Philippines Top 5 Pinoy Noche Buena Dishes

It's 3 days away from Christmas! I bet now you have already stock up on gifts for your family and friends. Aguinaldos for your godchildren and also for your children. But there is more to Christmas that just gifts and Aguinaldos. Christmas is the time families gather together and celebrate the birth of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Every year is customary here in the Philippines to the nine days series of masses also known as Simbang Gabi. It is usually from December 16 to December 24 every year. On the last day of Simbang Gabi is where would we celebrate the Noche Buena, Spanish words which means the night before Christmas or Christmas Eve. 

Noche Buena is the traditional Christmas family dinner every year and we celebrate Medianoche spanish word for Midnight for New Year's Eve.

There are different dishes served every Christmas Eve or Noche Buena but there are some that should always be present for the Christmas dinner. 

Love Desserts: Sunday Date To Remember!

November and December is really a hectic month for us at work, I'm glad I finally update my blog again this time. But anyways, this blog post is about our fun and sweet experience at Love Desserts! Thanks to Life is Kulayful for the Love Dessert GCs. 

Love Desserts

When we came in, we notice that the place is already jam packed so you can really tell that its really popular. Although the place is quite small to accommodate a lot of people, I still love how they design the place, you'll find it more on family lifestyle kind of theme.

The 36 Days of Christmas with Buqo

Christmas is almost here. This is the time of exchanging gift, Noche Buena, Christmas parties, and Aguinaldo. This is also the season of giveaways, contest and promotions. This year, Buqo, the online bookstore that focuses Filipino magazines and books, is marking their first Christmas with a big-hearted giveaway. Buqo wanted you to re-experience the feeling of anticipating and looking your gift under the Christmas tree through their app.

Do you know the song "12 days of Christmas"? Every day there is a gift and every gift is unique. But for Buqo, instead of the traditional 12 days, they will be giving away digitally for 36 days because for them, 12 days just isn’t enough.

Date at David's Tea House

I won 600 worth of GC for David's Tea House on a #foodiemeetup game by +Zomato at Hiyas, Kapitolyo. My dhie and I decided to use to the GCs to have a dinner date after work and I haven't had Chinese food in months.  We went to David's Tea House A. Venue branch which is in Makati City.

Be Creative Means Be Inspired

Artist find inspiration from all over the place. Sometimes, it can be a bit hard to feel inspired. You just need a jolt of inspiration to get you back into the drawing and painting game. Here are some idea to get your juices going again.

1. Look at things up close and personal

Do you focus on the big picture a lot? How about challenging yourself to go the other way. The little things in life can be fascinating and bring out a boat load of inspiration. A lot of artists look at nature for inspiration. Go outside and be prepared to get dirty. Don't just look at flowers from a distance. What is the smallest feature you can find on a flower? What does the texture of the petals look like? Zoom in like a microscope and go crazy. Look at your cat's fur with new eyes as you look at each individual piece of fur on their face. The world looks completely different when you zoom in and act as if you are an ant. Think of how much bigger the world gets when you look at how small the world gets!

2. Try something new

Top 5 Flavors for Aromatherapy

While everyone has their favorite aromatherapy flavors, certain ones are certainly more popular. This is usually due to their characteristics and what they are good for. Here we will look at the top five essential oil scents that are used in aromatherapy. All five oils are remarkably versatile and can be used in a number of ways. When mixed with carrier oils for massage, they have even more benefits, though we will be looking at the benefits of scents here.

Three Christmas Gifts Ideas for HER

There is only 43 days until Christmas. If my post regarding Five Christmas Gifts Tips for him helped you find the perfect Christmas gift for him. I would also like to give you some gift tips for her also on things a girl would want to have for Christmas. In gift giving, a girl is very different, they want to be feel loved all the time. But when it comes to Christmas, they really want to feel more special and more loved than the usual. 

Five Christmas Gifts Ideas for HIM

Only 46 days left until Christmas. Have you done your Christmas shopping? If you haven't done your Christmas shopping yet. Might as well create the list of people you want give a gift. Family and Friends do go first in your Christmas shopping list because these people will never judge no matter what gifts you them. It can be a simple party for your family or baked your friends some Christmas cookies or it can be a simple dinner outside together with both your friends and family (your treat, of course!)

But there is a special someone in your life that you want to give a unique gift. It can be your boyfriend, husband or even your special best friend. It is so hard to find the perfect gift for these people right? I'll give you some tips for a Christmas gift ideas for these people.

Minions are Filipinos?

They are back! The gibberish talker of the Despicable Me movies are now back with the movie of their very own!

Yes, the minion's did make us laugh for the first and second movie, but this time it's the Minion will be the main protagonist.

Let's recall that last year video of the minions speaking the language. In this 48-second video, you could clearly hear them say "narito na" which means It's here and "ikot" which means spin around. A short but funny video that went viral to all Netizens last year. 

Philippine Airlines Domestic Promo

Are you planning a romantic getaway this upcoming Christmas? Traveling for Christmas is quite hard especially here in the Philippines. International flights will just make your pocket empty, why not experience traveling domestically? 

Have a romantic white Christmas at the beach with your special some one. or experience the different ways how they celebrate festivities in their home town. 

Travel to the beautiful scenery in Luzon with Style

Whether you want to experience the glorious attractions of Puerto Prinscesa such as the Langogan Reef, Tubbataha Reef, Honda Bay or the different museums or Look into the Pav-vurulun Festival of Tuguegaraos. Traveling around Luzon can be quite the adventure you are looking for. 

Cebu Pacific "Start The Week Flight" Promo Philippines

Christmas is the time of year where we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the only time of the year where we can go home to our hometowns and celebrate it with our loved ones. 

Here in the Philippines, traveling during holidays especially Christmas and New Year can be quite difficult. We would wait hours for a bus ticket just to go home to our loved ones. 

There are a lot of flight travel on sale for November to December but there is one that stands out from all of them. Cebu Pacific has announced their latest promo which is the Start The Week Flight. 

Cebu Pacific Promo Flight

Book as early as now so you can go home and see your family and friends. If you're also planning for a nice vacation for summer you better book now. Sale period will be up to Oct. 25,2014 or until the seats last. The Travel Period will be from November 15,2014 to March 31,2015. If you're planning also for a International business trip, there are also international flights available.

Google Doodle: Halloween Doodles

Tonight is the night of Halloween. The time where kids enjoy a day of trick or treating with lots of games and parties hosted through their communities.

Google has shown us their own way to celebrate Halloween with their Google Doodle. Google doodle gives six different animated doodles that screams Halloween!

Zombies have their own way to celebrate Halloween

This witch will bring conjure up different spells just for you. Which one would like? Ghosts or Bats?

Top Five Philippine Mythical Creatures

Halloween, the much-awaited occasion for any kiddies out there. This is the time to go out and do some Trick-or-Treating but for some cultures or countries they don't have this traditional. In the Philippines, this is the time of Semestral Break, which is one week off from school for the students. This is the time we would go to cemeteries to visit our loved ones and do some cleaning on their tombs. 

This is also the time when they say that creatures lurks around at night time and where all the creatures are at their strongest that's why we were told by our parents to never go out at Nov. 1 to Nov. 2. My family is very religious and traditional; we would always go to the cemetery every year for visiting our ancestors. During this time also, me and my cousins would always talked about these creatures and which ones are the most popular.

Top five remedies for Mumps

Have you noticed the part of your children's neck or face became swollen red? Has he have a fever all of a sudden because of the bump on their necks? Then it must be the mumps!

For those who don't know what mumps are, it is a disease usually contagious or infectious to children. If you haven't gotten this during your childhood, there is a possibility you can have it now or in the future. Mumps during adulthood can cause more serious complications such as the following:

• Pregnant women who have mumps can be have a risk for miscarriage.
• High Risk of sterility for Male adults.
• Meningitis - which is the swelling of the membranes for your spinal cord and brain.
• Encephalitis - this is the inflammation of the brain 
• Pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas however this is only temporary.
• Permanent Hearing Loss 

You can prevent mumps in your children through vaccination which needed of two doses. Infants or toddlers received their first MMR (Mumps, measles, rubella) vaccination during their 12th -15th month age. The second does can be given during their 4 to 6 years of age.

Banapple at Robinson's Galleria

Sunday, it is the God's day! After an hour of praising and worshiping God, we decided to eat out for dinner. We all agreed to go to Robinson's Galleria for dinner and do some window shopping for there is a sale there from Oct. 15-19, 2014. 

I have been invited on Banapple by church mate many times but due to budget, I always turn down the invite. But this time, we decided to have dinner at Banapple, which is newly opened on Robinson's Galleria.

Hiyas: The Modern Filipino Comfort Food

I got invited by +Zomato again for another #FoodieMeetUp. This time it is newly open restaurant within the heart of Kapitolyo just beside Greekah Kouzina and Avi restaurant.

For those who don't know what +Zomato is. It is an online and mobile food search site where you can search over different restaurants whether here in the Philippines or in other countries. It gives out everything you want to learn about the desired restaurant you want to go to such as address, menu, maps, directions, and etc. You can also do a review and rate of the restaurant.  

The newly opened restaurant is Hiyas: The Modern Filipino Comfort Food Restaurant. #Hiyas was owned by Mr. Francis Maneja together with his classmate Chef Emir Bernabe. This is the latest "baby" of the Mr. Francis Maneja; he is only 24 years old and he owned 2 other restaurant which is FOM's sizzling and grill in San Rafael and also FOM's goto tapa pares. 

Chef Emir Bernabe

(from left to right)  Mr. Francis Maneja and Chef Emir Bernabe

Kanto Freestyle Breakfast

(Sorry for the Blurry Pictures! It was night time already!)

After work, we decided to go to try Kanto Freestyle Breakfast in Kapitolyo, Pasig. It was recommended by one of my office mates, who is a regular of the place.

The place was simple yet like a canteen but with a touch of homey feeling. Maybe for others, they might pass by this place as if it were just a canteen house but I assured you it is a restaurant. As I saw the menu, I wasn't really sure what would I choose to eat. Because all items in the menus sounds appetizing enough.

Bacon and Eggs (Php 99)

Chicken Longganisa (Php 95)

Banzai: The Japanese Buffet Haven!

"You can't buy HAPPINESS, but you can SUSHI which is kinda like the same thing. :)"

I was invited for my first blog event by +Zomato for their #foodiemeetup event last Saturday on Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater. For somebody who loves Japanese food, I immediately accepted the invite. I went together with my fellow blogger and friend who also got invited on the event.

Trivia: Banzai [万歳] t means "Hurray!" or "Long live" in Japanese. This is usually repeated at least three times which expresses excitement, happiness, celebration, and many more during drinking parties. (Sorry for the blurry pictures!)

In Front of Banzai: The Great Teppamyaki Theater

Verdon Ne Silky Review

My hair is a disaster area especially when I comb it, it becomes tangled all over. I don't like trying products I don't know because it might more damage to my hair. At first, I thought it was the shampoo's fault or the conditioner so I can it my shampoo frequently but the result is always the same. When I had enough of my tangled hair, I decided to take the risk and try my friend's recommendation on this product.

The name of the product is Verdon Ne Silky, hair spa treatment conditioner. I chose the papaya juices extract. It doesn't really smell like papayas or anything but it does give off nice sweet smell. When I tried my hair you can immediately feel your hair turning smooth. After my bath, My hair doesn't tangled anymore when I tried to comb it. (finally!)

My soon-to-be hubby likes it also he can comb my hair with his hand and it doesn't tangled. It is also very cheap, it only cost me Php 250 for 1000 ml in malls or stores you can get this product for 500+ above. There are also other kinds like Milk extract and also Pomegranate for those who have hair color. (I will upload the result pictures soon :))

Cherry Pie Picache's mom was stabbed during a storm break

It has been three days since Mario left our country and left some damages. We might have survived the storm but others are not so lucky. There are reports that stated deaths throughout Metro Manila such as students are electrocuted when going to school. But there are also worst reports that even during a storm evil never stops working. One has been pertain to Ms. Chery Pie Picache's mother who was found dead last Friday, September 19,2014 during a storm break inside her home.

It was reported that the ms. Picache found her mother, Mrs. Zenaida Sison, was lying motionless inside of their home  in Sct. Dr. Lascano Street in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City. 

The actress' friend, Peter Serrano said that the actress was feeling uneasy when her mother was not answering her calls and decided to go her mother's house. 

As they reached the house, they saw the second gate was open and asked the driver to check upon her mother. There they found her lifeless with multiple stab wounds.

Sison was living alone and well-known throughout the village. Her companions are the three cleaning ladies, who visits her house alternately and a gardener. 

The Police are checking to see if there are any valuable items stolen or missing.

Picache declined to give any statements as of now but will give a official statement in time.

We hope to pray that God may touch the hearts of the criminals to surrender. May God have mercy on their souls. Condolence to the family of Ms. Picache. 

CJ Isit, NCAA Player of the Week

The Mapuan second-year guard CJ Isit was named as the NCAA player of the week. Isit helped the cardinals win three uninterrupted games in the Season 90 of the men's basketball competition. CJ has been called as the main architect of Mapua's late-season pitch. Isit has the standard of 16.6 points, 8 rebounds and even close to 7 assists in their three consecutive wins. This includes the 21 points and 10 assists feat which scored 91-81 fight against Perpetual Help on September 10, 2014, Wednesday. 

Through his hard work which he was called the ACCEL Quantum-3XVI Player of the week by NCAA Press Corps. He is also a humble fellow and a real team player for he stated "I'm just doing whatever I can to help my squad," "Just doing all I can to win and help out my teammates."

Their win was doubled from last year because of their win against the Altas which climb their record to 4-10. Their head coach and also actor, Atoy Co, is very proud of Isit's efforts, for he stated "I'm happy for him. He's finally showing to everyone what he can do," 

Even though they have been overthrow from the Final Four contention, Isit considers their winning streaks as something they deserved even after the misfortune they undergone this season. 

Mapu lost to the top teams with the average of only 4 points to San Beda and Arellano. Isit also stated "It was long overdue," "It thought we really deserved it 'cause we've been playing really well." 

Radical Love Album

"Music originated from God and created solely for his worship, his glory, and his pleasure." - Pedro Okoro

The most awaited album has been released on August 31,2014. Yes, you're right! Radical Love Album by Victory Music is now out!

The 11 songs recorded by the artists of the Victory Church which consists of Radical Love, Grace Changes Everything, Your Love is Greater, Great God, Faithful, Jesus My Savior, Shine Upon the Philippines, Lord of All, Hope Will Rise, He Who Loved, and lastly, We Will Go. 

Let us support our brothers and sisters in the ministry. Let us share God's wondrous songs throughout everybody. 

Facebook: Victory Worship

Twitter: @Victory_Worship

Website: www.victoryworship.ph

For those who haven't their album yet, you can always download them at the iTunes store for only $ 9.99! You can also look at the videos in YouTube and subscribed in their page here. The Victory is truly won! 

4 Ways To Get Your Child To Eat Vegetables

Children nowadays can be quite picky. When they see anything that is green on their plate, they instantly know that is vegetables. Children would place the vegetables on the edge of the plate and wouldn't eat it. As parents, we reprimand our child that they would not be allowed to play not unless the plate is clean. RJ is not picky with his veggies, he would anything that is in his plate. (good boy!) This post is for those who are concern for their children's eating habits.

In getting your kid to eat vegetables, you need perseverance and patience with a pinch of creativity. There is no impossible thing you can do just for the sake of your kids.

Difference between iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus

As we can see below the first iPhone was released in 2007 which was quite small 3.5" to be exact. but this year Apple has announced the newest model for iPhone which is the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus which was introduced on Sept. 9,2014 (Tuesday) by Apple's CEO, Tim Crook. 

iPhone 6 is bigger than it's predecessor, iPhone 5C and the iPhone 6 plus is a phablet-sized phone. Let's spot the difference between these two by looking at their specs and features.

Neil Patrick Harris marries long-time partner David Burtka

How I met your mother actor Neil Patrick Harris has now married his long-time partner of 10 years, chef David Burtka, over a weekend in a secret ceremony on rented castle in Italy. The 41 year old actor and his partner confirmed the wedding via social media networking sites.

Google Doodle: Leo Tolstoy's 186th Birthday

Google commemorates the 186th birthday of Leo Tolstoy. For those who are don't know who Leo Tolstoy is, he was a Russian writer, philosopher and political thinker. He was also known as a master of realistic fiction and created two of the best known novels created. These novels were War and Peace, which he created in 1869 and Anna Karenina in 1877.

Signature of Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy was born as Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy on Sept. 9 1828 in Yasnaya Polyana, Russian Empire. At the age of 34, he married Sophia Tolstaya whom he had 14 children. He died on November 20,1910 at age of 82 the cause of death is pneumonia.

Google doodle shows a slideshow of his notable works. Which starts by Leo Tolstoy writing in his desk with a candlelight. The next two slides were scenes from his first notable epic work The "War and Peace"

Scenes from another notable novel is from "Anna Karenina" which is shown in the next slide below.

The last novel scenes from "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" was shown in the 6th and 7th slide below.

The last slide is Leo himself and in the background like a forest which looks like his grave site at Yasnaya Polyana.

Google amazes me in their creative ways to celebrate one of the greatest novelist known in history. 

Image Credits : Google.com

My Small Birthday Celebration

Birthdays are the anniversary of your birth. I wasn't sure if I am going to have any celebration this year because of problems regarding with my family but anyways I would like to share that a birthday doesn't need a fancy cake or gift to be happy.

Due to limited budget, We celebrated my birthday on Mcdo :) it wasn't as fancy as going on a restaurant or anything. We ordered the BFF burger bundles which consists of three burger of your choice, 3 regular drinks and a 2 large fries combine into one (for those who don't know what BFF bundle is). Since it's my birthday I got to choose the burgers, I picked out: Quarter Pounder, Mcdouble Burger and McDouble Deluxe. 

I ate the Quarter Pounder and My hubby ate the Mcdouble Burger but for the McDouble Deluxe we decide to share it together. After saying grace, we ate our meal. This birthday doesn't consist of any birthday cake, no gifts, no fancy thing actually but this has to be the best birthday I celebrate together with God's grace and the man God gave me :)

Billy Crawford Arrested at Taguig Police Station

After the incident of Vhong Navarro in Taguig and now it's Billy Crawford's turn to be arrested after barging into a police station in Taguig City on a Sunday Morning. The "It's Showtime" host was demanding that he need to be detained for still unidentified reason.

Later that afternoon, he undergone an interview with reporters apologizing for his odd behavior. He also confessed that he was drunk when he barged into the police station and requested for the police to hold him under control for he is stressed enough. 

Three Major Things That Can Ruin A Relationship

It is true what they say that there are no perfect things in our lives. Even in marriage nowadays can be classified in this category of no perfect things. Right now, it is very common for couples to live-in together because so they would know the each other much better. This happens because of the rapid growing of broken marriages, abusive relationships and many more. There are things that ruin a relationship but I'll just only give the major things.

The Three things that can ruin one's relationship:

1. Money

Trouble in finance is no. 1 in any list you see. They get to be angry if one's needs or the family's need doesn't meet. Sometimes, you will have unforeseen expenses which some of us are not ready about it. Like for example, emergency for any family member or calamity is also one reason. One also a reason that falls into the money category is financial insecurity. Money should not be an issue for the two of you. You should talked it out on what you need you to do calmly nothing will solved by arguing.

2. Insensitivity

Insensitivity is very common in every relationship especially when you are married. When you get home you ignore each other because of exhaustion and wanted just to relax but sometimes your partner would want you to be tender (If you are living in together).

When you are ignored and your partner is too work up on something to notice, you will get angry and thus the argument would start. Both of you need to be sensitive in your partner's need and wants. Even if it just a little thing sometimes when you go home you want a loving welcome coming from your partner.

3. Word War

Never ever start a word war. For those who doesn't know what a word war is. It is exchanging of words like blaming their faults or how mediocre your partner is. Don't criticize your partner for their imperfections or their flaws and ever bring out the past especially when your partner is recuperating. Words are hard to take back, once you blurred it out so just take a deep breathe choose your words carefully don't let your emotions take the best of you.

If an argument is about to start, just be calm and pray to God for self control for both of you and a clear understanding of each other. Let God be the center of your lives and don't forget it.

Gilas Pilipinas won over Senegal via Overtime!

For first time in about 40 years, the Philippines had their first win on world stage. Gilas Pilas through overtime game had won against the Senegal with 81-79 score.

Gilas Pilipinas may ended their bid in the 2014 FIBA World cup but they ended it leaving positive review and respect for the world to see.

For his final international game, Jimmy Alapag contributed a huge splash on the score board. He scored 18 points and dipping critical free throws in the overtime period which made the Filipinos raised their heads high after the exhilarating fight on Thursday night in Seville, Spain

Without Andray Blatche, who got fouled out during the period after scoring most time during the game with 18 points and 14 rebounds, Gilas went on with Senegal during the over time period. The Filipinos were threatened by the Senegalese players with key baskets from Mouhammad Faye, who scored for his the Senegal with 20 points.

LA Tenorio, Paul Lee and Japeth Aguilar supported June Mar Fajardo in a breakout game with the 15 markers to stimulate the minds of the Filipinos. 

Gilas Pilipinas ended it's World Cup Game with the score record of 1-4, which dropped close decisions to Croatia, Argentina and Puerto Rico. Their win over Senegal the Philippines first ever since beating the Central African Republic with a score of  87-86 in 1974. Since then Filipinos have gone 11-game losing slide.

But because of their win against Senegal, Filipinos has shown their true power. It may take a long time for others to realize it but we, Filipinos showed our best we can do! 

Hooray for Gilas! Congratulations! You make the Filipinos proud!

Top 5 remedies for Teething

For newbie mommies, there are things you should be ready about your babies. For one example is when your baby is during his 4th to 10th months, this is where the stage of teething starts.

What is teething? when your baby's tooth is now popping out of it's gums. During RJ's first months I didn't know what to do, He was crying so hard and I thought he was hungry. So I gave him some milk but he didn't drink it. 

He began to have diarrhea at that time and always biting his fingers (some babies tend to have fevers when they are teething). We took him to the doctor because we were worried. The doctor said it just normal and he was just teething. She prescribed some medicine and gave me some remedies I can do to soothe his teething. 

RJ on his teething stage :)

Mark Gil dies of cancer

Yes it true! The veteran actor that we all know and love, Mark Gil, has died at the age of 52 supposedly 53. He was going to celebrate his 53th birthday on September 25. The last time we all saw the veteran actor was on "The Legal Wife" which he co-work with Ms. Angel Locsin in the ABS-CBN. 

He leaves his 6 children behind (Gabby Eigenmann, Timmy Eigenmann (Sid Lucero), Andi Eigenmann, Maxine Eigenmann, Ira Eigenmann, and Stevie Eigenmann.) and also his wife, Maricar Jacinto-Eigenmann. 

A statement from the Eigenmann family says that in 2012, the actor was diagnosed with liver cancer. It was also confirmed that the illness is terminal in June 2014. The family have the actor's body cremated instead be bury on a casket.

Mark Gil's death was confirmed and announced through a private message on Facebook to Rappler by Perry Lansigan, the Gabby Eigenmann's manager. It is said that Mark Gil died on Sept. 1,2014 at 8 'o clock in the morning which was confirmed by the actor's manager, June Rufino. 

His siblings who are also active in the showbiz are Michael de Mesa and Cherie Gil. 

Gabby manager's also stated that the family requested privacy to grieve the actor's death as of the moment.

His Star Colleagues express deep sadness through their social media accounts. 

Mark Gil during his younger days

Gabe Norwood's Dunk Vs. Argentina Luis Scola

Gilas Pilipinas may have lost the game to Crotia by 3 points and now to Argentina by 4 points but there is one moment that said to be the best dunk of the FIBA World Cup so far.

The player was from our homeland, Gabe Norwood. He is the Rain or Shine Elasto Painter forward of Gilas Pilipinas. His opponent was Argetina's Indiana Pacer veteran, Luis Scola. 

Norwood and his team are in the middle of a half run of the first quarter. He got hold of the ball and charged towards the ring with the Argentinian player. 

Norwood decisive to charged towards Scola, instead of going around him, makes one of the most exhilarating moments of the tournament and thus scoring 12-19 with a 7 point lead for the Philippines.