i ride a Purple Jet

27 April, 2014

Delish Treat: Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

What happens when all your family members are busy with their lives except for YOU?!?!

They were all in Tagum, Davao del Norte for two different appointments. The husband was part of the coaching staff who conducted a 6-day basketball clinic for young boys and girls. On the other hand, Mamo with my two daughters, were at a practice for their Kids for Christ band and Praise Parade competitions. The preparation was for their International Kids Village on May 2 to 4 in Cavite.

ALONE!

I found myself hanging out at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at Abreeza ... ALONE and trying to be EQUALLY PRODUCTIVE!

Yes! I tried so hard to work on some school related documents that I have to accomplish but I could not also deny that I was eating most of the time. My excuse: I am a multitasker or my brain works better when I am eating!

With no one to talk to, food was my best companion to overcome boredom. The food of CBTL with a bonus of good interior design did not fail to make me comfortable.

: shop ambiance

: cashier station

: coffee makers for sale

: tumblers and canisters

: pastries, anyone???

: beautiful ceiling lights

: ceiling work

: colorful wall tile

: the mocha iced coffee suited my taste buds because the coffee taste is not strong.

: chocolate banana muffin

: Monday promotion

We do not necessarily need to be anxious or scared when we are ALONE. One of my favorite mantras is: ALL is GRACE and there is also a grace in our alone time. Personally, it is in my quiet moment that I am able to scream my utmost appreciation and desires. It grounds me to my very person and the exercise is rejuvenating. It prepares me to nourish my relationships.

23 April, 2014

Delist Treat: Aling Foping's Halo-Halo

Summertime!

It is the time of the year when you would care less about your sugar consumption or having a beach body and just have that halo-halo to beat that scorching heat.

Personally, Aling Foping's is still the best Halo-Halo place in Davao City!

: Special Halo-Halo

: menu board

: work station

: Regular Halo-Halo for the Hubby

It has been awhile since we visited Aling Foping's Halo-halo at the Matina Town Square and we were surprised to experience something new. Aside from having the yummiest halo-halo, we were treated with a better garden ambiance. There was more space for customers to sit and enjoy eating. The plants made the place more peaceful and refreshing. Just do not forget to wear that bug spray!

: the store's front view

: they are also selling bibingka which I have not tried yet.

: Train as their concept is kinda unique

: the eating area is not covered and has more seats

: better Garden Ambiance

: real plants are soothing in the eyes

: their outdoor design is delightful.

Being fit and healthy should be at the top of our priorities but sometimes we cannot avoid but to indulge. Once in a blue moon might not be harmful. It is summer anyway!

How do you beat the summer heat?

22 April, 2014

Delish Treat: Rumah Kari

It must be very obvious, by now, that I am such a big foodie. I can attribute it to my Kapampangan lineage. My maternal grandparents are from Tarlac and I can boldly attest that my grandmother's cooking treats are heavenly. At a young age, I am exposed to nothing but delicious food.

Unfortunately, unlike my mother, I was not able to inherit my Lola's cooking expertise. I may not have become a chef but I would gladly settle to what I enjoy the most... being a foodie! Thus, I am very grateful to God for giving me friends whom I can be with for food trips.

A couple of days after I arrived from Hong Kong, Faye and Bubbles brought me to Rumah Kari at Marfori Heights Subdivision (landmark is the Mercury Drug Store). Rumah Kari specializes in Indian and Malaysian cuisine. If you like the kick of spicy food then you will have a great time enjoying their offering.

: Nurturing Friendship through Delish Treats
Image from Faye Anne Marie Escueta

The restaurant has a homey ambiance which can make dates with friends relaxing and convenient for updating.

: painting/ pictures make the interior attractive

: attractive counter top

My friends and I ordered different varieties of delights with Sambal Sauce: Chicken, Shrimp and Squid. You can choose to have rice or rotti and you can also request how spicy you want your sauce to be.

I had the squid which was very tender and for a first timer I like the sambal sauce. The Sambal meal costs Php 285 each and is good for one person. Their meals do not have the price of a fast food but it can surely suffice your indulgence for quality food. I will surely visit Rumah Kari again and bring my mother.

: plate setting

: Chicken with rotti

: Squid Sambal with rice

: rotti

Date nights with friends can contribute to weight gain. But more importantly, it celebrates a bond from which one gains wholeness from one's union with and for others.

: obligatory group picture
Image from Faye Anne Marie Escueta

: Couple Selfie
Image from Faye Anne Marie Escueta

: chillin' at their veranda with a bottle of ice cold beer

The extra pounds, money and time spent are all worth the genuine friendship! Persons (and food) are gifts!

How do you nourish friendship?

07 April, 2014

A Milestone in a Wonderland: Hongkong

I have been Missing In Action since July last year. It is just appropriate that my first entry for the year will be from a very MEMORABLE experience.

Hong Kong will always be etched in my heart because the place has opened my heart to what is essential and non- negotiable. My short stay in Hong Kong revealed God's will and the purpose of my life.

I may have tons of beautiful plans, however, God desires only the best for me. I may have moved from place to place but my Creator will lead me only to greatness. He led me back to the arms of the people who I value the most --- Jessica, Jelena, Mamo, my family and my friends. Hong Kong has taught me great faith in God and I continue to hold on to the hope that He will continue to bless me in becoming the person He willed me to be.

Grab A Crab in Abreeza has very comfortable dining chairs

I may have not stayed longer but I made sure that Nonoy and I witnessed and appreciated the charming Hong Kong.
I could not help but adore the world class Airport and transportation system of Hong Kong. The ride to Tsim Sha Tui from the airport is hassle free and the transfer from one place to another by MTR or bus is worry free from traffic. They even have easy to understand road maps for first timers like us.

A 21 double deck bus travels to and from the airport

the coach and i

no stress for the luggage

mtr model

escalator inside the mtr station

rush hour

they ride the MTR with fashion

octopus card

hardworking student

I could not help but feel envious over their airport. We did not pay for tax or terminal fee which we do in the Philippines (Php 1,625 for tax and Php 550 for terminal fee) but it is beyond clean, advanced and beautiful. I pray that our airport officials will do something regarding our dirty restrooms, poor air-conditioning system, long cue at the immigration and check-in counters.

the plants give positive vibe

happy to be going home

My husband is a COACH!

waiting area

God's presence and favor was deeply felt during our short stay in Hong Kong. He sent us beautiful people to support us even without prior notice. The experience reminded me to be more thoughtful, generous and genuine, with and for others. My heartfelt gratitude to Francis, Adet, Adi and Lexie Ita-as.

Ita-as Family

with tita Karen

with Tito Nonoy

We did not leave Hong Kong without enjoying its delish treats whether in restaurants or just in the street. Most often, I could not understand and only God knows what is written in the menu. At the end, what matters is that we enjoyed every single bit of what we were eating and that the tummy did not get ouchy!