Fast Track Updates

Sorry for the long absence...still catching up with life and work.
It's audit season, you know! :P

This is one of the cool sights I've seen a while back. I enjoy the good old Havaianas like a lot of Flips here though I don't wear mine as often as the rest since I do want to look a bit more semi-casual than beachy casual. The slippers are so popular in the tropics like the Philippines since we have tons and tons of beaches to choose from and we basically love being in the sun!
This was taken at Serendra, Fort where there were gigantic displays of the famous slippers with various themes.
I'm guessing this pays homage to soccer. The slipper company is a huge fan of the sport - maybe because it's made in Brazil...or @least most of them where conceptualized there. :P

In celebration of the movie, Speedracer, Rockwell's Power Plant was one of the places that this "star" gave light to the movie. I never would have thought this car ever existed in this lifetime aside from what's in the movie.
Although it didn't fair well in the box office, it was pretty cool to be able to touch and to be this close to the star of the show. Too bad E was at work when I took this photo. It was my bragging rights picture! :P
Go Speedracer go!

Travel Café Philippines
2/F GB5
Rating: 2/5
E & I checked out the new café at GB5 on a lazy Sunday afternoon. We shared this dessert sampler which showcased the typical Filipino native sweets. There was the leche flan (Filipino custard), suman (sticky rice cooked in coconut milk), banana turrón (deep fried banana wrapped in spring roll skin) and some fresh fruits on the side. It looked so impressive and nice in photos but the only winner for us were the banana turrón. Would we go back again...most likely not.

Restaurante Pia y Damaso
2/F GB5
Rating: 3/5
One of our food trippings again at GB5 on another Sunday afternoon for snacks.
The chocolate was cool since carabao's milk was used so it smelled heavenly and so rich. E was a really happy camper with this unique detail.
I had the "boring" hot peppermint tea. :P We share a toasted local pastry - ensaymada (Filipino sweet bread).

Cuillère
G/F Serendra
Rating: 2/5
One of the highlights at this resto. My mom was so looking forward to some good French food in Manila - this comparing it with Le Souffle. Sad to report that she was disappointed with the results. The cool thing was the soup and the rest was so-so to her. It's quite pricey but as long as the food is superb, we will keep coming back for more. E and I still have to go back to try the lamb platter so we'll keep the rating as it is for now.

CAV
Lot 5, Quadrant 8, Bonifacio High Street
Rating: 4/5
Love the set menus offered that you can personalize - either a three or four course option. The one photographed is my dessert, Baked Alaska. Very fatty but not bad.
The feature of this resto is the very cool wine dispensers wherein guests can try various win by the glass on their own - similar to the soft drink dispensers but a lot more sophisticated. We weren't able to have wine on our trip there but I can see that it's a really hip and happening place that requires you either to make reservations or go early to secure a nice table. A lot of beautiful people make up this joint. Get ready to be pretty and to spend a bit.

Look who visited me in Manila...of all people! It's R and his family!!! What a blast from my YVR past and in "my turf"!
Though of course I was pretty surprised when I got an FB message that he would be coming. It was totally a crazy surprise since I didn't think he would be heading to Asia in general since he was wrapping med school.
R and his parents came to Manila to play some golf with their friends. His folks are basically retired, mom's semi while dad's fully retired. They stay in HKG almost half of the year now since they have some business in China and are looking into moving back to be closer with their HKG relatives. I think if this pushes through, I will have the possibility of seeing R more than before. The last time we hung out was my YVR time in 2004! It was pretty cool to let E meet some of my YVR friends.
I showed R some sights and food trips around town the day after he arrived while the rest of the time was a lot of golfing trips for him and his folks. :D
We went around ChinaTown, Chinese Cemetary, Fort Santiago, Old Manila, Rockwell, Alabang Town Center, etc. I hope his folks enjoyed their golf game and come back again soon!

This is our new family member (MIL's), Creamy. He's far bigger and got groomed to shorter do now than in the picture. He has been a real handfull since he refused to be housetrained and has been driving everyone nuts! He's pee'd and poo'd whenever and wherever he wants. There were times that my E and I babysit him and it would mean guarding this little one's every move around the house, especially our room! :P
Plus I changed my hairstyle a few weeks after this picture has been taken.
Been so busy these days due to the new work and just getting the house orgazined.


This is one of purchases that E and I got for the house. We got this during the Megamall 3-day Mega Sale at My Home.
It's pretty cool with it being expandable on both sides - the white portion is the "extended" part while collapsing it would reveal only the glass portion that is nice for dinners for 2. Anything more would require extendingthe table so as not to look so cramp.
I love the "modern contemporary" look of this. Form and functions are my criteria in searching for the right furniture...oh, and aside from the dimensions. E was super excited when I discovered this through my furniture research.
Thanks Dey!

Okay - next would be the sofa/living room - I'm off to get this rolling...

Boracay 2008 Trip

Went to Boracay for a few days during the Holy Week break...before the crowds.
Stayed at Discovery Shores. See pictures below.
Verdict: Highly Recommended
Decor: Greek Islands feel, Buji Layug furnitures all around (awesome stuff), modern chic
Service: full service deluxe for everything and anything you would want to have (all within reason)
Food: free meriendas by the beach and by the pool, cookies & fruits galore, drink freebees
Amenities: free Wi-Fi, DVD player on each room, free DVD rentals, free kiddie toys for the pool, beach and playroom, etc.

GO GO GO GO...save your money and treat yourself to the best! :)

I'm currently back to my couch-potato ways and currently follow the Gossip Girl, Project Runway (Season 4). Speaking of the former show, there seems to be a similar thing happening with a Manila-based blog, http://delfindjmontano.blogspot.com/. It's pretty interesting and makes a great reading.

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Kit: Aggregates and Igglitates by Deanna Patterson

Template: 12X12 Template – Corner It by Doodleboogs

Extra: Mess It Up Splatters by Deanna Patteson

Font: Arial and Bernard MT Condensed

Program: PS7.0

Journaling: I savour watching Aidan take his afternoon naps. There is just something about a child’s serene look when they are asleep that is unexplainably fulfilling for a mother. It could most probably be how angels sleep.

Tag Catch-ups

Got some busy catching up on some tags given by my good blogger pals, TiggerLily, The Big Heart Award. Thanks so much TiggerLily! A real wonderful surprise to an anxious week for me.
I would like to award this to the following people:
Malou
Steph
Candy
MizzM
Cayla73
Bethie
Jhen
Valerie

Got tagged by Steph on the below:
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In 8 facts about yourself, you share 8 things that your readers don’t know about you. Then at the end you tag at least 8 other bloggers to keep the fun going.
Here are the rules:
* Each blogger must post these rules first.
* Each blogger starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
* Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
* At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
* Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
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1. i am too trusting.
2. i keep a stash of junk foods at home and at the office.
3. i have a cleanliness obsession.
4. i relax by painting my own nails with &/or without design.
5. i love reading gossip - people &/or entertainment, than the news...though i have to do the latter one for work.
6. i am so lazy to workout...but to power-shop is different issue.
7. i love soup.
8. i enjoy watching the sunset & loungin' (reinforces the lazy personnae).

I will be tagging TiggerLily, Malou, Cayla73, Bethie, Jhen, Candy, MizzM, and Valerie.

I already got one firm offer and is currently waiting for another one to respond soon then I can decide better on what will my future will be. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I choose the "right one" for me. :D

After playing for the "Fed", I decided to slowly start playing golf again once/twice a week again.
I realized that I do need the exercise and get back to seeing my old golfing pals. This is aside from getting back to my old handicap and performing well at the "Fed".
I learned a lot at last Thursday's Fed...
*like being calmer during tournaments;
*getting better focus on the game while tuning out the rest of the world;
*taking chances and believing in myself.

Resto Review:
CAV, Bonifacio Global City
3*/5*
- a bit on the pricey side
- Claim-to-Fame: wines and the wine dispenser/vending machine
- we didn't feel like having wine so opted out though they have wine pairs for their courses: 3 (php850) or 4 (Php1190) courses option.
- the lobster bisque was on the salty side but Ed's pastrami corn soup was decently better
- love the duck dish especially the duck and the mushroom risotto that came with it while Ed enjoyed his "Variations of Lamb"
- Valrhona Souffle was super while Baked Alaska wasn't as eventful
- might come back but maybe further down the road


Title: Affections of the Heart
Kit: Affections of the Heart by Shabby Scrap Designs (Deanna Patterson)
Template: h12x12 Template – Bracket It by Doodleboogs
Font: CloisterBlack BT
Program: PS7.0







Title: A Moment Defined
Kit: Queen Prissy Pink by Deanna Patterson
Template: 12x12 Template - Table of Contents by Doodleboogs
Word Art: Queen Prissy Pink by Deanna Patterson
Program: PS7.0








Title: A Day Started...
Kit: Queen Prissy Pink by Deanna Patterson
Template: 12x12 Template – Bracket It by Doodleboogs
Program: PS7.0
Font: CK Becky
TYFL!

Settling

With regards to the work front, I'm still scouting around and seeing what's available. There are few more options to check-in so I better do that. My brother told me to just be patient and give it some time since it's only recently that I started to look and something like this shouldn't be rushed into.
For now, I'm so lazy to look and send out CVs since I need to still fix-up their place and get "settled". I hope Ed knows how much hassle to look for the "right furnitures" with the "right prices". Each day is about trying to remember what needs to be done for the house/parents/Ed/relatives, meetings to be attended, jobs to be found, etc.

Our Vday dinner was delayed (for now) since we both didn't feel well (read below) so we decided to move the celebration to after my trip to HongKong instead. There are a few more places that we are considering in passing. Hoping this will push through. :)

This entry was inspired by the song of Tara Maclean's "Settling" for this entry. Aside from loving the song, I love the lyrics to it. Settling, to me, used to have a finite/defined/constant time in my head but as I grew to where I am - it doesn't seem to be the case. It's so many questions about yourself and who you are whenever life throws you a "curve-ball" or two, which happens quite often. There will be times that life is just so "wrong" to me but I have to keep moving and striving to get to a moment of peace and contentment so keep me sane for the people who care for me.

*****
Resto Reviews:
1.) Napoli Pizzeria Ristorante (Italian)
Ground Level, Imperial Palace SuitesTimog-Morato RotondaQuezon City
Tel. No.: 925-9224
- this came highly recommended by my brother. As per him, the Quezon City branch is better than the one in Glorietta 3.
- Cheddar Chunk ~ middle was cold/frozen...might have been the cause of Ed's & my stomach problems right after...might want to avoid the risk of waking up 5am to eat meds.
- Shrimp Pesto Pasta ~ pasta was a bit overcooked as per Ed but as side from that, sauce was great!
- Napoli Pizza ~ so-so. I wish the pasta was bit thinner (it's suppose to be a thin crust pizza), lighter and crispier.
- huge portions; definitely for sharing; be weary and not try anything else but the pasta & pizza; this place gets packed very quickly so plan ahead, if you would like to head there.

2.) Joey Pepperoni (Italian)
G/F RFM Corporate CenterPioneer cor. Sheridan St. Mandaluyong City
Tel. No.: 631-1688
- Pastas ~ Putanesca, Shrimp Gamberi & Pesto Cream...all perfectly done but portion
- Joey Pepperoni Pizza 8"~ nice, crunchy and tasty...just how I like them.
- good & cheap; a lot of corporate events held here often so the both times that Ed & I went, we were seated at the al fresco dining area; note that portions are small for guys.

3.) Cuillier (French)
Unit 1C-06 & 1C-07 Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City
Tel. No.: 916-7394; 856-63325

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Kit: Affections of the Heart by Shabby Scrap Designs (Deanna Patterson)
Template: 12x12 Template - Vertical Split by Doodleboogs
Program: PS7.0
Font: Geometr231 BT
Journaling: There’re always two people in ever picture: the photographer and the viewer. In this case, it would be four.

Jobs Jobs Jobs

Job-hunts are tough especially when markets are not really doing so well and everyone is starting to look for work at the same time as you. There will always be jobs around but the main problem is choosing the "right job" for you.
The dilemma of having to weigh-in the advantages/disadvantages of each sort of job is just frustrating to me because the answer isn't as cut-and-dry for such a life-altering phase of one's life: money&stress versus experience, fixed versus flexi-time, goals-oriented versus deliverables-oriented, late nights versus later nights, clients versus silo, same level or level up, take it or wait for the next offer...etc.
Hay...frustrating indeed.
Everything's currently on hold, a lot of planned trips, as I sort this out. I hate having to make people wait on me so i hope to get all of this fixed up as soon as possible.

When One Door Closes...

It's great to be back...to Manila, to my family and friends, to my old roots and at the same time be a "mrs". :) Since I've been settling, there are random things that happened - one of my CT's got dissolved and I resigned (for now) from another CT. I believe I have a lot on my plate as of date so I do not want to have my designers wait for me to get my life in-check again before creating things...plus I sometimes feel a bit bogged down these days.
But as that saying goes "when one door closes, another one opens up" - one of the dissolved CT's designers asked me to join her to be one of her CT, which I was honored since I love her work. We'll see how this one goes.
I'm slowly getting back to creating since I have to prepare and condition myself to "normalicy"...now we have heard this before already.

Ed and I are adjusting as husband and wife...very new to us since we see each other's peeves.
Wish us luck...don't think it gets easier.

Manila Foodscape.
Since Ed and I are getting used to living together, we have decided to have "weekend date nights" - wherin we would go out to try a new resto and/or catch a movie. We have tried quite a bit already that I'm unable to update immediately here so check out the below's short summaries.

11.Jan.2008 - Queen's (Jupiter St. Makati)
Review: Indian-Malaysian cuisine. Friendly and hospitable service. The menu's a lot so we had to ask for recommendations. I always thought that the resto only served Indian and be fine dining...but I guess I was wrong...or they have changed their menu.
Verdict: We both love our orders - Nasi Goreng (vegetarian) and Indian Lamb Curry (?)...so nice! We are still remembering the taste of them. :D
Rating: 4*

18.Jan.2008 - Purple Feet (Reposo St. Makati)
Review: This resto has a shared space with Wine Depot wherein you can purchase the wine there and consume it there. Cuisine is home-style cooking and in any way you want. The ingredients available were posted on a big black chalk board...like how I remember school used to be. :)
The chief came over to help us out since it was our first time and recommended Ed have the grilled ostrich with pasta siding while it's the pan-seared cobbler with mushroom risotto for me.
I had a glass of recommnded white wine while Ed had their michiatto for dessert. Oh, and I tried their penna cotta.
Verdict: Food was prepared and cooked very well. It's a simple enough resto since we both think that we can do it at home...though we won't since Ed would love to go back there again when the time comes to check out their awesome lamb chops while it's the prime rib & seabass for me. :P
Rating: 5*

20.Jan.2008 - Pia y Damaso Restaurante (GB5)
Comment: Saw it when it was soft-opening in December. Place is quaint and cozy. Service is good and hospitable. I like the mod/vintage feel. Menu is a fusion of western and filipino food like bibingka waffle, chocolate with goat's milk for their tsoklat eh.
Verdict: Recommended for merienda and what we had - Tsoklat Eh with Toasted Ensaymada while their Mint Tea is something to try since it's the store's own special blend. A bit pricy as per Ed since the merienda combo of drink and ensaymada is already Php250. I like the coziness and peace of the venue since it's small and thus can't accommodate too many people.
Rating: 4* for me while 5* for Ed

24.Jan.2008 - Cantineta (Power Plant / Rockwell)
Comment: had lunch with gal pal, KC. We ordered the cannelloni pizza and the truffle cream pasta.
Verdict: Love the pasta with its al dente noodles but not too happy with the cannelloni since it was basically like a pizza turnover...not as nice as what a regular pizza could be. Service is fair but we were seated in a hotter location...airconditioning is not enough for the venue. Oh, this is already after the lunch hour rush since we started lunch around 1pm already.
Rating: 4.5*

25.Jan.2008 - The Maison (GB5)
Comment: Ed and I went off to check out this new resto at GB5 that my mom, brother & family went recently. The Barkada ribs came highly recommended so even if it was just Ed and I, we made room for this scary beef ribs portion. Note that this portion is good for about 3-4 people. Pig-out time!!! :P
Verdict: Barkada ribs were absolutely a great choice since they were scrumptiously nice, tender and juicy. The meat basically was falling off of its bones - just how we love it! Ed enjoyed the Honey Chilli dip while it was the BBQ sauce for me. We had a side mash potatos with our meal.
Rating: 5* for the barkada ribs and service

*****
Kit/Designer: An Old Acquaintance Elements and An Old Acquaintance Papers by Deanna Patterson / Shabby Scrap Designs
Photo Credit: Imogen Photography
Program: PS7.0
Notes: This photo was taken as a recent pre-nuptial photo shoot that I found quite interesting. It was our first time to go through such a photo shoot and was a real cool experience. :)

Reem Acra Gown

After a lot of questions/queries of my gown from various people and WatW sisters, it's gives me great pleasure to let people know that it's a Reem Acra gown called "Knowing You". Mom saw it in an InStyle Weddings ad and the rest was history. :)
I ordered the gown and bodysuit that came with the ad to get the closest look. :)
The sleeves are a bit different from the photo because Reem doesn't offer that particular bodysuit since it's only for the ad and it's houte couture. Boo! :P