OF MAD MARK'S AND DOWNTON ABBEY

Ever since I saw the trailer DOWNTON ABBEY, I got so excited to watch it. I told Mommy, Ate Jit, and BGP Mariane that we'll all see the movie together since we're fans of the show. The series only had 5 seasons and even though my heart was broken with the death of Matthew (SPOILER!!! Well, if you haven't seen this wonderful series, then it's your fault), I still saw through it till the end.

Yun lang I was concerned if DOWNTON ABBEY was a movie worth seeing in the theatre or just in download because the last time I checked, it didn't have the action packed scenes and effects of Marvel movies. It's okay. I'm sure it'll be a great ladies' night out for us anyway.

HOW-EVER, my Mom and ate Jit watched ahead without me!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! I have work on Fridays (while my sister didn't have clinic) so it was when they decided to go for it. At first they were like, "Oh, we'll not watch without you...." then later on they still went ahead knowing I'll get it out late.

HMP. That was on purpose for sure.

I was hoping to watch it with the BGP but she got sick and was advised by her doctor not to stay in enclosed spaces (aka theatres). Kaya haaaaay... Now who does that leave me?

THE YUB. GRRRRRRRR.....

Okay before I get judged, understand that my husband is my favorite movie date of all. BUT, he has this big habit of falling asleep easily. As in, kahit naguusap kami, he'll snooze. Now imagine what he'll do when instead of his favorite action movies, we're going to watch a period piece (something that has loads of dialogue at that).

Not a good picture right? Of the Yub I mean.

Oh well.... As much as I wanted to watch it on download, I cannot wait anymore so I DEMANDED the Yub that we'll watch DOWNTON MOVIE on date night.

Good thing he agreed. And since Im sure he's already thinking about wasting about bucks because he'll just sleep through it, I decided to look for movie houses that charged less for tickets. And that's how we ended up in BGC for our movie. I think at only P300.00 per pax (compared to the others that charged about P400.00), this is a good price.

And then where to eat?

We don't really go to BGC often so we're not familiar with the restaurants at that part in the metro. Good thing that after buying our tickets, I saw MAD MARK'S!

We have long wanted to try out MAD MARK'S because we saw how the food was good and the prices very affordable. So at least yay -- that would be the Yub's consolation from "wasting" his money in the theatre by sleeping.

Hmmmm... If MAD MARK'S dishes will give us a bang for our buck, that means we could order more and get bondat!!!! Yun lang, that would mean the Yub would get so full and get all sleepy again afterwards.

Oh well, NOTHING will stop that from happening. So might as well enjoy meself na lang.

He he he he he.... 

    

MAD MARK'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SHAKE SHACK (PHILIPPINES)

It was a holiday and even if my mindset was to stay in bed the whoooooole day and just watch Netflix, the Yub naman was determined to go out.

E DI LUMABAS KANG MAG-ISA MO!

Tee Hee! Kidding!

I agreed later on because the Master Mati had a sleepover while the bunsoy Andrei went out with his Lola (yes, he'd rather go out with her than us). When deciding where to go, the Yub said we should try out SHAKE SHACK.

ANAK NG.... HAVE YOU SEEN THE LINES THERE???!!!!!

Sometimes I really don't get how my husband's mind works (especially when he goes for the weird choice). One thing I could say though: if he feels strongly about something he would stick to it no matter what the cost.

I'm sure you have an idea as to how bratty I could be but that is nothing to the Yub when he's hell bent on something. You'd think that he's a horse wearing blinders.

So to SHAKE SHACK we went and even if there were long lines, my Yub was adamant to stay.

In the end, I'm thankful because at least we were able to try out this popular burger franchise in the US. At the same time I realized that waiting is not really hard when you have a loving asungot with you.

TEE HEE.....

BLECH.

We're in SHAKE SHACK!!!!

ANDREI'S GRADUATION (2019)

My bunsoy baby recently graduated from Grade school and I cannot help but feel so emotional about it.

Emotional??? Yeah. I know you might find that weird (or over-acting) but I swear, having a son graduate from Grade School is something that would get a Mommy all choked up because it makes their transfer from babyhood to teenager all official. 

My baby bunsoy is going to be in High School naaaaa!!!! Huhuhu...........

FAT FRANK'S STEAKS AND SHAKES

THE YAPPY BUNCH were with Team Mina for a whole day of fun to celebrate Andrei's birthday:

In the morning we had an early lunch at ARISTOCRAT.

After lunch we went to STAR CITY.

Then, we went to Team Mina's house because Andrei wanted to play more with his best guy pal Paolo.

For dinner, we were supposed to just order food for delivery when Manong Fred remembered there was a restaurant nearby that he wanted us to try.

"They serve delicious diner food that's also very affordable!" He added.

With that, we all drove down to a cozy and cutie little restaurant that instantly caught our hearts and appetites...

FAT FRANK'S STEAKS AND SHAKES!!!!

WING ZONE (ARANETA CENTER)

As much as I'm a drumstick-and-thighs kind of girl, I would never pass up the opportunity to relish a plate of crunchy and juicy Chicken Wings. The great thing about these bite-sized babies is that you get an appetizing  skin-to-meat ratio that every mouthful is perfection.

Add to that a plateful of steaming hot rice, OMG!!!!!

Yes, Chicken Wings may usually be considered as appetizers because of the size and the handiness of eating it (instant grips!) but for us Pinoys it is already a (ful)filling entree to our table.

That's why when the Yub and I recently visited WING ZONE in its new branch in Araneta Center, we happily and hungrily discovered that they don't have just the usual flavors made popular by the Westside. Besides the usual Buffalo or Honey Barbecue, WING ZONE tosses its newly fried wings in flavors such as Thai Chili, Sweet Samurai, Adobo, Sisig, etc -- so many choices right?

And yes, like you, I also immediately started craving for rice. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Check out our Friday dinner with other foodies in WING ZONE. I'm sure, you'll also start craving for some wings and more!!!

With extra rice... He he he he he he!

WING ZONE !!!!!

It was a busy night in WING ZONE that Friday.

GLENN 50's DINER AGAIN (BAGUIO 2018)

THE YAPPY BUNCH just arrived in BAGUIO CITY and we were all excited to officially start our vacation.

Of course, when we say "officially" it means it's time to eat ASAP in our favorite BAGUIO restaurants.

And first on our list is the fun, cheap, yet delicious GLENN 50'S DINER!!!! 

We love diners and diners love us!!!!!!




After a 4 hour drive, THE YAPPY BUNCH met up with Team Campo!

BAMBOO CAFE LUNCH - ANVAYA COVE RESORT

THE YAPPY BUNCH were in ANVAYA COVE RESORT with our Bawal Panget Family for the weekend. When we arrived, the little lords were sooooooo raring to swim so the Yub and I prepared everything needed. We saw the others however proceeding to the restaurant to have an early lunch and initially we passed because not only did we just have breakfast, but the boys were so excited already to attack the pool (you know us, everything for the our kids' happiness). Yun lang, when the little lords' learned that their friends were going to eat first, they wanted to eat na din. HAY NAKU!!!!! Nothing peeves me more than dropping something you really, really like just because the others are not doing it. Seriously, it just pisses me off. Anyway so I was not in the mood to be my usual jolly self that lunch and I was controlling my mouth not to say anything rude or offensive (he he he he).

My dangerous irritation however died down when the food arrived all hot and smelling glorious. Like I said, I wasn't hungry, but I heard my tummy give out a curious grumble after getting a whiff of my burger.

Though it was not in our immediate plans, we had a great lunch at BAMBOO CAFE! Then after wiping out all that food, it was straight swimming for hours!!!

See how food makes everything alright???

ERICJAZ FOODIES with the BP in BAMBOO CAFE!!!

8 CUTS BURGER BLENDS (GREENHILLS)

We are still continuing my 33rd (ahem) birthday celebrations and for one night, ERICJAZ FOODIES met up with my grade school friend Virginia.

Virginia, or Ginny as she preferred to be called but I don't follow, was my bestie during my elementary years, especially during Grade 6. We're both nerdish and shared the same taste in music, movies, etc. etc. and we could just chat the whole day. I actually attributed to her the pronunciation of my name. Before kasi, my family would pronounce my name as "jusMEN." But when Virginia became my friend and would call me at home, she looked for me by asking for "JAAAAAHZmin". Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! It made my family laugh and they teased me over it na "jusMEN ka lang huy!" but hearing my name handled in such a chic (and less kadiri way) made me love it na.

So JAAAAAAHZmin it is!!! Thanks Virginia! Ha ha ha ha!

We lost touch when we grew older (alam mo naman ang bata, kung sino classmate yun ang bestie) and we had different friends in High School. We met up each other again when lo and behold, our boys are studying in the same school! Yayyy!!!!!

With that, we would chat up from time to time, give gifts to each other via our sons, then share our food discoveries and favorite dishes. Finally during my birthday month, we met up to have a mini-getogether to celebrate! Other friends were supposed to join us but last minute nang-indyan (ha ha ha ha ha) so it was just the two of us. It's okay because we were able to catch up and talk the way we did during Grade School.

The great thing too is that we did it over plates of my favorite food.

Yay!!!!!

8 CUTS BURGER BLENDS!!!!

The Yub and I were happy to discover that 8 CUTS had a branch in Promenade, Greenhills. At least if I was craving for a burger after work, THIS is where we'll go.

MCDONALD'S HONG KONG (2017)

THE YAPPY BUNCH are in HONG KONG and like what we always do when we're in another country, we check out their local MCDONALD'S because we want to see how different it would be from Manila.

We already put a space for MCDONALD'S HONG KONG in our itinerary on our second or third day -- it was our aim to have our fill of delicious Chinese food after all. BUT, lucky us we ended up in a mall because our bus going to the hotel was stationed there. And, even if we have been going around and around the place, we can't find the type of Chinese food we enjoyed before.

After about an hour of going around, the boys saw the familiar golden arches of MCDONALD'S. Immediately they asked if we could have our lunch there because they were in the mood for some fries and chicken.

NGIKS! Ha ha ha ha ha!

Oh well. I never thought that our first official meal in HONG KONG would be in an American franchise but we gave in -- we were tired and we were planning to eat here anyway. Napaaga lang! Ha ha ha! And wow, we're so glad that we did because there was something so comforting biting into hot sandwiches and drinking cold soda after a long morning. Plus, we were able to find out how deliciously different MCDONALD'S HONG KONG was from Manila.

Yup! So even in HONG KONG, we would profess our love for MCDONALD'S. And like their ad declares, "Love namin to!"  

The place with the golden arches!

TGI FRIDAYS (AGAIN) WITH MY COLLEGE FRIENDS

Whenever my college friends and I getogether, it has become an unwritten rule that we should always plan a dinner at our favorite TGI FRIDAYS! Call it sentiment or what for the restaurant we always used to go to 20 years ago (yup that long) but another reason of course is that we cannot resist helping ourselves with some of their famous Chicken Fingers when we can!

The Crazy Girls at TGI FRIDAYS!!!!

A CHILI'S DINNER FOR THE CHINESE DIMPOL

It's the Chinese Dimpol's weeklong birthday celebration and though the little lords cannot join us (being a school day and nearing exam week), I thought of giving him a simple treat at one of our favorite restaurants...

CHILI'S!!!!

To be honest though, this was not really supposed to be a full-blown birthday night (especially that it's a weekday and the boys are not with us). It's more like a He-Picked-Me-Up-From-Work-Now-We-Need-To-Eat somewhere type of thing. But since it's his birthday week, and it's more likely the boys are already asleep (I get out of work late), HE gets to choose where we'll go and what we'll do (baka gusto niya tumingin ng dibidi... He he he he he he!). When he chose CHILI'S, I'm so go na go!!!! Yun lang, I already ate because of our production meeting, but still, it's ALWAYS fun at CHILI'S!!!!!!

And what do you know?

THE FOOD ALPHABET family is here!!!!!

When we got to our table, I was about to ask the receptionist if we could go to the other side (for privacy kuno) but then we head the familiar greetings of THE FOOD ALPHABET family, kaya we're staying put here!!!!!

We joined up our tables! Instant gimik night! WOHOOOOOO!!!!!

HID BURGERS WITH MY BOYS

The Chinese Dimpol and I are looking at a busy Saturday and the best way for us to officially start the weekend is by getting properly energized.

The choice for that day? Healthy and Irresistibly Delicious Burgers, or H.I.D.!

Because really! Some of the best battles were won when the general started the day with cheeseburgers. (It's true! I got it out of Facebook. :P). And since we were going Trick or Treatin', then a surprise party for an office mate, then movie night with the kiddies, I figured, healthy and delicious is the way to go.

And of course, since the Chinese Dimpol and I raved about how much we loved H.I.D Burgers, the little lords are coming with us!

H.I.D. BURGERS in Mandaluyong!

There were only about 6 tables in the restaurant so we're happy that we were the only ones there that morning. The server however informed me that on school days, they really get full that they sometimes run out of burgers!

TRUEW!!!!!!!!

A BURGER KING SUNDAY BREAKFAST

Could you have burgers for breakfast?

Why not?

It has carbs, veggies, and protein -- essential food groups that will get you energized for the day. Of course, greasy cheeseburgers are not really the traditional choice but you CAN and MAY have it.

ESPECIALLY if you're in the ERICJAZ FOODIES family! Tee heee!

Such was our predicament last Sunday when we heard mass at Santuario de San Jose. We were late so we did not have any parking space. After dropping us off, the Chinese Dimpol decided to park in the nearby BURGER KING and just had a slight walk going to church. We don't normally do that (park in an establishment where we won't be going in) but the Chinese Dimpol didn't have a choice since all slots and side streets were full. I think he was just hoping that going to church is a valid reason. He he he he he he!

After mass, we were all thinking of where to eat for our late breakfast. Normally we would have something light like Krispy Kreme or Pancake House because we will be having our usual Sunday lunch with my family in an hour. But when the little lords saw that we were parked in BURGER KING, they all made the unanimous decision because they felt it was "mean" to park somewhere and not eat in it.

Yup! That's us! Even establishments have feelings. He he he he he he!

At first I was not sold on the idea because burgers for breakfast are so heavy it would feel like having rocks in my tummy. But then like I said, it would still have the essentials to fine tune our stomachs before our family lunch later. After all, you could never really go wrong with burgers! So yes, it would be nice to have something different from our "Sunday-after-mass-breakfasts." And in the name of diversity (by chance and justification), that would have to be BURGER KING.

Oooh yeah! THE KING IS HERE!

BURGER KING in Connecticut St, San Juan just opened and we liked the "new" vibe of the place.

H.I.D BURGERS (CITY GOLF PLAZA, ORTIGAS)

There is a new burger joint in Ortigas when you're in the mood for something healthy and irresistibly delicious!

H.I.D. BURGERS!!!!

In fact, that's what it means!!!!

H.I.D Burgers originated from Cainta, Rizal, and now it has a total of 11 branches all over the Metro!

VILLAGE TAVERN ONCE MORE!!!

Ever since BGP Mariane and Manong Fred returned from the US, we would always meet. Yup! Sometimes everyday! You might say that we are just "making up for lost time" from our 3 month separation. To be honest though, I'm sure we are just making excuses to hang out whenever we can. After we meet up, our last question would always be "When uli tayo magkikita ah???"

Of course, that's just the way we wanted it. There's really no limit to the enjoyment of hanging out with true friends who will also give the same time and effort to be with us. So for this Friday night, even if we were already together on Thursday, we will be meeting up for dinner again. And since it has been ages since we've been there last, the venue was naturally one of our new favorites...

THE VILLAGE TAVERN!

 Yup! AGAIN!

We were first to get a table. And upon taking our seats, we were immediately served with Crusty Bread with Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar.

Loved that the bread is still warm and crunchy on the outside.

A little later, BGP Marian and Manong Fred arrives!

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!!!!

APPLEBEE'S (EASTWOOD)

APPLEBEE'S recently opened its 2nd Philippine branch in Eastwood, Quezon City, and the foodies in the area can't be happier. FINALLY, they have one of America's favorite restaurants that serves hearty salads, pastas, steaks, and most especially, their signature dish, the riblets, closer at this side of the Metro.

As for me and the Chinese Dimpol, even if we live in the area of "Upside Down" (tee hee), we don't mind going the distance to get a taste of the food from the restaurant that we have been hearing AND seeing for many years. Yup! We have tried (BLANK) and (BLANK) restaurants but we could never get away from the familiarity and presence of APPLEBEES from the shows/movies we watch or from the drool worthy advertisements in cable TV. So yes, we're REALLY going. And to learn that an APPLEBEE'S branch is so near the place I work in is like cherry on top of a huuuuge sundae for me --- suhweet!

So for those who think that BGC is like the edge of the world, REJOICE! We now have APPLEBEE's in Eastwood, Quezon City to keep you company when you're needing to have platters of your favorite American comfort food.

And you don't really need to follow confusing red and green colored lights to get to it. Just look for their big and white apple and you are SO good to go!

APPLEBEE'S! WOHOOO!

The big apple is now in Eastwood!

OF WEIRDNESS AND CHILI'S P999 CRAZY DEAL!!!!

One Tuesday, I was tasked to buy something for work in the Greenbelt area. With that, I left the office early to head out to Makati because knowing the traffic situation these days, I might get to the store at midnight. On the way there, I decided to call BGP Marian and Manong Fred to join me for dinner with the Chinese Adonis (who was going to pick me up after my company driver leaves). Of course the first question that came forth right after I belted out the invitation was....

Where are we going to eat???

Though we have a lot of favorites in Greenbelt, Makati City, there was only one clear candidate that night -- CHILI's!!! It has forever been the favorite of me and the Chinese Dimpol's because it's where we met (yuk). And since I introduced it to BGP Mariane and Manong Fred (as an alternative to another favorite, TGIFRIDAYS), it has been on the top of their list as well.

Of course, one of the factors why we were raring to go to CHILI'S on a weekday is their P999.00 promo. Would you believe that for that affordable price,  we could share one (1) tasty appetizer and two (2) full-size entrees????

Yuh - uh... And THIS crazy deal was available for Mondays to Fridays!

So since it was a Tuesday....

CHILI'S is coming....

in our bellies!!!!!!!!!

YEAH!!!

CHILI'S DELICIOUS NEW CRAFT BURGERS!!!!!

I don't think I could stress enough how much ERICJAZ FOODIES love CHILI'S. Well for one, it WAS where the Chinese Dimpol and I first met via a blind date. And two, the taste and the quality of the food haven't changed since the day the restaurant opened it's doors to us. Yep!!! Unlike the franchises that have opened (some already closed) in the Philippines, CHILI'S has deliciously maintained the servings and awesomeness of their food. The Chinese Dimpol and I cannot have enough of it! We just HAVE to eat at CHILI'S not just to relive that first date (blech) but to get a dose of SUPER SULIT American/Mexican dishes as well!!!!

That is why when CHILI'S invited ERICJAZ FOODIES to try out their new craft burgers, we did not waste a minute (no a second) into making up our minds that WE WILL BE GOING. Add to that, an opportunity to hang out again with my favorite foodie group, THE KTG (Kain Tulog Gang) --- this is something we CANNOT miss for sure!!!

And we definitely DIDN'T!!!! It was a great night of KTG, good vibes, and UNFORGETTABLE juicy burgers from CHILI'S!!!

Yep! With CHILI's, more life SURELY happens here!

CHILI'S!!!!

It may be a weeknight, but CHILI'S Tomas Morato was jampacked!!!!!

CHILI'S GREENBELT

Just so you know, every Thursday has become "BGP Marian and Manong Fred day". It used to be Friday but the little lords are with us most of the time on the last day of the work week and we don't want to be stuck in the usual traffic when they pick me up from work and then go back to Makati (the middle point between us and BGP Marian).

So for our usual "BGP Thursdate", it was my turn to choose what restaurant to have dinner in, and for that night, I was deeply craving for American food. With that, the obvious choice would have to be dinner at our favorite CHILI'S BAR AND GRILL! We love it there not only because we find the food superkaduperfragalistic delicious, but the place also has a sentimental value for us since it is was where the Chinese Adonis and I first met.

YIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

Yuck.

Anywho, the meeting place then became CHILI'S BAR AND GRILL in Greenbelt, and once again we were assured of a very fun Thursdate even if it WAS in the middle of the work week.

Well if you combine superkaduperfragalistic delicious food and awesome company, you could never ever go wrong right?

YIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

Yuck again. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

CHILI'S BAR AND GRILL!!!!

It may be a work week but still, CHILI'S was full with hungry (and crazy) diners like us!