DEGUSTATION DINNER AT THE CHAMPAGNE ROOM (THE MANILA HOTEL)

Hello everyone! Remember me??? He he he he he!

Yeah... yeah... before you remember me as the person you blocked before (he he he he he he), this is Jaz of ERICJAZ FOODIES who still believes in her online diary. I know I am not writing here as much as before, but work got hectic, annnnnd there are some things happening in my private life (PRIVATE LIFE DAW O) that warranted the delay of my posting. 

ANYWHO...

To say that our year was uneventful is an understatement.... BUT would just like to focus on what gave us smiles and happy tummies. Sooo no chismis for you... Ha ha ha ha ha! Maybe soon!

So last 2024, we were planning how to celebrate Mommy's 80th. There were a lot of options but I came upon THE CHAMPAGNE ROOM at the MANILA HOTEL when I was checking for some promos and what have you. 

At first my bossy kapatids didn't want to go that far as they're allergic to traffic, but later on they changed their minds so as to try out something new, AND because we luuuuuuuuuv our Mummy.

So to THE MANILA HOTEL we went, and we're all sooo glad that we did because it was the start of a beautiful friendship with THE MANILA HOTEL! :) 

We're in THE CHAMPAGNE ROOM!!!!

MUSEUM AND DAMPA DAY WITH MOMMY

I have been inviting my Mom to have a museum day for soooooo long but she had many things to attend to in the family business that it never pushed through.

Finally for our VALENTIMES SEASON, I declared that we will have our family date in my much-awaited "Museum Day": We will go to the National Museum of Fine Arts in the morning then have a seafood feast for lunch. I was so happy that my Mommers agreed (I guess she knew that I would NEVER stop bugging her) and so we planned that super fun Saturday.

In fact, I got two invites from friends to go out that day, but no can do -- we have a date with my number one lady!!!!

And as expected my Mom had a lot of fun. I was so aching to say "I told you so" with pointy pointy finger but I loved her too much (ha ha ha ha ha ha!)

Hopefully we'll get to plan more Museum outings with her because it's something I know that my "culture-loving" Mom would enjoy. Of course, we also had loads of fun too because it's a refreshing change of our family gimik instead of the usual mall and parks.

So here's our VALENTIMES date with my Mommers when we became all fartsy tartsy and ended with us getting bondat from seafood.

Now THAT is my kind of date!!!!!!

WOHOO!!!!

OF JOHNNY CHOW AND EL BIMBO

The Chinese Dimpol got tickets to the popular musical play "ANG HULING EL BIMBO" that as a result, we had an insta-Sundate. Yup! Just me and the Chinese panget.

Well, I'm sure the boys would've LOOOOOVED to come with us (NOT!) but they have lakad with their Lola in Cavite so this date was just right for the two of us.

Pwede pang magbiglang liko going home.

EWWWWW. Oh. I'm. KIDDING.

When we got to (whispers) Resorts World Manila, we immediately set out to do an important mission. No, we didn't go to the theatre to get ready for the show. Rather, we looked for a restaurant to have our quick lunch before the show. He he he he he!

Syempre, priorities! Priorities!

We went around and since most of the places were interested in were full, we ended up in JOHNNY CHOW because for one, we haven't eaten there yet, and two, the Yub absolutely loved Chinese food.

Hopefully the food there in JOHNNY CHOW is good because I hate trying out new restaurants only to leave disappointed (that's why we eat at the same places tuloy).  Come to think of it though, we enjoy everywhere we go to because there is always something to be happy about and it's always fun as long as we're together.

Especially if biglang liko.

EW.

He he he he he he he!

Helloooo JOHNNY CHOW! CHOW!

JAZZ UP IN THE SKY (HEROES HOTEL)

THE YAPPY BUNCH were having a family staycation with some of the Kain Tulog Gang at HEROES HOTEL. Come noontime, we were not really looking forward to lunch since we all just had coffee and we were relaxing in our rooms. Alas, food awaits and as much as we wanted to just be lazy our day, getting us fat is still the priority (tee hee).

Check out our unexpectedly enjoyable lunch where our not-so hungry bellies still managed to finish platters of delicious food. Yup. It's that good!

Ayayay!!  

We're in JAZZ UP IN THE SKY STEAKS AND GRILLS!!!!!!

HEROES HOTEL PART TWO

THE YAPPY BUNCH were having a family staycation somewhere that was so far from the ordinary....

HEROES HOTEL!

This humble establishment is simple in size but overflowing in purpose and inspiration. And yep! Don't forget the FUN!!!

To be honest, I really did not expect to have one of the most unforgettable staycations ever. This just goes on to show that a hotel doesn't need to be grand or sosy wosy for guests to have a great time -- sometimes having a place that was constructed with lots of love and dedication then run by happy and inspired people is more than enough.

Check out part TWO of our memorable family staycation in a place that you should DEFINITELY check out soon...

HEROES HOTEL!

Da da dan danan.... Danananan!!!!!

Were you able to tell that's from the Superman theme? Tee hee!!!

HEROES HOTEL PART ONE

It was supposed to be the "usual" weekend for us: wake up to a late breakfast, Kali for Master Mati in the afternoon, then dinner and movie night for our Saturdate. However, we were invited by HEROES HOTEL for a weekend hotel staycation, so that meant our schedule for that particular Saturday and Sunday would be a wee different. But since we know how our usual staycations go, it's still going to be a fun "routine" for us. With that, I immediately made a mental checklist to pack our swimsuits, our midnight snacks, gameboards, movies, etc. etc.

But guess what? We didn't use ANY of them.

Saying that we had a different kind of weekend in HEROES HOTEL would be an understatement. It may not be the 5-star, flashy, and grand hotel that is popular in the metro but still, the family and I all had a unique and unforgettable stay.

And seriously I'm sure you will agree because HEROES HOTEL is indeed "the little hotel that could" in so many fun yet honorable ways!

Where else could you find a hotel that will make heroes out of you?

Read on and find out!

Yohoo! We're in HEROES HOTEL!!!!!

SHYLIN 1 SEASIDE PALUTO AND DAMPA

I remember when I was younger, my family would go to Dampa paluto restaurants whenever we have balikbayan visitors whom we want to treat to a delicious seafood meal that's hot and fresh. Daddy and Mommy would do all of the shopping while us kiddies would work up an appetite while waiting in the restaurant.

Haaaaaaay! So wonderful memories!

Fast forward to 2018, the Yub and I've been wanting to eat in the DAMPA stretch of restaurants in Manila for soooooo long but we haven't got the guts because we know we don't have the big tummies for it either. The large greasy platters of saucy seafood left a very big impression on our minds that we cannot forget it. You know us, we're so kuripotations and we only want to order what we could finish so we figured that if it's only the 4 of us, our meal there won't be sulit.

But one time, enough was enough. We have waited for sooooo long (emphasis on the soooooo) that we thought, no matter how much our bill would amount to or leftovers we'd have, we'll just take it all home and not go out the next day. The Yub and I have been craving for DAMPA food for as long as we remember that it's time to just GET IT ON.

And that we did!!!!!!

YEHESSSSSSS.......... (cue in Marvin Gaye music).

It's DAMPA TIME!!!!

We finished late checking out museums for our INDEPENDENCE DAY outing that our empty stomachs were growling like hungry hounds. 

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

THE YAPPY BUNCH were in Manila to check out the different museums in celebration of our Independence Day. Even if the little lords were objecting at the start (because we deprived them the opportunity of being lazy the whole day), they later appreciated the different treasures that showcased our history and culture.

So yayyy! Our gimmick was a success!!!

After the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE FINE ARTS, we decided to go to the newly renovated NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY!

MANILA HOTEL STAYCATION (PART TWO)

THE YAPPY BUNCH were in Manila Hotel to celebrate Andrei's win of Best Talent in Mr. BOSCONIAN and we are all having a blast. Many may think this is unlikely because public perception is that MANILA HOTEL is old and stuffy. But really, it was as majestic and historic as we dreamed it would be.

THE YAPPY BUNCH invades THE MANILA HOTEL!

When asked why he chose this classic Manila institution, he answered that it's the hotel where his idol, the BEATLES stayed in when they were in the Philippines.

Awwwww.... The little Ringo talaga!!

I was actually very proud of that reason and kept on mentioning it to everyone who'll listen (kulang na lang mangalabit ako ha ha ha ha ha).

MANILA HOTEL STAYCATION (PART ONE)

THE YAPPY BUNCH are going to MANILA HOTEL and it's a weekend I'm very excited about because I've been wanting to stay in this historical landmark for so long!!!!

Like, since I-was-old-enough long!

Would you believe that the reason why we had a staycation in MANILA HOTEL is because of Andrei?

Yup!!!!

Like I said, I've been curious to have a staycation in MANILA HOTEL for as long as I could remember. It is after all the most grand and posh hotel I have first encountered as a kid. But, lazy old me as usual would always put it off thinking that this big relic would always be there as it had always been.  As a result, tumaba at nagkaasawa na ako't lahat, I still haven't tried out the place.

Enter Andrei.

When Andrei won the Best In Talent in the Mr. Bosconian contest 2018, he had only one wish for his reward -- an overnight stay at MANILA HOTEL. Of course, I was overjoyed with his choice (great minds think alike nga naman!) but I wondered why of all the rewards he could get or all of the hotels that we could stay in, he chose MANILA HOTEL?

"Mommy because it's the hotel where The Beatles stayed in the only time they were here in the Philippines."

Awwwwww! My little Ringo!

So yay!!!! With that, I immediately booked a room for my little family. Even if it was actually my birthday week, our staycation in MANILA HOTEL would be all because of Andrei. He IS actually the reason why we're there.

Yes. My darling bunsoy helped me make one of my dreams come true. We may be here because of his idol Ringo but really, we are all celebrating our love for dear Andrei and how he is a blessing to us in every way.

:)

Wohoo!

We're going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship!

There it is!

LATITUDE BUFFET (HOTEL JEN MANILA)

After about 2 weeks, I thought it was the end of my birthday celebrations. Then, surprise, surprise! HOTEL JEN MANILA called me up saying they also wanted to join in on the fun and invited my family to dinner at LATITUDE!

WOAAAAH!!!!!! Ika nga ni pareng Michael Corleone, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in"... but with FOOD! He he he he!

I'm happy pa that with HOTEL JEN MANILA extended the invitation to my Mom. Of course, birthday celebrations are MORE fun with her.

Check out our wonderful family Saturday dinner at Latitude to celebrate ME being 33!!! Getting older is indeed better with fun, family and delicious food!

He he he he he!

We're here at LATITUDE in HOTEL JEN MANILA!

GOLDEN BAY FRESH SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Our Titas from Las Vegas (Daddy's sisters) stayed with us for a short vacation to visit Daddy during All Soul's day. One Sunday, their cousin invited the whole family for a Chinese lunch at GOLDEN BAY FRESH SEAFOOD RESTAURANT!

We're all here in GOLDEN BAY FRESH SEAFOOD restaurant!

A HOTEL JEN MANILA CHRISTMAS

Christmas is DEFINITELY in the air!!  Besides the chilly mornings, what marks the official arrival of the holiday season are the yuletide decorations, bright twinkly lights, the nostalgic songs, and of course, THE FOOD!

Most recently, we dropped by HOTEL JEN to experience ALL OF THAT during their Christmas tree lighting. 

The tree stood quietly near the staircase and it was indeed lovely.




It was a fun place to have Christmas pictures!

METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF MANILA

On weekends the Chinese Dimpol and I try our best to jam up some culture in our little lords so as to veer away from their gadgets. We feel that it's a more worthy adventure rather than taking them out for the usual mall or shopping getaway. He he he!

For one particular Saturday, we planned on bringing them to the newly renovated Planetarium but the crowds there were horrendous!!!! We lined up for the 2:30pm slot at about 1:00pm and while the guard was counting the batch for that showing, the Yub joked that the last person to be admitted would be the one in front of me.

Well what do you know? IYON NGA NANGYARI!!!! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! The very person at my front was the 200th guest for that day. Kaya, if we wanted to, we would have to go for the 4:00pm show.

NO way.

So with that, the Chinese Dimpol decided to drive around. He was really adamant to take the boys somewhere that they'll learn from. And after some driving, we chanced upon a museum that we have never been before in the Manila area.

The METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF MANILA!!!!

For this month, they're featuring the different maps on the Philippine seas.

At first I thought this was going to be MEH. But really, it was sooooo interesting!

DIAMOND HOTEL BIRTHDAY STAYCATION (PART TWO)

THE YAPPY BUNCH are in DIAMOND HOTEL for the first time for ERICJAZ FOODIES' birthday weekend staycation and as expected, we are having a blast!

We crashed the DIAMOND HOTEL pool for many hours!

CAFE ADRIATICO

I remember when I was still single (with no one to mingle) my family would have occasional lunches at CAFE ADRIATICO in its Greenhills branch. I always have fond memories of our meals there because the place had that classical old Manila ambience while the food was indeed something to go back to for.

Fast forward to decades later (ugh it's true) when I'm already married, with two kids, and having birthday staycations to appease the fact that I'm getting older. During our birthday weekend in DIAMOND HOTEL, the Chinese Dimpol and I were deciding where to have our Saturday dinner that we could dress up for. Of course, we're still on a budget so SPIRAL is out of the question, and we want someplace more special than our usual LAU CHAN when we're in the Manila area.

It was then that I suggested to go to CAFE ADRIATICO since I remembered my family's wonderful meals there. The Chinese Dimpol strongly agreed and stuck to my recommendation even if we saw other possible restaurants for us to try. Naks! I guess he trusted my family's good times!

And what a great dinner we had! We may have had other options to eat in Manila but we were all so happy for a chance to go down memory lane with the delicious food at CAFE ADRIATICO. I'm glad that my Yap guys were able to get a taste of why this cafe is so memorable to me. What makes it more special is that we were all treated to the Filipino/Spansh goodness that CAFE ADRIATICO is famous for during our birthday celebrations!

So Yipeeekeeyey! There is really nothing like food because not only does it make you reminisce about GOOD times, but it also taste so damn GOOD as well!

CAFE ADRIATICO in Malate Manila!

When I called to make reservations, the lady said I didn't really need to since they don't usually have a lot of diners.

When we got there, the place was packed that even their second floor area was full. See? Like I always say, better be safe than sorry!

DIAMOND HOTEL BIRTHDAY STAYCATION (PART ONE)

Last Christmas, the Chinese Dimpol and I received a GC from my sister for DIAMOND HOTEL. When we opened the envelope, both of us were like "Ding! Ding! Ding!" and got very excited to have another staycation with THE YAPPY BUNCH.

We decided to use the GC to celebrate our upcoming birthdays since we were only about 2 weeks apart. However on our intended date, the De Luxe Suite specified on our ancient GC was fully booked. Good thing that the DIAMOND HOTEL had new and renovated rooms available that we only needed to pay a minimum fee for the upgrade.

I'm glad that everything worked out in the end and THE YAPPY BUNCH will have another weekend of fun, food, and family, this time at THE DIAMOND HOTEL!

Happy Birthday to us!

DIAMOND HOTEL!

Their lobby!

It was actually our first time to check-in here so we were all pretty excited.

Even Manong guard was so happy and played peekaboo!

Kidding!

WELCOMING THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY (CHINESE NEW YEAR 2016)

The YAPPY BUNCH raided Binondo recently to celebrate CHINESE NEW YEAR for 2016!

And this time, we are welcoming THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY!!!

We woke up early to drive out to Binondo and we were all excited and lazy.

Well, the Chinese Adonis and I were excited.

The little lords were, as usual, LAZY. He he he he he he he!

Don't fret Mati and Andrei. This is already our 5th year in doing this Chinese New Year Tradition and let me assure you that there will be MORE to come! 

BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

RIZAL PARK (2015)

For many Saturdays already, Andrei has been wishing hard to go to Rizal Park and have a picture by the Rizal Shrine. As much the Chinese Adonis and I want to give him what he wants, we all know how traffic has been horrendous for the past few months that we were really very hesitant to go. It did not help too that it has already been bed weather with the "BER" months that tearing ourselves from our cool beds just so we could dive into the busy and traffic streets of Roxas Boulevard is not something I would go "yipeeeekeeyay" for.

But of course, this is Andrei. My little lovable bunsoy. He's not asking for an expensive gadget or toy. He just wants to see the Rizal Shrine. Of course, we have already been there before in our other Manila days. But for his Filipino subject this year, they are taking up Jose Rizal and because of that, he really wanted to learn more about our National Hero.

Now am I that bad a parent to deprive him of something that wants to learn more about? Something that will cost us almost nothing to enjoy? Something that is about the man who is considered to be epitome of a true Filipino????

Not so much!

So the Chinese Adonis and a wailing Mati lazily took baths earlier than usual and got ready to invade the streets of Manila. To be honest, I heard many grumbles and complaints from the other boys but I just appeased them by saying how it's Andrei's day today and that in the future we'll be doing something that they'll like also.

Like let's say.... watch porn for the Yubsker?

KIDDING!

When all has been said and done, we seriously had a lot of fun doing something different from our usual Saturday routine. Besides discovering the CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND, the YAPPY BUNCH still got awestruck at the familiar sight of the RIZAL SHRINE. At the end of the day too it felt great to be able to do things that not only caused great enjoyment for the family, but we were able to take home some valuable learnings about our culture. And we got all of that by just putting a little effort in getting out of bed and thinking about the very determined Andrei.

MABUHAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

RIZAL PARK!

And there stands our glorious Philippine Flag.

Why is it that no matter how our government officials or countrymen fail us, when I look at the flag and sing "Lupang Hinirang", my faith is always restored?

Sniff sniff.... I still believe in our beautiful country!

MUSEO PAMBATA (2015)

When we went out to celebrate INDEPENDENCE DAY 2015 last June, we did it with our beloved BP Group. After FORT SANTIAGO and lunch at ARISTROCRAT, we were supposed to check out THE SPOLARIUM. But since entrance was free that day, the lines were horrid. So we just proceeded to go to MUSEO PAMBATA since the little kiddies were hankering to go!

MUSEO PAMBATA!

We initially parked at MUSEO PAMBATA in order to get a ride in a Kalesa. Good thing there were several horse drawn carriages parked near the entrance at only P150.00, more than half the price from what you'll find in FORT SANTIAGO.

Team Virrey and Team Navarro went with us for a wee tour around Manila. The kiddies were so excited all the way!