Free Boracay Package by WOW

Win a Free Boracay Vacation Package by WOW Philippines Travel Agency

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is celebrating it's 5th year in business during July of 2010, and we would like you to have a chance to celebrate with us, so we have decided to give-away a FREE Boracay Package complete with 5 Star accommodations at the luxurious Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel on Boracay Island. The lucky winner will win the following Boracay vacation package.

Vacation Package Inclusions:
- 5 Days / 4 Nights Luxury 5 Star Accommodations at the Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel
- Flights to Boracay from Manila to Caticlan Airport on Philippine Airlines
- Island Transfers - Door-to-Door from Manila to the resort and back to Manila
- Three (3) Meals each day, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Boracay Activities - Horseback Riding, Island Hopping, Glass Bottom Boat
- PLUS - 5,000 peso Spending Cash

Read More Information: http://www.boracay-packages.com

photo borrowed over the net :)

So let me say Boracay here I come, lol!

Goodie Giveaway by TOT

Just when I thought Christmas is over now and gift giving of course, I stumble over this blog post by Trip or Treats. Thank you to OAP for opening doors to this wonderful treat!

image by TOT

The goodie is A can of Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcake Mix straight from the Sprinkles Bakery!

How to win this?
- must be a follower of Trip or Treats
- leave some comment for an instant entry

Want some additional entries?
- post this Goodie Giveaway link on your Facebook status (make this post public) and include your FB username on your comment!
- post this Goodie Giveaway link on your blog (Blogspot, Multiply, personal), Or "Link to this post" at the bottom of this page, and include the link to your site on your comment!
- Tweet "I want to win the Goodie Giveaway @triportreats http://triportreats.blogspot.com/2010/01/christmas-aint-over-goodie-giveaway-2.html" and make sure you follow TOT on Twitter, and then include this on your comment!

Who are qualified to join? Philippines address only people and followers of TOT.

Comment entries will be accepted until Sunday, 31 January 2010
Giveaway Winner will be announced on 1 February 2010

You may check the link for more luscious fotos :)
Christmas Ain't Over! Goodie Giveaway #2

George, Gem and Guilly's

George (1/25/2010 9:50:43 AM): puede ba tayo meet
tom?
January (1/25/2010 9:51:03 AM): any
ocassion?
January (1/25/2010 9:51:15 AM): jo, ikakasal ka na ? hehehe
George (1/25/2010 9:51:35 AM): di pa ko
ikakaksal
George (1/25/2010 9:51:47 AM): ayan wrong spelling tuloy
ako
January (1/25/2010 9:52:00 AM): what's with
tomorrow?
George (1/25/2010 9:52:23 AM): wala lang
January (1/25/2010 9:52:24 AM): any annoucement? parang me
surprise ka eh
George (1/25/2010 9:52:43 AM): nagusap kami ni gem if its
possible that we can go out tom
January (1/25/2010 9:53:02 AM): nag yes na ba
sya?
George (1/25/2010 9:53:05 AM): we missed you on your
birthday kaya kami taya this time
George (1/25/2010 9:53:12 AM): ym ko
ulit
George (1/25/2010 9:53:18 AM): para
sigurado
George (1/25/2010 9:53:21 AM): actually dapat
today
January (1/25/2010 9:53:29 AM): really!
George (1/25/2010 9:53:34 AM): eh something came up kaya
tom na lang
January (1/25/2010 9:53:44 AM): na touch naman
ako
George (1/25/2010 9:53:51 AM): yeah]
January (1/25/2010 9:54:14 AM): cge i'll find time tom
after office, mga 7pm
George (1/25/2010 9:54:23 AM): ok
January (1/25/2010 9:54:26 AM): where?
George (1/25/2010 9:54:34 AM): probably it would be around
makati
January (1/25/2010 9:54:47 AM): ok, i'll see you guys tom
in makati
George (1/25/2010 9:54:48 AM): or if you prefer a place
just let me know
January (1/25/2010 9:55:00 AM): naku kahit saan lang pde
ako
January (1/25/2010 9:55:09 AM): basta kayo kasama ko, no
worries
George (1/25/2010 9:55:19 AM): okGeorge (1/25/2010 9:55:25
AM): we will just finalize the venue
George (1/25/2010 9:55:30 AM): see you
tom
January (1/25/2010 9:55:35 AM): see you then
:)
George (1/25/2010 9:55:37 AM): :)

After the following exchanges of messages with my friend George a.k.a. Jojo over Yahoo! Messenger last Monday, I met him and another friend, Gem on Tuesday night.

I arrived ahead of time and had a quick time to shop at Debenhams before George arrived at Glorietta 4. Gem followed shortly. We initially thought of Talyer but later on decided for Gilligan’s. On a weekday, we did not expect a full house at Gilligan’s but we were surprised. We were on the waitlist so we decided Gerry’s Grill on the other end of the Glorietta 5. We arrived at Gerry’s with the same setting so we were clueless then where to dine and drink.

We were about to leave Glorietta 5 but then we passed at Guilly’s. The beer promo was inviting as well the simple and cozy interior of this restaurant. More so, it was not crowded and there were several tables unoccupied, so, with further adieu we stay on and immediately handed the menu.

Right away, George and Gem ordered for bottles of Strong Ice Beer while I had a bottomless iced tea. I suddenly remember my younger years when I can still compete with them drinking beer…kampai! Anyway, that was too long ago and I am choosing a clean and healthy lifestyle these days...lol! Let me go back to our orders, the first set we had were grilled and something veggie.

Nachos. Around P250++. The salsa is light yet just right for my taste. George loves this serving too.

Grilled Chicken Platter (Grilled Chicken, Chicken Kebab and Barbeque Chicken) P450++. I love the chicken kebab!

Vegetarian Delights (Tofu, Mushroom, Carrots, Bell Pepper). P200++ this one is appetizing.

We did not notice that we were eating too fast until it’s time for us to order our second set. It’s because we were enjoying a good chat over good food, the 80’s music and the accommodating wait staff who attended to all our requests.

The second set we enjoyed that night was pizza and sisig.

Hungarian Pizza. P230++ I promise to come back and try their Centennial Pizza soon, which is by the way Adobo topped.

Mixed Sisig (Pork and Chicken) P205++ It’s creamy and crunchy not because it’s all chicharon, one of our best orders that night.

Since these two friends of mine smoke, we requested to be transferred at their outdoor dining area and we were accommodate immediately. This kind is very seldom for us, a nearly perfect dining experience. Yehey!

After few more rounds of beer, Oliver joined us. We set aside there slices of pizza for him anyway…lol! And just before midnight, we bid each other good night. I did say thank you to George and Gem for the wonderful treat, it was so touching for them to come up with this idea. I felt very much loved by these friends and I loved them back.

I got dozens of photos that night, which Gem requested to be uploaded on FB. For now, here are some…

Thank you guys for remembering my birthday! You really are the best :)

Time after time I've enjoyed your nice company, Warmed by the
closeness we share, And when there were days that I needed encouragement, I knew you'd always be there…

healthy options

After my friend, M was diagnosed with kidney problem and other complications thereon I started to think a bit healthy. Maybe, a little afraid of being sick and hospitalized I became more conscious of what we eat.

After Sunday lunch with Nanay and Sam, I went my way to The Landmark’s Supermarket. I first checked the vegetable and fruits section.

Since I was thinking of green salad, I bought lettuce, cucumber and carrots. I have fresh fruits at home that could go well with this mixed. Then, I got two salad dressings, Mango Vinaigrette and my favorite Blue Cheese. I got tomatoes, bell pepper and cabbage too, which I will use on my soft taco recipe. I had another two plastics of Baguio beans, which I cooked together with the mixed veggies (corn, carrot and green peas) and quail eggs.

I spent two hours at the Supermarket trying to keep count some healthy options to our daily meals. What caught my attention was this stall where most items displayed were herbs and organic.

I bought energy bars, which will be good in between meals. Fruits and Nuts, and Almond and Apricot in Yoghurt. I also got an Organic Oat Slice.

It was good news for dieters and health conscious people like me…hehehe. Anyway, I will probably check some more items next week.

And my shopping bags went home with this sinful (?) hazelnut spread too. Sorry, I simply cannot resist...

Sam's choice

I woke up Sunday with Sam hi jacking my notebook again, doing FB as early as 8am. Today is Nanay and Sam's scheduled trip back to Cavite but before that, I treat them at lunch to Sam’s preference, of course. After giving Bea her brunch and a little wash up, we head our way to Makati.

We had lunch at Sam’s favorite eatery at the bridge way of The Landmark, which is another FB --The French Baker. I realized it was a good choice since it has been a while since I last dined at this Pinoy food retailer who recently won 2009 Most Outstanding Filipino Retailer – Food Category award.

As I have been telling even before my idea of the white based pasta should always be creamy, and I am glad FB is consistent on their recipe.

Our lunch earlier,

Nanay ordered the Creamy Seafood Pasta Linguini. Linguini tossed with calamari, fish, shrimp, and mussels in a creamy white sauce, served with your choice of grilled foccacia or garlic toast. It tasted good however; it seems the counter girl did not pay attention on what we ordered. We decided for the Linguini but do you see a flat noodle here? We did not complain and let this one pass today.

Sam ordered her favorite Hickory Spareribs. Juicy pork spareribs grilled in hickory-infused barbecue sauce. She says it’s far better from Conti’s American Grilled Ribs, which I favored from her FB’s choice. Anyway, kids like her would always love that sweet thing on the dish.

I love how they plate the buttered veggie on top of the steamed rice.

I ordered for Chicken Ala King, one of my old time favorite FB entrée.

Then Sam and I shared over an order of Mango Crepe. Missing Crazy Crepe!

Overall, we all enjoyed our lunch. Right after finishing lunch, I go along with Nanay and Sam at the bus stop. Shortly I bid goodbye to both of them and head my way to The Landmark’s Supermarket.

I arrived home thankful for the weekend that passed. Thank you to Nanay and Sam.

bonding and wedding band

I asked my Nanay and Sam to join me over the weekend because Oliver went home to Ilocos to man over the construction of our farmhouse, lol! It’s my brother-in-law’s and not ours :)

Saturday bonding with Nanay and Sam was at downtown Manila. Our first stop was at a jewelry center in Ongpin, where I bought Nanay and Tatay a new wedding band. Their old wedding band had already retired long ago because it doesn’t fit them anymore, so, I thought of giving them a new one last Christmas. However, my gift did not make it on Christmas day, but I think it’s the thought that would always count.

Anyway, I haggle for the best price, as Ongpin is known for cheap jewelries. And if you would try buying one there, you should at least know something a bit of assessing which is genuine and which is faux.

Take a sneak peek (I made props the ferrero I was nibbling that night…)

I personally picked the design of this 18K gold wedding band. I decided for this classic one, which I think would best fit my parent’s personalities. I hope my Tatay would like it too!

After the Chinese owner gave in to my price, I paid and we walk towards Divisoria. We dropped by at Divine Mart and I scored a Gap tee overrun for kids.

Then at 168, I bought this storage box. It is like a less durable ottoman.

By the way, I received a smaller size of this storage box last Christmas from one of our Sales Manager.

Tired but in high spirits we arrived home past 8pm. There’s still Sunday!

portable storage

I was planning to buy this additional storage last December but due to my busy schedule over the holidays, I missed it.

And just this morning, this piece was delivered. It was like the other day we were haggling for the lowest price of this Seagate Free Agent Go 320GB. Thank you Jing for pushing the additional discount…

My rebel baby would be happy of this new mate and finally my hard drive would be relieved!

What is a bechamel sauce?

That what makes my sister, Che’s bakemac appetizing last Tuesday night. Well, like I told you she is good cook like me….hehehe, and mostly loved to experiment on our kitchen.

So what made her béchamel sauce creamy? Fresh milk, butter, flour, all-purpose cream, parmesan and cheddar cheese. Constant whipping until it reaches the desired thickness is another hush-hush of this recipe. Warning! Do not overcook!

Thank you dear sister for the effort preparing this dinner, so, let’s talk about business, how much are we selling this? Lol!

Call us for orders! hehehe...

Backlog: Reunion...

Two days after welcoming the New Year and our last day of the holiday break, we held a small reunion at my Lola’s compound in Alulod.

It was over lunch and meryenda, the usual we had chitchats and the boys draw together over bottles of alcohol bev.

It became a send-off get-together also for Michelle, Liit and Jacq, who went back to Singapore during the first week of January. Oh, you probably missing Pinas now cousins…the food, the celebrations, and a lot more.

Anyway, I heard your coming back girls in August. See you then! I am looking forward on spending another fun-filled summer with my most wanted cousins :)

Back to work now, deadlines are due…a blessed weekend everyone!

Sto. Nino's Feast

Sunday after partying at home the entire Saturday, it is Sto. Nino feast and we cannot skip this day even if we were drained and tired and exhausted…oh my!

We arrived at my Lola’s compound late afternoon and there again my maternal cousins were waiting for us. It seems we were the last family to arrive, ay di pala it’s Tita Pearl and Joyce.

It was another day of partying and drinking of course! Pardon me today, but I still have that hang over thing, let the photos speak. Take a sneak peek!

My cousin Irish trying to be a karakol dancer, she prays for a faithful boylet…lol!

Us, while watching the long stretch of karakol dancers. They're good, really good.

Devotees from all walks of life and ages dances to give thanks and to honor the patron saint.

Then it's time to bond...i love this part!

Junpyo and Jandi, cute di ba? Junpyo, where's your F4 friends...hehehe

and the bigger version of Junpyo and Jandi...lol! Jandi after 10 years...

There’s a lot of reason to celebrate with these people, see you all next month!

My take out, this piece of parmesan cheese from our Magnolia girl. Thank you Irish, and thank you in advance for the luncheon meats...yey!

Until then, be missing you guys!