SNACKS AND BREAKFAST ( MANILA HOTEL STAYCATION )

THE YAPPY BUNCH were having a staycation in MANILA HOTEL and besides enjoying the Filipino themed gloriousness, we were happy that we were also able to savor their food.

Yeaaaaah!!!!! Because a staycations mean forgetting the diet as well! He he he he he he!

That night after dinner, the majestic and awesome lobby of THE MANILA HOTEL greeted us.

I tell you, there may be other more modern and popular hotels but they've got nothing on the grandeur of MANILA HOTEL's lobby!

CONNECT LOUNGE - MARCO POLO ORTIGAS

THE YAPPY BUNCH were having a staycation at Forbe's Travel Guide's 5-star awardee MARCO POLO HOTEL, and having a 5-star time!!!!

For that afternoon after checking in, we thought of just lounging around being lazy but we wanted to have some munchies. With that, I remembered how much fun my bunsoy Andrei and I had when we had a mini-date at CONNECT LOUNGE with their scrumptious Afternoon Tea!!!!

CONNECT LOUNGE!

CONNECT LOUNGE is on the 24th floor of MARCO POLO HOTEL near the lobby.  The place gives a breath-taking view of the Metro while you have your drinks and enjoy their fast (and free) wifi service!

COFFEE AT CAFE CREOLE (RESORTS WORLD)

After having a delicious dinner with THE YAPPY BUNCH and friends in ICHIBA JAPANESE MARKET, we felt that we shouldn't all walk back to the hotel yet. Yup, even if we know we're going to have wine and chips in our rooms for our other nightcap, we were all suddenly in the mood for coffee and MORE chika!

With that, our group ended up in CAFE CREOLE!

AFTERNOON TEA AT MARCO POLO MANILA

ERICJAZ FOODIES was invited by MARCO POLO MANILA one Saturday to try out their AFTERNOON TEA. And since having refreshments ala Downton Abbey is not really the Chinese Dimpol's type of thing, I just invited the next best person who is actually MORE adorable, MORE fun to be with, and MORE cute, than the Yubhub.... 

My bunsoy Andrei!!!

He's my "Matthew"! 

I just need to ignore that Downton Abbey character's untimely demise!

As much as it's fun to be out as a whole family, there is a certain kind of personal enjoyment when I have one-one dates with my boys. When I have these dates, my son behaves differently and is more confident in sharing his feelings. Of course, I will still promote family togetherness, but once in a while, it's nice to be all alone and have our own kind of date night. That's why the AFTERNOON TEA at MARCO POLO was perfect for us that Saturday. It's something different that my bunsoy and I could do!

ST. MARC CAFE (GREENBELT)

Best Gal Pal Marian and Manong Fred are back from the US and after our dinner at RAMEN NAGI, we just have to HAVE some dessert.

Because why wouldn't we right? For us, the chatting for dinner isn't always enough so we will always continue the "party" with DESSERT.

And for tonight, the choice was ST. MARC CAFE!!!!

I was so fine with ST. MARC CAFE because it had something for everyone -- it had ice cream, pastries, and coffee. Such a perfect dessert place!

Have trouble making up your mind what to get? Check out the faux food that they got out front. Their models are enough to make you drool at the windows.

ST. MARC CAFE is not like your usual cutesie patootsie dessert place. The lighting was dim and dark hues dominate the restaurant. It's really more like a bar but trust me, the sweets here are AWESOME!

DEAN & DELUCA

These days, the Chinese Adonis and I are able to go out more during weeknights since the little lords are old enough to sleep by themselves in their room. Before, we cannot really make plans on a weekday because they would really wait up for us until we get home, something we don't want happening because they needed to be up early for school the next day. These days, they just get short tutorial from the Chinese Adonis, eat dinner with us, then it's off to bed at 8:30pm. It is during that time where the Chinese Adonis and I say our goodbyes to them if we have made any plans.

Don't get me wrong. Even if we are able to go out now on school nights, we don't do it everyday. We still limit ourselves to just about once a week and we always go home before midnight since we will be waking up early to get the boys ready for school anyway. So yes, we COULD go out but it would have to be for something SPECIAL.

And of course for us, one of the SPECIAL "somethings" would be meeting out with my BGP (Best Gal Pal) Marian and her husband Manong (ew) Fred to try out this new restaurant in the Makati Area -- DEAN & DELUCA.

Our best friends going out on a food trip with us -- what could be more fun that THAT?

Well... a date with BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH comes to mind but not for this night. He he he he he he!

DEAN & DELUCA!

DEAN & DELUCA is located in front of POWER PLANT MALL at the side near the Mango exit.

DEAN & DELUCA opened its doors on September 1977 in Soho, New York and since then they have already served in several branches located in New York City, Washington DC, Charlotte, North Carolina; Leawood, Kansas; and St. Helena, California. They have also took spot in international store locations such as in Japan, Thailand, South Korea and The Middle East.

OF CRABS, COCHINILLO, AND CHIKA!!!

On my birthday week last February, I received a touching greeting from the husband of Ms. Eileen that it really made my day! When I texted to thank her for it, she said to ask the TAPE Inc., ladies if they are available for lunch on a weekday because she plans to treat us all for crabs and cochinillo.

Of course we're available! Why wouldn't we be? These are crabs and cochinillo we are talking about! Actually, even if we're not available, we'll scrap whatever those earlier plans are to go there!!!!

Oops. I remembered that this is public. JUST kidding! If we have something important to do at work, we'll DEFINITELY do it.

Whew.

Anyway, my TAPE Inc., office mates are always so busy that when there was finally a lunch day where everyone is free, we wasted no time in letting Ms. Eileen know about it. And I'm glad that we were all able to get together again because not only were we served with a VERY delicious spread but the company and chika were all something to remember.

Of course, there's nothing like sharing these great moments with exceptional ladies!

And that is why we are The Ladies Who Lunch!

It's the LADIES WHO LUNCH!

Before, we used to do it regularly, eating out when it's somebody's birthday. But now, most of us are on a diet and busy with work that lunch-outs like this is something to really treasure!

ORANGE WHISK RESTAURANT AND PATISSERIE

One Saturday night, the Chinese Adonis and I ventured into the South to meet up with my BGP Marian and Manong Fred. I'm sure by now you'd know that, via my repetitive whining, we don't normally travel far from our comfort zones of Mandaluyong, Makati, and Ortigas. But this night was going to be an exemption. We have been reading a lot of raves about this new restaurant that got hungry foodies (like me) to travel far and wide to get a taste of their delicious fusion food. And based on many reviews, they all go home full and ultra satisfied that it got the curiosity of my big forehead and bulging tummy. Turns out, me and my Best Gal Pal were thinking of the same thing that we set a date to drive out to this nook that got many in the South hooked...

ORANGE WHISK RESTAURANT AND PATISSERIE!

There are actually 2 branches of ORANGE WHISK in Paranaque and we went to the one in Betterliving which opened last June of 2013!!! They have another one in  BF Homes which has been serving hungry diners starting January of 2015.

TODD ENGLISH FOOD HALL desserts (MY 2015 BIRTHDAY)

Even before my 40th birthday week, my BGP Marian would always tell me that she would treat me at TODD ENGLISH FOOD HALL because she abso-frigginly loved their chocolate lava cake. She knew how much I am obsessed with chocolate that she also wanted me to try her new found favorite that was very fudgy, creamy, and oh soooo heavenly!

As they say, birds of the same feather love eating the same food together. Tee hee!

So after we got ourselves very full from the deliciousness of LUGANG CAFE, we got a bit of exercise by walking towards TODD ENGLISH FOOD HALL. And yup, since we sweated a bit from that looong travel (tee hee) we felt so entitled to indulge.

And THAT we did in TODD ENGLISH FOOD HALL.

Tee to the Hee!

TODD ENGLISH FOOD HALL!

(pant) (pant) FINALLY we made it! It was such a long walk from LUGANG CAFE to TODD ENGLISH!

If you think that TODD ENGLISH's "food hall" is something like a food court of cafeteria, you are so wrong!

DESSERTS AT BIZU

When BGP Marian and I go out with our husbands for dinner, we CANNOT end the night without having dessert. Before, we would always have our night cap in Starbucks or in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. But lately, our new favorite is BIZU in Greenbelt, Makati, simply because we love their cakes, coffee, and over-all look of the place!

It has already been a top favorite for us that it has almost been our tradition to end the night with our favorite BIZU whenever we're at the area! In fact, even if it's just me and the Chinese Adonis by our lonesome, you'll be sure to see us there!

Looking cute!

Blech. Sorry I just put that in to test if you're all still awake. He he he he he he! 

BIZU!!!

BIZU PATISSERIE has been serving its dainty cakes and pastries since 2001 from a very humble kiosk before. Now, it has already many branches in top establishments with a name that has become synonymous to classy catering. 

Entering BIZU is like going inside the looking glass of Alice In Wonderland. The bright pink and candy hues ARE reminiscent of a whimsical tea party that you would look for biscuits bearing the words EAT ME. 

TUS' CLAY POTS AND SKILLETS

One Saturday, THE YAPPY BUNCH went all the way to the Southern part of Manila as per the request of my Mareng Gail to have a mini-celebration for my beautiful god daughter, Sasha. And if you are the one or two people who have been following my silly little foodie blog, you would know that I am too darn LAZY. Oh yeah. Just in case a female sloth and Juan Tamad hooked up (if ever that is possible), I would be the beautiful mutant lazy product (tee hee!). So case in point, my love for my dear friend got me dragging off my fat arse to drive somewhere far from my comfort zone. Grrr! I should've charged Mareng Gail for my gas!

Kidding! Tee Hee!

After dinner at NEST in VIVERE HOTEL (blogpost coming soon), I thought of contacting dear Jane of SUGAR AND SPICE since it is pretty rare that I am in her side of the globe. Of course, what better way to cap of this long journey (sorry ah, nalayuan talaga ako!!) than meeting up with the Queen of the South herself? Nothing right???

We actually met up for brunch at IL PONTICELLO earlier but we were not able to chat up as much as we wanted to and I miss the jolliness of everyone's dear old Jane. I was actually just inviting them for coffee at VIVERE HOTEL and planned to treat them since they might already be tired from the day's events or with their usual sexy time (tee hee).

But lo and behold, my dear SUGAR AND SPICE didn't just meet with us. She arranged a post dinner gluttony at TUS' CLAY POTS AND SKILLETS. Woah! We were already too full from dinner but the thought of chatting up with the Queen of the South PLUS having some of the delicious food that is lording search engines when you key in Westgate, is too much to handle! Now what have ERICJAZ FOODIES done to deserve such overindulgence?

LAZINESS I presume!

Oh I'm kidding. Duh!

TUS' CLAY POTS AND SKILLETS!

It was actually pretty late but TUS' was still filled with diners enjoying their hot and delicious food!

LARCY'S CUPCAKERY CAFE

The Chinese Adonis and I have gotten sooooo superbly lazy lately that it would take a LOT of forcing or bribing for us to get out of our "comfort date zone", aka Powerplant Mall. However, one Saturday night we traveled far and wide just to see some special ladies that caused a lot of guffaws, craziness, and over-all pandemonium in my life. My AC friends!

We met up with some of my College barkada in MEGA BUFFET RESTAURANT for dinner where we pigged out on fatty meats and Korean banchan. Now what to do for dessert? We cannot just end the night all greasy, all smelling like barbecue, AND without finishing up on the gossip (he he he he he). There SHOULD be somewhere else to go to. The night is far too young.

My friend suggested that we go to LARCY'S CUPCAKERY CAFE since it was making waves in the dessert scene of the South. ALSO, my friend added, it was recently featured in KRIS TV.

EW. As if THAT would make me go for it. Ha ha ha! Anway, even if I was sooooo irritated with Kris and wouldn't go near her high pitched recommendations, I went for LARCY'S because I trusted my College friends MORE.

PLUS, our gossip was much juicier and probably news worthy anyway. HA!

LARCY'S CUPCAKERY CAFE!

LARCY'S was bright and cheerful inside. It's as if a Hallmark card for Valentine's day exploded and splattered it's colors everywhere.

CHUCK'S VACATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Charles aka Chuck (or if I could get away with it, Chuckie) is my nephew via my favorite cousins Kuya Nap and Ate Sheila from Las Vegas. Even if they live faraway, we still feel so close to him because I saw him from a cute wee chubby baby into a giant whom I have to do the tippy toes with to do "beso beso". 

Me and Chuckster (in black and with his brothers) in 1998!

Dear Chuckie, unlike his other brother, would seem to be the quiet type but as they say looks could be VERY deceiving. He may not be the Jim Carrey outrageous loudmouth but he could always make me guffaw with his dry humor and wit. It's always a fun time with Chuckie and I love that when he's onto you, it means he really likes you. Because even if he was named after that terror doll (yes my Kuya Nap is so cool), there is nothing fake or scary about it. What you ALWAYS get is a tall gentleman who quietly observes and would shoot out witty one liners and expressions. I'm glad that he grew up the way he is now. So proud to call him my nephew! My cousins did a very good job rearing him up!

I'll find a younger and more embarrassing picture of you Chuckie soon!

My nephew Chuckie (sorry I can't help it I know he hates that name) currently works in Korea as an English teacher and had a 2 week vacation coming up. He thought that instead of flying to Las Vegas (where he will return to in April) he could just go to Manila to spend time with us. At the prospect of seeing him again, we were all excited because we missed him last year when we were in Las Vegas. Mati saw him in his first trip in the US when he was very young but Andrei was intrigued because finally he's meeting the owner of the many SIMPSON'S dvd  and Xbox he abused.

As I was planning our itinerary, I asked Chuckie what he wanted to do for his short stay in the Philippines. To my surprise, he did not asked to be taken to beaches, tourist spots, or even malls! What he listed were foods that he wanted to try and he specified that the weirder the better. Nothing fancy shmancy -- he just wanted to have the things he cannot have in Korea or Las Vegas. Wow ! He turned out to be a different kind of foodie. Now THAT I didn't know!

That does it. I'm going to adopt this nephew of mine soon!

Upon Chuck's arrival in the Philippines, his first request was to have dinner at JOLLIBEE! Yep! JOLLIBEE! So the whole family (minus my eldest brother) got a long table for dinner at our country's number one fast food chain!

Mati was smitten with his Kuya Chuckie and didn't leave his side. They talked non-stop like there was no tomorrow!

Besides the chicken joy and jollihotdog, Chuckie had a plate of JOLLIBEE spaghetti! I remember one time when he was younger and he found his pasta dry. When I requested for extra sauce immediately for him, he was impressed. 

I remember him saying "Going the extra mile. That's nice."

He was 8 years old then. 

After dinner, we had coffee at SUGARHOUSE.

SEATTLE'S BEST DREAM JOURNAL GIVAWAY

Call me a fuddy duddy or just plain old but even in the emergence of Iphones, Tablets, or whatever (ran out of examples), I could never get the hang of using the Reminder and Note application. YES! Nothing beats my trusty old pen and paper even if my penmanship is something that Sherlock Holmes could not ever decipher. That is why during the holidays, besides loading up on the delicious hot and cold drinks of the season, I also try my best to collect the stickers that go with it in order to get that prized planner in return! Nothing is more sweeter than getting that drinking the java that my little heart desires and get rewarded with the much needed planner that is very useful in my (zero) social life.

Lately however, I have lost interest in working up an appetite to get those famous planners because honestly, the whole thing became boring for me. Imagine, buying numerous drinks to just get the same pen and paper that I could very well buy in my nearest bookstore.  Major snoozefest at the counter! So I forgot about it and just scheduled a trip to National or told myself to get one from the office. He he he he!

Then, I came upon many rave posts about SEATTLE'S BEST DREAM JOURNAL. Yup! It's not just an ordinary planner. Not by a long shot! The SEATTLE'S BEST DREAM JOURNAL is something that would encourage me to jot down my dreams, goals, and whatever plans I have in my sorry life! The freebies and contents just seem so fun! Plus, it doesn't take a hundred of drinks slash stickers to get it! You only need 18!!!

You want to know what's more cool about it? Getting the drinks slash stickers won't be such an ordeal because SEATTLE'S BEST COFFEE brings back your Christmas box office hits plus more for your total enjoyment.

Yes. Getting a hold of that DREAM JOURNAL never felt this good!

Now THAT is indeed a sweet treat this Christmas!
 

The SEATTLE'S BEST DREAM journal 2015!

And it's here!

SANTA CLAUS AND CINNABON

After another fun staycation at F1 HOTEL MANILA, we headed to Podium to meet with my gorgeous BP Group. You see, my little lord Andrei will soon be having a Mcdonald's birthday party and since Mareng Gem cannot make it as she had a wedding to attend to, she generously promised to treat all of the kiddies for a 1 hour playtime in Kidsville! Wopeee! Even if we're supposedly tired and there was school the next day, everyone in THE YAPPY BUNCH was looking forward to it! Well, Kidsville WAS actually the happiest place on earth (or Ortigas) at the moment for my kiddies and they were so excited to see their friends. So really, there was no discussion there to what would most most likely be, another crazy session.

So after depositing our tiny masters in Kidsville, what to do? We all wanted to just sit down over a cup of hot coffee and chat since it is what we are best at. But then, it seemed like Podium was asking for it by having a Christmas display at the mall events area. We went there and became our usual silly selves that gave our kids ample reason to be embarrassed.

Good thing they were not there! He he he he he he!

We saw Santa Claus sitting all by his lonesome at his red chair so we all went there to cheer him up a little. 

Yub and I had a picture with him first.

Of course, when it's ERICJAZ FOODIES, a wacky shot was ALWAYS in order.

Santa seem to be getting all festive up inside when 5 ladies flocked around him.

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.