Trattoria Gourmet in Shangri-la Plaza Mall

Work stuff seems to strike me down pretty hard lately. I was struggling and having these mixed feeling in my heart and mind, not going to elaborate much about it here, sorry. Like a marathon, life can sometimes be difficult and challenging, however if you believe in yourself and never give up, things will turn out for the best. Since I feel a little gloomy today, thought I’d re-post this sweet date I had with my good friend to make myself feel better.

Blurry shot! Our noses looks too big for our faces in this photo. bahaha! 

We met to watch a movie together. But we had to wait more than an hour before the movie starts. We decided to stroll around and saw this restaurant. I heard from few friends that this restaurant has good variety of food, and since we we’re hungry we decided to try it out.

I have already mentioned this before - I love restaurants who serve complimentary breads! And here, they are serving theirs with garlic pesto spread. Pesto is a wonderful complement to pasta; but I never thought it’s also a great dip or spread, and it’s delicious on bread too.

And for our main dish, we ordered a Pasta set - Penned with three cheeses, Spaghetti mare monti with pesto, and Spaghetti alla Pescatora. Yes, not only those sounded fancy, but those are really delicious as well. I would definitely want to try their other pasta the next time I have a chance.

And for our drinks, we ordered ripe mango shake. Didn't really care too much about this, I am not too particular on how should a real mango shake would taste like. hehe!

The place is cozy and decent; upon entering you can smell the good food. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice; it feels comfortable to eat here. And the staffs were nice, pleasant at all times and very attentive. I really would like to try everything on their menu!

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Location and Contact Information: 

Trattoria Gourmet Shangri-la Plaza Mall

5/F Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA 

Wack Wack, Mandaluyong 

Phone: (02) 637-2784

Intramuros: The Walled City of Manila, Philippines

I wish I am sipping on a Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino (Grande, please!) as I’m writing this post. Ugh, wishes! Anyway, on one of Mom’s vacation here in Manila, we visited Intramuros. The place is just few minutes from Makati, you'll pay about P150 – P200 if you’ll take a cab. Intramuros is a must-visit place to those who want to understand the history of the country.

Mom and I, with our Tour Guide at the main gate of Fort Santiago

Intramuros (Latin: within the walls), located along the southern bank of the Pasig River, was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. It's a Spanish-style fortified city where churches, government buildings, museums, plazas, schools, stately houses, and more, are all enclosed in its massive walls. This place served as the seat of the Spanish presence in the Philippines. It is now considered as one of UNESCO’s 10 World Heritage sites in Southeast Asia. The Walled-City was flattened by American bombers during World War II, with only San Agustin Cathedral left standing by war's end. Thanks to major restoration and reconstruction efforts that have remade the former Spanish settlement into a prominent tourist spot in Manila.

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro: A temporary escape from reality.

Short jeans, bikinis, flip flops! Ah I miss those days. It’s been years since I last visited Puerto Galera…yet these fun filled memories of our vacation with my dear friends/workmates still live in my heart.

How can you not love this place? Sunny blue skies, golden yellow sand, emerald sea with calm waters, puffy white clouds, the setting couldn't be any more perfect for a sight-seeing trip or a beautiful walking tour. I just love it there and would love to go back whenever I get a chance. You'll get what I mean once you lay your feet on the white sandy beach. Here are some photos of our little adventure. I will put a little guide note at the bottom part to give you an idea on how to get to Puerto Galera.

Corregidor Island: Reliving WW II History in a Day

First, Happy Memorial Day to all my American friends who are celebrating! *salute to the heroes* I hope you guys will be having a great time catching up with family and friends over the long weekend. However, please do at least one thing on this Memorial Day weekend and that is to remember, and give thanks to the soldiers who have made the travel, grilling out and family outings possible.

An entertainment building during the World War 2 

My post today is somehow related to Memorial Day. This is an overdue blog post; I'm trying my best to write as much while the memory is still fresh in my mind, and before the photos start piling up on my hard drive. Back in 2010, I had a fun and quick trip with an old friend. We tried that 1-Day Tour in Corregidor Island through Sun Cruises. We paid Php1, 999.00 and that includes round-trip ferry transfers / shrine, entrance, and terminal fees / guided island tour, and buffet lunch. I’ll post the complete information of Sun Cruises and their rates at the bottom part of this post.

My Homemade Strawberry Caesar Salad

I love salads, and I am just starting to make my own dressings. I'm trying to make it a little bit healthier than those in the super market. I just have to perfect the whole thing before I can share it here. Anyway, this one is just a simple Caesar salad but I added sliced Strawberries and carrots. The sweetness of the strawberries that blends with the tangy dressing makes this whole meal irresistible. Salad doesn't have to be boring, right?!

What you need:
1.) Romaine lettuce - rinsed, dried, and chopped
2.) Fresh Strawberries - sliced
3.) Carrot - sliced
3.) Salad dressing (I used my own version in this one)
4.) Croutons
5.) Parmesan cheese, grated
6.) Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

How to do this:
Oh well, this is pretty easy! Also, you probably notice I have no measurements listed. It's because I don't usually pay too much attention to it when I'm making my own salad. Simply rinse and cut your lettuce, slice your strawberries and carrots (optional). Some would make their own croutons (I wish I can right now), and their own salad dressing (just what I did). Throw in the rest of the ingredients however you like. Yup, I mean toss everything together and serve immediately! Enjoy!

Eat-like-a-Queen Breakfast at Country Style, Makati City

I have been living in this area for around 6 years now. And in those 6 years, this is the first time I had breakfast at Country Style Deli - the coffee shop / restaurant right across where I live. That actually sounds crazy considering that I am a food lover! Oh well, I never thought they offer an all-day breakfast meal. All I know is they are a doughnut store. HAHA! Thanks to my friend, Rex, who persuaded me to dine here.

And since I am not familiar with their meal, I just copied my friend’s order. He chose Frankfurter sausage with rice and fried egg. We were laughing when we saw the order. I just thought the sausage was too BIG. It’s a little spicy, tastes good and satisfying. This costs Php115.00. Adding a little chili sauce makes the meal a lot more enticing.

It's a doughnut place, so we ordered doughnuts for our dessert, Php25.00 each. This is what Rex ordered. I couldn't remember the name, something like nutty, but I know they call those "Krazy Squares"! lol Anyway, this taste good. I end up eating this by the way. lol

And here's my doughnut, Php25.00 also. A chocolate version of the doughnut above- but filled with a vanilla custard filling. They call it custard, but I call it Bavarian. lol

Though that was the first time I had breakfast in Country Style, I am already familiar with the chain. I have been a fan of their long and bar-shaped raised doughnut, the one filled with Bavarian.

Anyway, it's good to know that they have western-inspired breakfast menu. All along, I thought they are only selling doughnuts, different types of sandwiches and coffee to match the breads and sandwiches. The next time Hubby is in PI, I will surely take him here.

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Location and Contact Information: 

Country Style

7479 Bagtikan Street, San Antonio, Makati City 

Phone: 02 8951859 

Website: http://www.countrystyle.com/

Mandawa Elementary School Alumni Foundation's Fence Project

Looking back, I couldn't believe it’s already been 15 years since I graduated from Mandawa Elementary School. And though life has completely taken me to the city, I still couldn't forget where I originally started. Since I was a kid, I am a strong believer in the concept of paying it forward. And being part of this Alumni Foundation makes me proud that I could give back to my Alma Mater even in the simplest and modest way.

   

At first, we have only tried to raise funds to purchase school supplies for the Elementary Pupils of Mandawa which was eventually distributed to over 500 kids back home. Thanks to the generosity of our donors/sponsors, alumni and non-alumni members, we have raised more than what we expected. And since we still have un-use funds from our first project, Mr. Doydora suggested in using the remaining funds to support the "Fence Project".

Brunch with the Hubby at T.G.I. Friday's - SM Mall of Asia

Since Daniel and I love to eat, we went to Mall of Asia, and tried T.G.I Friday’s. Have you been to a restaurant where you felt like you've been ripped off after you ate? It was a little expensive compared to other restaurants, but it’s definitely worth its price. The food was great. It was served hot, although we waited for quite a long time for it. We ordered the following;

Friday's Three For All for our appetizer - this is loaded with Potato Skins, Fried Mozzarella and Spicy Buffalo Wings complete with Sour-Cream and Green Onions, Marinara Sauce and Celery Sticks with Bleu Cheese Dressing. Price is Php695.00, I know I know. It's not something we can eat every day since it's pricey. Lol

Daniel ordered Bacon Cheeseburger (Php395.00). Its all-beef patty covered with melted Colby cheese, crispy bacon with the classic fixings and served with crispy fries. This dude loves burger and fries so much.

I ordered Garlic Chicken Primavera (Php475.00). Its juicy garlic sautéed chicken breast served over fettuccine and tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, Roma tomato-basil and seasonal vegetables. Super yummy!

Like many restaurants in the Philippines, this TGI Fridays offers both outdoor seating and air-conditioned indoor seating. The waiters and waitresses are very helpful. They look presentable and clean. They also speak nicely to the people eating there. Everything is good in T.G.I.Friday’s.

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Location and Contact Information: 

T.G.I. Friday's

SM Mall of Asia, North Wing Entertainment Mall, Seaside Drive 

Manila Bay Reclamation Area, 

Pasay City, Philippines

Phone: (02) 556-4456