Frannywanny

A few months back, after my full day Pasta Class at Global Academy , Paul and I headed down South for yet another weekend staycation. I don't know why but I always get excited whenever the chance to visit Alabang comes around. I guess, it's because of the numerous restaurants that I've been wanting to try and my list keeps getting longer as I only get to visit Alabang at least once a year. So excited was I that I immediately sent fellow Jane an email to ask for her foodie recommendations. She was so nice that she sent me a very comprehensive one making me all the more excited for that particular weekend. The beauty of staycations is that you get to unwind and relax without killing yourself with a long car/boat/plane ride. Acacia Hotel is a homegrown five star luxury hotel situated right at the heart of busy Alabang . It is indeed strategically located making it so accessible to nearby malls, a weekend market and a number of restaurants and coffee shop. We got to the ...

Believe it or not, I grew up not drinking coffee. Unlike my sister who loves needs her cup of java to wake her up in the morning, I used to prefer a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to go with my breakfast plate anytime. It's quite surprising then that I ended up working for the Green Siren for a fun two years plus. My first day at work really changed my life. It led me to drinking my first cup of brewed coffee and guess what, I liked it! Liked it so much that I never stopped drinking coffee after that. After a year or so, I even got certified as a Coffee Master ! This got my parents thinking how on earth did that happened. Their daughter, the former non-coffee drinker becoming a coffee master. That, my friends, continues to remain a mystery. It has been 4 years since I bid the Green Siren good bye but I continue to relive the fun days every single time I step into a store. The warm smiles, the comforting smell of coffee, the sound of the blender, oh I wish to be able ...

This is a very delayed post, as more and more great finds were discovered, my Visayas Invasion entries were pushed further and further back. It was when fellow blogger Jane asked me about my Bacolod trip that I remembered that I still have a lot of stories waiting to unfold. This was a spur-of-the-moment trip with my sister as we took the weekend off to hop around three different provinces in just three days! Our itinerary was to fly in to Bacolod and explore the city in just a day, take the boat out to Iloilo to spend our first night there, speed off to Guimaras for a fun full day under the sun and fly back to Manila via Iloilo. This was our dream itinerary and we were so happy that we have fulfilled all of the things that we've both wanted to do in this trip. Let me start this series with my Bacolod story. We literally just had 8 hours to spare in Bacolod to make it to the ferry boat that will take us to Iloilo. Here are Five Amazing Things that you can do in Bacolod...

I had a very relaxing weekend with my family :) Spending it with four of the most important people of my life. We indulge in our favorite dishes, enjoyed the cool weather and just relaxed and bonded all throughout the long weekend. While the weather wasn't so pleasant all throughout, we saw something that made all of us smile... ...a Rainbow! I'm thanking God for giving me the best parents, a wonderful sister and a loving husband. I must have done something right to deserve all these in my life. Watch out for my Tagaytay blog series coming up SOON!

Last Saturday, I took some time out to go around the mall on my own. After getting so tensed and stressed out on my never-ending things to do, I decided that it's about time to enjoy some me-time. I've always enjoyed going around the Eastwood Mall . While the mall still has a limited number of stores and majority of which are high end shops, I enjoy the ambiance and the fact that I can roam around in peace. A new signage caught my eye: Weekend Gourmet Market . I've been to a number of weekend markets and all have brought about delightful experiences. I enjoy eating my way around as I chat with the stall owners while learning more about their products. The Eastwood Weekend Market is probably the smallest weekend market that I've been to but hey, I'm not complaining. I love it that it's inside the mall which means we do not have to sweat under the sun. What I hope the mall admins would add though are tables and chairs. Take for example, a stall selling ...

I guess I'll be dreaming of this tonight... Coco Loco Prawns by Lorenzo's Way What I great way to start yet another busy weekend!!! Enjoy it everyone! :) p.s. thanks to Danio, Becky and Koko for the Yummy treat! p.p.s. Lorenzo's Way , I shall return!

December 26, 2009 (Makati City, Philippines) -- Today is our 74th monthsary! I guess for most couples, they have stopped counting monthsaries the moment they turned a year old together. Not for us though, we continue to celebrate every single month as a couple. I guess we just love to find every possible reason to celebrate and be merry! Feeling my need to relax and get pampered, Paul surprised me with an overnight stay at the lovely Dusit Thani Manila . Located right at the heart of busy Makati City, I was amazed at the beautiful interiors that reminded me of our recent trip to Bangkok . With its golden walls and intricate details, I felt myself getting more and more excited as I walk around the lobby knowing that I will finally have that much-awaited relaxing weekend that I've been looking forward to. Warm Hellos, Genuine Smiles From the moment we entered the basement parking and were greeted with a joyous hello from the parking attendant followed by the warm welcome that we got...