Monday, March 29, 2010

side trip at Greenfield City’s primary icon

Our last stop before heading to my parent’s house last Saturday was Paseo de Sta. Rosa.

I always love driving to Paseo; this is next to my favorite open space strip shopping center, which is Bonifacio High Streets.

It is because the place don’t get crowded even on weekends, it is because you do not need to line up on resto if you want to dine, it is because ATM machines are readily available and it is because it houses mostly outlet stores :)

By the way, we went on purpose…lol! I was looking for a cocktail dress for my cousin’s wedding this April. I checked Debenhams and Marks & Spencer stocks but could not find any. I was hoping to score that little black dress I was eyeing at Debenhams over a year ago…hehehe. That seems to be impossible considering the shoppers every time they would run the Blue Cross sale. I went home feeling ill :( because I was not able to buy what I am looking for. I content myself with those discounted undergarments and digestives…sigh!

It is because Bea (or is it Oliver) was feeling stressed and hungry already, we went our way home. I have still three weeks to find a decent outfit for April 18…I hope to get a good bargain this time.

Oh, it’s Holy Monday today and I am blogging from my office desk…ssssshhhhhhh!








Sunday, March 28, 2010

my say about Dong Bei Dumplings

Saturday after we got my cousin’s wedding gown at Divi, Oliver and I went ahead to Ongpin to have a very quick stomach relief. We were supposed to dine at Eng Bee Tin but later on gave Dong Bei Dumplings a try. I first learned of this hole-in-the-wall eatery from docgelo, who have strong recommendation of DBD dumplings.

Anyway, it is for me to find out yesterday.

Oliver and I were lost for a moment because we did not think that the windowpane was actually the main entrance. And it is because also at the façade, it is where the dumplings are freshly hand made.


There were about five tables that can seat four people each and a menu hung on the wall for everyone to see.

The wait staff handed us a menu and she was kind to answer all my inquiries about the food and the serving style.

She offered us the kuchay dumplings, which is not very new to me because we frequent Tasty Dumplings in Wilson St., Greenhills before (this branch was long closed). I have no doubt they have the freshest dumplings in downtown but could have improved better with extra filling.

Then we had an order of sotanghon soup with pork slices. It was okay since the noodle seems to be different from the one available at the supermarket but the soup was bland for me. I was hoping it tastes fresh broth.

Next on our set was the bean curd with pork stuffing. I enjoy this recipe; the freshness of the bean curd was there even if it was fried and sauced.

We had an order of fried rice to complete our set.

I will not be fair-minded if I would say they have the best recipes around Ongpin just because many bloggers do recommend Dong Bei Dumplings. I would just say that I am still partial to our favorite hole-in-the-wall eatery around Ongpin :)






Saturday, March 27, 2010

prelude to Holy Week

We were supposed to drive north next week just in time for Holy Week but we have to cancel this trip for plenty of reasons – car tune up, need for new tires, construction of house in Ilocos, my wedding planning activity and a whole lot more!

Our Bea could have been so excited road tripping and hitting the beach. Okay maybe not this Holy Week but definitely we will be traveling anytime soon.

By the way, we are spending Holy Week with my family in Cavite and I will be busy going on with the details of my cousin’s wedding.

How about you, how would you spend the Holy Week this time folks?





a little breaktime for me...

My office work is giving me a real hard time lately and mostly occupied twelve hours of my time, and my wedding planning side job is next to that chaotic schedule. I think giving in to my heart’s desire for a while is not bad at all. It is just a form of rewarding and pampering me.

So, I was back to online shopping for some time and this is what I got. A Tommy Hilfiger XL Shoppers Bag…sorry Honey but I really cannot afford to let this one pass, promise this will be the last loot for this quarter…lol!


I love it and I do not know until when, for now she is my favorite among my so-called collection :)





Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Wedding Update: Panganiban-Villa

This day in between my true job, I went on with my wedding planning activity for Joel and Irish wedding.

It is because last Sunday, Irish told me to scout for invitation supplier because unfortunately the one she was saying did not become visible so I need to super rush the invites this time by hook or by crook before the Holy Week. Hay! After a few exchanges of email yesterday and several run of proof reading this afternoon, finally I booked the invites.

Take a peek of how it would look like, I already sent the final copy for printing by 4:50pm earlier.

by http://www.invitationsbydiannetan.com/index.php

This is Dianne Tan's design. I am lucky to stumble upon her site through WeddingsAt Work. She was the answer to that super duper rush requirement :)

I booked 80pcs of gift tags too for the wedding favors, which we will be designing over the holidays.

And by the way, I already sent the design for the secondary sponsors -bridesmaid, candle, veil and cord sponsor.

for the Bridesmaid, this will be in yellow organzafor the secondary sponsors (candle, veil & cord) all coral/pink organza

for the little flower girls, they would wear yellows and pinks

And design for Nanay’s dress, which our “suki” dressmaker Del Garces would be designing. She would be in pink (??)

At the moment, I am scouting for photo and video package and budget is quite a challenge…whew!






Sunday, March 21, 2010

A Wedding in April...

Wedding planning usually is six months or so but this time I am doing this in 48 days. Why on earth did I accept a project like this? Everything would be rush, every decision would be vital and everything should be detailed.

The bride is none other than my maternal cousin, Irish who surprised everyone with the announcement. Anyway, this would be a fast moving preparations and I have little time to talk about the couple…hehehe, maybe not for now because I just met her fiancé, Joel last Thursday and there is not much to say yet.

I will be particular with the details of Irish and Joel’s wedding on this writing.

The wedding date is set on April 18, 2010 at 11:00am.

The church is Saint Gregory Parish Church, Poblacion, Indang, Cavite

The reception will be held at the Bride’s Residence, unless there would be last minute changes.

The wedding motif is coral and yellow.

Almost completed as to date:
- Secured original birth certificate from NSO
- Request of Certificate of Birth and Confirmation “For Marriage Purposes”
- Booked Church
- Applied for Marriage License
- Attended Family Planning Seminar
- Booked Wedding Gown designer
- Bought Wedding Favors materials
- Done with List of Entourage
- Bought Entourage clothing material
- Bought set of clothes for Bride’s parents
- Booked Caterer’s services only (for review)
- Pre Cana Seminar (on going this weekend)

What needs to be done these coming days?
- Proof read Wedding Invites next week
- Check Landmark for Principal Sponsors Wedding Favors
- Book Photo and Video Coverage
- Book Make-up Artist and schedule trial on or before Holy Week
- Check inclusion/package of Florist, which Tita Josie pledged to shoulder
- Check Ongpin for ready made Wedding Band on April 10
- Dig my files and do some revision on the wedding Programme template
- Scout for Soloist (optional)
- Canonical Interview
- Check who will provide the Wedding Cake?
- Shop for wedding shoes, a white or silver stiletto
- Check Wedding Banns, this should start on March 28
- Craft the Wedding Favors on Holy Week


I will bring up to date goings-on of the whole prep from time to time, so this is all for now.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

***Image from Kasal.com





Friday, March 19, 2010

Freebie Alert: A Lavish Vacation at One Tagaytay Place

Exclusive to Hit A Bargain! Facebook members (click here to sign up), ONE TAGAYTAY PLACE Hotel Suites is giving away not just 1, but 2 lavish Penthouse Suites overnight packages for FREE!!!

First (1st) PACKAGE: Penthouse Suite Experience at One Tagaytay Place (for 2 people) worth P25,000!

The package includes:

An overnight stay at the Penthouse Suite
Spa indulgence for two at Regeneré Spa
Breakfast in bed
Romantic dinner for two

HOW TO WIN 1st PACKAGE: Whoever blogs One Tagaytay Place the best about: “What do you think sets ONE TAGAYTAY apart from the rest of the hotels in Tagaytay in terms of spending romantic time together with your partner?” will win a Penthouse Suite Experience at One Tagaytay Place (for 2 people) worth P25,000!


Second (2nd) PACKAGE: Penthouse Suite Lavish Experience at One Tagaytay Place (for a group of 4) worth P30,000!

The package includes:

An overnight stay at the Penthouse Suite
Spa indulgence for four (4) at Regeneré Spa
Dinner for four (4) at the Azalea Restaurant
Night cap at Tower Lounge 2 “for the road” drink for 4 persons
Breakfast at the lower Penthouse pool area
Lunch at the Penthouse Suites

HOW TO WIN 2ND PACKAGE: Whoever blogs One Tagaytay Place the best about:“What do you think sets ONE TAGAYTAY apart from the rest of the hotels in Tagaytay in terms of bonding together with family or friends?” will win a Penthouse Suite Experience at One Tagaytay Place (for a group of 4) worth P30,000!


Entry requirements, click HERE.

Deadline of entries is strictly on 12nn April 20, 2010. Official announcement of winners will be on or before May 5, 2010.






Tuesday, March 16, 2010

One Fine Day, One Great Place… One Tagaytay Place

When asked,


“What do you think sets ONE TAGAYTAY apart from the rest of the hotels in
Tagaytay in terms of bonding together with family or friends?”

My response,

“Whenever I think of home, the closest I have in my mind will always be Tagaytay
City. Foremost, I spent all my childhood at the neighboring town, which is 10
minutes drive away from Tagaytay. The people, the food and the cold breeze I
grew up with are all what makes Tagaytay the ideal city for me.”

Read on,

These days driving to Tagaytay would always mean bonding with my family. Though my family has not experience yet the luxury of staying at One Tagaytay Place, I am pretty sure they would love the homey accommodation, which is evident for having spacious rooms for families – the 3 bedroom Penthouse suites is all perfect!

My family being partial to good food means dining out and discovering distinctive cooking, which is as good as my mother’s home style culinary talent. For us, this is the best bonding activity we all consider. At One Tagaytay, dining is an experience I am sure everybody would love to try.

On weekends lazing around is one thing that my family loves to do, a rewarding dip to a pool would loosen up the grudges of a busy week and a nurturing spa would likewise rejuvenate the energy and spirit, which the city life has taken away.

See how kid friendly they are? They have a kiddie pool for the little ones :)


On nightfall, a good recap of the day would be at the living area. The LCD TV, which we do not have at home, would be entertaining for my sister kids this time. And the private balcony would be fine for my parents who love the fresh air while having small talks.

And probably the Wi-Fi access is more than enough to complete my stay.

More than OTP’s luxurious accommodation and state of the art facilities, their one of a kind service is their plus factor.


One Tagaytay Place maybe relatively new to Tagaytay’s line up of hotel catering both to foreign and local tourist but not to belittle among its competitors, they offer that different excellence in customer satisfaction. I believe so, those commendations from their customer, it is very rare to find a hotel that suit all your needs. Moreover, it is always a challenge to make your guest enjoy their stay from the food, the cozy room and dedicated staff. What makes One Tagaytay a standout? The warm accommodation of their hotel staff is on top of the list. It is undeniable, the testimonials of their guest is enough to convince me too that staying at One Tagaytay is value for your money.

The next time you plan your family or friend weekend get away, choose the best stop at Tagaytay these days. One Tagaytay Place will definitely cater to all your needs, the home away from home. So I wish to win this clip and spend a luxurious One Fine Day with my family at this One Great Place…definitely at One Tagaytay Place.

For more info and reservation please click HERE.






Saturday, March 13, 2010

Mrs. Dempsey's Homecoming!

It was on Tuesday night when I met up and had dinner with my good friends, G, G and B at Café La Carmela. Another G missed the event and P was absent. It was not anybody’s birthday this time nor wasn’t it George post birthday treating to us. It was a homecoming dinner again.

It was before my good friend Rica went back to US when another good friend came home. It was like a year ago when I last saw her during her short visit to the Philippines. And it was nice seeing her again, finally the Irish wife!


Tata or Tating she is to us and for most of our colleague in the telecom industry. But way back in Ireland, she is Gen or Genny, which is more appropriate and girly.

A year ago after her grand wedding to her Irish fiancée, Gerry, Tating decided to give up her “amazing” telecom job and settled in Ireland with Gerry. It was a very tough decision considering she will be leaving her son, Gelo, and the rest of her family members. Maybe it was getting used to and her determination made her an instant hit to her Irish family. For somebody like her who is witty and charming I am not surprised if she easily won the hearts of her new found friends.

Going back to our sumptuous dinner, Tating was the one who called me if she could meet with us. Definitely, the answer is yesssss!. I arrived past seven at La Carmela and Tating was already there. Babu came ahead of me and I was thankful he made it. Simultaneously George and L came. Over dinner, we talked about Tating’s life overseas, the typical day, and her telecom work there. We partly share the hard life here, the one being underpaid… oh my! bitter! hehehe

Over dinner we had all fun story telling how it was from the last time we get together. We had a good laugh reminiscing those Piltel days, those younger days perhaps. This is what I always look forward, and just what I needed at times I feel low.

Thank you for the relaxing dinner Tating, you got the perfect timing. Thank you to Babu and George too for giving time. I hope to see you all again soon :)

PS: Tating generously paid the entire dinner, thanks again!

And some photos I took, peek some HERE...

Tating

Babu

George

L & Tating

Another friendship that rocks!






Thursday, March 11, 2010

a little of Boracay in Makati

Earlier this week I had the chance to dine out with good friends. It was one of the very few occasion, I should not miss for all I know. Though Makati is quite a little distant to my work place I didn’t kept my dinner dates waiting for long, let say I arrived just a little behind 7pm…sorry guys :)

Anyway, we agreed to meet at this resto in Jupiter named after the same hotel in Boracay, and partly owned by none other than Boy Abunda (showbiz na showbiz noh…hehehe).


The venue is named Café La Carmela, which is new to me because Oliver and I do not frequent going to Jupiter’s line up of eatery. So there stood Café La Carmela at the old Krocodile Grill location before it transferred to Greenbelt 3.

The place is cozy and perfect for small talks and meet ups. The interior is homey and classy but not intimidating at all. The wait staffs are attentive or maybe it is because the place is not crowded that night, or maybe it is because one of my friends spoke the same dialect, which is more comfortable for them. What probably confused me (a bit) are the set of food they offer. It is because before I left my office I browsed a bit of their table menu so I have a little idea of what to order. So all the while, I thought we are going to have Italian dishes for dinner…hehehe. My assumption was all wrong because we enjoyed an all-Filipino dish except for the appetizer, which is Japanese.

The set we had.

California Maki, we had two orders of these as appetizer. This one tastes like authentic unlike the one I had over the weekend, which I called substandard…lol!

Then we had Pork Sinigang as soup, they uses liempo with less string beans, less okra, less kangkong…in short, it’s literally soup though the sour taste was consistent.

Kare-kare ox tail missed the creamy paste. And again, with less veggies – no banana blossom this time.

Lechon Kawali is not at all crispy but was okay, and there goes the banana blossom! ginawang side dish (I miss capturing it on my cam), trying to be an atchara

Pinakbet. This is the best dish we had that night, it came out heavily filled with veggies. Super appetizing!

Right after dinner, we head straight to their dessert station. They had pastries, cakes, and popular gelato flavors. Continue salivating here…

Tiramisu flavored gelato, which I failed to taste. Anyway, I am not a big fan of this gelato fad...I still prefer the real ice cream with its original flavors!

Chocolate Cake, which I failed to taste too because I enjoyed my plate TOO much...

Blueberry Cheesecake! And this is mine, mine alone…my love life with cheese continued with these slice. Though it is a little bit foamy, the taste is ultimate. I give a thumb up for this one!

We consume two hours over that small dinner; it was a wonderful one especially because we bonded more than the food we ate. Like what I always wish, I wish this to happen more often, I dearly wish!