Manitoba Filipino Street Festival 2014 Posted on Sunday, August 31, 2014 | 0 comments

It was a drizzling morning when I woke up on the 23rd of August to arrange the flowers for the float of Tribu Senyor Sto. Niño.  Tita Lalaine, the mother of my friend Phil, knocked on my door to remind me that we are running out of time for today's festivities.  So I hurried up and pulled myself together including my creativity to get the task done as soon as possible.

It was slowly falling into place that we are joining the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival 2014.  I came all the way from Regina, Saskatchewan and rode 6 hours to get to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Took a selfie with the boat float of the image of the Child Jesus at the background.  And of course, you can't miss the brothers, Phil and Bon at the back with the cameo appearance of my new friend, EJ.

I couldn't be more proud of the flower arrangement I made to adorn the statue of the Child Jesus.  It was not close to being Ikebana but it was well appreciated. LOL! The Mercedes Benz was all covered up with the boat structure. 

There were representatives from Batangueños in Manitoba. 

Another group from Tuy, Batangas. 

A grand float from Davao showcasing their ethnic dances and songs.

People from Baguio joined to the parade too.

The stage for the day of festivitie looked festive.  I cannot find other words to describe it. LOL!

EJ and me in our own version of an Instagram logo with our props made the night before. 

I also met another new friend in the name of Lexir Roduta whos is a physician from the Philippines.  We happen to know a lot of common people and that includes my friend, Dr. Ryan Andal who is currently a Cardiology Fellow at Makati Medical Center. 

The best part of the day was winning the Best Float Award.  Thanks Lexir for the photo! We were all smiles.  We couldn't contain it!

I would like to thank Tita Lalaine and Tito Boy for inviting me in the festivities.  It was nice sharing my hidden talent in flower arrangement.  Thanks to the lovely couple Phil and Andrea for being so supportive in this whole adventure.  Thanks to all the new people I've met in Winnepeg! You guys are awesome!  

We will definitely do our best next year and win two more awards including the Best Booth!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

Jogging at Ayala Triangle Garden Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2014 | 0 comments

With Honey's coercion I was able to jog at Ayala Triangle Gardens.  I actually thought of just sleeping and rolling in bed for the rest of the day.  It was a perfect holiday for me as I thought of how relaxing it was going to be.  But for some unknown reasons, I was able to pull myself out of bed and jog! The next thing I knew, I was already under the spell and the smell of freshly cut grass.

The best part of the experience is seeing some cute guys jogging.  You might even run into someone famous at the park because of its proximity to glamorous addresses. 

This is the BEFORE photo, no sweat yet!

And this is me looking drab but feeling awesome after the exercise!

I'd love to jog again soon.  Maybe you wanna join me?

Wooden Spoon at Power Plant Mall Posted on Saturday, August 2, 2014 | 0 comments

Last Sunday, I met up with my friends Mica and April for dinner at Powerplant Mall.  This was a planned meet-up months ago and was arranged by April's sister Ann, who happened to be in London.

Ann wanted us to meet up with her friend from London who was also bringing our gifts from her.  

From left to right are Mica, Me, April, Andres, Lani, and Kaye.  Ann set this all up.  

I was late so April and Mica has chosen the place already.  My cleavage kind of distracted so many people at the mall as it was a Sunday. 

It took us a while to make an order because we were too engrossed getting to know our new friends.

 You can't go wrong with Fiesta Rice (P145). 

Breaded Fish Fillet with Wansoy Sauce (Php 195)

For me, the best food discovery that night was Crab Pancit (Php 145) and the Adobo Flakes (Php 195). 

The best kaldereta for me can only be found in Davao and they call it "bakareta" because its made with beef.  Surprisingly, this came very close to that.  Their kaldereta costs (Php 235). 

Binagoongan (Php 195)

All in all, the food was amazing. I would always want to come back and try their other dishes because although Sandy Daza claimed that its a Filipino fusion restaurant, it doesn't try so hard.  Sandy just made it better without losing the identity of the cuisine.  

When at Powerplant Mall, try Wooden Spoon or if you are near Katipunan Avenue you may visit them at Loyola Heights, Quezon City. 

For reservations at their Loyola Heights branch, call (+632) 426 0044 . Their Power Plant Branch is always full so I suggest that you go there earlier than the rest of the crowd at probably around 11:00 am for lunch. 

On the other hand, here are the pasalubongs I got from Ann. Thanks Lanie for bringing it! 

Soms Noodle House at Rockwell Posted on | 0 comments

I've been in Manila for almost 7 years and I cannot recall eating at this place but I have heard about it from friends who studied at the Ateneo Law School.  I've also heard that Georgina Wilson and boyfriend Borgy Manotoc regularly eats here.  

Last Monday was one of the best days of my life as I've received my visa for Canada.  I couldn't feel more excited for this big move as better opportunities are coming my way.  

So when Honey and Jake, both my friends, thought of celebrating for this news, I suggested that we try Soms.  We actually checked out El Chupacabra too but unfortunately the place was full.  

This is how their menu looks like. 

Jake ordered beef stake, I ordered pork satay, and Honey ordered chicken wrapped in banana leaves.  I honestly forgot the name. I did not like the pork satay because it was too difficult to chew but I liked the chili sauce that goes with it.  My favorite was Jake's beef stake because it has the right amount of sweetness.  The best part of the dinner was their P20 rice and the food was not very expensive.  

Enjoy your meal is thaan aa-hăan hâi à-râwy ná in Thai! (ทาน อาหาร ให้ อร่อย นะ)