OF CHARITY AND SAVORY RESTAURANT

One of the things I love about my son's school is how they value simplicity and service to others. Grades and prestige may be important, but it's not the ultimate priority and end-goal in raising their students.

That's why I was happy when his class had a retreat with some "kuyas" who were studying and boarding in their special housing. Mati stayed there for 3 days and 2 nights and bonded with his partner who was also working as a computer technician during the day.

My big guy said he learned a great deal about money and appreciated the blessings. He felt bad how he would oftentimes take these "gifts" for granted when other people were such in need. He was so grateful for the experience because he was able to see a different side of life with the help of his "Kuya."

The Yub, Andrei, and I fetched him and was able to hear Mati's testimonial. We also met his "Kuya" and had a nice chat with him. We were supposed to eat there but decided to just go out so that the guys from the charity house could enjoy all the donated potluck foods for themselves. We were hungry though so we just decided to eat in the first restaurant we'll see on the road.

With that, we saw SAVORY!!!

SAVORY RESTAURANT!!!

HYUN HEE KOREAN RESTAURANT (MANDALUYONG)

One night, I was craving SOOOO hard for Kimchi Soup that I haven't even greeted or texted the Yub to ask about his day when I immediately whined to him that I wanted some Korean food.

Okay! My Yub agreed with matching smiley faces and hearty hearts.

Wait a minute. That was a little too fast (with matching lambing lambing pa), that I became suspicious: Baka may hidden agenda?

Whatever it was, I plan to enjoy the gloriousness of my Kimchi Soup first then just pick a fight with him afterwards. Bwa ha ha ha ha!!!! That will spoil his obvious "plan."

Yeahh... I'm a model wife I know.  

YAY! I'm going to have some Kimchee soup!

SAN FRANCISCO STEAK HOUSE (2019)

On nights I get out of work late, the Yub and I would eat somewhere because who knows what time we'll get home with the flow of traffic. However, as much as I enjoy insta-date nights with him, eating out almost everyday could get pricey. That's why many times when the Yub asks me where I'd like to eat, I often say "Sa mura lang".

We were lucky one time because while we were driving around deciding on where to eat, we chanced upon SAN FRANCISCO STEAKHOUSE in bright lights that seem to be "calling" out to us. At first we were hesitant to go because the place seemed empty. But after parking, we saw that most of the people were inside and not visible from the road.

So yay! We discovered a new place to go to. The best part too was their menu is so affordable that we could go here many times as we want!!!!

SAN FRANCISCO STEAK HOUSE!!!!

Yep! That's the bright lights I'm talking about!

TAKASHI JAPANESE CUISINE

One night, the Chinese Dimpol and I were craving for some piping hot bowls of Ramen. But instead of going for our usual Ramen Nagi, Ippudo, or Ukkokei Ramen, we decided to try something new. We then remembered a ramen house in Pioneer Center, Mandaluyong City, that was strongly recommended by a friend so we decided to check it out.

And so we did. With feelings.

:P 

TAKASHI JAPANESE CUISINE.

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!!!!!!!!

JOEY'S PEPPERONI AGAIN WITH TEAM CAMPO!

I remember that JOEY'S PEPPERONI was a favorite of ERICJAZ FOODIES and Team Campo that we have been regular diners ever since the little lords were, well, really little, and mareng Gail's tisay superstars were just on their way. We loved the pizzas and the pastas because it all tasted so delicious compared to the other popular fast food restaurants out there. In fact, we are such fans of JOEY'S PEPPERONI that we would always include it in our birthday plans or special occasions when we can.

Alas, we ate in JOEY'S PEPPERONI so much before that we suddenly grew tired of it. You might say that like with Rachel and Ross, we "took a break". That break however took so long as our short attention span was grabbed with the sprouting of other restaurants. Good thing that during JOHAN'S SLEEPOVER the week before, the boy was craving pizza and Ding! Ding! Ding! JOEY'S PEPPERONI was the restaurant nearest to us then. The Chinese Dimpol and I enjoyed the food so much that when mareng Gail fancied our JOEY PEPPERONI posts, I immediately invited her to a dinner date there.

And like before, we all had a great time. There may be some changes but we immediately remembered why we craved for JOEY'S PEPPERONI so much when we were not yet so much foodies (read: gluttons) back then.
  

JOEY'S PEPPERONI!

It's couples night for ERICJAZ FOODIES and TEAM CAMPO!

JOEY'S PEPPERONI WITH THE BOYS

Little Johans of Team Virrey stayed with THE YAPPY BUNCH one weekend and we all made sure that he had a great time! Of course since we were foodies, we knew that an important factor in keeping our guest happy is to always get him full with his food cravings. That is why after an afternoon of swimming in FLAIR TOWERS, we headed out to JOEY'S PEPPERONI because not only was it nearby but the little boy Johans was craving for some pizza.

And it's great that Johan's wasn't the only one full AND happy with the food at JOEY PEPPERONI'S. We all enjoyed the cheesy pizzas and scrumptious pastas!!!! Definitely a good choice not just for little Johans but for all of us!!!!

JOEY PEPPERONI PIZZERIA!!!!

It's been awhile since my last meal in JOEY'S PEPPERONI but I feel that not much changed in the interiors.

A WEEKEND IN FLAIR TOWERS!

I didn't really plan on making a blog post of our weekend at FLAIR TOWERS but I felt that I should still put it on record how much fun my family had at my friend's generosity.

My friend, let's hide her under the name, Mrs. Wong, asked me if I wanted to take the boys swimming and have a mini-staycation at her condo unit in FLAIR TOWERS. At first I was hesitant because I didn't want to be an inconvenience to her and use her place. But she insisted that nobody stays in her unit anyway and that my boys would really enjoy using the 3 big pools that the building had. With that, I gratefully accepted thinking that it would spell another bonding weekend for us. And at least, we didn't have to go miles away for my boys to go swimming -- something they loved to do from morning till night.

But besides the use of her place and having instant access to 3 awesome pools, I was so overwhelmed by the power of generosity. Mrs. Wong's kindness, without asking for anything in return, really got me thinking about the importance of sharing your happiness and blessings to people. We don't really have to have much. We just have that pure intent of wanting to give joy to others. Now sometimes I admit, I would extend help but get frustrated when I receive indifference from some people. I realize you just have to keep on giving, keep on helping, and keep on doing what you can for others. Never expect anything from them. The real joy ( no matter how cheesy it is) is in the giving, the helping, and the doing what you can. And sometimes, when you're lucky, you'll be blessed to encounter people who will be the ones to shower you with generosity. Then you know that you are indeed doing something right.

Such are my feelings for the kindness of dear Mrs. Wong. Thank you so much for being OUR family's continuous blessing and "happy returns". You really take sharing, helping, AND inspiring to another level!!!!

Mwah! Mwah! Tsup! Tsup!

Now let the FLAIR TOWER'S staycation begin!!!!!

THE YAPPY BUNCH is in FLAIR TOWERS!!!!




It was a clear Saturday afternoon when we drove to FLAIR TOWERS!

When we got to FLAIR TOWERS, the first thing we noticed was how delicious it smelled! I'm not kidding! The aroma once we opened the car windows in the basement parking was hot chocolate pancakes. It was so good it instantly made my mouth water.

Mrs. Wong said the reason behind this was that there was a donut and cocoa powder factory somewhere. Woah!!!!!

This will CERTAINLY give tenants a whiff of a good morning!

My little lords were so excited!!!!

CHIBI'S KARAAGE

One rainy Tuesday, the Chinese Dimpol and I tried out the Fried Chicken that's already making raves in the Metro...

No it's not Chicken ni Joy....

No it's not Mamamacdo....

And most certainly it's not from the Colonel.

To be clear, we are going for some Japanese Fried Chicken, or Karaage. Honestly though, I was not really familiar before that there was such a thing in Japanese cuisine because I'm always too focused on sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, teriyaki, etc etc. It's just when I married a very finicky eater who wouldn't eat the raw or weird stuff that I learned about the awesomeness of KARAAGE when he saw this lifesaving option in the menu.

And when we learned that there was a restaurant specializing in the juiciness and crispiness of KARAAGE, we just know that we have to instantly go for it!!!

Hence our arrival at CHIBI'S KARAAGE!!!!!  

CHIBI'S KARAAGE in SM LIGHT MALL in MANDALUYONG CITY!

LOLA MARIA (THE LEGEND VILLAS)

My Mom recently celebrated her birthday and my sister thought of having a mini-party for her with the family. This was all fine with me of course, until I learned that we're going to be footing the bill with my brothers.

Ha? Ah... Eh... I think I have to be somewhere for a "meeting"! Yes! A "meeting"!

Duh. I'm kidding of course. Anything for my lovely mom!

When my sister was thinking of the venue, she considered that our group had a lot of (ahem) seniors who didn't want to go far. Besides that, most of our family members do not eat as much as before so we may have to veto those famous buffet restaurants that have mile long spreads (of course, we still want to get our money's worth).

So we came upon LOLA MARIA restaurant in THE LEGEND VILLAS in Mandaluyong City. This was very convenient for us since it was very near our home AND, it had a buffet spread that was just right for the birthday celebrant and the "young ones".

 

A great choice indeed!

Overall, it was a simple yet very fun birthday lunch for the special lady of the family.  Based on the smiles, laughs, and burps heard that afternoon, we're happy that we decided to gather and celebrate the special day at LOLA MARIAS of THE LEGEND VILLAS

THE LEGEND VILLAS!

The Chinese Adonis enters!

CRAVINGS (AGAIN)

Last December, on the day before Christmas in fact, the Chinese Adonis, Andrei, and I were in Edsa Shangrila Plaza to do some last minute shopping. Yep! You may judge me. With regards to shopping for gifts, I'm the chief procrastinator and I don't deny it. With that, I'm thankful that I have a very patient Chinese Adonis willing to accompany me scurrying around the mall and carrying the shopping bags. As for Andrei, he was so naughty at home that his "punishment" was to scurry along with us and carry the other shopping bags which he hated to do. He he he he he!

For lunch we dropped by CRAVINGS because I remembered how much I loved their soup and salad bar. Of course, it never hurt that their prices were so reasonable that it would be give us more means to shop! Other than that, I needed the extra energy to do my "rush-minute" shopping. So I guess I am "required" to have my fill with their healthy soup and salad bar. He he he he he!

I told you. I make reasons just to eat more!

CRAVINGS!

Ms. Josie (my officemate) is that you? He he he he!

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.

IPPUDO RAMEN (AGAIN)

Remember how I would always have a "flavor of the month" where I am suddenly infatuated with this certain food that I just HAVE to have whenever we're out? Then, my poor but loving Chinese Adonis, who has such a finicky appetite, has no choice but to put up with it? Well for this "month" the choice would always be IPPUDO and it was something my cutie pie husband had no trouble going for because it was the first bowl of Ramen that he really enjoyed.

Yes, you read it right! After hearing that lame "I really don't like Ramen because I only eat Wanton Noodles" EVERYTIME we go to my usual favorites (Ramen Nagi and Ukokkei Ramen Ron), FINALLY my husband has met his Ramen match with IPPUDO! At least when I had my usual craving of the rich broth of IPPUDO, my husband was such a willing submissive and let himself be dragged to SM Megamall.

And finally, there was no whining about "I love wanton noodles" here. All I could hear from the Chinese Adonis were happy slurps and the constant rave that he loved the taste of IPPUDO soup it was almost sickening.

JUST kidding! It was really music to my ears because that meant I could yank him to IPPUDO as soon as possible!!! Like tomorrow?

He he he he!

IPPUDO!

This was a Friday night and I was surprised that the lines did not extend up to the heavens like what happened to us the last time. Our wait was only about 30 minutes and we're in!

IPPUDO RAMEN

If it may not seem that obvious enough, but I am a lady who loves her noodles. Yup! After being a scrawny kid who would always "side" all of her grub with Nissin's Ramen (beef flavor mind you), I am all grown up and with a vengeance. I may have been contented with the curly noodles and packets of instant flavorings before but now I am doing all that I can to catch up on what I have been missing when I was a squeaky girl of 10: Bowls and bowls of piping hot authentic Japanese Ramen! Oh yowza!

So after spoiling myself rotten and getting pounds of fat by my noodle "comfort zones" such as RAMEN NAGI, MITSUYADO SEI MEN, UKOKKEI RAMEN RON, IKKORYU FUKUOKA, WRONG RAMEN, ETC ETC...., wouldn't you know it? ANOTHER ONE COMES ALONG! Yep! The new "bowl on the block" is supposed to be one of the most popular Ramen houses there is and it is here to promote long queues once more...

Introducing IPPUDO RAMEN!

I have seen the scary images of how the lines just stretch out to kingdom come for diners who are yearning to slurp on this legendary Ramen. At first, the Chinese Adonis and I promised that we would just go there after a month or so to wait until the hype dies down.

BUT! Since I'm a lady who would ALWAYS eat that blasted marshmallow even if there's a promise of one more piece, I got impatient and declared to the hub that "Yes. We will do IPPUDO tonight."

And so we did! On a Sunday even!

Oh yes. Just like Austin Powers: I TOO like to live dangerously.

:P
 

IPPUDO RAMEN!

You think the coast is clear?

I DON'T THINK SO.

Now what's the english of "Inangkupu?"

TIM HO WAN

If you've seen Maricel Soriano's movie "Magdusa Ka", there is that climactic part when she sobs the famous line "Ayoko ng masikip.... Ayoko ng mabaho... Blah blah blah...".  Now you may judge me as being overly dramatic but that is how I feel with a jampacked room and... ahem... body odor.  I mean, come on. Before you put a label on me, I ask you, who wants to be hustled and bustled then marked by a person reeking of shawarma from last week for whatever reason?

Now if it ain't getting a 5 second kiss from Benedict Cumberbatch, you won't see me lining up!

ANYWHO, that was why it took a long while for the Chinese Adonis and I to visit TIM HO WAN. We've been hearing a lot of raves everywhere that "OWEMGEE IT'S SO GOOD" and that "OH WOW... WE WERE LIKE TOTALLY "BUNNED" OUT!" but we also read about the horrendous lines that diners have to endure before they get a seat in the famed restaurant.

I know what you're thinking: (in a high pitch voice) "I thought you like food and all that blah blah blah is worth it?" Well my answer to that is this: travelling far and spending hundreds over food that will make a mark in my taste memory is one thing. But getting air squeezed out of my lungs and waiting for hours over a "food fad" is another.

So with that my husband and I waited... waited... waited. Even after friends had professed their undying love to the TIM HO WAN buns, we waited. Even if FB contacts bragged that they were already able to enjoy the amazing dimsums twice, we waited. FINALLY on a stormy night, most people stayed at home. But for me and the hub, it became our chance to go to TIM HO WAN.

And guess what happened when Yub got there?

He waited.

(Evil laugh) Bwa ha ha ha ha ha!

TIM HO WAN!

CHARLIE WANTON SPECIAL

For last Saturday, we had a lot of things going on for TEAM YAP. First off, it was the birthday weekend of the other half of this silly little foodie blog so that meant a celebration was in order. Next, it was the last day of Mati's exams (Andrei had it the day before) and THAT was something the whole family was more ecstatic about (sorry Yub ha ha ha ha!). And last, well it was the WEEKEND and if you think that THAT was not a valid reason to celebrate then I'll be blocking you off in FB or Friendster instantly (ha! Take that!).

No more classes! No more books! No more teacher's dirty looks!!!

Yohooo! It's time to PARTEEEY!

We were supposed to celebrate lunch with family but something came up that it did not push through. So I just thought of treating Yub to his chosen restaurant for the day. My Chinese Adonis, who does not abuse MY generosity (ahem ahem) and values in fact the more simpler things in life (AHEM) chose a nearby restaurant for us to pig out in.... 

CHARLIE WANTON SPECIAL! 

PROJECT PIE

Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City is fast becoming a "must go to" avenue because specialty restaurants are sprouting left and right... well literally. On the left side you got there Ramen Daisho, Bon Chon, House of Minis, etc, etc, while on the right, stands mighty proud is the newest pizza hub that is getting a lot of raves and rants among the foodie community.  

PROJECT PIE!!!

KETTLE

It seems like KETTLE is all the rage nowadays and I've been hearing a LOT of raves left and right. With that we were not just compelled but rather hypnotized to mark our calendars and set our next date night there. 

KETTLE! 

RAMEN DAISHO

My little family is on a ramen roll these days that a month, no make that a week, won't pass by unless we have bowl of piping hot Japanese noodles!

Our newest discovery is so near where we live that it almost seemed fate for us to continue on with our Ramen affair. And so we dropped by RAMEN DAISHO... and my son's life will never be the same again.

RAMEN DAISHO!!

Hmmm... who is that little man hiding behind the signs?

Ah! So THERE'S that little guy! You thought it was my son Mati huh? :P

RAMEN DAISHO is very well lit, spacious, with a very minimalist look. 

WEE NAM KEE

Sometime last year (try to guess when based on the length of my broomstick hair) my 2 gorgeous friends met up with little ol' me for a night of gabbin' and grubbin. My kumareng Gail and I, both very "practical" (read: stingy/"kuripot") wanted to eat somewhere where the food was good but prices cheap.

So I suggested in my alluring bedroom voice "Why not WEE NAM KEE?"

She agreed wholeheartedly (not because of my "alluring bedroom voice" which actually sounded more like Minnie Mouse's squeak) but she has read and heard about the delicious legend of WEE NAM KEE and was raring to try it. So there we went on a beautiful Friday night and we're so happy to have an awesome time helping ourselves to scrumptious Singaporean food with non-stop laughter on the side.

DUH and it's not because of my voice!

WEE NAM KEE!