Frannywanny

December 31, 2012. Today is the last day of the year. I can't believe how time sped by sooooo fast this year! It's currently the Year of the Golden Dragon, said to be not a very good year for those born in the Year of the Dog like me. However, I felt pretty lucky this year. I guess it really is up to your own mindset and outlook in life, right? This year opened with so much love as Paul and I welcomed 2012 with our families around us. We're lucky to be blessed with such amazing parents and equally loving siblings and relatives. From them we get our strength as they've been showering us with their undying support. I got to admit that I prayed for one thing this year. That is for us to finally have our little bundle of joy . I guess the BIG Guy up there believes that we have to wait a little more and instead blessed us with a lot more other things. It's okay, we can wait and we're pretty sure our little bundle of joy will definitely be worth the wait.  I ...

This is to continue our 3-day vacation in Tagaytay City . After spending our first night at the very posh yet homey Discovery Country Suites , Paul and I headed to another accommodation spot called Crosswinds Resorts Suites . I've been seeing the huge signages of Crosswinds' development for more than 5 years already. What I know is that it's located very close to Tagaytay Highlands and while it doesn't overlook the famous Taal Volcano , the size of this property is breathtaking and impressive enough. What I didn't know was that you can actually stay the night or two (or even the entire week) even if you are not a member. They now have two hotel buildings that allow visitors to stay in. We checked into our Studio Bedroom (Php. 6,000) and were pretty impressed with the comfy looking interiors. I loved how clean it smelled and the view was simply amazing. We were told that they have imported thousands of pine trees in order to achieve the Swiss feel . Well, s...

Happy Holidays !! I know it has been months since my trip to Korea and yet I always get to remember it every time someone comes up to me asking for Seoul travel tips . That was definitely one of the best trips I've had this year and Paul and I are will hopeful that we can go back to Korea SOON! I realized also that I failed to create a summary to better guide you in going through all my Korea travel entries . First and foremost, here's a guide on how to apply for a Korean Visa for all Philippine Passport holders . Next step is to look for a place to stay. I highly recommend our hotel: Hotel Skypark 1 in Myeongdong, Korea . Here's also a quick 101 for all Korea newbie s. Be tourist-y and visit these places: Myeongdong for all out shopping (all the beauty brands are here!) and eating Gyeongbokgung Palace COEX Mall and Aquarium (although I don't recommend the aquarium) Everland Theme Park N Seoul Tower   Remember this: must watch the Cookin Nanta S...

This morning, Paul and I headed to my in law's house to join them for our Christmas lunch. Since last Friday, we've both been having a series of Christmas parties celebrated with both friends and loved ones. While waiting for everyone to be ready, we watched little Julia and Jairus open their presents. It was such a happy scene as they excitedly shriek with delight as the wrappers unfold their favorite toys. Sure, Mommy's living room floor was literally covered with paper wrappers, gift tags and ribbons but we, the adults, didn't mind cleaning up after them as they were both so happy in opening and playing with their new toys. This is what Christmas is all about. Listening to their excited chatters, feeling their warm hugs and kisses and spending quality time with everyone dear to us. After our annual Christmas Mass earlier this evening, we gathered around the table for our Noche Buena. Paul bought some Bibingka from our favorite seller and Mommy opened a bottle of...

*SPONSORED POST* Ho ho ho ! Christmas is two days away and for the past weeks, Paul and I have been showered with gifts from our dear friends and colleagues. I guess it’s pretty obvious to the world how much we both love food thus 99% of our gifts got were either food items or food/cooking-related items. Hooray! While this is the time of the year where we have the license for non-stop merry making and treats eating, we always have to be on guard against increasing cholesterol, gaining more unwanted weight, having a bigger and not so flattering waistline and for Paul and I, we’re also extra cautious towards our blood sugar level. We’re both not getting any younger after all and we both made a pact to stay healthy for one another and for our future family. Others might think we’re being overly paranoid but you see, my father-in-law was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes a few years ago and while he gets to maintain a better sugar level now, the possibility that Paul could inherit ...

Two years ago, I met Chef Myke Tatung . He’s a happy and friendly man who, in my books, bakes the yummiest breads in town. He used to hold private dinners in his home , first doing this every Friday nights only and later extending to the weekends. His menu changes every week and every time I look forward to his announcement over Facebook . What began as a hush hush secret among food lovers the news about Chef Myke’s place spread like wildfire. People were talking about it. Couples would have their romantic dates there. Families would enjoy a delicious evening at Chef Myke’s place as well. Fast forward to a few months ago, Chef Myke opened his new restaurant at Acacia Estate. Given that Taguig is quickly turning into a highly commercialized area with a number of good restaurants here and there, it was just perfect timing and it indeed made perfect sense that Chef Tatung’s Restaurant was born. Chef Tatung has been serving a wide-range of cuisines however for his restaurant he foc...

Can you imagine life without music? Just like a tasteless and dry roasted chicken or a bland, cardboard-like cracker, that's probably how life is without music. Flavorless, boring and dry. I grew up in a family who loves two things -- food and music. My Mom is not only a good cook but she is a fantastic pianist too. Kongkong, whom I've mentioned in numerous occasions here, can make the best Pata Tim in the land and he plays the piano, organ, violin and flute too. He also sings and conducts his barkada's choral group as well! Just imagine how our wedding reception was turned into a mini family concert as almost everyone wanted a spot on stage! It is pretty obvious how Pan and I grew up listening to all types of music. Our music knowledge ranges across a number of genres from The Cascades down to Madonna and of course to our generation's boy band craze. Outside the house, we have our iPods to keep us company. My iPod Touch has been my gym staple (well on times I do g...

This Christmas just got to be the most exciting one that I've had in years! Just look at the number of giveaways that I've been giving away! Thank you so much to all my sponsors! You guys rock! \m/ Thank you to all 106 readers who joined the recently concluded King Sue Christmas Giveaway contest. I really had fun reading what you guys will be preparing for Noche Buena this year! I'm pretty excited for our family Noche Buena myself! Mom is already planning a feast and it'll be a fun foodie holiday this year! I'll stop babbling now and will share with you the lucky 10 who'll receive a yummy gift pack from King Sue worth Php 1,000 EACH! Here they are!! CONGRATULATIONS to the winners! Kindly expect a Facebook message from me by tomorrow!!!

I have a thing towards neighborhood, hole-in-a-wall food finds! This is most especially when I end up having a good meal there then it gives me that sense of fulfillment and the feeling of success that I've once again found a hidden gem. I think I've been all over San Juan and Kapitolyo, two neighborhoods that hold dear to my heart yet more and more neighborhood restaurants are popping out here and there that it can be quite a challenge trying to keep up with it. Manila is truly a booming wonderland for foodies like you and me! Recently, Paul and I visited Galli Village Cafe , a fairly new restaurant in San Antonio Village in Makati. It was upon an invitation from a former business contact that brought us to this side of town on a not-so-hectic Monday evening. With us were fellow bloggers Richard and Abet and their lovely wives too. I got there famished! Having had a light lunch earlier that day, I felt my tummy rumbling angrily as soon as I saw the llanera of Paella Valen...

*SPONSORED POST* I just came home from a fun evening spent with my barkada. I’ve known these girls for more than 15 years at the very least. In fact, T and I have been friends since we were in kindergarten! That’s how long we’ve known each other and it’s truly amazing to see how our bond continues to grow and strengthen through the years. In fact, they’re like family to me. Thus, it was definitely a no-brainer that I immediately chose all three of them to be part of my bridal entourage when Paul and I tied the knot two years ago. This is because I simply wanted them to play a meaningful role in such a momentous occasion in my life. 3 of the 4 Musketeers : Best Friends for LIFE After high school, we each went to different universities and later on took different but quite similar career paths. Despite our hectic schedules, its amazing that we continue to stay connected thanks to the power of the internet and mobile communications . Just recently, when Typhoon Sandy hit New Jersey...

A year ago, I blogged about this genius creation called Fruits in Bloom -- Gourmet Arrangements . Indeed they say, the way to ones stomach is through his or her stomach! After exhausting all of the delicious chocolate brands in the market and instead of joining 90% of the population that gives cookies and brownies for Christmas, why not say Merry Christmas with fruits! Fruits in Bloom is back this Christmas with more fruity arrangements. What I love about each and every arrangement is how they manage to make it look so colorful, festive and truly mouthwatering. It helps that even if you're able to consume half of the bouquet, you're assured of not gaining so much unwanted fats and calories as fruits are very healthy and nutritious. They're high in vitamins too! This year, they have the Christmas Blooms (Php. 850) which is a yummy arrangement of pineapple flowers, grapes, orange slices, green apples and banana covered in white chocolate. I love the mug that holds the ...

What makes for a good vacation? For me, a good vacation should be a perfect balance of being able to recharge yourself --physically, mentally and spiritually, as well as to satisfy your tummy with the yummiest dishes too. :) It was pretty obvious that Paul and I had the time of our lives as we enjoyed the room, jacuzzi and the DVD collection in Discovery Country Suites . After enjoying our wine and cheese cocktail, we also had dinner at Restaurant Verbena where we were given the chance to choose a set menu. It was so hard to choose as we each had something we wanted to try from the other set menus but the Verbena's Classics was mutually agreed upon as THE ONE. Restaurant Verbena is Discovery Country Suites ' in-house restaurant. I've been wanting to try this for the longest time for two main reasons -- first, it was listed as one of the top restaurants in Miele Guide and second, the restaurant features a number of Chef David Pardo de Ayala 's culinary creations...

It was indeed a Sweet November for me and Paul last month. Despite being extra busy and stressful all month-long, we both looked forward to every single weekend as we had a staycation or a mini vacation planned one week after the other. Our Sweet November began with an overnight stay at the Marriott Hotel back-to-back with a delicious steak dinner at Cru . The next weekend followed with a fun pasta making class for me at Global Academy and another overnight stay in Alabang. After my quick trip to Cebu for work, Paul and I ended the month with a 3 day break in one of our favorite out of town destinations -- Tagaytay City . Others may find Tagaytay City boring but not me. I grew up going to Tagaytay so often and yet every vacation leaves me rejuvenated, happy and relaxed after. It helps that Tagaytay is so close to Manila that I don't get bored on the road going there and coming back home. That's a big plus as I really do not like long road trips. There are a lot of res...

Ho Ho Ho!!! I woke up this morning and was in shock that it's already the 10th of December! That just means, Christmas is 15 days away! Well, a look at the streets will surely show you signs that the holiday rush is here. It has been traffic everywhere and in the malls, you'll feel the busy air brought about by shoppers quickly completing their lists. Paul and I have yet to deliver our gifts as our schedule was pushed back by this nasty flu that's forcing me to stay at home right now. Boo :( Anyway, there's no stopping me in bringing some Holiday cheer to all of you. I'm ready to announce the three lucky winners who will be receiving their very own Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Giving Journal hopefully within the week! Before that though, I'd like to thank all 72 of you who joined this contest! *hugs for everyone!* Here they are! This weekend, Mom has been bugging Pan and I to think of a good restaurant for our Christmas eve dinner with the family. While ...

Let's go Glocal!  That's the emerging trend in the food scene here in Manila. Allowing ourselves to enjoy global-quality cuisines and food items by local talents. Global + Local = GLOCAL .

A few years back, I proudly announced that I will NEVER have an iPhone. No way am I joining the bandwagon and I was pretty happy with my existing mobile phone. Well, guess who ate her words. BIG TIME. Ever since I got my iPhone 4S a few months ago, we have been inseparable since. Wherever I go, I have my iPhone with me. Friends have noticed how I happily would dress it up with my growing collection of casings from time to time. It may be hard for me to admit it but purchasing this phone has been one of the best (despite impulsive) decisions that I've made this year. Whenever I travel, I would rely on my phone to help me navigate my way around. I would easily log on to the internet anytime, anywhere in the country. Recently, I chanced upon a new free iPhone application called looloo that allows me to search the neighborhood for restaurants. Take for example the time Paul and I stayed the night in Alabang, I was able to quickly search for the nearest coffee shop and to rea...

This finally ends my short yet truly satisfying trip to Cebu City . However, what's a trip without being able to bring home some goodies? That will never happen with me as I love to shop for pasalubong for my entire family! Prior to my trip, I was given a few packs of these delicious chocolate covered dried mangoes by a client. I loved it! From the packaging down to the actual product, it literally shows how premium it is and mind you, the product was indeed not cheap. Researching about it, I landed in my friend Leslie's blog which was my main resource in knowing where to find it in the city. I also found out that aside from those delicious chocolate covered mangoes, they also have other products such as the spicy garlic peanuts with dried mangoes. Others might raise their eyebrows at this combination but not me. Being a fan of mixed flavors (eg: sweet-salty, sweet-sour,salty-sour, etc), I made sure that we visit the store after our dinner at Golden Cowrie . Here are ...

On our last day in Cebu , the team wanted to spend a few hours in the beach. Since our flight was schedule late in the afternoon, they all woke up early and asked our driver to take them to Maribago Bluewater Resort to avail of their day pass. All of them went..all of them except me and ML. I guess the reason why ML and I get along pretty well is because we both would prefer to stay longer in bed, lazily wake up to have breakfast (I availed of the complimentary buffet breakfast while she ate all sorts of chocolate-covered crackers and cookies that she bought earlier in the room) and to just shop around for more pasalubong. Honestly, I’m not the type who enjoys staying under the sun longer than 5 minutes and I would rather do some laps at the pool than to fight the current and drink a lot of salty water at the beach. Well, that’s me the forever city girl. Driver R had to do some errands so by the time he was able to pick us up it was always past 12 noon, just in time for lunch. Af...

We only had three whole days in Cebu and with all the meetings, trade checks and a grand cooking demo lined up, the only thing that kept all of us in high spirits was the thought of being able to eat good food for all three days. Of course, I made sure that my team won't go home disappointed so I did my research and had my list all ready. Given our short visit, I wanted to give them a little bit of Cebu's best -- gastronomical-wise. We were able to try two of the best lechon brands in the city, had an amazing night cap while enjoying the best warm brownie cup in La Marea and of course, our celebration dinner just had to be in one of the best local Cebuano restaurants as recommended by fellow bloggers and the Lonely Planet .  This is none other than Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant . Golden Cowrie has been around since 1982 (we're of the same age!) . They're known to offer really good local dishes which we luckily were able to try that evening. The ambiance exu...