OUR FIRST DATE POST ECQ

Ever since the pandemic started, my family and I dutifully stayed at home. Save for work and other essentials, there's no going out for us.

The great thing was I had such a great family that I didn't mind the solitary life with them. I didn't yearn for our usual mall gimiks, or out of town trips -- as long as we're all together (eating, doing chores, praying the rosary, having movie nights, etc), I'm happy.

Yun lang the Yub didn't agree. He REALLY wanted to go out and fast. BWA HA HA HA HA! So di siya masaya sakin ganern??? Che!

Kidding! In his defense, he has been religiously working at home for 4 straight months now, only going out for grocery runs. So yeah, he felt like having a bit of a social life even for just a few hours.

That weekend, the boys were in Antipolo with my brother's family so I didn't have that guilty feeling of going out without them. With that, the Yub jumped at the opportunity and excitedly invited me out for a mini-date in Powerplant Mall.

To be honest, if given the choice I'd rather stay at home and chill. At the same time I wanted to be practical and just save money. The Yub though was very insistent and declared that he will treat me to ANYTHING. Minsan lang naman daw.

E DI SIGE! Bwa ha ha ha ha ha! Basta I already raised my points ah (nagpapilit... he he he he).

FINALLY after 4 months, we're out on a date!

PANCAKE HOUSE (ROBINSON'S GALLERIA)

Even if I promise so many times that I will buy the boys' school supplies a month before school starts, I often fail. It's just procrastination at its best!

That's what happened for schoolyear 2019-2020. It was the last week of July and AAAAAACK... we haven't bought anything for the boys!!!! So one Saturday, by hook or by crook we decided to head on to Robinson's Galleria to buy what the boys needed for school (uniforms, sandos, socks, brips... he he he etc). And after a full day of shopping, I was ravenous.

HELLOOOOOO! NAGIMBALA NA NGA HIGA KO SA KAMA E GUGUTUMIN PA AKO, AY SUS!!!

Tee heee!!!

The Yub and I decided to go for PANCAKE HOUSE since it's been a long time that we've been there last. Though I always get to eat PANCAKE HOUSE goodies (from our office meetings) syempre, it's still different to eat at the actual restaurant.

So even if Master Mati was asking for Ramen Nagi (neknek mo, I'm the boss of you now) we went to PANCAKE HOUSE for some good ol' comfort food.

Yay! And all was well again. 

PANCAKE HOUSE!!!!!

A LATE NIGHT KANTO BREAKFAST (SAN JUAN)

Whenever there's a play or musical theatre showing that is co-produced by the company, I would always watch with my usual people -- My Mommy, my Ate, my friend Aning, and the Yub (oh he's so happy about it).

I really look forward to play or musical theatre dates not only because of the actual show but I like the late dinner afterwards. Call me weird or mababaw but having a show AND dinner is like THE complete date night with that cultural touch. He he he he he he!

For that night, we're going to watch BEAUTIFUL!!!

CAFE MARY GRACE - POWERPLANT MALL

The bunsoy Andrei recently learned that they will have his confirmation in school and he was beyond excited. It may not be obvious (because he's very  naughty) but he's the most religious one in the family, and got very curious with what's going to happen in the confirmation. We picked out his godparents and he counted the days till the date of the ceremony.

Yun lang, dear Andrei is sooooooo unfortunate to have an eng-eng Mommy. BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!

You see, we are Filipino Catholic. So I thought that like in his first communion, they were fine with mix religions in the ceremony.

OH I WAS SO WRONG. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

Turns out, you HAVE to be Roman Catholic to be able to be confirmed in Andrei's school. Ha ha ha ha! Oh well. I guess I was sleeping when they taught that in High School.

Andrei was soooo mad. Tee heee.....

ANYWHO, I guess it was a blessing because we discovered that Master Mati hasn't been confirmed as well. He attended this mass confirmation with his lolo in Cavite when he was about 3 years old and has forgotten about it. That's why he's open to having another one. With that, we made plans and listed down the godparents that the little lords wished for. The great thing too was that since we have our own schedule in our church, the little lords would be the only confirmants. We appreciated the solemnity and privacy that our own schedule would give. At least, we won't have to wait and crowd around with about a hundred students, parents, and godparents.

Now where to go after the ceremony?

It's quite difficult to look for a venue close to our chosen church because it was a Sunday, and most restaurants don't accept bookings that day especially for big groups.

So imagine my relief when CAFE MARY GRACE in Powerplant Mall agreed to my request and offered to put us in their function room at no charge.

Woaaaahhh!

This was a far cry from another restaurant whom I made arrangements with where I was at the mercy of the sungit receptionists. I loved the food as I've been there before but they were not very welcoming.

In the end, we cancelled our reservations in the first restaurant and went for CAFE MARY GRACE because of their friendliness and helpful attitude. The great thing too is that since it's in a mall, there would be a lot of parking spaces and our guests could shop around after our early lunch.

So yay! See how everything worked out for the better???

I guess sleeping that day in religion class was meant to be! Har de har har! Kidding!!!

Congratulations dear Mati and Andrei!!!!!!!!!!

Proud to be Aglipays!!!!!!!

KANTO FREESTYLE BREAKFAST 65 (SAN JUAN)

KANTO FREESTYLE is a popular breakfast hub that is like your favorite street tapsilogan but with loads of style. One of their earliest branches was in the kalyes of Mandaluyong where you wouldn't mind eating as tricycles roar by and pusakals meow needily around your legs -- yup, the food was THAT good! The great thing too was that besides serving "gourmet" silog plates that were very affordable, KANTO FREESTYLE was open 24 hours! Now THAT was perfect after a night of "tugs! tugs!" He he he he!

KANTO has many branches but their newest one recently opened in San Juan near the Greenhills area. It is a bit different from the gourmet-carinderia style that we have been lovingly used to, but they still serve the same delicious plates of hot and affordable food that we love.

And for us, THAT'S what matters. He he he he!

KANTO FREESTYLE BREAKFAST recently invited us to try out their dishes plus more in their cozy new branch. It's cool that their latest spot is near the Greenhills shopping area that if you're craving for some cheap, Filipino comfort food before (or after) a day of shopping, KANTO FREESTYLE BREAKFAST will be there for you.

Check out our wonderful morning that stretched all the way till afternoon. He he he he he he he!

Yep! Good food does that to us!

The Kain Tulog Gang is in KANTO FREESTYLE BREAKFAST 65!!!!

The new KANTO FREESTYLE BREAKFAST branch is located in Annapolis street in the continental court building.

PANCAKE HOUSE BONIFACIO HIGH STREET

My bunsoy Andrei recently celebrated his birthday and one of his wishes was to have a getogether with our BP Family.

Originally, the plan was to go to Enchanted Kingdom for a whole day of fun but then we learned that it was going to be his exam week, so we had to cancel. Too bad that we cannot reschedule to another weekend because it was already Christmas.

In the end, we just had a Sunday birthday brunch for him (because if it were lunch, who knows what time we finish with our chika... ha ha ha ha). And the place that we thought of where the kids could play was in PANCAKE HOUSE, BGC! 

BP Group in PANCAKE HOUSE!

We set out early for BGC and since it's a Sunday, there's not much of a Christmas rush.

Even though the Fort was not as lavishly decorated as other cities, you could still sense that Christmas is (was) in the air.

EAT O'CLOCK (ALL DAY BREAKFAST)

I have always declared that breakfast is my weakness. Even if I'm controlling my carbs, just present me with coffee, eggs, garlic rice, (my favorites) and I become powerless. I don't know what but there is just something about breakfast that makes my tummy a bottomless pit. I NEVER get full when I'm wolfing down my usual "silogs" no matter what time of day.

So imagine my glee (with a matching yipee) upon discovering EAT O'CLOCK in THE NORTH HIVE FOOD PARK. With the growing popularity of food trucks in the Metro, it's great to know that one of them is serving the type of food I will never mind going back for.

And I'm sure that after one taste of it, the all day breakfast food at EAT O'CLOCK is something that you'll be craving for again and again.... 

It's a Friday night and we're in NORTH HIVE FOOD PARK!!!

Food parks are certainly the place to be in these days especially if you're in the mood for a variety of dishes in a very casual, no frills setting.

CUCINA BREAKFAST BUFFET (MARCO POLO STAYCATION)

THE YAPPY BUNCH were having a family staycation at MARCO POLO HOTEL in Ortigas and after sleeping really late last night, we woke up frantic....

We're going to miss breakfast!!!!

We all dressed up hurriedly and rushed downstairs to CUCINA for MARCO POLO HOTEL's breakfast buffet. We're grateful to discover that we were still on time! Yey!!! Now that's an early reason to rejoice!!!!

If you've enjoyed the food at CUCINA, you will certainly know why we're doing the happy dance!

CUCINA!!!

THE WHOLESOME TABLE

Honestly speaking, I'm not one to advocate for healthy eating. I mean, I'm not against it but it's not something that I would see myself enjoying with friends on a Friday night and flooding my social media accounts with it. Maybe one of the reasons why I'm not so much of a pro-healthy eater is because I don't care so much. I valued my taste buds more and experience has taught me how foods that are good for you could tasted so MEH. Growing up, I also felt so invincible at how I could eat all the greasy junk food that I loved without gaining a pound!

Oh the happy days! He he he he he he he!

But then everything has been slowly changing: I get tired easily, my metabolism makes me gain many pounds even after just a packet of noodles, and the Chinese Adoni's blood charts are off the roof!

Even if we look like 20 year olds, we don't FEEL like 20 year olds anymore!!!

So really, we don't have any appreciation for healthy foods until now that we needed it. And after encountering the delicious and mouth-watering dishes that are good for us in THE WHOLESOME TABLE, we are now converts! We realized that yes, we should ALWAYS go for healthy eating when we can and no, it doesn't have to be MEH.

Check out how our minds (and appetites) were instantly changed! 

A very "wholesome" group at THE WHOLESOME TABLE!!!

It was a cool and lazy Saturday that weekend that we didn't mind the walk going to THE WHOLESOME TABLE.

ANOTHER DELICIOUS DISCOVERY PRIMEA BREAKFAST!

THE YAPPY BUNCH were having a fun-filled weekend with friends in DISCOVERY PRIMEA and we know we're going to have a more awesome second day!

Why you ask????

Because we're going to wake up to some delicious DISCOVERY PRIMEA breakfast!!!!

A SUPERCHAMPZ AND IHOP SUNDAY!!!!

Have you seen those ads in Facebook by SUPERCHAMPZ where free seminars are conducted to help your child become more passionate about studying? I did, and I thought, what the heck, we should try it! The little lords loved playing more than doing their homework (as any child would) so it would really be a big help if I get more tips on how to get them to be more serious about school.

The seminar was free and it was only for about 2 hours. I'm sure there's a catch in the end (because nothing is really free these days) but I figured that if it is something that my little lords could learn from, then it's worth our time.

So off we went to SUPERCHAMPZ for our family Sundate!!!!  

Little lords Andrei and Mati with SUPERCHAMPZ Coach Dave!

A MERANTI CAFE BREAKFAST

THE YAPPY BUNCH escaped in the very cozy MERANTI HOTEL in Quezon City for a fun yet relaxing family staycation.

And as always, when we're checked in a hotel, we would get up extra earlier than usual even if we stayed up late. The reason? HOTEL BREAKFAST.

Yup! Because great food is ALWAYS worth getting up for.

And in MERANTI CAFE by MAPLE, you'll be risin' and shinin' with such a big smile because their breakfast will surely satisfy your morning tummy!!!!! 

MERANTI CAFE!!!!

NEW ENTREES FROM IHOP!!!!

ERICJAZ FOODIES was recently invited to try out the new meals from the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES (IHOP) and we were beyond excited!

I remember that when IHOP first opened in BGC the lines were just unimaginable. The people who endured the long wait (ourselves included) were combinations of those who had tried their food from the US and those who just wanted to taste what the fuss was about. Too bad that those who really set up such over-the-top expectations on IHOP was disappointed. As for ERICJAZ FOODIES,  honestly, we still enjoyed it!

Sure, it tasted different from what we are used to here in Manila (because of the different ingredients)...

Sure, the servings may be smaller compared to the US (for pricing purposes)...

Sure, some of the dishes of the dishes from the US may not be available (either they prioritized more on the Filipino favorites OR, ingredients that were ordered from the US haven't arrived yet. They don't use substitutes!!!!)...

YUP! BUT WE STILL ENJOYED IT!

Because really, you shouldn't hype yourselves up just for the heck of it. IHOP has been serving hot platters of breakfast and main entrees for over 57 years so I'm sure they know what they are doing. And if you just set aside comparisons and expectations, you will also find something to enjoy in IHOP.

YEAH! Like what we always do! That's why we have fun in everything!

And in IHOP, they have new dishes in the menu to give you more reasons to come back for a visit. That's why with their ever growing list of foods to try out, I'm sure you'll find again something to enjoy too!

HAPPY IHOP EATING!!!!

And we're back in IHOP! But this time, we're in Araneta Center!

IHOP Araneta Center is the second brand of the franchise to open in the Philippines. Soon there will be a total of 8 branches in Manila of this American favorite!!!!

MERANTI CAFE BY MAPLE AT MERANTI HOTEL

THE YAPPY BUNCH recently stayed in MERANTI HOTEL for the weekend and when dinner was announced, I was excited to learn that it was going to be at MERANTI CAFE where they served food from MAPLE restaurant.

At first I was like YIHAAAAA!!!! The Chinese Dimpol and I had a very delicious dinner there before! But my happiness was short lived as I remembered that I was going to be attending an office party celebrating our anniversary.

Oh bollocks!!!!

I mean "yey"!

He he he he he!

Of course, in other office parties, you could control NOT to eat during dinner. But in my work, you would be crazy not to. The food is soooooo good that you'd feel like it's a mortal sin not to finish a whole plate!

And that is what I did.

So I said "Oh well... I'll just take pictures of the food and everyone having SO MUCH FUN. I'm so full to eat anything in my already bulging tummy anyways.

And then I was faced with THIS.

EGAD.

I'm in trouble now. 

Oh well... In the end, I just did what any sane person would do.

I ATE IT.

Don't judge me because I'm sure you would've done the same thing if you're served with Prime Rib.

Especially if it's from MAPLE!!!!

BAG OF BEANS (BIRTHDAY WEEKEND)

When we went to Tagaytay City for my 40TH BIRTHDAY WEEKEND, my BP group and I had brunch in one of my most favorite restaurants in the area.....  

 

BAG OF BEANS!!!!

 

Whenever we're in the land of Taal Volcano, I would always crave to have a meal in BAG OF BEANS or even just a snack because you could never go wrong with their menu. 

Everything is just dang good!

As much as I love BAG OF BEANS their main branch would always have VERY slow service. I remember eating here once and got served my order after an hour!!!

 

I noticed that this is an all-new BAG OF BEANS where they renovated the whole look of the place!

Now, they have a more chic design and plenty of rooms for you to book your hungry group!!

BASKETBALL AND KANTO FREESTYLE BREAKFAST!

I'm sure I have written here many times how my husband and I would usually just sleep till noon on Saturdays because that's how we roll on weekends. So just imagine the expression on our faces when little Andrei runs up while waving this pamphlet about basketball clinic in his school. Of course we were all supportive and enthusiastic but when we saw the time, 7:00am every Saturdays and Sundays....

DAYM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You guys have seen the prosthetics on Jack Nicholson as Batman right? Think of the same smile but more sinister looking while having constipation... Ding! Ding! Ding! That was us!!!

Oh well! So that put an end to our late night Fridays and Saturdays (usually watching dibidis) since we have to wake up early the next day. At times when the Chinese Adonis is feeling so lazy to get up, I would tell him to be thankful that we have a son who is very interested in the sport that my husband used to play. As for me, for the days when it's just SO HARD to even open one eye, I just motivate myself to get up by telling myself that we will have a family breakfast after Andrei's work out. Before you judge me, yeah, yeah, I am there for my son's sport blah blah blah. But of course, that wouldn't register yet when you have a growling tummy. Tee hee....

And believe me. That happens to me almost EVERY TIME.

Seriously though, we are actually very happy that at the age of 7, my little Andrei has shown real passion and eagerness to play basketball. Because he loves Michael Jordan so much, he said he wants to be an NBA player when he grows up. I know it may be difficult but we'll do what we can to make his dream come true. Besides, anything is possible and whatever he puts his heart on we will be there for him.... bench parents forever! 

So with that my husband and I decided that after every game of Andrei, we will always have a family breakfast date. We want to instill in him that every time he sweats it at the court, we are prepared to push him on over a hot breakfast with some laughs on the side. Hopefully he'll feel that he may battle it out during a game but his YAPPY BUNCH will still add fun to it afterwards.

And that is how KANTO FREESTYLE BREAKFAST gained a fan in a future NBA player! :)

Andrei is out and about for his basketball clinic! Now isn't that a very eager and excited smile?

Also! Isn't my boy toy so sexy? GROOOOWLLLL!!!!!

While waiting for his new coach, the Chinese Adonis and Andrei warmed up by shooting some hoops.

When the coach came, he had the boys do some basketball drills.

We have attended many basketball clinics for Andrei and my husband said he liked this coach's drills the best.

Plus, since there were only 6 students on training, he was very focused on Andrei!

Bench parents!!!!!!!!!

Go Andrei!

The coach was impressed with Andrei's shooting and dribbling. Yey!

I loved his form here!

After his first day of basketball clinic, we were all hungry. So we all decided to troop over KANTO FREESTYLE BREAKFAST!!!

KANTO FREESTYLE BREAKFAST is this popular hub in Mandaluyong that's open to serve 24 hours.

OF CARS AND KUPPA

If I charge 25c everytime somebody comes up to me and says that I "should have a girl very soon", I bet I would be as rich as Mark Zuckerberg. No, make that Larry Page/Sergey Brin, creators of Google, because it might get me more views... Ha ha ha ha!

Anyway, I am usually an understanding person (take note on the word "usually") but it really gets me when people have nothing better to say than for me to wish for something I don't have, case in point, a baby girl. What do I have to do to stress that I am already VERY happy with my 2 little lords and that life is more blessed with their hugs and kisses??? Do I have to put up a banner, set up a motorcade, and have the music "We Are Family" blaring from the stereo? Well excuuuuuse me for being contented with what I already have!!

I love my little testosterone filled family and I always have the "bestest" of fun with them. BUT, there ARE times when the Chinese Adonis and my little lords do their usual "man-stuff" that gets me a bit out of place. Besides their love for NBA/PBA/basketball (puhleez, when Jaworski retired, I have forgotten about the sport), they are also crazy about cars! When the 3 talk about this car and this car, I'm like a Twilight fan inside Kafka's world. Ha ha ha ha ha! I get so clueless! And even if I try to understand what the heck they're talking about, my brain just closes down and daydream what we'll be eating later.

I remember when we celebrated Jericho's Birthday at SILK ROAD, the Chinese Adonis and I saw that there was a display of Lamborghini's by KUPPA ROASTERY CAFE. We knew it was something the little lords would love to see, especially Andrei since he vowed to buy a Lamborghini when he grows up. So the following week, we scheduled to have our morning family Sundate at KUPPA.

When we got there, the little lords got so excited at the sight of the cars that they ran to it even if we were a street away. Once more, I felt like the odd lady out in THE YAPPY BUNCH that I just told them I'll get a table at KUPPA ROASTERY CAFE so that they could admire the cars all they want.

Ah yes. I may feel OP (out of place) but I'm not a KJ (Kill Joy)! He he he!

Seriously though, even if the guys in the YAPPY BUNCH have their own thing that I cannot relate to, I don't mind. Cheesy as it may sound, it really gives me a sense of joy that the Chinese Adonis has his own little posse who shares his love for cars and basketball. You may even say that it is a dream come true for him and I'm thankful that in a way, I was able to give him that. You may barf at the thought but my husband's happiness is my bliss as well.

And feeling THAT with a cup of freshly roasted coffee? Wow. Ultra heavenly.

SCORE for my segue. HA!
 

KUPPA ROASTERY AND CAFE!

I went straight inside to get us a table for a light breakfast!

CRISP ON 28TH

It may not look like it (since I could come off as a gremlin) but I love helping out in anyway that I can. And at the risk of sounding like a boisterous cutie pie (there you go), I make sure that when I "be of assistance", I would do more than what is expected of me and say a lot of "If you wants". If it sounds like I'm tooting my own horn, I apologize. But I'm really going for asking other people to do the same with their neighbors... He he he he! Wouldn't that be a lovely world to live in if we just do what we can for each other and not ask for anything in return?

Unless of course, the person asking a favor is Benedict Cumberbatch, with that all bets are off because I may be asking for a kiss or two in return! Har de har har!

Oooh... Yeah... the game is ON....

Anywho, I really had our Saturday planned out for quite some time as we have the ULTIMATE TASTE TEST (blog coming soon) in the morning and a night out with the Chinese Adonis' friends later on. But then, Kathi of Mucking Around Manila wanted to invite mareng Gail and her husband for brunch at CRISP that I got so hyper! I was so happy that my good friend was invited to her first official blog event and that she'll get to experience the fun I've always had with my KTG blogger friends! With that, the Chinese Adonis and I fixed our itinerary for the day (aka "not having siesta anymore") in support of Team Campo.

And wow! Once we saw all that CRISP ON 28TH food, I have forgotten why we were really there. I know we were supposed to support and help out Mareng Gail with her new blog called GLOG but one bite out of that fresh salad made me forget all about our friendship!

I think I was so tempted to get it all for myself even before she could take a picture of it! Ha ha ha ha! Kidding!

Seriously though, the Chinese Adonis and I were so happy that our intention to be supportive led to a very enjoyable gastronomic lunch! We now have a new venue to recommend to our friends and family!  So I guess, no good deed goes unrewarded! 

And what a delicious prize that was!

CRISP ON 28TH!

RUSTIC MORNINGS BY ISABELO (AGAIN)

I normally do not make plans during Sundays with friends because we always spend our weekend lunch with family. But then Jojie, our NFFAF friend (that's New Found Fogi and Fretty for you), was celebrating his birthday and invited to treat the whole group for brunch. Everyone was available only on a Sunday so that meant I had to send my regrets to my loving family and promised we will just join them next Sunday.

My Mom (with celebratory howls and party music in the background) : Oh that's too bad... But if you're not available next Sunday it's okay too.....

What the...???

Just kidding! He he he he!

So after mass we headed straight to RUSTIC MORNINGS BY ISABELO which seemed like a thousand miles from where we lived. Good thing I remember that the food is something worth travelling far for from my last brunch there with my high school friend so I was not fretting too much.

And again it was another great time with my BP Group made extra special by the delicious food and of course the celebration for birthday boy Jojie! As usual we did not have enough time taking pictures and sharing stories that we were already thinking of another day to meet up.

Check out another crazy meet up with my friends our families this time at RUSTIC MORNINGS BY ISABELO!

Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear JOJIE!

!!!