Bea Wonka and The Chocolate Factory

Posting a blog after a lull is little bit knotty. So much has happened since February that I am quite undecided on what to share first. Joys? Woes? Challenges? I guess we can start with the joys first. Celebrating Bea's Birthday.

The little girl is not so little anymore. She turned 6 last July and we celebrated with her friends at the village clubhouse function room. The theme for her party this year was Bea Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. She's a big fan of the movie Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Although she likes Gene Wilder's old flick, she is more partial to Tim Burton's interpretation. Well, it is more colorful and the musical score's more catchy, not to mention the Oompa-loompas are crazier. And she prefers Johnny Depp's bangs over Gene Wilder's curls? 

Going back, preparations for the party began four weeks before the factory gates opened. It was just a small gathering, so it was not that hard to pull off without professional help. And even if it were a big event, I'd still take matters into my own hands ... it is less expensive. The guests loved the faux chocolate bars I made for invitations. Materials were readily available at National Bookstore. Paper for the "golden ticket" was from the Astral Sparkle Paper Collection of our local Star Paper Corporation. Was about to create the Wonka wrapper using Microsoft Publisher, lucky for me I browsed the net and found a free template and just printed it on a regular white vellum board. It's just amazing the amount of stuff you can come up with just by having a reliable computer, printer and internet connection. Wrapped the ticket with a gold metallic paper for the foil effect and voila! A personalized Wonka chocolate bar.

An economical way of hosting a party nowadays would require a trip to the local bargain hunters' shopping mecca: Divisoria. Everything is just there! I even saw the Christmas decors I bought from Divisoria last year in Rustan's. I swear, exactly the same decor at a much lower price. Willy Wonka had a little notebook to write his "discoveries" on. So for giveaways, I got these cute little notepad board with a pen for PhP15.00 each instead and personalized it using my ever-reliable HP K209-A printer. Chocolatiers would need aprons as chocolate making is messy. Bought aprons, in one the stores between 168 Mall and DV Mall, for PhP25.00 a piece. That's like PhP25.00 cheaper than the PhP50.00 kiddie aprons they're selling in SM. My sister-in-law, C, and I had them personalized at Divisoria Mall for PhP5.00 per letter; much, much cheaper than the stalls in malls outside Divisoria. And we did not have to come back for them too! It just took 30 minutes for all aprons to get named.

You need a lot of candies and chocolate for a chocolate factory themed affair. The kids had a chocolate candy making activity, now this was a first for me. I mean I love chocolate. I eat them, I don't actually make them. So googleize I did. With a downloaded idea on how to make chocolates, I called the local suppliers I saw online to canvass for supplies. Chocolate Lover was my first stop, as friends and relatives suggested it too. Got most of the chocolate making materials from them, save the chocolate molds. It was PhP80.00 per piece. With more than 30 kids on her guest list, I figured it would be better to check out Killion and The Nutstore in Quiapo first since it's near Divisoria. And surprise! They were selling it for PhP60.00 at The Nutstore. My mommy friends, J and J, and  my cousin, G, helped in melting the chocolate bars for the mold. As for the candies, now this one is tricky. No matter how you want to cut on cost, feeding unbranded candies to kids is NOT an option . The SM candy section has a wide array of goodies. Got a variety of Wonka and Trolli candies and some lollipops as well. 

Glass from my kitchen cabinet, ribbon from National Bookstore, chocolate balls and ladybugs from Chocolate Lover , lollipop and candy canes from SM candy section.

My cousin, G, baked this awesome cake and scrumptilicious cupcakes for Bea. It was a labor of love. Her first time to make a multi-layered fondant cake. She is a cupcake expert though. I just can't get enough of her yummy chocolate and vanilla cupcakes! As for the food, everything was home-cooked. We had Potato Marble Salad, Mini Burgers, Pork Barbecue, Hotdogs on Stick, Chicken Lollipop with Garlic Ranch Dip, and Hungarian Sausage Pasta ---all prepared, marinated and cooked at home. Thank goodness for household staff!

Kids, young and not-so-young, had fun making their signature chocolates, designed their own cupcake and joined in the parlor games. All the preparations paid off. Even the hubby was very much involved in making this occasion a success, he got ice cubes from the store LOL. Just kidding. He helped facilitate the games. We were all pooped after the party. But seeing the daughter have so much fun made it all worth it :)

Kids busy in The Inventing Room

Cupcakelicious Art 

The Wemmick Who Sings Like a Bird

A couple of weeks back I received a SMS from my daughter's school asking if I could write/contribute an article for their school publication. My initial reply was : what about and when is it due? I did not want to commit right away as I have little and big things to attend to, and I just had to be sure I would be able to deliver. Deadline was the following week and it's just about our Literary Program experience, so I said yes. Found myself idle (and feeling really lazy) the following afternoon, got my laptop and stared at a blank Microsoft word page. Drank two glasses of Coke to jumpstart my senses and came up with this:

The Wemmick Who Sings Like A Bird

A Wemmick’s Mom’s Account of Rosemont School’s Literary Program

Teacher Noime Salamat’s Senior Kinder class showed off their theatrical talent in Rosemont School’s “Punchinelo,” a play based on one of Max Lucado’s children’s book series: You Are Special. In one of our chitchats, Teacher Noime mentioned how the kids would go up to her for an “ambush audition” after announcing that there would be a play for the Literary Program. Having an open communication line with us, she is aware of Bea’s activities outside school… voice and ballet. Thus the role of “the Wemmick-who-sings-like-a-bird” was given to her. It is a part wherein she has to sing (solo) Cinderella’s “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes.” When I first learned about it, I was like but she just started with her voice lessons, it’s just once a week and her voice coach is not in town! I don’t even know what a Wemmick looks like!!! But even with these thoughts running through my head, deep inside I know she would be able to pull it off. I have faith in my daughter. After watching Cinderella a gazillion times, I’m sure it won’t be that hard. Besides, Teacher Noime is there to (patiently) rehearse with each one of them and tell us what the children will need for the play.

But of course, Teacher Noime can only do so much. After I heard Bea sing it exactly a la Cinderella with matching “shaking” of the voice and scrubbing of the floor, not to mention the “Dong! Dong!” (mimicking the sound of the clock signaling the end of Cinderella’s song), home support is also needed. And a good in-tune singing voice is something my husband and I were not blessed with – we are practically tone-deaf! So off to the mall I went, to look for a CD our daughter can use for practice, it has to be something a kid can sing along with. I scoured all the music and record shops in the area, but they did not have a CD with that song and arrangement on stock. Two weeks before the big day, Ms. Ning San Jose (the voice coach) arrived from a trip abroad; she performs with the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Bea continued her sessions with her at the house. Ms. San Jose even made a minus one CD, with the musical arrangement tailored fit for her, to be used for school rehearsals and the actual play. What a big help!

On to the big day, 26 November 2010. The stage was set up as Wemmicksville, thanks to the teachers and auxiliary staff of Rosemont. And all the young thespians were decked out as the Wemmick they are portraying. Bea looked fabulous in her chocolate and gold colored balloon dress with matching gold shoes, which she personally chose. Stage fright and shyness are words foreign to my daughter. There’s not a single “shy” bone in her body, anybody who knows her can attest to that. She confidently and perfectly sang her solo. She was all smiles during and after the show. My husband came from Makati to catch our only child perform and went back to the office right after; two of her lolas (my mom and an aunt from Cagayan de Oro) and my sister-in-law came to see her. We were all there to watch her. We are all so proud of our little Bea.

Reading this, some might say, “Hey, it’s just a school play. What’s all the fuss about?” Our take on this: the Literary Program, or what my then Nursery daughter used to call “wittewawy pwogwam,” serves as a venue for our kids to showcase their talent on stage. Knowing our Bea’s love for role playing, singing and dancing, it is an event we always look forward to. For us, it is important that we support our child’s creative interests and that our child comes prepared, with get up and all. It helps boost her self-confidence. We appreciate the school recognizing the need for our kids to participate in activities such as this one. It encourages our children to be creative, learn how to take turns, cooperate, socialize; it teaches them how to be confident with people and they also learn new things in the process (like new words). I.Q and E.Q. go hand in hand in real life. I love how the chosen story showed the different talents of the children. I was amazed at how all the kids performed, they were all convincing actors. They all know who’s next, the role of each classmate, and their lines too! I saw how supportive they were of each other.

That day, the dad and I went home with pride and big smiles on our faces. Bea went home with confidence level several notches higher, closer to her classmates and teachers, and with fun memories to make her smile for years to come.

Bea's solo

A Lovely Weekend

Our Valentine’s Day was spent as a family at Alabang Town Center. Just our usual weekend bonding time with the little one, sans the nanny. February 14th is no biggie for us, our Wedding Anniversary on the 16th is a more important event. Actually, since we got married in 2002, I think V Day’s a bummer. Had to pay extra for the flowers at the wedding as the supplier said it’s “Valentine’s”. And more often than not, flowers sold a couple of days after are mostly leftovers. That's what we get for tying the knot two days after February 14. Well, it was Santuario de San Antonio's only free Saturday before March at that time. The hubby wanted to get married before turning 37. The sexy Valentine card and DVD’s Chuck gave me made me smile, though. Now I have all three Resident Evil and Matrix, been waiting for them to go on sale for a long time. Not exactly your usual V Day present, huh? After years of being together, my hubby now knows what works for me.


We were at Riverside Clubhouse in Pasig last Sunday. My friend hosted a Bikini Bottom party for her two kids, Heather (4) and Hans (1). It was a fun-filled afternoon, with lots of food, games, and prizes. Our daughter's dream of dancing with Spongebob has finally been realized. LOL

Bea dancing with Spongebob

Inside a bubble

Rosemont School Father's Day 2009

Yesterday Rosemont School held its annual Father’s Day at Woodrose Gym with the theme “Dad’s Camp”. Kicked off the day with a parade of students and teachers divided into three teams: Blue Hikers, Red Explorers and Green Trekkers. Good thing dad and daughter were with the Blue Hikers, the dad wouldn’t be too happy wearing green, he’s a Blue Eagle (Grade School to High School); the grannies, myself and even the nanny…we all came in blue to support our team. It was a fun-filled event with raffle and games such as catch the ball, log relay, obstacle course, scavenger hunt, etc. In the obstacle course, dad and child had to do the hula-hoop! It was just so funny. The highlight of the day was the cheer dancing competition. Yes, dads included! Some were really just feeling it! Mothers had a blast watching their children and husbands shake their bonbons and pompoms. LOL. The program ended with a dance number from all the teachers and the awarding of winners. Blue Hikers are this year’s Champion! Woohoo! The team captains brought home the trophies and each kid got to bring home a medal, loot bag, raffle prizes and lots of happy thoughts.


All the hard work of the students, teachers, and parents paid off. Hats off to the teachers! It must have been hard training the kids (age ranging from 2 to 6 years old) with the routines and all, they even facilitated all the games, with help from the school administrative people of course. The organizing parents were able to raise some funds for the event through corporate sponsors. Food kiosks were at the parking area inside the compound, in case people would want to grab something to eat, best seller was the snow cone. It was a very long day. But we all had a grand time!

Cool dads strutting their stuff; my husband's just shy that's why he's hiding behind another person LOL:   

Candid shots:
   

My cuddly wuddlies after a very long day, tired but happy:

Celebrating the Holidays

We spent Christmas Eve at my lolo's house with my mom, my uncle and the household staff. It was a little somber. My other aunts, uncles, and cousins were coming the following day, since it was also my uncle's 50th birthday, instead of the usual 24th get together. My brother had to work until 11 p.m., he was home before 12 midnight though. I just prepared Pasta Carbonara (recipe to follow), mom grilled some steak and made vegetable and fruit salad. It was pretty quiet. Too quiet actually that we left an hour after midnight. I started picturing where and how things were when Ima was still around. Miss that granny so much.

As tradition, 25th is bonding time with the husband's family at my sister-in-law's house. As I mentioned on my previous post, I brought Callos. There's turkey, lechon, potato salad... I forget the other stuff, not that they weren't yummy, just experiencing a little memory lapse here. We spent the entire afternoon at their house with the usual chitchat and wine drinking.

Sorry we missed out on my uncle's party at my lolo's. But I'm sure it was fun. With everyone there to celebrate his special day with him. It was the 1st time in years that he had his birthday here in Manila. Mom said it was a one day affair. I heard they also threw the golden boy a surprise party in Scarborough when he got back.

New Year's Eve with the hubby's family was at his brother's house. Salmon, prawns, roast beef, baked macaroni, chicken galantina, potato and fruit salad were at the buffet table. Played a game of Uno cards with our nieces and nephews (shooting Mexican guy for wager), I lost big time.

Christmas morning:

Highland Sunday

December 21 we all went to Tagaytay to celebrate my uncle and aunt's wedding anniversary. Us, my mom, my uncles, and some friends of my aunt's. It was just a day trip. We met up at the junction, and convoyed our way to Tagaytay Highlands. Temperature was down cold, almost zero visibility in some parts of the city. My mom was late so we got there past 10 a.m., after one trip on the Funicular, we all agreed to go to Highlands China Palace Restaurant to have early lunch. The host ordered the group set meal with crabs and additional dim sum for everyone. It was a big feast! Everything was yummy, except for the lotus rice, which was part of the set, but it wasn’t that bad, it just tasted weird. We were all so full, we just had to take tea after. We stayed in the chapel for a while, then they all played paint ball while my cuddly wuddly and I went horseback riding. And then there was the trip to the zoo and frolicking around the compound. They wanted to ride the cable car but the queue was just too long.

A trip to Tagaytay is not complete without passing by Ilog Maria in Silang, Cavite. Ilog Maria is a bee farm; it’s like our local version of Burt’s Bees. They sell pure honey, bee propolis-based products that are actually good. You may want to check out their site www.ilogmaria.com.

Bea negotiating the chopsticks

Horseback riding with my cuddly wuddly

New Year's Eve Fruit Salad

My sister-in-law sent us an SMS asking what we’re bringing to the New Year’s Eve potluck, another in-law's family tradition. I replied “our beautiful selves.” Her answer: “your beauty is good, but we need food.” LOL. Told her we will bring fruit salad. And here’s how I do it:

2 largest can of Del Monte Fruit Cocktail (I'm sure fresh fruits' yummier)
6 – 8 tetra pack of Nestle Cream, chilled
1 medium-sized can of Diamond Shelled Walnuts, chopped coarsely
1 – 2 biggest pack of marshmallows (I usually get the flower-shaped ones from Makati Supermart, I forget the brand)
2 pack Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese (just sliced into small, thin cubes
1 medium-sized can Carnation Condensed Milk
Confectioner's Sugar

Open cans of fruit cocktail and put on colander, 6 – 8 hours (the longer the better).I usually do it overnight so it will be well-drained.

In another bowl, put in chilled cream, mix together with condensed milk. If it’s not sweet enough for you, just sprinkle in some Confectioners sugar, until it reaches the desired sweetness.

Place the drained fruit cocktail in a big container bowl, fold cream on top, mix gently, so you won’t crush the fruits. Add the cream cheese, marshmallow and walnuts (don’t put everything in, leave some for topping). For presentation purposes, put in nice serving dish, sprinkle some marshmallows and walnuts on top.

If you don’t’ plan to finish everything right away, better store in the freezer first.

Tender Lovin' Sunday

The husband, the daughter, the nanny and I went for a little ride around town yesterday. Since we needed to check out something at Ortigas Home Depot, we decided to spend our Sunday in the city. From Alabang, we went straight to Greenhills Shopping Center to go around a bit and have an early lunch. As expected, parking was almost full and shopping area was swarming with Christmas shoppers, good thing we were a little early. The daughter and I waited at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for the dad to park the car. Grabbed some doughnuts for us while waiting, snowman with red licorice for my chooch, Reese’s peanut butter and chocolate for the big boy, and original glazed for yaya and me. We went around first, checking out the goods, fifteen minutes into it, the dad and daughter started grumbling “we’re hungry, mom” So off to Promenade we went. We wanted to try something new, we saw Tender Bob’s. Well it’s not exactly new, but it was our first time to try it out. Ordered onion rings, baked mussels (you must try this dish of theirs, it's sooo yummy), gambas (not spicy for the little one), beef salpicao (medium-well), rib eye steak (the hubby ordered the 10 oz. “starving” portion, medium-well), mixed veggies, mashed potato with gravy and rice. Meat is local but they were really oh so tender and tasty. We were so stuffed after, we didn’t have anymore room for dessert! Except for the little one, who finished her food and behaved well so she can have her snowman doughnut. Service was good, food’s reasonably-priced and yummy and they even give out balloons for kids. I would go back there anytime.

After our hearty lunch, we went to Ortigas Home Depot for the slates, stayed at my lolo’s house for a while to visit him and my mom (dad and daughter both had Cornetto Ice Cream while daughter was playing on the treadmill), then we went to the Home Depot at the Fort after… just to look around for more construction stuff. So pooped after our little excursion, the little girl was asleep all the way home.

Watching the Krispy Kreme doughnut machine at work.

Broda and Sista

One time, I was brushing my teeth, the little girl came up to me saying “Mom, I want a broda.” I’m like “Huh?” She then continues “And a sista!” Then her imaginary brother started staying with us in the room for a while, and silently slipped out after a few months. Now she’s at it again. We usually have our “pillow talk” before going to sleep at night. Well last night, I was telling her that maybe when we move to the new house she can start sleeping in her own room already. Then she said “And my brother will stay in the other room…and my sister, we’ll play in the attic.” She’s just so eager to have siblings. I think because she wants to be an “ate” (Filipino word for big sister) already. She has her cousins for role models. They really take time out to spend time with her playing, malling or just simply chillin’ at the house.

If only it were that easy. We were just so lucky and blessed to receive that little bundle of joy as a special gift from God. She is our answered prayer. It was all out trying for us from the day we got married. On the 3rd year of our life as a married couple, she came along as a surprise blessing. And we’ve been pretty preoccupied with her since. After the house, we can start looking into trying again. The hubby and I are quite happy with one but it would be great to have more kids, if God willing. Two to three more, perhaps? Twins would be nice, now that’s probably asking for too much. But who knows? With lots of prayers and some medical help, I’ll have a bun baking in the oven soon.

Bea at 2 months with cousin

Bea at 3 months

Christmas Callos

Got a SMS from my sister-in-law last week, asking what we’re bringing to the Christmas get together at their house? It’s the family tradition. So far there’s turkey (I’m guessing from Palm’s Country Club) and lechon (Lydia’s?). Remembering my long ago promise to our our godmother (wedding), I volunteered to bring Callos (Tripe Madrid-Style). Now this is also one of the hubby's many favorites, there was a time he’d ask me to cook callos every week. But we just had to stop, because it’s not really healthy. For an occasional treat, it's okay. And this is how I do it:

1.5 kilos Ox Tripe (I get the packed ones from S and R), sliced bite size
8 pieces Spanish Chorizo (also from S and R), thinly sliced (diagonally)
Green Olives, whole,pitted
Black Olives, whole pitted
Green Peas (I just use the frozen ones from the grocery)
Red Bell Pepper, cut into thin strips
Green Bell Pepper, cut into thin strips
Garbanzos (optional, Chuck doesn’t really eat this so I don’t use it)
6 Heads Garlic, chopped
6 Medium sized Red Onion, chopped
2 largest foil pack of Del Monte Tomato Sauce
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
McCormick Italian Seasoning (mixed dried herbs)
McCormick Black Peppermill
Laurel leaves
Soy Sauce (I like Silver Swan, it’s tastier than the pineapple brand)
Salt
Brown Sugar
Red Wine (I just use any bottle we have available, real wine. Not those cooking kind)

To prepare the Ox tripe and Spanish Chorizo:

Wash very well under running water. Put in a pot with water and some salt, then bring to boil under medium-low heat. Let boil for about 30 minutes. Turn off heat, throw away water, repeat the same steps, this time using one of the greatest cooking invention ever…the pressure cooker! (The chefs out there might be saying hey that’s cheating! Cause traditionally, you cook callos under medium-low fire for hours and hours and hours. But hey, we’re busy people you know, we still need to do other things. So just use the precious pressure cooker.) Wait until the top part starts wiggling then start timing it, 40-45 minutes should do it. Turn off the stove. But NEVER open the pressure cooker or remove the topmost wiggling thingy immediately after. The content will explode right at your kitchen. Just let out the steam first, slowly raising (not removing) the wiggling thingy every now and then, until pressure’s all out. Then put tripe on strainer and slice them in square/rectangular bite size.

Heat a big wok-like pan, or anything big enough to hold everything (you'll be using the same pan later), when it’s hot enough, put a little water and the whole Spanish chorizo. Let it cook. When there’s no more water, add a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil to fry it a bit. Remove chorizos from the pan, slice it thinly, diagonally. Set aside.

Back to cooking callos:

Using the same pan, add a little more Extra Virgin Olive Oil then the garlic, onion and let them cook for a few minutes. Then add in the tripe. Season with pepper, Italian seasoning, laurel leaves, soy sauce, brown sugar and around ¼ cup of water so it won’t dry up. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Add red wine (not too much, the goal is to make it yummy, not to get yourself drunk!). Don't put wine after cooking, you actually add it WHILE cooking. Simmer a bit, then the Spanish chorizo, green and black olives, green peas and tomato sauce. Simmer again for a few minutes. Check the taste. If it’s too salty, just add a little brown sugar and water. A little more wine, perhaps? You know, just adjust to your preference. I never use MSG in my cooking; I just substitute it with a little sugar. Just let it simmer some more, then turn off heat. Immediately put the green and red bell pepper on top, then cover it so it’ll cook a bit.

Again, it serves 18 and more. Big, foodie group. Just let them adjust taste with soy sauce or pepper. But you know what really goes well with this? Balsamic vinegar! Just a few drops to make it sing.

Another tip from Ima: never scrimp on the ingredients and let it cook first before adding the next, to bring out the taste.

Photo courtesy of southbound.ph

I Like To Boodet, Boodet!

Bea would usually go to the office with me when she doesn’t have school. My mom and I would take her to Robinson’s Place Manila or Mall of Asia. One time, we were going around the mall while my mom was having a haircut. We dropped by Animaland to check out the stuffed animals there. And I told her she can choose one. She got a squirrel. It’s actually a “create-your-own” thing. So you just choose a skin then with the assistance of the sales peep, you can stuff it and add whatever trinket you want. Come to the funny part, we asked her what name she’d like to give her pet for the “Birth Certificate.” She stopped for a while and said “Budet!”. We were like “Ano daw yun?” (What was that?). She said “Budet, Mom. His name Budet.” I’m like okay, sure why not? Just told the guy to print it as “Boodette” to make it sound a little classy. I could not help it. I just had to ask her why that name. Her reply “Madagascar, Mom. I like to boodet, boodet!” LOL. I like to move it, move it! It was the squirrel-looking striped-tail lemur king from the movie Madagascar! She is just so cute!

We have been waiting for a good kiddie movie to come along for Bea’s first trip to the movie house. So when Madagascar 2 came out, it just had to be it. After my birthday lunch last Sunday, Bea, the hubby's niece, the nanny and I grabbed some Kettle Corns and trooped to ATC Cinema to catch it. The hubby dropped us off then went back for us after the movie, he was not feeling too well. And no, not from cholesterol overload, he’s got a cold. Bea was dumb stricken when she saw the big screen in front. It was much, much bigger than her dad’s Bravia at home. She was just staring quietly, in awe, at the screen. Monica and I were teasing her but she was not minding us at all. She’d look at me every now and then and giggle. It’s like she couldn’t believe there’s such thing as a ginormously huge T.V.! We all had fun watching it.

After the movie I asked her if she liked it in the movie house. She replied, “Can I sleep here, Mom?” :-)

My Birthday Surprise

I turned 32 last Monday. In cahoots with my mom, my aunt and uncle, the hubby surprised me with a luncheon treat at Gloria Maris last Sunday. Thinking it will just be the three of us, with our niece, we started the day with a mass at St. James the Great Parish and went to the restaurant immediately after. I was pleasantly surprised to see mom and aunt waiting for us there. Loving food as much as we do, we ordered a lot, as usual. We feasted on fish lip soup (you just have to put some balsamic vinegar to make it sing!), steamed dumplings (shrimp, spinach and polanchay), chicken feet, broccoli with garlic, crystal prawns, and the high cholesterol special-- a whole pecking duck cooked in 3 ways –wrapped, salt and pepper fried, and minced with fresh lettuce), and yang chow fried rice. Then we went to Starbucks at ATC after for another sinful indulgence…mocha and chocolate cream frapuccinos. Yummy surprise!

It Was A Good Weekend

The family and the household staff spent the day together yesterday. Except for Bea’s tantrum in the shower, it was a pretty good day. She was crying and crying, when asked what was wrong she said “I don’t like the shower because it’s too fast and I don’t like shampoo!”---Okay. You know kids, they have their own “logical” way of looking at things. So I just asked her to stop crying and told her if she didn’t stop we wont go out anymore. That calmed her down and they were done in 5 minutes.

First we went to the cemetery. We really avoid going on All Soul’s Day and All Saint’s Day. And I need not explain why. We usually go before or after. This year we went after. Got flowers and candles from my usual vendor just outside the cemetery. And visited our dearly departed.

Then we went to Mall of Asia for lunch. The hubby was craving for seafood and we decided to try their food at Marina.We ordered halaan (clam- ginger soup), calamares (batter fried squid rings), grilled prawns in lemon butter sauce, baked oysters, grilled pork liempo (country style ribs), lechon cebu (roasted pig, Cebu style), adobong kangkong (water spinach cooked in soy sauce and vinegar), and rice. It was okay. Food was good except for the oysters. The husband and I love oysters. I asked for Oysters Rockefeller, and the way they cooked it was pretty far from the Rockefeller I’m used to. Should have gotten Oyster on the half shell instead. We would have enjoyed it more. And their sago at gulaman drink (tapioca pearls and gelatine served with caramelized sugar, water and ice) is not something I would get from them again, give me the one from the chinese guy at Makati Supermart ATC or Goldilocks anytime!

Afterwards, we went around the mall. My hubby’s been asking me what I’d like to get for my birthday next week. Told him, he really doesn’t have to get me anything this year, as we are building our house, this year ONLY though. LOL. He insisted that I should get something, even a simple present. So I did. He got me a pair of Kenneth Cole sunglasses. Bea broke my Ray-Bans a couple of years back, and I shied away from eyewear since. Now that she is older it will be easier to ask her not to touch or break things. So thank you, my babbu love! Now my eyes have protection from the sun’s glare again! LOL. Seriously, I appreciate it! Thanks! Thanks! :-)