tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32092852201876291862024-03-14T03:24:54.431+08:00Zola's MomRandom thoughts of a Stay-at-Home Mom . . . on anything, anyone and whatever else that catches her fancy.Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.comBlogger631125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-90393302928778916542018-08-09T16:47:00.004+08:002018-08-09T16:47:52.479+08:00A Newbie's (Mini) Guide to Osaka<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello!!!</div>
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I can't believe summer is almost over and the kids are going back to school next week! <i> (I don't know who is more excited, me or them? Since both of them are now going to the same school, things will be easier for this Mama and this means a little bit more "me" time as well . . . yessss! Haha)</i></div>
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I am all charged up because we just came home from Philippines for a month long vacation. We always try to visit a new place or country with my Mom and my sister whenever we are back home. This year, our travel plans included Osaka, Japan. They have actually visited this beautiful city last year and they loved it so much that they don't mind going back! <i> (And after visiting Osaka, I can't blame them!)</i></div>
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I know that Japan is becoming a popular tourist destination right now so I thought of sharing with you some of our experience/tips which I hope you will find useful one day when you plan to visit this country too.</div>
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<b>1. TICKETS</b> - We weren't really planning on going to Osaka but when there is an opportunity that arises<i> (like a <b>seat sale!</b>)</i>, you might as well grab it! LOL . . . We booked our tickets through Jetstar Asia which flies from Clark International Airport to Osaka<i> (Kansai Airport)</i>. This worked really well for us because the Clark is just around 30 kms away from where we live!<br />
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<b>2. ACCOMMODATIONS</b> - Hotel or Airbnb? That is the question. . . .<br />
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My sister and my Mom stayed at the <b>Namba Oriental Hotel</b> <i>(which is in a really good location!)</i> in their last trip to Osaka. But since our group of 6 needs 2 rooms for 5 nights in a hotel, Airbnb is the best way to go, haha. It is definitely cheaper and more than anything, I love that we get to be in one house together! Plus we can do laundry for free! LOL<br />
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If you are not sure where to stay, for first time visitors <i>(like us)</i>, I highly recommend that you stay in the Namba/Shinsaibashi area. This area has so much to offer in terms of shopping and dining! Seriously, I want to go back to Osaka, just to EAT! Haha . . .</div>
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For more details about Osaka and its other districts, please click on this <a href="https://insideosaka.com/osaka-districts/">link.</a></div>
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<b>3. ITINERARY</b> - When we were planning for our itinerary, we just made sure we included something for the kids <i>(5 and 7 yr old)</i> and a day trip to Kyoto<i> (Kyoto is a <b>MUST! </b> It is another beautiful city that one day is not enough)</i>. To give you an idea, for the kids, we went to Kaiyukan Aquarium and Kids Plaza. I will blog more about what we did in a separate post.</div>
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<b>4. TOUR GUIDE/GROUP TOUR</b> - When my Mom and my sister went to Osaka for the first time, they booked a private tour guide through <a href="https://triplelights.com/">Triple Lights</a>. In our trip, we thought we will do a DIY tour of Kyoto and regard it as an adventure! But after being in Osaka for a few days and with ALL the walking we did<i> (did I say we have 2 kids and my Mom with us?)</i>, we thought it was best to sign up for a group tour, haha! After seeing all the places we went to, I sure am glad we did!<br />
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We went to the <b>Tourist Information Center</b> in Namba and got a flyer of a travel agency. By the way, the Tourist Center <b>DOES NOT </b>book any tours for visitors. They can answer questions regarding sightseeing or anything that can be of help to tourists. You can also get city maps from here. For more details about the Tourist Information Center, please click on this <a href="https://osaka-info.jp/en/page/tourist-information-namba">link.</a></div>
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We booked online a one day bus tour <i>(which includes 4 must visit tourist places)</i> to Kyoto with Hankyu Travel. For our tour, we went to a meeting point where the bus will pick up the group.<br />
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Please click <a href="http://traveltojapan.hankyu-travel.com/en/">here</a> to go to Hankyu Travel's website for more details and for the other tour packages that they offer. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">At the end of the day . . . ๐</span></i></div>
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<b>5. TRAIN TICKETS</b> - Okay, the train system in Osaka can be overwhelming for first time visitors! It is a bit tricky because there are different railway companies operating in different lines. There are a variety of deals/rail passes you can avail of. Each of these come with certain conditions. For example, Kansai Thru Pass is a rail pass that you can use in trains, private railways and even buses. However, you cannot use it in train lines operated by Japan Railways (JR). See what I mean? <i>Haha</i><br />
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And that is why I let Hubby and my sister handle all train-related matters! <i>heehee </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't worry, there is a button for English users ๐</i></td></tr>
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We did not avail of any rail pass because when we reviewed our planned itinerary, we don't have a great need to use the train. <br />
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If you have any questions regarding the use of train and how to get around, the staff at the Tourist Information Center are helpful and would be able to assist you on this matter.<br />
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I found something which I hope I can help you understand more about the train system in Osaka. Please click <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357_kansai.html">here.</a></div>
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<b>6. Pocket Wifi</b> - SUPER important! I suggest you rent a pocket wifi with unlimited data plan during your stay in Japan. You can order one online and have it delivered to where you are staying <i>(for a delivery fee). </i> My sister swears by <b>Pupuru.</b> Returning it is easy as there are mail boxes inside the airport where you can just drop it.</div>
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For more details about Pupuru and their products and services, please click <a href="https://pupuruwifi.com/en/">here.</a></div>
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During our trip, we decided to get another one <i>(our Airbnb host actually provided pocket wifi but with limited usage per day)</i> upon our arrival at the airport from <b>Softbank</b>, another reliable provider. Please click<a href="https://www.softbank-rental.jp/en/rental_japan/wifi.php"> here </a>to know more about them. </div>
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We suggest that you arrange for your pocket wifi in advance as there is a chance that the providers at the airport run out of rental units. </div>
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<b>7. USEFUL PHRASES - </b>Most of the Japanese population may be able to communicate English in a limited manner so having a list of useful phrases such as the list below is going to be helpful as you go around.</div>
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We survived going around just by using one word. . ."DOKO" which means "where?"<i> </i>I swear, just knowing this word have helped us a lot of times during our trip!<i> Haha </i></div>
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One thing that I love about the Japanese is they are sooooo helpful. They may not be comfortable speaking in English but they will still try their best to help you. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://publish.uwo.ca/~mguignar/final-project/travel-basics/index.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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I hope this post helps you in some way. As I've said this is a Newbie's guide and is based on our experience. <br />
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Please feel free to share any tips or useful information you might have about travelling to Japan. I am sure I will put them in good use. . . when we go back! <i> (Huney, I know you're reading my blog so I know you got the message, haha)</i> ๐<br />
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<i>Arigatou gozaimasu!</i><br />
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Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-63582474276253741022018-05-13T06:20:00.004+08:002018-05-13T06:21:26.354+08:00My New Favorite Vegetable Recipe - Broccoli Patties!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello everyone!!!!</div>
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It has been a long time<i> (like loooonnnngg!)</i> since I posted something on the blog. How long? Well, let's put it this way, I haven't even finished writing a post from last year's annual family vacation and we will be taking another one in a couple of months! LOL</div>
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Since my last post, what has been going on in our <i>casa</i>? Well, our Princess is now a 1st Grader and our little <i>(not so little now)</i> boy entered a Pre-school program. I am still doing some part time work which I absolutely love. So these. . . plus everything else that needs to be done for the house and for the family pretty sums up what I've been busy with all these time. </div>
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I haven't even done much baking <i>(something which I love doing) </i>and haven't tried any new recipes as well. But today is a good day to blog because I am sooo excited to share with you a new recipe which I tried<i> (and loved!)</i> just this afternoon!</div>
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Broccoli is my favorite vegetable. I love roasting them with olive oil, garlic and salt. But I got lazy the other day so I just blanched them and ate them with my favorite salad dressing. Then I got bored eating them like that so I had to look for another recipe to make my meals more interesting, haha. I am lucky to have found this recipe from <a href="https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/vegetable/baked-brocolli-patties.html">Just A Pinch </a>! (Please click on it to get the recipe).</div>
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<b>BROCCOLI PATTIES!</b></div>
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How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:<br />
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1. These patties are superb because they have broccoli <i>(a superfood!)</i> in it.<br />
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2. There is cheeeese in it! Not one. . .but 3<i> (Parmesan, Cheddar and Mozza)</i>!<br />
<i style="text-align: justify;">*The only thing I added which was not in the original recipe was some Mozzarella cheese because. . . wait, do we need any reason to use more cheese? Haha</i><br />
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3. The best thing about these patties are. . . . they are <b>BAKED, </b>not fried. I repeat,<b> NOT FRIED!!!</b><br />
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I would like to believe that it is still "healthy" even when there are 3 kinds of cheese in it, haha. </div>
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Well, I think the fact that they are not deep fried is good enough reason to say this dish is healthy-<i><b>ish? </b>*silly grin here*</i></div>
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If cheese is made of milk and milk is good for the body, I therefore conclude that. . . cheese is good for our body! LOL</div>
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As much as I like it, my picky eaters stayed away from it! <i>Aaarrggh.</i> I was hoping I can trick them into eating veggies by showing them the crusty, melted cheese on the patties! <i>Yummm! </i> These kids of mine don't know what they are missing! </div>
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If your kids are not picky as mine, this dish is a good way for them to eat their veggies too.<br />
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This recipe is definitely a winner in my book because it is easy, tasty and healthy! =)<br />
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Hope you will like it as much as I do. ๐<br />
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By the way, try these patties with your favorite creamy salad dressing like Ranch.<br />
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Hope you are all having a great weekend!<br />
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<br />Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-18096422802329264092017-07-30T00:44:00.003+08:002017-07-30T00:50:19.594+08:00On finding a good Ilocos Empanada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I don't know how many times I've been to Ilocos since Hubby and I got together but I can count how many times I've eaten an Ilocos empanada! <b> ZERO!!! </b><i>Haha . . .</i>We haven't eaten one in the many times we've been there! I guess because we know that we always go there anyway plus I am not really a fan of this empanada because I didn't like it the first time I tried it . . .in Manila! I know, I know, I should know better. Of course I have to try it in its birth place! </div>
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As they say, everybody deserves a second chance . . . including this empanada! Haha!</div>
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After we checked in at <a href="http://zolasmom.blogspot.com/2017/07/one-night-in-vigan-revisiting-hotel-luna.html?spref=fb">Hotel Luna</a>, we had some time to spare before attending the 7PM Sunday mass in St. Paul Cathedral in the Plaza. We thought this is a good time to get some.</div>
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My sister told me that the two famous empanadas in Vigan are Irene's and CJ's. Our Aunt though recommended <b>Insiang's </b>which she has personally tried and liked. Now, if a local tells you that it is good, you have trust them because they know what they are talking about!</div>
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We walked along the streets of Vigan and we couldn't find it <i>(because we got the wrong directions, haha)</i>. We asked several locals but somehow they couldn't give us an answer<i> (a bad sign? haha).</i> We were even second guessing ourselves if we have the right name! </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3iDR4_wTNM/WXo6Q5NIF1I/AAAAAAAAIfg/PpSB9k_a6NUz44tt7OKOv6I7x_gHeaFUQCLcBGAs/s1600/newvigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3iDR4_wTNM/WXo6Q5NIF1I/AAAAAAAAIfg/PpSB9k_a6NUz44tt7OKOv6I7x_gHeaFUQCLcBGAs/s320/newvigan.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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But we <i>(our tummies) </i>didn't give up!</div>
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But thanks to Manong Kutsero, we found <b>Insiang's! </b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it exists! Haha</td></tr>
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Literally, a roadside eatery.<br />
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There is a funny story about the picture below. The table wasn't there when we got there. They literally pulled out the table from somewhere <i>(ala bunny out of the hat trick, haha)</i> and just set it up for us when we told them we are going to "dine-in". </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Food adventure ba kamo? haha</span></i></td></tr>
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Since we were on a rush <i>(because we are still going to attend Mass)</i>, we just ordered Empanada. They actually have different choices for Empanada (e.g. Special, Double, etc.) and they also have Okoy.</div>
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So here it is. . . Insiang's Empanada! <i>(aka the first Ilocos Empanada which I loved, haha)</i></div>
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Best when eaten hot and with Sukang Iloko! I love how the crust is thin and crispy and not doughy.</div>
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I also like how the egg yolk came out runny. I am not sure if this was meant to be runny or if it was just probably fried quickly than the rest but at any rate, this worked well for me!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaLxIZklM2o/WXi8M5T1pqI/AAAAAAAAIeM/YWYKxbk_U-QrroYc_QCfagrS8CMNeWDPACLcBGAs/s1600/vigan5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaLxIZklM2o/WXi8M5T1pqI/AAAAAAAAIeM/YWYKxbk_U-QrroYc_QCfagrS8CMNeWDPACLcBGAs/s320/vigan5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love that Insiang uses Papaya instead of Cabbage for Empanada. They said there are times that they use Cabbage if there is no Papaya on hand. </div>
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<i>Side story: My sister got the chance to eat Empanada in Paoay (a place North of Ilocos) and she told me that they (at least the one that she tried) have an orange-colored crust which is thicker versus the empanada which we had in Vigan (down South) which we had. One difference too is that the empanada from the North uses cabbage and togue as filling.</i></div>
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If there is one thing that Insiang's can improve on, we wish there was more meat <i>(they use Vigan Longganisa)</i> in it. The longganisa they use is actually good. We liked the Empanada so much that we ordered 50 pcs of Empanada to bring back home <i>(to share with family and friends)</i>, haha! We also ordered longganisa from them. We appreciate that they delivered everything to our hotel too. </div>
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I have yet to try the other empanadas in Vigan but for now, I am happy to say that I enjoy eating the Ilocos Empanada now, thanks to Insiang's! <i>(Agyamanak Manang Insiang!)</i></div>
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In case you are wondering about the Empanadas we brought back home, I have to say that they are really best when eaten hot and freshly cooked. We re-heated them in a toaster and let them cool for a bit <i>(so they will get crispy)</i> and still enjoyed eating them the day after.</div>
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Do you have a favorite Ilocos Empanada? Care to share? ๐</div>
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<b>Insiang's</b></div>
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Calle Salcedo and V. De Los Reyes St.</div>
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near Gordion Hotel</div>
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Vigan City</div>
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<br />Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-75780847421635917902017-07-29T08:17:00.001+08:002017-07-29T08:21:58.124+08:00One Night in Vigan - Revisiting Hotel Luna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Every time we go home to Philippines, we make sure we visit Hubby's Grandma<i> (she is 93 years old) </i>and Aunt in Ilocos Sur. Due to time constraints, we were able to stay only for a night but we are glad to be able to have spent some time with his side of the family. </div>
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We stayed at our favorite hotel in Vigan, <b>Hotel Luna</b> (which I blogged about <a href="http://zolasmom.blogspot.com/2015/05/summer-destination-hotel-luna-in-vigan.html">here</a>). I am so happy to see that nothing has changed in their impeccable service. Everyone. . . like <b>EVERYONE </b><i>(I swear)</i> was so courteous and helpful. </div>
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Business must have been good since the last time we came because the hotel has built an Annex which has 17 rooms. I am just not sure if the main hotel takes care of reservations for both hotel or each property handles its own reservations. If you do an online booking with third party vendors <i>(e.g., Agoda, Expedia)</i>, the Annex is listed as Hotel Luna Annex. By the way, they apply the Senior Citizen Discount <b>only</b> when the booking is made directly with the hotel. </div>
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For Dinner, Hubby and I were able to go on a "date" because the kids<i> (and my Aunt)</i> had dinner at the room. <i> (Thanks to McDonald's! Haha)</i></div>
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If I wasn't too tired from the 6 hr trip <i>(I drove! Yep, moi!), </i>a walk around the Plaza or in Calle Crisologo would have been nice but dinner in an air-conditioned place where you just have to take an elevator sounded more appealing to me that time, haha! And I heard from my sister that the dinner buffet in Comedor <i>(the hotel's restaurant)</i> is good. Unfortunately, there wasn't a buffet that night<i> (I think buffet nights are only on weekends).</i></div>
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At any rate, we were happy with what we ordered. By the way, the restaurant's <i>ala carte</i> menu has a wide array of choices.</div>
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We ordered Pinakbet Paella which was good. It has Vigan longganisa, bagnet, salted eggs and veggies as toppings. It was a meal in itself! The only thing I was missing is the soccarat <i>(sosyal name for "tutong", haha).</i> </div>
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And we also tried their Dinakdakan <i>(an Ilocano dish which is similar to sisig). </i>I don't eat Dinakdakan because it usually has pig's brain mixed into it to make it creamy. I enjoyed this version because it is like the standard sisig.</div>
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The hotel also has a good breakfast buffet, something I look forward to whenever we stay in this hotel, haha.</div>
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If you need a place to stay in Vigan, I highly recommend Hotel Luna for a comfortable stay, yummy food and excellent service from the staff! </div>
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<b>Hotel Luna</b></div>
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General Luna St., </div>
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Vigan City, Ilocos Sur</div>
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Tel. No. +63 (77) 632 2222</div>
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For more details about Hotel Luna, please click<a href="http://hotelluna.ph/"> here</a> to go to their website.</div>
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Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-90794656029287462752017-07-26T04:16:00.001+08:002017-07-28T00:20:18.042+08:00Bangkok Adventure: Shopping and Pasalubong Mini-Guide<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>SHOPPING!!!! </b>It is probably a woman's favorite therapy <i>(retail that is!)</i> and cardio exercise, haha!</div>
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Bangkok is a good destination for shopping <i>(and eating, such a perfect combination!).</i> It has a plethora of shopping places that won't break your budget, from malls to different kinds of markets. </div>
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Here are some shopping places in Bangkok which we went to:</div>
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<b>1) Siam Paragon Mall </b>- If you plan to do some luxurious shopping <i>(along the lines of Balenciaga and Chanel)</i>, this place is for you<i> (not for us, haha!). </i>There are also popular clothing brands found in this mall like GAP, Zara and H & M.</div>
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We went to this mall was because we took the kids to <a href="http://bangkok.kidzania.com/en-us/">Kidzania </a><i>(where they had a LOT of fun! If you have young kids who don't care about food and shopping, this is a good place for them to bring to). </i>I wasn't able to take lots of photos but here are some of those I took.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--CCmiIwYNJM/WXazU4R0z3I/AAAAAAAAIZY/BgQt0BmUKy8Gph828Ih6L79m3-4QUkpAgCLcBGAs/s1600/shop224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--CCmiIwYNJM/WXazU4R0z3I/AAAAAAAAIZY/BgQt0BmUKy8Gph828Ih6L79m3-4QUkpAgCLcBGAs/s400/shop224.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trDKicAdHBI/WXazhafhFrI/AAAAAAAAIZo/F1nUvZBvtFccE8AfZ3LX4vcN0XuDbrd6wCLcBGAs/s1600/shop25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trDKicAdHBI/WXazhafhFrI/AAAAAAAAIZo/F1nUvZBvtFccE8AfZ3LX4vcN0XuDbrd6wCLcBGAs/s400/shop25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They have a food court at the Ground Floor <i>(my favorite among all the food courts we've been to)</i> and nice restaurants on the 4th level <i>(pictured below)</i> of the mall.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7oJbSsHAaA/WXazUyTLetI/AAAAAAAAIZc/IGw0RT3SLsk2wZt2w_s6JP6WllINZmKRQCEwYBhgL/s1600/shop26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7oJbSsHAaA/WXazUyTLetI/AAAAAAAAIZc/IGw0RT3SLsk2wZt2w_s6JP6WllINZmKRQCEwYBhgL/s400/shop26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyD-oEmxby4/WXazVa6493I/AAAAAAAAIZg/fYPHPA3qebMHTQOeaY3bKOX6W8LOW1nAQCEwYBhgL/s1600/shop27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyD-oEmxby4/WXazVa6493I/AAAAAAAAIZg/fYPHPA3qebMHTQOeaY3bKOX6W8LOW1nAQCEwYBhgL/s400/shop27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GD4Dbis1AkA/WXa0CMbUy9I/AAAAAAAAIZs/ukjEPJ4bO0QBwFAbiFVUaIQEKlxwGI4rQCLcBGAs/s1600/sshop29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GD4Dbis1AkA/WXa0CMbUy9I/AAAAAAAAIZs/ukjEPJ4bO0QBwFAbiFVUaIQEKlxwGI4rQCLcBGAs/s400/sshop29.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></div>
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<i>*The floor levels in this mall can be tricky because Ground Floor is different from the Main Floor and 1st Floor. </i></div>
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I would love to come back to this mall to check out their Gourmet Market and for some food tripping!</div>
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Besides Kidzania, this mall also houses the Sealife Ocean World located at the Basement of the mall. </div>
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By the way, fyi, there is another mall which is called<b> SIAM CENTER</b>. Just in case you want to go to either of them, just be clear if it is Siam <b>PARAGON </b>or Siam <b>CENTER</b>.</div>
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For more details about Siam Paragon (and the mall directory), please visit their <a href="http://www.siamparagon.co.th/directory/floor/GF---GROUND-FLOOR/5">website.</a></div>
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<b>2) Krung Thong Plaza</b><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATUg_ckMt0E/WXaudE45VeI/AAAAAAAAIYo/qoDqqZur3c8VLOOaD20ursQs8d46XarQwCLcBGAs/s1600/shop9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATUg_ckMt0E/WXaudE45VeI/AAAAAAAAIYo/qoDqqZur3c8VLOOaD20ursQs8d46XarQwCLcBGAs/s400/shop9.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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To my fellow plus-size women, <b>REJOICE!!!</b> <i>(Insert Handel's Hallelujah song here)</i><br />
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If you think Bangkok is just for slender women, HA! Those days are overrrrr! Haha!<br />
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I think majority of the stalls here in this mall cater to plus-size women. I like that there is a wide variety of choices for dresses, tops, pants, shorts, casual and lounge wear, etc. that are fashionable, modern and stylish.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8bUCZ7NPGc/WXaukuwJMiI/AAAAAAAAIY4/g8oCvQAX0mgnzpzmXvhQ-KOq7d7tJUtbQCLcBGAs/s1600/shop5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8bUCZ7NPGc/WXaukuwJMiI/AAAAAAAAIY4/g8oCvQAX0mgnzpzmXvhQ-KOq7d7tJUtbQCLcBGAs/s400/shop5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ftu5_z1fOQc/WXaukPHYT_I/AAAAAAAAIYs/x_LBAJpKdrg7mkQ6ffRp-8j24pgk-_bjACLcBGAs/s1600/shop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ftu5_z1fOQc/WXaukPHYT_I/AAAAAAAAIYs/x_LBAJpKdrg7mkQ6ffRp-8j24pgk-_bjACLcBGAs/s400/shop2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfLhKF4vlu8/WXaukJuYupI/AAAAAAAAIY0/HigVODzN3pIC1mF56yuQ1lHAMZe7yo2egCLcBGAs/s1600/shop4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfLhKF4vlu8/WXaukJuYupI/AAAAAAAAIY0/HigVODzN3pIC1mF56yuQ1lHAMZe7yo2egCLcBGAs/s400/shop4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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To get a wholesale price, I suggest you buy at least 2 items <i>(I think this will not be a problem, haha).</i> I got some tops which average around US$7). Just to give you a heads up, no fitting is allowed. But you know what, some of the sellers have a good eye <i>(and how I wish that they are friendlier, some are) </i>because they know what size you are just by looking at you.</div>
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At the main entrance of the mall, you will see a stall which sells gold plated earrings <i>(among many others)</i> that are of good quality. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-ujTTTzMTA/WXavP8fQj9I/AAAAAAAAIZE/vHTR_NAHpTwEx-JBm7ExDCN9PIbRZ3nPACLcBGAs/s1600/shop7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-ujTTTzMTA/WXavP8fQj9I/AAAAAAAAIZE/vHTR_NAHpTwEx-JBm7ExDCN9PIbRZ3nPACLcBGAs/s400/shop7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEHemP2Hcyo/WXavP4FOqCI/AAAAAAAAIZA/DhOJzz5WtKku2fBsvhnoJBR1RvkCkmbvwCLcBGAs/s1600/shop8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEHemP2Hcyo/WXavP4FOqCI/AAAAAAAAIZA/DhOJzz5WtKku2fBsvhnoJBR1RvkCkmbvwCLcBGAs/s320/shop8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Khun Pramote, the owner, super nice guy!</span></i></td></tr>
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You can say that this is my favorite mall because looking clothes for my size is not a problem! Haha!<br />
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Krung Thong Plaza</div>
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(across Platinum Mall)</div>
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813/8, Petchaburi Rd, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok</div>
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<b>3) Platinum Mall</b></div>
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Platinum Mall is one of the more popular shopping places in Bangkok. By the way, there is a bridgeway connecting Krung Thong to Platinum Mall. </div>
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We got some shawls from this very nice Thai lady who was one of the nicest people we have met in our trip. She gave us a discount because she said we were her lucky customers. She was happy because after we came, there were like 4 or 5 customers that came in after us, haha, such a sweet lady.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz-XavPGIkU/WXa1cIMnhGI/AAAAAAAAIZ0/xkkmClcj6nIyrN-YG42fOIaen5c3D1ztgCLcBGAs/s1600/shop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz-XavPGIkU/WXa1cIMnhGI/AAAAAAAAIZ0/xkkmClcj6nIyrN-YG42fOIaen5c3D1ztgCLcBGAs/s400/shop1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrtPT6JX2_w/WXc_8AyslPI/AAAAAAAAIco/6wxV2cyFfXAQMwD8aDBnNEo_xbV3jUkmACLcBGAs/s1600/SHOP37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="852" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrtPT6JX2_w/WXc_8AyslPI/AAAAAAAAIco/6wxV2cyFfXAQMwD8aDBnNEo_xbV3jUkmACLcBGAs/s320/SHOP37.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I found these accessories that have initials in them in one of the stalls.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FNItNQ07jM/WXd6BDp88_I/AAAAAAAAIdE/YvywFkbi6p4dXvfCdYJ2MvDNPm00I8YSQCLcBGAs/s1600/SHOP34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FNItNQ07jM/WXd6BDp88_I/AAAAAAAAIdE/YvywFkbi6p4dXvfCdYJ2MvDNPm00I8YSQCLcBGAs/s400/SHOP34.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">We also got some Thai souvenirs in one of the shops.</span></i></td></tr>
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<b>4)MBK Center</b></div>
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MBK is another popular shopping mall in Bangkok. Personally, I like this better than Platinum Mall. </div>
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There is also another department (Tokyu) store attached to MBK Center. </div>
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For Thai souvenirs and crafts, this is a good place to go to because they have more shops <i>(all together in one floor) </i>which sell different kinds of things compared to Platinum.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I got some throw pillow covers and tissue box covers from here.</span></i></td></tr>
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<b>MBK Center</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Phayathai Rd, Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand</span></div>
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<b>5) Big C Supercenter</b></div>
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I know some people who don't like grocery shopping, but for me, I looovve it! I can just go around and browse the aisles and check out stuff. So whenever I travel and visit a place, I love going to the its supermarket because it is a good place to buy local goods like food, snacks, etc. And in Bangkok, Big C<i> (one of the biggest supermarket chains in Bangkok)</i> is the place to go to.</div>
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Eyes open wide . . .</div>
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Heart palpitates. . . </div>
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My happy place! Haha!</div>
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So we brought home a luggage<i> (or two?)</i> full of goodies!</div>
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We also bought Thai flavored instant noodles<i> (I know instant noodles are bad but we just have to try, haha) </i>and different Thai dish mixes and sauces.</div>
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Beside Thai arts and crafts souvenirs, the supermarket is a good place to do some pasalubong shopping.</div>
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Oh by the way, you have to buy <b>Nestea's Thai Milk Tea Powder</b> because it is good! I am not fond of Thai Milk tea in general but I like Nestea's because it has a milder herbal taste. If you want to have a taste before buying it, there are some food courts that sell this as a drink.</div>
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You can also get a VAT refund in the supermarket but you need to bring your passport to do so. </div>
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<b>Big C Supercenter</b></div>
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(opposite Central World)</div>
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97/11 Rajdamri Rd. Lumpini, Pathumwan</div>
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Bangkok<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<b>6) Pantip Plaza </b></div>
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This is known as Bangkok's IT Shopping mall. I haven't been to this mall and I just got these pictures from hubby who checked out the place.</div>
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<b>Pantip Plaza</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">604/3. Ratchathewi, Bangkok</span></div>
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<b>6)Suvarnbhumi Internationl Airport</b> </div>
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For last minute shopping, you can find different things at the airport. You will see shops like the one pictured below that sell Thai snacks and food. We even bought Sticky Rice Mango to bring back home, haha!</div>
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More shopping choices . . . </div>
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In this post's title, I wrote "Mini Guide" because this is not an extensive guide to the different shopping areas in the city. These are just the places we have been to and believe me, we have only been to a few<i> (and we didn't even get the chance to fully explore each place!). </i></div>
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There are just so many things to do, so many shopping places to conquer! Haha!</div>
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There is <b>definitely</b> a lot more to cover. . . which we will. . . in the future!</div>
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<i>My dear Bangkok, I will see you again!</i> </div>
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<br />Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-78023162226033857972017-07-22T22:02:00.000+08:002017-07-22T22:06:43.357+08:00Patchawaran's - Thai Food Trip in Pampanga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I am taking a break from writing my Bangkok Adventure posts <i>(there are two more coming up!)</i> but I am here to give you another one . . . and it is about Thai food! <i>(Thai pa rin talaga! Haha)</i></div>
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Since we didn't get enough Thai food in Bangkok, we got our fill and ate to our heart's' content back home in . . . Pampanga! </div>
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My sister heard about this Thai restaurant in Angeles City from her friends and told me about it. According to the waitress who took care of us, the restaurant has been operating for six years now. It was previously known as Chiangmai Restaurant. I am just not sure if the change in name meant change in ownership. One thing is for sure though, they serve good, authentic Thai food because it is owned by a Thai lady who <b>personally</b> cooks all the dishes being served. </div>
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The restaurant <i>(a bungalow house)</i> is located in a residential area. The place doesn't have a parking area<i> (it is street parking) </i>so this can be a problem especially when it is peak time. I am glad we went for a late lunch. You know the place has made quite an impression when you see someone bring a group of Korean tourists there after a game of golf. </div>
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So through this post, I want to bring you too to . . . <b> Patcharawan's Thai Restaurant!</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Facade of the restaurant</span></i></td></tr>
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This is the dining area when you enter the red gate, it is the <i>al fresco </i>part of the restaurant.</div>
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We were seated in the air conditioned area.</div>
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The restaurant's menu has more than enough good choices. You get to choose what meat you want for the Thai dishes. The menu even has International dishes <i>(Singaporean, Malaysian and Mexican! I know, I wasn't expecting the Mexican part, haha)</i>.</div>
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We came with a good appetite and ordered the following:</div>
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<b><i>1) Shrimp and Squid Salad</i></b> - it was refreshing, loved the dressing and the succulent shrimps! And big too I must say. I wish the squid were more tender though.</div>
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<b><i>2) Fried Rice with Chicken</i></b> - when we go out, we have to order Fried rice for the kids. I also wanted to order Bagoong Rice but it wasn't available that day.</div>
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<b><i>3) Grilled Chicken Satay</i></b> - LOVE it! The chicken was tender and the satay sauce was good!</div>
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<b><i>4) Phad See Lew (pronounced as Pad See You)</i></b> - I wish we ordered Phad Thai instead, haha! This is actually me and hubby's favorite Thai Noodle dish so I am already expecting this particular taste which <i>(sadly)</i> we didn't get in this dish. I found it dry too.</div>
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<b><i>5) Chicken Stir Fry with Basil </i></b>- another winner! </div>
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And of course, we had to try one of their curries so we ordered. . . </div>
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<b><i>6) Chiangmai Curry </i></b>- This curry dish tastes like peanut-ty and has a hint of sweetness, similar to the satay sauce. </div>
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And you know what the <b>BEST </b>part about this meal?!!! The price! Our total bill <b><i>(food plus plain rice and drinks) </i></b>came out to Php1,300 only <i>(around US$26)</i>! </div>
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For the quality and quantity of food you get and the price you pay, this place is a winner!</div>
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If there is one thing I would suggest is for them to have more wait staff <i>( or probably we came in after lunch time so the others are on break?) </i> But I have to say that the staff were nice and they were trying their best to manage all the tables.</div>
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So if ever you are in Angeles City and are craving for some Thai food, this is a good place to go to!</div>
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Happy Food Tripping!</div>
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<i>(Oh my gosh, writing this post made me hungry, seriously. I want some Thai food now, haha! )</i></div>
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Patcharawan's Thai Restaurant</div>
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26B Malabanias Road</div>
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Angeles City</div>
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Mobile No. (63) 9205310378</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patcharawans-Thai-Restaurant/752193841493213">FB Page</a> <i>(not sure if this is their official page)</i></div>
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<br />Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-34098388725842865072017-07-18T23:02:00.003+08:002017-07-18T23:29:01.580+08:00Bangkok Adventure: Food Diary<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a follow up to my last post, I am going to share with you some of our food adventures. Honestly we were not able to do much "culinary exploration" in Bangkok <i>(fancy name lang for food tripping, haha)</i> as much as we would like to because there are some days when we are just too tired to go out, haha!</div>
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Here are snapshots from our food diary:</div>
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We only saw a limited number of street food during our stay in the city as we did not have enough time to go on a Street Food adventure.</div>
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<i>(I googled and am saving this blog <a href="https://migrationology.com/top-16-bangkok-street-food-sanctuaries/">post</a> about Street Food in Bangkok from migrationology.com for future reference!)</i></div>
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When we went to the Night Market across our hotel, we tried this BBQ pork sausage which hubby liked because it tasted like our the Pinoy Vigan longganisa.</div>
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We also tried fresh fruits. The watermelon and pineapple<i> (I love that its core was crunchy)</i> were just okay. All the fruits were refreshing but the melon was our favorite because it was sweet! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94JQlpbj4oU/WWzlaUiKEcI/AAAAAAAAIT0/z6L7HNhf9icWWz6tTWejFA8fNE45J6BggCEwYBhgL/s1600/food2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94JQlpbj4oU/WWzlaUiKEcI/AAAAAAAAIT0/z6L7HNhf9icWWz6tTWejFA8fNE45J6BggCEwYBhgL/s320/food2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Fresh fruits come with a dip that consists of sugar, salt and chilies.</i></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmJY9PQ2Ylw/WWzla9M4XnI/AAAAAAAAIT4/OE7uW9LFD3I_F2Spci7c-xB-eOxr3aT5ACEwYBhgL/s1600/food4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmJY9PQ2Ylw/WWzla9M4XnI/AAAAAAAAIT4/OE7uW9LFD3I_F2Spci7c-xB-eOxr3aT5ACEwYBhgL/s320/food4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There was one evening where we just bought food in the different food stalls that we found near our hotel and just ate at our room. <i>(Picnic!!!) </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Chicken satay was good!</span></i></td></tr>
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Across the Platinum Mall, we saw this place that sells Chicken Rice <i>(similar to Singapore's Hainanese Chicken) </i>that is a favorite among the locals. Personally I am not fond of any kind of Hainanese Chicken but if I have to choose between Singapore and Bangkok's version, I would pick Singapore. ๐</div>
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But it is always a good idea to try local favorites right?! ๐</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Lining up for Take-Out (or Take Away as the locals say)</span></i></td></tr>
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Details:</div>
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Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam</div>
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Hainanese Chicken Rice</div>
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Address: </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">966 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">10400, Thailand</span></div>
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(across Platinum Mall)</div>
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*just look out for the pink logo and the staff wearing pink ๐</div>
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Beside the Chicken place is a stall that sells Mango Sticky Rice <i>(a must eat when in Bangkok!)</i></div>
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We also ordered Oyster Omelette, Thai Basil Chicken and a Noodle dish from this man. </div>
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One morning, I saw these fresh fruits and just had to buy Lanzones and Mangosteen<i> (both were sweeettt!)</i> because I miss having them! These are some of the fruits I miss eating since moving to LA. I wanted to buy the Atis <i>(custard apple)</i> but I wasn't willing to pay the price for it, haha! ๐ Besides, the seller said they were not in season<i> (so they might not be sweet then. Thank you to her for being honest!)</i></div>
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We have also tried several food courts and my most favorite is the Paragon Food Hall located at Siam Paragon Mall because it's big and it has a wide range of food choices.</div>
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<b>Tip:</b> Some food courts do not accept cash. You have to avail of a prepaid card from a counter and load it up. I suggest you go around first to see what you like and how much it would cost so you have an idea on the amount you need. If you have a remaining balance on your card, you can just ask for a monetary refund from the cashier after.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Just like Mango Sticky Rice, Pad Thai is synonymous with Bangkok.</span></i></td></tr>
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I can never get enough of this Thai iced dessert! I think I ate it three times during our stay! It is a mix of different sweet treats like jack fruit, sweet potato, taro, corn, water chestnuts (my fave!) , tapioca, gelatin, etc. and then bathed in coconut milk.</div>
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And because we couldn't get enough of Mango Sticky Rice (haha!), we just had to try Dairy Queen's interpretation of this Thai food speciatly in Blizzard form! </div>
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I know, it sounds weird and you could not imagine having sticky in your ice cream but you know what, this rocks! You have to try it. </div>
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It makes me <i>(and my tummy! Haha)</i> sad that we weren't able to try more culinary delights that Bangkok has to offer. It is truly a food haven that is rich both in sweet and savory treats!</div>
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This can only mean one thing. . . . I see another trip to Bangkok in the future! Haha!</div>
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And if you go to Bangkok, I wish you a food trip that would make your tummies happy! Enjoy!</div>
Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-32754177302891116352017-07-16T18:22:00.000+08:002017-07-16T18:30:47.877+08:00Bangkok Adventure: T & K Seafood Restaurant<div style="text-align: justify;">
I could have called it a<i> "MISadventure"</i> but I would rather look it as a blessing in disguise because something came good out of this adventure, <i>haha. </i></div>
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So we <i>(Hubby, me and my sister)</i> thought of going to Bangkok's Chinatown's Night Market hoping to do some shopping and food tripping. We took a cab from the hotel and got off in Yaowarat Road <i>(home to Bangkok's Chinatown)</i> and just started walking. We passed by lots of street food stalls<i> (one stall who sells buns even had a super long, crazy queue! Parang sa concert lang promise) </i>and restaurants. We were almost at the end of the road and yet, we couldn't see anyone selling anything! <i>Haha! </i> So here's a travel tip for you. . . Bangkok's Chinatown doesn't have a Night Market, it is all about food! <br />
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<i>(For a list of Bangkok's Night Markets, please click <a href="http://www.bangkok.com/shopping-shopping-after-dark.htm">here</a> to read.)</i></div>
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So before heading back to the hotel, we thought of grabbing something to eat but we don't have any idea where. So we just went with the flow. . .<b> literally</b>. </div>
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We just chanced upon this frenzied place which seemed to be a popular choice judging from the people who were eating and waiting for a table. It was a full house! There was dining "al fresco" and they also have an air-conditioned restaurant. </div>
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Yes, it's a busy restaurant!</div>
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We got seated at the second level of the restaurant (it has 3 floors). It is a narrow building so this is how our dining room inside looks like . . .<br />
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We were actually seated at the back of the guy in white shirt. Too close for comfort in a way, haha! We also enjoyed a brief conversation with the group beside us<i> (the guy in blue shirt wearing glasses) </i>who were from Singapore. They told us that they always come to eat in this restaurant whenever they go to Bangkok. </div>
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There was a lot to choose from! Their menu has a good range of seafood choices which include Fish, Prawns, Squid, Oyster, Mussels, Shellfish, Crabs and they have Vegetables and Noodles too. We weren't super hungry<i> (I wish we were so we could have ordered more! lol)</i> so we just ordered the following:</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Fried Squid with Garlic and Pepper - Meh, we should have ordered something else.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>It is one of those dishes where you would say, sauce pa lang ulam na!</i></span></td></tr>
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If you are a seafood lover and also in a seafood diet <i>(where you eat everything you "sea", haha)</i>, I recommend this restaurant.</div>
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Going to Chinatown for food tripping is always a good idea! =)</div>
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Got the details for T & K Seafood Restuarant from their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tkseafood/">FB page</a></div>
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<br />Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-61007033059695493462017-07-12T21:54:00.001+08:002017-07-12T21:54:48.316+08:00Bangkok Adventure: Trip to Ot Tor Kor Market<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I've mentioned in my previous post, we went to Bangkok for vacation with my Mom and my sister. When in Bangkok, Food and Shopping tops the list of course! But my Mom is not big on these two things. So my sister thought that she would enjoy a trip to a local market<i> (one thing that she loves is fruits!). </i>My sister read about <b>Ot Tor Kor Market</b> in some travel blogs that she came across and it was also recommended by the Hotel's Concierge so off we went!<br />
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We <i>(minus Hubby and the kids) </i>left the hotel around 8am. The Market is around 8 kms away from the hotel, about 30-40 mins ride <i>(depending on the traffic). </i> <br />
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Personally, I was looking forward to it because I love going to local markets because you get to have a feel of being a local. You can find so many things in Ot Tor Kor Market. . . fresh seafood, vegetables, different kind of fruits, spices, Thai ingredients, cooked food, snacks, etc. This place is truly a feast for the senses!<br />
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<i>Trivia: Did you know that Ot Tor Kor Market is included in CNN's list for 10 of the World's Best Markets?!</i></div>
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I think we enjoyed our trip to the market because it wasn't too crowded. I would suggest going there in the morning (by 9am) on a weekday. I can just imagine that weekends can be crazy! By the way, this place is also near the Chatuchak Market.<br />
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There are two words I can use to describe the market. . . <b>CLEAN</b><br />
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and <b>COLORFUL! </b></div>
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It is a joy to just walk through each aisle and look around and see what they have.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTvAxmjXmY4/WWYBdAdMM1I/AAAAAAAAIP0/T6DY3imPWOsKVI4c8Wy-qyjN203oiGwuACEwYBhgL/s1600/market14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTvAxmjXmY4/WWYBdAdMM1I/AAAAAAAAIP0/T6DY3imPWOsKVI4c8Wy-qyjN203oiGwuACEwYBhgL/s320/market14.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">So pretty. . .Makopa Fruit (as what Filipinos call them). <br />The English name for this fruit is Wax Apple or Java Apple.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9pjiRYN9ueg/WWYISkjDL6I/AAAAAAAAIRU/6aLSo8fDhakOtq56e51X_nnA3lhxslYPwCLcBGAs/s1600/marketnew3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9pjiRYN9ueg/WWYISkjDL6I/AAAAAAAAIRU/6aLSo8fDhakOtq56e51X_nnA3lhxslYPwCLcBGAs/s400/marketnew3.jpg" width="300" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Two of my favorite fruits: Mangosteen and Lychees!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tW2zJ5QA34/WWYBe9J5fRI/AAAAAAAAIQo/qGzEAxrCEFErgB6JvL6sX0TUd6xpLWT6QCEwYBhgL/s1600/market26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5tW2zJ5QA34/WWYBe9J5fRI/AAAAAAAAIQo/qGzEAxrCEFErgB6JvL6sX0TUd6xpLWT6QCEwYBhgL/s320/market26.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I love Santol too!<br />(Btw, not that I am biased but for me, Philippines has the best mangoes in the whole world!)<br /></span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7ae9wQueJQ/WWYLaJYtFOI/AAAAAAAAIRY/T0dn4itQDz0j_d_IrkYzT3hya911mj4qACLcBGAs/s1600/marketnew4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7ae9wQueJQ/WWYLaJYtFOI/AAAAAAAAIRY/T0dn4itQDz0j_d_IrkYzT3hya911mj4qACLcBGAs/s320/marketnew4.jpg" width="240" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The seller told me that the red ones are Jackfruit.</span></i></td></tr>
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Fruits from other countries are also sold here like these grapes from Australia</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-NFMUBbM1w/WWYBc2RbkDI/AAAAAAAAIPw/1puhwGglbbY2_7MTwrkaziB_9VS_fpyowCEwYBhgL/s1600/market12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-NFMUBbM1w/WWYBc2RbkDI/AAAAAAAAIPw/1puhwGglbbY2_7MTwrkaziB_9VS_fpyowCEwYBhgL/s320/market12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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and Cherries from the US</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I wish we came here for lunch! It was just too early for us to try these, haha</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0QUG6H66IE/WWYBfzfSwII/AAAAAAAAIRE/rmdBKR54pR4pK4D-xVs3tLcq3wySvhSbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/market8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0QUG6H66IE/WWYBfzfSwII/AAAAAAAAIRE/rmdBKR54pR4pK4D-xVs3tLcq3wySvhSbgCEwYBhgL/s320/market8.jpg" width="240" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">But I had to try these.. . one of my favorite Thai appetizers, Fish Cakes!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqrqVChNPq8/WWYBeMolgLI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/XiZQqX9bqBYUm7RNwgBjvKtfdnJJNEzyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/market20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqrqVChNPq8/WWYBeMolgLI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/XiZQqX9bqBYUm7RNwgBjvKtfdnJJNEzyQCEwYBhgL/s320/market20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">We bought a box of these "hopia" (as Filipinos call them) with different fillings <br />and we loved them that we bought a second box!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">We love the crust of this curry puff.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thai "kakanin"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Snacks - Dried Seafood</td></tr>
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It was interesting to see that they put coconut cream <i>(or coconut milk, I'm not sure) </i>in their BBQ. I know this sounds odd but they were actually good. You can't taste the coconut at all.</div>
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You can say that walking through the market surely works up an appetite! It does. . . not because it is tiring but because of the food you see! Haha!</div>
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The market also has a place where you can sit down and eat so if you plan on doing some food tripping, GOOOOO! =)<br />
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We did! =)</div>
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It was nice having some "girl time" with my Mom and sister in the middle of this market, haha. You can say that we left with our hearts and tummies, happy and full. =)</div>
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Ot Tor Kor Market</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Address: 139/4 1, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand</span></div>
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Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-46421795806175733582017-07-12T11:01:00.004+08:002017-07-12T14:27:34.266+08:00Bangkok Adventure: Our Hotel - Amari Watergate Bangkok<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hellooooo!!!! Wowww, can you believe that the year is halfway over?!!! </div>
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Pardon<i> (again!) </i>for the lack of posts since the last one I put up in April. Things just got bus<b><i>IER</i></b> leading up to our Princess' last day in school <i>(second week of June)</i>. . . leading to our vacation in PHILIPPINES!!! Yep, we went back home for vacation! Woohoo! </div>
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But I am actually writing this post. . . jetlagged! Yes, we are back in LA<i> (we arrived last Sunday) </i>and our bodies' rhythm are still in the Pacific time. So why not turn this jet lag thing into something productive right?! We even did a grocery run to Walmart at 10pm last night! Haha. . . </div>
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Going back to our family vacation, our itinerary also included a trip to the land of Smiles. . . Bangkok, Thailand! </div>
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We went to Bangkok with my Mom and my sister. So in picking our choice for our hotel accommodations, we definitely considered my Mom and the 2 kids because we knew they would probably be spending half of the time at the hotel<i>.</i> We just want to make sure that they would have a comfortable and relaxing place to stay <i>(while we go out shopping, haha!).</i></div>
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Our home away from home<i> </i>was the <b>Amari Watergate Bangkok. </b> <i>(I have to specify that this is located in Petchburi Road because there are other Amari properties in Bangkok) </i>My sister had several choices for our accommodations but all I can say is she did a good job picking this one! She picked this one because it is reasonably priced for a 5 star hotel. Comparing the prices and the other hotels<i> (some are 3 and 4 star hotels),</i> there is just a minimal price difference<i> (around US$40 during our time of booking) </i>which we think is totally worth it.</div>
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Since we had some questions and requests <i>(e.g. connecting rooms, airport transfers)</i>, my sister just booked our accommodations directly with the hotel. One thing that I love about them is they reply within an hour in all of our online inquiries. <i>(It's a good sign right?! Haha) </i></div>
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We knew it's going to be a great hotel when you step into something like this . . . </div>
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The hotel smelled like a spa (honestly)!</div>
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We also appreciate that a hotel staff personally welcomed us by the door and checked us in. While filling up the forms, they also gave us this . . . </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold towels and cold water (it was refreshingly sweet and was infused with lemongrass)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was so hot and humid in Bangkok that this little boy did this, haha!</td></tr>
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The hotel doesn't have connecting rooms but they were able to give us two rooms that are only a room apart.<br />
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The room and bathroom are nice and spacious, the beds and pillows are comfy, fast wi-fi. . . I can stay in this room the whole day! But one can't really do that because the next best thing about this hotel is its location! It is located directly across the Platinum Mall <i>(which is one of the popular shopping places to go to in Bangkok, one trip is not enough!) </i>and near the Pratunam Market. The hotel is also surrounded by everything you might need<i> (Fast food, Money changers, 7-11s and in case you are asking, yes, there is a Starbucks nearby, haha). </i>There are also night markets across the hotel <i>(Palladium and Platinum)</i> which are not that big but are good enough to go to start your shopping experience <i>(spree! haha) </i>in Bangkok. </div>
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We weren't able to explore the hotel that much but we know that there is a spa, gym and the kids enjoyed the pool. </div>
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There is a part of the pool for toddlers/babies where the water is just 1 foot deep.</div>
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We also tried their Breakfast Buffet and there was a lot! </div>
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Kind of overwhelming, haha . . .</div>
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But as long as there is bread and cheese. . . I am a happy camper!</div>
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This hotel would have been perfect if only there is a train station near the hotel<i> (and better Concierge staff)</i>. Transportation is not a problem though because taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available in the area. The nearest station to the hotel is probably Chit Lom which is a 20 min walk to the hotel. </div>
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Hubby was able to do this<i> (during his Me-time, yep, he had one) </i>and he said that it was a good walk since there was an elevated walkway, he didn't have to go down and walk through the street. The walkway also connects to several department stores and hotels.</div>
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We really had an amazing time in our trip! Considering we were there for 5 days and 4 nights, we still needed more time to explore, taste and see Bangkok! </div>
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And it goes without saying that<b> Amari Watergate</b> will always be our chosen home in this city!</div>
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Amari Watergate Bangkok</div>
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847 Petchburi Road, Thanon Phaya Thai</div>
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Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400</div>
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Thailand</div>
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Phone +662 653 9000</div>
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Please click on this link to go to their <a href="http://www.amari.com/watergate/">website.</a></div>
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Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-1807147587292021572017-04-30T04:24:00.002+08:002017-04-30T04:24:27.455+08:00Humba Saturday (not Zumba!)<div style="text-align: justify;">
I want to make up for the lack of post in the past few months that I am putting up another post today! <i> Yayyy! (I feel productive, haha!)</i></div>
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I've been craving for Pork Humba<i> (also known as the Visayan Adobo)</i> for quite some time now but haven't gotten around cooking it because I'm the only who is fond of it. The reason why I liked Humba was actually because of the banana blossoms, haha!</div>
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But I just have to give in to this craving so I decided to cook it <i>(for myself, Hun! No sharing! LOL )</i></div>
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So my Saturday morning was spent searching for a Humba recipe. There are a lot of recipes available online but what made me choose this particular one was because it has tausi <i>(salted black beans, which I love) </i>in it. It also said it was an "Original Bisaya" Recipe. I am assuming the author was from the Visayas region, one of the main island groups of Philippines located in the southern part of the country. So that means he knows what he is talking about, haha!</div>
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I had Humba before cooked by our Ate G, who hails from the Southern part of Philippines and I loved <i>(and miss)</i> her Humba! So I am sure this recipe is a winner!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt55HktgPBg/WQTnRGFGySI/AAAAAAAAILI/XP7d2MNllsYm3f5WtRE5q4KJqFtoLRWOgCLcB/s1600/humba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt55HktgPBg/WQTnRGFGySI/AAAAAAAAILI/XP7d2MNllsYm3f5WtRE5q4KJqFtoLRWOgCLcB/s400/humba.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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It looks like a winner, right?!</div>
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Guess what, it does taste good too! If I had it my way, I would like to add more sweetness to it <b>BUT </b>Hubby doesn't like it too sweet so . . . we met halfway<i> (one of the things we have learned in our 9 years of marriage). </i></div>
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And here's another <i>"Guess what?!!!"</i></div>
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Hubby liked this Humba!!! <b>Hmph. . . which means now I got to share! </b>Haha</div>
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For the complete recipe, please click on this <a href="https://petrosabsalon.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/original-bisaya-recipe-for-humba/">link</a>.</div>
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My personal notes:</div>
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1. I did not use star anise because Hubby and I don't really like the taste of it<i> (but the Humba still came out good!)</i>. I am sure using star anise would add another layer of flavor for you.</div>
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2. I used brown sugar instead of white which is less sweet. </div>
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3. I used only 3 tbsp of tausi because I was afraid the dish might be too salty. It's better to underseason while cooking because you can adjust everything (saltiness, sweetness, thickness of the sauce, etc) at the tail end.</div>
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Hope you are having a great Saturday like me!</div>
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Happy Cooking!</div>
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<i>Side kuwento: </i><br />
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My Saturday morning looked like this . . .<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ptTcFqG4lU/WQTkD44JJUI/AAAAAAAAIK8/GtIuO-CBKV4x66c5hCYSHAY6h4S2MhovACLcB/s1600/humba%2Bsaturda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ptTcFqG4lU/WQTkD44JJUI/AAAAAAAAIK8/GtIuO-CBKV4x66c5hCYSHAY6h4S2MhovACLcB/s320/humba%2Bsaturda.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Outdoor cooking!</div>
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We started cooking outdoors last week after seeing my friend and a cousin do this <i>(two different people)</i>. Funny thing is, they are both from Las Vegas <i>(is this a Vegas thing? Haha, just kidding!) </i>But you know what, this makes sense. If you want your home to smell good <i>(no amoy kusina)</i>, this is a good thing to do.</div>
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So thank you M and Kuya N and M for inspiring me to cook outdoors! =) </div>
Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-81341720071459372742017-04-29T22:55:00.005+08:002017-04-29T23:07:52.841+08:00My Favorite Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hiyeeeee!!!! I am so glad I am writing a blog post today!</div>
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I know, I know, I should be doing a better job managing my blog. No, I think I should be doing a better job managing my time!</div>
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Anyway, life is still the same . . . except the kids seem to have grown up over the last few months and that I have more white hair now, haha! It is true what they say, they grow up so fast! You know, I miss them<b> being babies</b><i> (sniff, sniff).</i> . . <i>ahhh</i> and <b>that </b>baby smell! <i> (As much as I miss these, I don't see a baby anymore in the future! Haha!)</i></div>
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And speaking of things being "fast", I would like to share with you a cake recipe which I tried the other day. </div>
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It was supposed to be a gift for someone but since it was the first time I tried the recipe, I thought I should taste it first, heehee. <i> (So yes, you can say I owe her a cake! Haha!) </i></div>
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Do you know what I love about this recipe?</div>
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1. It is a sheet cake --- you just need a pan to bake it. I always have disposable cake sheet pans <i>(9" X 13") </i>at home because that means no extra dishes to wash for me, haha! <i>Aaannnd</i> sheet cakes are the best way to go for potlucks or gifts to family and friends. </div>
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2. You just need a bowl and a wire whisk<i> (yep, no need for an electric mixer!) </i>for this recipe.</div>
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3. The recipe is easy, fast and tasty! I love that it may look simple but is a good chocolate cake!</div>
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For the recipe, please click on this <a href="https://addapinch.com/best-chocolate-cake-recipe-9x13-recipe/">link</a> to go to <b>Add a Pinch's</b> blog site. <br />
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For the original recipe, the author used chocolate buttercream frosting. I used a chocolate icing recipe <i>(given to me by my friend, B)</i> because this icing reminds me of a good old fashioned chocolate cake! Oh and it's easy to make too, haha! <br />
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Trivia: Ever wondered if there is a difference between a frosting and icing? Here you go. . .<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">From www.dailymeal.com</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">The Williams-Sonoma cookbook </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Williams-Sonoma-Collection-Cake-Fran-Gage/dp/0743250206" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; text-decoration-line: none;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cake</em></strong></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"> states that โicing is generally thinner and glossier,โ while its counterpart frosting is โa thick, fluffy mixture, used to coat the outside of a cake.โ</span></span><br />
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For the chocolate icing I used, you need the following:<br />
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1 can of condensed milk (14 oz)<br />
1 can of all purpose cream (225 ml / 7.6 fl oz)<br />
1/2 cup of cocoa powder (50 grams)<br />
3 tbsp butter<br />
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Just mix everything in a double boiler and stir constantly until everything is well combined. You would notice that the consistency is a little bit thin. Let it rest for a few minutes because the icing will thicken up.<br />
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If you don't have a double boiler, it is okay <i>(I don't)</i>! I just improvised for one. This is exactly what I did <i>( pls. see photo below). </i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5EJhLPmrfk/WQSljE5Il2I/AAAAAAAAIKM/kgBq7I0egk8-tjdAGWkmlU0rZwarxomHQCLcB/s1600/double%2Bboiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5EJhLPmrfk/WQSljE5Il2I/AAAAAAAAIKM/kgBq7I0egk8-tjdAGWkmlU0rZwarxomHQCLcB/s320/double%2Bboiler.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from www.wikihow.com</td></tr>
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Fill the pot with water <i>(half full or less, depending on your pot---I just made sure that the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl)</i> and bring it to a boil. If it does, adjust heat to make it simmer. Also, please make sure you use a heatproof bowl.<br />
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For more details about the double boiler method, please click <a href="https://www.craftybaking.com/howto/double-boiler-method">here</a>.<br />
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I hope you enjoy your cake!<br />
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Happy Baking and Have a great weekend!Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-88996498509067426642017-01-28T07:10:00.000+08:002017-01-28T11:55:30.504+08:00Lifechanging Oven Roasted Cherry Tomatoes<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Happy Valentine's Day!!! </b></div>
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Since I missed out on posting anything in the last few months and wasn't able to give you my warmest greetings for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, well it goes without saying that I am in time <i>(okay a couple of few weeks early)</i> for Valentine's Day!<i> LOL</i></div>
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Now that the Princess is in Kindergarten, life has just been busier. <i>(And she is just in Kinder! LOL) </i></div>
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I've mentioned to you in my last post about being a parent classroom volunteer in her school once a week AND I am happy to share with you that I am now doing part time work<i> (I am on call)</i> for the school district! So yep, I guess life just got busier! And I will tell you more about this in another post <i>(abangan ang susunod na kabanata!)</i></div>
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I haven't been able to try out new recipes as much as I want to but this recipe that I tried a few days ago deserves to be shared. I tried this recipe out of necessity actually, <i>haha.</i></div>
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My sister in law brought home pints of cherry tomatoes and I don't know what to do with them. And since they are organic, I had to act fast! But being the procrastinator that I am <i>(I am putting this <b>AGAIN</b> in my New Year's Resolution! HAHA)</i>, I did wait for a few days and in the process had to <strike>throw </strike>"let go" <i>(haha) </i>of some of them.</div>
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What is the best way<i> (read: fast and easy)</i> to deal with all of these tomatoes?! ROAST THEM!</div>
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And since I love sundried tomatoes, roasting them makes more sense.</div>
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There are so many recipes online but I chose to do Rachael Ray's version because it has Balsamic Vinegar in it. I love balsamic vinegar! Besides, it's about time to open that bottle of balsamic vinegar which has just been sitting in the pantry, haha!</div>
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This recipe is simple, quick, easy to follow, healthy and tastyyyy!!!</div>
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LIFE CHANGING.</div>
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For the complete recipe, please click on this <a href="http://www.rachaelray.com/2013/09/18/roasted-cherry-tomatoes/">link</a></div>
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<i>*The original recipe doesn't include garlic but hey, in my book, GARLIC (like butter!) just makes everything better!</i></div>
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<i>*Adjust salt to suit your taste. </i></div>
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All you need is right here in the picture: Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic, Kosher salt and pepper!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Roast them at 425C for 20 minutes or more <i>(if you like them a bit more dried up)</i></span></td></tr>
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You can enjoy oven roasted tomatoes in different ways! You can enjoy them as they are, put them in your salad, Bruschetta <i>(with your favorite cheese)</i> or put them in your bowl of pasta <i>(which I did)</i>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Pesto and Oven Roasted Tomatoes are a match made in heaven!</span></i></td></tr>
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Happy Roasting and Happy Eating!<br />
<br />Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-49625415225254922242016-10-13T01:25:00.002+08:002016-10-13T01:25:41.502+08:00Easy Cilantro and Lime Chicken Recipe<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>He-llooooo (singing to the tune of Adele's song, haha)</i></div>
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Can you believe it's October already?! I love that Fall is already here! I love this season because first, the weather is cooler and second, I get to watch new TV Shows!!! Woohoo! <i> (I will be sharing with you list in a different post.)</i></div>
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What's happening in our casa right now? Well, I volunteered to help out in the Princess' class every Tuesdays <i>(yesterday was my first day) </i>so this is one thing I am excited about every week! The kids are excited about Trick or Treating and are counting the days until Halloween while Hubby's excitement is all about his Fantasy Basketball Team, <i>haha.</i></div>
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And today I am excited to share with you another recipe which I've tried the other night. I am happy that the dish exceeded my expectations because honestly, I wasn't sure f I wanted to try it! Okay, let me clear that up, <i>haha.</i> I wasn't sure because I'm afraid of trying recipes that are not in my <i>"comfort zone". </i>I've never tried recipes whose names sound like they belong to a restaurant's menu. . . . something like <b>Cilantro Lime Chicken!</b></div>
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So why did I go for it? Because I hate wasting food. You know how you are left with a handful of an ingredient because you only needed to use a tablespoon of it? <i>Haha.</i> In this case, I have a bunch of cilantro<i> (from making guacamole)</i> on hand that is enough to use for this recipe.<br />
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I remember seeing in my FB feed a recipe for Cilantro Lime Chicken dish so I googled and found this recipe from Suzy of The Mediterranean Dish blog. It is a simple and easy to follow recipe<i> (plus her dish looked pretty in her blog post! haha)</i><br />
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All I can say is something so simple can actually taste good . . . I will definitely cook it again! <br />
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For the full recipe, please click <a href="http://www.themediterraneandish.com/cilantro-lime-chicken-thighs-recipe/">here</a>.</div>
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My personal notes:</div>
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1. I love Chicken breast but I think for this particular recipe, using chicken thighs would be best.</div>
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2. I didn't have dry white wine<i> (as listed in the recipe)</i>. As a substitute, I just used chicken stock and rice wine <i>(1 tbsp of rice wine mixed with 1 cup of chicken stock).</i></div>
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3. I love garlic so I used more than what the recipe called for.</div>
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4. I also added 2 tbsps of butter in the dish (while it was simmering) which I've added before putting it in the oven. <i>(just because butter makes everything better, haha) </i></div>
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5. You don't have to buy a cast iron pan to make this dish. But I have to say, I love using this kind of pan because it gives the meat a nice sear and color. It also made this dish a "one pan plan". I used the same pan to sear, cook and bake the chicken in.</div>
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Hope you like it as much as I do =). Happy Cooking!</div>
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Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-44781798954787387472016-09-12T02:27:00.004+08:002016-09-12T02:28:35.450+08:00Home Cooked Korean Food for Dinner - Yes please!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello everyone!!!!</div>
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I can't believe I wasn't able to blog<b> AT ALL</b> last August! Things got a little busier last month because the Princess started Kindergarten! I <i>knowwww</i>, she is a big girl now, in a big school, far different from the 4 corners of her preschool classroom. I am sure that all of us have experienced that first day in school excitement and have found it overwhelming too. When we picked up our Princess from school, she cried the moment she got in the car and my heart just went out to her. I was afraid that she would tell me that she doesn't want to go back the next day! And my heart melted when she told me that she just missed Mommy and just being at home. I'm happy to tell you that she is feeling and doing better now. <i>(Yayyy!)</i></div>
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So this is one of the reasons why I haven't been blogging<i> (this and a lot of other small things--- things that added up and somehow took my time! haha) </i>for the past month.</div>
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So for today's post, I want to share with you something that I got excited about!!!!! <i>(see, there's not one but 5 exclamation points! Haha)</i></div>
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I haven't really tried any new recipes for some time now. Finally, I got the chance to do so this week and I'm happy to say that they are both winners!</div>
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I had a sudden craving for the Korean Beef Stew <i>(called Galbijim)</i> we usually order in Kaya Restaurant back home in Philippines. So I googled and there are a lot of recipes which you can find online. I went with the recipe of Ms. Hyosun of the <b>Korean Bapsan</b> blog because there is always something special about a Mom's cooking! </div>
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For the complete recipe, please click on this <a href="http://www.koreanbapsang.com/2011/10/galbijjim-korean-braised-beef-short.html">link</a> to go to her site.<br />
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<b><i>Personal Notes:</i></b><br />
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1. I didn't put Asian Pear in the braising liquid because. . . I didn't have any on hand, haha! But the recipe still turned out good. I will put it the next time I am cooking this and I'm sure it's going to be even better!<br />
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2. The level of sweetness in this recipe was just right for us. You can adjust the sweetness of your Galbijim as you go <i>(you can have a play with your sugar, honey or mirin). </i><br />
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3. I just used carrots and shiitake mushrooms. <i>(If you are using dried ones like I did, please soak them first in hot water for 4 hours).</i><br />
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4. For garnish, I just used spring onions and next time, I want to try sprinkling some sesame seeds on top.<br />
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And because I love this blog and this Mom's cooking, I thought of trying another recipe the next day, haha!<br />
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Since I have some chicken wings, I searched her blog and saw this . . .<br />
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And I was sold!</div>
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<b>Yangnyeom Chicken</b> it is!</div>
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<i>(Or what others call KFC . . Korean Fried Chicken! Haha) </i></div>
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If you like Kyochon or Bonchon, you have to try this recipe! If you like your wings crispy, sticky, sweet and spicy, this one is for you! It is really finger lickin' good!</div>
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I did not have ALL of the ingredients listed in the recipe but mine turned out still really good and tasty!</div>
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For the complete recipe, please click <a href="https://www.blogger.com/.http://www.koreanbapsang.com/2015/02/yangnyeom-chicken-korean-fried-chicken.html">here.</a></div>
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<i><b>Personal notes:</b></i></div>
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1. For the coating of the chicken, since I didn't have cornstarch, I just used a tempura batter which worked out really well actually. As a matter of personal preference, I will use this instead of cornstarch. <i> (I used Kikkokman Tempura Extra Crispy batter)</i></div>
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2. This recipe was meant for a spicy fried chicken. You can adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste. I did not put hot sauce and just used 1 tbsp of chili sauce. </div>
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3. Since I don't have gochujang <i>(Korean red chili paste)</i>, I just used tomato catsup. But I'm planning on buying some gochujang since I'm sure this is not the last time I am going to cook this, haha!</div>
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I really highly recommend this recipe, it's my new favorite chicken wings recipe!</div>
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So if you want something new to cook for your family<i> (and to impress them! Haha),</i> you can try any of these Korean recipes! =)</div>
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Happy Cooking and Have a great week ahead! =)</div>
Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-39750763880304755612016-07-23T10:40:00.002+08:002016-07-23T22:15:28.226+08:00Our First Airbnb Experience<div style="text-align: justify;">
As much as possible, when time and budget permits, I would like to take family vacations every year. </div>
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For this year, we thought of exploring more places in California. . . <b><i>initially</i></b> <i>(haha)</i>. But then Hubby said it would be nice to go to a . . . <b>new country!</b> So we checked the places where I (as a US resident) don't need a visa to travel and where the airfare won't break the budget! And we came up with. . . <b>VANCOUVER!</b> Did you know that Vancouver is just 3 hours away from LA?! I didn't know that! </div>
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It was an unforgettable vacation<i> (not the way how I want it to be though)</i>. Why? My little big boy and I were under the weather<i> (he was running a fever) </i>the day we arrived in Vancouver that we had to stay in bed the whole day. And the most stressful part about the trip was we had to rush him to the hospital one morning because he was having chills, his nails were turning <b><span style="color: purple;">purple</span></b> and his lips were starting to turn purple too . . . I just got <b>scared! </b></div>
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So we really only had one day to explore Vancouver. But it's okay, it gave us another reason to go back, haha! We may not have seen a lot of places the city has to offer<i> (and there are a LOT!) </i>but we still had a good time because we were just chilling, taking things easy, eating<i> (ofcourse! haha)</i> and just enjoying each other's company<i> (a good friend was with us too). </i> </div>
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And I think, staying in a place that is not a hotel or a place that has that touristy vibe made the trip more relaxing. <i>(You will see why shortly.)</i><br />
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Thanks to our Airbnb find!</div>
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It was actually our first time to try Airbnb. I got inspired to try it because some of my good friends <i>(my childhood friends!)</i> who went to Bali last year stayed at a beautiful villa which they got for a good price! <i>(To read more about their Bali weekend, please click<a href="http://splashofyellow.blogspot.com/2015/08/weekend-trip-to-bali.html"> here</a> to head to my BFF M's blog.)</i></div>
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For our trip, we found a 2 bed and 2 bath condo which has a fully functional kitchen, washer and dryer. It is in a good location because there is a shopping mall across the place, restaurants nearby, walking distance to a train station and with what happened to us, we are thankful that it was also near a hospital! <br />
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The place was clean, bright, comfortable and homey! It didn't have airconditioning system which is totally fine because we didn't need one! The city had a lovely weather during our trip.<br />
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The place was everything we hoped for. It was exactly how it was pictured and advertised. Don't you just hate it how some places can mislead you with their published pictures? Haha! <br />
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Here are some pictures of our beautiful nest . . .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Master's Bedroom</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Walk-in closet</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Bedroom #2</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The kitchen has everything we need. . . for cooking and eating.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We did our laundry before going back home, haha!</i></span></td></tr>
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This is our view from our balcony . . .<br />
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As first time Airbnb users, we were lucky that we had a good experience! And I hope it stays that way in our next trip. . . no, make that <b>TRIPS!</b> Hehe</div>
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If you are planning for a vacation, I suggest you try checking out Airbnb!</div>
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As what Airbnb says in their commercial, when you travel, <b>"don't go there, LIVE THERE!"</b></div>
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And that was exactly how we felt . . . having a home away from home =).</div>
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If you are planning to go to Vancouver, here is the<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/10128621?wl_source=list&wl_id=118601560&role=owner"> link</a> for the place where we stayed. </div>
Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-54367685872665477462016-07-11T00:22:00.001+08:002016-07-11T00:22:55.508+08:00You're the man Tyler!<div style="text-align: justify;">
July, you're here!!!! =) Wow, more than half the year has gone by! Did someone put it in fast forward?! </div>
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Just as I've been doing for the past few months now, I start the month with a post about the recipes <i>(mostly sweets, teehee)</i> I've tried. So for this month, I am posting about <b>the Ultimate Cheesecake </b>recipe of Tyler Florence.<i> </i></div>
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<i>(Trivia: Did you know that July 8 is National Blueberry Day? I learned about it from the Princess' summer school)</i></div>
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Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts. And if you ask what my favorite cheesecake is, I don't have a particular favorite but Blueberry will be up there in the list <i>(and OMG, Cheesecake Factory's GODIVA Chocolate Cheesecake!)</i></div>
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Actually, I have a go to recipe for a blueberry cheesecake which I've blogged before <a href="http://zolasmom.blogspot.com/2014/09/easy-dessert-recipe-no-bake-blueberry.html">here</a>. It is a super easy and quick, yummy recipe which needs <b>NO BAKING</b>! I haven't tried making a baked cheesecake <i>(yep, those pretty ones which we see in restaurants) </i>because they intimidate me, <i>haha</i>. </div>
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Since I had some blueberry pie filling leftovers sitting at the ref, I thought of challenging myself and stepping up my cheesecake game!</div>
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There are so many cheesecake recipes online and one of the highly rated I've seen is that of Tyler Florence's from the Food Network site.</div>
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And all I have to say is. . . you're the man Tyler!<i> (with matching fist bump, haha!) </i></div>
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And thank you for sharing this recipe! It is absolutely a winner!</div>
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But most specially, thank you for making me believe in myself, hahaha!</div>
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As Tyler mentioned in his video, what makes cheesecake smooth and creamy is putting them in a hot water bath <i>(also called the Bain Marie method). </i></div>
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To further explain why, I read this at <a href="http://www.chatelaine.com/in-the-kitchen/how-to-make-a-perfect-cheesecake-best-trick-ever/">www.chatelaine.com:</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: 30px;"><i>Why do I need a water bath?</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif; line-height: 30px;"><i>Some cheesecake recipes donโt call for a water bath, but we prefer this method. The water bath (also known as a bain marie) is used to regulate the baking temperature of the cheesecake. Since the temperature of water never exceeds boiling point (it turns into steam), it keeps the cheesecake baking at an even, slow temperature. This prevents the cheesecake from overcooking (especially around the edges). The steam created by the water bath also further protects the baking cheesecake, keeping the air in the oven moist and humid to prevent the top of the cake from drying out and cracking.</i></span></blockquote>
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For the complete recipe of Tyler Florence's Ultimate Cheesecake (I suggest you watch the video too), please click <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/the-ultimate-cheesecake-recipe.html">here</a>.</div>
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My personal notes for this recipe <i>(based on my experience):</i></div>
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1. I added 2-3 tbsps of sugar in the graham crust<i> (only because the graham crackers I used aren't that tasty)</i></div>
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2. The recipe called for lemon rind but since I didn't have a rasp grater, I just used <i>(1 tbsp of lemon juice). </i>The next time I make this, I would use 2-3 tbsps to get more "Zzzing".</div>
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3. If you see yourself baking cheesecakes<i> (lots of them! haha)</i> in your future, I suggest you buy a Springform pan =).</div>
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Happy Baking! Here's to more good times with homemade cheesecakes!</div>
Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-38608715829835599372016-06-22T06:07:00.000+08:002016-06-22T06:07:42.007+08:00A Father's Day Post for Hubby<div style="text-align: justify;">
How was your weekend? Ours was beautiful and fun-filled because we celebrated two special occasions. First, we had a family get together for our Princess' 5th Birthday and second, we celebrated Father's Day with a simple lunch at our favorite BBQ place.</div>
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So to honor this special man in our lives, I did a picture collage of him and the kids and posted it in FB and wrote:</div>
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<i>"Thank you for showing your love in the simplest things"</i></blockquote>
(It's true. If there is one word that would describe him, it would be "simple". He may be a man of few words but he never fails to show us that he loves us everyday.)<br />
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Since Hubby doesn't access his FB regularly, I told him that I posted something in FB for him!<br />
*me, feeling giddy*<br />
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So after seeing it. . .<br />
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<i>Hubby: Baby, bakit laging nakatalikod ako?</i><br />
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Then I remembered what I posted last year for Father's Day<i> (pls. see below)</i><br />
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Hahaha! And then I laughed out some more when I realized that in the other picture in the collage above, he was wearing an Iron Man mask!<br />
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But I have to say something about that!<br />
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<i>Me: Para medyo artsy ang dating di ba, dramatic! =)</i><br />
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<i>Hubby: Ano ang dramatic sa hindi kita ang mukha?</i><br />
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<i>LOL</i><br />
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All these time that we are having this conversation, he was saying everything with a straight face! <br />
Haha! And if you ask me what is one thing I love about him, he just makes me laugh without trying hard!<br />
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So Sweetheart, I owe you a full frontal picture! And I want to share it with everyone who reads this blog, haha!<br />
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HAHAHA! </div>
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I know you hate this picture and probably you'll hate me more for posting this. . . but I do know you love me<b> (SO MUCH!)</b> that you actually won't mind. Haha!</div>
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Happy Father's Day! </div>
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We love you Daddy!</div>
Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-35740676805985967702016-06-09T12:46:00.000+08:002016-06-09T12:46:01.492+08:00THE Crinkles Recipe You Have To Try<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm on a <i>(cookie)</i> roll!!!</div>
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After posting my favorite chewy Chocolate Chip cookie recipe last month, I am posting another cookie recipe I tried and which I absolutely loved!</div>
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I've already blogged about a Crinkles recipe<i> (Crinkles are chocolate cookies that are soft and chewy, it's like a brownie cookie)</i> before<i> (you may read about it <a href="http://zolasmom.blogspot.com/2015/06/tried-and-tested-crinkles-recipe.html">here</a>). </i>They turned out okay, I thought they can be better. </div>
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Since I will be bringing some cookies for the Princess' Promotion night this Friday, I thought of baking these sweet treats.</div>
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And so my quest to find a better Crinkles recipe began.</div>
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By the way, do you know how I choose recipes to try (in general)? I google for images! </div>
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The food photo which looked best <i>(and yummm!)</i> wins! Haha!</div>
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I saw one and I knew I had to try it!</div>
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<i>Why?</i></div>
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Two words.</div>
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<b>DOUBLE. CHOCOLATE</b>.<i> (Now, let's say that again)</i></div>
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Thanks to Sally's Baking Addiction, we got to enjoy these . . .</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzTzPSdFVtM/V1iuXHIXwkI/AAAAAAAAH9k/pOoOzY-iUjcBA6sZc6SWdp7PJQbX0yCUQCKgB/s1600/13405485_10208127140029686_657868794_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzTzPSdFVtM/V1iuXHIXwkI/AAAAAAAAH9k/pOoOzY-iUjcBA6sZc6SWdp7PJQbX0yCUQCKgB/s640/13405485_10208127140029686_657868794_o.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<i style="text-align: justify;">chocolatey, chewy and moist Crinkles!</i></div>
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<i style="text-align: justify;">(Did I say Double Chocolate?)</i></div>
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So I'm happy to say that the search is <b>OVER!</b><br />
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<i>(Cue Survivor's "The Search is Over" song here, haha)</i><br />
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I highly recommend this recipe if you are a Crinkle<i> (or Chocolate!)</i> lover like me!<br />
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My little big boy loved them so much, I had to stop him, haha!<br />
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Here are my notes for this recipe<i> (based on my experience):</i><br />
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1. Putting the cookie dough overnight<i> (or more) </i>in the ref is recommended.<br />
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2. I found the crinkles a little bit sweet so for the next batch, I will just use half a cup of semi-sweet choco chips<i> (original recipe calls for 1 cup). </i><br />
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3. Baking time that worked for me was 10-11 minutes. I suggest you make a small batch for different baking times to see which would suit your taste more.<br />
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For the full recipe, I suggest you hop over to Sally's blog as she has a detailed explanation for it.<br />
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Please click <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2015/11/30/double-chocolate-crinkle-cookies/">here</a>.<br />
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Happy Baking!<br />
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Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-59390173299276268102016-05-28T15:39:00.003+08:002016-05-29T10:56:43.970+08:00My Favorite Chewy Chocolate Cookie Recipe<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello, I'm still here! =)</div>
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Things have just been quite busy at home that I couldn't find<i> (or make) </i>time to blog. So before the month of May ends (can you believe we are almost at the middle of the year), I want to post something for you.</div>
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I have a confession to make. . . I don't like baking cookies! </div>
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It's funny that I can bake a banana loaf <i>(my favorite recipe <a href="http://zolasmom.blogspot.com/2014/11/kitchen-tested-best-banana-loaf-bread.html">here</a>) </i>and I managed to bake my boy's Chocolate Birthday cake<i> (you can read about it <a href="http://zolasmom.blogspot.com/2016/04/homemade-chocolate-birthday-cake.html">here</a>)</i> . . but cookies? Not really my favorite thing to do, haha!</div>
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I've tried a couple of recipes before which didn't work out and I tried one recipe which I liked<i> (I even called it "my favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe" back then)</i>. But somehow, I just stopped baking cookies. I thought buying a bag of Chunky Chips Ahoy at the grocery is the easiest <i>(and smartest, haha)</i> thing to do!</div>
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But having seen a lot of recipe feeds in my FB about homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies encouraged me to try baking some again.</div>
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There are a lot. . .like<b> A LOT</b> of chocolate chip recipes online. So I just went to Food Network <i>(because I'm a fan, hihi)</i> and saw that they have a recipe for a Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie! <i>(Hubby and I prefer chewy over a crunchy cookie.) </i></div>
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Thanks to Food Network, I found my new favorite recipe! Woohoo!</div>
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I am sooo happy with how they turned out! </div>
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They were thin and crispy on the edges and then . . . </div>
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Moist and buttery inside. . . Yummm!</div>
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A recipe which called for 2 1/2 sticks of butter <i>(I knowwww)</i> is promising right? As they say, butter makes everything better! Haha!</div>
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One of the things I did for this recipe which I think helped in enhancing the flavor of the cookie is putting the dough in the ref overnight. In the recipe, the baking time for the cookie is 12 minutes. However, for my batch, the perfect baking time was around 10-11 minutes. I suggest making a small batch for each time to see which one would suit your taste<i> (in terms of color and consistency). </i></div>
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This is my take-away from the recipe of Food Network: When you see the edges of the cookie turn golden, even if the middle part is still soft, take out the cookie from the oven and let them cool <i>(for 10 mins) </i>before transferring them to a cooling rack. I am not a baker but I think the residual heat from the pan would cook the middle part a little bit more. </div>
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I found the cookies a little bit sweet so I might reduce the granulated sugar next time. <br />
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But this recipe definitely works for me! It is hubby-approved <i>(he is<b> NOT</b> a fan of anything sweet!) </i>and I think that says something about these cookies <i>(and his love for me, hahaha!)</i>. =) </div>
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For the full recipe, please click on this <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe.html">link</a> to head to Food Network's site.</div>
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<br />Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-21036094864221174572016-04-16T05:10:00.002+08:002016-04-16T05:12:14.241+08:00The Asian Orlando BloomI caught a couple of episodes of "Rush Hour", a new TV series which is based on the popular film <i>(with the same name)</i> starred by Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.<br />
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While watching the pilot episode, the guy who plays Detective Lee<i> (played by Jackie Chan in the film)</i> looks oddly familiar and I couldn't really pinpoint where I've seen him.<br />
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Until one of the characters in the scene called him an Asian Orlando Bloom! <br />
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That was it! He does remind me of Orlando Bloom!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Photos are from the web</span></i><br />
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Riiiigghhhtttt? <br />
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What do you think?!<br />
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So I went online and googled about this actor. <br />
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His name is <b>Jon Foo</b>. He is an English actor, a Martial Artist and a stuntman. He was born and raised in London and is of Chinese and Irish descent. <br />
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His most popular role was probably Jin Kazama in the film "Tekken".<br />
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To know more about him and his filmography, please click on this <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Foo">link</a>.<br />
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If you are going to ask me about the show, it's just okay. It can be better. It actually had mixed reviews.<br />
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As for me, I don't mind watching it if it means getting a dose of Orlando Bloom-<i>ish</i> every week, haha!Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-42098815115723010012016-04-01T12:11:00.002+08:002016-04-01T14:28:57.050+08:00Homemade Chocolate Birthday Cake <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And just like that, the first quarter of the year is over! I wish I've put up more blog posts this March <i>(they are all in my draft folder though, haha!)</i>. I've wanted to write and share so many things with you but I just couldn't find<i> (and make!)</i> time to do so. </div>
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The best part of our March is . . . our little big boy turned three! He is sweet, adorable and handful <i>(as they say, boys will be boys)</i> at the same time. He wears his heart on his sleeve, he likes being around kids and has a ready smile for everyone. He couldn't talk straight yet <i>(if we need an "interpreter", his Ate comes to the rescue, haha) </i>but he can talk in sentences. And just like me, he loves to eat and loves chocolates!</div>
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For his birthday, I wanted to do something special for him. So I challenged myself to bake a cake <i>(must be chocolate!)</i> for him. Yep, you read that right!</div>
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And<b> I did! </b>Woohoo!</div>
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Thanks to an easy to follow Chocolate Cake recipe given by my friend, B. Then, I just got buntings, candles and sprinkles to decorate the cake <i>(read: to make it look more fancy, haha) </i></div>
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I'm so, so, so happy with how this chocolate cake turned out! </div>
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It was so funny that when I showed it to my Mom during our video call. . . she can't <i><b>(she won't!)</b></i> believe I made it! Haha! <i>(Thanks Mom!) </i> I had to call Hubby and let him tell my Mom because she knows that he can't lie to her, haha!</div>
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What I love about this cake is it gets better each day! I found that it actually tasted better the day after. I think the next time I'm going to bake, I will bake the cake part a day earlier.</div>
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So if you want to take the big leap in baking and bake a chocolate cake, here is a good and easy to follow recipe:</div>
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<b><u><i>B's Chocolate Cake</i></u></b><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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<u>For the Cake</u><br />
2 1/2 cups milk<br />
2 1/2 cups sugar<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
1 cup cocoa powder<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 cup mayonnaise<br />
2 3/4 cups flour<br />
2 1/4 teaspoon baking powder<br />
2 1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
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Directions:<br />
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1. Pre-heat oven at 300 degrees.<br />
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2. Combine milk, sugar, butter and cocoa powder in a saucepan. Blend well, bring to a boil and then let it cool.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuJz29M61ss/Vv4UUeGJufI/AAAAAAAAH5w/EaaF6xcpatAU_9YGqxcDENQ9kOobnn2IQ/s1600/20160319_090011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuJz29M61ss/Vv4UUeGJufI/AAAAAAAAH5w/EaaF6xcpatAU_9YGqxcDENQ9kOobnn2IQ/s400/20160319_090011.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing it to a boil</td></tr>
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3. Sift together the following dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.<br />
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4. Add mayonnaise to the chocolate mixture. Then beat in eggs one at a time.<br />
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5. Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture. Mix gently until well blended. Do not overmix.<br />
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6. Bake for 30 minutes or until done. (Insert a toothpick, if the toothpick comes out dry, it's done)<br />
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<i>Note: I suggest you weigh your baking ingredients using a scale. The unit of measurement may be the same but the weight is actually different. For example, 1 cup of granulated sugar is 225 grams while 1 cup of cocoa powder is 118 grams. </i><br />
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I used Chocolate Ganache <i>(an icing made of chocolate and cream) </i>for this cake since Hubby prefers this type of icing. If you like to try this too, please click on this <a href="http://bakehappy.net/2011/05/how-to-bake-a-perfectly-moist-chocolate-cake.html#.Vv3RqOIrK5g">link </a>to go to Bake Happy's site which also features a chocolate cake recipe <i>(which I want to also try one of these days). </i><br />
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Note: In Bake Happy's directions, she puts the ganache in the refrigerator overnight and whips it the next day. I've put mine for a couple of hours and it still turned out well. </div>
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<i>Here's the birthday boy enjoying the icing of his cake! =) </i></div>
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<i>I know, frosting a cake is not really my thing. I call it a "rustic" way of frosting, haha!</i></div>
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If you want to try the icing made of condensed milk <i>(which also sounds yumm!)</i> from my friend's recipe, here are the ingredients:</div>
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1/2 cup cocoa<br />
3 teaspoons butter<br />
1 can or package of all purpose cream<br />
1 can condensed milk<br />
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Just mix all the ingredients in a double boiler and stir constantly.<br />
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Please click on this <a href="http://bakingbites.com/2009/09/how-to-make-a-double-boiler/">link</a> on how to make a double boiler at home.<br />
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As they say, never under estimate the power of Chocolate! =)<br />
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Happy Baking!<br />
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<br />Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-77079937766451901932016-03-01T09:00:00.000+08:002016-03-01T09:09:00.244+08:00My First (Successful!) Chocolate Cupcake <div style="text-align: justify;">
March, I can't believe you are here!!! <br />
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I know this sounds cliche but . . . time really, REALLY flies so fast! </div>
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And because I started February with a cake recipe, I thought of starting March with a sweet treat too . . . . <b>Chocolate Cupcake with Milk Chocolate Frosting!!! </b></div>
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I've tried making chocolate cupcakes before<i> (once)</i> but I wasn't too happy about the recipe. The cupcakes tasted bland and were dry. </div>
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Sometimes when you try a recipe and fail at it, you get discouraged and scared to try again. <i>(Parang love lang, haha!)</i></div>
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But then one day, you realize, you ought to give yourself another chance to try other recipes because there are better ones out there, you will find that ONE that would make you happy and make you say that you are glad to have tried again <i>(yes, i'm still talking about cupcakes . . .and love I guess, haha).</i></div>
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There are so many recipes out there but I thought of trying one recipe by Aikko of Bake Happy simply because her blog post title had the following words. . .<b>EASY</b> to make and<b> MOIST!</b> </div>
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Looking at the recipe, I wasn't sure at first because it doesn't have any eggs and butter! I can't imagine baking something without those two ingredients! But this recipe had mayonnaise and yogurt in it, which in my "not so expert" opinion replaces the butter and eggs and are the ingredients responsible for making the cupcake moist. This recipe also got good reviews from Bake Happy's followers so I decided to go for it.</div>
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After seeing the batter, I had a good feeling about these cupcakes because the color of the batter looked nice, haha!</div>
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And the cupcakes looked better compared to the first recipe I tried!</div>
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The cupcakes were moist and they tasted good <i>(it didn't matter they don't have eggs and butter, haha) </i>If you are a first time baker or if you are just looking for a simple cupcake recipe, I recommend this one. Also, aren't you curious how cupcakes which have mayonnaise taste like? =)</div>
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As for the chocolate frosting, the original recipe called for Malagos unsweetened chocolate. I wanted to use the chocolate tablea discs I have but since toddlers have discerning tastes, I just made a Milk Chocolate Frosting<i> (recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction).</i><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOrQZ-d1PDs/VtSyu6ckwxI/AAAAAAAAH2o/wCbVQxOi6DI/s1600/20160218_145639%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOrQZ-d1PDs/VtSyu6ckwxI/AAAAAAAAH2o/wCbVQxOi6DI/s640/20160218_145639%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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And here's the tricky part <i>(for me)</i> . . . frosting the cupcakes!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icDjxKfRFTw/VtSyuPWWEkI/AAAAAAAAH2c/dZT713peskQ/s1600/20160218_145607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icDjxKfRFTw/VtSyuPWWEkI/AAAAAAAAH2c/dZT713peskQ/s640/20160218_145607.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Because I am not good at it! So I just went to YouTube and just looked for a simple tutorial on how to frost cupcakes<i> (using an icing spatula).</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6jASfSVoO8/VtSyvzqW9II/AAAAAAAAH20/50ifvKk8PN0/s1600/20160218_152124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6jASfSVoO8/VtSyvzqW9II/AAAAAAAAH20/50ifvKk8PN0/s640/20160218_152124.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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This is my best, haha. =) I wish I had sprinkles!</div>
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But if there's one thing I love about having to frost a cupcake though . . . it is letting our Princess do her share and seeing her having a good time!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jr2ksbQXkeE/VtSywHDIKsI/AAAAAAAAH24/gw9Na4JVr3M/s1600/20160218_152148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jr2ksbQXkeE/VtSywHDIKsI/AAAAAAAAH24/gw9Na4JVr3M/s640/20160218_152148.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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For the Chocolate Cupcake recipe, please click <a href="http://bakehappy.net/2014/10/moist-chocolate-cupcakes.html#.VtSx3fkrJO8">here</a>.</div>
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For the Milk Chocolate frosting recipe, please click <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/08/24/moist-yellow-cupcakes-with-milk-chocolate-frosting/">here</a>.</div>
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Happy Baking! </div>
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<br />Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-74111971791307047812016-02-19T09:41:00.006+08:002016-02-24T22:00:06.297+08:00My First Cake: The Hummingbird Cake<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello February! You're already halfway through and I haven't put up any blog posts yet! =)</div>
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And because it is the month of love, I am going to post a cake recipe I tried which is a "labor of love". I call it as such because. . . I never make cakes! For some reason, I am scared to bake a cake, haha! </div>
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For my first cake, I really wanted to bake a chocolate cake<i> (and I actually have a couple of recipes for it from friends)</i> but I saw a recipe from my FB feed <i>(forgot which website featured it)</i> called Hummingbird Cake which looked easy to make and besides, I have some overripe bananas on hand which I can use for this cake. How do I describe this cake? Simply put, it is banana cake with pineapple tidbits and covered with cream cheese frosting. </div>
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Here is a trivia about the Hummingbird cake: According to Wiki, <i>"this cake has been a tradition in Southern cuisine since the mid-20th century". </i>The recipe <i>(written by Mrs. L.H . Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina)</i> was first published by Southern Living Magazine in 1978 and was hailed as their most <i>(or one of the most)</i> requested recipe.</div>
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The recipes can be seen at www.myrecipes.com. </div>
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For the cake recipe, please click on this link: <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/hummingbird-cake-0">Hummingbird Cake</a></div>
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And for the cream cheese frosting, kindly click on this link: <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/cream-cheese-frosting-5">Cream Cheese Frosting</a></div>
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Now, as to how my cake turned out . . . . </div>
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<i>Tadahhhhh . . . . </i></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qq-GnUAxe8c/VsYQmiX7JhI/AAAAAAAAH2A/QDmGMV-K0ro/s1600/cakewhole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qq-GnUAxe8c/VsYQmiX7JhI/AAAAAAAAH2A/QDmGMV-K0ro/s640/cakewhole.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
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I am not a highly creative individual and I'm sure I could have done a better job decorating the cake, haha! I just decorated it with some toasted pecans and since it was Valentine's Day, I got an entwined hearts-shaped cookie cutter and used is as a guide to decorate the center of the cake.</div>
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Can you spot the "entwined" hearts? I promise, that thing in the middle is made up of two hearts! haha!</div>
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I am not really fond of icing so I just made half of the amount indicated in the recipe. </div>
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Thus, this look. . . . </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKc7CrFFo6g/VsYQmhoPlqI/AAAAAAAAH18/S7Y57npwan4/s1600/cakewhole2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKc7CrFFo6g/VsYQmhoPlqI/AAAAAAAAH18/S7Y57npwan4/s640/cakewhole2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know. . . it looks <i>unfinished, incomplete</i>. . . which kind of gives it a "rustic" charm, just like how a "naked cake" looks like! </div>
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If this is the first time you heard about a "naked cake", I promise there is such a thing and that I am not making this up, haha!</div>
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Here is a sample of a naked wedding cake: </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX246mTs3Yw/VsYQ8se4-FI/AAAAAAAAH2I/xHmvesH5Rzc/s1600/cake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX246mTs3Yw/VsYQ8se4-FI/AAAAAAAAH2I/xHmvesH5Rzc/s400/cake1.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from www.parfaitaustralia.com</td></tr>
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So if you don't know how to frost a cake<i> (like I do) </i>or if you ran out of icing for the cake<i> (like I did),</i> just save face and claim that your cake is a naked cake! Haha!</div>
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Happy Baking!</div>
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Remember, there are time when you can have your cake and eat it too! =)</div>
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Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209285220187629186.post-8118745460636960182016-01-31T15:13:00.001+08:002016-01-31T15:13:54.265+08:00There's something about Japanese Brazilians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I saw this video in my FB feed and it is about a little girl <i>(they are from <b>Brazil</b>)</i> who pranks her Dad by faking a cry whenever he tries to cut her nails! <br />
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While watching it, I noticed two things:<br />
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1. This baby girl is just too cute and adorable!<br />
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2. I think the Dad is Japanese <i>(he looks like one, what do you think?)</i><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8iQkAKaS-5w" width="459"></iframe><br />
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Then I wondered why it seems there are a lot of Japanese <i>(or with Japanese descent)</i> in Brazil. <br />
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Back home in Philippines, there were a lot of Japanese Brazilian models <i>(some of them became actors as well)</i> who captured our hearts<i> (heehee)</i> such as . . . .<br />
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<b><i>FABIO IDE</i></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8mn1NhODy4/Vq1KCybTGBI/AAAAAAAAH0E/MY-5mkKS7I0/s1600/fabio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8mn1NhODy4/Vq1KCybTGBI/AAAAAAAAH0E/MY-5mkKS7I0/s400/fabio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from www.fabioide.com</td></tr>
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<br /><b><i>AKIHIRO SATO</i></b><b><i> </i></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FK59L73M804/Vq1K9Xv6TdI/AAAAAAAAH0M/6UzCDzr9UkY/s1600/akihiro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FK59L73M804/Vq1K9Xv6TdI/AAAAAAAAH0M/6UzCDzr9UkY/s320/akihiro.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from www.polvore.com</td></tr>
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<b><i>HIDEO MURAOKA</i></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SppCLhHhDeg/Vq1Ln1hgGnI/AAAAAAAAH0g/gR5jj6arWkE/s1600/hideo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SppCLhHhDeg/Vq1Ln1hgGnI/AAAAAAAAH0g/gR5jj6arWkE/s400/hideo.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from www.buzzfeed.com</td></tr>
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<b><i>DANIEL MATSUNAGA</i></b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-69OJPywZs/Vq1MLKCSocI/AAAAAAAAH0o/eJ61Wu-pOX0/s1600/daniel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-69OJPywZs/Vq1MLKCSocI/AAAAAAAAH0o/eJ61Wu-pOX0/s400/daniel.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from www.orangemagazine.ph</td></tr>
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<br /><b><i>Okay, be still our beating hearts, haha! </i></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There must be a story behind this wonder right?<br />
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Then I thought of typing a random question in the google box <i>(just to satisfy my curiosity)</i><br />
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<b>Why are there many Japanese in Brazil? </b><br />
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Guess what, it is a valid question <i>(observation)</i>! <br />
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Do you know that Brazil has the largest Japanese community outside Japan?!<br />
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In summary, this is what I've read online . . .<br />
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Brazil had a shortage of laborers in their coffee plantations<i> (coffee was the country's main product export then)</i> because the country abolished the use of African slaves as workers. Brazil also attracted a number of European immigrants <i>(mostly Italians)</i> but due to the poor working conditions and maltreatment of the immigrants by the owners of the coffee plantations, Italy disallowed sending immigrants to Brazil. </div>
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So in 1907, the Brazil and Japan government has signed an agreement allowing the Japanese to migrate to Brazil. The first Japanese immigrants arrived in Brazil around 1908. Around this time, the Japanese <i>(who were living in poverty due to structural reforms happening in their country)</i> were also looking for better opportunities overseas.</div>
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And as they say, the rest is history!<br />
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To read more about it, please click <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Brazilians">here</a>.<br />
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It is always nice to learn something new everyday, right?! =)<br />
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Have a great week ahead!<br />
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Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17010709369713762234noreply@blogger.com0