BORACAY SERIES : ON WAY TO PARADISE

GOD is truly THE GREATEST!  We’ve been praying for a good weather for our Boracay trip since we reserved tickets and room accommodation a month ago and  He didn’t only give us a good one but the best   

For the blessing of having an opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s best beaches safely with whole lot of family fun, we just cannot thank Him enough.

I’ll be sharing with you our family’s first adventure trip to Island Paradise in divided doses  posts :

1. Our TRIP from Manila – Kalibo – Boracay.

2. Our HOTEL and room accommodation.

3. Our days at THE BEACH!

4. Our Boracay-FOOD TRIP!

5. Our FUN ACTIVITIES at Boracay.

6. Our trip BACK TO MANILA.

My wife, Tina, our 5-year-old son, Gabby and I were up and about early last Sunday, 18 October 2009 and left the house at around 5:30 in the morning, to catch a plane ride to Kalibo at 9:05AM. 

It was too careless of me not to read (NOTE to SELF :  Yes, it pays to read instructions always!) the note at the e-ticket from Cebu Pacific that we have to go directly to the new NAIA terminal 3.  So I asked the cab driver to take us to the old(est) domestic airport and surprisingly, the guards directed us to the  proper departure area.  Unknowingly, NAIA 3 has been Cebu Pacific’s terminal  for more than a year now.  I was really clueless for my last domestic flight was 2006 when I went to Roxas City, Capiz for work-related travel.

Man, we were soooo impressed!  OK, so it isn’t as huge as Hong Kong’s or Bangkok’s but it’s comparable in terms of space and facilities.  I guess with all of those brouhaha about its construction and what have you, at least proper credits should be given to the efforts of putting it all up.  It’s always refreshing to see changes (tons of it, hopefully) and improvement in a third world country such as ours, isn’t it?  

After paying the PhP 200 per pax terminal fees and while we’re still amazed with NAIA 3, we found ourselves munching these airport foods at 6AM.

We spent PhP 500 in all of these including 2 orders of drinks; although the price was affordable, sadly there was nothing special about it, sorry.  At least, we’re happy to soothe our hungry tummies with bola-bola siopao, pork asado rice, siomai, and wanton soup.

Our boarding passes stated that the gates of 116 would open for Cebu Pacific bound to Kalibo 30 minutes before 9:05AM but it didn’t happen.  Expectedly, there was inevitable delay in flight and unluckily, it affected ours.  With only verbal apologies, they announced that our trip will be at around 10:20AM, more than an hour later than its prior schedule.

We can’t do anyting but wait and amuse ourselves;  Tina and Gabby did some yoga for my cam :)

And after several trips to the toilet to pee,  finally we boarded an air bus to Kalibo.

I don’t know about you  but I love plane rides. I’m no like my wife who’s so terrified during take-offs and descent; I even have no worries about air pockets; not that I enjoy them, LOL, but I simply trust my faith.  Weird as it gets, I also love foods served on planes!  Whether they’re only cold cuts from Lufthansa on way to Bangkok before, or the unforgettable too-much-food-to-handle frequent servings from Royal Brunei Airlines when we’re en route Manila-Brunei-Brisbane-Auckland, NZ  and those of PAL and China airlines food choices to name a few.

But since our recent trip was only 45 minute-domestic ride, nothing was served despite the late pick up.

It wasn’t the first time for our son to ride an air craft but he was still in a bassinet during his first and it has been 3 years since his second.  Last Sunday’s trip was his first local flight and at 5 years of age, he already appreciated the clouds better and had vivid recall of them after.

       

Apparently, Mr. Sun was up and shining his brightest during our flight.  It felt like summer in October! Wind wasn’t that strong. It was smoothest flight from Manila to Kalibo. It even became almost perfect had it not for the delay.

So Gabby and Mr. Spongebob Squarepants reached Kalibo airport for the first time.  As we were excited after being allowed to disembark, an imbecile who came from the rear end of the plane lighted a cigarette!  Didn’t he know that vehicles at the runway and the plane itself are flammable? Was it his first time to be at the tarmac?  Or some people are just plain stupid to be inconsiderate?

From the airport, we were fetched by the hotel staff and via a 15-seater air conditioned van, we were transported to a jetty port in Caticlan from Kalibo exactly an hour and a half  land trip.  The trip was that long, owing to the suspension to use Caticlan airport after repeated runway accidents that happened few months ago.

According to our guide, the sea breeze and the waters were quite rough so we used TABON JETTY PORT in CATICLAN instead of the CAGBAN. 

We were asked to sign two manifestos – one for Boracay Tourism Authority and the other one was for Marina’s.  We availed of the hotel’s RTT/ round trip transfers so everything was paid for us by our guide. The fees didn’t only include land transport but also environmental fees and the boat ride.

Gabby took a step after another so carefully as we get in one of these motor boats at Tabon Jetty Port, Caticlan.  Each motor boats has a maximum capacity of 3o. Marina mandates all sea aircraft passengers on open house decks  to wear life vest jackets that are provided per boat so my family was more than happy to oblidged.

As local tourists and shutter bugs, I asked my family to smile before the boat sailed to the waters…

The fifteen-minute boat ride from Caticlan to Boracay was nearly seamless until Raffy, our boat, caught up with Girly, the other boat.

The mini-traffic lasted less than a minute.

For people who can afford to spend several figures per night,  one of the high-end upscale hotels in Boracay is Discovery Shores.  Look how enticing it is to be with them from boat transfers to whatnot… It really proves that you get your money’s worth but I’m not sure if it’s as exciting as the boats we rode

We reached the first of the three barangays comprising Boracay in Malay, Aklan and this is Manoc-Manoc (the other 2 are Balabag and Yapak).

As others were fetched by golf carts and some small hotel vans, our guide ushered us to a tricycle which was a lot bigger than what we have in Manila.  It can accommodate 9 to 10 people including the driver. However, at that time, the yellow tricycle was exclusively intended for the three of us Isn’t that great?

Not too long, we were warmly received by the the resort staff who offered glasses of welcome drinks.

 

ONE FINE DAY

Guess where we went on an early Saturday morning…No, it isn’t Boracay yet   A day before our flight to paradise, my wife, Tina, our 5-year-old son, Gabby and I left our place in Quezon City before 7AM and headed to Antipolo City.  

My family and I are not that religious, but we maintain personal relationship with Him.  We decided to hear mass, pray and ask the Lord to be with us and calm the weather,  not only for our trip tomorrow but moreso for the people who were afflicted by the two recent typhoons – Ondoy and Pepeng and their places that were devastated to be spared of the recent tropical storm, Ramil that already entered Philippine area of responsibility.

My 3 brothers and I were raised by our parents whose tradition include going to Antipolo Church particularly before a travel or a flight somewhere.  And so I wanted Gabby to grow up with the same belief that the Lord and the Virgin of Antipolo guide anyone who seeks their intervention prior to a trip.  Antipolo Church is devoted to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

One special thing happened just after the Holy Communion.  When the priest invited everyone to say the prayer to Our Lady, an old woman in pink standing in front of us opened her clutch bag and handed two of these novena cards to me and my wife.

We really appreciated her gesture and smilingly thanked her after the mass.   We plan to laminate these novena cards for us to keep.

After the mass, just like the way we used to do with my parents before, Tina and I brought Gabby to the back of the altar to go upstairs and kiss the mantle / veil of the image of the Virgin.  We first brought and lighted candles and said our intentions and prayers at its lobby.     

Cameras are prohibited  inside the altar and the museum of Our Lady to keep its solemnity.

Tina bought rosaries for both of us  and had them blessed at the Church’s office. 

Before going home, Gabby requested if we can have breakfast at one of his favorites; where else but Jollibee  

Tina had beef tapa which is a sweet and salty spiced tender beef strips, while I enjoyed Jollibee’s creamy macaroni soup and corned beef meal. I like corned beef so much that I consider it as one of “I-can-eat-it-everyday-meals”    My favorite is a local brand (Purefood’s, although Palm’s from New Zealand is also yum!)

While Gabby had his usual chickenjoy (and massive gravy) and peach mango pie.Of course, no visit to Antipolo is complete without sampling their food specialties.  Antipolo is known for suman and other native delicacies and roasted cashew nuts.  We only bought suman for our afternoon merienda. Suman makes a delicious pair with mangoes.

My wife likes suman fried and caramelized with sugar; I like it as is, dipped in sugar.

At home, I immediately browsed PAG-ASA’s website and found this satellite image and diagram of typhoon Ramil’s course…

No public storm warning signal is raised as of this writing.

PAG-ASA’s forecast : 

Sunday morning:  700 kms East of Casiguran, Aurora
Monday morning: 470 kms East Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora or at 510 kms East of Tuguegarao City
Tuesday morning: 240 kms East of Tuguegarao City.

PAG-ASA noted, this disturbance will not affect any part of the country within the next 36 hours.

Prayers, as they say can move mountains.

Regardless of our religion, let’s unite in prayers that tomorrow and the days ahead will be brighter and storm-free for all of us. 

We had enough of the rains. It’s high time to move on and move up after the storm.

We all deserve a day or two to enjoy.

GOING SOMEWHERE

I know it’s off season.

But we all need a break.

Our son is excited.

And so are we.

It will be his first domestic plane ride. 

It will be his first travel to the beach.

It will be our first time to be there.

Weather, please behave.

You’ve been furious lately.

We had enough.

Give us a little time to relax.

Can’t wait for Sunday

WHEN LOSING IS GAINING

My wife, Tina and I came home a few of hours ago from the 2009 Philippine Blog Awards held at PETA theater in Quezon City. It was my first time to attend such bloggers’ event and it was thrilling because my blog  is one of the finalists in Best Family and Living Blog category.

Check out this blog’s name on the 2009 PBA souvenir’s list of finalists…

This is my first year to be nominated and was luckier to made it to the finals as well.  Being one of the finalists is already a great pleasure and winning as they say, is just icing on the cake

We came in too early, around 4:30PM because the call time on the invite via email was 5 in the afternoon.  We brought along few kilos of children’s clothes to give in to the organizers’ request for the victims of typhoon Ondoy that hit the Metro few weeks ago.

My wife and I were surprised that the event was disorganized   The booths at lobby weren’t ready yet until past 5PM. In fact, there was no person to receive the pledges as I was expecting to be given at least a receipt or something.

Good thing that while we were on the queue at the registration area, my wife and I met SIDNEY SNOECK of  MY SARISARI STORE, a photoblog I truly admire.   I, for one was so honored to finally meet him; as I’ve told him personally, I am one his followers.  I so like his works of capturing the best of Filipino culture and traditions.  Wouldn’t you be so proud of being a Pinoy that a Belgian ace-photographer-blogger like him exerts so much passion and dedication of putting Filipino colors in his photo-series?  Sidney, your award for BEST FOREIGN BLOG is well-deserved.  BRAVO!

I would also like to congratulate  DENNIS VILLEGAS  for winning multiple awards inlcuding one of the Top Ten Best Post of the year! Cheers, Dennis!  (I was the one who bumped into you and said sorry as I exit the door of the theater.  I was in a hurry to go home and was a bit struck with your presence so didn’t bother to introduce myself. Sorry. But there’s always a next time).  Again, I am a fan!

It’s always humbling to receive comments from these award-winning bloggers!  Thank you for frequenting my site.

As for my part, I was hoping to win of course, who wouldn’t? 

But I lost…. and honestly, it felt OK.  Why?  Because the “jeepney-designed” trophy and a new Nokia phone for the category I was competing were won by one of the bloggers who used to comment on my posts-  Mommy Pehpot of MAKE OR BREAK! Applause, applause!  Congratulations!

Everyone at the lobby was treated to a cocktail and dinner served by Josiah’s catering.  The spread was not bad at all. There were also free-flowing drinks to enjoy. Thank you PBA!

The event could’ve been more special if there were no flaws or at least, less hassles in the flow of the program. Man, the show started soooo late than scheduled! I’m sorry but the presenters apparently did not rehearsed.  It’s  ironic because the stage itself is built for professional thespians of PETA who are known for great discipline.  Thanks for the witty humor of the host, RJ Ledesma that saved the night. 

We didn’t finish the event because my wife still has to go on an early morning shift at the Operating Room the following day.   

As we came home from the event, our 5-year-old son Gabby told me the most rewarding statement a parent can possibly receive…

  Tatay-doc :  Gabby, hindi nanalo si Daddy…

  Gabby : OK lang po ‘yun Daddy, share ko naman sa inyo ni Mommy iyong trophy ko (referring to his 3rd placer trophy from his declamation contest last February)

With those sweetest words, I felt my blogging was gladly recognized by our son, to whom this site is heartily dedicated.

To my friends-on-line, my readers, my blog-buddies, THANK YOU!  

Your frequent visits and comments here never fail to put the widest smile on my face.

Your comments in all of my posts about my family- from dining to our little adventures in life and things in between are more than enough reasons than a trophy to ENJOY blogosphere. 

Maraming Salamat po for following BEYOND TOXICITY.  I never thought blogging and gaining virtual friends could be this so much FUN!

Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

UPDATED : Here’s a clip shown at the PBA awards night that made me smile up to my ears

BTW, my wife was happy to bring home complimentary copies of magazines from SUMMIT MEDIA booth at the lobby.

Thanks, PBA!  Till next year and beyond…

SPONGEBOB LOVE

On his first birthday, he wore a muti-colored-custom-made clown costume because my wife and I decided to have a Finding Nemo themed birthday party at home with our parents, relatives, friends. He then matched the real clowns present on his day.

His second birthday party was done at McDonald’s Greenhills.  He had two birthday cakes and more than 50 guests.  Grimace, the mascot graced the occasion.

My wife, my parents and I only went to TriNoma mall in Quezon City with him and had dinner at a Filipino restaurant called Mangan with his 3 mini-cakes that we bought from Breadtalk on his third birthday.

He went to preschool before his fourth.  Since then, he already has his own preference.  At his Nursery class, he had Mr. Bean themed party complete with party hats and all that’s fun.

For his fifth birthday…  

The THEME : Someone who lives in a pineapple under the sea!

The INVITES…We were working on a budget and my wife can’t tolerate crowded stinky places as she easily feels dizzy, worse her vertigo might be triggered,  not to forget she wasn’t off from duty at the Opeating Room, so I was alone when I went to the basement of Divisoria Mall in Manila  just to buy these fancy invites for PhP 2 per piece.  168 Mall didn’t have the supplies I was looking for.

I grew up going to the streets of Ylaya, Tabora and Juan Luna in Divisoria every start of a new school year with my parents, whenever they buy us (me and my 3 brothers) new sets of things for school : from socks, undergarments, hankies, etc. in some Chinese-owned wholesale store.  So buying stuffs for my own kid now and haggling were so damn easy for me.     

The LOOT BAGS…I honestly thought of having paper instead of plastics for the loot bags as I am concerned, believe it or not, with the environment.  But I failed to find commercially available paper bags with the prints in line with the party theme and I and my wife had no time doing art works made of paper just for the loot bags. These cost PhP 20 per 10 pieces (also PhP 2 a piece).

What’s inside the loot bags? Each has a hand towel (PhP 75 per dozen) , a pencil (PhP 15 per dozen), a pad of stickers (PhP 3 per pad) and  a plastic sheet of stickers (PhP 2.25 per sheet), fruttos candies, marshmallows and lollipops (PhP 120 for 5 packs from the Landmark in TriNoma), and…. that’s it!  We’re on a budget, remember? LOL  

The CAKE…I guess for every Pinoy-children’s party,  Goldilocks cake doesn’t disappoint.  This choco-marble-flavored Spongebob- fishing-for-Jellyfishes-theme (less the Jelly fishes for they ran out of stock and were replaced with gold choco coins with my consent–didn’t I just tell you they don’t disappoint? LOL) was ordered 2 weeks ago at a branch near our place for PhP 855;  inclusive of the cake and the themed decor.  It’s a bit expensive for a low-key party but heck, what’s a themed party without a themed cake?

The FOOD…The party meal was prepared, cooked and packed by my wife, Tina (applause, applause!). The photo above doesn’t give justice to how the food tasted. Those breaded chicken fillets were deep fried to its crispiest; and the macaroni in beefy sweet tomato sauce was also a winner.  The kids loved it.

Did I do any cooking? Hmmm, I did slice the hotdogs into pieces and, believe it or not again, I cooked the gravy!  I just mixed flour in water, heated the pan with water, 3 chicken cubes, soy sauce and a bar of Anchor butter into boil and voila! - chicken gravy tasted better than Jollibee’s, LOL.  The kids loved it too!

The GIFTS…His classmates were sweetest to give presents. It’s a mutual thing between them.

The PARTY PEOPLE…….Children are a gift from the Lord! 

Our smiles went up to our ears when we heard comments, “ang sarap!…, ang cute ng cake!… ang sarap ng food!”  from these kids.  You know children don’t tell lies

The BIRTHDAY BOY…

Our son’s birthday wish for a Spongebob Squarepants themed party was granted. Thanks to the mighty forces behind the successful simple event -myself and my wife  

Seriously, we thank the Lord for His endearing Love and we can’t thank Him enough for blessing us with Gabby.

On our part, we always pray for Gabby to have a better health- away from any sickness and for him to be safe at all times.  

Gabby :  (while on his facebook) Daddy, ano pong spelling ng THANK YOU?

Tatay-doc :

We love you Gabby! 

What’s your fondest memory of your own kiddie party? …Don’t you just miss being a kid?

GABBY TURNS 5

Our son, Gabby officially turns FIVE today.  Happy Birthday, anak!  Your mom and I love you so much!  Thank You, Lord for giving us Your greatest blessing.  

In line with his birthday and in the spirit of sharing,  my wife and I segregated again his old clothes which we’ll donate to the children affected by typhoons.  I already brought few kilos of his clothes to my work for similar reach-out activity last week and we’ll do it again this week in response to the request of the organizers of Philippine Blog Awards.

This humble blog  is one of the finalists under Family and Living Category on this year’s PBA.  Last weekend, I received the official invitation via email to the awards night this Friday, October 09, at PETA theater in Quezon City and with it came a request for all the blogger-finalists and attendees and their guests to bring dry clothes, towels, footwears to the designated area at the venue which they will turn over to the recipients.

CONFESSION :  I’m a sentimental fool. I’m attached for a while to some things of the past that usually remind me of  remarkable memories.  Such things include our son’s baby clothes.  It’s not that we don’t like to give them away as most of them are of imported brands, but a lot of these clothes were gifts from my in-laws, relatives and friends.    

Then again, we thought of finally donating them to the needy rather than keeping them with no use in our wardrobes. So these few pieces will be brought to PBA Awards night as our little pledge. We’re happy that we’ll donate all of these with our son’s consent.

His preschool, which is a few blocks away from our place, allows simple birthday celebrations during recess.  Since Gabby is a member of TGI Friday’s, TriNoma which gives him FREE KIDDIE MEALS for an entire whole year of dining with them and a free birthday package for 30 kids, we initially thought that we’re spared with the expenses for his birthday party this year.

But just like other nice things with little hassles in between, the free TGIF birthday kiddie package is only available for pick up during store hours, which we completely understand.  Problem is, our son’s school recess is at 9:30AM so it will be impossible for us to use the TGIF freebies to their class as his party food. Nevertheless, we decided to claim the freebies today and we opted to reschedule our son’s school birthday party on Wednesday, October 07.  My wife is free from work on Wednesdays this semester allowing her to cook and prepare all stuffs.  

Tina arranged details with the friendly people of TGIF  TriNoma for me to claim the birthday package today at 1PM.  Since I’m off from work the whole day, I came to the resto with my cousin earlier than expected.

One our favorite venues for our dates since we’ve met is TGIF.  We like Glorietta 3 and TriNoma branches.  We go here not only for their great food in huge American-servings but also for the ambiance of this resto-bar.  Imagine ski and skate boards, movie posters, whales and big fish, a bicycle and road signs on walls to delight you as you enjoy your plates. 

We only waited for 10 minutes for the staff to prepare these…

My cousin and I were surprised to easily lift  a tied-5-styro packs in a finger! They were so super light! I almost forgot that these are KIDDIE birthday packs!  

Each packs contained fettuccini in tomato beef sauce, chicken fillets and potato chips. 

I asked my cousin to bring 10 packs to my dad and siblings and nephew and nieces at our house in Pasig City and the other 10 packs for my aunt, uncle, and cousins whose house in Karangalan Villagae in Pasig was deeply submerged in last week’s typhoon. 

We saved the 30 pieces of apple and dalandan juice cups and the packs of plastic spoons and forks for Gabby’s school party.

Tina came home with Breadtalk’s Chocolate mousse with a free little yellow candle for Gabby to blow and make his wish.

Gabby’s request is a Spongebob Squarepants themed party during their 30-minute recess on Wednesday, so despite the fact that we’re on a tight budget, we’ll grant his wish. 

Invites were already sent to his classmates.  He’ll have his Spongebob birthday cake, Spongebob-inspired loot bags and a home-cooked party meal courtesy of his mom.

Thank you TGIF TriNoma! 

Thank you Gabby for being so obedient, smart, God-fearing son.

Carry on, anak! 

Happy birthday!

GLUCOSE FIX

DEFENSIVE FOODIE My family and I love to eat veggies, fruits and drink liters of water a day (especially me, I always think I’m an marine creature on my past life if there is such, for my great love for fluid intake).  We try to balance our meals AT HOME but whenever we go out on a simple family bonding, say inside a mall or in a stone-throw away fastfood or convenient store, can’t resist when our cravings go haywire sometimes most of the time, LOL. Resistance as the say is futile… I say particularly when food is notably delicious!

I always wanted to try CAFE BRETON but only had a chance last weekend (yes, just before we had our panic buying preparedness-grocery shopping in Landmark, TriNoma, in Quezon City). 

The comment posted by one of my blog buddies, Ingrid of  Urban Mudra in my earlier entry about desserts to try this quaint food place was really compelling!  I brought my wife, Tina and our son, Gabby to have our glucose fix which was perfect before we hit the grocery shelves.

I was surprised that Cafe Breton’s menu is so reasonably priced and that we only spent less than PhP500 for everything we’ve tried.  Times like these, families have to be extra conscious of domestic budget and luckily, this homey Mediterranean-Grecian inspired resto will not make you spend too much on dining, at the same time, there’s no compromise with the quality of food they serve. 

Gabby was so delighted that he had a handful of yummies…

He and his mom shared on those tall glasses of sweet refreshments.

STRAWBERRY COBBLER, PhP 107.14 + It has generous servings of plump soft-chewy strawberries and whipped cream. Gabby, who loves strawberry-flavored anything other than chocolates, unsurprisingly liked this!

He also tried the smoothy mango shake, although I like it more than he did. In case you don’t know yet, I’m a sucker for mangoes.

MANGO SHAKE, PhP 84.82+.  It’s near velvety consistency and taste of real ripe mangoes makes it different to other commercial shakes and smoothies.

I now believe that a visit to Cafe Breton isn’t complete without trying a plate of their heavenly crepes!

LA PINAY, PhP 142.86+  This perfectly thin crepe was filled with ample volume of riped mango slices, topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle. I swear, this has been the most delicious crepe I’ve ever tasted. Can’t wait to revisit Cafe Breton for another plate!

While my son and wifey were enjoying their sweet moment together with their orders, I felt satiated after finishing my plate and sipping a cup of coffee…

CAPPUCCINO, PhP 75.89+.  Foam’s just right…a nice way to end a sweet treat.

We like it here. Definitely. 

Cafe Breton, Level 4, TriNoma Mall, North EDSA, Quezon City.

FAST FRESH ITALIAN

I don’t know about you, but my family and I give our thumbs up to one of our favorites : FAZOLI’s in Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City.  Since the day it opened in the Philippines more than a decade ago, we have been frequenting  this fastfood for their combo meals, mostly pastas and chicken and their eat-all-you-want soft garlic BREAD STICKS   Our 5-year-old son, Gabby can eat more than 3 of these bread sticks in one sitting! 

Yes, there’s nothing special about their beverage line of  usual sodas, orange juice (which I usually have) and (the not-so-good) iced tea but they also come in drink-all-you-can for only PhP 50+ and diners are free to self-serve to their hearts content!

Italian food has never been this affordable!  A true value for money; good-tasting too!  And did I say the ambiance isn’t that bad? There’s a mini-bridge between a koi pond at its facade.   The pay-as-you-order counters are manned  by friendly staff.  The wrought iron and tiled stairs will take you to its second floor which has a walkway connecting the dining areas.  Lighting is subdued; entire place is apt for family dining and chit chat with friends although it can also get packed especially on pay days. Fazoli’s is just a best alternative to noisy fastfoods.  

After we heard mass at St. Pio Chapel near Eastwood City (view earlier post below), on a Sunday afternoon following 2 typhoons that badly hit the Metro and the Northern parts of the country; not to forget it’s a day before our son turns 5 years old; I became excited again to eat at Fazoli’s; thanks to my wife’s suggestion.  

Where else can you find a delicious combo meal of PESTO and 2-PIECE-ITALIAN CHICKEN for only PhP 165+?

The pasta was just right for me, not too moist, not too dry.  I LIKE PESTO so much and Fazoli’s version is one of my favorites for its simplicity and for being budget-friendly.  The Italian chicken also doesn’t disappoint.  One can easily appreciate the herbs and flavor well infused to its bones.

My wife, Tina and Gabby shared this plate…

BAKED ZITI, PhP 150+.  Simply flavorful. I always like melted cheese on tomato sauce.  Our son even dipped his bread sticks on this serving.

Then the three of us also shared…

PEPERRONI STROMBOLI, PhP 110+  It comes with a dip of stewed tomatoes and herbs.

So much for our late Sunday lunch!

Fazoli’s also serve other pastas, salads, submarino sandwiches, pizza of course, minestone soup, Italian rice.

Fazoli’s is located at Eastwood City Cyberpark, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City, Metro Manila and also available across America, check  HERE.

 

BLESSED SUNDAY

After the country has been devastated by 2 typhoons – Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma)  in a week, we sincerely hope  for the affected Pinoys to thrive and rise above the crisis.  Because of this, going to church on the day we appreciated sunshine more than ever, became more purposeful.  Our family joins the nation in praying for continuous blessings.

Early Sunday morning, my wife, Tina and I went to a private hospital near our place to visit a newly admitted distant relative suspicious of having nasopharyngeal carcinoma.  Upon discussing with the ENT specialist the diagnosis and his plan to perform punch biopsy tomorrow to determine whether the mass is benign or malignant, in order for their management to be guided, we hurried home immediately. 

We found our son, Gabby, savoring his last day of week-loooong (pre)school vacation after the rains, by watching his favorite cartoons. In a snap, we decided to hear mass at this chapel we long to visit.  It’s St. Pio’s Chapel in Libis, Quezon City (near Eastwood City).  

It was our first time to hear mass in that chapel built in honor of the blessed Italian priest who had stigmata and known for being miraculous. Padre Pio was declared a saint by Pope John Paul II on June 16, 2002.  We were glad to see so many devotees from all walks of life; even wheelchair-borne geriatric individuals were present to venerate.  

(note : photos were discreetly taken before and after the Holy Mass)

Tina spotted a sign at the door of a room in the chapel alotted for parents with children below age 7.  CALANDRA ROOM, named after the person who helped established the chapel, is an enclosed airconditioned room with sliding glass doors alocated especially for families with babies and kids.  There are built-in speakers and Holy Communion is also given.

There’s also a room called BISHOP JESUS SISON MEMORIAL HALL which can be access by taking this stairs inside the Calandra room.  We didn’t go up to view it for it was already packed.  The door shown in this photo will lead you to this..

This area is called REV. FR. ALESSIO PARENTE PATIO, an open-air area where faithfuls can light candles and write their petitions. The patio has the life-sized statue of Padre Pio and the Holy Cross.

Solemnity reigns inside the chapel. 

After the mass, we witnessed and participated in the veneration of St. Pio’s relic.

After being there for more than an hour, we felt so blessed; not only because our family and home were spared by the typhoons but we’re so thankful after hearing mass a day just before Gabby turns FIVE!

Honestly, we’re not religious; but one thing is sure, my family and I maintain our personal relationship with our Lord. We try our very best to live life according to His will.

We ate late lunch after the mass; i’ll post it separately.  

How was your Sunday?

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St. Pio Chapel / E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C-5), Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City

For schedule of masses and other details about the chapel, click THIS.

PANIC SI MISTER, PANIC SI MISIS

This was the scene at Landmark Supermarket in TriNoma, Quezon City today when we did our not-so-ordinary weekly grocery shopping at around half hour past 3 in the afternoon…

I asked the cashier and the bagger who assisted us if this was the picture since morning. They told me that shoppers came in troops since last week.

Everyone was in PANIC mode or perhaps just like us, only wanted to BE PREPARED for the  typhoon Pepeng.  After what Tropical Storm Ondoy had done to Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces, most Pinoys have learned lessons from Nature (I hope so).   We need not to be  former boy or girl scouts to be always ready with everything; or to be somenone with OCD/Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to be most concerned and anxious at anything.  Preparedness is the key to these calamities.  Remember it wasn’t raining when Noah built his ark.

In as much as I wanted to buy tons of food stuffs, our weekly budget wouldn’t allow   It’s also bad to  hoard too much supplies because other people might be left with nothing. So we only had this push cart and waited for 30 minutes at the queue to the cashier.

We’ve enough supplies of candles and batteries at home so much of the items we bought were all to secure our tummies for the next few days.  I wish we also have extra budget to buy relief goods for the afflicted people from the wrath of Ondoy last week. We have donated old clothes and will give more next week. I wish to join medical missions but I can’t risk my family’s security these days. I just have to be with them.

I and my wife, Tina with our 5-year-old son, Gabby join the entire nation in praying fervently that our homes will be spared by the effects of typhoon.  Kaya po natin yan, basta’t sama-sama!

On the lighter side, we can’t resist but to click our cam on these miniature pumpkins…

We were delighted to see something literally cute despite the situation..

We just failed to ask how much a piece or a kilo.  Nevertheless, the sight of these pumpkins was enough to make us smile, ask Gabby… 

Seriously, Let’s continue reaching out…  LET’S ALL  UNITE in PRAYERS. 

May the Good LORD bless us ALL.

Be safe.