Frannywanny

Remember the first time Paul and I dined at Lolo Dad's with friends Richard and Irene ? Let's say that it was indeed love at first bite and just like how one gets struck by cupid's arrow, both Paul and I have been wanting to go back to Lolo Dad's for more. Finally, we made time for our much awaited return and there we were back at a place so familiar and once again truly warm and inviting. This time, I tried the Tasting Menu (Php. 2,220++) as I wanted to try more of Lolo Dad's specialty and I think this is the best way to go. Paul, on the other hand, wanted to order ala carte as he wanted more variety. During this visit, we saw Chef Ariel Manuel and I couldn't help but request for a photo op with him. I'm glad he was so nice to accommodate my silly request. You can say I was indeed chef-strucked! Our meal began with a basket of Lolo Dad's homemade bread. I really love this and had it not for the 6-course meal ahead, I would have requested fo...

I was initially planning to list my top eats for 2012 but decided otherwise. Thinking that it's the first day of the year, I thought of just spreading some good news by announcing the winners of my Holiday Giveaway ! Are you ready? Here they are:

December 31, 2012. Today is the last day of the year. I can't believe how time sped by sooooo fast this year! It's currently the Year of the Golden Dragon, said to be not a very good year for those born in the Year of the Dog like me. However, I felt pretty lucky this year. I guess it really is up to your own mindset and outlook in life, right? This year opened with so much love as Paul and I welcomed 2012 with our families around us. We're lucky to be blessed with such amazing parents and equally loving siblings and relatives. From them we get our strength as they've been showering us with their undying support. I got to admit that I prayed for one thing this year. That is for us to finally have our little bundle of joy . I guess the BIG Guy up there believes that we have to wait a little more and instead blessed us with a lot more other things. It's okay, we can wait and we're pretty sure our little bundle of joy will definitely be worth the wait.  I ...

This is to continue our 3-day vacation in Tagaytay City . After spending our first night at the very posh yet homey Discovery Country Suites , Paul and I headed to another accommodation spot called Crosswinds Resorts Suites . I've been seeing the huge signages of Crosswinds' development for more than 5 years already. What I know is that it's located very close to Tagaytay Highlands and while it doesn't overlook the famous Taal Volcano , the size of this property is breathtaking and impressive enough. What I didn't know was that you can actually stay the night or two (or even the entire week) even if you are not a member. They now have two hotel buildings that allow visitors to stay in. We checked into our Studio Bedroom (Php. 6,000) and were pretty impressed with the comfy looking interiors. I loved how clean it smelled and the view was simply amazing. We were told that they have imported thousands of pine trees in order to achieve the Swiss feel . Well, s...

Happy Holidays !! I know it has been months since my trip to Korea and yet I always get to remember it every time someone comes up to me asking for Seoul travel tips . That was definitely one of the best trips I've had this year and Paul and I are will hopeful that we can go back to Korea SOON! I realized also that I failed to create a summary to better guide you in going through all my Korea travel entries . First and foremost, here's a guide on how to apply for a Korean Visa for all Philippine Passport holders . Next step is to look for a place to stay. I highly recommend our hotel: Hotel Skypark 1 in Myeongdong, Korea . Here's also a quick 101 for all Korea newbie s. Be tourist-y and visit these places: Myeongdong for all out shopping (all the beauty brands are here!) and eating Gyeongbokgung Palace COEX Mall and Aquarium (although I don't recommend the aquarium) Everland Theme Park N Seoul Tower   Remember this: must watch the Cookin Nanta S...

This morning, Paul and I headed to my in law's house to join them for our Christmas lunch. Since last Friday, we've both been having a series of Christmas parties celebrated with both friends and loved ones. While waiting for everyone to be ready, we watched little Julia and Jairus open their presents. It was such a happy scene as they excitedly shriek with delight as the wrappers unfold their favorite toys. Sure, Mommy's living room floor was literally covered with paper wrappers, gift tags and ribbons but we, the adults, didn't mind cleaning up after them as they were both so happy in opening and playing with their new toys. This is what Christmas is all about. Listening to their excited chatters, feeling their warm hugs and kisses and spending quality time with everyone dear to us. After our annual Christmas Mass earlier this evening, we gathered around the table for our Noche Buena. Paul bought some Bibingka from our favorite seller and Mommy opened a bottle of...

*SPONSORED POST* Ho ho ho ! Christmas is two days away and for the past weeks, Paul and I have been showered with gifts from our dear friends and colleagues. I guess it’s pretty obvious to the world how much we both love food thus 99% of our gifts got were either food items or food/cooking-related items. Hooray! While this is the time of the year where we have the license for non-stop merry making and treats eating, we always have to be on guard against increasing cholesterol, gaining more unwanted weight, having a bigger and not so flattering waistline and for Paul and I, we’re also extra cautious towards our blood sugar level. We’re both not getting any younger after all and we both made a pact to stay healthy for one another and for our future family. Others might think we’re being overly paranoid but you see, my father-in-law was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes a few years ago and while he gets to maintain a better sugar level now, the possibility that Paul could inherit ...