random dinner dates with friends

It was my friend, pinkmonster's birthday two Saturdays ago. I wasn't able to celebrate with her that day so as promised , we met up for a post birthday celebration five days after. I'm glad we did. Kaka-miss talaga! It's sad that Traffic Power didn't work out but nonetheless,we were able to start a personal friendship apart from our supposed professional relationship :)

We both love to eat so deciding where to have dinner became a little complicated because we had so & so choices in mind. We decided to eat dinner at Cyma, a greek resto in Shang. Sarap talaga ever! Opa!:)

We ordered my ever favorite roka salad. I can settle eating this alone. I love the caramelized walnuts on it. We also ordered beef steak kebabs, salmon with lemon zest and of course skolatina for dessert. We finished everything along with nearly four hours of catching up.

Happy happy birthday Aj! :)

Cyma
Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Cinema Level, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd.
Mandaluyong City
Tel: (02) 637-3090

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I've read blogs about this quaint restaurant a couple of times already but never had to chance to try it. Our friend Hans was very eager to let us try Angel's Kitchen in Ghills. One of their clients and a family friend owns this restaurant. Pretty much, this is what my husband & I likes when trying out new places.

Ok, we noticed the people there were mostly chinitos! haha! Marielle & I could've left :D (kidding) The place is very relaxed and cozy. Food is reasonably priced (except for the dessert which I think - is very expensive at Php160/slice) & service is ok too :)

My husband ordered salpicao and tomato soup which were both very good. I ordered coffee and this chocolate dessert. My bestfriend Marielle had spicy spareribs which was really yummy & delicious!

Catching up on a Friday with college friends. Marielle, Hans with gf Rachel, Rodel, me & husband. Leejay (who btw, arrived 10,000 yrs after with his girl) :) Missing everyone!

Angel's Kitchen
57 Connecticut Street, North East Greenhills
Tel: 721-8822

Frank

I went to Zambales for a supposedly company outing/team building two Saturdays ago. It was the same weekend that typhoon Frank hit our country. Many people died and it was really sad. Our office rented half of Punta de Uian but it's frustrating that everyone ended up staying inside the rooms waiting for the haevy rain to stop. It was already raining when husband brought me to the office that morning but it became sunny when we were in Subic. The moment we arrived at the resort, it began raining. In the afternoon, electricity was out already & it rained so hard. I missed Jp & Kyle... :( Some of my officemates played outdoor even if it was raining. I, on the other hand, read my book & waited for time. I wanted the day to end and wake up the next morning and go back home to Manila.

The next morning, we still played games before lunch but decided to end early so we can leave and travel back to Manila by lunch. We were advised that it was signal no 3 already. We got stranded for more than 3 hours. bored & worried. We heard bad news here & there. Sulpicio lines ship sunk, a Dagupan bus mishap in nclex, floods everywhere in Manila, Mountaineers lost in Pundaquit (a nearby mountain from where we were staying). It was too much to learn/hear that day. I was really eager and desperate to get back home and be with my family. I arrived home past six already. I was very very tired. Husband and I heard mass, ate dinner really fast & slept. Not my typical weekend.

This photo is a view of the resort from our room. This is the only good photo of the resort that I was able to take. Punta de Uian is a nice place to go to. I still wish to go back on a summer and enjoy the place- hopefully with my family next time.

rainy sunset at Punta de Uian
(photo credit: CJCM)

It was Manila Day yesterday so it's free day for me too! Yahoo! I was able to spend so much time with my two boys. I was a full time mommy/wifey even for one day. I started really early. I woke up at 7am and headed over at AGS for the scheduled PTC. It was my first time to meet Kyle's adviser this schoolyear. My boy is the homework beadle (tasked to check if everyone in class did their homeworks). He makes me so proud. Teacher said he's super behaved & responsible in school. I really pray he remains to be like that even when he gets older.

Finished the meeting at 0830 and went back home to pick up Kyle for his Kumon Diagnostic Exam. Hubby & I decided to enroll him in Kumon class so he can divert extra time in practicing Math skills. Kumon is far from the usual tutorial centers, rather it helps children develop calculation skills without a sweat. The Diagnostic Exam is to check the child's ability & be able to determine his level and start his training from there.


I remembered checking out Kumon few years back when Kyle was still in pre-school. A friend recommended it but at that time, I wasn't that interested yet. Maybe because the little boy was doing very good academically & I felt that he didn't need it anymore. I'm excited for Kyle :) In Kumon, they will be given worksheets of 10 pages each to answer everyday at home and they will have to report at the Kumon center twice a week. The concept is most likely repetition & mastery and the vision is to be able to individually perfect the skills. Kumon offers Math & English programs only.

We went to Rustan's Supermarket after. Kyle shopped for baon :)

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Made Of Honor is really funny. Hubby & I wanted to unwind yesterday afternoon so we ran for a movie date in Eastwood. Ok pala magwatch pag weekday! There were like less than 20 people inside the cinema. There was an old couple pa nga who watched also and Jp whispered to me na when we're old like them, gusto nya we'd still go out on movie dates (blush).

The film was hilarious! It's actually a "My Bestfriend's Wedding" type of film. Patrick Dempsey (Tom) is really a prince charming. I like Michelle Monaghan's (Hannah) simple clothing style in this film. Her wedding gown is like mine except that my lace bolero is short sleeved.

A feel good movie perfect for a lazy afternoon &my dark mocha frap from starbucks :)

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What's for dinner on a Tuesday night?:)

Whole olives and sundried tomatoes in whole wheat pasta

Spicy Salami (hubby's favorite pica pica)

Cheese!

Galileo mode at home.. less the wine...

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Oh, My besty surprised me this morning :) Sweet! Thanks! :)

marielle102983: hey bes!! saw the video??
marielle102983: hehehe
kristine agapay: yup yup super thanks
kristine agapay: naiiyak ako hehe
marielle102983: sabi ko na nga ba..
marielle102983: i had feeling when that you'll cry when you'll see the video..
marielle102983: hehehe
kristine agapay: oo naman haha
kristine agapay: nice pics kakatuwa to reminisce
marielle102983: i know! i had to open certain albums! sa inyo ung katuwa!!
marielle102983: from kids to dating to married to contentment
marielle102983: hehehe

IKEA fun!

My mother in law is a big fan of IKEA. Most of her unique stuffs at home from her US trips are bought from that store. She's fond of shopping stuffs for the house more than bags & shoes. She would brag humbly about what she bought from Ikea and would say " naku tin, if you go there maloloka ka talaga!" . I definitely agree. I love all the stuffs that she buys! From kitchen items down to some items for the bathroom! Very unique, durable and cute! :) She mentioned a showroom/warehouse in Makati last year and we planned to go a couple of times already but have completely forgotten thereafter. We had the chance to visit last Monday after work. We had to kill time because hubby had a meeting till half past eight. I was amazed, excited and awed! I love Ikea products! MIL was right, i'll go "gaga" choosing what items to get. The warehouse is not so full and i'm sure they had limited stocks compared to the one abroad but nonetheless, it was an awesome shopping experience for me. MIL got herself nice shoe rack for her room & she got Kyle a very durable Letten Stool for his bathroom. I got me & hubby a Basisk Floor Lamp that we can use as light when reading before bedtime (or when working on our budget hehe). We're really planning to buy something exactly like the one that I got . I want so many things from the warehouse but I had to behave and choose only what we need for now. I will go back for the other wishlists some other time.

Basisk Floor Lamp @ Php550 (good grab!)

My Ikea Needs & Wants!:)
Trolf Jorden Bag Dokument
Letter Tray S
uperfin Vase
Korral Laundry Bag (for Kyle's, can use as storage for his toys too!)
Burken Jars Rajtan
Spice Bar
Dralla Chopping Board


Ikea shops in Manila here, here & here.

I'll be out of town this weekend. I'll miss my boys :(

Happy happy birthday to my super friendship Aj!!! :) I regret that I wouldn't be able to celebrate with you again this year [I owe you 2 yrs already! :( ] I'll make it up to you next week ok? Let's have dinner & celebrate! Enjoy your day sweetheart! :) I can't wait to see you after the makeover! :)

Far from the Ces Drilon kidnapping headlines, these news are really bothering.

Baby thrown out of cab by teenage mom...
Baby girl dies after being hurled from 9th floor...

What were they thinking? They could've just have the kid's adopted after giving birth. Why kill innocent babies who are so helpless? Seriously, this is insane...

happy birthday mama!

Happy, happy birthday to my beautiful mama! Thanks so much for everything. I appreciate the patience,endearing & unconditional love. Thanks for helping me take care of Kyle. I know things could've been harder if you weren't around. You are my rock :) I know there were moments of pain, but really, it did made me stronger.

I now feel more of you when I got married. As what some titas and friends have said, they felt you became at peace seeing me well taken cared of by Jp. I thank you for loving him too. He super appreciates you cooking his favorite dishes! (tumataba na nga!) I am happy that you learned to accept & love him. I'm happy also that we get to spend more quality time with you now. Ironically, this happened when we are not living in the same house anymore. I guess absence really makes the heart go fonder :)

We always pray for your good health & happiness too. No matter what mama, we will always be here for you. Jp, Kyle & I loves you so much! :) Mahal ka namin :)

Let's celebrate when you get back from Ilocos! :) We miss you!

Watched Hulk movie last Saturday with my husband's cousin & his fiance. Awesome!I was a bit hesitant to watch it. For one, Hulk's face is not so handsome & i'm scared (honestly!). 2nd,I didn't like Hulk in 2003 , found it really boring and dragging. My husband didn't like it too. He got bored as well. Now at least, this film paid off and will cover up disappointments from the earlier Hulk movie.

Liv Tyler is really lovely :)

The battle between the two giants was tiring! too much action! but it was all right & more worth it this time. And of course, Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr/Tony Stark) showing up as a surprise on the later wowed the viewers even if it was nothing actually. :)

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I'll be out of town this weekend for our annual company outing. How I wish I could bring Jp & Kyle along with me. I'll miss my boys. :(

And yeah, am looking forward to a reunion with college friends in a quaint resto somewhere in Ghills on Friday. Haven't seen Hans & Leej since my wedding day. In fact the two are exclusively dating already (daw). Marielle & I are both excited to meet the girls.:)

I love Chef Tony's White Chocolate Walnut popcorn. Bought one big bucket last saturday at Pricemart. The toasted walnuts are really tasty, it complements the sweet flavor of the white chocolate. I brought it with me in the office for afternoon snack. Shared it with officemates of course :)

Two more weeks to go!Husband and I will surely have the best time of our lives! Excited! can't wait! :)

Sunday is Jp's Day

...because he's been a good friend & daddy-yo to my Kyle, the man definitely deserves a treat! :) We ate lunch at TenderBob's Promenade to celebrate Father's Day. To make up for our frustrating OUTback experience, TenderBob's is the answer! The two boys were excited since Friday!

My Family on Father's Day. Couldn't ask for anything more. :)

Our usual TenderBob's favorite: ceasar salad (dressing is perfect), potato skin wedges (yummy!), ribeye hungry steak/well done (for the boys!) and I tried this new dish: the Countrystyle chicken with gravy. My mother in law ordered salpicao and onion soup which was superb too!The servings were very generous.Our damage was cheaper than what we spent in Outback but definitely this is what you call "an ultimate dining experience". :)
Time for surprises! My Kyle prepared a greeting card for daddy Jp. He locked himself in his room in the morning when Jp was asking him to freshen up and prepare for our lunch already. The little boy pala is preparing something for him. The letter actually is more of "thank you" than the happy father's day greeting. I guess he is really THANKFUL more than anything else :)

We bought him local chocolates for his sweet tooth and baon at work. We sure promised not to eat it. Hahaha! :D

Kyle watched hubby play basketball late afternoon after our mass while I prepared thai dinner at home. Surprise! Surprise :)

We are trying very very hard not to overeat. Instead of having the Thai bagoog rice buffet style, I served it plated :) We had pandan chicken on the side too! And yeah, tita Bic baked chocolate cake for Jp also. Ended the night with wine and salami at Poncho's house.



Happy Father's day again babe! Truly life is more meaningful with you. I know my Kyle is very happy and thankful to have you in our lives as much as I do. We are both grateful. God never fails to bless us with so many wonderful things and you are one His greatest blessing to us. The missing piece that perfectly fits! :)

Dessert Nirvana

Two Fridays ago, I was invited to a media event in Rockwell that featured The Cake Club, a dessert buffet launched by Diamond Hotel. I am self-confessed BIG on desserts and cakes! Life is definitely sweet and this sure proves it! Enjoy the photos :)


I wasn't able to try all of 'em , IT WAS A LOT! I picked the ones recommended by the banquet sales. My personal favorites are the French Macarons (chocolate and salted caramel flavors), Supermoist Chocolate Cake (Diamond Hotel's signature cake! classic!) and the Baked Cheesecake. All three are in the 2nd row of the photos. They had very good presentations that made each one of the desserts more interesting & intriguing. Dessert + Buffet = Super guilty! Waaah!

Thanks to my friend Aj for the invite. It was a superb experience to go "ga-ga" over these mouth-watering treats :) Ooops, with window shopping on the side :D

Photo Credit: PR kit from Geisler Mclang. Click to view larger file

I brought home some goodies for my husband and Kyle! :) Truly, "there is no such thing as too much desserts" :) We feasted on the sampler cakes! I'm happy I was able to share with them this sumptuous experience. Jp of course was more happy. The husband's got a sweet tooth more than the wife! :D



Diamond Hotel offers the Dessert Buffet for large groups only. You can call 305-3000 local 8413/8414/8460 or email indulgence@diamondhotel.com.

The West Side Story

... is finally back. To be shown at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas Center on September 2008 (other playdates will be posted later) . Meantime, an online acquaintance is selling tickets for the Opening Show on September 5 (Friday, 8pm) which will star Christian Bautista & Joanna Ampil as the lead roles. Ms Minnie Fong is doing the marketing on a personal level for an organization that she's been actively involved with since college. She is at present part of the boards of KYTHE INC. -The mother NGO of Kythe Ateneo. Proceeds from the show (1st playdate only) will be donated to Kythe, a foundation whose primary cause is taking care of kids with cancer.

(click photo to know more about The West Side Story)

For reservations and further inquiries, please email minnie.fong@gmail.com or text 0917-8676332. She will reply to your queries really fast.. with a smile :)

For the show on September 05, ticket rates are as follows:
PHP500 -balcony (sides)
PHP700 -balcony (center)
PHP1000 -orchestra ( side)
PHP1200 -orchestra (center)

click photo to view larger image
(the ones highlighted in green are all blocked/sold, yellow are already reserved)

The West Side Story is produced by Stages Production Specialists Inc. You can check out Ticketworld for other playdates and ticket inquiries. But with a kind heart, you can buy from Minnie and help kids at Kythe Foundation :)

Photo credit: PR Kit from Ms Minnie Fong

back to school

Summer fun is over for my Kyle. I know he's kinda sad even if he says that he's excited for school :) He's sad because as per house rules, he already needs to say goodbye to his PSP & DS games for now. We implement this the whole year round because kids these days get really addicted to all these computer games everywhere, anywhere.

My husband and I treated him last weekend after made all deliveries for tubbycakes. The boy enjoyed his shopping at National Bookstore in Katipunan. We gave him a certain budget and asked him to use on that for whatever school supplies he needs. Night before, I asked him to make a list of what he needs so he won't forget the important ones. He had extra cash left from the budget money so he was able to buy his art materials like washable colored pens and good colored pencils. Kyle loves to draw :) He was happy to get more than what he listed :)

We watched two movies as an ender for the summer break. He enjoyed both films. It makes my heart melt to see him so very happy & excited for family days! :)

It was Kyle's first day of class last Tuesday. He woke up really fast & early. I didn't have a hard time preparing him for school that morning. No dragging, no crying or whatsoever. Yes, obviously he was still sleepy but he was responsible enough to wake up,shower and prepare for school. Supe r responsible & disciplined! I'm so proud! :)

Eyes a little closed & sleepy as he waves my cam goodbye! First day funk! :)

the weekend's for the kiddos!

We watched Narnia (Prince Caspian) with my brothers Sunday night at Theater Mall. Loved it like the first one (The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe). The movie is very entertaining! Funny, sentimental & full of action at the same time. The Pevensie siblings have grown and their acts are better this time. Ben Barns is charming like what a prince should be like and he played a good role too as Prince Caspian.

My family liked the film. I like Aslan. He's really cute when talking to Lucie. Nothing like what a normal scary lion is like. Very fatherly too.

Narnia: Prince Caspian

It was declared public holiday last Monday so we were lucky to have more time with our families. No work on Mondays meant long weekend :) Watched KungFu Panda with the Canoys at Eastwood. The kids definitely had a blast! They were laughing their hearts out the whole time. Po, Panda is so cute and cuddly. Kyle loved him! Love the actions in this film. The boys liked Tigress among the Furious Five.

The film is a story of fulfilling your dreams & going through the odds of hard work to reach that. And that after a roller coaster of hard training and discipline, you will be rewarded in the end. It was explained well. Enough for the younger generation to pick up something.

Just yesterday, i've noticed Kyle's been a little conscious about the food that he eats. Hehe! my boy got conscious! He doesn't want to be as big as Po Panda!

Kung Fu Panda

Photo credit for gbposters.

Angelati Italia

My husband & I were doing our last minute shopping for Kyle's school shoes when we bumped into this gelato stall at the ground floor of SM Megamall. I was a bit curious so we stopped. I even had some blooper exchange of words with the server. I asked if this is the same as Amici, the gay server laughed and defensively answered.. "Hindi po noh, kalaban namin yun! nag seserve kami sa hotel, sila hindi kasi di sila makapasok" The gay's so funny! Pahiya tuloy ako:D

They have a number of interesting offers. The server asked us to try two of their bestsellers: Blueberry Cheesecake & the classic Chocolate Obsession. Both good but we ended up trying two different flavors instead. My husband got the Choco Banana Peanut Butter and I tried the Honey Pepita. Both good! :) At P70/scoop, the gelatos are superb! Very rich, creamy and very flavorful. Their ad says gelatos are low fat, I wonder if this is really true??!

I've tried gelato ice cream in Pazzo (Powerplant Mall, Rockwell) few years back when I was still in college and I loved the Pistachio flavor. It's good to have found someplace nearer for such cravings! :)

I am not too familiar what differs a gelato from a regular ice cream. What I am aware of is that gelatos are more pricey. We've settled with FIC brand at home. Affordable and creamy too. I so love the strawberries & cream flavor, Kyle loves plain vanilla or chocolate (nothing fancy) , husband loves vanilla (too!) and ube macapuno or dulce de leche, my mother in law love their coffee flavored ice creams. I found this (photo below) that briefly explains the 3 distinct differences of Gelato & Ice Cream.
Angelati Italia is a joint venture of two sisters who share the same passion for gelatos. Read inspiring story here.

Photo Credit & more infos from this site.

Daddy-Yo's Day

June 15 is Father's Day!



Executively Yours
Snoozin
Let's Play Badminton
Fore You Dad

All items areabout 3.5 by 2.5 ft :) Big enough to really surprise your dads :) Please click on cestcagiftworks for more unique gift ideas :)