my dolce vita

Ryan's Pizza (R. Fratelli)

2011-01-17T17:41:00.000+08:00

I swear, Ryan's (R. Fratelli) has the best budget pizza and calzone in town! For only P220, you can get a calzone that's loaded with everything! For P270, you can get a really good 14-inch pizza. It's amazing!

Here are some pictures of mouth-watering goodness:

cheese just oozing out of that slice!

Mmmmmm....soo soo good!

These are two calzones (gladiator and heavyweight)

with our cousins - thanks for the treat Jay Ar!

that's one heavyweight slice!

Brunch at Don Merto's

2011-01-17T17:20:00.001+08:00

I love Don Merto's! And I specially love their breakfast dishes.

I had breakfast there during Sinulog with some friends.

Me and my hubby with my bestfriend Michelle and her family

My breakfast (with two pieces of homemade longganisa)

Hubby's breakfast (homemade longganisa and 2 eggs)

Belgian waffle with banana and tsokolate

Pancakes!

Fresh fruit platter with yogurt, homemade granola and honey

Sinulog lunch buffet

Love and Other Drugs

2011-01-10T16:29:00.000+08:00

I have just seen the movie Love and Other Drugs, and it wasn't exactly what I expected. Again, trailers and movie posters can be so deceiving. What I thought was another nonsense comedic movie proved me wrong. It tackled a lot of serious issues of having Parkinson's and loving someone who has that disease.

The story is about Jamie (Jake Gyllenhael), a pharmaceutical rep (or med rep) who is a ladies man. He flirts with just about any woman, and is never serious with anyone. Until he meets Maggie (Anne Hathaway), a great girl who wouldn't fall for any of his lines. She wants things casual - just the way he wants it until he falls in love.

Ok, I'm giving away too much here. That's the plot, but the reviews are mixed. I personally loved how they went deep with Parkinson's and how it can affect someone's life and the people around you. I've never realized how much I'm taking my hands or my body for granted until I watched that movie. Watching it made me realize that a lot of people with Parkinson's are struggling with their lives!

I think this is a great movie albeit the nudity. It has too many nude scenes IMO.

3 gold stars for this little movie out of five!

xoxo

Random Thoughts and a whole lot of Blessings!

2011-01-10T10:58:00.001+08:00

The weekend has been a whirlwind of everything amazing. I can't post every little thing here, but I'll tell all that I can:

First: Agnes' boyfriend, Antino came all the way from the United States so he's here, and he got me and my hubby a George Foreman electric grill. It's amazing! It cooks your food and eliminates the fat, without stripping away any of its taste! This is how it looks:

And, I also got a tin can (or count can) of Jelly Belly Jelly Beans! I loved some of the flavors, didn't like some of them, and the rest were so-so. My favorite flavors: watermelon and toasted marshmallow.

Next: Delite Lloren (also from the US, and my hubby's "fake cousin" and our great friend, sent over a Forever 21 Dress for me! Last month, she had me, Agnes, Deisa, and Manang Ann choose whatever dress we wanted on Forever 21's website, and she bought them for us! And I already have it! *big smile*

Ate Delite, thanks mucho! I don't have an official photo of me wearing that dress yet since I got it just a couple days ago. But here's what it looks like from the website:

Next in line: Lois Alegria gave me and Moses a stainless steel, illuminated salt and pepper mill which thrilled my hubby to no end. Thanks for giving him a new toy, haha! He loves anything that involves cooking.

Next: BFF Atty. Daisy Valencia gave me and Moses a framed picture of one of her landscape photos. It was my favorite, and I love it so much! Thanks my dear!

Last: Jared Uy, Agnes' friend - gave away four tickets to me, Moses, Agnes and Antino to watch The Great American Circus this Tuesday at Cebu Coliseum. Amazing, amazing! Thank you!

Other random thoughts:

I watched Tangled and Ponyo (two Disney movies) together with my three sisters (Jenny, DJ, Agnes) and Antino. I loved both movies for completely different reasons:

Tangled - amazing movie that teaches a lesson about integrity and truth. It's great to see that the new Disney Princess (Rapunzel) isn't a damsel in distress. Girl power, yeah!

Ponyo - is the cutest! "I want ham!" and "Mmm-hmmm!" are her unforgettable phrases. I loved loved loved the movie!

I'm just so blessed! Thank you GOD!

...

2011-01-07T22:05:00.000+08:00

I apologize for not blogging regularly. I've been very busy for the past few weeks.

Will continue blogging sometime within the month. :)

xoxo

Aegis Peoplesupport's Amaaaazing Year End Parteeey!

2010-12-13T23:30:00.001+08:00

Dec 12- Aegisites celebrated the Year End Party at Cebu City's Waterfront Hotel. The theme was "One World, One Aegis." It was a night of glamour and fashion as everyone dressed up in either black or red. Women got all dolled up for the event, and the men were dashing in their suits.

It was an oh-my-goodness-I-can't-believe-it party! The night was packed with world-class performances from each account, fashion shows, the management team dancing and ramp modeling on the stage, and most of all, the highlight of the night - Aegis Idol's final elimination.

It was definitely a night for the White Ninjas, as we garnered each and every award. From winning the Christmas Tree-at contest, topping One World, One Aegis model, bagging this year's Aegis Idol, and even getting an award for best dressed female for the night! We got 'em all! It was a night to remember, a night of celebration for Aegis Cebu's biggest and best account!

Special thanks to the people who made everything possible: Aimee, Emma, Bryce, Miller, Evee, Dudz, Karen, Marky, Mags, Bam, Teroy, Gigi, Ting2, Eric, Etienne, Vishal and his wife, Raymond, all the dancers, everyone who supported in each and every way, and most specially to Skeets who tirelessly coordinated everything...your lack of sleep, your effort, your everything did not go to waste - You rock! You are the greatest!

...And we are the best!

Our white christmas - you have to see the whole thing to appreciate it more!

Mags - Aegis Idol 2010 from the White Ninjas

Bam - bagged the best designed costume

Management, Training, QA, Core, Reporting :)

Me, Bam, Karen

with Batch 99

another picture with my amazing batch!

xoxo

Note: Pictures are not mine

Photo Credits:
Christmas Tree-at: Christina Ralota
Year End Party: Les Reyes, Oliver Yonson, Eric/Sheila Menguito

Young Thespians of Cebu's Sister Act, The Musicale!

2010-12-11T23:32:00.000+08:00

Earlier, I watched Sister Act, The Musicale, - at Onstage, ACC - a play directed by Emmanuelle Jones Mante. I know him because we work in the same company together with Michael Sta. Maria (production manager) and Albert Eric Oroquieza (Leading Man).

The show was great although it needs a little more polishing. I only watched the matinee show because I couldn't afford the price of the gala tickets.

For now, I can't post pictures because I don't have time to upload my 5 or so pics haha!

xoxo

Blog Challenge - Day 19

2010-12-01T10:25:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

Another Photo of Yourself

Taken sometime August this year.

Engagement Session photo shoot with Wedding Passport

This is one of the unofficial photos taken using my Sony point and shoot

Blog Challenge - Day 18

2010-12-01T10:18:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

Something that you crave a lot

Lucky Me Pancit Canton, LOL. (I'm serious!)

I cook it this way (this recipe inspired by DIY Eats)

Cook the noodles

Saute onion and garlic in oil(after they turn brown, take the garlic and onion out of the pan)

Add a can of tuna and add a little oyster sauce to the pan

Add the mixture to the noodles

It's so yummmmmmyyyyyy!!!!

Blog Challenge - Day 17

2010-12-01T10:12:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

Photo of you and your family

Can I have a pass? I can't post my family's picture here. This blog is mine, and I own up the risks I'm taking in sharing part of my life to virtually anyone. I don't want to sound too dramatic here, but suffice it to say that whatever risks I'm taking - they're all mine. I'm not dragging my family out here, I'm not exposing anyone in my blog. :)

Blog Challenge - Day 16

2010-12-01T10:07:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

Your celebrity crush

Is there anything better than Brad Pitt in Ocean's 12? Or Brad Pitt in Mr. and Mrs. Smith?

Blog Challenge - Day 15

2010-12-01T09:53:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

Something you don't leave the house without

House keys

...I don't bring my cellphone or my wallet or my kikay kit ALL the time!

Blog Challenge - Day 14

2010-11-30T10:02:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

A TV show you're currently addicted to

I'm done with my Friends addiction. I'm now into these shows:

1. Pretty Little Liars - Gossip Girl meets teenage Desperate Housewives

2. Drop Dead Diva - an inspirational, heart-melting, fun show

3. Modern Family - multiracial, multi-gender, all-American family. It's all about lovin' what you've got :)

Blog Challenge - Day 13

2010-11-30T09:48:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

Your favorite musician and why?

I love music, but I don't have a specific musician that I really adore. I love the songs, not the musicians. For instance, I love Imogen Heap's Hallelujah and Regina Spektor's Samson but could never be bothered to listen to their other songs.

I also love Gary V's Natutulog ba ang Diyos (Is God asleep?) because it moved me and helped me get through a very tough time in my life. I associate music with love and life - not the idol worship of a musician. I must sound like a snob now, but I'm not. This is just the way I feel. :)

I love all types of music, as long as it's not heavy metal or anything hardcore - as long as the music's clean.

It goes like this
The fourth; the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Blog Challenge - Day 12

2010-11-30T09:37:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

A photo of the town you live in

Queen City of the South, baby!

again, this is not my picture as my camera is still busted.

picture from skyscrapercity.com

Blog Challenge - Day 11

2010-11-28T14:03:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

What is in your makeup bag?

Pretty simple. I don't bring a lot of makeup stuff when I go out.

I only bring the following, and place them in my pink kikay kit:

Maybelline Angel Fit Two Way Foundation

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in Windsor Rose

ELF Liquid Lipstick in Cherry Tart

Body Shop Born Lippy in Strawberry

Pink Hair Doctor comb

Blog Challenge - Day 10

2010-11-28T12:58:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

A photo of your favorite place to eat

The answer is easily Yellow Cab Pizza. We don't eat there everyday, but everytime we crave pizza, this is our quick go-to. I'm still looking for a decent Italian restaurant in Cebu. La Tegola and Giuseppe are so pricey so I don't plan to eat there, at least not for the moment. :)

Complete with vespa :)

Photo not taken by me - my camera got inflicted with a malicious virus and I'm getting it reformatted.

Photo from Cebu Restaurants

Blog Challenge - Day 9

2010-11-28T12:42:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

Photo of the last item you purchased

Okay, so I didn't really purchase this today - I didn't buy anything today.

My husband bought this earlier so I guess this counts (I hope it counts) :)

Photo taken from Smart Parenting

Blog Challenge - Day 8

2010-11-28T12:06:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

A song that matches your mood

Right now, I'm craving authentic Neapolitan pizza...I read that Da Michelle serves the best pizza - this song totally matches my Bella Italian mood now:

A La Menthe!

Blog Challenge - Day 7

2010-11-16T09:00:00.000+08:00

Challenge

Your Dream Wedding

...already had my dream wedding a few months back:

Photo by Wedding Passport Photography

Blog Challenge - Day 6

2010-11-14T10:09:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

Photo of an animal you'd like to keep as a pet

This is Huggy Bear. We lost her a few years ago :(

...would love to have her back

Flamin' Grill Cafe

2010-11-13T05:04:00.000+08:00

I just had the best flame grilled burger in town! It's sooo ridiculously good and affordable! It can seriously give Flame It, Big City and Burger Joint a run for their money if it was located in Cebu. It's so good, that even though they just opened and never advertised, they already have a lot of followers.

Their menu has a selection of grilled burgers, gourmet sandwiches, desserts and rice meals. Prices range from P40 - P130. If you're in Dumaguete, be sure to drop by this place.

Sorry I can't show pictures. I took some, but my camera's acting up. I have to take it to Sony.

Location:
Hibbard Avenue beside Ponce de Leon Compound
Contact Numbers:
(035) 422-8735, (0915) 819-4153 and (0922) 795-2314

Blog Challenge - Day 5

2010-11-13T04:51:00.001+08:00

Challenge

A photo of yourself taken two years ago

This is me, December '08.

I chose this picture because it's almost December :)

Blog Challenge - Day 4

2010-11-13T04:43:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

Favorite photo of your bestfriend

I have a lot of girlfriends, but ever since I met my husband, he has become my best friend. We have been through good and bad and have survived. I know we will have more challenges but I'm sure we can work everything out together! I love you!

This picture was taken a couple years back. Chillin' at Cafe Antonio in Dumaguete

Blog Challenge - Day 3

2010-11-11T05:58:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

Idea of your perfect first date

I don't expect any frills or too much on a first date. It doesn't have to be a big, ceremonious event. So anyway, again. I don't think much of first dates. I'm super nervous on first dates specially if I'm with a guy that I really like, a guy I'm trying to impress. If he's none of that, I just go with the flow.

So, my idea of a perfect first date is this: A guy who would go through the trouble of finding a good restaurant to eat and talk - please: no Mcdonald's or KFC. A guy who would actually engage you in a conversation. Talking about yourself all night is NOT a conversation. He does not have to pay for the whole meal. (Although... etiquette does say that if he invited you, and picked the place - he should get the tab. If it's the other way around, you get the tab. You can go dutch - if your date is ok with that) He should at least dress the part. That means no basketball uniforms. After dinner, a little walk on the beach (or the city) under the stars would be perfect to end the night. And from there, we'll see if there's a second date.

xoxo

Blog Challenge - Day 2

2010-11-10T10:14:00.000+08:00

Challenge:

Photo of something you ate today

Kari kulkarni from Ila Puti

curry. tomatoes. basil. YUM!

xoxo

Blog Challenge - Day 1

2010-11-09T15:54:00.001+08:00

Challenge:

Photo of yourself and a description of how your day was

Today, I woke up thinking it would be a work day like any other. Except that it wasn't. I train call center agents and today is Batch 96's last day in training. It was a pretty light day for them, but I was swamped with a lot of admin work. One trainee came up to me and gave me a gift. I didn't expect it, and it was so sweet of her to give me a teddy bear. She said that she's happy that I was her trainer. Things like this make me want to go on. It's not like I need a gift to go on, but little things like this make me feel like I somehow make a difference. :)

30 Blog Challenge!

2010-11-09T15:34:00.000+08:00

I found something interesting off the web today. I was reading through some blogs and I came across a very interesting blog by Tina Marie, a Filipina living in California. I'm not sure if she's ever been to the Philippines, but she has mentioned that she is Filipina, and that's what got me interested in her blog. That, and the fact that she writes really well.

What I need to do: whatever the theme/topic is for the day, or whatever you're supposed to write about, you're going to do it. I'm not really sure if I need her permission for this - it looked like it's really fun so I'm just gonna go ahead and try it. Starting TODAY!

Next post is today's challenge.Stay tuned!

I can't keep you out of my head!

2010-11-04T09:19:00.000+08:00

LSS - you know what that means? Last song syndrome. It's a song that keeps singin' in your head, it's the only song you can think of for hours on end until you're semi-tired of it. It's a song you can't get out of your head until you've had your fill. Until you've had enough. Well today, I have two of those songs:

First: Easy by Lionel Richie. Simply because I heard someone sing it in the office while auditioning for our annual singing competition. I haven't heard of that song since - I can't even remember when. This song reminds me of my dad and my childhood. This Youtube link is from shutyomouthsneezy:

The second song is taken from the soundtrack from one of my favorite shows, Drop Dead Diva. This is another old song that I haven't heard of in ages. The title of the song is Baby I Need Your Loving and this version is Ben Feldman's (the guy who plays Fred - Jane's guardian angel). This Youtube link is from TV Guide.

Hope you enjoy these songs!

xoxo

Panskeets? ;)

2010-11-02T09:18:00.000+08:00

I love Don Merto's Pancit ni Maxi. It's a dish with homemade egg noodles with shrimp, chicken and pork. Before my husband attempted to cook his own version of Pancit, this dish was my favorite pancit. The taste is a cross between pancit and palabok, minus the grease.

When my husband tried his own version, I was so excited. We tried to name it Pancit ni Skeets but we sounded like copy cats so we ended with Panskeets. This is arguably the best pancit I've ever tasted (and not just because my husband cooked it).

Here are some pictures:

before mixing everything

after mixing the ingredients

xoxo

Tempura Japanese Grill

2010-11-02T08:52:00.000+08:00

I'm no fan of Japanese food. I don't eat sushi or sashimi. I just don't like the idea of eating something raw. I once ate sushi and lost my appetite the rest of the night. I'm never going through that ordeal again.

But there's a side of Japanese cuisine that I haven't explored yet. Their cooked dishes - ha! I was so surprised when I found out that they cook some of their dishes too, and they're really delicious!

My husband and I went to Tempura Japanese Grill at SM Northwing last October 23. He ordered one of their Bento Dishes - Tempura Shokuji Buta (whaaat?) and I ordered Shogayakidon (I'm scratching my head here - I have no idea what this means). This dish has pork strips with lightly gingered Japanese soy sauce topped on rice.

I loved the dish my husband ordered. The tempura was great and the tofu - divine. My dish smelled soooo good, but it was too oily. The bottom part of my dish was swimming in oil - eewww.

Overall, it wasn't so bad. The price was ok for Japanese food (their price is similar to Rai Rai Ken's), the food was decent and the place is really homey and elegant.

Here are some pictures:

inside Tempura Japanese Grill

grill in our table

shogayakidon

tempura shokuji buta

Lucy Torres-Gomez at White Hat

2010-11-02T08:29:00.001+08:00

Last October 23, we saw Lucy Torres-Gomez at SM City Cebu's White Hat Italian Frozen Yogurt opening. She looked so fresh and so simple - no heavy makeup and no bubblegum trendy clothes. She looked so stunningly elegant and classic.

Here are a few pictures

so chic, non?

xoxo

Phantasmagoric Halloween

2010-10-30T22:41:00.001+08:00

We celebrated Halloween last night at the office. The theme was Phantasmagoria. Wait...What's that again? Phantasmagoria - there. It sounded like a nasty word the first time I heard it. I felt stupid that I haven't head of this word before. Who says phantasmagoria anyway? Tsk tsk...Such a bizarre word!

So, I googled it and I checked Merriam Webster. It's defined as "a bizarre or fantastic combination, collection or assemblage." There you have it. I have added a new word to my vocabulary.

I planned to dress up as a fairy. I had on a little white dress which I covered up with a grey cardigan. I brought my fairy wings and nymph headdress with me, but I never got to wear them. I was handling a class for 8 hours and didn't have the time to dress up and change. Besides, I think it would look really ridiculous if I dressed up as a fairy while teaching my class everything about banking basics.

I was able to take a few pictures during my lunch break. Hope you enjoy them! :)

Our phantastic tree

Another phantastic scenery

Puss in Boots, Shrek and Robin Hood

Arwen and a Japanese Anime character

xoxo

Zubuchon

2010-10-17T20:14:00.000+08:00

I can officially say now that Zubuchon is THE best lechon in Cebu...

I heard about Zubuchon from Tessa Fernan, Casa Escano and Don Merto's general manager. She boasted about this "organic" lechon and how it's a healthy alternative compared to other lechon brands. We had to try it, and even without an idea of how this lechon really tasted, we impulsively decided to serve it to our guests in our wedding reception (back in September).

That day, I was apprehensive. I had no idea if the lechon was great or not. All I knew was that Tessa recommended it, and when I googled it a few days before the wedding, I read that Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations heralded it as the best roasted pig in the world. Ok, so maybe I wasn't apprehensive - haha. I was - to be honest, very excited to taste what they said was an all-natural, best-tasting lechon in the world. Unfortunately, I didn't get to taste the lechon during the reception - if you've been married, you know what I mean. You can't eat at your own wedding because you're too busy with the program.

So a month after the wedding, hubby and I decided to head over to BTC (the other side of town for us because we live opposite that area) to buy a kilo of zubuchon. The part we got was, to be honest, a little too salty for my taste but overall, it was the best lechon I've ever tasted. The skin was crispy, the meat was tasty and tender, and I could taste traces of rosemary. I must me imagining that part, I'm not really sure but I think there were herbs stuffed in that lechon. I had a great lunch thanks to Zubuchon!

I don't have pictures because we all started eating before anyone could take a snap. For free delivery options, you can call (032) 583-5699 or (032) 236-5264 or 09176274761.

An Open Letter

2010-10-17T06:58:00.002+08:00

I promised myself that in my blog, I will not post a rant. This sounds like it, but it's not. I really need to say this. For the person this entry is written to, please don't take this the wrong way. Take it as my form of written advice. No offense meant. I love you.

Dearest YOU,

I have been a trainer for quite some time now and have met a lot of people from all walks of life. I've seen people who work hard to achieve their dreams, people who don't really care about life and I've also seen people who are privileged - those who don't understand what it's like to work hard in order to live.

I had a trainee who told everyone in class about his past experiences. He told us about how he's an only child and that his dad died when he was really young and had to live with his very strict grandfather. His childhood was all about school and home. He was never allowed to go out with friends or to watch TV. After he graduated high school, he moved to Davao to be with his mom, but then she too died a couple of years afterward. He had to sell buttered chicken in the morning and work as a janitor at night to be able to send himself to school. While anyone can have this kind of experience, it's his attitude that got to me. He wasn't bitter about it, and he's a very positive person.

I find it interesting how people can be different in so many ways. Here's this trainee who had to work so hard to send himself to school, while there's this other person that I know who, well - really works hard in school because she needs to finish college but has not learned to appreciate her brother. It hurts me so much because I chanced upon her blog and read all the good and the bad of almost everything. I was horrified at some of the entries specially when she started talking about her brother. She talked about how he is no longer the brother she used to know and love. How he WAS her her hero(WAS emphasized). She talked about how he has become a stranger.

As the wife of this girl's brother, I've always kept my mouth shut. Her brother never bothered to correct anyone's perception.

I want to explain what happened so if YOU or anyone else is reading this, you will understand a little bit better.

When you were kicked out of Psychology last 2008, we had no extra money at all. Your brother's decision was to have you get a part time job since your units were really minimal. You only had four subjects and had plenty of time in your hands. We talked to your dad, but he said you had to finish school without working for it. That time, we were paying for everything. I'm sorry if this sounds like I'm counting what we did for you. I'm not. I just want to make sure you understand why you think your brother has changed. That semester, we frequently had to extend hours at the office and we did a lot of overtime work to make ends meet. We were constantly fighting because we were still trying to get the hang of married life and we were burned out at work. We could not de-stress because we could not afford it. It was a very hard time for us.

It's not all bad though. I'd say that my memories about that time in my life were good - it made us stronger as a couple...it's just that when I read your blog, I was horrified to learn that you didn't see the good in what we were doing for you.

You talked about how your brother is different now and how you used to be able to talk to him but not anymore. Please remember that you are keeping a lot of secrets from your brother. You don't tell him anything. Your brother is a wonderful, wonderful person. If you have drifted apart, you have to admit that part of it is your fault. If you think your brother has changed, have you ever considered the possibility that YOU were the one who changed? Are you the same sister that you were to him? Please stop complaining about your brother and start focusing on yourself. He loves you and that's the reason why he's strict. That's the reason why he's disciplining you. Otherwise, how will you grow up if you're always treated like a baby?

If you want to get to know your brother again, reach out to him. Talk to him instead of talking about him behind his back. What he's doing for you is beautiful - don't make it look ugly to the rest of the world.

I know you can be a better person than what you are now. :)

Love,

ME

Cebu Digital Photographers' Ayala Exhibit

2010-10-05T23:17:00.000+08:00

Cebu's love affair with digital photography is definitely going to the right direction.
Some of the photographers I know like Paul Gerald Banday, Johan Sisno, Lemuel Reyes, Jade Saducas and Cacho Menguito have exhibited their works at the Activity Center in Ayala Center Cebu.

In Paul Banday's exhibit, he included one of our eSession photos. My internet connection is really slow right now. I'll post some pictures from the exhibit sometime this weekend.

Cheers!

Revlon Photoready

2010-09-25T02:38:00.001+08:00

Let me start by apologizing - I know I haven't written anything in over a year?...a few months?...I'm not exactly sure, but I know I haven't written anything in the longest time. I have been really busy with work and I had to plan my church wedding too which pretty much kept me uber busy the past few months. I have a few up and coming posts though - thoughts about my church wedding and all our suppliers. I'll definitely have a post about that a little bit later - once I get the official pictures.

That said, this entry is about Revlon Photoready and what I think of it. I bought it a couple of weeks before my wedding because I wasn't very confident about my makeup artist's foundation and I wanted one for emergency purposes ;).

I bought the medium beige foundation although I was originally looking for golden beige - but when I swatched both products on my skin, I thought that the medium beige foundation looked very natural on my skin.

What do I think of the product? - To be honest, I wasn't sure if I wanted to buy the product because it has mixed reviews. I specially didn't like the part that it has a lot of shimmer. I certainly don't want to leave the house looking like one of the Twilight vampires.

Anyhow, I still purchased it and I have to say, I'm very impressed with the product. It definitely stays on the whole day. And yes it has shimmers but you can barely notice it. I think it's perfect, and I have even received some compliments about it..so that's good!

I know this is kind of a dull entry. I promise to add more entries in the next few weeks.

Ciao!

Brothers Burger in BTC!

2009-09-15T03:10:00.003+08:00

Hubbydoo and I went to Brothers Burger in Banilad after checking out some accessories at the iStore. We were so hungry then, and wanted big, flame-broiled burgers (for the hundredth time). There wasn't any Flame It branches anywhere near so we decided to check it out.

The place was small, and nobody was inside. I thought, what the heck! They have flame-grilled burgers, and I want to try what their burgers taste like.

Daddy had Brothers Burger with cheese. I had one of their gourmet sandwiches: Brothers Cheese Steak. As you can see, they're really huge, and they taste really great! What's unique about them, is that they serve their burgers and sandwiches in oatmeal buns. They're really soft and it goes great with the meat! So much better than the regular burger bun!

Oh, and the staff is really good at recommending which burger or sandwich to order if you aren't sure what to get. They really know their products which is a big plus.

The price though, wasn't pocket-friendly because to me, Brothers Burger is a fast food joint, and their stuff can be found in Flame It, Big City, or Burger Joint but the price is like double! Their brothers burger with Cheese costs P130, and the Cheese Steak was P160! So that's P290 already for only two burgers and no drinks.

And it doesn't end there. After eating all of it, we weren't really full yet so we went to Dimsum Break which was just on the other side, and ordered some Chinese food. It was delicious! We had Oriental Nido soup, steamed rice, 3 kinds of siomai, buchi, Sweet and sour pork, egg pie, and some drinks and it only came up to P160. I mean, how cool is that?

So anyway, back to Brothers Burger...here's the description of the chow we ordered:

sauteed strips of beef, onions and mushroom with garlic cream cheese

flame-broiled pure beef with lettuce, tomatoes, catsup, mayo and cheese

Skeets' Sisig!

2009-09-15T02:55:00.006+08:00

I am so lucky. My husband cooks. And he doesn't just cook, I mean he definitely can whip up a delicious meal. If there's something new that he wants to cook, all he does is look for the perfect recipe, and voila! He gets it right! He's gifted that way. I envy him.

Let me give you an example...or several...

First: I love Don Henrico's chicken ala buffalo. So, he looked for the recipe (I can't tell you where, though and who he got it from) and cooked some for me! Everyone was begging for an encore! It was delicious, it was amazing! And it was the first time he tried it!

Another: he loves spaghetti. Bolognese spaghetti. So, he bought some ingredients and cooked one of the best spaghetti I've ever tasted.

Last, he wanted to cook sinigang for me. He didn't know how to prepare it, but he knew the ingredients. He went to the market, bought the stuff, and created magic!

He's unbelievable!

So anyway, this entry is all about his sisig. He prepared some last Sunday, and this is the end product. It was beyond amazing! Pictures don't lie, so here goes:

I could not ask for more.

Beyond amazing.

xoxo

OLBO Rocked at the Outpost!

2009-09-13T02:58:00.008+08:00

Saturday night after dinner at Roma Mia, we headed down to one of the local hangouts that feature Cebu bands -- their event that night was "When Southern Belles Toll" (women in rock represent Cebu!) -- and one of the bands featured was OLBO (Outer Lid Break Off).

This band has great tracks, and they play great music. They're all good looking, cute, and they look like a group of punk college princes with a princess -- but when they start jamming, they rock!

The group is composed of 5 members: Gaz (lead guitars), Janry (guitars), Klaus (drums), Mar (bass), and Gryz (vocals). You can mostly catch them at the following venues: 14zerobar in Raintree Mall, Handuraw, and The Outpost.

Check out some pictures of the band...But first, let me explain something:

If you have noticed (or not yet), I have taken more pictures of the bassist -- that's coz he's my cousin. I think he's my dad's favorite nephew, but that's just me. I'm not really sure.

I also recorded some of the songs that they played, and did some basic editing. I'll post it next time so you can see them (I haven't finished my editing - hehe). They could be the next big thing in Cebu or even beyond!

That's it for now!

xoxo

Roma Mia

2009-09-13T02:26:00.005+08:00

What a night. Hubby and I originally planned to go to Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast in Banilad, but decided to go to The Terraces in Ayala instead because we were so hungry. We still wanted Italian though, so off we trudged to Roma Mia.

Their food is great -- and the price is just right too so we got to save a lot compared to what we could have cashed out had we gone ahead with the original plan.

They have free wifi there, so you can bring your laptop, netbook, ipod or whatever, and update yourself in Facebook or Twitter while waiting for your food. Their service was okay, but not excellent either. (We asked for a doggy bag of our potato wedges because we still had more than half left over, but they didn't give it back to us -- that's not good!)

So anyway, we ordered potato wedges, which has thick slices of deep-fried potatoes with garlic-mayo dip. The patotoes were well cooked, but it was soft. The dip was great, though.

Hubby ordered godfather chops in gravy. The name says it all -- and the picture can tell you what words cannot.

I had bolognes in linguine. It's pasta with tomato sauce, ground beef, and mushrooms topped with parmesan cheese.

The food was great, the service was okay, and the price was the best!

xoxo

Happy First Wedding Anniversary, Daddy-Love!

2009-09-12T09:39:00.001+08:00

La Maison!

2009-09-07T15:08:00.004+08:00

So last night, hubby and I, together with my sister jenn, and his sister nessy went out for dinner. We settled for La Maison because they have this "barkada package" that was too irresistible. We were planning on Kublai Khan or Hola Espana, but decided against them after checking out the menu in La Maison.

For less than a thousand, we got their signature baby-back ribs (arguably THE best in town! Their version can beat Casa Verde's any day!), steak and mushroom casserole, and grilled chicken with herbs. They also served four servings of rice, and frothy iced tea! While waiting for our food, they served us complimentary garlic sticks.

Their food is divine. It's not too stuffy, or too rich for my taste. Everything in their platter was just right, specially the chicken with rosemary.

If you're in Cebu, you've got to try it! They have two more barkada packages, but we picked this because it was the only package that included the ribs that made them famous.

Check out the pictures:

Bread Talk!

2009-09-07T14:29:00.004+08:00

I love bread! Do you?...Here in Cebu, we have some great bakeries, and the one I love most is Leona's. But you have got to try Bread Talk too! Yep, breads do talk in this place! Their pastries and breads are so creative, that more often than not, I end up just going around the place, looking at whichever bread catches my eye. I get so indecisive because they have many goodies to choose from. I mean, take a look at the pictures, and you'll understand why.

...they all look great, right?...and they taste just as good as they look!

Bread Talk has branches in Northwing and The Terraces. Most of their breads/pastries are affordable with prices ranging from P29 - P90, depending on the size and flavor.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, that bread called Tornado?...It isn't chocolate and vanilla, honey! It's squid! They fooled me too, haha!

That's it for now.

xoxo

Flame It vs. Big City

2009-09-01T09:42:00.005+08:00

I love monstrous flame grilled burgers! They're the best! (NO, I don't diet and I don't care if it's junk food!) Hubby and I compared Flame It and Big City last Sunday after watching GI Joe, and this is what we came up with:

We decided to see if Flame It's flame grilled burger is better than Big City's grilled burger with cheese.

First off, the price. Flame It's Flame grilled burger (basic burger without cheese) costs P78, while Big City's Grilled Burger with cheese and french fries on the side cost P110. I totally understand the difference. Cheese and fries add-on? Totally reasonable.

On to the taste. Flame It tasted sweet-tangy, was more meaty, and was juicy! It was divine! I loved it!

Big City had more flavor, but it was a bit dry compared to Flame It's burger, and it also looked bigger because they flattened out the patty to accommodate the size of the bun. Their fries were delish though, and they gave us some sort of dip (I don't really know what it was. It's like ranch, but not really).

So here are some pictures. At the end, we're going to put an X on the burger we liked better.

Here you go:

AND THE VERDICT:

haha. yep, we loved both burgers! Flame grilled burgers rule!

xoxo

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

2009-09-01T09:29:00.004+08:00

So hubbydoo and I finally got around to watching GI Joe in the big screen. Hubby really liked GI Joe, and collected action figures of the team back when he was a kid. So anyway, since we were really into our "saving" mode, hubby said that he's content to buy a dvd copy and watch it at home. But then last Sunday, we changed our minds, relaxed a bit, and finally decided to watch it in SM.

So the movie was great and I loved it! It was full of action, and I know this review is way late because most of you have already seen it, but I have just seen this movie, and that gives me the right to gab about this to no end. *grins*

First of all, let me tell you that I didn't even know what GI Joe was, and I didn't even know the plot, the story, the cartoon series way back, the action figures, whatever. I mean, I know hubby loved them, but come on, right? I've no interest in them whatsoever.

So I ended up in the theatres expecting to fall asleep. But I didn't! I loved the movie, and I understood it! You don't have to be a fan to watch it.

Besides, the people were gorgeous and sexy. That certainly didn't hurt!

That's it for now.

xoxo

Liir's time to shine...

2009-09-01T09:14:00.005+08:00

So after some time, I finally finished Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire. It wasn't at all what I expected. I was thinking of something more like Wicked with Liir in it instead of Elphaba. Well, was I in for a surprise! For instance, it lacked Wicked's humor and wit, and although it's still a fantasy book -- having Animals, a flying broomstick, the Grimmerie, dragons, Princess Nastoya and all that jazz -- it didn't strike me as magical enough. Well, Glinda was there, but if you've read Wicked, you know that her magic is really limited than what we were led to believe.

Son of A Witch is a book of revolution. It does not have the romanticism approach of Wicked. Everything in this book is more serious, more bloody, more political, more cruel, and more grim. Gregory Maguire spared no details and I found myself wincing in some of the descriptions. Wicked made me think along with the characters. Son of a Witch made me react against some of the characters.

But anyway this is still a good read. If you're Filipino, think of it this way: Wicked is to Noli Mi Tangere, where Son of a Witch is to El Filibusterismo. I mean, it's not exactly the same, plot-wise and everything. What I'm trying to say -- when you read Wicked or Noli Mi Tangere, it's light and serious at the same time, but there's always this beacon of hope even though someone dies at the end. Son of a Witch had to be grim and serious the way El Filibusterismo had to, because it somehow had to clean up the mess left in the first story. I think...So anyway...

Enjoy!

xoxo

L'appuntamento

2009-09-01T08:26:00.004+08:00

Listen to this song:

So you might be wondering why I'm making an entry about a song in a language that I can't even begin to understand. I don't even know what the title means. I googled its translation but I'm thinking it may be a loose translation seeing how many times I've tried translating some Tagalong songs that ended up not quite getting the soul of the song.

From the translation, the singer was asking love to hurry up, because she was ready for it, and that without love she can't exist. There was also a line that meant "I was waiting for you, and suddenly you came from a distance." So anyway, the song is very romantic, and very sensual, and I love love love it!

Is it just me, or do you feel it too?

Do me a favor, will you? Close your eyes and imagine.

Tuscany. Sunrise and golden fields. Mountains. Fresh Air. Endless possibilities. Kisses. Warm whispers. Hugs. Orange sunset. Long walks under the stars....And yet, there's heartache too. Longing. And bittersweet memories.

*sigh*

Whenever I listen to that song, it makes me fall in love with love all over again. Does that make sense?

Thank you Ornella Vanoni for this beautiful, haunting song (even if I can't understand a single thing you're saying!)

xoxo

For the green witch...

2009-08-25T11:00:00.007+08:00

Elphaba...

Fabala...

Miss Elphie...

Fae...

Who is she?...well, we've all seen The Wizard of Oz on TV, right? (I don't know if any of you have read the book -- I haven't). So Dorothy killed the Wicked Witch of the West and everyone was happy. Right?...

This book -- this green book about Elphaba, is about the life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West (yes hon, she has a name). Here you will understand why she wanted Dorothy's ruby slippers. In this book, you'll know more about the Wicked Witch of the East (the witch who died when Dorothy's house fell on Munchkinland), and Glinda the Good Witch of the North. You'll understand that really, Elphaba is human just like the rest of us.

Again, I don't want to give the story away, but this is a great book. I am in love with Gregory Maguire's books. I'll talk about that later on, but anyway, Wicked was turned into a musical -- I have one of their songs in my phone, Defying Gravity. I haven't seen it though. They don't have a production here (like, duh).

So anyway, Gregory Maguire. I'm totally obsessing over this author now. I love the way he has put life to the antagonists, or villains if that's what you want to call them. It's not that I don't love the princesses -- I do! But I also want to know the other side. I mean, they too have their story to tell.

I have two of his books now -- Wicked and Son of a Witch. I'm currently reading the latter. I'll buy more when I have the moolah. For now, I'm content with the two.

That's it for now.

xoxo

It's gotta be Shakey's!

2009-08-25T10:20:00.005+08:00

So last Saturday, I had dinner with my family at Shakey's. It's also one of our favorite eat-out places in Dumaguete. We used to go to Pizza Hut more often, but they closed down so we usually eat here now. Anyway, Shakey's Dumaguete is located in Rizal Boulevard. You can opt to walk from Perdices Street (which is like the main city strip), ride a pedicab (they're actually motorcabs, but are called pedicabs in Dumaguete. I don't know why they're called that. I mean, the drivers don't pedal, they just uhm, drive...so anyway...), or take your car.

My mom, Jenn, and Deejay went to church earlier (for the anticipated mass), while hubby and I slept at home. We met up way later at Shakey's for dinner, then we went to Silliman University to do a quick tour on the booths. I miss Silliman. I miss college. I miss Founder's Day, and I miss my curfew! (Haha- NOT!)

So anyhow, back to Shakey's...We ordered spaghetti bolognese with garlic bread, fried chicken and mojos, and manager's pizza. We also ordered a pitcher of iced tea and a couple of chocolate shakes.

Their food was great as usual. I mean, it's not the best, but their food's always decent.

Here are some pictures:

crazy for shakey's

On Clare and Henry's histoire d'amour

2009-08-24T14:39:00.004+08:00

I bought The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger for my little sister, Deejay. She wanted me to buy her a paperback because she only had the ebook, and she really liked the story. So anyway, I ended up reading it, and it moved me so much, that throughout the weekend, I kept thinking about it -- if time traveling is possible, and I guess anything is possible if you just want to believe.

Anyway, I don't want to spoil the story by spilling it out here, but here's the basic: Henry is a time traveler, and he met Clare, his wife, when she was six and I think he was thirty six at that time? Or something. But he's really just 8 years older than Clare.

Their story is unusual, and while most people call it a love story, I'd rather call it a life story. It transcends above the usual love stories, and it's not at all mushy or anything like that. It felt so real. Their grief and heartache was so real for me because I can relate to some of them, and the book was just so beautiful. I laughed, I cried, I sighed, I waited, and I got impatient along with the characters. It just moved me so much. I really just wanted to hug the book, and kiss it over and over, and I don't know. It's so overwhelming.

I LOVE IT! This one's for keeps. I'm going to buy my own copy.

Why don't you read the book first before watching the movie? (Yeah, in case you haven't heard, it was made into a movie with Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana)

Read and experience its magic yourself. You'll see why then.

Mamia - Dumaguete's Own

2009-08-18T11:51:00.003+08:00

So about a week ago, hubby and I went home to Dumaguete to visit my mom and my little sister, Deejay. Going home for the weekend means this: Family, love, lots of talk and laughter, unlimited internet, new movies downloaded by DJ, and lots of FOOD! If there's one thing I can say -- it's the great, great food that keeps us coming back. The fact that my family is there doesn't hurt either. Haha! I'm not kidding when I tell you that I usually gain around 5 pounds (probably more) in just a couple days of stay there.

One of the restaurants my family loves is Mamia. If I'd compare them to Cebu establishments, I'd say it's a cross between Ila Puti, Kul Kitchen, Mooon Cafe, and Casa Verde. (That's food heaven for my hubby!)

We had dinner there Sunday night the weekend we were there. I was feeling a bit big already from having eaten a lot of food so I got their grilled chicken salad with vinaigrette. Now I'm no vinaigrette person because I don't diet. I love salads because they're healthy, but I love the dressings too. I don't care if they're fattening! So I ended up not sprinkling all of the dressing over my salad. Their salad was ok, but it did not do justice to the price. I could go eat somewhere else at a slightly higher price with a much, much, better salad than what they have!

My little sister loves Italian food, and almost everytime we eat out, she orders pasta. Unless there's pizza. (She thinks she should have been born Italian, but she looks Vietnamese anyway). Anywho, she ordered their version of carbonara, and it was great. It was definitely white pasta with a twist. You'd have to try it to understand what I'm trying to say.

Hubby ordered Southern fried chicken in some kind of flavored rice. I don't know how authentic Southern fried chicken tastes like, but I loved that dish! The chicken was cooked just right, and the gravy wasn't flat.

Mom had halo-halo. It's really mixed fruits in a big dessert bowl, shaved ice, some milk, and ice cream on top. Yum!

Mamia is located in Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete. The food is great! If you're ever in Dumaguete, be sure to have dinner here. You won't regret it.

Here's a collage of the dishes we ordered:

Dimsum Date

2009-08-18T11:31:00.003+08:00

Everyone loves Chinese Food. Or everyone I know does. Or at least, my husband does. Everytime he gets to choose where to eat, he'd always choose Dimsum. It's like something he needs inside him. Like blood for a vampire. Or, something like that... Anyhow, in Cebu, we usually get our Chinese fix in Majestic, Harbour City, Ding Qua Qua, Big Mao, and Dimsum Break. They all serve great Chinese cuisine and dimsum too! I know that Majestic and Ding Qua Qua have lunch and dinner buffet, but I'm not so sure about the others.

So, anyway...this is about Dimsum Break. I totally love the way they reach out to the consumers by having "budget bundles". They have this thing where every 2PM - 5PM, for only P99, you can get soup (I forgot what kind of soup - I think it was bird's nest or something), three kinds of siomai (mushroom, plain, and quail egg), steamed fried rice, buchi (I don't really know what it is - it's kind of a sticky rice thingy with mung bean inside), and softdrinks!

It's really filling, and everytiime I crave for Dimsum, I usually go here. They have locations in Ayala, SM, EMall, and BTC. If they have other locations, I don't know them.

My Beauty Regimen

2009-08-03T10:26:00.010+08:00

...This is probably the latest picture that I have of me right now, and this is how/what I look like (don't mind my hubby's pic, lol):

...I've decided to make a post of my beauty regimen (if you can call it that haha). Note that this is coming from somebody who does not have any makeup brushes at all, no eyeshadow or makeup palettes, or blushes, primers, bronzers, whatever. But I do take care of my skin (but not as much as I want to).

So first, let me say I know I'm not the best looking person out there. Someone is always more gorgeous, and in the same sense, someone is also always less beautiful than I am. That said, let me start with my uhm, beauty regimen.

Morning (or in my case, evening) when I wake up:

I wash my face with Anew Rejuvenate Revitalizing 2-in-1 cleanser. You can find this in avon.com or you can google it. I have used other cleansers before, but this one tops my list. You don't need a lot to wash your face with it. What I do, I put on a pea-sized dollop on my palm, and crush out the small beads and wash it all over my face.
Next, I put on Garnier Light eye cream. I don't really know why I'm using this. I used to have VMV eye cream, but it got too pricey for me because I'm married now and I constantly have to think of saving, saving and saving. Anyhow, I've been using this for about two weeks now, and I can say it's good. Look at my eyes, I don't have wrinkles. Well, I'm 27. I don't think I'm about to start getting wrinkles until I'm about 40 or something. Anyway...
Next, I put on Pond's Age Defense multi-benefit Illuminating cream. It has SPF 15 PA++. Then, Pond's White Beauty pinkish white glow lightening cream. Now, first of all, these two products are NOT whitening products. I use them because they're really cheap, and I need a moisturizer in the morning that's not too heavy.
Next, this is how I prepare myself after the skin care stuff: I put on Maybelline's Clear Smooth Minerals liquid foundation in Natural Buff. I top that with some concealer -- I have e.l.f.'s tone correcting concealer in fair. Again, these are all really cheap stuff, but they're working great for me. I top that with powder foundation -- any will do: Maybelline, Avon's Simply Pretty, and the one I regularly use is Ever Bilena (again, because it's really cheap). On my lips, I use The Body Shop's Born Lippy in Strawberry as base, and top it with either one of the two: e.l.f.'s Hypershine Gloss or Maybelline's fruty jelly in Raspberry Juice.

Evenings (or mornings) before I sleep:

I wash my face again with Anew Rejuvenate, tap some eye cream from Garnier, use Ziaja multivitamin moisturizing face cream (I'll talk about this later on), and apply some petroleum jelly on my lips.

Again, everything is pretty simple, and I use the most basic and cheap products that work. I don't use makeup a lot. Sometimes I do, and when I do, I just ask some from my little sister JENNY (who's really very pretty).

So anyway, I said earlier that I'll talk about Ziaja. This is my favorite face cream right now. It's really cheap. I forgot how much it cost me, but it really is. You can just go to any Beauty Bar store, and you'll find different types of face creams, eye creams, and other skin care protection stuff from Ziaja. You can also click here for their website.

So that's it for now.

xoxo

Sunburst Chicken Cebu -- authentic fried chicken

2009-08-03T10:06:00.004+08:00

...So hubby and I ate in Sunburst SM yesterday for lunch-- and I know a lot of people are gonna think I'm weird after this, but I don't really like their chicken that much. I can cook a meaner fried chicken than what they have, but then that's just me.

I'm gonna post a picture later, but it's not mine...or better yet, I'm just not gonna post a picture so I won't get hate mails or suits or anything for that matter. You can just google sunburst chicken cebu for the pictures. (I don't have a camera right now. The camera I have, the one I share with my sister is in Malaysia -- she's there for 8 days, visiting her boyfriend. Hey sissy and Teddy! *waves*)

First of all, hubbydoo LOVES sunburst. He loves their chicken, their coleslaw and french fries, and chicken skin.He just loves it. We ate there because he wanted to.

Let me explain. He had always wanted to eat in Sunburst with me. He claims he has only eaten there with his family since he was a kid. Now, I'm no Sunburst child. My childhood was really delicious home cooked fare: leche flan, veggies, fish and chicken and pork and meat...spaghetti, macaroni...that kind of stuff. We didn't eat out a lot. We did, but not a lot. My mom was so much into the health food diet, and we looked great when we were kids. (we really did!)

Anyway, so back to Sunburst. I have eaten there in the past like maybe once, and I didn't like it at all. The food is oily (it's okay if it's oily, but I want to have an underlying taste of butter, and their food didn't).

So I ended up giving a chunk of my lunch to my husband who was happily chowing down his food. So for everyone out there who loves Sunburst, hats off to you. A lot of you do, including my husband. Granted, their food is great. But it's just not my cup of tea -- or chicken for the matter.

xoxo

Staying Sensational After Saying I Do

2009-08-03T09:40:00.004+08:00

Okay, so this is not exactly a book review. I'm writing about this book, because I'm loving it. I had this book since -- I don't know...back in December? April?... Anyway, I have read this book before, but I didn't really appreciate it because I thought it was boring.

But then I stumbled on the book again the other day and started reading it again. I realized this book isn't something you need to read from cover to cover in one seating. This is more of a reference or a self-help book, and you kind of go over it when you need it or something.

Anyway, like I said, I have been reading it, and it's amazing. It answers all tricky questions like, "Do I have to say goodbye to my exes?" and duh-yeah. It's impossible to make two men who have both seen you naked into good friends. -- That was in the book! It was so hilarious, but it also made a lot of sense.

Useful stuff like how to manage your last names, how to decorate your new nest if you have different style views (or if your guy has no style), how to become a domestic goddess (which I am so NOT, but I want to be anyhow), how to handle spats, and how to have a wonderful life together starting NOW.

So you see, it is really a great book. The author says you don't have to be matronly in matrimony, and she's got it! I mean, this is how I look like and I'm married (and I gave birth already!):

Ila Puti - an old favorite

2009-07-29T12:18:00.002+08:00

I have always loved Ila Puti's dishes. I love it so much that hubby and I reserved the place for the after-party of our civil wedding back in '08. Anyway, I'm not exactly sure how many locations they have in Cebu now, but the one I frequent is in I1 Building in IT Park (they used to have a branch in Sykes, but I think it's already closed).

Their dishes are a unique fusion of Asian dishes - Thai, Filipino, Japanese, Malaysian, Mongolian and Indian. They also serve pasta - from the uber tasty Pasta Puti (their version of carbonara and my personal favorite!) to the eccentric Triton's Treat -- it's their own version of seafood pasta with bagoong. I mean, go figure. Pasta with bagoong? I'll pass. But all the other dishes I've tasted were great.

My usual order a few years back was always, always, and always Pasta Puti. I wouldn't order anything else. And hubby's was stroganov. Lately, I've taken to trying some of their dishes, and they weren't so bad. Fact is, I enjoyed the unique taste of their other dishes that I have forgotten the taste of Pasta Puti (I haven't ordered that in quite a while).

Aside from Pasta Puti, these are the other dishes I've tried (and loved!)

Stroganov - tenderloin tips in sour cream sauce with garlic rice
Peking Pork - tenderloin tips in oyster sauce with Peking style stir-fried rice
Kari Kulkarni - tenderloin tips in curry sauce with tomato basil rice
Teriyakatsu - tenderloin tips in teriyaki sauce with Japanese infused stir-fried rice
Nonihm Thai - Adobo tips with Bagoong rice
Milkfish in cococream sauce - boneless bangus with coconut curry sauce
Buffalo chicken fingers - chicken fillet cooked with hot and spicy buffalo sauce
Grilled Asian Chops - grilled lemongrass pork chop with garlic shrimp fried rice

Their prices range from P110 - P180. The price is without doubt, very affordable!

My personal rating? It's 4 out of 5 (5 being the highest)

It could have been a five if their service was excellent. It's ok, but it's not great. Most of their staff don't know what dishes they're serving, and it's really a hassle if you want to know more about the food you're ordering. They're not very friendly either.

My overall verdict? This is a must-try in Cebu. Skeptic? Visit their site first. Click here and be convinced!

So anyway, that's my review of Ila Puti. The last time I went there was a couple of days ago -- with Ate BJ, Nes, and hubby. Here are some of the pictures. The food we ordered were Nonihm Thai (me), Stroganov (hubby), Kari Kulkarni (Nes), and Milkfish in cococream sauce (Ate BJ). Oh, and we also ordered Buffalo Chicken Fingers to share.

Here are some of the pictures. I'll just make a collage so you won't have to scroll down a lot of times. *grins*

xoxo

Back2Back: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past and 17 Again

2009-07-27T12:32:00.000+08:00

What do I think?...

I loved both movies, but watching them made me worry. I think I'm getting older. Or it could be that I was too sleepy while watching both movies. I didn't laugh a lot, I kept looking at the time, and I kept looking around at everyone, amazed that they're all fixed on the tube.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not cynical when it comes to mushy, chick flicks. I love them! (I love CIA and adventure movies too) But I don't understand why I thought Matthew Mcconaughey was too old for that movie...or that the going back to high school plot was getting overused. Or that there were too many weird people in one family...or that I didn't get the warm feeling I usually get when watching happy endings.

Don't listen to me. I'm ranting about these two great movies that everyone else enjoyed except me. So don't listen. The movies were great. I was probably just not in my normal state last weekend.

...i loved Jennifer Garner's clothes though... *smile*

xoxo

Click here for more information on both movies:

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

17 Again

Bigby's Cafe - 100% guaranteed!

2009-07-27T11:21:00.001+08:00

Think: Sicilian Meatballs - 5 cheese-stuffed meatballs tossed with spaghetti noodles in aromatic brown sauce. Yummmm!

Think again: Grilled Chicken Carbonara - fetuccini noodles tossed with bacon and mushroom in a creamy white sauce. Topped with grilled chicken breast.

Add: Grilled rodeo chops - marinated pork chops grilled nice n' easy with cranberry sauce.

Not sold yet?...

Try their Passion Fish or Tuscan Fish Melt.

You'd think you're not in the Philippines. You'd think you were out, touring the world with your tastebuds. Try it! You won't be disappointed.

Guaranteed 100% satisfaction.

I kissed a girl, and I liked it!

2009-07-27T11:05:00.001+08:00

No, I really didn't...The blog title? Uhmm, nothing...Taylor Swift, that's all.

That's not what this entry is all about anyway,lol.

So, I know I haven't made an entry recently...here's what's keeping me sane and happy the past few days:

allthatglitters21 and juicystar07 in youtube
our uber successful garage sale
our latest fans - PCD kids!
hubby's spaghetti, avocado shake, and pork sinigang
my latest mini-haul: ziaja multivitamin face cream, e.l.f. concealer, e.l.f. supershine gloss, and a brandless foundation
late Saturday night gabfest with the girls - lee, ads, and brey - at Starbucks
midnight chow with hubby - pizza hut's three cheese!
Sunday mass and dinner with my lil sister - jenn and my lil sister-in-law, nes.
weekend home with momsymoo and deejay!

...so yeah, all is right with the world!

Before I sign out, let me give a great shout-out to Christina. I hope you're feeling a lot better now!

xoxo

...

2009-07-12T09:09:00.000+08:00

I just want to put this here: Happy 10th wedding monthsary, daddy-love! I love you!

Must-See Movie: The Secret Life of Bees

2009-07-12T08:53:00.000+08:00

If you haven't seen it, go get a copy...it has everything in it: happiness, trials, finding one's self...I found myself crying in a lot of the scenes, but not because I was sad...It just moved me in a way I can't even begin to explain fully.

Kul Kitchen - Awesome Foodie in IT Park

2009-07-11T12:31:00.001+08:00

I'm all about the pictures for now. I'll post an entry about this restaurant when I have time. Suffice it to say, this is one of my fave restaurants in IT Park - Next to Ila Puti, and Mooon, and Casa Verde, and Da Vinci...

Shicken ala Creme...Creamed ribs...Triple B-Q...Mushroomed Beef...Spaghetti Bolognese...Ultra Hot Sizzling Calamare...and a lot more! I come here almost every night to eat, and I never get tired of their taste!

Jacobo's - A Food Review

2009-07-06T11:05:00.001+08:00

Jacobo's is IT Park's newest foodie. Step inside, and you'd see that the interior is all at once intimate, homey, and elegant. Their menu boasts of unique blends of Filipino, American, and what-else. They also have an all-you-can-eat plated breakfast for only a hundred pesos (about 2 dollars).

Impressed, hubby and I decided to check it out. I first ordered pancakes with bacon. I loved the pancake! It had notes of mango in it. Hubby had orange-glazed tocino, which for him, tasted like conventional tocino. "Nothing exceptional" he said.

My next order - adobo hash. It was too salty for my taste, and hubby didn't like it either. I downed it with a glass of water. Hubby's second order was Chorizo Pinoy, which didn't taste so good either. We were going to order a third helping (I wanted to have the pancakes again) but we didn't like their service.

Let me tell you what happened: Nobody explained to us fully, how plated all-y0u-can-eat works. Cebu has a lot of all-you-can-eat places, but most of them are buffet. Hubby had a couple tablespoons of rice left in his first order, but they reprimanded him (the supervisor did!), and they made us wait 20 minutes to be served his second order. I only had to wait 5 minutes for my second order.

I politely asked for a Customer Feedback questionnaire, but they didn't have one. I insisted on a piece of paper, so they gave me one, and when I asked for the name of the supervisor or the owner of the place, no one would tell me! Everyone, specially the manager was unprofessional and the thing is, that's no way to run a restaurant specially if the food is not even that great to begin with.

Mon Amies

2009-07-02T06:59:00.000+08:00

Amici per Vita

Jacqueline - my childhood bestfriend. We used to play with a lot of other kids in the neighborhood, but she was closest to me. No secrets though, at least none that I can remember. She has a baby now, all grown up and married.

Angel - We were pretty and popular, and she was my bestfriend in Elementary. We shared a lot of firsts, like our first "grown-up" trip to the city. Read: no parents. It was so funny. We only had a hundred bucks each, and we spent it on food mostly, and useless stuff. We still keep in touch, and it's nice to still be able to talk to one of my oldest friends ever.

Kate - Kate was also my bestfriend in Grade school. Looks sweet and really pretty too. There were three of us: (me, Angel, and Kate) and we were terrible. Wait...Kate was kind, and Angel and I were terrible. Lol. We thought we were princesses and we thought we owned the world. We were probably the "Mean Girls" in grade school then...

Olive - One of my closest friends from high school until now. Not married, totally single and available. Laughs a lot. Easy to get along with. Lost her mom a few years ago and I know it was a big blow to her and her family. She's tough and vulnerable at the same time. I'd kill for her.

Yna - One of my bestfriends in high school. We used to go to each other's houses, play volleyball, gossip about other people, read books, and do everything but study! She's a ball of fun and I love her to bits. Right now, we don't talk as much as we did back then, but we keep in touch. She's in the US Navy and a part-time model in the States too.

Christine - Pretty, shy, white, Chinese. Quiet, but can be very intense too. We shared a passion for music -- Backstreet Boys/3T/Boyzone -- back in high school. I dated her cousin before, and well...that's history now. Cheers!

O-Y - Athletic, a true friend, a rock. O-Y was my one true friend in school who I could talk nonsense to, and she'd listen to me and make me believe I had sense. She's in Makati now, and I'm sad to say I haven't kept in touch with her, and all because her email isn't active and I lost her phone number when I lost my phone. Boohoo.

Adelaine - Wildfire. Chatterbox. Ladymanchester. She's all that and more. Like Olive, she's single and available (or maybe unavailable because she only wants to date football players from England harhar). I just love her, and I miss her. I haven't seen her in a long time. We live in the same city, but we don't even have time to meet up. We update each others' lives online because that's the only way for us to keep in touch.

Lee Ann - Pretty as a swan but with a dark side. She's living my dream (work assignments in Europe, a top position, a Master's degree, and dark adventures to boot!) I wouldn't dare live her life though. Only someone with genious talent like her can pull everything off perfectly.

Daisy - My lawyer bestfriend. She lived my dream too, when she went to Sweden for a year and went to all these places in Western Europe. She was my shock absorber in school, and she was my angel-slash-devil friend. I could relate to her a lot. She's a spitfire, but she could be the sweetest thing on Earth too. Bless her.

Dorothy - My favorite friend and bestfriend. We have gone through almost everything - heartaches, crushes, street food, family drama, our own drama, marriages, kids...enough said.

Julien - Gorgeous sex kitten. From hopping financial jobs (Chase to RCBC to Metrobank) to hopping places (Singapore, Dumaguete, Cebu, Makati)...It girl, former model, bestfriend.

Michelle - Absolutely dependable. Trustworthy, and true friend til the end. She calls me Shwevil. We used to be called "tripod". Lol. It's so cheesy, but she and her ex-boyfriend Dave, and me were inseparable before. We used to eat out, watch movies, and loved and hated each other. I miss our moments.

Anthea - Impeccably pretty, and very smart too. She's one of my closest and oldest friends in PS, and she made me read books that broadened my horizon (from Jostein Gaarder's Sophie's World to Gabriel Garcia Marquez' A Hundred Years of Solitude to Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray).

Sarah - Model, Musician, lover of life. Although we haven't had time to hang out recently, I know that she's just there. All I need to do is text, and she'd be there. She was the one who asked me outright if I was pregnant when I was unsure then. And when my baby died, she was the one who brought a priest to officiate a sort-of prayer that night. Everything was so sudden, but she was an angel in my time of darkness.

Mary Jane - My troubled friend. She's in Bacolod now, so we haven't had a chance to go out recently. She's a tart, but we love each other to bits. I know she'd kill for me.

2009-07-02T06:52:00.000+08:00

Confessions of a WanderLust

I love to travel. Going places, visiting tourist spots, bumming in a world where no one knows you, it's amazing! I have not been to a lot of places, but I do try to go to a new place at least once a year (heck, I'd go to a new place every quarter of the year if I could afford it!)

Baguio and Metro Manila:
I went to Baguio with choice friends some 3 years ago or so...Had a blast with Michelle, Dave, and Les. Until now, I don't know where we got the energy to go around Baguio the night arrived there considering we all had to work for 8 hours before catching up with our flight, and had a 6-hour or so bus ride going to Baguio. But we did go out, and we weren't tired then, mind you. We ate at local restaurants, and went to all the crazy places.

Palawan:
A few months after that, I went to Palawan with the same group. This is different. There was no retail therapy anywhere, but their seafood was beyond delicious! Their shrimps, crabs, fish...the beach! Oh, the beach and their caves. The people, the staff of the travel agency...Everything was beautiful, and everyone was amazing. A lot of history in that place, but I can't seem to remember all of it, haha..

Fast forward to later, I met my hubby (my boyfriend then --duh!--) and everything changed. Suddenly, my life is all about him. I still see my friends, but not as often as I did before. I don't mind though. He is everything to me. He is now my travel buddy, and traveling with him is easily 10 times cooler!

Here are the places that hubby and I have traveled together:

Bohol:
Bohol, Bohol, Bohol. I just can't say it enough. Gorgeous place, lots of tourist spots, powdery white sand beaches, and it has a mall! I love the food in Bohol, but did not enjoy it as much as I did in Palawan. Bohol is hubby's favorite place, so there. Enough said.

Bantayan Island:
This was almost a retreat for us. Shortly a month after Baby Elle died, we needed to get out and revive ourselves. We needed to get away from everyone, and just be connected with nature. Plust the fact that it's famous for its white sand beaches doesn't hurt...

Cotabato City and General Santos City
This place isn't new to hubby as he's from Cotabato City, but totally novel to me. I was imagining all sorts of military visibility and warcraft. And these places did not disappoint. Needless to say, both cities are beautiful, but I'm just not comfortable living there. Can't catch up on my zzzzzs peacefully there.

Metro Manila (again)
Intramuros, Casa Manila, Greenhills, Quiapo church, Tomas Morato strip, Mall of Asia, Science and Discovery Centre, Luneta Park, Ocean Park, Star City. All the cheesy places couples go when they are in Manila, and more.

Next stop?...I want to go to Manila again (for Enchanted Kingdom, Montalban Zoo, Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure) and Camiguin, but hubby wants to fly out to Hong Kong or Singapore instead. We'll see, we'll see.

you are a child of the universe!

2009-06-17T10:48:00.000+08:00

...this is so true. I'm sure you've read this before, but it does not hurt to go over this. Enjoy!

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly,

and listen to others,even to the dull and ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own careerhowever humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind youto what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals,

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love,

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life,keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham,drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

i believe in angels

2009-06-11T10:49:00.000+08:00

I ignored the signs. I deluded myself into thinking that I'm fine and that missing my period for four consecutive months was normal. You see, there was no morning sickness or fainting spells, and I thought I was okey. I kept eating all the junk food and useless goo. I kept myself busy with work. I even stayed two days straight in the office to beat a deadline. I dieted, I went out, I hung out with people who smoke. But while I was doing all this to prove to myself that everything's normal, I knew deep inside that I was pregnant. How could I ignore my strong craving for food? Or my abnormal need for extra sleep? How about that itch in my tummy? Or the sudden hormonal surge?

I was at the peak of my life. I was scared, and I was selfish. But more than that, I was stupid for letting myself think that a baby could throw away all my dreams. I didn't want a baby before I turned thirty. I wanted to have a fun, fabulous life first. I wanted to travel the world! I wanted a lot of things in life, and a baby would stop me from getting all that.

I waited until my dad came home from a work assignment in Qatar before I told my boyfriend that we needed to see a doctor to confirm my pregnancy.I already had a small baby bump, and I still believed I wasn't pregnant.

The first time we (my boyfriend and I) visited the doctor, I told her (the doctor) that I wasn't sure if I was pregnant, but that I haven't had my period in four months. She confirmed it by looking for the baby's hearbeat. Both my boyfriend and I cried -- he cried at the wonder and astonishement, I cried because I was crushed. I remember thinking then that my life was over, and that my parents would kill me. The weeks after that were easier than I thought. My boyfriend's family was very supportive, and so were mine, specially my sister. I didn't get the verbal thrashing I thought I was going to get, and because of that, I made a resolve to take care of my baby and my body properly. I ate fruits and vegetables. I drank milk. I took the vitamins that my doctor prescribed. I had myself checked -- my blood, sugar level, and we had our first ultrasound.

The baby was fine at five months, and for the first time, I accepted and loved the baby growing inside me. I started taking walks everyday, I started to read pregnancy and baby books, I started listening to classical music, I started talking to my baby, and most importantly, I started praying for a safe delivery. I was beautiful, I did not become fat, and my skin was glowing. I wore trendy items, and never wore maternity clothes. I thought to myself, I'm willing to give up my dream of traveling around the world for my baby. Everything was perfect, or so I thought.
I was seven months pregnant. My boyfriend and I went to the doctor's office for our regular pre-natal check-up. My doctor took one look at me and got concerned. She requested a congenital anomaly scan. She said my tummy had grown so big, I looked like I was about to give birth. I was scared again, but this time, I was scared I had done something during the first three months of my pregnancy that possibly harmed my baby. I tried recalling the food I had eaten, my activities, my then nutrition intake, and I cringed. I wasn't taking care of my body, and the possibilities were scary. When my name was finally called, I had calmed down just enough to brave my way inside.

She had fetal hydrops (pleural effusion, ascitis, and nuchal fold), an echogenic left lung, possibly a CCAM versus a reactive process to the pleural fluid. There's a mediastinal shift due to the pleural effusion, and she had seemingly shortened proximal long bone measurements. Words cannot describe what happened after that. My boyfriend and I broke down. We went to church directly to cry and to pray -- not to question. We had another ultrasound at a different clinic with the same results. I consulted another gynecologist. I regularly talked to my mother who kept telling me that I should be strong, and that I should stop crying all the time (it's stressing the baby, she told me). She wanted me to keep praying for a miracle and to have faith in God.
At eight months pregnant, I had a hard time sitting down for long. And if I stood, the weight of my tummy would take its toll on my body. It was hard for me to sleep as well. Breathing evenly was difficult, and my back was hurting so much. My tummy got so big, people around me thought I was expecting twins!

December 9 2007. I will never forget that day.
I remember that my lower abdomen was hurting so much, and I called the office that I won't be in for the first half of my shift. I came in after lunch, and little over an hour at the office, I couldn't bear the pain sitting down. I went to the toilent to pee, and I saw bloodstains. I wasn't sure what it meant, but I knew I needed to see my gynecologist immediately. I called my boyfriend. He was at the city's convention center, organizing that night's office Christmas party. I called up my mom who told me that I needed to go to the hospital, or see my gynecologist right away, and that chances are, I was going to give birth that day.

She was right. I labored for 2 hours, and gave birth to a baby girl. It was the most agonizing 2 1/2 hours of my life. I knew my baby won't make it, but I kept holding on, kept hoping for a miracle. We named her Nina Carmellie -- Nina for Santo Nino or Baby Jesus, and Carmellie for Carmelites Monastery. She survived for seven minutes, long enough for a quick christening, and a revival attempt. But she had too many anomaly conditions to save her.

Up to this day, I blame myself and my immaturity. It cost a life: my child's. It was a lesson in grief and heartache...a lesson in love and maturity. A lesson I learned the hardest way.