Frannywanny

If there's one thing that I've learned throughout my 17 years of dating Paul, I realized that a romantic date doesn't always have to be expensive. After all the fireworks and sparks have died down, the real test of one's relationship is how you can truly be there for one another. It's how you can still manage to hold on to one another despite all the heartaches, the hardships and sacrifices that love entails. It's when you're just simply contented with his/her company even with the absence of a nice candlelit centerpiece, instrumental music playing in the background or food served on fine chinaware. In fact, Paul and I have never been huge fans of degustation meals, tasting menus or fancy restaurants. Going on casual dinner dates brings back so much nice memories of when we started dating. You see, Paul was my boyfriend since we were both in college and this means he has been paying our meals out of his school allowance. That said, our dates normally consi...

"Oops, (Chef) Him did it again."  (To the tune of Britney Spears' popular hit) Chef Him Uy de Baron has been one of my favorite Chef friends here in Manila. I first met him back in 2008 when I got him to cater for one of my first book launches with Real Living Magazine . We corresponded all via email and the first time I met him personally was during the event itself. It was pure trust, I tell you. However, he not only stuck to what we have agreed upon but he went over and beyond by blowing us away with his delicious food and the presentation was just so beautiful. Truly fitting for one of the country's best shelter magazine. Needless to say, he was my go-to caterer for all succeeding events. Not only that, Paul and I loved his cooking so much that we're big fans of his restaurants. From Nomama Ramen back then to Cocina Peruvia  at present.  Styled by ML of What Mary Loves Cocina Peruvia actually has three branches already in the metro -- BGC, Vert...

I know it hasn't been too long since we moved to the Lion City but every time we get to fly back to Manila, we can't help but feel somewhat touristy in our own country. I guess it's because at least every quarter, there's a new mall, a commercial complex or an attraction that would open and is worth checking out. So, during our ninja-like visit home, Paul and I went to Capitol Commons along Shaw Boulevard as we kinda saw this on our way to the airport during our previous visit. Weeks before we moved to Singapore, I remember Capitol Commons to be the place where one can go on a food truck hopping. I'm not quite sure where the food trucks went but what we saw were several fully operational restaurants in the area. For this particular visit, we dropped by Nomama to say hi to our friend Chef Him and to check out his new menu. I've known Chef Him way back when I was still wearing my magazine publisher hat. He was the first chef whom I've tapped for an even...

Meet Chef Him . He's one of Manila's most sought-after chefs who's known for his creativity when it comes to his gastronomical creations. Don't believe me? Here's an example: I met Chef Him a couple of years back as I got him to cater my very first work event for Summit Media. We corresponded via email and the first time I actually saw his work and was able to taste it was during the event day itself. To say that I was impressed would still be an understatement. I literally had to restrain myself from standing beside the buffet table else my guests wouldn't be able to have those delicious risotto balls delicately placed in ceramic Chinese soup spoons. It was THAT delicious. Thus, when I heard that Chef Him was opening his very own restaurant called Nomama , I was one of the first to troop over with friends in tow to try and to show my undying support. How time flies as Nomama is now celebrating its 2nd year anniversary and they're running an e...

I believe that shopping and eating goes hand and hand. Like peanut butter and jelly. Like salt and pepper. Perhaps, even like strawberries and cream. Both fills a need, are pretty much therapeutic and at the end of doing either of the two, one always ends up feeling extra happy. No need to pop in the happy pill as this is a natural way of achieving that ultimate satisfaction and happiness. Agree? Rustan's Department Store has been around for years. This has been almost every grandmother's favorite shopping place and to this day, Rustan's has been my go to place when buying a wedding gift. In fact, it was also here where Paul and I did our gift registry for our very own BIG day. I love Rustan's for its quality choice of brands be it for the home, for your personal use or even for men. I really love it when department stores also think of their client's well-being in the middle of having their retail therapy. Shopping can be tiring and what better way to take a ...

I first met Chef Him Uy de Baron when I contacted him to cater for my very first event for RL. It was a mall display event that opened with an unveiling ceremony and cocktails for our valued advertisers and media partners. My goal was to be able to serve really good food that is sure to wow my guests. Chef Him was recommended to me by my boss and after a series of smooth negotiations, I knew right there and then that it will be a breeze working with him. He was very professional that he would always abide by our agreed call time and not only were his dishes amazingly good but it never fails to exceed my expectations too. I love how creative Chef Him can be when it comes to making his dishes very presentable. Meatballs in soup spoons, Nachos and Salsa in shot glasses, to name a few. Needless to say, I have been getting him for every single book launches, mall displays and other events thereafter. A few weeks ago, I landed at a Facebook page which immediately gave me the impression ...