Foodie-in-training Embarks on Food Adventures

Ok. So, a few months ago we went to Palawan and stayed there for 5 days. During that trip, I was able to pick up new skills - including how to find the best food spots in a place where I've never stepped foot before. This proved to be an easy task, thanks to the readily available information online. Finding the actual places became easy because we had already checked ahead using Google and the information made available via the Internet. And so, we travelled, we dined, we explored, we enjoyed, we went home happy and satisfied. Here are some pictures of our travels. For some reason my eyes are closed in these pix. Sleepyhead? Too early? Go figure! :D

When I got home, I started exploring new blogs and I came across one that made funny references to people who travel - describing the good and the bad types of travel companions. One label caught my eye... and I thought to myself, "I wouldn't mind being called that!" Yes, it was "foodie-in-training." Since then, I've been nurturing this dream - to go to exciting places that I've never been before and to eat exotic foods that I haven't tried yet.

This dream is adventurous, I know, especially since I'm a creature of habit - I usually order the same meals, at the same restaurants most of the time.

Today, I felt a bit more adventurous than usual. I wanted to eat fried chicken so I decided to visit Bigby's - one of my favorite restaurants in Ayala Center Cebu. However, I found out that they had moved to another spot. And so I had a choice - to enjoy my usual Italian meal in La Tegola, which I do almost every weekend - or to search for the new place where Bigby's Ayala had transferred. I chose the latter. I figured I could use a change of scenery. And so after much searching, I found the place and checked the menu. Fried chicken was not available so I said to myself, "Why not order the food platter?" I thought this would offer some variety for me and my friend who was coming to join me later.

The food platter was delicious! Quesadilla with cheese that melts in your mouth, chicken tenders that was perfectly cooked, chicken wings with just the right amount of sweet and spice, and french fries that was really crunchy. Here's what it looked like before I hungrily descended on it. (It was my first meal of the day and it was almost 4 o' clock.)

My friend and her daughter came to join me soon after. They, too, enjoyed the Quesadilla and chicken tenders. This is how we looked like after our "snacking."

And so, my foodie-in-training adventure begins! Hope you'll join me one of these days. ;)

How about you? Do you have any favorite restos that you'd like to recommend? Feel free to leave comments in this blog or head on over to my Facebook page and drop me a line or two. Thank you and have a lovely day! :)

Of Love, Weddings, and Elven Princesses

Today I witnessed one of my younger cousins getting married. It was one of those occasions that comes out of nowhere to surprise you. It certainly caught me off guard. No, there was no Hollywood-esque drama... or grand gestures, uber-expensive stuff, or over-the-top performances. In fact, it was simple, elegant, and classically beautiful... just like my cousin (of course! *wink*).

I'm just amazed at how love-filled the whole event was - from the Catholic church wedding to the reception that followed. I'm awe-struck by how sweet my two young cousins - sisters as they are - to each other. Her younger sister's toast came out of the blue and caught me by surprise. It was so heartfelt, I felt a pinch in my chest as she was sharing her wishes for her older sister. She cried as she wished her sister love and happiness in her union with her new husband. Her tears kept flowing as she recalled the many trials they had been through with their single mom who raised them after their father died when they were just little girls. And how she's going to miss her big sister now that she's married. It was the sweetest thing I've ever heard.

I still have memories of when I first saw them. I remember them as these cute little girls who would come and visit our home. They were both very pretty (their father was half-Spanish, I think) and had these beautiful elf ears and light brown eyes that were so innocent and would light up each time they smiled. They both look like elven princesses (fans of fantasy movies can relate).

As years flew by, these sisters grew really close, even after their father's passing; and they had their shares of illnesses and trials. But they braved through it. I'm also amazed at my Aunty's strength as she became both father and mother to these beauties. They made it through those difficult times and today I saw God's handiwork.

He truly knows what's best for us and he proves that each and every time. I guess what I'm trying to say is that happiness here on earth is truly possible - if only we turn everything over to Him and give our lives to Him. So touching was my cousin's toast, I almost burst into tears (though I tried so desperately to hide it).

Such a funny thing, LOVE. It takes us up and down and round and round yet it's the only thing that truly matters in the end. And so, as I start yet another week still waiting (so impatiently, I gotta admit) for my own love story to begin, I am so glad that I went to my cousin's wedding. The whole event has reaffirmed my belief that there is that one person we're destined to share forever with, if only we believe. Thank God for LOVE! :)

Smile!

Losing my Mama was perhaps the most PAINFUL life experience I’ve ever had. Even worse than losing my Grandpa, Mama’s departure left a void in my heart that took more than 10 years to heal. I’m not very good with goodbye or letting go. I have this tendency to hold on to dear life until the pain is gone or replaced by another emotion, whichever comes first.

Mama left us in February 2004, just an hour after Valentine’s Day ended. I know, you’re probably rolling your eyes now thinking, “apilon pa gyud ang Valentine’s Day oi!” Well, I have no other excuse other than the fact that this makes it easier for me to remember her death anniversary. Yes, I’m also no good with dates, except for birthdays, which I’m really good at remembering. Okay, you can roll your eyes now! LOL!

Tonight, I was sorting through my recent photos and was organizing them when I inadvertently unearthed a very old photo, one that was taken over a decade ago. Little did I know that I would also uncover some memories, pleasant ones this time. Needless to say, I am now using this image as my profile picture on Facebook.

My Aunt noticed and complimented me on how “sexy” I was. She also asked me to bring this look back saying I was very “pretty” in that picture. Well, now you understand why I was very inspired to write this blog. A former schoolmate who I bumped into also said I was looking quite “blooming” these days. 

I guess it took me a long time to accept the fact that Mama is gone and will no longer be rejoining me. Not in this lifetime, at least. Maybe the reason why I lost that “sparkle” is because I lost the single, most important person in my life. And perhaps the reason why I am “blooming” again is because I’ve taken that reality to heart and I am finally getting back in gear and moving on. I feel like my grief and heartache has been replaced by this wonderful emotion that I can’t quite describe – joy or happiness? If that’s the case then, thank God! It’s about time!

And so, as I go about my rounds again, I will remember this small lesson that I will keep in my heart forever... life is fleeting so love lots, laugh more, and smile always. Who knows? Someone could be falling in love with your smile right now! Here’s hoping! *wink*

Writing & Music -- My Gifts

Writing and Music... these are my gifts. I feel that combining these two would fulfil both my dreams and my ambitions. No, I’m not about to turn into Mariah Carey (I wish!). I have a feeling that these gifts are not meant to be torn apart.

Recent events have shown me the way (well, sort of). You see, this year was a year of firsts for me, including two joint birthday celebrations with different groups of people who I hang out with.

The first one was a videoke birthday party; and I have to say, it was one of the best videoke birthday parties I’ve ever had. We even had a tarpaulin and all! The food was delicious, especially the fried chicken. I could barely keep my hands off those drumsticks all night! LOL!

Saying that we sang all night is probably a huge understatement cuz we sang til 2 or 3am. During some parts, we even danced... and we’ve got the videos to prove it.  Although, those videos probably won’t see the light of day unless one of us blackmails someone! *Evil grin*

The second one was a simple dinner at a quaint little restaurant in the city that looked like a throwback to the Spanish era. It was a bit like dining in an old Spanish-owned house. The food was amazing but the company, even more so!

I can’t compare one with the other because these were different people. But one thing that I found interesting in both was the camaraderie that felt similar to my best friends since kindergarten. You know how they say that real friends are those people who, when you meet them, it feels like you were never apart no matter how long it has been since your last gathering? That’s how it felt.

Anyway, going back to my gifts, I kind of had a reawakening – a reminder that God has blessed me with these wonderful gifts and I should really use them while I’m still here on earth. I’ve always wanted to write music and I feel like the only thing that has stopped me from pursuing this is my insecurities.

This time, I am determined to give this a go. Who knows what will happen? I may just pen the most amazing love song you’ve ever heard. Or, I may be able to use these gifts to help someone. One thing is for sure. I am determined to see this through. I even checked out some instruments today and found this cool little place where they have the best-priced Casio keyboard I’ve seen so far. It’s cute. It’s compact. It’s affordable. Now you do the math. J

I am both excited and nervous. I’m not sure where this will lead but I trust that apprehension will turn into inspiration soon enough. Who knows? I may be doing more than travelling this year, after all.

How about you? Is there a dream or gift that you’d LOVE to pursue? Care to share it? J

Palawan Diaries

OK. I'm officially jumping into the bandwagon of travelogues and calling my blog post 'diaries.' (rolling my eyes...)

My friends and I are going on a little adventure in Palawan. Our flight has been booked. We've bought everything we could possibly need (or want) while we're there. All my bags are packed. I'm ready to go. (Now you're probably rolling your eyes...)

I'm very excited because this is the first time in a long time that I am travelling somewhere in a plane. The last one was over a decade ago. I'm raring to go. I'll try to post updates about our trip as we go along. This is going to be fun!!! :)