Kids: At the SM Toy Expo

August 25, 2012

I don't know if you are like me when I hear the word "SALE".  I sort of go into a panic and then I force myself to calm down When I saw on Facebook that there was to be a Toy Expo at the SMX in Mall of Asia, that's exactly what happened.  It's never too early to plan and buy for Christmas.  If there are sale events in the Metro which can help save you money, then by all means go to them and just be disciplined enough to buy only what your budget requires.  I know, it's hard! But if you concentrate on getting what you and your kids want, especially in a grand Toy Sale like the Toy Expo,  you'll have more money to spend on additional items.




We certainly spent a long time walking around the whole exhibition area and at the same time, the kids took their time getting their pictures taken at the displays and photo booths.  The Ben 10 and Thundercats section had their own photo background which the kids took advantage of.  Come to think of it, even Patrick got in on the picture taking :)






So, there was also a Power Rangers display, a small Bumblebee Transformers statue, an Iron Man statue and a Captain America statue.








Naturally, Patrick just had to try out the Gran Turismo on the PS3. It took him a while to get his turn because kids had to be dragged kicking and screaming by impatient parents.




One of the great buys that we got was this Spongebob Tent that we got for Dylan.




Kids: Tracy's first trip to Manila Zoo

August 19, 2012


It's always a pleasure when we have the time to go and visit our childhood haunts, like the Manila Zoo (along Adriatico Street in Malate, Manila).  It gives Patrick and I a chance to see the changes they've made (which they have in recent years) and for the kids to appreciate what we so loved before.  It was Tracy's first time to the zoo, although I think she wasn't really interested in anything at the moment hahahaha but here are the pictures :)






The Elephant paddock is the first you'll see upon entering the Manila Zoo.  Since it was a weekend holiday, there were a lot of people in the zoo which was why Dana's face looked like this.  Other parents, grandparents and kids were crowding the fences and taking pictures and there was one "adult" that literally pushed my kids out of the way at which time she got an earful from me.  Couldn't help it, you just don't push someone, like little kids for that matter, just so you can have your frickin' picture taken with the elephant who wasn't even facing you! ok I'm calm now LOL




Okay, so Tracy was just busy chewing on her pacifier the whole time we were walking around :)

We did get a chance to get a picture of the elephant and without any people to boot!! hahaha




The Zebra grazing

The Tiger lounging

Patrick pretending to eat Tracy LOL
The Hippo swimming


Event: Michael and Tere Glinoga Wedding

July 28, 2012

One of the highlights of our year was being invited to my cousin Tere's wedding to her husband Michael.  They were married at the Santisimo Rosario Parish in UST and Dylan was the Bible Bearer.  He wasn't used to people staring at him so he walked down the aisle in slow motion with his head to the floor.  It's like he wanted to disappear :)  He was still so cute to look at though :D  He was supposed to be wearing barong tagalog but we weren't able to get his in time.  It was a good thing his tie was still in line with the theme of the wedding.

Here is Tere making her grand entrance into the Church.



waiting in line for his cue
Dylan being cued for walking down the aisle
Look at his apprehension hehehe
Tracy with her formal dress :)
 After the wedding, we all trooped to the Hyatt Hotel in Malate.  The wedding reception was held at the Ballroom.  It was a good time to meet up with the rest of the family.  Like having your picture taken with your Dad whom you haven't seen in a long time and sharing a picture with the rest of Dad's male siblings.



We also shared the table with my sister Sharon and her family.  That's her there with husband Jowell and granddaughter Tracy.


Check out the kids' meal :)

Cousins Dana and Den
Dylan and Mama
 After the reception, we left a little early, we took the time to take pictures in the lobby :)






Here's our picture at the photo booth that was a favorite hang out among the guests.  Dana really enjoyed this.  I love her smile in all the pictures :)


So, to Michael and Tere.. Congratulations!! Thank you for inviting us to share in your celebration! :D

Happy Father's Day treat at Poco Deli

June 17, 2012

This weekend was dedicated to Patrick because it was Father's Day.  So, on Saturday, we planned to have Stanley's aircon checked at the shop next to Fusion R.  Unfortunately, the shop was closed and was replaced by something else.  It was disappointing to say the least because they were able to make Stanley's aircon cool and working perfectly the last time we had our check up.

So, instead we ate at JT's Manukan and Grille first before going to Abacus along West Avenue.  Abacus was recommended by Patrick's friend and co-worker Paulo so we decided to check that out.  After which, we trooped to Mall of Asia and just browsed shops and walked around :)

The next day, Sunday, was actually The Father's Day.  We asked Patrick were he wanted to eat and he replied "Poco Deli: so he can also share with us the great food they have there .

It may be his day and his celebration but he really is a Family Man and he's just happy to be sharing a meal with his family.  See his smile? :)







For those that aren't aware of Poco Deli, it's a small artisan deli in Kapitolyo, Pasig where they craft their own sausages and meat, have mouthwatering cakes and pastries, delectable Italian pastas and a great selection of wines and beer.  It's rather small because it's a neighborhood place but that's the beauty of it.  Patrons come to enjoy the silence and the warmth, all the more to savor the great dishes served.

Dana was really loving the interiors. She ordered their homemade Red Ice Tea and she listed it as one of the top Iced Teas she has tasted :) Dylan loved being seated near a "hidden door" which made him think of Harry Potter under the stairs :)  We loved eating our appetizer - German Sausage Sampler which allowed you to choose 3 types of sausages to enjoy.

Patrick wanted to order their Bacon Slabs with Eggs and Rice but they were out of it, apparently all Dads wanted that dish that day :)  So he settled for Kielbasa sausage with egg and rice.  I tried their US Beef Tapa with Eggs and Rice.  I think Patrick wanted that one too when it was served hahaha


Dylan and the "Hidden Door" on his Left
The Blackboard at the back can sometimes
show new dishes being served
Homemade German Meatloaf with 2 eggs and Bacon Rice
Dylan just shared with his Ate Dana
their drinks and spices/sauces on display
German Sausage Sampler
with Sauerkraut and New York Bagel chips
Gourmet Tapa with 2 eggs and bacon rice
Kielbasa Sausage with 2 Eggs and Bacon Rice

Their dishes can be expensive for some, because the German meatloaf was around P250+ but the thing is, it's really very filling.  You're getting a huge slab of meat, 2 eggs and rice with bacon bits.  It really is worth the price you're paying.  If you're a light eater, you probably will be sharing this with someone else.

After this hearty meal, we all went back to MOA just to kill time. :)


Travel: Trip to Subic (Day 3)

June 10, 2012

Our travel to Subic is almost at an end.  We're going back to reality in just a few hours.  We spent the morning lazing around the hotel room, enjoying the airconditioning :)  The kids woke up late because we didn't have any plans during the morning.  They just feasted on cable's Cartoon Network for entertainment.  Believe me, that's luxury enough for them since we don't have cable at home :)

After checking out, we headed to this spot along Waterfront Road to take pictures of Ghost for the article that Patrick will be writing.  For a brief moment, we thought that we'd be in the middle of a thunderstorm because the clouds were really rolling and looked angry.  There were raindrops for sure, as you can see.  But the sky cleared in a jiffy and we were in the middle of a bright summer day in a few minutes.

Raindrops keep falling on our head! :D

Ghost and us :)

Can you tell how much he loves this car? :D

 After the photoshoot, we headed again to Xtremely Xpresso because we simply loved the food! :) There weren't many patrons as of yet and the kids were able to watch Mr. Pizza Man craft the dough.  We also drooled over the handcrafted ice cream but we weren't able to take pictures.  We ordered the same stuff as yesterday, except for the chicken pesto sandwich which I had.  It was really good! ::)




Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Dana and her bubblegum flavored ice cream
There were some misses on this trip but over-all it was still a restful vacation.  The highlight was Xtremely Xpresso (for me, at least) but it's still the beach for the kids :)  Patrick's just happy enough to sleep in an air conditioned room hahaaha  Till Next Time! :D