Ayala Triangle at Night

I have been itching to watch the dancing Christmas lights at the Ayala Triangle ever since. A couple of Decembers came but we never set foot with my little girl. It's not far from where we live so it's really strange why we never go there. I'm blaming it to the worst traffic condition we have in Manila every time the holiday season kicks in. So difficult to hail a cab, even taxi apps can't help you during rush hours, so yeah, that could be the main reason why we opt to stay at home at night.

Exactly two weeks ago, my cousin together with hubby and 2 year old boy visited us one evening. Our chikka was bitin when we met during the Hi 5 event and since they were just within the area that night, they chanced upon to visit our place. I love being visited by relatives and friends. The thought of making an extra effort to visit you at home is really something to me since I became a Mom. We invited them to Policarpio Street where the kids had fun at the House of Santa Clause. After checking out the last house, Cha's hubby Ryan suddenly thought of going to Ayala Triangle, and that we still have enough time to watch the final show. It only took him less than 30mins to drive to Makati. Good thing we all fit in in their spanking new Chevy SUV!

The kids were too excited and Daphne kept asking where are we heading to. We arrived just in time for the last two shows as they are open until 10PM. I'm glad we made it without making any plans ahead. The lights were so festive plus the chilly wind made it more perfect to settle down and watch. I'll let the photos speak for now. If you're not convinced, I suggest you see it yourself and tag your kids along because I'm very sure that even kids at heart will enjoy the shows. :)

    
Please excuse my no make-up look. Biglaang lakad talaga, hehe!

     

YakitoriOne

   
 


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Chili's x Hi-5 Family Day

After a heavy week with a series of not so good news here and there, we eventually had the chance to break the negative setbacks that weekend. It was only a few days before the proper event when I learned that Hi-5, the famous Australian children's musical group, will be coming over to perform at SM Megamall. I felt giddy and excitedly shared the news to my daughter who's as ecstatic as me. In fact, she did her own countdown until that Saturday. 

We arrived a bit early as we need to shop a certain amount first to get the free passes. But as soon as we stepped in the mall, I knew we couldn't make it. Hubby confirmed if there were slots available but unfortunately, everything were sold out until Sunday's event. We also found a very long queue on one side of Bldg B - these people successfully got their tickets but need to wait like that until the event starts. It must be tiring for the kids but I'm sure they loved it.

If only I had the chance to go to the mall before the event, I'd definitely shop earlier to ensure my daughter's tickets. Maybe next time. They will be having a concert come December in Resort's World Manila but tickets are way too expensive! I'd rather spare it for our travel funds next year. Instead of feeling low and guilty, we headed to Chili's for our late lunch. It was the little girl's first time to eat there and she liked it. Here's our orders:

Bottomless Iced Tea P105


Little Chicken Crispers and Fries P190


Beef Salpicao P595


Chicken Enchilada Pasta P440

We definitely enjoyed the food. I'm proud that my little girl finally joined us with the orders. No more fast food take outs this time! If you read this old post, hubby ordered the same food though he said it might be a whole lot different if he was served plain rice only. Pinoy na Pinoy talaga! :) I on the other hand loved my unique pasta dish.

Soon after we finished our food, we came back to the venue and it was jam-packed! I even saw my cousin's family who's there too for her son. In all fairness, Hi-5 has a huge impact on toddlers. When Daphne was almost two years old, I felt slightly sad because she doesn't appreciate the show. She'd rather watch Barney on her iPad. I remember her seated on her high chair watching it.

But a little before she turned 3 years old, her mornings wouldn't be complete without her singing and dancing with her favorite Casey. Sayang, the group had new casts na but they were equally talented as the old members. 

When the host finally introduced the group, the crowd went crazy! Kids were dancing as they sing along, so fun to watch them! Even older people (particularly women) went wild screaming for Stevie's name! We stood at the right side of the stage, just few steps away from them. 

Here's my daughter showing off her Hi-5 pose! Kudos to Daddy who's strong and eager enough to carry her the entire duration of the show. Mind you, she's really heavy and busog pa so I'm sure hubby went slightly numb! LOL. Here's the funniest part, my daughter wasn't quite satisfied just watching them. She keeps telling us "Mama, I want to go there, I want to talk to them!". Oh dear daughter, anything for you, you know I would if I could! I promise next time, we'll make it to the meet and greet session. And I'll make sure to like the official Facebook pages talaga so I am well-informed about any upcoming events, especially for kids.

Have you watched the Hi-5 show too, mommies? How was the experience? :)

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When life hands you lemons..

If I were still single today, I'd definitely respond "where's the Vodka?". 

Glad these times have changed and now I have a pretty and smart daughter who uplifts me all the time when I am low in spirit. Mind you, if she sees that I hardly smile one morning, she would always ask "are you sick, Mama?" or "are you OK, Mama?". Yes at nearly 4 years old, she's very sweet like that. 

Of course, that changes the mood as I genuinely feel someone is very concerned with how I feel. Lately, she preferred calling me Mama which makes more music to my ears. Feel na feel ko ang personal touch. 

Life is tough these days but I'm grateful that we still manage to go on. At night, I devote ample time to have some quiet time with God. Despite some not so good news received lately, I have my daughter and my family who encourage me to see things in the most positive way. They helped me accept that things really happen for a reason, and what more could be happier when relationships are rekindled after certain turn of events. 

 

So if someone throws me this phrase again, I now respond with.. "Take it and be glad. Let's make a lemonade!". Besides, look at this picture above, isn't that a perfect example that life is beautiful?

I hope we all have a blessed and well-spent weekend! x

Mama's 57th

My Mom celebrated her 57th birthday last October and being the person who never observed birthdays, we decided to fill her day with a sumptuous lunch in her favorite pizza house no less than the Pizza Hut Bistro. That morning, I checked online their latest dine-in menu. I wanted to try their meal set 9 so I made sure everyone is hungry enough before leaving home. 

 

I didn't know that the Mega B branch recently renovated the place which made it more homey and well-lit. I think the place was perfect for this special treat for Mama dearest plus we spotted a free couch in the corner. Look at my poor daughter who's still healing that time from her eye infection. 

Their meal set 9 is comprised of mushroom soups, two family pan pizzas, a plate of carbonara and  a garden salad for only Php899. Not bad at all, though I personally believe that this set is only good for a group of 6 "on diet" persons or maybe "not-so-hungry" people. *wink*  

We started off with the Crab Salad Rolls for appetizers (not included in the meal set). This has been our staple order ever since it was introduced. They were kind enough to refill our dip. I can guarantee the freshness and crispness of these rolls.

The pizza can be upgraded to the latest flavors of the world offering with no added cost, so we tried the American Roast Beef pan pizza. By the time our pizzas were served, our table went literally crowded! I even asked not to serve all 6 of the mushroom soups because aside from the obvious that we were just 4, there was no space left in our table. Probably I was in the "ayaw ko magkulang ang pagkain" mode. LOL! Maybe Pizza Hut should work on table sizes or provide a separate pizza stand.

I loved their spaghetti carbonara, not so thick but still creamy. This was the highlight for me though I just wished they used linguini. My daughter's not a fan of white pasta but she was voted out this time. Hehe!

We capped off with a Dip-licious for dessert. My daughter definitely enjoyed squeezing the fluffy mallows before dipping. It was indeed a highly satisfied lunch time with the family. More than this feast, I also prayed and wished for Mom's continued good health. We love you so much Mom and thank you so much for helping us in taking care of our small family. I also hope you never get tired looking after your uber active apo. :)

PIZZA HUT

LGF SM Megamall B, 

Mandaluyong City

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