A Nom-mage Special: Happiness in a Box

Jeff has been talking about a certain pair of shoes since his birthday last March. Or maybe even earlier. I never felt the 'importance' of these shoes to him until December.

He wants the Air Jordan XI Concords. I did a little research and discovered that the Concords was released in 1996 -- when Jeff and I were both in the 6th grade. He told me that it has been his dream to have a pair since he saw it. Jeff is a big Bulls fan and a bigger Jordan fan. So when he heard that Nike is rereleasing the Concords, he decided to do anything to, in his words, cop it.

Plan A
Two years ago, when the Space Jam XI Retro was released, I passed by Nike BHS and saw so many people lined up. That was December 19, four days before the actual release date. I worried a little for Jeff. He might not get his pair if the competition is this tight. So we planned to hire someone to fall in line for us. P600 a day, with free food.

Plan B
My friend RD is in Singapore. When the Black Cement 3 Retro was released, I asked him if there were still some stocks in SG. I also asked him if he can get Jeff a pair. He told me he might not be able to get the Concords because a lot of crazy sneakerheads are also waiting for it there. He suggested we buy it online at http://www.rmkstore.com/.

Plan C
Believe it or not, we actually thought of just ordering it online at http://www.rmkstore.com/. Oh well.

Plan D
Jeff learned that Titan, a basketball and barbershop in one, is dropping the Concords too. Luckily on December 10, we were at Burgos Circle when Titan Fort announced the release of the green poker chips, which was the first step in copping those Concords! Our friends OJ and Faye were at Bonifacio High Street and rushed over when they found out too. The poker chips were released at 2:23PM. Jeff was first in line, OJ was second, Faye was fourth and I was fifth. Four green chips while we only need two pairs of shoes. Looks like we have a big chance to get them!

We thought that we already have a sure slot to get a pair. We were wrong. Titan was too wise, firing away contests on Facebook, Twitter and other online pages.

December 18, after coming back from Ate Inggie's birthday trip in Quezon and just when we were about to go to bed, Jeff saw a new post from Titan on Facebook. I was too sleepy that time and all I understood was we have to email something. Jeff also messaged OJ and Faye, but they didn't answer. Looks like the couple was already sleeping.

Chef Laudico's BFAST

Nothing special about today other than the feast of the Immaculate Conception, which happened to be celebrated in Antipolo. So mom closed the store in the afternoon. I get to have the afternoon for myself and thought of visiting my fiance. Naks!

I came around 2PM in Makati with a pounding headache and and empty stomach. I asked Jeff to grab some paracetamol before meeting me. He wanted to watch a movie and for the first time, I said no. Naks ulet! I have to leave Makati before 5PM because for sure, traffic will be really bad going back to Antipolo. I asked him if we could eat in Ayala Triangle. He suggested Bfast.

Bfast, or (I think) Breakfast is one of the restaurants in Ayala Triangle. We picked this because, well, it serves salad. Hahaha! Jeff has been on a diet for four days now and he is only allowed to eat fruits and veggies. So far, so good! I see less tummy. My fiance is working hard to lose weight for the wedding, while I still enjoy pigging out.

Anyway, Jeff ordered the Christmas Salad. I had Angus Beef but for some reason, I can't find its picture. Sadness. We also saw Z (aka @zeeheehee on Twitter) here. We have one thing in common, we found love not in a hopeless place, but on Twitter. Awesome, right?

Bfast may stand for 'breakfast' or 'be fast'. I should ask next time. ;)

Toast Box

One thing I loved most about my stay in Singapore back in 2008 was the food. Every morning when I go home from work (yep, I was in nightshift), I pass by the hawker centers to buy either Kaya set, fried rice with egg and sausage or whatever, nasi lemak, or whatever I thought of eating. At night during our shift, my coworkers would ask me to go out and eat prata, nasi goreng or nasi lemak. There's also a place in Singapore called Newton and Makansutra which is a must try for all tourists.

So today, we tried Toast Box. I definitely know what I want -- KAYA TOAST. Jeff had Nasi Lemak, which I think is what he orders most of the time when he goes to a Singaporean restaurant. He also likes his Hainanese Chicken steamed, while I like it roasted. We both love oatmeal prawn too. I wish we could go to Singapore so I could take him to the places where I loved to eat. Soon, I hope. :)

My kaya toast. Yum!

Tootsie's Tagaytay: My Birthday Lunch

I'm turning twenty seven in a few hours. Jeff took me to Enchanted Kingdom. Yay for another surprise trip! Before going to EK, I asked him if he wants to have lunch in Tagaytay. Our friend, Jel suggested we check out Tootsie's. It is along the highway just before Yellow Cab and Leslie's area. We arrived around 1PM. We were asked to sit outside because there are a lot of people inside the restaurant. It was not a problem for me. I wanted to feel the Tagaytay breeze, though it wasn't very cold that day.

We ordered two of their specialties: Kansi Bulalo and Roasted Lamb with Potatoes. Both were priced at less than Php500 which is good for 2-3 pax. Not bad, yeah?

Candlelit lunch. <3

Mom and Tina's Bakery Cafe

After our lunch at Ristras, we dropped by WINK (Written in Ink) for our invitations. After that, we went to Jeff's basketball practice at Rocky's village. ABL is coming up and he will play again. Of course, he/we need a recovery meal. Hey, I got tired watching him too!

He suggested Mom and Tina's along C5. We always pass by this place but never stopped. The place was sooooo Christmasy. There are Christmas lights and decors everywhere. And it felt like home. Very cozy.

So who's mom and who's Tina in the picture? 

Ristras - BGC

It's been a few weeks since we dined out. I guess we were just busy? No, we're not. We went to our couturier, Te' Artsy Couture and had my gown fitted. I kind'a don't like the girl. She's a snob and not warm to her customers. We may be thirty minutes late, but that isn't a reason for her to frown. I'll write about our experience with her on my wedding blog.

So anyway, we later decided to have lunch at Ristras in Bonifacio Global City before heading to another wedding related meeting. We have a schedule with WINK for the wedding invites. Ristras is located near McKinley Drive. I heard it opens at 12nn so don't come too early. We had tacos and their famous burrito. Jeff was looking for some kind of drink that I don't remember.

Chili!!!

La Creperie - Shangri-La

We decided to go home right away after the movie but it was raining so hard! I told him we should kill some time for a while and have dessert. My treat. LOLS. We walked around and found this little vintage crepe shop in the middle of the hall. Glad we found it.

I really loved the colors of the shop. Pale blue and white and some yellows and grays. The chairs are white too. I'm such a fan of old things. We tried their choco-mango crepe. It was awesome!

La Creperie.

Sumo Sam - Shangri-La

Today is our anniversary. Yay for 365 days of togetherness! Jeff and I met in Shangri-La. I was surprised when I met him in front of Sumo Sam with tulips in his hands. I forgot to tell him no flowers because I am commuting. Then again, who am I to say to tulips. I mean, to him. Haha!

I wanted to have yellow tulips for my bouquet on our wedding. When we met our florist, Serge Igonia, he said that we can do it but there's a big chance that the flowers will wilt even before the reception ends. I was brokenhearted but I don't want that to happen. So we had to change my bouquet flowers to something else. this is why Jeff got my tulips today. Isn't he the sweetest? :)

We had lunch at Sumo Sam. We had our normal Japanese fix -- ricebowls and maki. I wonder why I didn't take pictures of the makis. We later watched Real Steel, a touch movie that will melt your heart.

Happy anniversary, love! :*

Christopher Rolls Bakery Cafe

We left Tanay after lunch. It was a great drive going back to Antipolo because it was chilly and drizzling a little. Jeff suggested we go to Charm to have a massage. There's this Thai massage parlor near my place that I visited a few months ago and I totally loved their service. Charm was my masseur. So I introduced this place to Jeff and he was totally satisfied too. We go to this place once or twice a month. For only Php350, we get an hour of foot massage and an hour of full body Thai massage. Yay! If you wanna visit them, check out their website at http://thaiboranmassage.com/.

Anyway, after having our massage, we felt hungry. So in front of the massage parlor was a bakery/restaurant. I told him that we should try it. The place was called Christopher Rolls Bakery Cafe. I used to eat here once in a while when we go out and drink in a nearby bar. A few months ago, my mom told me that she saw the place was a total wreck. I asked the staff what happened and he said that there was a fire in their kitchen and their gas tank exploded. The entire place was fixed now. The Rugby championships was also on when we went there.

Christopher Rolls Bakery Cafe.

The Tanay Getaway

For our anniversary, Jeff took me to Tanay. I've been telling him about this Baguio-ish place in like forever and he thought of going all ninja and surprised me with a trip. I didn't know we're going here until we were about to leave. We left their house around 3:30PM and arrived in Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort before 6PM. It's already dark when we came.

View from our room. Pretty, isn't it?

Papa John's Pizza - BF Homes

Jeff picked me up in my house this morning. He said we're leaving this afternoon. We have a schedule of ring fitting today with the Franco's. We dropped by The Wedding Lounge once again and we finally saw our rings. We were very satisfied. I will post a picture of the ring later. :)

We drove to his house where he needs to finish some errands. We had lunch at Papa John's in BF. I forgot my camera in the car so I took pictures using my phone.

Papa John's BF Homes. 

Aristocrat Restaurant

My future husband and I at CCP while waiting for Stomped to start.

Our anniversary started today when Jeff asked me if I wanted to watch Stomped. And we're so dressed up! I was wearing a little black dress and he was in his barong. We looked so sosyal. Hahaha! Before the show started, he took me to Aristocrat along Roxas Blvd.

Jeff said that Aristocrat was the first to introduce the 24-hour store and not McDonald's. He said they used to go there when he was still small. I wish my family went out a lot too when I was small.

Chatime - Landmark

It's Jeff's first time to Chatime! Well, I bought him once when I was in SM North EDSA and he picked me up. My favorite drink here is the Roasted Milk with pudding as toppings. Last time I ordered Taro Milk Tea with pearls. The drink was really good, but it shouldn't mix with pearls. Drinks cost around Php75 - Php100, depending on the toppings that you want.

Chatime is in the bridgeway in the middle of Landmark and Glorietta. You won't miss it!

Joey Pepperoni - Pioneer

Today before going to the game, Jeff and I met with our jeweler, Jewelry by Franco to discuss the final design of our wedding bands. We booked them from the wedding expo in SMX last month so we got 40% off on our rings! Yay for savings! Ruth and Erick were very accommodating. They also suggest what is better for the designs that you choose. I like this couple. Turns out Jeff's friend, Carlo, also bought the engagement ring she gave to Rocky here. So if you're looking for a good jeweler, go try the Francos.

Anyway, we were starving and decided to eat first before going to Araneta for the game 1 of UAAP championship. There's a Joey Pepperoni beside The Wedding Lounge were Jewelry by Franco is.

Salt. Pepper. And some sauce.

Racks - Festival Supermall

I was yet again in Jeff's neck of woods. I had to visit our branch in Festival Supermall to conduct an orientation regarding a new promo. So anyway, before I went to the clinic. I asked Jeff if we can have lunch first. We met at South Station and walked to Festival. We walked around and decided to eat at Racks.

Racks Festival Supermall.

Charlie Chicken - BF Homes

It's Friday and I decided to see Jeff. I just miss him. I took the shuttle to BF Homes from Paseo Center at around 5:15PM. Traffic was really bad and I arrived in Sucat at 7PM. Yeah, traffic was that bad. Jeff picked me up at Shopwise Sucat. I've been bugging him about Charlie Chicken because we've been reading good reviews about it.

Charlie Chicken is along President Ave., which is very near Jeff's home in Tahanan Village. I was kinda disappointed about it. It wasn't as good as I thought it was. Or maybe, I just like Bonchon a lot.

Believe it or not, I just used my HTC Wildfire taking these pictures. I'm amazed about the picture quality. :)

Yummy Roast - Eastwood Mall

We discovered a great and affordable restaurant today in Eastwood. The chicken and rice are so delicious. And the best thing about it is it's very affordable. For only P99, you get unlimited rice. They have two kinds of rice, the plain rice and the yummy rice. The yummy rice tastes like the hainanese rice that you can buy in Singaporean restaurants.

We ordered six pieces of wings and four rice. Yep, we ate two rice each! We were able to enjoy a sumptuous meal for only P300+. I think Yummy Roast is a potential Bonchon killer. Or maybe it's just me.

Yummy Roast is near Food Junction in Eastwood Mall.

Mister Kabab - West Ave.

Ateneo has a game today versus the National University. Again, Ateneo won. After the game, we headed to Imagine Nation Photography office in Araneta Ave to get my photo. I had a photo shoot with them which they call The Boudoir Dolls. I had so much fun doing it. I believe every woman should try it. It was my gift for Jeff. You wanna see the picture? Nah, Jeff doesn't want to share it. Haha!

After dropping by Imagine Nation, we thought grabbing a bite because we realized we're already hungry. He suggested we go to Mister Kabab. 

Jeff's beef kebab. 

My chicken kebab.

Mister Kabab

95A West Ave., Quezon City

(02) 373-5941

Prenup Shoot: Something Old, Something Blue

I'm a big fan of pictures. So when this day came, I was so excited! I was kinda upset tho because it has been raining since yesterday. Our wedding is vintage themed, so as our shoot. The fun part is the basketball shoot we did in Ronac Center. Here are some of our favorite pictures. Thank you Mot Rasay for the beautiful pictures!

Cibo - Alabang Town Center

We were in Lucban for the holiday. Jeff's family has this thing of dragging me into wherever they will go. Which I totally love. I really like the feeling that they like me that much because they want to bring me to their family gatherings.

Yesterday, we brought Jeff's 95-year-old grandmother to a foster home. It was a heartbreaking moment for everyone. Nanay lives with his youngest son, Tito Dan, who died last July. Her remaining kids decided that it will be best to take her to a foster home. We also went to Tita Nadjie's mom's wake. She is Jeff's mom's high school friend and we're getting her as one of the principal sponsors for our wedding. I know it's not the right occasion to do the 'pamanhikan' with her, but it's the only time we have.

We went home Tuesday morning. We arrived around lunch so we decided to eat in Alabang Town Center.

Pho Hoa - Gateway

Jeff is a self-proclaimed basketball junkie. Make that Ateneo basketball junkie. He's been doing this for the past ten or eleven years. And today is Ateneo vs. LaSalle Round 2. You think he'll miss the game? Of course not. Araneta was so packed. So as the parking lots. There are blues and greens everywhere. Ateneo beat LaSalle. 81-72. Salva was awesome. Really.

Okay now I'm hungry. And we need to meet our wedding coordinator today. We decided to meet them at Pho Hoa in Gateway just because the whole mall was packed with hungry Ateneans and LaSallians and Pho Hoa is the only place with vacant seats. 

Omakase - Ayala Triangle

Once in a while, Jeff works in Makati, especially when he needs to conduct training and presentations. Today is one of those days. We took advantage of this and met up for lunch. He asked me where I want to eat. I suggested Bonchon (again) but he said it's packed. So we settled for the not so packed Omakase.

The food was great as Jeff and I really love Japanese food. But the service is kinda slow. Maybe it's because there's so many people having their lunch in there or I'm just too hungry. Either way, I think their customer service needs a little polishing. Also, Jeff ordered Uni Sushi but they served Uni Sashimi. He had to wait before the right order was given to him. When we billed out, it took them a while to give us our bill. Frustrating.

Jeff's uni sushi. I'm really not gonna eat this, ever.

Tempura Japanese Grill - Alabang

Today I was scheduled to visit our clinic in Festival Mall. I came around lunch so I went to see Jeff first to have lunch with him. I got my first salary at work and I told him I'm going to treat him for lunch. We went to Alabang Town Center and found this Japanese restaurant. We later found out that they have 50% discount on their tempura. Sweet!

Tempura monsters.

Jeff and Joy and Happy Lemon

I've tried Happy Lemon a couple of times already but Jeff hasn't. So today, just before we went to Travis' birthday, we passed by Eastwood Libis to grab my favorite Cocoa with Rock Salt and Cheese. Yummy!

Oh hi there, dorks!

Laya Personal Dining

My friend, Sheila, told me about this restaurant long time ago but I only mentioned it to Jeff recently. We initially planned to do the pamanhikan here but opted for the traditional way which is my house. We did an ocular a month ago to check out the place.

Laya Personal Dining is in Pinto Art Gallery in Antipolo. It's not very easy to find the place so go check Google Maps okay? The place is really very interesting. Here are a few pictures I took on our first visit.

The Pinto Art Gallery entrance. 

Wing Hub's first weekend at Metrowalk

So there's this new resto at Metrowalk dubbed "Wing Hub". With the number of chicken establishments growing once again, we decided to give it a try. Apparently, it just opened the previous Monday, so it was their first weekend.

The Sun Village - Boracay

On our last night in Boracay, Jeff asked me if I want to try the Mongolian buffet. I was kinda apprehensive but I said yes afterwards. We again walked to Station 2 to find The Sun Village. Just like the normal buffet, you get what you want from the table. But here, you get it raw and then you ask them to stir fry them. I didn't know what to get so I just took whichever I think is edible. I put some teriyaki and chili sauce too.

Candlelit dinner? Sort of. BTW, those are frozen iced tea. 

Epic Boracay

For dinner, Jeff insisted we eat at Epic. He later explained that his friend works for this company though she is not stationed in Boracay. I think she's on the marketing department or something.

Epic Boracay. Station 2. It's near Lonely Planet. 

Real Coffee - Boracay

We've been hearing rave reviews about Real Coffee so we had to visit. My friend, Darleen, told me they have the best omelet. What's bad about it is that we also had omelet as our breakfast at the hotel. Anyway, this coffee shop was in Station 2. You have to ask around because you need to pass a small alley to find it.

Plato D' Boracay

The next day, I had to drag (and threaten) Jeff out of bed. He wouldn't stop sleeping so I had to tell him I'm going out and he can spend the whole day hugging the bed. When I went out of the shower, he was up and smiling at me. Girls, threat works well early in the morning. Apparently, Rocky also did the same thing to Carlo. Hahaha!

Carlo, Rocky, Jeff and I agreed to try ATV this morning. We had breakfast and off we went to Station 2 for a good ATV deal. So we got it for Php350 + entrances to the aviary and to Mt. Pulo. I think we paid Php410 each. Or more. But less than Php500.

Photo courtesy of Carlo. He was missing at the moment as his ATV stopped in some uphill part of the street. You can see Rocky was super worried here. The guide went to find him and they we're back after five minutes. That was crazy. 

Jonah's Milkshake - Boracay

Our friends from Twitter has been telling me to try Jonah's Milkshakes. 'Drinking' ice cream was not really my favorite thing. Then again after lunch, they all said we must go to Jonah's. Being the first timer, I didn't say no.

Jonah's Milkshake is located at Station 1. 

I Heart Backyard BBQ - Boracay

So after walking for some fifteen to twenty minutes, we reached Station 2.  I was so hungry, I will totally eat anything. Carlo and Rocky doesn't have anything in mind. Jeff was thinking of steak or anything grilled. And then we found this place.

Jeff and Joy go to Boracay

We're finally going to Boracay! Woot woot! Yeah, I'm like a kid because it's my first time. I'm really happy Jeff is taking me to places I've never been to. I've always wanted to travel but I don't have the time, the money and the right person to go with. Jeff is the best partner to travel. Besides the snoring, everyday is heaven with him. Hahaha.

Really the best summer of my life. Photo taken by the driver of the Paraw we rented. 

Wee Nam Kee

Last February, Jeff bought two coupons from a groupbuy site, Buyanihan. It's a package of body scrub, body wrap and full body massage. We were able to redeem it today. He actually gave the other one to his sister but I suggested that he go with me today because he had a rough week. He's been out of town the entire week, not for fun but for work.

Our appointment was at 12:30PM but we arrived a little late, around 1PM at the Olympia Spa. It's in the Olympia Hotel along Makati Avenue. The scrub/wrap/spa lasted for about 2.5 hours and I was already starving. I asked Jeff if we can eat at Bonchon. This time he said, 'Again?', and suggested Wee Nam Kee instead. Hahaha.

Wee Nam Kee is a Singaporean restaurant. I lived in Singapore for a year and Hainanese Chicken Rice, or simply chicken rice was my staple food for a year. I've eaten in so many chicken rice stores and hawkers around Singapore. Some were as expensive as $5 and some are as cheap as $1. In Singapore, if the chicken rice is $5, it's already expensive unless you are in a hotel or in mall restaurants. Normal price is $2-3. Anyway, this is not our first time to eat in a Singaporean resto. On the day we became a couple, we had lunch at Orchard Road in Megamall after we went to his Lego exhibit. Too bad we don't have pictures then.

Today we have pictures. Bad pictures because I again used my Blackberry. I didn't bring my DSLR today because I am so lazy.

Wee Nam Kee Ayala Triangle Gardens.

Bonchon Chicken - Ayala Triangle

Remember two posts ago when I said we're definitely coming back? We actually did. This soon. Haha.

This morning, we went to Fr. Aris in his parish church in Quezon City for some marriage advice. You see, I am not a Catholic and Jeff is. So we're looking for a common ground on how to celebrate our wedding. After an hour or so, off we went to Makati.

I told him that I want to eat at Bonchon. He didn't object. It's a Saturday and I was wondering why there wasn't a lot of people in the park. Normally, people are in a very long queue just to get in the restaurants here.

We ordered the Medium Combo of six pieces wings and three pieces legs.
Price: Php 365.00

Pinoydon

After reserving our venue for the wedding (yep we already did!), we went to Ortigas to meet Jeff's bestfriend, Pol. We went to church with him at CCF in St. Francis Square. We were just in time for the 12nn service. The service lasted for about an hour. 


We later went for a late lunch in Podium. The the fifth floor, near the cinema is Pinoydon. It's a fusion of Filipino food and Japanese cuisine. Actually, more like Japanese food but Filipinized. Or something like that. Haha. Please forgive the following photos because I left my camera in the car so I just used my Blackberry.

I asked Jeff to order this. I think this is Philly Roll. Their version of my favorite cheese maki.
Price: Php 130.00

Bonchon Chicken - Greenbelt 1

Out of the blue, Camela BBMed me that we're gonna have dinner tonight. With the boyfriends. At one point, I convinced myself that I forgot about the appointment. Turns out I didn't. It was an emergency meeting. Haha. Jeff said he couldn't make it. He said a few excuses (yes, I call it excuses) and I didn't try to convince him to come. I don't know why, I just didn't. So I met the girls and their boyfriends in Greenbelt. I suggested Bonchon.


I haven't tried Bonchon. I was really curious. You know what, we were all very satisfied. So yummy! I'm definitely coming back! :D

Pancit Habhab

Aside for the longganisa, Lucban is also famous for Pancit Habhab. To me, it looked the same to Pancit Bato from Bicol. You know what's different? They way they eat it. They say the proper way to eat it is just straight from the banana leaf. No fork, no plate. Just you and your lips vs. the noodles. Awesome right?

So yeah, this is the staple snack here in Lucban. Always available. Everywhere. I was able to try it this time. Straight from the banana leaf, sprinkled with spicy vinegar, utensil-less, I nom-med the noodles. So proud of myself. I also got to meet the most famous cook of Pancit Habhab in town. She shouts "Panciiiittttt!" in a every high soprano tone to attract customers. Cool eh?

Kiping

Nope, it doesn't mean putting things away for safety. Haha. Kiping is made of rice paste and shaped like a leaf. It also has bright colors and comes in different sizes. Lucban residents use it to decorate their houses during Pahiyas Festival. What's the best thing about it? You can actually eat it.

Lucban Longganisa

My mom is from Tarlac. And us having Kapampangan blood, we were all used to eating sweet, garlicky and peppery longganisa. So the first time I ate Lucban longganisa, it kinda felt weird. It's not sweet, just garlicky. On my first trip here, I took some home and they felt weird eating it too. I later learned that this longganisa was supposed to be eaten with Lucban vinegar. So that's the catch. The vinegar and garlic tastes good together. Anyway, I don't know how to explain the taste, what I know it that I love this longganisa now. Haha.

Last December, a dozen of longganisa was being sold for Php65.00. This time, prices went up and they are now selling it for Php70.00. Five pesos isn't so bad. We went to their neighbor (Jeff said it's the most famous longganisa maker in town) and bought twenty dozens. Hahaha.

Salud's Halo-halo

Lucban is just at the foot of Mt. Banahaw which gives them the always cool weather, plus the often rain showers. But it's summer. Who can ever deny that? Jeff said it's warmer now in Lucban than when he was younger. Oh well, it's still cooler than Manila, and take note, even cooler than Antipolo. So I'd take anything I can.

Back in Manila, he told me that he'll take me to Salud's. It's an old halo-halo stand that every Lucban resident knows. What's surprising is that visitors from other places go here too to have a taste of the famous halo halo. Again, I do not know the exact address. So when you get to Lucban, find the church and asked for directions. I'm pretty sure you'll find it.

The Original Buddy's

Before I met Jeff, I only ate at Buddy's once. It's because one time, McDonald's and Jollibee in my office are so full and it left me with no choice but eat at Buddy's. Haha. I used to work in Tycoon Center in Ortigas. It's the first branch of Buddy's in Manila. Later in our trip, I learned that the owner of the famous Lucban restaurant was Tita Letty's high school classmate. I told Jeff to get her as one of the ninangs on our wedding next year. LOLS.

Last time we were in Lucban, which was December 2010, we also had breakfast here. That time I still don't eat pork so I had to order some bangus dish. Now, for our first breakfast in Lucban, we went here again. And this time, I get to eat pork. And Lucban longganisa! Yay!

Ground Zero: House of Pizza

So I was once again a plus one. Went with Jeff and his family in Lucban, Quezon for the Pahiyas Festival. We left Manila around 4:30PM and arrived there at 7:30PM. They say that's relatively a short trip. Jeff's family has a house in Lucban. His mom grew up there before studying college in the University of the Philippines. I don't know if Tita Letty goes home everyday from school. I bet she didn't. Anyway, their house is in the town proper, just a few metres away from the church. I was so excited to go there to see a festival. I have never seen a festival which is kinda weird because I live in Angono, the home of the Higantes Festival.

And what do you do when there's fiesta? You eat. Here's what we nom-med in Lucban.

Located somewhere near the church, or the plaza (I seriously don't remember where), we walked towards this pizza place to grab some dinner. We had some deep crust pizza which is kinda sweet. Maybe too much tomato? The place looks really awesome. It looks like a cave! Or a drainage where the Ninja Turtles live. And where pizza is always available. Haha!

OMG: Oh My Gulay!

Capping our trip was dinner at a very interesting place. It's called Oh My Gulay! at La Azotea Bldg. along Session Road. My friend King told me to visit this place, as well as Jeff's friend. So after killing time in Camp John Hay and walking around Burnham Park, we went to OMG. The building doesn't have an elevator so we had to walk up to the penthouse. I was panting and said that the food should be really worth the climb.

Sorry for the pictures I took. I know it didn't give justice to the awesomeness of the place. And the food were very unique. And affordable too. They only serve vegetarian dish, but whether you are a vegetarian or not, you still must visit them. Seriously.

OMG!

Strawberries and Ice Cream

After having lunch at Don Henrico's, we checked out at the hotel and left our stuff with them. Our bus to Manila leaves at 10PM. Yep, that late. So we went to PMA to kill time. An hour or so later, we went to Camp John Hay again. I wasn't able to see the place last night so we went back. We had ice cream first before going around.

Don Henrico's

Jeff told me that Don Henrico's was from Baguio. I didn't believe him so I had to check the internet, and yes, it's really from Baguio. The first branch was opened in 1993 along Session Road (which was the branch we visited). So on our last day in Baguio, while I was craving for McDonald's chicken nuggets, we went to Don Henrico's. Labo diba? Haha. Anyway, here are a few pictures.

Baguio Shopping

Well, for a two-day trip, I think I spent five to six thousand pesos. That covers the hotel, food, more food and pasalubong shopping. I think it's very Filipino to buy stuff and bring it home to your family and friends. So anyway, I think these are a couple of things that you can buy in Baguio as pasalubong.

Our hotel, Villa Rosal, was just across the public market. It's located at lower Gen. Luna Road cor Magsaysay Road. It was very easy for me and Jeff to have three trips to the market for our pasalubongs. Yep, three visits. When you get here, kids will come up to you and ask you if you want to buy 'sako bags'. These are bags that are made up of cement sacks which costs Php10.00. We bought two. And then the same kid will ask you if you want them to carry your stuff. Okay that's odd, I can carry my stuff. And they're so tiny. So don't let them do it. Nah, it's just me.

So here are the stuff that you can buy at Baguio City Market.

Little John's at Mile Hi Center

My cousin texted me that we should visit Mile Hi. I told him I've no idea where that place was and asked where we can have dinner. He told me we should visit Forest House. It was a bit far from our hotel and when we arrived, the front desk told us that we need reservations. Not a good way to shoo two hungry people. So Jeff suggested we go to Camp John Hay. We took a cab and went there. The driver was stopped somewhere with a bonfire and a band but Jeff said he should take us further down. I was surprised that there's something more down there near The Manor. There were a lot of outlet stores, a coffee shop and a few restaurants. We thought of having burgers but I noticed Little John's. I remember reading about it but I didn't pay much attention. So after we visited all the outlet stores, we sat down and ate.

Little John's at Mile Hi Inn.

Baguio Street Food

When I was a kid, my parents told me that street food are dirty so we shouldn't eat it. I actually didn't believe them. I think I've tried a lot of street food when I was in kindergarten. The only thing I never tried was that grilled chunk of blood and the drinks. Jeff and I tried three of the most popular street food in Baguio.