Army Navy

Quick burger + burrito night with ze hubby because that's how we love Army Navy!
No food review this time, just sharing our photos as we "break in" my new 50mm/f1.8 II lens in my Canon 550d. Still getting the hang of it. Now I'm more than excited to take lots and lots of pictures! :-)

Cafè Publico

Me and my friends Mia and Yen organised a late lunch meet up at Greenhills while everyone's closely monitoring the National Election results. The last time I went to my voting precint in Rizal was about 9 years ago and since then I opted not to participate anymore. Well maybe when I transfer registration here in Mandaluyong. My two amigas voted that day before 6pm and it seems hassle-free going there when almost everyone are done casting votes. 

Anyhoo, while we're at the Promenade area, we have no idea where to dine even with a number of options. We checked Cafe Publico out of curiosity and because I've read a lot of good reviews about their gelatos . We didn't come here for desserts though.

There were tables available inside but still we chose the al fresco area. It poured a little bit so weather is quite okay. Each of us were handed with this wide wood type menu and while Mia and I were checking it, Yen started to play with the rocking chair. The waiter must have wondered why we were laughing out loud when he came with our chilled bottle of water.

 

Nachos with cheese and Pomodoro sauces Php195

 

This was our first order and I think we all liked it somehow. Nachos were the regular crunchy ones but cheese dip on the left is the best I've tasted by far. Nothing significant about the Pomodoro sauce though, I can actually say a jar of Tostitos salsa is way better. But overall, this is an upgraded version of nachos compared to the usual ones served in bars. 

Mushroom and Truffle cream spaghetti Php310

 

I liked the way they presented it and the three of us had a fair share of bread stick. He he! We were kind of disappointed though because we picked the most expensive on the list but there's this smell or taste that spoiled the whole pasta experience. Not sure if it's due to the mushroom type they used. I eat mushrooms and it surely doesn't have to taste that way. It felt like we just need to finish our pasta because we are going to pay for it anyway. Tsk! But I'm not giving up on Cafe Publico, next visit I'll surely try other pasta and gelatos. 

On a lighter side, just like our usual yet seldom dates with fellow amigas, we surely enjoyed the whole afternoon talking about love, life, family matters plus the trending "dirty finger day" on all social media platforms. We had coffee afterwards to continue our daldalan. This also served as our simple farewell party for Mia who is soon moving to another continent. Awww... It should have been a bigger group that day, but oh well, it's difficult to match schedules. May the good Lord bless all your plans in life, mare.. It's really worth the wait. xx

CAFE PUBLICO

2/F Greenhills Shopping Center, Promenade,

Greenhills, San Juan MM

Click here for more of our photos! ^^

Greenhills and Shakey's Family Day

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Mom and I had an earlier conversation about Unimart and that she hasn't been to Greenhills for quite a while. Just to give you an idea, when we do our bulk groceries back in college, Unimart is our go-to place. The travel distance is not a joke coming from Antipolo, where we used to live, but we just find the entire place a perfect destination for grocery and shopping needs. And since I'm currently almost running out of work clothes to wear, I decided to drag the three of them to Greenhills. I'm not surprised to see busy shoppers at the tiangge area. I've also sighted a few lovely satchels. Really tempted to buy but I don't need one. My MK and LC should be my last bag purchases until December! hohoho! Speaking of which, have you heard Christmas carols yet? Pinoy's are always way ahead of time and I shrieked with glee when I've thought of our soon colorful Christmas tree with my little girl below. 

We all got exhausted after sweeping the stalls at the ground floor and if you got great bargaining skills, then you can always stretch your budget with a little more items. We ended our hop at the pearl stores where Mom got a lovely South sea pearl stud earrings in lavender.

Family Bonding Times Three!

A very late post for a good reason.

I came from a small family, with my Mom beside me from four school graduations until I got married. For years, we didn't live near our closest relatives and for some odd reasons, I didn't get the chance to mingle with my half siblings. So technically, I was unconsciously molded to become independent at an early age. Strange things that you might consider about me - I barely fight or have confrontations and I speak softly because I was raised in a peaceful and quiet home, or shall we say "homes" as we change addresses from one to another. I don't recall having too much but I'm sure I've had enough of my needs even before I started earning - I know how it feels when it's overflowing and empty. I don't understand sibling rivalry and borrowing stuff from one another. I am sensitive to other people's words pertaining to myself because I'm only used to my Mom nagging at me. The list goes on if you ask me what makes my life different amongst the girls I became friends with. In short, I know there's something lacking but I didn't regret for I know that there's a purpose behind. And now that I am called a parent, I knew more of the things I'd like to fill in my own family. First of which is to allow my daughter to be more often surrounded  by people who cares for her just as much as I do. I want to instill in her heart that being with the family means love.

This is the main reason I compiled our photos last Mother's and Father's day, celebrated in three separate weekends. I find joy browsing these pictures and I hope I can keep it until digital cameras become obsolete.

Her Dad took this during our Father's day lunch at Burgoo, Greenhills.
She's now turning 1 year old 4 months.



Daphne with Mama and Daddy at Eastwood. She keeps jumping and screaming here, too excited to play with other kids in the playground.



With Mamang (hubby's Mom) and cousin Zach at Kenny Rogers, Galleria. Happy Lola!



Tita Gladys and I joined. Daphne looks behave but is somehow planning of what to do with the spoon. She grabs anything within reach in a split second.



She's not in the mood and keeps looking behind us where there were more kids around.
I think she's also not used to sitting on a high chair anymore.



With her Lola at Pancake House. Daphne felt like she owned this place.
She keeps pushing the chairs and peeping at the glass walls overlooking Eastwood.



Aaaww.. Lovely and candid!



With cousin Kyle and Tita Jopie. Where did the food go? ^^



Daddy's happy tummy and a baby girl who's uncomfy with her gums. More teeth to come!



With hubby's immediate family here in Manila.

 

I hope you all had meaningful celebrations with your Moms and Dads.
Treasure these moments while they are still at the best of health.


Much Love,
OneGutsyMom

My 31st Birthday

I got overwhelmed with all the greetings and well wishes I received today on Facebook and Twitter. It's a nice feeling knowing that people cared to drop you a line and somehow joined you with the celebration. Thank you, dear friends, for making my day a very special one.

Well, what made this day unforgettable? First, I get to spend a hefty lunch with my hubby at House of Minis. Mom volunteered to take care of my lil' one when she came home so hubby and I can spend more time together. Such a sweet gesture, Ma! ♥

To tell you more about HoM, it is located at Shoppesville, Greenhills. This restaurant has a romantic dining ambiance having those waiters wearing white long sleeves but I wasn't quite impressed because of the old wooden walls surrounding me. I must say though that if you're looking for an affordable and tender-licious steaks then this is a guaranteed place to be. To our pleasure, after taking our orders, we were served with a bowl of cream of corn soup, coleslaw, and also bread and butter.

 

We were too busy doing our own thing so I forgot to take a picture of what he ordered. I chose Mini Pepper steak (below) while his was Porterhouse. When our waiter poured those gravy on my plate, I literally smelled like I sprayed a bottleful to myself. Tsk!



I just shrugged it off and just enjoyed my food. I can only eat a well-done steak and this one is really good. So tender! Hubby looked for rice as the serving doesn't include one. He ordered two cups which I already expected that he can't finish. His Porterhouse looked like it weighed a kilo! We were also served vanilla ice cream for dessert. Happy tummy, can't argue with that! ^^

I got three special gifts this year and I really loved it. This watch I'm wearing is hubby's gift from Mango. It matches our wedding ring so I'm looking forward to wearing it everyday in the office. My top friends Chris and Mel gave me a stylish Celine handbag, which btw is a surprise gift! The execution was just so perfect! Haha! The other one, I will tell you all soon.

   

Lord, thank you for this life and for this wonderful journey. Thank you so much for taking care of me for 31years. I cannot thank you enough for waking up each day seeing the face of my lovely daughter. This will always be the best birthday gift to me.

Much Love,
OneGutsyMom