Let There Be White

It has been a regular for the family to buy Red Ribbon cakes. The thing I love about their cakes are the distinct flavors they give.

Red Ribbon Has Always Been Part of Our Family...

Something WHITE was officially launched today. I am very proud to become part of this event. White chocolate, white chiffon, and luscious long- stemmed maraschino cherries. Combined that it will surely give delight on your first bite.

Introducing, Red Ribbon's New White Forest Cake!!!
Regular (P560), Junior (P335)
Visit any Red Ribbon Branch or call 8-77-77 and have it delivered!

This new yummy goodness was greatly influenced by Red Ribbon's Black Forest cake. Black Forest has been one of Red Ribbon's signature cake. It captures our hearts all the time. With this, Red Ribbon launched the very first White Forest cake in the Philippines.

It is made with creamy white chocolate and light, moist chiffon cake layered with real cherry bits and a fusion of white chocolate flakes.

I love it! The chiffon was very soft, not too sweet that you will appreciate the twist of the cherry filling will give. The long- stemmed Maraschino cherries on top made it more inviting and tempting. I just can't wait to have more of this new sensation.

Aside from this White mouth watering news, Red Ribbon has a new set of pastries and dishes to enjoy.

My son fell in love with their Ube Mamon first time he tried it.
Spaghetti with Meatballs

This is the best Spaghetti with Meatballs I have ever tasted. It's so gourmet. The meatballs were made out of 100% beef. Everything looks fresh and natural with this dish.

For a hearty morning, this is perfect. Grilled Ensaimada, scrambled eggs, served with the new Farmer's Ham made of tender lean meat with maple syrup.

Garlic and Chicken Mushroom

My favorite. There's just something about the flavor that I can't explain and distinguish. So good, it makes me want to eat some more.

Thank God for Red Ribbon! It's the ideal dining place for the family. Not to forget, the love and treasure they give for every occasion we celebrate, for every moment we spend with our families.

post updated: with my family's red ribbon cake collection photos.

All Hail District 9!

I just knew that this is going to be an awesome sci-fi movie. It is a documentary- type flick. Video Camera recordings put together. It was the best Sci-fi movie I have ever seen so far. It proved that good movies comes from the people behind the creation not the acting. The setting was different. Usually we would expect that it will be shot in one of the hot cities of America. The film went around in an unknown city of South Africa. The actors are not famous, but they're all good. If this alien thing is to happen in real life, District 9 is probably closest to reality.

Peter Jackson (director of Lord of the Rings) made another classic. I've read several reviews online from various critics. I was like, you people should say something good about this movie. They did as expected.

Chicago Tribune, Geoff Berkshire
"A late summer sleeper that puts most of Hollywood to shame."E! Online, Luke Y. Thompson
"...a memorable work that's likely to stand alongside the sci-fi classics."New York TimesA. O. Scott
"...smart, swift..." Reelviews, James Berardinelli
"...ends in a way that is both satisfying and unsettling."

Main character: Sharlto Copley - Wikus Van De Merwe

The tension between the aliens and the humans comes to a head when an MNU field operative, Wikus van der Merwe, contracts a mysterious virus that begins changing his DNA. Wikus quickly becomes the most hunted man in the world, as well as the most valuable -- he is the key to unlocking the secrets of alien technology. Ostracized and friendless, there is only one place left for him to hide: District 9.-source-

Anything sci-fi, I will gladly watch. Friends were raving about this movie. I'm thankful that my husband taught me to appreciate sci-fi. This is one movie genre that has a lot to offer. Very satisfying for movie lovers like me.
We watched at the Gateway Mall. I had speculations while watching, making assumptions to how the movie will end...

Like what James Berardinelli of Reelviews said... "...ends in a way that is both satisfying and unsettling."

Significance of 9-11 For Me

Still related to the United States... This was also the day my US Visa and my son's got approved. Upon knowing the schedule of our interview 9-11. I thought, is this a sign? We all know what happened in America that day. My husband was in the US when it happened. His trip back home got delayed for 2 months fearing to ride the plane. 911 is a date to be remembered...

I just can't imagine the hard work I poured for 3 months gathering data and hard copies. Proof of my solid residency here in Manila. Sept 11, 2008, I started my day early. We woke up, dressed up, our interview was at 1pm in the afternoon. As early as 7:30am we were already on the road going to the US Embassy. We decided to go super early because of the traffic, and upon arrival, I still want to look fresh and confident. My husband dropped us at a nearby Starbucks and off he went to work.

My mom accompanied me. 11:30am I went inside with Franky, security pointed me to the direction where I saw a line. Went there. While waiting, I was reading a book with Franky. Until I noticed a person being pointed to the other side of the Embassy.

We were in the wrong Visa line. Note: We were in line at the seafarer's area for 45 mins! Crazy!

And yes, I can call my self stupid---I didn't ask anybody at hindi ko man lang napansin na ako lang ang babae na nakapila.

I ran all the way to the other end of the Embassy for the trourist Visa process. My time in the wrong line ate up most of the pre- application check-up process. If you're going to assess, ma-le-late talaga ako. So I asked everybody in front of me if they could let me go first since I'm already running late and they're not. I was blessed that the group I was with were very understanding.

Last 2 minutes! Last 2 minutes! Exactly 12:58pm I was able to get my lucky numbers.
I was a total wreck, like physically. Sweaty and all, no time to use the bathroom to check how I looked. I told myself... Whatever result I may get, the experience for that day is still worth it.
So the interview happened, with me looking wasted. I have always been advised that the physical has bearing. I mean, even in an ordinary interview, they always look at the person and maybe gauge it from there, if it will fit the whole personality and attitude. That's why we always look our best.

Anyway, my hard-work paid off. It was a good 5 minute interview. Not a single document was asked.

3 days after, our passport with our visas knocked on our door. What is the Visa for? We made it a point that anytime we want to travel, everyone in the family is equipped with proper documents. Anytime, we are bound to take a short vacation in the US. Supposedly, October of last year. But a better job was offered to my husband here in the Philippines, that we had to cancel so he can start immediately. This has been a plan left hanging. We don't want to let it go. Its been a long time since my husband left for the US and visited his home.

A Blessed Rainy Day!

I started my rainy Wednesday by having breakfast with my husband. It was raining hard, I was having second thoughts of bringing my son to school. We commute going there. Lucky if my husband is bound to leave later than his usual, he's able to take my son to school. And today was such a blessed day. My husband was available to bring my son. Later, I was given the ultimate good news for the day. Let me count our blessings and be thankful...

-photo source-

I had a good talk with my son's teacher. She said that my son is doing great in school. Especially in Math. A smiling face was given to Franky for excelling. I have been very particular with my son's development. Few knows that he is undergoing difficulty in terms of language. He understands English more. Speaks in English and responds in English. One thought that has been bugging me, is his ability to be able to adapt and cope in a regular Filipino school environment.

Now, I can relax some more. After his first quarter in school, I know the second, third and fourth are going to be fantastic. Its good to see and experience the fruit of our hard work as parents. Especially for a first timer like me. Now I can guarantee that we are on the right path. I know my husband is feeling the same or even greater. Knowing that he is the only person behind providing us with a comfortable life. Another thing I am very thankful for is having him as a strong partner in life. We both have matured together to be more flexible, smart, wiser and to become simple Beings. He taught me a lot about life and the good values behind it. He is my mentor,and inspiration. I hope you're reading this baby...

Cheers to us for a job well done!

A Short Getaway

Hey everyone! Its been a long time since my last post. I took a time out and went on a short vacation on blogging. I must admit, since my son started going to school, everything changed. From our line of priorities, time management, load of work. It has been hectic not hard. As you may have noticed, I don't post that much or make drops like before. I sure do miss doing my regular online. But that thought brought good news too. I found out that I can still survive without checking my blogs in a day.

With all the load of plans, and school at hand. I immediately went on a short out of the town trip with my parents. I arranged this trip with my mom. Yup! welcome to the housewives club! She felt that she needed a little getaway too.

Seeking for my Dad's help, (who was our only hope to drive for us), we were blessed that his schedule was open. Plus, a long weekend was ahead of us.

Our short vacation started with a mass at the Carmel Shrine in Lipa Batangas. Few of you might have known that I am a devotee of the Miraculous Mediatrix of All Grace of Lipa.
Since I started hearing mass in Lipa, my spirituality was renewed to something better. And it just keeps on coming. It brings me inner peace all the time. (a different post to follow)

Later, we went to look for some beaches. We would usually go to Laiya, Batangas. But this year, we wanted something different. We landed in Sariaya Quezon.
The waves are bigger and stronger in Quezon. The beach was very clean. Its another 1 hour drive from Batangas. With good roads and some green scenery, you will never notice the long drive.
It was perfect to just sit around, enjoy our lunch and go on a stroll by the beach. It was the moment for some "me time". My dad took over watching my son. I went along walked by myself taking pictures.
Good life is indeed spent without spending too much money. This simple trip, is enough for me. I got rejuvenated. City life is very stressful even if I don't do regular work.It feels so weird to wear shorts and jacket at the beach.

Smiley Face

note: We are in the wet season. And currently experiencing some rain with gusty winds. That explains why the beach is empty.

Wet or dry, it doesn't really matter here in the Philippines. Have an awesome week everyone!

Blog hopping will officially start next week. I still want to continue rejuvenating by taking things one step at a time.
I do appreciate the visits and lovely messages you guys leave. Hugs!

Getting To Know Each Other

A tag that will definitely make my week from blogging complete. I'm in a very low mood lately. Been very busy and tired. I guess, after a week of excitement, that's the time you will get that tiring feeling. But this tag from Mommy Seiko of Seikos Diary woke me up.

GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER:
1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:30am
2. How do you like your steak? Medium

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Ice Age 3!

4. What is your favorite TV show? Rachael Ray or The Tyra Banks Show

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I'm still here. Nothing beats the comforts your own country can give.

6. What did you have for breakfast? Ham, scrambled eggs, toast and my Taho!
7. What is your favorite cuisine? My favorites play between Italian, Chinese, Mexican and other exotic flavors.

8. What foods do you dislike? Anything too spicy.

9. Favorite place to eat? I've always been a Mexicali fan.

10. Favorite dressing? Italian dressing.

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? I used to drive my Dad's van, now I drive my husband's Honda Civic.

12. What are your favorite clothes? Comfy shorts, racerback tops and slippers.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Georgia
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full

15. Where would you want to retire? Out of the city where I can plant herbs and flowers.

16. Favorite time of day? Night time

17. Where were you born? Mandaluyong City

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Lately...UFC or Boxing hehehe!

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? Hmmm...I really don't know.

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? Mommy Jac, TeJan, Chris and Willa.

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? Blogger friends in my bloglist.
22. Bird watcher? Yes! Very much.
23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night Person (used to) (I still want to.)

24. Do you have any pets? Yes! Fishes.
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? We will be out this weekend. Tagaytay bound!26. What did you want to be when you were little? A Flight Attendant.

27. What is your best childhood memory? I had a worry-free childhood. I played a lot.

29. Are you married? Yes

30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes!

31. Been in a car accident? Nope!

32. Any pet peeves? People playing smart.

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Mushrooms, Pineapple, bell pepper.

34. Favorite Flower? Lilies
35. Favorite ice cream? Chocolate (dark, chocolate truffles)
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? KFC!

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? never

38. From whom did you get your last email? Rach a good friend.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Marks and Spencer

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? none

41. Like your job? Yes! Very Much!

42. Broccoli? Love it!

43. What was your favorite vacation? Anything that will keep me out from the usual and spent with my family.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? My whole family. (dad, mom, siblings, niece and nephew and my family)

45. What are you listening to right now? BASIA
46. What is your favorite color? RED and NUDE

47. How many tattoos do you have? none

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? Everyone in my bloglist!

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 9:25am

50. Coffee drinker? Used to, but not anymore.

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