blogger Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Shawarma Snack Center

March 13, 2017 by Janey

Set a date with my not-so-little brother, James, and asked him what he is craving for to shortlist the restaurants we could possibly try. Unlike my not-so-little sister Joanne, planning lunch with Shoti James was a lot easier since he gave me an answer. Shobe Joanne would just say “any” or “up to you.” Well, 1 out of 10 times, she’d say “shrimps” or “crab” or “steak” but that’s 1 out of 10 so imagine how rare that is. I also have to ask my brother since he was a practicing vegetarian but I wasn’t sure if he was past that phase or still at it.

“I eat anything now. How about something Middle Eastern?”

DONE. I knew where to bring him but hesitated because it’s not exactly a joy ride to drive to Manila. I remember where my friend Nolan, one of my favorite music video directors, brought me one time in 2013 for Middle Eastern food.

Related Post:

Shawarma Snack Center

Picked up my brother around 1130am last Saturday and lucky day, the traffic was pretty light and the road trip to Manila took only 30 minutes. Before we know it, we were looking at the menu and trying to figure out what to order.

On the Table

Half BBQ Mix Grill Php 800

I think this is their version of a platter that gives you a sampler of their different meats but also comes with 3 kinds of appetizer. Bang for your buck.

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Meeting HGTV’s Property Brothers in Manila

April 21, 2016 by Janey

These have been buried in my album for a year.

Throwback to the day HGTV brought the Property Brothers to Manila.

Scripps’ MD Derek: “Jane closed the HGTV deal in the Philippines. She made it happen.”

Twin bros Jonathan and Drew suddenly and simultaneously just motioned to land one on my cheek.

Janey: “Hey, can we take a decent one please? My mom is strict.”

(Laughter)

Snap.

I was just all smiles.

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Leave a Comment Filed Under: Couch Potato Tagged With: 2015, 2016, betweenbites, blogger, HGTV, Manila, Philippines, Pinoy lifestyle, Property Brothers, Scripps

An Adventure Awaits with Globe Cloud SummerSelfie Promo

May 6, 2015 by Janey

All men and women are in the pursuit of happiness. Many of the greatest minds tackled the question of how to be truly happy… how to make it last. The great truths about happiness have been laid out by brilliant thinkers. I have no startling new secret to happiness. I do know that when I surrendered my life to Christ and accepted Him as my personal Lord and Savior, I have understood the joy of His salvation. And I’ve never felt that depth of happiness before.

As I spend my time with Him in prayer and living my life guided by His Word, my heart has gladdened from the inside out. My days have been filled with small pleasures that bring me joy. Apart from food, traveling is also one of the things that stir happiness in me. I’m no stranger to Bali and I’ve returned thrice in the last year. Last December, I took a solo sojourn to quiet down and rediscover myself. Traveling alone can be challenging, especially if you have to take your own photo but this new age has trained us to take “selfies” so it shouldn’t be a big worry.

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Without crossing the border of vanity, it’s beautiful to celebrate the “self.” Selfie photos are one manifestation of that. You look at social networking sites and you see tons of photos of people and people at majestic places or moments. Summer is the perfect season as there are a lot of traveling happening, and before we know it, we have hundreds of photos on our phones and storage is starting to max out.

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I stumbled upon this new service of leading postpaid company Globe called “Globe Cloud.” As the name suggests, it’s a cloud storage that allows you to store stunning photos, video clips (especially now you can’t stop with Dubsmash), your contacts list in case something happens to your phone or it gets stolen heaven forbid, your workout playlist and text messages. It’s exclusive to Globe and TM subscribers only – another great service from Globe.

Mad for Pizza

December 9, 2014 by Janey

These past 3 months have been nothing short of exhaustingly crazy busy and hectic. I’ve been remiss in posting and blogging. My last entry was in mid-November about Centrum and the last time I shared my last food / restaurant discovery was in October. It’s not like I have stopped eating. In fact, I can’t let being busy get in the way of sharing my recent fondness of a pizza parlor in QC.

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Pizza has been my favorite comfort food since I was a kid. From being taught shapes in kindergarten or pie charts in geometry class, anything circular makes me fantasize about a round cheesy pizza. There is no saying no to pizza. But the best way to enjoy it is to be able to share that comfort with people close to you like dear friends. Isis, EJ, Shar, Lia and I tried a new restaurant and set out for Mad for Pizza one Saturday brunch.

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The restaurant is located at the Il Terrazzo plaza in the Tomas Morato area. Cyril Reyes and partners birthed the concept for Mad for Pizza and officially opened its doors in June 2014. The interiors are bright, airy and spacious. It feels modern with elements of a retro pizza diner, especially their cool throwback music reminiscent of the Awesome Mixed Tape of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie.

Caught Bread-handed at Harina Artisan Bakery Café

May 12, 2014 by Janey

In an urban environment, quite a number of restaurants try to separate itself from the clutter. They go spending top dollar on PR agencies for their launches and mentions in the dailies or glossies. Sometimes many great finds come about through wandering aimlessly, away from the usual commercial spots – or for easier reference, checking out this wonderful website called Between Bites (ahem!). Self-indulgence aside, almost every time, the food just has to speak for itself.

Deep in White Plain’s neighborhood is a bakery-café that serves lunch, dinner and all-day breakfast menu. Inside it is airy and spacious, designed to be homey, relaxed and casual, with pale wooden display providing a gallery-like backdrop of its tasteful assortment of breads. Harina Artisan Bakery Café opened in November 2013 but the owners have been occupying the space as Monsee’s prior to Harina.

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Both brands are visible in the signage, with Harina fronting as its retail arm / café operations powered by Monsee’s, which focuses on the institutional business of supplying bread and pastries for airlines, hotels and other restaurants.

At Harina, products are created with labor of love. The baking is done the traditional way, without shortcuts and chemical additives. Without additives used, the flavors of each ingredient are fully developed.

The breads are hand rolled. Breads are baked in small batches rather than on a vast assembly line. A dedicated corner serves as their open baking area, allowing customers to see how some of their products are freshly made.

On the Table

Harina’s Bloomin’ Bread (for sharing) P320

Crusty pull-apart Italian loaf filled with basil puree and an assortment of melted cheese. Served with a dip of balsamic vinegar & extra-virgin olive oil

Initially hesitant to order this, all doubts left me when I pulled apart a piece of the bread, dipped and took a bite. It had a beautiful crusty exterior yet inside, new pillowy levels that have alternating flavors of light basil and cheese. It’s possibly the best bread you could eat on its own or repeatedly dunk in a balsamic-olive oil dip with the sweet acidity interplaying delightfully with the basil and cheese.

I could always sacrifice my low-carb diet for Harina’s Bloomin’ Bread. This round Italian pull-apart bread is nice to share with a group.

Grilled Watermelon

Outside their regular menu, Harina recently came out with a healthier menu addendum which would be perfect for those who want to lower their cholesterol level as a lifestyle choice or just fit in that skimpy bikini for a beach getaway.

It smelled wonderful, a block of watermelon have grill marks formed on its edges. Cutting into it and taking a bite of the crisp piece of watermelon saturated with sweet juice was like eating the Angus ribeye of fruits. Fortunately, it’s 92% water so my clothes still fit fine. Caramelized parts give that slightly smoky flavor, enhanced by the cheese and repressed by the minty bitterness of the arugula. The garnish of alfalfa and chopped walnuts adds speckles of taste and crunch.

This is the perfect summer dish that’s savory, light and refreshing.

Adobo Pulled Pork P265

Pulled pork adobo with fried kesong puti, lettuce and tomato on baguette

The Adobo Pulled Pork had brilliant and intense flavors broken by the mildness of the fried kesong puti, fresh crisp lettuce and sweet tomato.

Soakin’ Up Summer at Diamond Hotel

April 16, 2014 by Janey

Summer is here and it’s the season to get some tan. Soak up the sun and get ready for a fun summer family bonding! Spend the day by the poolside or relax with the family in the luxurious confines of your room at Diamond Hotel Philippines.

Amp up your summer with Diamond Hotel’s Soakin’ Up Summer room package. For only Php 5,500 nett per night, get an overnight stay in a Deluxe room with buffet breakfast for 2 adults at Corniche, access to the swimming pool and Health Club and Spa, 3 hours free internet access per stay, discounts on massage and reflexology, discounts at the Poolside and Sky Lounge, and complimentary shuttle service to and from Mall of Asia or Robinson’s Place Manila.

If you are swimming or lounging by the poolside on a weekend, treat the whole brood to flavorful barbecue specialties, ice cold drinks and signature ice cream concoctions.

Take a Right to Main Street, Tuscany McKinley Hill

March 17, 2014 by Janey

A partially impromptu dinner saw me finally visiting the Tuscany restaurant strip at McKinley Hill, Fort. I wasn’t planning to eat since I was on an after-6 diet but I had a long day at work, I deserved a release.

I walked through the narrow path where all the restaurants are lined up – some are branches of restaurants I’ve visited before, others are totally new to me. The evening had a cool crisp breeze and the many trees around add to the relaxing climate –and to my appetite. I was debating between the ramen place, Wursty Wursty and ended up at Main Street.

RAP Steaks and Cakes

March 14, 2014 by Janey

A couple of weeks ago, I accompanied a friend to dinner but since I was on my after-6 diet (no, I wasn’t) and it was successful for 4 straight days (no, it wasn’t), I didn’t eat anything (no, I did). I was just there to make sure somebody who’s been skipping meals would eat and to raise the level of conversation – readers, you know I’m saying this with a mocking tone.

I could not add any scale of intelligence in any dialogue… unless you feed me Chef Ariel’s Unsalted Butter Poached Langoustine with Foie Gras, then I could probably narrate the logic why Pi is an irrational number and a mathematical constant always equaling to 3.1416, which is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. See, it has that effect.

Before I further yap and try to fool you with the amount of aptitude I have, we stumbled upon Rap, unassuming and without much expectation. Long story short, I tried a piece of the steak that was ordered just to get a taste and I was pleasantly surprised.

I restrained myself from ordering my own plate and distracted myself with the conversation. Fudge, it didn’t work. That juicy greasy bite haunted me for days and I started craving.

Summer Beach Party at Ibiza Beach Club Cebu

March 6, 2014 by Janey

Summerrrrrrrrrrrrrr is here! And Ibiza Beach Club is making things a little hotter.

DJ Daiki Wakabayashi and his friends of celebrity DJ’s from Japan returns to Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu to perform for a one-night beach party experience at the hotel’s ultimate party venue, The Ibiza Beach Club.

Organised by Cebu .20z, this luxurious event scheduled on March 8, 2014 is set to impress with exhilarating performances, creative cocktails and stunning ocean views. Think sand, surf, beautiful people and famous international DJs in one spectacular evening. Arrive early and take advantage of buy one, get one free cocktails and sunset beats from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Back to back DJ performances will begin from 7.00 pm onwards.

Ramen Santouka Philippines

February 11, 2014 by Janey

After the last schedule of Victory Service two Sundays ago, we headed to Greenhills for a quick late dinner. We were initially targeting (with a capital T) a ramen place in the new Greenhills mall but our 2^nd visit still had us slightly shunned away AGAIN. They really have to get their host by the entrance area trained better –or at least have her pretend to be accommodating.

We found ourselves walking towards the Old Promenade and reaching the door of Ramen Santouka. Even if there’s a waiting line outside, reception was much better and more eager to receive us. In less than 10 minutes, we were ushered to our table.

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Ramen Santouka since it opened but when Eric and I visited mid last year at their Glorietta branch, it was incredibly jampacked and we had to find another place or my hunger pangs would have had me eating the menu.

Ramen Nagi in Manila, Philippines

January 29, 2014 by Janey

It’s called Nagi in Japan and Butao in Hong Kong. It’s Ramen Nagi in Manila, Philippines. They can take down the signage and call it the unnamed ramen place and I will still be there again and again encircling my order with a crayon on the paper menu they provide.

New Year’s Eve Countdown to 2014

January 4, 2014 by Janey

New Year’s Eve and 1^st of January are some of my top favorite days of the year. Since something came earlier than anticipated and it got me on a moody sprint for 3 days, I didn’t plan anything for the New Year except go watch some fireworks and hear good music.

Madz picked me up past 10pm and it was close to pinching a nerve since it’s the 2^nd consecutive time she was late and I didn’t want to be late in meeting Val and Cha, who spent New Year Eve’s with us last year as well at the Ayala New Year’s Event Countdown.

When we got to Eastwood Activity Center, it was already crawling with people.

But like a blessing, we were able to find a not so bad spot on the bridge with a good view of the side of the stage. It wasn’t the greatest but it definitely could have easily been a worse spot gauging at the size of the crowd by the time we arrived.

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Thanksgiving on New Year’s Day

1^st of January 2013

Christmas Day 2012

I cringed missing the Up Dharma Down set by half an hour. Close to 11pm, things were already rolling and the hosts introduced the co-main event of the night… Bamboo, who I had an ultimate crush on many years ago. I remember having to be an event photographer for one of his concerts for Asia Brewery in 2006 by CW’s request. Even if I just had to click on the shutter button, it was so hard to concentrate as most of the time I was just gaping by the edge of the stage watching him perform. I was inches or a couple of feet away from him –almost the only one near/fronting the stage. It took a lot not to go up and just give him a big hug. Okay, the bouncers nearby with fridge for a chest had a lot to do with the decision.

Bamboo was the best act of the Eastwood Countdown event. People were cheering and singing with him. The energy of the immense crowd was building up and everyone was just full of good vibes. Maddie and I were shouting like buffoons and rocking it with him, not caring about anyone else moving a few inches away thinking we just got out of the asylum. It was also heartwarming when he asked for a moment of silence for the earthquake and Yolanda victims, showing a video snippet of the devastation and unity that the tragedy brought. The photos showed Filipino resiliency and how strong our hearts are. It was a prelude to his song, Pinoy Ako.

Jessica Sanchez followed Bamboo’s segment. Shortly, it was close to midnight. The hosts came back on stage with both main acts, Viber’s brand manager and Megaworld’s President Kevin Tan. The countdown ensued and at the end of it, the fireworks painted the night sky. I called home and greeted my family a Happy New Year. I wish they were with me again this year. But hearing their voices and communicating the love were good enough that night.

Even if we weren’t able to bond much with Val and Cha that night, we didn’t miss the chance to take a few photos together.

I wanted to hang out more but saw that Cha’s eyes looked very tired. They were at the venue since 6pm and had dinner at Eastwood so we had to let them go. Sharwin joined us that night and kept me and Madz company.

I don’t know if we expended his energy but we tried to be on our best behavior.

An hour after the countdown, JM joined us and we headed to the Fort for some dance music. Fort was packed! Urbn and Aracama both had lines even at 3am. We considered going to Skye but after the difficult parking, just ended up staying in the area already.

Despite the sort-of-funny crowd, Maddie and I somewhat danced the night-dawn away and just reveled in the music. We were still in our best behavior. 🙂

Leave a Comment Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: 2014, Blog, blogger, countdown to 2014, crowd, Eastwood Countdown, Eastwood fireworks, Megaworld, New Year, New Year's Eve, New year's eve countdown

A Home in Paradise at Moevenpick Hotel in Mactan Island Cebu

January 3, 2014 by Janey

I’m a Manila girl. I envy friends who go home to their provincial town and celebrate regional fiestas since I’ve only known the capital city for most of my life not having relatives to visit elsewhere in the Philippines. Evident of my countless short and long trips to this place, it is obvious that Cebu has become a hometown to me.

Bantayan Island, Cebu

More Memorable Bantayan Cebu

My Weekend Escape in European-Fresh Hotel Elizabeth

Malapascua Island, Cebu

Chibori, Cebu

URCC Cebu

I have had many returns enough to sing this song this way, “Cebu, Cebu, I keep coming back to Cebu. There’s no place like Cebu. Cebu, I’m coming home.” And home is exactly what it felt like checking in at Moevenpick Hotel in Mactan Island for four days. Well, my home in paradise that is.

I’ve been flying in and out the past two months but I was only able to find rest in the last leg of my 2013 travel chronicle. It was towards the final days of November and I was traveling with four gentle-but-not-so-gentle-men.

Our plane touched down in Cebu. Moevenpick Hotel Cebu offers airport to hotel to airport transfers in style, with a huge air-conditioned jeepney-looking mini-bus. Our chauffer assisted us with our luggage and 10 minutes after, we were welcomed by a beaming staff at Moevenpick Hotel.

Touchdown Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu

Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is a five-star Mediterranean-inspired beachfront hotel located on the lush and tropical island of Mactan. Surrounded by culturally rich points of interests, the hotel boasts an exceptional location ideal for both business travelers and visitors set to explore the city or nearby islands.

Refreshments were offered and as fate would have it, we arrived during chocolate hour (3pm-4pm at the Lobby). A male staff with a tray of wonderful chocolate eclairs was going around offering these luscious treats in gratis.

My friend Richie of www.thepickiesteater.com teased the staff not to stray far away from him. We almost shadowed him but eventually headed to one of Moevenpick’s restaurants Sails for a late lunch.

Filling our tummy with an afternoon delight, we headed to our rooms to settle in and take a short siesta. Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu covers 245 contemporary guestrooms and suites.

I walked into my room and was glad to see where I’ll be camping in for the next few days. I love white as it feels clean and relaxing so I am happy to report that the guestroom’s interior is in white and shades of blue.

All the guestrooms come complete with LED television, wireless internet and a fully stocked mini-bar. Wireless internet is what makes it such a functional room. I could work, blog and keep in touch with my friends and get connected to my social networking sites in a jiffy at no cost.

I could receive Viber calls too. Moevenpick also offers high-speed internet at a nominal fee but I was pretty much content with their free Wi-Fi. It did remind me though of the exorbitant internet fee I paid for at the Four Seasons Hotel in Langkawi, Malaysia in late September so yeah, free-of-charge Internet is glee! Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible in all guestrooms and throughout the public areas of the hotel.

Griddle Melts at IHOP Philippines

September 30, 2013 by Janey

I see myself back at IHOP checking out a new reason to visit. IHOP Restaurant in BGC launched handcrafted made to order sandwiches that come in three variants – experience the new item in their menu, Griddle Melts.

These sandwiches are not your ordinary sandwiches as each is served on artisan sourdough bread with a choice of three fluffy omelets in large breakfast sandwich.

Big choices that give you value for your money as any order come with your choice of hash browns or seasoned fries. Full sandwich can be had at P385 and P325 for a half order. I say, always go full throttle.

On the Table

Spinach, Roasted Pepper and Cheese Melt

Sautéed fresh spinach in a fluffy egg omelet topped with roasted red peppers and onions, melted Provolone, Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses make up my favorite of the three. I know I am biased, 3 cheeses. How can I resist?

Rekindled with Lolo Dads

August 23, 2013 by Janey

Somebody mentioned Lolo Dads during a table conversation and my friend Irene piped in, “hey, that’s Jane’s favorite restaurant.” I looked at her slightly bewildered like an illicit love affair was exposed. “How did you know?” I asked. She said, “Of course, I’m your friend. I know Lolo Dads is your favorite.”

That’s just how friends are… they know your heart and its desires. In this case, she has probably seen my photos of Lolo Dads dinners of past and likely has heard me say countless times that it’s my all-time favorite (when I don’t think about Antonio’s or vice versa –these two have an ongoing battle of who’s first inside my heart).

Take A New Flavor Turn

Of Mince and Men

Before the crazy month of August hit, like the universe conspired to bring back an old flame, I found myself back at Lolo Dads. Last time I visited was December but I didn’t realize how much longing was present until the first plate was brought out.

On the Table

Ahi Tuna Loin and Marinated Salmon, Grilled Watermelon with Soy Vinaigrette and Aioli P440 / P260

Whenever at Lolo Dads, I choose between a degustacion special of the month / season or just go ala carte. This specific dinner, we started with the All of the Above Appetizer Sampler (P1960), a tasting portion of all the starters, served family style. I think this is the best way to taste and share all the starters.

The ahi tuna loin tasted fresh and light. Tucked underneath is the marinated salmon stealing the scene from the tuna adding a richer aspect, its salmon meat creamy and continued towards the outer cover of the grilled watermelon. The watermelon block then bursts in the mouth with its juice almost erasing the slightest fish element.

Seared Duck Liver and Pate de Foie Gras, Pear Confit, Mesclun Salad, and Cranberry Compote P1320 / P795

Rich, buttery and delicate, the duck liver had a beautiful tan from its sear adding that layer of smokiness. The pear confit sheds a sheet of sweetness and helps cut through the sinful richness of the foie gras. [Read more…]

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The Waves Return

August 12, 2013 by Janey

Nowhere found in Manila last weekend, I went to where I was just two weekends ago. Lost in the moment –of which I always find myself in at Crystal Beach Resort. This is where I have been disappearing to. In between my anxiety of water, the thrill of winning against it, breathing fresh air, laughing my joy out loud with friends, communing with nature and finding God in the midst of all the organic beauty, this is where I have pitched a tent of temporary haven.

I’m a Manila girl, growing up in the concrete jungle with never having access to provincial fiestas and an answer to, “san probinsiya mo ne?” But I drew close to Zambales. I remember joining Conquer Zambales in 2009 – an adventure race organized by Living Asia with Sidetrip magazine that had me and CW speeding all over the province finishing one challenge after the other. The tasks were daunting and super fun, like jumping off a 15-feet dive board at the military camp, scaling big smelly fishes and gutting them (my first time to do in my life), seeing my partner hop on an old rickety boat and climbing the mast to get the next clue, cooking rice in a bamboo, crossing the sand bar between Camara island and another island with a heavy bucket of water, and many other tasks for a full 2 days. I’ve joined many adventure races but that one is top 3 of the most memorable even if I wasn’t near anywhere placing a spot since it allowed me to see the beauty of Zambales, both in the many places we went to and in its people.

In 2008, I also found a secret spot off the port of Pundaquit, a 30-minute boat ride to the beautiful off-white powdery sands of Anawangin. The lighthouse in Capones island. Chasing flags in Potipot island. Climbing a huge rock in Camara. Buying bagnet in the Zambales market.

Early this year, Shell Journeys had me planning another adventure trip and I picked Z, got reacquainted and now I couldn’t keep away.

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The Journey a Weekend Can Give

Anawangin

Dear Jane: Conquer Zambales Mate

In the Beginning

I met new friends. I found a new challenge. I am learning from my surfing coach, Vergel. I rally behind a community that enjoys a simple life, genuine smiles, the sun, sand and of course, riding the waves.

Zambales became my home town. Crystal Beach, my new home address.

Here I don’t have a problem waking up early in the morning, sneaking out the room while everyone is still in la la land. I just take in the beauty of the morning and the fresh smell of hope.

Next time, I look forward to dawn watch. And giving praise and worship to the Father who has loved me so much.

This weekend was one of the best weekends of the year. I don’t know if it’s coming from a real “low” as this week brought news that saddened the heart that there was nowhere to go but up… it was also a toxic week at work more than usual… but boy, the joy soared on Friday. I always feel God’s overwhelming love but I felt it so much more last Friday. I can’t explain it but I was just laughing and laughing, with no guards up, bonding with the people I was with –new and old, reconnecting with my “sole” sister Maddie…

because our stronghold is God. ‪

#‎love‬ ‪#‎contentment‬ ‪#‎simplejoys‬ ‪#‎friendships‬‪#‎family‬ ‪#‎happiness‬ ‪#‎faith‬ ‪#‎truth‬

…and receiving texts and calls from friends / groups in Manila who I felt missed me and wanted to spend time with me. If you’ve seen my craziness, you’d know that would be rare and people would normally excuse themselves around me… unless I’m wearing a straightjacket.

We are grateful since the forecast was totally flat but there were baby waves (a.k.a. white water) that also helped me practice minus the fear of the big waves.

Mac teaching new kids on the block

Too bad that the schedule was full and all the instructors and surf boards were booked Friday afternoon. While we decided to rest and relax, enjoy the sunset by the beach, and play Frisbee in between, my heart still yearned to go out and play with the baby waves. I looked out at the horizon and watched with longing.

Sunset Water Babies

Glad Abby read into my spirit and asked surfer Jay-R to lend me his personal board. She led me to sea and Jay-R took over, giving me a few tips and helping me catch a baby wave or two. I was able to do 4 rides that afternoon, 4/4 short ones but enough to make me happy.

We started out early Friday on a road trip and came home late Saturday night – set it two days so we have the 3^rd day to rest. If the waves were not forecast as such, we would have stayed until Sunday but we were meant to avoid the heavy rains Sunday brought like God has provisioned us to fully enjoy the 2 days and fully rest on Sunday. How perfect the plans of the Lord are!

I can’t even begin to tell you how fun the weekend was. I had a blast.

Instead of just blabbing about it like blah blah blah ha-ha-ha blah blah blah.

I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Road Trip: Zambales (August 9-10, 2013)

Morning from SCTEX! 🙂

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Maddie and Janey

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Roadkills

Blanca de China Lifestyle Spa

July 24, 2013 by Janey

My schedule has been running a little wild and amok lately but I’ve been praying to God to slow things down a bit. In fact, last night He made it happen. I suddenly found myself at home grilling burgers for myself and enjoying a good quiet time with Him after dinner. I planned to read just 4 chapters of the Bible – a practice a friend taught me to train myself to read The Word on a regular basis. Before I knew it, I read more than 4 chapters and was immersed in His words, filled with encouragement and a beautiful stillness.

The thought of a grilled cheese sandwich with Asiago, Parmesan, Mozzarella and Cheddar still snuck in sometimes, okay? 🙂 I’m only human. Human frailty is still present but yea I shoved those picturesque desires for crunchy gooey munchies and focused on my real Bread of Life.

SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center’s Refirme Treatment

July 16, 2013 by Janey

The Spa Wellness is one of my top three favorite spots to go to when I need a lush comfortable almost foolproof massage. Last Saturday, I head to their Fort branch but instead of a relaxing massage, I visited their SKIN clinic. With its award-winning pampering excellence and rejuvenation at its belt, The Spa Wellness has evolved its services with the opening of SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center.

Upon entering SKIN, you’ll feel instantly welcomed by its calming interiors and genuinely smiling receptionists. I was 15 minutes early for my 12nn appointment, thank goodness for easy parking during weekends. I was ushered to one of the rooms where I changed into the robe and relaxed my back on the reclining chair, sipping on The Spa’s signature ginger tea.

SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center offers several skin and body services that use state-of-the-art technology, under the care of certified dermatologists in a luxuriously relaxing spa setting. While I wanted to try their Signature Skin Facial for deep cleansing, mild peel and facial massage to nourish my skin, I veered towards something more forward. Refirme. Suitable for my age if I’m trying to keep the concept of “30s as the new 20s.”

Forever 21 BIG Sale This Friday

June 27, 2013 by Janey

Good news shoppers! Forever 21 is having a big sale this coming Friday, June 28, 2013 in all of their stores. Check it out and share your good finds!

Not to Miss Mesclun in Serendra

June 26, 2013 by Janey

The world was moving the first time I was introduced during a Sunday lunch in December. Maddie was beside me and I was sitting quietly dazed on my seat, nursing a very bad hangover. A power shake they served cleared the clouds over my head and when I started tasting their dishes, that’s when my focus centered.

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Mesclun at Linden Suites

A few months later, I find myself strolling yet again Serendra, which I used to frequent a lot but have leaned towards BHS in the recent years for the shops and last year, BHS Central, for new restaurants. Now, I’m gravitating towards Serendra again since there’s a restaurant there not to be missed… Mesclun. It breathes a new verve to the area and my food soul wanders there.

On the Table

Andre’s Poke P345

Hawaiian-style tuna ceviche in soy sesame dressing

If you find the name funny, you haven’t heard what the Hawaiians call their appetizer. Poke, served in Hawaiian Cuisine, is a fresh raw salad with cut-up or cubed pieces of seafood like tuna or salmon, lightly dressed in sesame oil, roasted crushed nut mayo dressing, chili flakes and soy sauce, garnished with seaweed. I am fond of sashimi and spicy tuna salad and this clearly is a close counterpart but just accessorized and amped up.