Sunday Breather

With only eleven days left before the end of classes this semester, just imagine the exhausting and depressing line-up of deadlines and other activities that glares from our worn out calendars. Everyday is procrastination day and we are live zombies. There's no worry though; after this hell week, I'm sure lots of us are going to get pampered, real well. In my case, I and my college best friends have plans already and right now, it is the only thing that is keeping us sane from all the load of school work that we are drowning in.

Anyway, I don't have much time to write and probably this is the crappiest blog entry I have ever written so let me just get this over with (nevertheless I love you, dear blog). 

So some of my relatives from the Bicol province came over today because my cousin was going to take the USTET (University of Sto. Tomas Entrance Test). Today was her big day and although we were very supportive, we pretty much left her in the campus with a cousin from her mom's side who goes to UST.

So I ditched all my school work today and his is how or where I got unzombiefied (hey that word does exist in zombie land):

TASTY DUMPLINGS
Masangkay St., Binondo, Manila

Dumplings

Silver Roll Bread

Hongma

Porkchop with Rice
This really a must try! It's one of a kind in Manila.
The meat are sliced so thinly yet the strong flavor is still there.
This meal will never fail your hungry stomach. 

S&R Membership Shopping
ASEANA-BACLARAN Branch

S&R is your Costco equivalent in the Philippines
S&R: http://www.snrshopping.com/
Costco: http://www.costco.com/

After hours of grocery shopping, this is the hungry customers' next stop.

Because right now this is the closest I could get to New York! 

This is simply HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH.  

Il Tazze

It is never too late.

I'm just a few leaps away from the finish line now. Those three years sure did pass so graciously quick. Much I owe to that Supreme Being for bestowing me enough self-discipline to focus on both my short-term and long-term goals and for the plans and ambitions I am yet to make, and for the wise, brave, and steadfast spirit that held and kept myself in tact and in good state in the midst of all trials, troubles, and tests.

But one surely could not have it all. My mind was too set on certain goals that my eyes were set straight on that one path. I think I did miss a lot of good stuff along the way, to be quite frank. One of my many regrets is not having explored and not being thoroughly familiar with the town I spent some good number of years in. The town of Los Baños is a beauty, and our UPLB campus is so lucky to be resting on the plains of the majestic Mount Makiling. There still are so many places here I have not been to: IRRI and its well-talked about restaurant, the Dampalit Falls, hot springs, Flat Rocks, the Philippine High School for the Arts, a major part of the Forestry area (especially the Botanical Garden), and more that I do not know of. But I still got a semester and a half left for all these, you betcha, posts will come soon.

Today, I finally went over SEARCA's famous cafe, IL TAZZE CAFE, and instantly fell in love with the place. Although it was small, it was cozy, fresh, and not so overrated. The place is perfect for a small group of friends to chill and hang out, or for people who like to be alone to unwind after a stressful day at school. It's not yet mobbed, so I like it. And in terms of its menu prices, they are relatively cheaper and more affordable for students than other cafes and restaurants outside campus. I'll definitely spend more merienda time in Il Tazze.

Carbonara
Php 75 only

Potato Casserole
Php 65 only

Brownie a la mode
Php 55 only
(A friend's treat)

Do bring your friends! They make moments more special and unforgettable. Also, don't forget to capture some really cute photos for keeps!

See you in Il Tazze! ☺

Food lovin', trippin', and lovin'

Part of achieving balance in our lives is granting ourselves those little breaks in between work or school. After a long and tiring day/week from work or school, wouldn't it be pretty nice if we reward ourselves with a good snack, a movie treat, an hour at the spa, a walk or a run in the park, sightseeing, or simply an hour or two lying in bed and watching a good and entertaining movie? It's just an extra little effort, but it can make our lives healthier. We cannot take life seriously all the time because that will easily burn us out, make us feel old, unhappy, and discontented. It's called unhealthy living. Voltaire once said, "I decided to be happy because it is good for my health." By pursuing our simple joys and guilty pleasures, we rightfully give ourselves room for more air to breathe and happier body cells. ☺

Here's an example of a delightful treat:

Conti's Mango Bravo is definitely one you shouldn't miss.
It surely is my most favorite cake!
Php 145/slice
Php 625 Mango Bravo mini
Php 1150 Mango Bravo regular 

Viennese Mocha Torte @ Conti's
Php 95 only

Viennese Mocha Torte

Caesar's Salad (solo) at Conti's
Php 95 only

Pancit Palabok @ Conti's
Php 105 only

Cakes and pastries at Conti's are really affordable, and absolutely delectable. 

You can visit this link for their menu: http://www.contis.ph/

Shanghai Rolls @ Max's

Chopsuey @ Max's

Max's Original Fried Chicken

Pancit Canton @ Max's

Max's Per Table Menu A (Half)
Approx. Php1200 only
A complete set menu, from soup to dessert, good for five people, just right for the whole family and friends. Includes the following dishes: Max's Fried Chicken, Soup of the Day, Pancit Canton, Chopsuey, Lumpiang Shanghai, Plain Rice, Caramel Bar. Serves 5 people.
You can visit: http://www.maxschicken.com/index.php?

Ever heard of 'great taste at affordable prices'? Count this one in. 

Food, Family, Friday, and Fun

With a little spontaneity, life could be so much more fun! Today, Mea and I took the commute to Sta. Rosa together. Carrying big bags on empty stomachs, we both knew we just needed to get home as soon as we can so we may fill up our tummies and relieve ourselves of our headaches. (The horrors of commuting in the Philippines!) Then she asked me if I wanted to grab a doughnut with her and her mom at Solenad 2 in Nuvali ... without second thought, I answered YES! I'm game for anything. But I didn't expect that the whole of my favorite family was coming. I burst out of excitement! So first we had to feed up our starving tummies. Our first stop, Army Navy. Food was delectable and will definitely make you come back there.Then, Krispy Kreme. Their doughnuts are the best I've tried, so far. We took a lot of pictures, enjoyed every bite of our food, had plenty of great laughs the whole time, and got our much-needed chill time. In a good way, I feel bloated right now that I have to stop writing already.

This is absolutely one of the many Fridays I thank God very much for.

Lola's birthday

Here are some pictures from my lola's (grandmother) 70th birthday held at Racy's Drive-Inn last Saturday, February 18, 2012. At first I was hesitant to go home because of too much work and schoolwork to do, but I couldn't say no to my dearest lola. I realized that times or occasions like this one shouldn't be taken for granted. School's just there, work's just there, what is one weekend to spend with your family and relatives. After all, this kind of occasion only happens once in a blue moon. My family in the mother side is not fond of holding parties or special occasions so the occasion last Saturday really was really a big deal for us. 

Cheers to my ever-loving grandmother, grandma.

Sure lola's birthday was a feast. I pray that the Lord will grant her more blessed years in her lifetime. A wonderful person like her truly deserves it. 

Day 32 of 366

We have our own ways of coping and dealing with stress and fatigue whenever we are bombarded with deadlines either from school or work. Sometimes, just like in my case, both. But we must not forget that our bodies have special needs which must not be ignored, like cravings during a hectic schedule on a stressful day. We call them Comfort Foods.

Right outside the UPLB gate are three fast food restaurants, namely: McDonald's, Chowking, and KFC. I call them heavens on earth. They are my sources of temporary happiness.

French Fries and Coke Float from McDonald's

Siopao Asado and Black Gulaman from Chowking

Chicken Fillet with Mushroom Gravy from KFC

These are my comfort foods. What's yours?