Wonderland: My Food Haven

Wonderland or Delish Treat? Delish Treat or Wonderland?

I personally believe that this post is both promoting a wonderland and at the same time relishing sumptuous treats for a foodie like me. This is a wonderland and delish treat rolled into one... hitting two birds with one stone. 

In my previous post entitled, Wonderland: Subic (click to read), I mentioned that Boracay's tranquility and Subic's adventure and shopping spree gave these two a spot on my list. Today, I am adding three wonderland to my list because they have been a certified food haven for a big foodie in me. 

Iloilo. Seafood lovers got to be in this place. Their wide variety of seafood are fresh at Cabugao and Breakthrough restaurants. Aside, from seafood, Iloilo is the home of the famous Ted's Lapaz Batchoy and dessert hub, Dulgies. 

diwal

baked oysters

white marlin

alimusan

cakes from Dulgies

Ted's modern store in Diversion is open 24 hours a day

native chicken and shrimps

crabs

yay i forgot the name of the fish

Shabu- shabu at Borro's residence

Choco chips and peanut butter cupcakes by Mae Borro- Pido

Red Velvet Cake by Dulgies

Bacolod. The City of Smiles is not only known for the Masskara festival but it is also popular with its tasty chicken inasal, paella and other Filipino delicacies. Just like Iloilo, Bacolod has a good variety of seafood too. When in Bacolod, it is worthwhile to visit Bob's for their pancit molo and giant burger, Aida's Manokan for chicken inasal and pala-pala place at 18th street.

okoy

valenciana

freshness

bicho-bicho

sizzling squid

suman latik

inasal

KBL

puto maya with mascuvado

oysters

home made carne prieta by Rita (my sister-in-law)

pancit molo

mongolian

burger

Tarlac. I am just proud to say that when in the sugar capital of Luzon, we do not need to be in restaurants to consume sumptuous food  because we have the best cooks in the family. So, except for the kakanin from Betty's, everything is home made. It is surely made out of love. 

pancit for long life

healthy with the veggies

chicken adobo

my relatives sells the best and most tender Bulalo in Burot

just our snack (no kidding!)

cassava and calamay

burong shrimps

more veggies for the more healthy us

burong tocino

kilawing baboy

tilapia

grilled catfish

sinigang na baboy

grilled bangus

more pancit for longer life

adobo sa mantika

veggies best dipped in the buro

kilawing kambing

the best papaitan

Healthy food nourishes the body. It makes us strong and helps us get by our responsibilities and functions. Moreover, food made with of love and shared out of generosity nourishes our relationships. It brings solidarity and fulfillment as persons who live with and for others. 

Milestones: Lena on Drums

05.22.13

I cannot get enough of my pretty monkey. In my previous post entitled, Milestone: Dress to DeStress (click the link to read), I  expressed how happy I am in her progress with her reading and drum lessons. Today, I was in awe with her new tricks (do I call it that?) in playing drums. She is just five years old and she  has not made it big yet but I am her #1 fan. 

My daughters are one of God's greatest manifestation of overflowing love. My Creator has taught me to love and care beyond myself.  He has given me my daughters to nurture as His reflection. Responding to that call can be very challenging but with God's grace He will show us the way. 

I am forever thankful to God and to those who have been instrumental for my daughters to discover and develop their talents.

Wonderland: Subic

Discovering a wonderland is a dream come true for a wanderlust. Luckily, I have had the opportunity (though quite scarce due to my work) to be in places I have fell in love with. I only have a couple of places on my list but I hope to discover more of my personal wonderland in the future. 

The first on the list would be Boracay. I was just swept away by the pristine water and milky sand during my first visit in September 2011  (click to read my previous post) with my honey buddy, Faye Anne Marie. After that quick visit, I vowed to myself to return and I did on May 2012 with my husband, friend and bro-in-law for a pre- celebration of my 30th and our 10th wedding anniversary. Guess what? We will have another Boracay experience this October 2013 and this time with the whole gang. I would want my two girls and my mom to witness Boracay's beauty first hand. Although it is too early, I cannot keep ourselves from being super excited. Honestly, the desire to travel is one of my many motivations to work best and save harder. 

Boracay's laid-back experience is a sure treat for me. 

cave experience in May 2012

The second on my list is Subic. Ever since I set foot on the former U.S. Air Base, I have called it a happy place. It is not just because of the laid back experience, night out (which we hardly do in Davao) or the shopping spree at the outlet store but most of all this has been a bonding haven with my very beautiful (inside and out) friends. 

04. 2011

chicas with Mark at the Subic Yatch Club

chillin' at the club's resto

04.2013

Teachers know how to have fun... clean fun and enjoyment at the Pier One. It was indeed an epic night! (photos are from Mars Severino)

goofing around

class picture before going home

Laid back night out at the Lighthouse. It was a night of sweet music.

my chicas

Mars sharing his singing prowess

model wannabe pose

Child-like fun at Ocean Adventure was so fun despite the heat of the summer sun.

Ryan and friends

happy dolphins

We had a very good shouting exercise at the Treetop Adventure. My friends were able to try the Superman ride and Free fall.

the not so scardy crew

want to fall from that tree? i don't. LOL.

The tiger at Zoobic was friendly but still scary.

beautiful

more scary ba? LOL

We will be forever grateful for the hospitality and generosity of the Lacorte family who has been hosting us in Subic.

Lacorte brood

me and the beautiful Samantha

I have been in this happy place twice and I was happier when my whole family was able to have their own Subic experience. Our first stop was at the Zoobic then we headed to the Nike Outlet Store and had our lunch at the Harbor Point before going back to Tarlac.

Zoobic is not just for kids but also for the kids at heart.

fambam tiger pose

Lena was ecstatic after meeting the tigers

Lena's pony ride with Daddy Lo

AA's turn

And Oh, they could not forget about the shoe shopping!

panic mode

seeing double???

happy family, happy shopping

What makes a wonderland? Personally, it is creating meaningful and shared experiences with persons closest to our hearts in remarkable places (where ever it may be). Distance nor money cannot determine our wonderland. We do not need to go far or in posh places to make good memories which will be left in the deepest recesses of our hearts. Let us be in our wonderland! 

DelishTreat: Zabadani

05.18.13

Our beloved priest and friend Ismael Jose Chan- Gonzaga, SJ was in town and it was so unfortunate that I have to back out from our planned trip to Paradise Island because it was such a freaky Friday [please click on the link to read my previous post] for me. Luckily, I still had the chance to see him with Michelle and Anper for a Saturdate. We all agreed to have a dinner at The Peak of Gaisano Mall of Davao because none of us has been there. So for first timers, Michelle's older sister recommended Zabadani, a Middle-Eastern restaurant.

It was my first to eat at this Davao- grown restaurant and  I was intrigued by the aromatic and delectable taste of their food that I was able to consume a whole plate without noticing. My personal favorite were the Pita Cheese sticks and the Garlicy Ribs which we upgraded with Biryani rice.

pita cheese stick for Php140

Garlicy Ribs for Php 240+

One thing I appreciate from Zabadani is that they offer large servings. We ordered four large plates and it was more than enough for a table of six (and mind you we can eat a lot but they got us full). 

Syrian Beef Squares with Biryani rice

Grilled Chicken Breast with White rice

It was an added treat to find out that we run the same circle with the restaurant's owner. Wadi gave us complimentary drinks. The yogurt shake was refreshing. I had a heavenly foodie experience at Zabadani and I will surely come back to try their other offering. 

IJ with Wadi

coffee shot 

yogurt shake

the smile says it all.

I went home not only with a happy tummy but also with a grateful heart. There are just so many things to be thankful for. First, we were drawn to The Peak which has a beautiful ambiance (i will try the other restaurants soon). Second, trying something new is not bad after all. Zabadani made me appreciate more the food of other culture. I realized that going out of your comfort zone can be healthy too. Lastly, the place became more enticing and the food tasted more succulent because it was shared with people whom you value the most. These people you call your friends. That night was not just a celebration of good food, appreciation of culture but most of all valuing God's greatest blessing to humankind... FRIENDSHIP!

(L-R) Mark, Anper, IJ, Michelle, Karen

(L-R) Mark, Anper, IJ, Nonoy, Michelle

Milestone: Dress to DeStress

05.17.13

This has been one freaky Friday. My gurlies have full schedule for the day and the hubby was called to conduct a basketball clinic for the juveniles (which he has been doing since last year and it gives him fulfillment). It has just been so fortunate for us that the month of May (aside from it is my birth month) is our vacation month. Thus, I was able to accompany Jelena for her drum lessons and assist her in doing her Kumon assignment.

thank you to kuya Peter, Lena's mentor

she finished a level and i am a proud mama. 

In between Jelena's full schedule in the morning, I still have to bring Jessica to Musikademy for her voice lessons (which I have to do quickly because Lena will go wild with the thought that I left her). And in the afternoon, Jessica has to be at the Couple's For Christ center again for their band practice. I salute Jessica's enthusiasm for music!

At the end of the day, It was not a freaky Friday after all. It has been a day of consolation and affirmation. First, Jelena has been progressing well in her reading lessons and she is now gaining confidence at playing the drum. Second, Jessica received good feedback during her voice assessment and she qualified to join their recital. Lastly, I found my favorite chocolate (at SM City Davao dept. store) which was introduced to me by Ruel whom I miss so much. 

sugar rush, anyone?!

Whittaker's

This day was a proof that in life everything is a choice. Our choices and responses influence the life we weave and the person we become The ball was on our hands and we chose to be positive amidst a busy day. Our good vibes might have come from right attitude and was spiced by dressing up to beat the summer heat. We joined the bandwagon and had our first family "outfit of the day".