Gastronomy

My friend Kristine just opened a bar and we were invited on its grand opening night. By 10PM, performers graced the venue with fire dances, fashion show and games. We feel lucky to have been a part of this affair. We were one of the first to try what they offer. Food trip yet again!

fashion show

i'm pretty sure my babe was a happy happy boy :)

I wanted to try every unusual food they serve. I was so excited and intrigued with the Gastro eggplant and leafy beef. Both did not disappoint. :)

Gastro eggplant for only Php80

leafy beef

We had a few bottles of beer and watched the show. They made us join a Tequila drinking contest but we declined because we kinda wanted to keep a "mature" image. Hahaha! Besides, we already decided not to get drunk ever as this would mean hangover. We don't like that at all.

beer-drinking contest

I really liked the stunts done by the fire dancers. It is not common to see stuff like that at a bar in the city. It inspired me to learn that, also pole dancing. But first, let me work on losing weight before anything else (Arnel would love that). Hehe!

The food was great so was my company. We would definitely visit Gastronomy again. :)

crispy bagis costs only Php60. not bad!

we ordered kimchi just because i was craving for it since forever

Arnel in his professional outfit

happy guests

Pink and White

Arnel and i have attended 2 theme parties over the weekend and we both have worn theme colors. One was at a launching of Life Essential Spa, the newest spa in Laoag located at Bueno bldg across RCJ bus station. The space is tiny but it can accommodate about 5 clients all at once. They offer massage, body scrub, foot spa, etc. They serve really good hot tea. Best of all, Arnel and i can get discounts because we are very good friends with its owners.

The second theme party is at Cazandra's 1st birthday party in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Everything was pink and purple. Arnel and i wore pink that day, just because, and we did not plan on that. Note to self: don't wear pink on a children's party ever again. Haha! They served this creamy seafood dish that i really loved. If it was more soupy it would've been a perfect bouillabaisse. But the best part about that afternoon was when i won Php20 on a parlor game. What can i say, i've always been competitive. Hahaha! :)

Happy Holidays!

We love Santa to bits! Unfortunately he is a stingy Ilocano who would not give us money so we, uhm, beat him. ;p

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! :)

INHCC Employees Donate Blood

A blood donation activity was organized by yours truly and the Admin staff of INHCC on Dec. 14, 2010 entitled "This Christmas, share life. Donate Blood." I was so happy with the turnout. Majority of the employees stopped by to participate although not all of them were allowed to donate because of various reasons. The Red Cross staff and volunteers were very kind and patient. I am contemplating on doing this again by the first quarter of next year. ;)

during the screening of potential donors

Dr. Emily, a good friend, was their physician

employees supported the cause

photo-op with Red Cross staff and volunteers

a wacky shot :)

Noodle Nights

The boyfriend and i absolutely love noodle dishes. For 3 consecutive nights, we devoured nothing but.

a wide variety of Korean noodles at Robinsons

On day 1, we had leftover instant (MSG overload) Korean noodles from our Pagudpud weekend. Arnel had it cooked and modified by adding vegetables, mushrooms and chicken strips. It was spicy and Asian-ish. What's not to love??? ;)

am i spoiled or what?

instant noodles with a twist

a little too much for just the 2 of us.. yet we finished it :)

The next day we decided to skip lomi and go for traditional Ilocano-style pancit guisado at La Moda, a restaurant owned by my favorite godmother, Ninang Evelyn. She was happy to see me and Arnel as she has always wanted him to pay her a visit. I have always loved their pancit, like most Ilocanos it has become a nostalgic treat since forever.

with bagnet as topping. how about that?!! :)

a light from heaven was shining on him

As i'm writing this i am still bloated from my heavy lunch -- deepfried porkloin with balsamic vinegar, chopped tomatoes and onions as dip. I was born a foodie so i don't need a hungry stomach to start eating again. On my table is another noodle favorite, spaghetti marinara.

Everyday feels like Christmas. :)

December Wind

It's been a while since i was last surrounded with beautiful people.

My babe and i went on a 2-hour drive to Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud. We left Laoag at 8:30PM and arrived exactly 2 hours after. There were moments when we thought we were getting lost and heading to nowhere as the streets were unlit. It was relieving to see life forms (cows, goats and carabaos) along the way. Good thing there were a number of Hannah's road signs that lead us to Maira-ira Cove.
We were booked for 2 nights at Kapuluan Vista Resort. Thanks to the gorgeous couple, owners/managers Mike and Alma who have become really good friends of ours. They hosted our meals and have spoiled us with a beautiful room. Its bathroom has a garden/pond in it (our favorite spot) and everything i see is white and brown. The staff at KVR were very accommodating. Over all, the resort's set-up is very private, serene, and peaceful.
On our 2nd day, Arnel and i woke up to a sunny but windy Pagudpud. We had Ilocano longganisa and kapeng barako for breakfast. The weather was too fine to stay indoors so we decided to take a walk to the white beaches of Blue Lagoon. We passed by Hannah's and this was when i realized how that place ruined the beauty of Pagudpud. It is all concrete with a huge gate much like a cemetery's. Hannah's is so far behind KVR's simple but good taste. After lounging in the white sands and getting a tan, we went back to the hotel for late lunch of Chicken Quarter and Dinakdakan (a local pork and mayo dish) and spent the afternoon being lazy.
By nighttime we headed to the restaurant where foreigners and locals alike were lounging to the cool December breeze and smooth jazz music. We were greeted with Alma's margarita which i loved so much. So yummy! Alma really knows a thing or two about alcohol. *wink* Arnel ordered Garlic and Herb with Sundried Tomatoes while i had Fresh Tomato Sauce. Their pastas spell H-E-A-V-E-N! So light and healthy. The thought of eating fresh herbs makes it ever more refreshing. The food is a bit pricey but if you ask me, it's worth every penny. Mike grows herbs in their garden and they cook with no MSG whatsoever, that's why i never felt bloated after having a heavy meal. I also had 2 glasses of delish mojito that night.

On our 3rd day we had Papas Burrito for breakfast and went back to the beach for a dip. We had the beach to ourselves. The water was soooo cold but enjoyed the strolling and swimming nonetheless. Arnel and i picked orange corals as souvenir to this trip. At this point we were already feeling awful about leaving Pagudpud on that afternoon. Lunch was good, i ordered fish steak while Arnel had grilled chicken.

Now i know why Kapuluan Vista Resort is the only place to be when going to Pagudpud. So far i could say that despite my numerous trips this is by far the happiest and most gastronomically satisfying one. ;)

I am soooooo excited for the weekend!!!

DON'T ask where i am going to be because i might say it and that will ruin the thrill. :)

DON'T text.
DON'T call.
DON'T disturb.

Life is so damn good!

La la la la la la la la... :)

Perks

It is almost everyday and every night that i savor the perks of dating a foodie. Last night, Arnel and i had ramen "from scratch" and today, we had our breakfast, lunch and dinner together.

just because i wanted ramen.. poof! ramen is served c/o kyuniger :)

any food always tastes better when i'm with this guy

Today, for breakfast we had pancit sabaw and siomai at a carinderia in downtown. It was my first time there but he, on the other hand, has eaten at that place several times already (and all this time i thought i was the local). The food was affordable and tasted good. The siomai costs only Php5 each!

good morning, love! time to do what we do best! :)

pancit sabaw

Siomai at Php5 each only!

the homemade chili oil is one of a kind. really really really spicy!

For lunch, we enjoyed inabraw and paksiw na tilapia at the staff cafeteria. Dinner was my favorite as i was craving for breaded porkchop dipped in patis with kalamansi and sili and being the brat that i am, i got what i wanted in an instant . Arnel is not a fan of patis but this time he went gaga over the meal. We actually finished the chops by ourselves. He had 3 rice refills and i felt so happy that Mr. Skinny has gotten his appetite back.

served hot and crispy

all these for just the two of us

I am enjoying the perks of being with somebody who loves food as much as i do. When i asked him how much he loves food, he said, "There's just a fine line between my love for you and food." I almost shed some tears of joy. Hehe! :)

No Sweat

I learned about the Night Run sponsored by DASHMA and Ilocos Stop through Mel and the usual suspects and myself wanted to go. Too bad it was set on a wrong schedule as she and Lyn have commitments to prioritize. I went with high school friends Carms and Jom who are very good runners, they run MUCH better than i do because they always find time to do it. It has been months since i last took a run at the stadium. I am lazy.

Arnel came with me too. I have always known he hated cardio but i guess he was bored with the local lifestyle already and he just needed to do something different.

We met up at 7:30 just in time to hang a little, change into our running clothes, register and check-in to the marathon. We were so excited as this was our first time to join one. We took a number of pictures while the pre-run speeches were said on the stage. We were so stubborn we were not listening to the lectures and marathon instructions. Haha!

As expected, i was not in the game as much as i hoped i would be. My calves were cramping and i could not breathe well. I felt bad that Arnel had to slow down because of me, at the same time, happy to have spent the most of our time talking as we went on the race. It felt more like a date, and i love dates. :)

We made it to the finish line and got our certificates. I am so proud of us! We had fun and achieved something cool. We hung out for coffee and wi-fi at TriBeca afterwards. ;)

Where to Next?

I cannot stop thinking about where to get my feet next.

Over the weekend i spent quality time with my family. We stayed in one hotel room and brought my little brothers to Ocean Park, Enchanted Kingdom, Milo Science Discovery Center and toy stores at MOA. Toy shopping was a family thing, as crazy as that sounds, and it was more fun than i imagined.

This Friday i am going on a 4K marathon with friends. On this weekend, i will be in a seminar about finding one's self and finding God. I feel honored to have been invited to the said event and i am looking forward to giving myself some peace and quiet.

And then maybe next week i will be meeting up with Rosemarie and Sheena on separate dates. I have been missing these girls for a very long time. There are so many things to talk about with them, i always want to know what is going on with their lives and somehow give them unsolicited advice, and maybe learn a lesson or two from them as well.

I hate the thought of being confined in a limited crowd. Whether i am with friends, family, co-workers or just plain acquaintances, i like the idea of talking and listening.

These things i do because i barely know myself and what i am capable of doing. I am in search of "something" i can't quite put my finger on. As of now all i can do is spread my wings and feel everything the world has to offer.

I am a fan of change. I remember hearing from one of my mentors that there is no way but up. Those words inspired me to live a full life and enjoy. Hopefully traveling, attending self-improvement seminars, and meeting people is a good start. The movie Eat, Pray, Love had made that huge an impact on me.

I would want to be remembered as the girl who lived a life full of spirit. Our eagerness to explore and learn should not cease. I want to spend all my weekends with the people i love and take it as an opportunity to learn and grow with them.

Where to next? I don't know but it excites me that i have a lifetime full of weekends. ;)