MENYA KOKORO BGC

For one Saturday family gimik, my guys and I decided to try out something different from our usual Bonifacio High Street lunch and coffee. Instead, we decided to go Uptown Mall...

..for some lunch and coffee!!! He he he he he he!

This time though, we wanted to try out MENYA KOKORO!

TONGYANG SHABU SHABU EXPRESS

Once upon a time before the pandemic...

My little family are such fans of Shabu Shabu that we cannot stay away from it for a long time. Fried Chicken, Pizza, Burgers, etc etc are fine when we're out but there's something deeply comforting about slurping on boiling hot soup, devouring the chewy noodles, and crunchy vegetables, then dipping it all on my spicy and "umami" filled sauce. We just gotta have it at least once a month in our mundane lives!

One night while the Yub and I were doing groceries, we came upon TONGYANG SHABU SHABU EXPRESS. We have already been to their mothership TONGYANG buffet many years before but since we're watching our diets and our wallets, the "express version" would be perfect!

And we were right. TONGYANG SHABU SHABU EXPRESS was just what we needed.  I think we'll be here A HUNDRED TIMES more.

(That's what you think... ha ha ha ha-- Jaz from the future)

TONGYANG SHABU SHABU EXPRESS!!!!!

LOCAL UDON RESTAURANT MT FUJI

When we were in JAPAN last 2019, the weather was soooo cold that we're always game to get a big bowl of hot noodles.

Luckily that during our trip to Mount Fuji, we saw this udon restaurant (don't care if it's a tourist trap) that satisfied us to the maximum!!!!

ENTER!!!

(Sorry but I really can't figure out the name. Ha ha ha ha!)

ARISTOCRAT WITH THE FAMILY (2019)

My Lolo recently received an award for his efforts in pioneering/promoting our religion in the Cavite area and it's a good thing that my titas, Daddy's sisters, were here from the US to attend the event. They were actually in the Philippines to visit my Dad for all Soul's day so it was a delightful surprise that our Lolo, their Dad, will be given such recognition by our church the same time they're here.

Of course, my family will be more than happy to receive the award but knowing how proud my titas are of their tatay, I know that they wouldn't want to miss it for the world!

I wonder if my Dad had a "hand" in arranging this so that they could be here? He he he he he!

So for that night, my titas wished to eat/celebrate in their favorite ARISTOCRAT after the event. The ceremony will take place in one of the theatres in CCP and would probably finish by about 8pm. It was a by-invitation only (if we wanted to watch, we have to pay P1,000.00... ay!) that my Mom said they'll just be the ones to attend and we could just meet them at ARISTOCRAT for dinner.

Syempre, masunurin kaming mga bata. Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!

Of course, we're more than happy to wait in ARISTOCRAT because we loved the food there.

I'm sure my Mom wouldn't mind if we start eating already though.

Tee to the Hee! 

ARISTOCRAT!!!!!

NIPA HUT

One night, I had a sudden craving for some good old sizzling sisig that when I told my ugly husband, he was like "Sige... Dun tayo sa (ganito) and (ganito)." (Yup. Sisig is already a regular part of our dietary menu.)

MEH. I thought aloud. Why not try something new???

But where? We could try this restaurant and that restaurant but it just didn't appeal to me. Finally, while we were driving home, we passed by an old favorite which had been sitting atop the "mountains of Pasig for many years....

NIPA HUT!!!!!!

MARUGAME UDON

ERICJAZ FOODIES have a new favorite these days...

MARUGAME UDON!!!

Could you blame us? The place serves delicious Japanese food at affordable prices. At the same time, they have this efficient system ensuring fast service and seating. So yeah, it's pretty understandable why this would be our current favorite.

And when I say current favorite it means we'll be eating here as much as we can!

Tee to the HEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MARUGAME UDON!!!

GANSO SHABUWAY FOR DAD AND THE FAMILY

It's the second year since my Daddyowzers went to heaven, and even it was a very sad day for us, the family got together to honor a very great man and offer our prayers for him.

Hello Daddy! We miss you!!!!

PARADISE DYNASTY WITH THE FAMILY (2019)

It's my parents 51st wedding anniversary and though my Daddyowzers is in heaven already (huhuhu...) I still feel that we should go out and celebrate it. Of course, my Mom said she's fine at home but since THE YAPPY BUNCH came from a staycation, we should at least go out and treat my Mom in honor of her Anniversary with my Daddy (RIP).

For tonight, our choice was in PARADISE DYNASTY. Because of course, special occasions like this call for "sureball" deeeeelicious dishes! 

PARADISE DYNASTY!!!!

On weekends, reservations are recommended in PARADISE DYNASTY.

BUDDY'S AGAIN (2019)

Remember when I told you how much my sister and her husband were so sorry (or remorseful) that they were not able to join Yub's BUDDY'S treat during his last birthday?

They regretted not being able to join us SO MUCH that they offered to give Yub another birthday treat in BUDDY'S!!!!

Wohooo! This was just SO PERFECT for family Sunday lunch!!!!

Of course, dapat may gift pa din!!!!!!

#anokayosinuswerte

KIDDING!!!

Or am I????

BUDDY'S!!!!!!!!!!!

This is Yub's favorite restaurant. I think he could eat here EVERYDAY!!!

BUBBLES CRISPY PATA RESTAURANT AGAIN (2019)

THE YAPPY BUNCH were in Yub's hometown in Quezon Province and while we're there, we would usually eat in his favorite restaurants.

Yup!

Chicken Crispers could wait.
Fat burgers should just chill.
Dimsums could keep on steaming.
Ramen should simmer for awhile.

We were in Quezon province and we will be eating what they DON'T have in Manila!!!!!

For that weekend however, we were still having Master Mati's birthday celebrations for 2019 that Yub was at the "mercy" of our first born. Lucky for the Yub, our sons have good taste (took after the Mom) that when I asked Master Mati where he wanted to eat that Sunday, he answered with so much conviction you'd think he was the defense team of OJ Simpson: "Let's eat at BUBBLES Mommy. After all, that's where the best crispy pata is!!!!"

I'm sure the Yub was doing the happy dance secretly that I almost wanted to curse him with lbm (tee hee). But that Sunday was about Master Mati and how we wanted to make him happy with our food trips (our weekend plans did not push through because we had to go to Quezon province). So BUBBLES CRISPY PATA AND RESTAURANT it is! Anything to make my big guy happy.

LINGID sa kaniyang kaalaman, BUBBLES made us all happy too. Especially the Yub (he he he he he).

(I still hope kumulo tyan niya because, meh, I get my kicks bullying my husband. Har de har har!!!!)

BUBBLES CRISPY PATA and RESTAURANT!!

BUBBLES was a very popular restaurant in the area that it's always full during lunch and dinner hours. Good thing that my Yub was pogi that while he was talking to the owner on the phone, she agreed to take our reservations.

Did you see the weirdness in my last sentence? He he he he he he!

EAT FRESH - HONG KONG FAMOUS STREET FOOD

My husband is THE KING OF THE NORTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Said ala Game of Thrones).

But not in the way you think... Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

The Yub usually goes around the Northside for his work that's why he's the one always fetching me when I get out of work.

Oh don't you know? The Yubhub is an Electrolux Man!!!

"He's gonna knock your door...
Ring on your bell...
Tap on your window too...
Come on and open your door so he could show you more...
He's the handy electrolux man!!!"

TEE HEE!!!

If you know that ad, then you're old as me. (Sorry Millennials. You missed out on a potential LSS that will SO make your day. He he he he).

By the way, I typed that from memory. Bet you can't be a loser like that no? HA!!!

Anyway, I usually get out of work late (like 8:00pm) that we're too hungry for the long drive home. With that, we'd look for somewhere to eat, pronto. While going on our usual route, we saw this new establishment with bright lights. There were also a lot of cars parked which meant the place was popular. When we looked closely, we saw that it was the new EAT FRESH - HONG KONG FAMOUS STREET FOOD.

Wow! Business is indeed booming!!!!

We remember how it used to be like a small streetside eatery; now, the restaurant is in a mansion house! So if the reason for their success was indeed the food then we should really try it out, fast.

And that we did! Did we enjoy our dinner?

You'll see. YOU'LL ALL SEE! HA!

Dan... dan... dan!

EAT FRESH!!!

OF WAITRESS AND THE NEW NORTH PARK

We recently got tickets to watch the latest Broadway musical presented by the Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group entitled WAITRESS and I invited the usual suspects to go with me -- Mommy, Ate Jojit, her hub Anthony, AND the Yubhub!

I actually haven't heard about this supposed to be popular Broadway musical until now. Based on the ads though, it seemed entertaining and even if I did't know the songs, I'm sure it will be something that my Mom and sister will like.

I CANNOT say the same for the boys though. I recently discovered that when it comes to our plays, they have this secret "jak en poy" in determining who will go with us. Of course, if we didn't have  a driver or we really needed a bodyguard, they have no choice. But if we just happen to have an extra ticket, they'll certainly head for the hills. HA HA HA HA HA!

That's why when my good friend Aning learned that we're going to watch WAITRESS she asked if we could get her extra tickets because she really wanted to go with us.

DING! DING! DING!!!!!

Now THAT was Anthony's opportunity to escape. Ha ha ha ha ha ha! As for the Yub, he said we needed a bodyguard (aka he secretly wanted to watch) kaya he'll go with us. Maybe he learned about the naughty story? I don't know. But it's great that he'll be joining us!

So yep, we had a great Fridate with WAITRESS. It's always fun bonding with my Mom, ate Jit, and now Aning, over a Broadway play.

If there's nudity, the Yub will SURELY agree. He he he he he he he!

THE WAITRESSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE GRID FOOD MARKET AGAIN

The YAPPY BUNCH have a new favorite in Powerplant Mall --   THE GRID FOOD MARKET!!!

We loved the food because everyone took their pick in the cuisine they liked. There were also several stalls that offered not your usual food court menus but instead served special gourmet dishes that kept everything exciting. Another great thing too was that the servings were big enough for sharing! Kaya yay! That would make it more affordable for me and the Yubhub!!!!!!!

So now, whenever we're thinking of a place to eat in Powerplant Mall, we would always blurt out in unison...

THE GRID!!!!

Yup! With that, everyone will be truly and deliciously happy!!!!!

THE GRID FOOD MARKET!!!

Yup! Again and again!!!!!!!!!!!

OF SIDESHOW AND NEXT DOOR NORTH PARK

SIDESHOW the musical recently had its run last September and I was able to treat my Mom and family to watch it in RCBC Plaza. The Chinese Panget was not that enthusiastic to go with us but sorry siya, we needed a bodyguard (ha ha ha ha ha ha!). I just consoled him that it would be an memorable musical to see onstage especially that the story was based on facts and that he'll see 2 pretty cute girls.

OKAY SOLD!

Aba! Aba! Aba!

Come look at the freaks!

Not us ah. The ones behind us!

THE GRID FOOD MARKET (POWERPLANT MALL)

It was a holiday and that meant that THE YAPPY BUNCH would be out and about for some silly family time. It may be tempting though to stay at home and just sleep the day away but then our stomachs grumbled and we suddenly remembered how we all wanted to try out the new THE GRID FOOD MARKET in our favorite Powerplant Mall!

E you know us, we're a slave to our tummies and cravings. Ha ha ha ha ha ha! The best part too is that we ALL felt that way so everyone was excited to go. Yup! We all had the same mindset for that day.

Naks! The family that craves together, stays together nga naman!!!

:P  

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!

A SAD VISIT TO GENKI SUSHI

I'm sure it's fairly obvious by now that one of our favorite restaurants is GENKI SUSHI. From its first branch with the long lines to the other branches that answer our "instant sushi cravings", GENKI SUSHI has always been there for us.

It is also with GENKI SUSHI that we find ourselves usually commemorating the start and/or end of summer . I really don't know why and how this came to be but since GENKI SUSHI has equaled "HAPPINESS" for me and the kids, they quickly hooked it up with their summer vacation.

Basta when classes end, we just HAVE to eat at GENKI SUSHI!!!!

HOWEVER, for this particular visit, it was a bittersweet dinner in GENKI SUSHI. The Yub and I decided to treat the boys here again to formally say goodbye to their SUMMER VACATION (to lessen the pain, kumbaga... He he he he he).  So everything was fun as usual -- chomp, chomp, chomp, order, order, order, train, train, train, but there were periods where one of the boys would comically wail and cry "I don't want summer vacation to end!!!!!!"

There... there... my sweet summer child (tee hee). Before you know it, we'll be back here again but this time to start summer. He he he he he he!

Good thing GENKI SUSHI is "here" during this sad time.

Tee hee!!!!!!

It was a quiet night n GENKI SUSHI!

MIEN SAN AGAIN

MIEN SAN is one restaurant in San Juan that you couldn't miss because of its bright lights and colors along Granada street. We have only eaten there once but even if we want to go back again, we just haven't gotten ourselves to do so well because we would usually prefer the convenience (and the variety of places to go to) in a mall.

One time after he picked me up from work, the Yub and I were deeply craving for some of our favorite Ramen. But when lo and behold we went to our usual place, we were SO disappointed to discover that it was closed. With that, MIEN SAN somehow "called" our attention and invited us to go back inside.

MIEN SAN was not as spacious as it was before and I think they cut down on rental space because they have another branch along Annapolis street. Still, this restaurant maintained that homey and comfy Chinese family vibe that it was popular for. And after our meal, the Yub and I loved our dinner that once again made promises that we would go back for some more.

My sexy tummy: "YES! Please don't be your usual forgetful self and forget!!!!!!!"

>:P 

YOHOO! We're in MIEN SAN!!!!

(In fairness, I think ang ganda ko sa pic!)

PAWIKAN BEACH BAR AND GRILL - ANVAYA COVE

Our staycation in ANVAYA COVE was coming to an end and even though THE YAPPY BUNCH would like to stay longer, we feel that we were able to make the most out of our family weekend in the resort.

Still, we cannot leave without one last "hurrah" with the gang. With that, we had our late lunch together with our BP (Bawal Panget) family in ANVAYA COVE!

PAWIKAN BEACH BAR AND GRILL!

There was a bit of a walk going to the PAWIKAN BEACH BAR AND GRILL. But our little ones didn't mind because it gave them more chance to play with their fellow kiddies!

OF DIN TAI FUNG AND JURASSIC WORLD

It was Saturday and THE YAPPY BUNCH were out and about for our usual family movie night. We were going to watch the last full show of JURASSIC WORLD, a request made specially by the boys, and we were all excited.

BUT, before anything else, we GOTTA EAT!

I guess that's why we chose the last full show -- so that we'd have plenty of time to chat and enjoy our food. For that particular night though, we were craving to try out something else besides our usual go-to restaurants in Powerplant Mall.

We decided to go to the new wing and saw a lot of people lining up for DIN TAI FUNG. The Yub and I had already tried the SM Megamall Branch while the family got to have lunch in their Hong Kong store a year before.

How does Powerplant Mall branch fare up?

We'll find out soon! Dan... Dan... DAAAAAAAAN! 

DIN TAI FUNG!!!!

Like I said, there were a lot of people that night dining in DIN TAI FUNG. 

E you know us, we treat crowds as a challenge not a hindrance! Ha ha ha ha ha!

Kala nyo maiisahan nyo kami??? 

Kidding!