OLLE KOREAN BARBECUE (LONDON 2024)

While planning our itinerary in our LONDON TRIP 2024, we focused not just on the museums and historical sites but also on the restaurants!!!

We were able to go to a  lot of places but one of places I really wished to go to was OLLE KOREAN BARBECUE. 

You may be thinking... Why would we want to have Korean food when we should just be focusing on Fish and Chips, Sunday Roasts, English Breakfasts, etc????

Well... Let's just say that this BTS fan has learned that OLLE KOREAN BARBECUE is the restaurant that my favorite group went to in LONDON, and if I cannot (yet) be in their presence via a concert, then I will at least go somewhere proven that they have been to, so I could at least get a bit of their essence.

Yeah. Gross I'm gross I know. Ha ha ha ha ha! 

Anyway, the bad news is that as expected, didn't get to see or catch BTS' essence (ha ha ha ha). The good news is that I saw some of their actual autographs and I was able to take pictures with it. So I was able to touch something that they did... WOAH (shivers).

OH and the food was very good too! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Sharing our dynamite of a dinner in OLLE KOREAN BARBECUE and if you're a true blue BTS fan, it is indeed worth a visit. Hoewever even if you're not a BTS fan (like, what is wrong with you???) but craving for some Korean grub while in London, you could check this always packed resto too! 

Yup! Because if BTS loves it, then it's really recommended! He he he he he he he he he! 

Woohooo! I'm at OLLE KOREAN BARBECUE!!! 

KUYA LEVS LOMI BATANGAS

When we went to Cavite for our New Year's Eve celebration (which I hope to be able to blog about soooon), we decided to have an early lunch at this restaurant I saw on tiktok --- KUYA LEVS.

I know what you're thinking "Where is this sosy wosy romantic haven that ERICJAZ FOODIES decided to go to?"

EEEENNGGGG wrong answer.

(I apologize for the pathetic text but that's supposed to be a buzzer sound. He he he he he). 

Anyway, come on!!!! As if you didn't know us. Dining at swanky places may be fun BUT we find it more thrilling to discover hole in the wall restos that get our worth in pocket and in appetite. 

So yep. KUYA LEVS was IT. Of course, don't expect to be mind- blown, but I assure you, that if you're craving this certain kind of food but you're in Cavite, then this is the spot to go to.

YEBAH.

Going on a trip in our favorite  rocket ship..... 

And we're here in KUYA LEVS!

ONE SUNDAY IN TANAY (MIDORIYAMA AND PICO DE PINO)

One Sunday, when everyone made plans EXCEPT to be with us (TRAITORS), THE YAPPY BUNCH decided to... 

Wait, where did my family go you say???

Mommy - has a meeting with her relatives...
Kuya Jay and family - wasn't able to go down from their mountain
Kuya Jon and Andrei - in Japan
Ate Jit and hub - was supposed to have lunch at Mandaluyong but since we all had plans, they went somewhere. They didn't want to go with us! HMP!

ANYWAY....

THE YAPPY BUNCH (minus Andrei) decided to go to Tanay Rizal!!!!! I've been seeing A LOT of tiktok videos featuring the cafes and restaurants with breath-taking views of the mountain, that we decided to join the bandwagon. Alam mo naman kami... Gaya gaya punto maya...

Teee heee!

First stop is MIDORIYAMA!!!!

It was a Sunday and even if there was no traffic, I got a bit inip with the long drive (or maybe I was just hungry???)

OUR NEW TGIFRIDAYS EXPERIENCE

It's Saturday and THE YAPPY BUNCH are doubly excited!

Yes, we always go out on weekends in BGC...

Yes, we always have our usual special lunches...

Yes, we always go around afterwards then have coffee in our favorite SEATTLES' BEST....

This time though we're out with TEAM VIRREY and as expected, we all had awesome time!

WE'RE AT TGIFRIDAYS!

OUR NEW GENKI SUSHI EXPERIENCE

One weekend, the boys needed to go to St. Lukes hospital for a consultation. After their much needed check-up, the guys got hungry and asked for some lunch PRONTO.

We thought... hmmmm... where should we eat in BGC that we cannot have for delivery (since it might be a long while before we go out again)?

The bunsoy Andrei suggested GENKI SUSHI. It was after all one of their favorite restaurants and Japanese food was not the same if it was not dine-in. 

So to GENKIE SUSHI we go. We also realized that since the bunsoy NEVER goes out. His wish is our command this time.

And we're (sorta) glad that we did!!!

Find out why!!!!! 

GENKI SUSHI!!!!!!!

OF IBON ADARNA AND CHEAP EATS

Once upon a time before the pandemic....

Every year, the little guys' school would arrange a "Repertory" family day where they invite families to watch their kid-friendly shows.

The Yub and I used to go every year with the little guys making it a Saturday "gimik" for us. I love theatre that's why I appreciate that the boys' school promotes this activity for the family.

For 2019 though, our family wasn't able to watch that year's Repertory Show of "THE QUEST FOR THE IBON ADARNA" with their classmates because we were in Japan that weekend. There were other shows but the boys have other school schedules that did not match up for the whole family.

Finally we just decided to split and as per Andrei's request, I went with him. It would have been better if the Yub and Master Mati were with us but my big guy had a school interaction that day and opted to watch on another weekend ALONE (yep ayaw na niya kami kasama... ha ha ha).

As for the Yub, any chance that he could escape watching musical theatre, he'll do so. That's why he just waited for us. Okay lang. I don't want to hear his loud snoring in the middle of the show anyways.

In the end, the bunsoy and I enjoyed it all and were so glad to have seen it. I appreciate that besides the catchy songs and the flashy costumes, we were able to have a refresher of this Filipino classic story.

We don't know if we'll still be able to watch Repertory Musical theatre shows in the future (especially that the boys are growing up and the pandemic might prohibit the school for organizing it). That's why it's a good thing that the bunsoy and I had a great time watching "THE QUEST FOR THE IBON ADARNA" because we don't know when's the next magical theatre experience for us is going to be.

So for now, ENJOY! 

THE QUEST FOR THE IBON ADARNA!!!!

Dan! Dan! Daaaannn!

KIMPURA (2020)

Once upon a time before what's happening now, I CELEBRATED MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

Now...

I don't care if we have done this here many times before...

I don't care that it may make me go over my budget...

I don't care that I've made SEVERAL blogs about birthday celebrations here ordering the same food with the same people...

But we're having my birthday in my favorite KIMPURA and here's my post about it!!!

DAN DAN DANNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yohoo! We're in KIMPURA!!!!!!!!!!!

BELMONT STAYCATION (2020)

One upon a time before the pandemic....

It's the month of February and that meant Team Navarro will treat the Bawal Panget Group with a staycation in BELMONT HOTEL!! And yep, even if we've been doing so for a number of years now, WE'RE STILL EXCITED!

Because why wouldn't we?

We'll be having a getaway with our family...
We'll be meeting up with long time friends...
We'll be eating at our favorite restaurants...
Our staycation is courtesy of Team Navarro...

And best of all...

We'll be celebrating the birthday of a special and generous lady!!!

So yeah, even if we've been doing this every year, we're still VERY excited because we have new experiences, make more special memories, and we'll have a bonding weekend with the family!

Let the fun begin!!!

IKINARI STEAK, TOKYO (JAPAN TRIP 2019)

One of the things that I pleaded for Kuya Jon to include in our itinerary is THIS:

IKINARI STEAK!!!

Because how can you not?

Fatty slabs of tender meat on a sizzling plate complete with sides at an affordable price -- you would be crazy not to!

And I'm sooooo thankful that my hungry fam agrees with me!

AT IKINARI STEAK!!!!!

SOTETSU FRESA INN (JAPAN TRIP 2019)

For our JAPAN trip last 2019, my siblings planned everything. So the only thing that the boys and I were expected to do was SHOW UP.

One of the trip essentials that they took care of was the hotel. I wasn't asked for suggestions (not that I have any.. he he he) so I trusted them with choosing for the group (Mommy is treating us anyway).

Kuya Jon and Ate Jit went for SOTETSU FRESA INN, the hotel they stayed in during their last vacation in JAPAN. They showed me pictures and it looked nice and clean. Great thing too was that the hotel was in a nice and safe area that's near the train station so we don't need to walk miles just to get somewhere.

So yep! SOTETSU FRESA INN it is. Let's hope that it will be a suitable temporary home during our 5 day stay in JAPAN!  

SOTETSU FRESA INN!

TOKYO DISNEYLAND (JAPAN TRIP 2019)

I don't care if I'm already 30 years old (tee hee), I would ALWAYS go to DISNEYLAND whenever I have a chance.

And our JAPAN 2019 was no exception.

The great part too is that my boys agree! Yay! Great minds think alike talaga!

While planning for the trip, my sister and kuya discussed how they would go for the places the Mommy would like (museums, parks, ramen restaurants, etc) since the trip was for her anyway. I then asked permission if it's ok for the boys and I to not join them for one day because we would really like to go to the popular DISNEYLAND SEA in Tokyo. My siblings said that it's manageable and when we told my Mom, she said the best thing: She wants to join us in DISNEYLAND!

Wohooooooo!

Turns out, she hasn't been to DISNEYLAND (in our US trips I was only able to go with her to Universal Studios), and wanted to go there with us.  Yayyyy! Now this would make our trip there more memorable!

While looking at their website though I read reviews that DISNEYLAND SEA could get SO crowded and rides were more for thrill-seekers. However, DISNEYLAND SEA is exclusive to Japan only and it would be a shame to miss it.

We all agreed that the comfort of Mommy is more important. Good thing too that when checking the rides and attractions, we saw that they featured the classics (Snow White, Peter Pan, merry go round, etc) that we were all familiar with. TOKYO DISNEYLAND is a much better fit for us!

Besides, my family could always go back for DISNEY SEA, and with the Yub!

So with that...

WOHOOO! WE'RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!! 

And we're back to the happiest place on earth... In JAPAN!

OUR JAPAN TRIP 2019 (PART THREE)

It was our last day in JAPAN and though I'm the type who would rather stay in the hotel or go to the airport way early to prepare for our flight, I agreed to go out with the family.

Yup! Japan is just THAT awesome that you should explore it all you can!!!!!!!

It's our last day!!!!!!!!

OUR JAPAN TRIP 2019 (PART TWO)

Part two of our 2019 Japan trip had more "happenings" because my kapatids planned on more places to go. The great thing about our 5 day stay though is that we didn't jam all the sights that we could handle because we didn't want to get Mommy tired -- we just took our time and rested when needed. The result? We always had our beauty rest before every tour and looked great in pictures!!!!

Bwa ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!

Like what I mentioned in the previous blog, I really had SO MUCH FUN in our Japan trip that I swear, I still had dreams of being back. My sister chose places that captured the essence of old Japanese culture instead of the flashy modern spots that's more like cheap tourist attractions. Kaya, wow, it was really super awesome. Even if we only went to parks, palaces, volcanoes, etc etc., I appreciated more the natural beauty of Japan!

The only (super slight) downer in our trip is that the Yub wasn't able to join us since he had work. Too bad because I was counting on him to handle our bags and taking care of the nitty gritty (he he he he). It's okay -- in his place I've got two very dependable little guys who assisted their Mommy and took care of all the heavy lifting (they know that I had a bad back).

I'm so happy that with our Japan trip I was also able to see more of how my two little guys were growing up to be fine gentlemen.  It was truly a memorable 5 days with the boys and my family.

Thank you so much Mommy for planning this and treating us.

Now let the sharing begin!!!!!!

JAPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

OUR JAPAN TRIP 2019 (PART ONE)

THE YAPPY BUNCH already went to Korea last 2019 so we didn't make any plans to go somewhere far. For budget reasons, we only wanted to have one out of the country trip a year -- so we are definitely staying put for awhile.

HOWEVER...

My Mommers have always wanted to go to Japan, but since Daddy is so busy with the family business, she didn't make any plans and just preferred to stay at his side.

For her 75th birthday last year though, the Mommers wished to go to Japan with the family. It was supposed to be just her treat with the apos but then her loving son and daughters joined in (sons-in-law were invited but can't join due to work). The Mommers said the Japan trip will not only be her blow-out to us for turning 75 but it will also be our birthday gifts for the year as well (ha ha ha ha ha... even if she gave us gifts naman).

So yay... It will be our first time in Japan with the Mommy and kids! I'm sure it's going to be an epic vacation!

You know what? It was! Yung tipong, I still dream about it up to now. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

:)

We're in JAPAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OUR VALENTINE'S (2020)

And how was your VALENTINE'S? Or as I call it, VALENTIMES!!!

To be honest I was not really expecting much for VALENTIMES. I was angry with the Yub for something and didn't feel like going out AT ALL. Plus, I'm sorta lazy with the plans for that weekend.

Then on the day of VALENTIME'S I saw THIS again -- my Dad's last card noting it as "From a secret admirer," and I remembered how he made such a fuss about VALENTIME'S every year.

When we were still little brats he would always give my Mommy flowers and box of chocolates (the one that Forest Gump loved -- assorted). Tee hee... I remember my siblings and I would look hungrily as my Mommers opened her box of chocolates and she would just give it all to us to devour.

As we grew older, my Daddyowzers would then order flowers and have it delivered to me "from a secret admirer." (I was an ugly duckling then so I guess he took pity on me. Ha ha ha ha ha). I

Even after I developed into a ravishing young lady (he he he he he) he continued sending me flowers with the usual "From your secret admirer" or "From: Roger" (his codename).  Sometimes he would even request our driver to give the bouquet of flowers at my work so that my officemates would see how I had "somebody". Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

So yeah. My Dad is the reason why I'm such a romantic. VALENTIME'S was such a big deal to him that he would give flowers to all of the girls in the family and household (yep, his secretary and help included) and be extra mushy to my Mommy.

That's why I realized, I shouldn't be such a crab this VALENTIME'S. This is one of the events where Daddy made it more meaningful for me and I should honor his loving efforts  by having fun this day of hearts.

I'm sure he would've loved it that way (pun sorta intended).

Sharing with you my VALENTIMES' celebrations this year and I hope "naka-iskor" kayong lahat!

Tee to the hee!!!!!

HAPPY VALENTIME'S!!!!

EWWWWW!

A FAMILY DESPEDIDA DINNER IN VALLE VERDE COUNTRY CLUB

One Saturday night, Kuya Jay invited the family out for a simple getogether in the Valle Verde country club sport's room.

WOHOO!

For that night, it was also a mini-despedida dinner for Karen and Rocio (who will be going to Italy in a few days to attend the wedding of Kristine, Karen's sister). 

EDSA SHANGRI-LA HOTEL'S BUFFET BREAKFAST

Though I eat most of the time, ALL THE TIME, I think there's some truth to it when I say that breakfast is my favorite meal for the whole day.

Sure, a platter of steak and crabs with wine IS something. But give me a bowl of garlic rice, egg, topped with either tapa, tocilog, danggit, then paired off with coffee, and I could have it all day, everyday!!!!

AYSUSHIMITA SEN SA SARAP OMAYGASH!!!

He he he he!

That's why for our breakfast in EDSA SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, I was very excited because not only is HEAT very popular around the metro, but we will be having my most awaited meal of the day at an exclusive restaurant in a 5-star hotel.

My curiosity became hungry like me!

Though of course, I would gladly have my breakfast at street eateries, this would be a nice change.

Check out our bondat breakfast in HEAT, EDSA SHANGRI-LA HOTEL!

BREKKY WEKKY!!!!!!!

COD (CHRISTMAS ON DISPLAY) SHOW 2019

THE YAPPY BUNCH have many traditions especially during Christmastime and one of them is watching the COD (Christmas On Display) Animatronic show.

The tradition actually started when my Daddy would always take my brothers and sister to COD mall to watch their special Christmas programs led by robots. I remember that even if there were no seats and we had to squeeze ourselves between loads of other watchers, we still had an enchanting cold night (that would usually be capped off with a Chinese dinner somewhere). Yep. So fun.

And that's why I wanted to carry on the tradition with my boys and we've been avid watchers ever since.

Yun lang, BOO HOO, the COD show in Greenhills Mall (where it's been "performing" for many years now) closed up. So for two years the Yub and I have been left wondering if our growing guys will still get a chance to watch it again.

Then lo and behold, the COD show is BACK and it returned "home" to Cubao Quezon City! The mall (which it was really named after) may be gone but the legacy it was named after stands tall again mighty proud.

So upon learning that, the Yub immediately said that we should go to COD forour family Saturdate.

"But we were supposed to have a videoke night, remember?" I said.

The Yub, however, stood his ground. Nope. We're going to watch the COD show even if it's in Cubao. This is tradition after all. Besides, it's one of Andrei's favorites too while growing up!

I'm so happy (and thankful) that even my husband recognized the importance of this Christmas tradition and how much it meant to me. It's either that or maybe he's enjoying this kind of night out as well.

Whatever the reason, if the COD show will always be here to make our holiday season more special, then we are sooooo game for it. ALWAYS.

:P

It's the COD show!

EDSA SHANGRI-LA HOTEL STAYCATION (2019)

These days, I'm really not keen on having hotel staycations. When the boys were young and they're all so wide-eyed at new surroundings, yes, that's why we also booked ourselves a weekend before everyone started doing it. As in I would really save for it!! But now that they're older, they fully appreciate just staying home or going out with their family and friends. Let's not forget too that it could get SOOOO tiring to pack and unpack (ha ha ha ha). So yes, the appeal of having staycations is now lost with us. And it's not something that we would really set out to do like before.

Of course, there are exceptions!!

The Yub told me that a supplier gave him a voucher for an overnight stay at EDSA SHANGRILA Hotel!! He said that it could be our additional MU anniv celebration. He he he!

Meh. I answered. For the many reasons stated above, I was not that enthusiastic anymore because I could be so LAAAZZZZZY. But then I realized that

    One) it's a blessing since it's free... ha ha
    Two) it would still be a fun weekend off with the boys
    and
    Three) We haven't stayed yet in EDSA SHANGRILA, one of
    the classic top hotels in Metro Manila.

Okay then. We're sold!  Kami pa? We're always game with anything.

(Yun ay kung, hindi ako tamarin. Ha ha ha ha ha!)

We're in EDSA SHANGRI-LA!!!

Wohoo!!!!

BALAY DAKO (TAGAYTAY)

THE YAPPY BUNCH went to Tagaytay recently and while planning our itinerary, the Yub insisted that we try this restaurant...

BALAY DAKO!!!

I agreed quietly with him and aired my concerns about how the restaurant was ALWAYS full. In truth, I was SO eager to try BALAY DAKO but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of being the one who made the right choice.

Teee Hee! Yes I'm evil I know.