be on the table come noche buena and media noche, what and who will bring this and that food on Christmas day and New Year's eve gathering, wrapping all well-thought-of  gifts elegantly and immaculately, so on and so forth.  Budgeting for all these also adds fun to the already exciting planning for that most wonderful time of the year.  Though, even if it starts on a September, there seems to be something pulling it close to December, so fast that people from all walks of life have no choice but to do last-minute planning and shopping.  Main roads and malls during the holidays are impossible.  Yet people do not mind.  This is how we are.  This is how Filipinos are.  We love Christmas, we love New year, and we endure-- as much as we enjoy-- everything that comes with it.  No matter how tedious, no matter how it crashes our savings, no matter how and what, this is one thing we love.  We give up sleep to attend endless parties just to see once again our friends that we seldom see, we give up silent nights in the comforts of our own homes to go to reunions and have long chats with our families and relatives, we give up money and savings to give gifts to the ones especially in need.  We give up all these, and more, for Christmas.  For this is what our hearts desire.  This is what makes it satisfied.  The smiles, the laughs, the hugs, the wishes.   And we look forward to it, each and every year.

Christmas, done.  New year's eve, done.  Now I can put my credit and debit card to rest.






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