ALBA (CAPITOL COMMONS)

Once upon a time, before the pandemic....

It's the super pamatay belated birthday of my dear Mareng Gail and as tradition permits, I will be treating her to her restaurant of choice.

DRATS... este... MAGALING! MAGALING! He he he he he!

Her choice for the night was ALBA in CAPITOL COMMONS because she was craving for some good ol' Spanish food. I have eaten with the family in ALBA many times before but I haven't tried out their dinner buffet (P933.00 per pax).

I guess there's always a "tindig-balahibo" first time for everyone and I'm glad that I'm going to do it with a friend.

Wait. No pun intended and suggested AT ALL there. Ewwy. Kadire.

:P

We're in ALBA!!!!!!!!!

POPEYE'S PHILIPPINES

The Yub and I have long wanted to try out POPEYE'S since it opened because we're curious how it would fare up against our other chicken favorites. I remember having it many years before in Robinson's Galleria but wanted to taste first-hand if the quality and taste are different now.

Of course, we cannot just try POPEYE's without the 2 asungots. So from the comforts of their Youtube and FB chats (grrrr) we yanked Mati and Andrei to go with us out for a family dinner.

And it was another fun night for THE YAPPY BUNCH where not only we ate enjoyable food but we also saw how helpful our little guys are when needed.

The Yub and I are really thankful for these kind of family nights (yep... even if it's in the very busy restaurant of POPEYE'S). 

WOHOOO!

HARU SUSHI BAR AND RESTAURANT

My old friend from High School, Wendy, was in the country visiting from the US and we planned a getogether to catch up.

We asked her what she was craving for that night. And when she said she was in the mood for some Japanese food, we had the place just for her...

HARU SUSHI BAR AND RESTAURANT!

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!!!!!!

RICO'S LECHON

The Yub and I along with my sister, her hub, and Mommy, checked out something and made it a family day trip at the same time.

Syempre afterwards, we needed to some sustenance. We were supposed to go home to have our lunch but then, we finished late so we all just decided to go somewhere for some serious grubbing...

RICO'S!!!!!!!!!!!

BANANA LEAF CURRY AGAIN (ESTANCIA MALL)

One night, my kumareng Gail was in dire need of the Jazzle Dazzle that when she asked if we could meet, I said yes (you know me, I would always like to help out even if it's not obvious... he he he).

Meet up was in Estancia mall because it's also where her gym is. When deciding on a place, my only condition was that it shouldn't be expensive (hellooo.... hindi naman niya ako ililibre and I'm on tipid mode these days... ha ha ha ha ha).

So we decided once more to go for our trusty BANANA LEAF CURRY -- the food was always good and very affordable.  Sulit na sulit for our kuripot selves.

In the end, it was another fulfilling night: I was able to accomplish my duties as a kumare by being there for a good friend, AND I was able to enjoy  the always satisfying grub from BANANA LEAF CURRY!!!!

It was a great night that I didn't miss the Yub at all!!!

BELAT. He he he he...

Magkumares in BANANA LEAF CURRY!

Uuuuy si mare bagong ligo... Fresh! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

AMARE LA CUCINA AGAIN (2019)

It was Mother's Day and I invited the family to honor THE BEST MOTHER THERE IS, my Mommy!!!!!!

Sunday mass!

For that Sunday I made reservations in AMARE LA CUCINA, a restaurant that we loved in Baguio. We're happy that they have a branch here now.

VALLE VERDE SUNDAY LUNCH

We may not go to VALLE VERDE CLUBHOUSE as much as I wanted to but it's definitely one of my favorite places to visit with the family. For one, it's like taking a trip back in time and entering a Viva Films movie circa 1980 because it seemed like they never changed their interiors (it's just the way I liked it because there's something so comforting and relaxing about their set-up). Also, they served delicious food that's still affordable (I guess that's how it really is with exclusive clubhouses with membership), that's why it never hurts our appetites (and wallets) to go back again and again. The pool is also the best too! We almost always get it all to ourselves!!

That's why when my brother Kuya Jay, who's the real member in VALLE VERDE, invited the family for Sunday lunch, I got all excited. It's been awhile since our last getogether there and I was really looking forward to having my usual favorites.

The great part too is that it's his treat! Yayyy!!!!

VALLE VERDE Clubhouse! Definitely a happy place for us!!!!!

:)

VALLE VERDE CLUBHOUSE for Sunday lunch!

SWIMMING AND EATING ON A HOLIDAY

It was a holiday, and you know us: there is no rest for the wicked. That's why we thought of going out and taking a splash since it's getting kinda hot in the Metro!

We went to VALLE VERDE COUNTRY CLUB!

AMARE LA CUCINA ( KAPITOLYO PASIG CITY )

When THE YAPPY BUNCH was in Baguio City for Andrei's pre-birthday celebration, we had a delicious Italian dinner in AMARE. Andrei had so much fun there that he wanted to eat in the restaurant for the rest of our stay. Of course, as much as we love him, nakakaawa naman ang milyong kilometro na nilakbay namin for Baguio.  Ha ha ha ha ha!

Good thing we discovered that AMARE LA CUCINA recently opened a branch in Kapitolyo, Pasig Cityyyyy! Hurraaaaay! At least we don't have to travel A MILLION miles just for our bunsoy Andrei to have a taste of it.

And when we were having the bunsoys MANY birthday celebrations, he really made sure to include AMARE LA CUCINA in the list!!!! 

AMARE LA CUCINA!

AMARE in Barrio Kapitolyo is brighter than its Baguio counterpart.

STEAK PROJECT 122

ERICJAZ FOODIES was invited to try out the newest steak hub in Pasig City and though it's a bit out of the way from where we lived, we're excited!

STEAK PROJECT was right in the heart of Pasig City near Pasig City Museum and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig. 

TOAST WITH GLENFIDDICH AND LECHON

Honestly, I'm not much of a drinker. But there are just some invites that you cannot say no to, especially if the word "Lechon" is connected to it.

With that, ERICJAZ FOODIES were excited to meet up with fellow foodies from THE KAIN TULOG GANG (or THE KTG) to discover how the Filipino's favorite Lechon becomes more delectable (yes it's possible) with GLENFIDDICH, the most awarded single malt whiskey!

GLENFIDDICH!!!

The delicious event was held in TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN and TASTING ROOM in Ayala the 30th.

BLACK OLIVE

It was a Friday night and our group "THE HAPPY NA, MAGANDA PA" are out with out with our hubbies.

Okay before you all cringe, I have to apologize but yes, that IS what we will be calling ourselves. Though you may not entirely agree on the whole statement, that's just what we are feeling at the moment --- Happy!

And what happens when one is happy?

It makes them beautiful!

And where do you find real true beauty?

INSIDE!

NAKS!

Anyway, we're all out and about with our devoted husbands for our usual dinner getogether. When deciding on a place, it was  Mareng Gail's turn to choose whatever she's craving for the night. (Yup! A great idea I got from dear Gem. Because that's what real friends do, taking turns in choosing while others will generously follow.) After a lot of discussion, we ended up in BLACK OLIVE in Capitol Commons. I haven't eaten there so I was doubly excited at how this night is turning out.

Because why shouldn't I be?

We'll be with generous friends with beautiful faces and beautiful souls (naks)....

AND....

We're trying out a restaurant that I've been reading about but haven't tried yet.

For me, that makes up a great equation for a funtabulous Friday night!

Wow! Now I'll be "Happy-er" and "Maganda-er"!

Teee Hee!

BLACK OLIVE!!!

It was a full night but it's a good thing the girls were able to get a table inside.

MAMA ROSA RESTAURANT

Last week during the Monday holiday, ERICJAZ FOODIES drove on over to Pasig City to try out this new hotspot that's serving up mean plates of Filipino food!

MAMA ROSA RESTAURANT!

MAMA ROSA RESTAURANT is located along the foodie hub of Barrio Kapitolyo and it has been "rubbing elbows" with neighboring restaurants such as Charlie's Burger and Ramen Cool!

CALDERON AND GUEVARRA AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

I enjoyed our CALDERON AND GUEVARRA dinner with THE KTG so much that I really set a date to bring my friends there. Problem was, we were all so busy working, gallivanting, or just doing what we usually do that it was hard to match up our schedules.

Finally we all had a free Sunday for us all to meet up after church. Honestly, I was initially worried because CALDERON AND GUEVARRA didn't have air conditioning so I was not sure how my friends would take the heat. Later on I just consoled myself with the thought that since the food is so good there, they would be able to bear it!

And you know what? I was right!!!!

Because really, there is nothing like spending Sundays with the family and special friends over a delicious lunch. And in CALDERON AND GUEVARRA we got all of that! So as expected, everyone had a great time!

Yup! Amidst the heat and all!

CALDERON AND GUEVARRA GOURMET CARINDERIA!

We went there after church for lunch and woah it was soooo hot! If you have a choice, it would really be best to go there at dinner time. 

If you don't have a choice, don't worry because lunch time IS bearable. As long as you ask for a lot of ice cold water!

LEE HAK KOREAN RESTAURANT

I was browsing Facebook one time and I saw this sponsored post on LEE HAK'S Buffet Promo. I checked the album and saw that it was indeed a pretty good deal because for only P322.00 (weekday dinner rate), you could help yourself to some Korean Pork and Chicken Barbecue plus a variety of food selections from their buffet. Though the promo does not include Beef Barbecue, I still think that it's worth a try.

So I called home and contacted the usual culprits who would enjoy this Korean buffet promo: one was Mati, my little foodie who lives for Bibimbap, the other is the Chinese Dimpol, who lives to please me.

YEHESSSSS!!!!

If you're wondering about Andrei, I invited him but he cheekily responded that he'll only join us if we're going to SAMBOKOJIN.

And we're leaving him.

Tee hee!

Anyway, check out our fun and VERY filling dinner at LEE HAK KOREAN RESTAURANT! 

LEE HAK KOREAN RESTAURANT!

You won't miss this along Pioneer Center because it's the restaurant with the ultra bright lights on their signage!

Enter!

I made reservations to ensure a table for us tonight but since there were a lot of people availing of the promo, we still had to wait. 

CAFE JUANITA

It was the birthday of mareng Gail and finally we were able to celebrate at a restaurant I've been wanting to try for a long time...

Photo grabbed from net

CAFE JUANITA!!!!

CAFE JUANITA is not your usual and traditional Filipino restaurant. When you enter, you won't see ordinary of tables and chairs. There is no regular pattern or arrangement. It's like you entered somebody's home and the host decided to set it up to accommodate an impromptu party.

DYCE N' DYNE

I have heard about DYCE N' DYNE from my foodie friends as a very fun place to go to that I have mentally blocked a date day there with THE YAPPY BUNCH.

However, many things came up in our mundane lives that our supposed to be gaming Saturday there would be cancelled:

Make up classes for the boys... meh!
More school commitment for the boys... meh!
Going to my husband's hometown... meh!
Planning my sister's bridal shower... meh!My sister's shower... meh!My sister' wedding... meh!

Tee hee! Kidding!

My husband and I had so many "trivial" commitments that came up which barred our DYCE N' DYNE day. And, the next thing we knew, it's already November!!!! Oh the humanity!

I'm kidding of course as obviously those above were such important weekends of our lives. But do understand that when the day came when we actually spent our night at DYCE N' DYNE with the little lords, I immediately thought: "Why the heck didn't we come here sooner???" Yep! It was THAT awesome!!!!

And for a second I really questioned our priorities!

Don't worry. It was just for a second though. Tee hee!

You'll definitely get me when you are grabbing the next board game to crush your companions with.

:P 

 

DYCE N' DYNE!!!!

Yep! We're finally here!

THE YAPPY BUNCH visited DYCE N' DYNE on a Sunday and we saw that the place was jampacked!

Woah! This must be good!

BUFFALO WILD WINGS PART DEUX

Last Summer, THE YAPPY BUNCH made the most out of summer vacation and went out almost everyday to go on food trips. One of our must-stops is a much-awaited dinner in BUFFALO WILD WINGS in Capitol Commons --  one of the newest American Franchises that has invaded our country!

FINALLY Ariel happened to me... este... BUFFALO WILD WINGS happened to us!

The last time we had dinner here as a family was when we took home buckets of their delicious chicken wings in our US vacation last year. We thought we had to go back to the land of milk and honey to be able to get a taste of this favorite with beer and cocktails. So happy that BUFFALO WILD WINGS finally opened a branch in Capitol Commons that it certainly did not take long before we dragged the little lords back here!

 

BUFFALO WILD WINGS!!!!

 

We went to BUFFALO WILD WINGS on a weekday and there was fairly a number of wing lovers feasting at their tables!

BUFFALO WILD WINGS IN CAPITOL COMMONS

When we were in the US last year (egad has it already been a year???), my cousin took us to BUFFALO WILD WINGS to take home some buckets of chicken for dinner. We were with him because we were touring the strip of Las Vegas that time and we were famished for some juicy chicken wings!!

It was socceer season that day in BUFFALO WILD WINGS Las Vegas and while waiting for our orders, we did what we would usually do to pass the time....  

We took pictures...

... and played some games!

Andrei's so good here because for one coin, he was able to hook up 2 stuffed toys!!! Isn't that cool? I could barely manage to get even just one! 

BUFFALO WIND WINGS finally landed in the Philippines and opened its doors early this year. My husband and I were invited to feast on these addicting wings recently and we were so happy that it tasted as delicious as it did in the US!! No shortcuts nor cheapening factors (like what some US franchises would do) in order to lower their prices. You will still get the real deal of this winged favorite that's ruling the roost of chicken and sports lovers alike!

BUFFALO WILD WINGS in CAPITOL COMMONS!

The Chinese Adonis arrived early as he was very excited to get a taste again of his favorite fried wings!

WELCOME!