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Friday, August 30, 2013
Who wants to try dining at Japanese Restaurant? Raise your hand.  Me, I want! ^__^

August 14 marks my husband 29th birthday. Yes! 29 na po sya but does he looks like 29? Db  hindi, parang 24 lang daw sya. Haha. Anyway, he promise me to be with me on his special day the whole day kahit na magkasama na kami sa bahay 24/7. Ang sweet db. (**kilig much**). Part of his birthday celebration is lunch out and since it’s my husband birthday, I gave him the authority to choose where he wants to eat.

He’s craving for Japanese food so we opted to try the newly opened Ginza Bairin located at Glorietta 2 beside Wee Nam Kee. This is their first branch here in the Philippines. We've seen some nice reviews of Ginza Bairin and according to them, this restaurant offers one of the best tonkatsu chain in Japan. Wow!

We were so hungry by the time we arrived; luckily we were able to get to our seats easily. The place is small but super clean, I love the interiors especially the lights, I must say a modern Japanese ambiance. Their menu is like coffee table book with colorful pictures of the food they offer. Hhhhmm.. Picture palang, mananakam ka na.

Ginza Bairin provides cold moist towels to prepare for your dining experience. I remember, I asked the waiter if they will include this in our bill.. Haha. Natrauma na ko sa mga free towels/tissue na ganyan na after mong gamitin may bayad pala.. Booo.. But this time it’s FREE. Yehey!

They also offer unlimited house tea and cabbage while waiting for your orders.
Unlimited Cabbage 
Unlimited Tea and Service Water

Each table has salad dressings which were good to drizzle to your unlimited cabbage. They also have chili oil, chili powder, pink Himalayan salt and tonkatsu sauce.



While waiting for our order, one staff handed us a plate of sesame seeds which according to Ian we will grind it will all our strength before adding the tonkatsu sauce which gives a nice nutty flavor.


We waited for almost 30 minutes for our food, I’m so hungry that time and hello, I’m pregnant! Meaning 2 kaming gutom! I call their manager’s attention about our order. Grabe, nauna pa yung order nung mga late ng dumating, e halos same lang kami ng order! Ggggrrr.. It was crazy! Their service is so slow! As in! I guess the crew is still getting familiarized with the system, but still it’s not excuse. Mas nauna kaming mag order then pinaka huli kaming binigyan ng food.

Anyway, moving forward…. My husband had to taste their biggest and most expensive tonkatsu – Kurobuta Rosu Katsu Set which uses Black Berkshire pig-prized for its texture and flavor. It also includes unlimited Japanese rice, miso soup, small slices of pineapple and shredded cabbage. As per Ian, the meat was very tender and delicious.

Kurobuta Rosu Katsu Set Php 595.00

For me, he ordered Two Side Hire. The meat inside was firm and chunky, but still tender and had a crunchy coating.  I just add Japanese rice for Php 80.00/plate.
Side Hire Php 65.00/each and Side Ebi Php 150.00 

He also order for Side Ebi, these were giant prawns coated with breading and deep fried to make it crispy. For drinks, hubby chose to try their Bottomless Iced Tea.
Iced Tea Bottomless Php 95.00
Happy Birthday Mister!

Overall, I enjoyed our lunch date even though their service was poor. At least now, I can say that I already tried the Authentic Katsu in Tokyo, without travelling from Philippines to Japan. Hehe..

FTFBadge



Ginza Bairin
Unit 1-019 & 1-021 Ground Floor
Glorietta 2, Palm Drive Ayala Center
Makati City
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Thursday, August 29, 2013
After our scrumptious breakfast at Bag of Beans, we travel on our next destination – Sonya’s Garden. Of course, a Tagaytay experience isn't complete without going to this wonderful place and I have been hearing this place through my friends and travel magazines, I got curious with all their stories and reviews online and so we make sure to include Sonya’s Garden in our list. Btw, the owner Sonya Garcia opened the doors of her private home to the public in 1998.

Since this is the first time to go there, we had to rely on our printed map and helpful vendors for directions. Finally, we reached Sonya’s Garden.  As we arrived, there’s a ongoing wedding reception. Wow! Meron kaming kasabay mag celebrate ng anniversary next year. Hehe.  

One word to describe Sonya’s Garden, “Perfect for nature lovers”. We both fell in love with the place, very quiet and far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Well, as you all know this place is perfect for weddings, photo shoots and honeymoon. Sayang nga lang, di pa kaya ng budget namin to try their bed and breakfast, maybe next time. Oh, they also offer spa services for those who want to relax within its tranquil gardens. Sad to say, I’m not allowed to undergo spa session because I’m pregnant.

The beauty of nature  
I Love Flowers! 

We roamed around and got amazed because I love everything about this place - the benches, the garden itself and also the restrooms. The facilities are clean and picturesque.

 Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary!

Sonya’s Garden offers nothing but a garden full of beautiful flowers. No words can describe to this beautiful place.


  
Sonya’s Garden
Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, 
Philippines 
(near the vicinity of Tagaytay City, Philippines)

For reservations, 
call or text the following numbers:
+63-9175329097, +63-9175335140  and +63-9175231080

Email at: info@sonyasgarden.com

Website: http://www.sonyasgarden.com
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Monday, August 26, 2013
I can still remember the night when my baby kicks me so hard. Nakakatuwa as in! And sa sobrang saya ko, I even posted it on my FB account.


So ganon pala yung feeling, nakaka amaze talaga! Can you imagine big waves inside your tummy? Wala lang, it’s priceless! I know that very moment, my baby wants to play. Every time she kicks me, I hold my tummy and then she will change her position, ang kulit db. Ang saya lang talaga, yun nga lang that night wala pa sa bahay si hubby kaya di nya nafeel yung 1st kick ni baby. Don’t worry daddy, mafefeel mo rin yung kick ni baby, just be patient. Hehe. 
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Friday, August 23, 2013
Few weeks before our 1st wedding anniversary, hubby and I decided to take a break from our usual dinner date at Makati. So right after we bought boxes for our cupcake business, we went at Greenhills to repair my husband’s PC and to watch a movie. (This is the first time we watch at Greenhills Promenade.)

It’s already too late when the movie ends and I’m already starving, we opted to look for the restaurants nearby. Our first option was to visit our Ninang who owns the House of Minis in C5, but we are not familiar with place. (Di namin na download sa Waze yung phone eh.. hehe) but we tried to reach the HOM, we travel along C5 but ended at Jupiter St. (Ganyan ka galing sa direction ang asawa ko..- Roadtrip!) Haha.

The husband keep on telling me that Romulo Café offers comfort Filipino food and I should try it. By the way, he had been here twice and this restaurant never failed to give him a good lunch-out experience. We were there on a week night and the place was packed because there is a corporate event when we arrive but the staff told us that they still have another room for walk-in customers.

We parked the car beside the restaurant and proceed to the main door. As we enter, I was amazed with the interiors – it’s so beautiful. A very relaxing ambiance which gives us the cozy, Filipino dine-in vibe. The place was full of old pictures of Carlos P. Romulo and some of his VIP friends and family that hung on the walls.
Photos grab from their website

The walls and flooring were painted in black and white. Nice combination! For me it looks very clean! If you’re not familiar with Carlos P. Romulo or you just want to remember a part of our history, this restaurant is a must-see place.
Photos grab from their website


Short Trivia:
Carlos Peña Rómulo, QSC, PLH (14 January 1899 – 15 December 1985) was a Filipino diplomat, statesman, soldier, journalist and author. He was a reporter at 16, a newspaper editor by the age of 20, and a publisher at 32. He was a co-founder of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, a general in the US Army and the Philippine Army, university president, President of the UN General Assembly, and recipient of many honors and honorary degrees. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_P._Romulo)

The people behind this popular restaurant were the grandchildren, according to their website their goal is so simple – “to honor our grandparents and to serve delicious food people really eat; the food we call comfort food. “

Now, it’s time to taste their comfort food. My husband ordered for Sinigang na Liempo, this is the first time I heard it, liempo talaga ang nasa sinigang? Usually, it’s either fish, pork or shrimp. Sinigang na Liempo is twice-cooked pork in tamarind  broth. I love the taste, superb! As in maasim na maasim.

 Sinigang na Liempo Php 240.00

Then he adds Chicken-Pork Adobo Romulo Style – Twice-cooked chicken and pork with adobo sauce on the side. There is no special thing in this dish, parang mas masarap pa adobo ng tatay ko.. Hehe.

Chicken-Pork Adobo Romulo Style Php 290.00

And for the drinks, hubby got Green Mango Shake while I chose Ripe Mango Shake.

Green and Ripe Mango Shake

Overall, they food is okay, the place is awesome and the service is good. A must-try restaurant in Makati.

FTFBadge 


Romulo Café
148 Jupiter St., (corner Comet, a block from Reposo)
Bel-Air Village Makati City

Website: http://romulocafe.com/

Open from Monday - Sunday:


Lunch - 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Dinner - 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
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Thursday, August 22, 2013 8
Last Saturday marks my 16weeks6days and I was schedule for another ultrasound on morning and pre-natal check-up on the afternoon. We were so excited to see our little bundle of joy again, it’s been a month since the last time we saw our baby and we want to check his/her progress.

We arrived at Makati Med around 10:30am and there are lots of patients waiting outside the ultrasound room. I know we were late, it’s my fault.  I’m too lazy because of the “bed weather”. Anyway, we waited for about 1 hour and half before my turn. As the nurse called my name, I’m so nervous. I really don’t know why maybe I’m so worried if my baby is doing well inside my tummy. As I lay down on the bed and told me to put my dress up, my heart starts to beat so fast but the sonologist which is also my OB doctor (Thank God because she knows everything about my pregnancy) is very supportive and gentle. Before we start the session, she asks her staff to call my husband so that he can also see our baby’s development.

As my OB put the equipment on my tummy, she immediately told us that we’re having a healthy baby girl!

OB – Di pa natin alam yung gender ni baby db?
Me – Yes doctora.
OB – Well, it’s a healthy baby girl!
Me – Wow! Totoo po baby girl? (teary eyes) sabi po kasi nila baby boy eh..
OB – Sinong nagsabi? Wag ka sa kanila maniwala, maniwala ka kay Dr. Bustos. (referring to herself)
Ian and I – (super speechless with teary eyes.)

The first I saw my baby, it’s just a simple dot and now after 4 months she already have hands, feet, head, nose, lips, etc. She is alive and kicking! Honestly, as I saw her dancing inside my tummy, I can’t help myself but to cry. Grabe, iba talaga yung feeling na alam mong may tao sa loob ng tyan mo and galaw ng galaw. As our session continues, my husband keeps on talking with our baby girl.

 According to our friends, when they saw this photo they told us that our baby gave her best smile and pose.
Anak, talagang dapat nakabukaka ka? Masunurin ka kay Daddy ha. Good Job Anak!


OB – Hello mommy, Hello Daddy. I’m your baby girl. (While pointing the arrow to her arms and legs)
Ian – Hello baby.. You’re so adorable. Likot likot naman ni baby. Nagpapakitang gilas na naman..
Me – (I’m speechless; I don’t know what to say. I just look at her and realized that my baby is healthy) Ang galing talaga ng katawan ng babae, imagine may bata sa loob ng tyan mo ang buhay.. Galing ni Lord!



The only thing that bothers me most is when my OB told me that my baby is in breech position, meaning my baby exits the pelvis with the buttocks or feet first as opposed to the normal head-first presentation and my placenta is located on the lower portion, meaning I can’t deliver our baby via NSD instead via CS if she didn't change her position. But our OB ensures us that the baby’s position and my placenta will change many times before my term, like most of them turn spontaneously before birth.  My OB told me not to worry too much, because our baby still has plenty of time to flip into the correct position. But most important above all is we need lots of prayers.

Now, I understand my mom why she is so protective to us. I know now how hard and challenging to carry a baby inside your tummy, all the pains and sacrifices are all worth it when you finally saw your baby. I know it’s too early to say that not until I gave birth next year. But you know what, as I saw the print out of my ultrasound I can’t help myself but to cry. I’m so blessed because God gave us the fruit of our love. 
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Sunday, August 18, 2013 2
I survived 1st trimester! Woohhooo!!!! Thank You Lord! Now, hello 2nd trimester!

If first trimester is the most crucial stage in pregnancy, 2nd trimester comes with exciting milestones. Why? Because in this stage the worst of nausea and other morning sickness comes to an end, buti nalang, di ko na experience yun. Thank You Lord!

I read an article saying that 2nd trimester is also known as “Honeymoon Period” in pregnancy, because the emotions even out and sex drive returns. Weeee… **kilig much** I’m so excited in this stage because I like the feeling of my baby’s first kicks/movement (or my mom told me it’s my baby’s heartbeat), I love buying maternity clothes (pero syempre yung mura lang.. tipid mode eh), my husband and I are already thinking about our baby’s name (kahit na meron na kaming tinatawag kay baby.. hihi).

At 4 months, I already saw my baby bump because my baby is growing quickly. I gain additional 2 pounds from my last pre-natal check-up. Meaning, bumibigat na talaga ako.. But for now, I need to take time while I’m feeling better and my energy is up, to start planning for my baby’s arrival. 
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Saturday, August 17, 2013
After visiting Calaruega Church, it’s time for our late breakfast. We’re both hungry since we just took a small bite of cupcakes during our ride. Our next destination - Bag of Beans.

We really want to try this restaurant because according to our research, it is one of the most famous restaurant destinations in Tagaytay and being a food lover/critic, we want to try their best seller.  It was my first time at Bag of Beans and you know what they have now two restaurants in the same area. The small branch was located near Rotonda while the bigger one is located at in the middle of the city (Emilio Aguinaldo Highway) they’re easy to get to.

There’s plenty space for parking that’s why my husband love the place. Hehe. Bag of Beans has a homey, rustic atmosphere. It is a perfect place to take a break from a busy and stressful work in Metro Manila. You will agree with me that it’s always a hearty breakfast if you’re seated at a very comfortable and nice ambiance plus a scrumptious food are combined. Am I right?


Bag of Beans offer al fresco dining for those who want to enjoy the cool weather in the city.


As we walk around the café and restaurant, I got amaze with the beauty of the place. They also offer cottages wherein you can see big trees, rustic pots, birds in big cages, wooden chairs, different kinds of lamps, fountain and other accent pieces. All I can say is very relaxing!


We headed to their al fresco dining area and settled in one of their cabanas because it offers much better view and comforting couch. I love the cottage, super! I even told my husband that I want to lie down and sleep. Haha.

Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary!

The staff handed us their menu and it took a minute before we decide what to order. The husband chose the All Day Breakfast – Omelette which includes three egg omelette folded over cheese, mushroom, tomatoes, and onions with choice of bacon or sausage served with bread and butter.

All Day Breakfast – Omelette (Php 295.00 + 10% Service Charge)

Hubby also tried their Caramel Machiato. According to him, he liked it plus the presentation is so cool! Sorry, I don’t drink coffee or hot chocolate because I’m pregnant and sometimes my tummy hurts..

Caramel Machiato (Php 110.00 + 10% Service Charge)

I opted to try their Famous Cupcake, so I order Buttermilk Pancakes. They have big servings of meal that’s why you can leave the café with a full tummy.


Buttermilk Pancakes (Php 175.00 + 10% Service Charge)

Before leaving, hubby decided to explore the café and drop by their bakeshop upstairs. (Remember, I was advice not to step on the stairs because of my condition). According to him, the bakeshop sells different kinds of pastries, cookies, pies and even coffee which you can take home for pasalubong.

Happy Eating! 

Overall, Bag of Beans is a great place to visit with homey ambiance, fresh air and scrumptious food. **two thumbs up**

FTFBadge 

Bag of Beans
3650 Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing
Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines
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Friday, August 16, 2013
I really love reading blogs; in fact I have lots of friends that I only knew in blog. As in sa blog lang kami nag uusap, palitan ng comments and ideas. It makes me realize to continue my writing even though there are bashers who do not appreciate my site. Well, ganon ata talaga pag sikat and maganda.. Hehe.

Anyway, I follow Fashion Eggplant because I love reading her site. Nakaka inspire especially when she posts her OOTD. How I wish I have more time to take photos of my everyday outfit and one more thing di naman rin kc ako ganon ka fashionista like her. Until one day, I saw that she has another contest where in one lucky ready with the most striking statement will win Colorname Kit from QT Gifts and Accessories. So I join the contest and input my statement which is “Sexy Mom-To-Be”.

August 5, I received an email from Gretchen Uy saying that I won the 52 letter box set from QT Gifts and Accessories. Wow! I can’t believe it, sa dami ng sumali ako talaga ang nanalo.. I think si baby ko talaga ang nagpanalo sakin. Thank you Baby!

After 1 week of waiting, finally I got my prize from Fashion Eggplant and QT Gifts and Accessories. Wow!

The Colorname’s 52 Letter Box Set comes with a complete Alphabet with 2 pcs per letter plus two ear caps, 1 cellphone strap , 1 key ring, 1 Swarovski diamond, 1 smile, heart and ribbon. It’s so girly and a very unique accessories that every girls will love it.


Thank you so much Fashion Eggplant and QT Gifts and Accessories for this colorname, my husband and my baby Rhian love it. ^__^



Thursday, August 15, 2013
I’m so sorry for not posting my OOTD ever since I got pregnant. Honestly, ayaw kasi ng mom ko magpa picture ako, pamahiin daw but since medyo matigas ang ulo ko and I want to document my journey towards motherhood kaya gusto kong selfie lagi.. Hihi..

Being pregnant doesn’t mean that you cannot be fashionista, I know di naman ako magaling pumorma but at least bagay naman sakin yung mga suot ko.. Hehe. To tell you the truth, almost 80% of my clothes di na kasya sa akin that’s why I have no choice but to buy new clothes that will fit my bigger tummy. Like what I’ve said, hindi ako ma-branded na tao and if you will ask me to choose between buying clothes or try new restaurant, you will be shock kasi I will chose to eat rather than shopping. Haha.

I really love being pregnant.. Nakakatuwa and super priceless yung feeling lalo na pag may gumagalaw sa loob ng tummy mo plus nakakatuwa when people close to me hold my tummy and will say “Ang laki nan g tyan mo, for sure boy yan..”

Anyway, here are some of my OOTD.

Dress from Landmark
Sandals from Tiangge 
oooppss.. sorry, wala akong solo picture that time eh.. ^_^
Top from Terranova
Leggings from Landmark
Sandals from Zalora
Jacket from Tiangge 
Bag from Sophie Martin
Jumpsuit Dress from Landmark
Shoes from Payless 
Maternity Dress from Tiangge
Sandals from Zalora
Bag from Secosana



See, I told you di ako mahilig masyado sa may tatak.. Usually, I go shopping at Tiangge or Landmark for my clothes.. ^_^

Happy Pregnancy!
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