Milestone: Jelena turns 5 ♡

She was a prayer we wanted and waited for. She is an answered prayer... a source of joy and a fountain of sunshine in our lives. One day, she will be instrumental for a person's answered prayers.

then and now she is loved.

My pretty monkey, though reluctant at the beginning because she wanted to remain as our baby, was happy to celebrate her 5th birthday after being assured and reassured of our big love for her. Our celebration was very simple but fun-filled which is very much required to a very kinesthetic birthday girl.

Play is her favorite action word. She literally jumped with joy when she learned that we will go to Zoofari (beside Outback Grill, Bacaca Rd.) for the first time. The big playroom, variety of toys, the adventure, affordable weekday hourly rate, free use of wifi and the ample food serving of their cafeteria made the place attractive to both children who love to have fun and to caretakers while waiting.

loving the hues

they conquered the height and the obstacles.

happy birthday girl and ate

Play made my girls hungry. Eat. Our family loves to eat and resto-hop is our favorite family bonding. The Outback Grill, which is just beside Zoofari, has a very beautiful ambiance, good acoustic singer and commendable service.  We had their kinilaw for our appetizer. The fish was fresh and the serving was big for three persons. For our main course, we had their Zoofari Bounty. The taste was good but I was not that impressed because it did not seem bountiful for me. First, the tiger prawns were not available that time. Second, they replaced it with two small chicken after the haggle. However, the rice is limitless. Despite the Zoofari Bounty, We will still come back and try their other food offering like the burger and steak.

her favorite things in the resto.

the ambiance.

zoofari bounty.

kinilaw

cake from Joniel's

blow the candle.

I will always have a grateful heart for the and will be opportunities to celebrate love, life and relationships. Every moment is a milestone!

Wonderland: Sta. Ana Church

It was on that one Sunday when I made myself stupid. I was invited to a baptism at Redemptorist Church but I went to Sta. Ana Church instead. I was alone and lost. I was lost and out of words as I sat on the pews. I was like a little girl awed before her majesty because describing the church as beautiful is an understatement. She is magnificent which gives an ambiance of tranquility. It is on that one Sunday when I felt lucky for making myself stupid which led me to a wonderland in Davao City

exquisite ceiling and chandeliers

the lighting made her more serene

the crisp painting caught my attention

Lady of Perpetual Help

St. Jude Thaddaeus

Our Lady

DelishTreat: My Sweet Tooth... NOT!

I rave over spicy and sour tasting food but very seldom on sweets. My doze of sweetness would be my addiction on Coke and ice tea. Thus, i am not really a fan of cakes and ice cream until I discovered... Selecta Chocolate Truffle and cupcakes.

I can live without eating ice cream but if this will be served to me, I will surely would not let it go without having a round or two. The real chocolates in this ice cream would be worth all the calories I will gain after feasting over it. This 1.66 L, Php 360+ worth of ice cream is a delish treat from heaven.

the cover is telling me it is something special

yummy on the outside

the choco chucks inside make it doubly yummy.

gone in a flash

Another delish treat for me would be cupcakes. I have been looking around for cupcakes in the city and I must say the cupcakes of Joniel's and Taste of Home stand out.

I discovered Joniel's through my friends who have good taste for pastries. Joniel's cupcake is a delish treat for its very affordable price of Php 15 each. 

we surprised our birthday boy with Joniel's cupcakes.

The search for adorable and gratifying cupcakes continue and I finally found one at Taste of Home through the recommendation of our Jesuit brother and fellow foodie, Bro. Jeff Pioquinto. The look of their cupcakes are so appetizing and the taste is divine. Taste of Home is at the Matina Town Square and their cupcakes cost Php 45 for each.

Hershey's on top

chocolate all over

say hello to the ferrero!

I may not have a sweet tooth but these delish treats are toothsome so please do not judge me by my weight. Until our next delish treat, xoxo! ♡♥

Delish Treat: Cafe France

The hubby took me for a thursdate to try his new discovery, Cafe France which is located in the second level of the building where Manila Bulletin is billeted.

This spicy tuna, which the hubs brought the other day as a surprise, made me want to try their food.

spicy tuna 101

The classic and homey ambiance of their cafe is such a date inspiring.

beautiful stairs and balcony

the logo

counter ambiance

menu board

there were a few, we got lucky

We would like to try their baby back ribs unfortunately it is unavailable for Davao City as we were told so instead the hubs had their very tasty roasted chicken and i had their fish fillet which was a little overcooked. By the way their rice and tartar sauce were superb. 

ask and you will recieve

healthy place mat

fish fillet

roasted chicken

twin tower soda

Of course, we did not go without a take out for my pretty monkeys. 

yummy muffin

I would definitely go back to try the Cafe France pasta and the spicy tuna of course. 

If you have new food discoveries, i would really appreciate if you will share it with me.

xoxo,

K ♡

DelishTreat: Dencia's

This would be my first ever DelishTreat entry which will capture my zest for food and to begin with I would like to share a local restaurant which I grew up with in my beloved Davao City. Their goto (congee with beef tripe) would always be my comfort food and because Lena, my daughter was not feeling well we went to Dencia's for their famous treats.

a bowl of Goto for Php60

chopseuy rice for Php100

tokwa't baboy for Php65

ice tea

Surely, Dencia's is a place to be for locals and tourists as well!

Milestone: CFC-Davao's 23rd Founding Anniversary

For four years now, I have been blessed to be part of a community which protects and promotes the sanctity of marriage and nurtures the relationship in the family. And as a bonus, this support group has helped our Jessica discover and develop her potentials.

The anniversary was packed with worship, teaching and sharing of time, talent and treasure. For this year's founding anniversary, the chants and presentations are anchored on the theme: "Obey and Witness" which is very timely for Bishop Valles' call for unity especially for the Couples for Christ in Davao and responding to the recent calamity brought about by typhoon Pablo.

December 9, 2012 (at the RSM center of PWC) has been another year of thanksgiving for the year that was and an energizing start for another year (2013) of serving God through others.

at the backstage

boys prepare their instruments

final practice

people are pouring in the center

waiting for their turn

Milestone: ten at 10-10-12

Ah this is oh so late! This should have been posted in October but as they say, better late than never. Yes! My daughter's 10th is a clear indication that I am getting old (or older) but nonetheless I am enjoying every bit of our journey together despite the reality of aging. 

Jessica grew up being called by my name because Ateneo de Davao Grade School teachers, who were also my teachers, would see me in her. Sometimes, others would think that Jessica is my little sister. Today, I am  a witness as she grows to be her own lady--- very uniquely Jessica. She has been consistently part of the honor's list. Moreover, she is developing her basketball and singing skills. I can't wait for the day that I will witness her successes in life. 

For her pre- birthday celebration, we prepared a merienda cena at home for her Kid's for Christ band mates after their hours of practice.

the sissy peaks as AA blows her candle.

her mates are so prepared with the gifts, games and prizes.

never a dull moment

mamo's yummy teriyaki chicken

mamo's red sauce spag

mamo's very tender bbq

hotdog with marshmallows

crispy fries

tita Waling's very moist chocolate cake

And for her birthday, the fambam had a dinner at the new Coco's South Bistro branch in Matina, Davao City. The resto is known for its tasty Baby Back Ribs, Pizza and their family-sized serving at a reasonable price. 

a delish mini for her birthday cake

fish fillet with tartar sauce

Baby Back Ribs

Carbonara

Sorry, I think we were that hungry that I was not able to take pictures of the Pizza. 

Mamo, Lena and Jeka

lovebirds, eehh?!

It has been a wonderful journey with my family and I could not thank God enough for giving me such beautiful and lovely daughters.