A LATE NIGHT FORT SANTIAGO VISIT

Hello!  How's everybody????

I know, I know that I haven't been writing and posting for the longest time. Please believe that it's not because I don't like writing in ERICJAZ FOODIES anymore or that I have lost interest in documenting my pathetic life... 

But as Terry Mckay said in the movie "An Affair to Remember" -- "...if one of us didn't show up, it would be for a darn good reason."

I don't really want to dwell on it (as it could be reserved for another blogpost) but for now, let's just have party party tugs tugs! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Promise though that I will try harder this year not because I just want to, but more on I HAVE to. I feel that ERICJAZ FOODIES was in a way, therapeutic, and it also helped in bringing me simple joys during trying times. So yeah, ERICJAZ FOODIES will always be here and vice versa. 

Anywho, last Christmas my boys and I were deciding what to do for Christmas day, but after our usual family duties, it was already night time. Sooooo oh no! Where to go??? 

The Yub remembered that since we had such a fun time when we visited Manila years before, he recommended to do it again.

"But it's night time???" I beautifully asked. 

He answered "And that's what will make this visit different!"

So even if we initially had doubts the night was indeed so unforgettable and fun. We were all so happy to have visited Manila when it was cool, less people, and in the evening. 

Just goes on to show that even in darkness there is a purpose and beauty in it... we just have to believe.

NAKS!

Leaving at 7:00pm!!!!!!!

HOLIDAYS AT F1 HOTEL MANILA 2016 (PART ONE)

Christmas started early for THE YAPPY BUNCH as we received an invitation to experience the holidays in our home away home.... 

F1 HOTEL MANILA!!!!

It was actually the eve of Bonifacio Day, but because of this family staycation, we got a head start on the Christmas season!!!

And yes, no need to say that we are sooooo excited!

BIRTHDAY DINNER BY MANONG FRED (2016)

Our very good friend Manong Fred is celebrating his birthday and he invited THE YAPPY BUNCH for his dinner bash at home!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANONG FRED!!!

He said we should be there by 7:30pm and as always, punctual us were on time AND hungry!

Of course, one of the real reasons why we're on time because the Chinese Dimpol and Manong Fred just loooooooove each other very much.

AWWWWWW!

Yuck!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

MAMA LOU'S (UP TOWN CENTER)

It doesn't take SO MUCH to make me happy....

The arrival of my monthly YUMMY MAGAZINE makes me happy.

Receiving a nice comment on the blog makes me happy.

Being able to download a movie with the correct subtitles makes me happy.

Syesta time makes me happy.

Successfully inserting my USB at the first try makes me happy.

Watching Dr. Sandra Lee videos makes me happy (tee hee).

And I haven't included my family there. Otherwise this list won't EVER stop. He he he he he he!

So if simple trivial things already make me happy, imagine the joy and excitement we felt upon discovering that there is already a MAMA LOU'S branch in UP TOWN CENTER???

OH.... MY.... GAWD with matching hyperventilating!

Puhleez don't make a face right now and scoff at my excitement, you judgmental little person you. He he he he he!

If you have already tried the delicious food at MAMA LOU'S from their faraway branches of Laguna or Las Pinas, you would understand why were doing the cartwheels and the dance of joy right now. FINALLY. They opened a branch on the other side of the Metro and we are now closer to where we had our taste of uber delicious pasta, pizza, and much, much more.

Now if that isn't great news to simpleton foodies like us, I don't know what is.

Maybe a confirmation that you'll be treating us to MAMA LOUS for a month? He he he he he he! Well you can't really blame a hungry girl for trying!

:P

MAMA LOU'S UP TOWN CENTER!!!

MAMA LOU'S recently opened it's doors at this 3rd branch in UP TOWN CENTER. Although it is still far from where I live, it is so near my office. So yey! The Chinese Dimpol and I could have dinner here when he fetches me on a Friday.

MERANTI HOTEL STAYCATION

If you are working, going to school, or just being harassed by the white walkers throughout the week, Saturdays are something that you would always look forward to with a matching hallelujah. Like me, I'm sure you wouldn't want to do anything else but just to relax, eat, sleep, and have fun with your family.

That is why I have come to appreciate the beauty and essence of staycations. Of course, getaway trips are still something else. And nothing beats just staying in your room all day, watching dibidis, and just being a hungry sloth (sorry I'm not a good example). But there is something exciting about having a change of scenery, getting pampered like you were Prince William, and just relaxing without having to think of your usual cares in the world (like household chores, and uh, dieting... he he he he).

Just like what happened to us during our recent staycation in MERANTI HOTEL. At first you would doubt how a boutique hotel that's so nearby in Quezon City could provide happiness in a unruly family of 4. But to debunk the naysayers, just right after checking out little Andrei was already wishing that we go back there! Yes, and as from our group would agree, it was one of our most enjoyable staycations this year to date!

Find out why and how MERANTI HOTEL is the little staycation destination that could! And like us, you'll surely check-out refreshed, de-stressed, and so ready to face another crummy week ahead!

ENJOY!

MERANTI HOTEL!

MERANTI HOTEL is located in the streets of Quezon City in Scout Lozano. 

At one side it is in a residential area while the other one faces the main street. 

MERANTI is the first hotel by the Max's Group, the company that brought us restaurants such as Max’s (obviously... he he he he), Pancake House, Yellow Cab, Dencio’s, and international brands Krispy Kreme and Jamba Juice to name a few. They've produced many restaurants that have almost become "icons" in the Philippine cuisine so it's really no wonder that they'll venture into accommodations BECAUSE food and lodging just goes oh so well together!

See the sense in my argument? He he he he he he!

A SLEEPOVER WITH JOHANS!

Little Johans of Team Virrey will be sleeping over our house for the weekend and the little lords CANNOT be more excited. We have a lot of activities planned for him!!!!!

It's going to be an AWESOME weekend for Johans with THE YAPPY BUNCH!!!!!!

We met up with Team Virrey for our usual Fridate for coffee and chips!

That was when Johans went home with us!

Poor Johans was a bit sad going to our house. It was his first ever sleepover and I understand how he could get immediately homesick.

ALEX III FOR FATHER'S DAY (2016)

It was Father's Day last Sunday and although I treated the family to a dimsum breakfast at GLORIA MARIS, the day was really for my Daddyowzers since it was also his birthday. The Chinese Dimpol, being the very "unexpecting" and carefree guys that he is, didn't mind at all. He was very respectful that it was my Daddy's celebration and didn't try to steal his thunder.

Now that I think about it, maybe the Chinese Dimpol was fine as long as he gets free food!!! Tee Hee!

Juuuust joking!

Anyway, my husband really didn't ask for anything but I still felt that we should give him a treat to acknowledge how he is a very dedicated and loving father to the little lords. Also, since it is very rare that we make him feel special (tee hee), we decided that Monday night will be HIS night.

At first the Chinese Dimpol didn't feel like going out since it was a school week and he had to tutor the kids. But I insisted that we should have a YAPPY BUNCH date for HIS Father's Day celebration. As for the kids, I didn't need to coax them because if given the choice, they'd go out everyday if they can, no matter what the event! He he he he he he he!

FINALLY, after everything was set, the Chinese Dimpol agreed and his choice for the night was something that he has been craving for in a long time....

ALEX III!!!

We went to the Wilson, San Juan branch of ALEX III since it was nearer to the place we lived. Comparing it to their other branches, this one had a more formal setting and their dishes were more expensive.

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!!!!

SEDA HOTEL NUVALI STAYCATION 2016 (PART TWO)

Once again THE YAPPY BUNCH are in SEDA HOTEL NUVALI for a family staycation and we are having an awesome time!

We're in SEDA HOTEL NUVALI! Yipeekiyey!

Good morning Sta. Rosa Laguna!!!

At the weekend of our staycation, there was a scheduled marathon in the area. So there were a lot of runners who checked in at the hotel.

SEDA HOTEL NUVALI STAYCATION 2016 (PART ONE)

I think I have made no secret how much we love STAYCATIONS. Even if we also love staying at home, there is something about saving up and making an effort to have more happy memories as a family. My parents played a big factor on this because I remember how much my Dad always planned getaways for us, even if he was so busy with work, that it definitely added to my fun and happy childhood.

Fast forward to February in 2016 and THE YAPPY BUNCH was invited to attend a wedding in Laguna. Master Mati was going to be part of the entourage as the Junior Groomsman so it was important that we were there early. I learned the families of the bride will be staying in SEDA HOTEL NUVALI that I thought, here goes an opportunity to have a YAPPY BUNCH staycation again because we had so much fun in our last stay. I was more looking forward to our vacation there this year though because this time it's going to be just us! We could dance naked in the poolside if we wanted to!

Well.... We cannot really do THAT but at least nobody we know will be embarrassed of us! He he he he he he he!

So I told my friend to book us a room also and I saved up for another weekend fun at SEDA HOTEL NUVALI. In the end, we were all glad that we did because we had again another unforgettable family bonding experience in the beauty of Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Yep! Even if we didn't dance naked in the pool, we all still had a riot!

SEDA HOTEL NUVALI!

DISCOVERY PRIMEA STAYCATION (PART ONE)

When Mati recently celebrated his 12th birthday, we had to split his weeklong celebration during the weekends because he had classes. As much as my little guy was very excited to eat in all the restaurants that he listed, he understood that he cannot stay out late since he had to wake up scandalously early the next day.

Oh yes. Obviously I'm not a morning person. Hence, the drama. He he he he he!

I'm very grateful too that I have a very understanding Master Mati because my promised birthday staycation to him has been cancelled and moved to the next weekend thrice. Even if he was already tremendously excited for it, he just made a face (with matching pout) and a short nod.

And you know what? Everything turned so right in the end because upon stepping in DISCOVERY PRIMEA HOTEL, my boy was so happy! We may have moved, cancelled, and rescheduled our weekend staycation in this new hotel in Makati City, but believe me, one look and you'll rave about how this is indeed "worth the wait".

DISCOVERY PRIMEA -- a five star luxury hotel in the heart of Makati that you just NEED to experience whatever the event and whenever it may be.

Dan! Dan! Daaaaaan!!!!!

There's a new hotel on the block people and it's "standing" mighty proud!

DISCOVERY PRIMEA!

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!

KTG NEW YEAR PARTY AT F1 HOTEL MANILA

For me, one of the best ways to greet the New Year is by spending it with our foodie family -- THE KAIN TULOG GANG!

I mean, there is really no doubt that when you love food, you immediately surround yourself with people having the same obsession to make sure your year starts alright. That's sort of like "food shui" to greet 2016.

See what I did there? He he he he he!

Anyway, ERICJAZ FOODIES was actually invited to KTG's Christmas party in Edsa Shangrila. However, we were not able to attend because we were in Yub's hometown in Quezon Province. It was a good thing because since there were many absentees, our KTG bossman Spanky, kindly set up another one that also included our foodie kiddies.

Yoo to the HOO!

The KTG NEW YEAR PARTY was then scheduled and our favorite F1 HOTEL MANILA generously accommodate us with a venue for that most definitely fun day.  And yes, like what we had predicted, it was another great event with my favorite foodie family: there was non-stop chatter, food was overflowing, and we had a NEW YEAR'S PARTY that is surely different from how others spent it.

You might say that it was an awesome KTG PARTY and everyone was so happy INSIDE and OUT. He he he he he!

Cheers to my foodie family! Here's to 365 days of spreading the good word on drool-worthy food and living the happy, crazy, and lazy life!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR  KTG!!!!
 

Photo by SPANKY ENRIQUEZ

It's 2016 and the KAIN TULOG GANG is getting bigger and bigger!

We were reserved at our second home, F1 HOTEL MANILA, and they gave us their Titanium Function room. The same place we had our crazy CHRISTMAS PARTY last year! 

SEDA NUVALI STAYCATION (PART TWO)

It was day two of our SEDA NUVALI family staycation to celebrate dear Aning's birthday and we know that we have a loooong day ahead of us.

A long day of pictures and posing I mean.

He he he he he! Kidding!

Or am I?

SEDA NUVALI STAYCATION (PART ONE)

One of my oldest and closest friends in this lifetime is my College BB (Best Bud) Anne. Yup we go waaaaaaay back at a time we were both single, carefree, dreamy, and thin!

Being the special lady that she is, no ordinary dinner out is acceptable when she turns the big 4-0. With that, we immediately planned for a weekend getaway for the BP GROUP and families! Yes! Wouldn't that be something?! Nothing is indeed more fun for us than being together because everyone just has a blast with each other. The kiddies were all playing that time but when they heard of having another trip together, they were ecstatic!

Of course, the next question was this: Where to?

Aning's dream vacation is to go on a Baguio trip with everyone. But since that is not possible with our schedules now (but it will be soon) we thought of going somewhere nearby that is affordable and would have many activities for the children.

And with that, we got an instant answer....

SEDA NUVALI!!!!!

We woke up the early morning of Saturday because we wanted to avoid traffic and to start immediately our weekend of fun!

THE YAPPY BUNCH will take over Nuvali this weekend. Wohoo!

OUTBACK BLUE BAY WALK

When I had my week long birthday celebration earlier this year, OUTBACK PHILIPPINES was so kind to invite THE YAPPY BUNCH to treat us out for dinner. The timing was so perfect too because we were having a wonderful staycation at HYATT, CITY OF DREAMS  and the OUTBACK branch we were planning to go to was so near to us!

Talk about food fate! We were so meant to have tender and juicy steaks that weekend.

And we all have OUTBACK BLUE BAY WALK to thank for!

Plus my Mom and Dad since there wouldn't be a birthday treat if they didn't "create" me. Tee hee!

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE!

We went to OUTBACK'S newest branch in the Philippines located in Blue Bay Walk!

HYATT, CITY OF DREAMS - PART ONE (MY 2015 BIRTHDAY)

As part of my 40th birthday celebrations, my husband planned for a staycation for the YAPPY BUNCH as his birthday gift to me. I'm glad that the Chinese Adonis knows me very well and got me something that I would really, really like. Because yes, jewelry or expensive items could be the appropriate mark for the big 4-0 but I would rather have the whole family share in my happiness with these bonding experiences. For me, that makes turning a year older more special and significant.

So let's go online and book for another family getaway!

For this particular birthday weekend, my husband wanted to try out something that is new and different from where we would usually go to. We thought since Robert de Niro, Leonardo di Caprio, and Martin Scorsese have been showing their faces at us at many youtube ads, we subliminally got the message that we should try out the hottest and flashiest place in town...

So are we in?

OH YEAH WE ARE!

THE CITY OF DREAMS!

HOTEL KIMBERLY DAY TWO (MY 2015 BIRTHDAY)

My friends and I are having an early birthday celebration for me in HOTEL KIMBERLY and we already had loads of fun the night before.

ERICJAZ FOODIES with the little lords in HOTEL KIMBERLY!

Of course, even if it was already our second time in HOTEL KIMBERLY, we still  wanted to use their recreational facilities TO THE EXTREME. With that, we woke up early to get a head start on everything!

Good morning from THE YAPPY BUNCH in HOTEL KIMBERLY!

Andrei here looks dazed and confused. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

It turns out my friends Gem and Jojie woke up much earlier and jogged around the vast gardens of HOTEL KIMBERLY.

What gives mareng Gem and Jojie??? You're making us all look lazy...

Which we are really! He he he he he!

OUR HOLY WEEK IN CAVITE (2015)

Every year it has been our Gatdula family tradition to spend Holy Week in my father's hometown in Cavite. Since 1980, we have been participating in the Filipino Catholic's yearly Lenten procession and it has already been our sacrifice for the blessed season.

Wow! To think that we have been doing this for 35 years! Such is our family's commitment that we have vowed to still spend Holy Week in our beloved Cavite even after we have gotten married, have kids, and be wrinkly old. Hopefully, our children will be the ones to carry on this blessed tradition in the future and never let go of it until the zombie apocalypse.

Of course, I will still be there guiding them as a friendly ghost.

Woah! That escalated into "weird so quickly!

:P

Off to Cavite!!!!

Before we would all go to our province the same time as my parents on Wednesday. But since us weirdos have work, we decided to head out the day after.

Of course, we would always have breakfast at our favorite Jollibee!! It has already been tradition for us almost every year! He he he he he he....

If you're looking for Andrei, he deserted us to go with his Lolo and Lola. He is SO excited for Holy Week and would really count the days!

My favorite breakfast in Jollibee!

And we're near!

My Dad's old house in Cavite!

When we arrived, little Andrei ran out to see us. We see that our Karo for the procession is almost ready.

STAR CITY

For Andrei's week-long birthday, one of his wishes was to go to STAR CITY in order to ride the tallest ferris wheel in the country (Yep. That's what their radio advertisement claimed). Though I'm not really keen on going to the famous attraction in Roxas Boulevard on Christmas day due to the crowd, much less ride the ferris wheel (the tallest they say!!!), it is the birthday wish of my darling bunsoy and we all wanted to give him a one week celebration he will never forget.

Believe me when I say that we never expected to have fun in STAR CITY but we did!! Of course, we have accepted that it is not Disneyland, Universal Studios, nor Legoland, but since THE YAPPY BUNCH finds fun in everything we do together, we were able to appreciate STAR CITY'S own charm and have a blast in it at the same time!

Will we go back to STAR CITY? We most certainly will!

Heck, I might even ride the Ferris Wheel again!

And for those who know how I fear heights as much as Darryl getting killed in WALKING DEAD, that says a lot! He he he he!

STAR CITY!!!