MY 46TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

(I know I'm already 50 now but as I was looking at my drafts I saw that I wasn't able to post this.... I was leaning towards not posting it anymore but then I saw how some of the special people in my life were still with me during this time, and how everything was just boringly "perfect." Maybe it's their way of saying that they're still with me??

Praying that life goes back this again...)

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Another birthday passed and you know what that means:

I'll be 46 este... 36 years old now.
I'll be hotter.
I'll be sexier.
I'll be wiser.
I'll be delusional.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Seriously though what gets me all emo emo these days is how at my age I'm still crazy, weird, and childlike. I thought that when I get older I'll automatically become matured and be like those genteel Moms in Disney films. But nooooooh... I think I'm becoming worse with age. Maybe that's why the boys are so ashamed of me.

CHE!!!! Is it embarrassing to have a Mom who gives the name "Mati Da Pogi" to the barista so that when he calls it out for claiming, people in the cafe would know that Mati is indeed pogi??!!!! Cool kaya!!!!!

I've also started to accept that I am not like other women/moms out there because my craziness is always equal to happiness.   

Anyway.....

So yes, with my big 4-6, I thought it's going to be MEH and ordinary especially because of the pandemic. 

Turns out, it's still my best birthday EVER. 

I know you might say it's OA of me to say my birthday celebrations this year are fun when it's really ordinary and "tipid" to what others do. I don't know. Maybe that's just me. For me I always find joy in the present. And I think I've always claimed that as long as I have my family and my favorite friends, I'll be happy.

Eh pano yan, may delicious food pa?

Sharing with you again my birthday celebrations for turning 4-6... este.... 3-6. He he he he he! I once learned again that it doesn't matter if your celebration are grand or simple, as long as your family and true friends are with you, it will still definitely be AWESOME. 

(Belated) Happy Birthday to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!!!

CHRISTMAS 2022

I know it might be too late by the time I post this, but I cannot just ignore CHRISTMAS especially that we had another blessed celebration this year. 

Of course, I would have preferred for my Dad and BGP Mariane to be with us, still, we are celebrating the birthday of Jesus and it always bring a feeling of gratitude and comfort in my heart. Happy too that we have a new member in the family to party on during this holiday season. 

So with that, thankful we are once again together for Christmas, thankful that we did our usual traditions (most especially the picture by the tree... tee hee) and most of all, thankful FOR ALL THE FOOD. Ha ha ha ha ha!

May be a belated Merry Christmas coming from ERICJAZ FOODIES, but still, here we are. He he he he he!

ENJOY! I know we did!

YOOO to the HOO!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

HOTEL HOPPING TO WELCOME 2023

AND for the 10th time in this silly little foodie blog, I am again featuring our traditional HOTEL HOPPING to end the old and greet the new year! I know you guys may be tired of this, but sorry na lang because this is a strict family tradition and it's most likely that we'll be doing it until the boys leave us to have a million babies. 

BELAT!!

Seriously though, yes, we've been going to the same hotels and again, we've been doing the same thing over and over again. Still, every year gives a different kind of happiness, a different kind of memory, and a different sense of loving accomplishment at something that my Dad started while we were all little brats. 

The pandemic may put a pause in our lives but not our family traditions. This year, we're excited that my Mom has finally joined us. I think the last time she was part of our HOTEL HOPPING tradition was when Daddy was initiating it. Though she changed our initial plans because either she didn't want to go too far or she didn't want to stay out late, in the end, everything worked out perfectly fun. 

So here we are, sharing our HOTEL HOPPING tradition here in the blog (10th in ERICJAZFOODIES while forever in reality). 

Enjoy!!!

Or not.

I know we DEFINITELY did!

HOTEL HOPPING AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!!

OUR AWESOME YAPPY 2022 (PART TWO)

As much as I want to always blog, I need to finish recording data and I could do more so at night. Too sad though that I haven't documented much of what's happening in my life in the past few months.

SO, I apologize if this recap came out late. I'm trying my best to record everything to the best of my abilities. Like I mentioned in the previous post, if there's something that I learned in 2022 is to ALWAYS cherish every moment. 

And in my case, blog about it as well so that I won't ever forget it. 

You'll understand more in the next post. For now, enjoy... or be traumatized. 

BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!

Here's the second trimester of the year. Don't block me just yet. 

MAY 

May 3, 2022

Dinner at The Alley!

Because will always choose and treat my guys whenever I can (especially if I have b…. Buni… haha) 🙂

OUR AWESOME YAPPY 2022 (PART ONE)

Another year... Another blog.

And yep, IT'S 2022!!!!!

I know I have been one lazy (or busy?) girl from the previous year that I wasn't able to blog as much as I used to. OKAY fine. I admit. It's not just work, it's BTS! Ha ha ha ha ha! I promise though that I will be doing some changes this year.... 

And one of them is to be more active again in ERICJAZ FOODIES!

This will still be on a personal level though as I have always maintained how ERICJAZ FOODIES is like my online diary. Sometimes I have to admit that I'm doing this more also for myself then the happiness of the people I get to share it with is just the cool sweet end of the deal.

So here I am again with the recap of the year that was. I'm actually doing this on a January so I don't know what 2022 has in store. Like what I said in my New Year's post, this time I'm not gonna say "BRING IT ON," or "EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE BETTER." Instead, what I'm hoping more for now is that "LET EVERYTHING WORK OUT with the help of the power of prayer."

So yep, I'm writing this right now, hopeful and still optimistic of what this year holds for all of us. And since it has helped me so much in the recent years, will believe in the power of prayer that whatever happens, everything will work out.

First things first though... Hmmmm... 1 month in and I have broken many numbers already. ESPECIALLY number 1!!! Ha ha ha ha ha!

Okay. This is not counted. Ha ha ha ha ha! Still, there are many items that I do promise to work on.

And was I able to accomplish them? Hopefully. In the meantime, sharing with you our important and memorable moments from the first quarter of 2022!!!!

JANUARY

January 1, 2022

IT'S A NEW YEAR!!!!!!

OUR CHRISTMAS 2021

I don't know if it's the pandemic or that I'm turning into a grumpy senior citizen (tee hee) but I really didn't feel the holidays coming up. Sure there were the usual decorations, lights, and chilly weather, but I don't know. It's just not the same.

Of course, shy and suplada me really preferred staying at home or going out with family and/or super close friends. So I can't really blame the covid again on that. In fact, it's one aspect of the pandemic that I preferred -- having an excuse not to see the people I so don't like (tee hee).

Maybe because of work din that I wasn't able to feel the holidays? I got some assignments that got me sort of busy, but still, I was thankful naman because my work is a blessing. So I'm not really blaming that. Truth be told, my work gave the season a little more excitement because I had the funds to order what I liked. Ha ha ha ha! So yeah.. that's not the reason. 

Whatever it is, I'm glad that come the actual day of Christmas we got all that we wished for -- family was together, food was soooo damn awesome, we were all crazy laughing and happy, we got the gifts that we wanted (plus more), EVERYBODY agreed to take a lot of pictures (hay sobrang challenge with my family yan ha ha ha ha), AND that we all felt the love blessings around us.

It was really a blessed day to celebrate the coming of our Lord. So it may be different from before, but I'm not complaining. We all don't have a choice but to accept the situation these days and just make the most out of it. So party on!  As what I would always say, it's the best Christmas celebration yet! 

Many burp moments pa! He he he he he!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

OUR AWESOME YAPPY 2021 (PART ONE)

It's the New Year once more and amidst the pandemic that we just experienced last 2020, I am so hopeful that we'll have a better one this 2021.

Because really, anything "better" is a welcome change. I would always say "kahit nga hind super or much better, basta BETTER!" Ha ha ha ha!

For the first part of 2021, I'd say, things are looking up. I cannot go into all the specifics but I'm so thankful that some of my prayers are already being answered. And since what I'm praying for is to receive what's best for me and the family, I know that where we are now is what the Lord wants for us.

Now that's a very comforting thought right?

For this new year, I don't want to challenge it with a lame "bring it on" nor dare it to overthrow the last one.

What I plan to do is ACCEPT 2021.

I'm doing this post at the first month so I really don't know what's in store for all of us, but yeah, whatever it would give us I would still embrace it.

Like what I would always say, there's always something to be thankful for. 

So yeah, here's to the start of the New Year where we will accept it with all the knowledge and values learned from the previous one (because you gotta admit, though 2020 majorly sucked, there were still many "AHA" moments there).

In that way, I personally believe that 2021 will then be better for all of us.

Eow pozh 2021!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

ANDREI'S 14TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

It's my baby bunsoys birthday and syempre, pandemic or not, Yub and I will do what we can to make it an unforgettable one.

Last year, we had a surprise party for him when the bunso turned 13 years old.

This year, even if turning 14 is not as grand of a milestone as when he officially became a teenager, we still wanted to give him a celebration to honor our loving and talented bunso.

Of course, there may be no staycations nor multiple dinners at our usual birthday restaurants, but still, our munting celebrations were filled as much love as we could all muster.

So HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS my dearest baby bunso!!! We love you soooooooooooooooooo much!

OUR VALENTINE'S (2021)

Iiiiit's VALENTIME'S once again and though many out there are all starry eyed and looking forward to a romantic celebration this day of hearts, for me it's different.

I have another excuse to EAT!!!

Bwa ha ha ha ha ha! Naaaah! I'm kidding!

I've spent so many years being that unattractive other friend whom nobody notices and I dream of the day when I'll have a forever Valentime. I guess I looked pathetic because my Dad would send me flowers with the card "From Roger, your secret admirer" just to make me feel better. Ha ha ha ha ha!

So that day finally came and I'm so thankful to have not just one, but 3 pogi VALENTIMES all in all.

Of course, Daddy will always and forever be my original VALENTIME who was there when no one wanted me. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!! He was after all, the one who set the standard of surprising me with flowers, giving us chocolates, and treating us out every VALENTIME'S!

Now the guys I have now will suffer the consequences!

BWA HA HA HA HA!

Kidding!

HAPPY VALENTIME'S DAY everyone!

(Yes that's how I always call it. May reklamo??!!)

OUR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION FOR 2021

Good-bye 2020!!!!

Based on the posts and comments of other people, many were happy to say adieu to the year that was. Some would even go far as wanting to  get rid of 2020 saying that it's the worst year ever.

I understand and respect where the strong emotions are coming from especially with the pandemic. My family also experienced losses because of it. Still, I want to (try) to look at the bright side and appreciate what we still all have: family, close friends, our humor (ahem... tiktok vids??), a roof above our head, our means to earn, our lives, our food, and of course, our faith.

2020 is the year the we could all do without. Still, I want to recognize that because of 2020, we all learned something, appreciated what we had, treasured those who matter, and renewed/strengthened our faith.

2020 may be a bad year but remember that there were still smiles, there was still love, and we still had each other. To me, it would still count as a good year.

Yun lang it will be the "leastest" of all good years. Ha ha ha ha ha!

Sharing with you our celebration in welcoming the New Year. Let's all hope and pray that 2021 will be better, even for just a bit.

EOW POZH 2021!!!!!

(Teeheee)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

OUR CHRISTMAS (2020)

It's CHRISTMAS! And even though I've heard several times from people how "they don't feel the warmth of the holidays," I beg to differ. Of course, I know where the sadness is coming from. This pandemic truly caught us all by surprise and I'm sure everyone (myself included) has experienced pain and loss. Still, even if our holidays were not as festive and "en grande" as before, we should still remember and focus on the deeper meaning of CHRISTMAS. The season after all celebrates the birthday of Jesus and I believe that is already reason enough to at least appreciate what we already have and (still) thank God for everything.

So yes, even if CHRISTMAS is different this year, let us all just focus on what's important -- family, blessings, love, and Jesus.

With those in mind, I'm sure the heart will find the happiness we all need right now.

Sharing with you what happened to us during the holidays...

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

OUR YAPPY 2020 (PART THREE)

And there you have it. The last trimester of the year. I know I have been saying this over and over again, but let me say it once more: who would have thought that 2020 was going to turn out THIS way????

Now the expression "Hindi naman aalis ang (destination) na yan..." is just so ironic now. With the pandemic, as much as we wanted to go somewhere, we cannot do so. For everyone's good, we have to stay at home or limit our social life unless it's something very important.

It is so sad too that we have friends and relatives who've had deaths in their families. I could only imagine the pain they are going through during this time where everything was just beyond our control. It's just unfortunate that we also cannot be with them during this very difficult time. Instead, we offered prayers for their loved ones. Just overwhelming na talagang "sunod-sunod."

May be hard to believe but the saying "There's no place like home" gives much comfort now. It got me realizing that even with the crises going on, we should still all be thankful especially if we have a loving home to sleep in.

So yes, 2020 may be a very trying year for all of us but let's just try to see what we could learn from the experience. Corny as it may sound, I believe that from the darkness there will always be light. So really, let us learn from what happened to us in 2020 and be ready with a positive attitude for 2021. Things may not return to what it used to be but let us just be thankful for what we still have.

With that, let's take a break from the defiant "Bring it on 2021" or focusing on greeting the new year with a glamorous bang. Instead, let us say our prayers and believe that everything will be better soon.

Until then, let us still thank the Lord and appreciate all of the blessings that He has bestowed us this year. Believe me, there is still a lot. Hence, this post. I'm taking notice of all of it. Ha ha ha ha ha!

Promise, we still had a good 2020. For 2021, let's all pray, that it will be great!

YEHESSSS! 

OUR YAPPY 2020 (PART TWO)

Never in a million years (as if I lived that long) would I have thought that a certain Covid-19 would paralyze our social, economical, professional, educational, etc., etc., system.

We were all caught unawares!

Still with that pandemic, many of us were able to discover more about ourselves.

I for one appreciated more how cool and loving my family really are especially when I see others post about how bored they were and how they wanted to "break free" from their "prison." Never did I feel that because everyday had a different kind of simple fun in them. I rather enjoyed being in solitude with my family doing simple things like cooking (we play loud music and try out new recipes), cleaning (promise ang kulitan namin at who will wash dishes is so funny), eating (kwentuhan galore), movie nights, praying the rosary, etc etc. Truth be told, I enjoyed our extended family time more that I wasn't able to join zoom or group chats. My focus really became the people who I was with -- my family.

A friend (itago natin sa pangalan na Mareng Gail) told me that at our age, we should now choose to be with people who makes us happy.

And with that, I'm thankful I am "stuck" with the people who not only make me so happy but they also make my life complete. As a result, we really didn't mind the ECQ too much because it became an extended "home-cation" for us!

Sharing with you the second trimester of our year 2020! Usually my "end of the year specials" only have 2 parts, but for this year, I divided it into a threesome. I know that 2020 is the year where many things went wrong and there were no gimiks/outings that happened (too much). Still, I want to remember the good times that we had during the start of the year and I'm grateful that there were still many that I want to remember.

Rock on!!!!!!!!!

I swear that it's still a great year!

MY 45TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

When I was younger, I thought that 45 is somebody very old, knowledgeable about life, ladylike, well-behaved, and goodness would just flow through her veins.

Looking at the mirror I'm thinking... NAAAAAH. He he he!

Anyone who's close to me would assure you that I'm nowhere those traits above: I am still figuring out this thing called "life," I am still wacky and kenkoy, my voice is still very loud and I laugh with a guffaw, I could still be very mean, AND, I look 30.

I'm sure the last one made you gag. Ha ha ha ha ha!

What I did discover about growing old is that I got more emotional and became a crybaby. Yeah! Not just by watching movies ah (oh I love crying at movies) but my stone heart has finally melted (to think I'm the girl who was dedma with all the palanca letters from school retreats). I finally got why my Lolos and Lolas would suddenly burst out laughing when we're together. At this age I finally understood how unimportant material things are and that what matters most are the people around you.

In fact, I didn't expect gifts! When friends asked me what I liked, I would always say "Just promise you'll always be there for me" is my usual reply. (Of course Yub and the family are not included since I rely on them to buy new clothes or techie stuff. I don't usually have the budget to do so. #kuripot. Ha ha ha ha ha!).

Sharing with you my birthday celebrations this year when I turned 45! I know I say this always but, yep, it's still the best one yet. You may find my celebrations boring but I'm the type who values what I have now rather than reminiscing the days before or aspiring for what I will get in the future. Of course, like I always say (again), my birthday celebrations would be ultimo perfecto if my Daddyowzers was with us, but I guess celebrating with our loved ones and receiving blessings (that he initiated) is the next best thing.

So yay! Here's to me!! I'm 45 and super alive!

:P  

OOPS.. Sorry! Typo! I'm only 35 pala. He he he he!

MATI'S 2020 BIRTHDAY!!!!

My big guy is "sweet 16" na!!!!! GRRRR.... 

I'm sure that it's a term he'll violently veer away from (ha ha ha) but yeah, he's really a teen now.

DRATS.

Currently, I'm in a place where I am torn between letting him have fun and enjoy being a teen, to keeping him safe and teaching him discipline.

HAY!!! Lately he's been asking me many times to go out with his friends. I don't want to be a party pooper but I'm also worried of how he'll manage outside! I know that the Yub and I have trained him well but still, times are different these days and there are many "stranger dangers". To think that there's even this virus going around!

NGIIII!

Oh well.... I know that I have to let him go sometime and the Yub and I promised that we will always be there. So yeah, he may go out with his friends but his Daddy and I will drive him to the place and wait for him somewhere. OR, if we're at work, our long-time driver could act as his "bodyguard". It's not that we don't trust him. It's more like we just want to be there for him until he grows up and be really ready to face the world alone.

Though I doubt if I'll ever be ready to do THAT. Ha ha ha ha ha!

But yeah, I'm sure Master Mati is on his way because from what I (and other people) see, he's growing up to be a kind and independent gentleman.

An example is his birthday celebrations: he's so used to having about 3 weeks of fun where we'll have foodtrips here and there, getogethers with friends, and staycations! But this year, he knew that my budget was tight  that when I asked him if it's okay to have a simple birthday, he was like "Of course!"

"My only wishes for my birthday is to go to Greenhills to shop, eat at Shabu shabu, and have a day with my friends."

AWWWWWWW......... 

And that's what we were able to give him.

His celebrations this year may not be as grand or super long as what we would have before but it still made my big guy so happy. I guess, even if I'm not ready to accept it, he is indeed growing up and appreciated spending time with his true friends and family more.

And, like with Andrei, even if the celebrations are simpler this 2020, it is still filled with so much love and gratitude for this super awesome guy that we proudly call our son.

We love you soooooooooo much dear Mati!!!!!!

(Belated) Happy Birthday dearest!!!!!

ANDREI'S 13TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

If you're a regular reader of this silly little foodie blog (what is wrong with you??? He he he he), you would know that birthdays are such a big thing for us!

For Andrei's birthday last December though, we somehow shortened our usual 2 week celebration because we had a trip to Japan and we gave him a party, so budget was a bit tight. I'm proud that my bunso, unlike other kids, understood everything and said "It's okay" with a smile. Awwwwww.... He's really growing up na! Either that or he had a lot of fun for his birthday celebrations that even if it's just for a few days, it's already more than enough for him.

I would like to think it's a little of both. He he he he he!!!!

But really, even if we had a 2 week or a few days for Andrei's birthday we know that in every celebration (or even our mere Powerplant mall dates) it is filled with so much feelings and gratitude. I can't stress enough how much I love my baby bunsoy and how I'm so proud of the kind, talented, innocent, cute, and loving guy that he is. My favorite thing to do is hugging him tight and showering him with kisses. And I won't stop doing that just because he's already a teenager.

(Belated) Happy Birthday my dearest! We love you sooooooo much!!!!!!

My baby bunsoy is not a baby anymore!

HMP!

OUR HOTEL HOPPING TO WELCOME 2020

Every year, THE YAPPY BUNCH follows the tradition of my family going on hotel hopping on New Year's Eve. (Yep. We've been doing this in the 80s pa -- waaaaaay before hotel lounging and parties were a thing in the Metro.)

When the kiddies were younger we would really do our hotel hopping on December 31. However, hotels would usually have  New Year countdowns that it's difficult for us to get a table (take note, difficult, not impossible. We were still able to get a table because the kiddies were cute {we used them...  ha ha ha ha}. Yun lang our stay is limited {aka baka dumating na yung nagpareserve} so we had to go din after 30 minutes or an hour). Because of that, we decided to just do our Hotel Hopping after Christmas in hoping that some decorations were still up.

Last year we were not able to do our Hotel Hopping Tradition because we got sooooo busy. That's why for this year, we really made a point to go out for this (to think that we came pa from Antipolo). We're surprised that even the little guys were up for it (usually they'd sulk and ask to go home). So yeah it's a sign. It's time to carry on with the tradition.

Check out our fun Hotel Hopping (or hop) tradition in welcoming the year 2020!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

We're going HOTEL HOPPING!!!!!

OUR YAPPY NEW YEAR CELEBRATION FOR 2020

GOOD BYE 2019... Huhuhu... 

Like what I said in OUR AWESOME YAPPY 2019 (Part One), what I thought to be a ho-hum and uneventful year turned out to be something special with many things to be thankful for (one reader even commented that "ang dami kong ganap" for 2019). So yeah, sometimes we take many things for granted when really, if we just take the time to appreciate the people, the food, the happenings, the amenities, the invites, the boring days, the work, the gifts, the pets, the weather, the meet-ups, etc etc etc we would be oh so overwhelmed at the wonderful year we've had.

Thus, my sadness at saying goodbye to 2019.

Yun lang all feeling of sentimentality got momentarily erased when it was time for Media Noche. Ha ha ha ha ha!

Sharing with you our tasty farewell to 2019!!! Hope you and your family also had a great one!

Hello 2-OH-TWENTY!!!!!

OUR CHRISTMAS 2019

Our favorite season comes again and as usual, I'm not ready!!!!

Yep. Last year everything was soooo smooth when it came to buying gifts for my loved ones. Now, because of various reasons, AUUUGHHHHH I crammed as if I was still in college studying for Content Analysis (my best subject but I still hated studying for it).

Would you believe though that everything STILL turned out so well and oh so memorable???

Yep. I guess that's how really the Christmas season works. Because really, it's not about the shopping, the gifts, the bonuses, the parties, etc. it's actually about the birth of Jesus and the love that He has brought out in all of us.

You see when you look at the whole picture, no matter how down the situation may be, the love that you have around you will be more than enough to give you a wonderful and memorable season.

And for us, since the family is all here for Christmas (as opposed to last year when they were all in London) we have all the love we need to have another awesome Christmas!!!!

YEHEHEEEYYYY!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS POHZZZZ!!!!!

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!