Wedding Season Coming Up

'Tis the season to wed though hopefully, couples have long acquired their cobalt wedding bands and are not cramming right now. Still, should there be couples who are still looking for a jeweler, trust that a trip to Ongpin might be able to help.

Or check out weddingsatwork's extensive directory for ringmakers and jewelers.

Or choose permanent tattoos instead, done on the ring fingers on the eve of the wedding and 'unveiled' at the ceremony instead. This way, you won't lose the symbol of your union like I did. 

Good Times Cafe in Dipolog

Located just walking distance from the public market (and most inns) in Dipolog, Good Times Cafe (as it is most popularly known, but its official name now is Galeria or Cafe Indelico)  is now home to a number of artists living together as a family. Yes, some concept of hippie commune came to mind but I don't think that covers the welcoming warmth we enjoyed as we visited with Kuya Aldrin, one of the artists living there who showed us around, and the real love and respect each member had for each other.

Good Times Cafe was originally located in Manila. I have quite forgotten the reason why they packed up and left (must be high cost of real estate) and I am ashamed to say that I have also forgotten the province where they are setting up a similar cafe (I think in Bacolod) in. I have been remiss in notetaking and blogging.

Anyway, the artists living in this ancestral home all pitch in to decorate the place (using old and donated tiles and glass), play host, cook (the cafe has sees more people at night for laid back banter and drinks) and create artwork which they exhibit and sell in the cafe.

I think everyone would have loved to have a yard or garden like the one they had. :)

view from the street

the family that once lived here

the gate that opens into this haven of mosaics and artwork

they are still extending this to the back of the house, installing a bar and a koi pond

you will find artwork everywhere, using all media possible

I believe this is a real stuffed bird

Not sure if it was called kamonsil or something... the property had a lot of edible plants/trees

my boys at the gate

my boys with Kuya Aldrin

Kuya Aldrin's painting

their mentor, Ed Tabangcura, likes using all kinds of materials like cement and clay (for frames and paintings)

There are a lot of paintings and scuplture of deities from different religions. I also noticed that most paintings had a water-like element to it, most suggesting movement and flexibility and I even asked Kuya Aldrin if that was an influence of their mentor or a very Filipino quality.

Anyway, again, I would have loved to hang out there and learn more about art (for they do get invited to teach or speak or do workshops) or just chum out with people whose creativity just flows.

Maybe my sons will get to apprentice in time :)

Gift Ideas for the Techie Husband

Running out of gift ideas for your techie husband who seems to have it all already? Plus, gadgets sometimes tend to be on the expensive side, don't they?

Why not give accessories instead? Consider giving an akai mpk 49 to let him play DJ using that spanking new tablet of his. My own hubby also got a bluetooth speaker recently so he can get our sons to jive wherever. He also got an extra bluetooth mouse (can't have too may of those) and earphones.

MIBF 2013 and EDUCARE: A Young Child Conference

The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2013 is happening this September 11-15, 2013 at SMX, Mall of Asia. Expect discounted books, learning systems, teaching materials and even fun actitvities for kids.



I am actually eager to check out some Melissa & Dough educational toys. I know there are some kiddie instruments here (serious musicians might have to check out md 421 ii c at guitar center though) as well as teaching charts. I am also hoping to check prices already at shops I know so I can really get good deals. Happening around the same time is this conference on educating young children.

Check out http://www.manilabookfair.com/ for more details and see you there!

Adarna is also offering free printable tickets to the book fair.

DIY Invites and Holiday Cards

August is upon us, and with possibly three holidays to cheer everyone up, the month is sure to end in a blast and then the BER months will be upon us.

Time to compare online print ordering software, panic buy specialty paper and other craft materials, buy printer ink in bulk, get a new printer, cutters, punchers and other nice-to-have's.

But before all those reasons to shop... make a list first of who you want to send something to. Compile quotes or poems... or have a theme at least to work with. A lot of free hybrid digiscrapping elements/kits can also be had from the net. And then start working on your projects. Designate a set schedule for working on them. And keep everything simple, regardless of whether you are going for classy or quirky.

DIY stuff shows that you care more... so they really are nicer to give :)

Online Presence for Small Businesses

I am starting to support small businesses more and more and I do not just mean the usual cottage industries. I have Mom friends who have turned their advocacy into income-generating endeavors. They sell nursing wear, cloth diapers, earth-friendly soaps, wooden toys, etc.

I also have friends who turned their fashion obsession (and the fact that they now have daughters) into money-making endeavors. They sell and resell clothes, clips, shoes, accessories. 

Other friends channel their other talents and go into party planning, or selling crafted toys or decor. Even crocheted stuff is now becoming a more lucrative business idea (one I have not responded to accordingly!). 

One way all of them have increased their online presence is through thoughtfully designed blogs and websites which their friends and family can direct their network of friends to. Just share links to sites on FB, supplemented by Instagram and Pinterest postings and maybe one or two blog giveaways and your market has just expanded.

Those looking for webhosting for these might want to check out www.webhostinggeeks.com/wordpresshosting.html for price brackets and package offerings. They may also have to pay for premium photo sharing accounts but the costs are really a small price to pay for the trade it brings. One thing I like about websites having a blog feature is that clients LOVE it when you post pictures they share with you for goods they have bought from you... and that keeps them coming back for more.

Looking for Instruments

Some of us who are still reeling from the wonderfully amazing Aerosmith concert (oh Stevie, you're so fine, you blew our minds, yes Stevie!) last week must be feeling a need to rekindle music lessons and fascinations. Those looking for guitars might want to check out Sta. Cruz (Manila) or Cebu... and those looking for electric ones would do well to visit RJ stores (they offer lessons too). Ebay sellers and other online shops can also provide complete drum sets, jet tone mouthpieces as well as unique, indigenous instruments.

We surely live in happy, opportunity-allowing times.

Where to Get Musical Instruments in Manila

For those who don't want to be bothered by actually going somewhere, there is always Sulit for you. Some musical instruments there, I hear, are sold cheaper than what you usually see at music stores in malls.

However, if you're adamant that you must test your guitar's  cool xlr to 1/4 or want to be taught to tune your new violin, then here are some areas/shops you may want to visit:

Go to the vicinity of Raon in Quiapo (or you can start from the Sta. Cruz area going to Quiapo). Just ask whoever to direct you to the streets where music stores selling musical instruments, accessories, amps and speakers are. My relatives even buy their flutes and saxophone from there because it is cheaper.

Basements of malls usually house the music stores selling instruments and accessories.

Sta. Mesa in Quezon City is also popular for having many stores that sell musical instruments.

And then there are RJ stores that are sure to offer the best of quality you can buy.

Possible Father's Day Gifts

I know that Mother's Day will be happening first before we celebrate our dads, but women generally have a harder time shopping for men because they are less vocal and specific about such things.

So, what are some great ideas for our beloved fathers and husbands?

For the working men, you can check out mens briefcase, belts and wallets aside from a wardrobe overhaul. Let's help them look snappy.
For the couch potato, you can get them external hard drives or cloud accounts to store all those movies in.

For the geeks, maybe a trip to the Dinosaur Island in Clark, Pampanga will tickle their fancy and re-awaken the child in them. That or a trip to the Mind Museum (who cares if you don't have kids).

For the hearty eaters, get them Groupon deals in the many buffet offerings in the city. Or take cooking classes and surprise him instead.

For the hubbies who have really been working so hard... and you feel they need a break... get him and one or two buds an overnight trip. A Pinatubo trek or wakeboarding stint at CamSur are sure to refresh.

Just steer clear of tools and mugs this coming Father's Day (not that there's anything wrong with those). Let's be more thoughtful for the men we love.

Bohol Bee Farm

We didn't stay in Bohol Bee Farm when we went to Bohol last December because they were fully booked (and I really wanted a resort where sand was within reach for the kids). But we made sure to stop here from the airport for lunch and returned again during the Panglao Tour.

We availed of their packaged feast that cost P500/person (the children ate for free).

squash bread (love this!) was served with two spreads... mango butter and a pesto one

love the view at the restaurant

no words can convey how refreshing this lemongrass tea is (haha, everyone tried sipping on the lemongrass stalk, mistaking it for a straw)... I just had to order more!

loved the pesto and green tomato salsa

my parents couldn't believe the flowers in the salad were edible, the red rice was amazing (but my nephew wouldn't have any of it)... loved the ribs and the fish (didn't taste the chicken and the pasta)

seafood soup, a lot like sinigang

I was looking forward to their ice cream because people raved about them in blogs... but though they weren't bad, I wouldn't return to Bohol Bee Farm for them. This is malunggay and tomato, I think. It's very thick (always nice), and there's a certain texture to the ice cream that may turn off some people (it wasn't grainy exactly, but it also wasn't smooth and creamy to the tongue). Mostly, it was interesting.

this was what we ordered (wew were so tired to think, having had a 2-hour flight delay)

The food was GREAT. Really. I think it was still our best meal in Bohol. And I have to commend Bohol Bee Farm for its pursuit of all things natural. You just know you were eating things that were really good for your body.

Anyway, when we returned, we just looked around but mostly spent time at the shop.

they sell plants

have hammocks

sell ice cream

I bought a big jar of the mango butter spread and a loaf of squash bread because I  couldn't possibly leave Bohol without them

they also sell Human Heart Nature products here

and offer all kinds of local tea and coffee

All in all... Bohol Bee Farm is really a must-stop when you go to Bohol. The real bee farm isn't located at the resort so don't expect to see a lot of bee frames. They also have a kiosk at the Loboc River Cruise Terminal if ever you miss buying their products... but oh, please don't. Let's support these local industries that are doing our bodies and the environment good.


BOHOL BEE FARM
http://www.boholbeefarm.com/Ms. Vicky Wallace
Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol

 +6338.5101822 
 +63917.7101062 
 +63932.8832126 
 +63939.9046796 
vickywallace@boholbeefarm.com

They also have an online store: http://boholbeefarm.com/store/

Isobel's Homemade Ice Cream

Warning... major rave ahead!

We first got to taste Isobel's Homemade Ice Cream at last November's Balik Bukid. I mistook it to be part of the Paletas Para Ti (all natural homemade iced fruit bars) offerings but since the proprietor is the same, I guess it's safer to say they're sister brands :)

Anyway, we loved the ice cream bars at Balik Bukid so we got their calling card. When my sister-in-law decided to hold her daughter's party at the Fun Farm, I thought of getting ice cream from there... but failed to contact them till 3 days before the event. Good thing Miss Fannie was very accommodating and friendly.

The ice cream bars cost P50 and since we only expected some 40-50 guests, I only ordered 60. For an extra P200, they delivered the ice cream and lent us the use of their freezer too. Fantastic right?


the freezer containing all their goodies


I got 5 flavors: Vanilla with Chocolate Covered Almonds, Milk Chocolate with Raisins, Espresso with Chocolate Freckles, Butter Pecan and Vanilla with Mango Swirl

 

and yes, Miss Fannie offered to personalize the ice cream bars somehow...

 

which had guests taking pics of the ice cream bars...

 

and showing the ice cream bars to the birthday girl (because it was so cute!)... this is the milk chocolate with raisins

 

this is the espresso with chocolate freckles... my fave!

 

I thought before that the vanilla with chocolate-covered almonds cannot be topped... until I tasted the buttery goodness of the buter pecan. But the espresso is really my fave of the lot. Next time, we might also try their other flavor, like salted caramel and tablea, basil with pili, mint chocolate chip, stracciatella, Nutella and lemon. Isobel's also offers mango, strawberry, avocado, cereal milk, pistachio AND they can customize flavors.

 

Miss Fannie also offers different swirls for the vanilla (butterscotch, fudge and mango).

 

Now... who wouldn't be in love right? And I swear, everybody else who tasted it was won over. I even have a picture of my eldest who was depressed because all the chocolate-flavored ice cream were gone when he was ready for his next one (his parents were pigs, we had 4 each!).

 

For orders, one can contact Miss Fannie M. Del Mundo at pola.isobel at yahoo dot com or text/call her at 0922-8931241. They have an office in Paranaque but their Paleteria is in Sta. Rosa Estates, Laguna too. Just ask for party packages and the like (and yes, you can also order the ice cream in pints).

 

Ice cream is more fun when it's homemade from the freshest ingredients!!! And certainly, I cannot wait for my next tryst with Isobel's.

 

Utility Knife as Valentines Gift

Well, why not? Husbands don't think of Valentines in terms of spa certificates anyway. And if your darling is a typical man, he would love having a handy utility knife in the glove compartment and at your home for all those little things you need help with.

In our case, for all the repairs he needs to do on toys.

There are sooo many possibilities online (yes, I was surprised too at how varied the choices are),  www.martorusa.com even has a blade recycling program for those who prefers to go green. Just think of your needs and habits and get a blade of your choice.

And your man is sure to appreciate a gift that took into account his innate need to create and desecrate, haha.

Money Wallets

I found these being sold (for P250 I think each) at 168 Mall over in Divisoria last December. There were also wallets in American dollar currencies and some in Dinar and Japanese Yen I think.

Imagine putting your american eagle silver dollar in something so quirky. Nice gift idea for friends who like conversation starters, eh?

I only saw one stall selling these and it's located at the ground floor of the old 168 building. Just keep an eye out, it's in one of the first two aisles from the left.

Monster iSport Immersion In-Ear Headphones with ControlTalk - Black

Monster iSport Immersion In-Ear Headphones with ControlTalk - Black is on sale at Amazon right now. I am trying not to regret having bought it during their Black Friday sale (for $67.49, because it's now only $60).

I am posting about the headphones here though because hubby is just really so happy with it. He appreciates the waterproof part but LOVES the sound quality of the headphones. Therefore, I am recommending it to those whose loved ones use their iPhones to exercise.

The features of this pair of headphones, per Amazon site, include:

Patented SportClips and Pro Sound Isolating Eartips provide a secure, customized fit that won’t interfere with eyewear or helmets

OmniTip™ swivel nozzle pivots for extra adjustment

Tough, durable, UV-protected, and sweatproof for your most aggressive workout—indoors or out

Washable—simply toss your headphones in with your laundry and they’ll still look and sound brand new

Advanced in-ear speaker design delivers true monster-quality sound—adding bass and definition to your favorite music

Order now!!!

Wellness Gift Certificates Instead of Material Gifts

Times are hard, they say, but because of so many factors... it's also really easy for middle-income people to afford a few luxuries. Therein lies the dilemma, what to give to people who can afford things?

Instead of shopping for bundle cigars and fancy ceramics or cool shades, why not just give them spa and wellness gift certificates? I'm pretty sure most have been curious about ventosa, or acupuncture, and almost everyone likes to get a massage. Introduce foreigner friends to tradtional hilot massage (and not the cloppety-clop of a Swedish one). Buy a slot in an Alexander technique workshop for people complaining of aches and pains, and a slot in a Buteyko workshop for asthmatics.

It will be new and interesting, and it will show that you really care about their health.

Rodillas Yema Cake and Sweets

Hubby had to go to Tayabas, Quezon and he discovered Rodillas Restaurant, which turned out to be famous for their yema cakes.

The cake itself is light, but I found the cheese on the yema icing slightly saltier than what I'd like. Either they're heavy-handed with the cheese, or they just use saltier cheese. Although this was delicious and something I'd make sure to get if ever we're in Tayabas... I honestly prefer the yema cake I buy from the Bakers Dozen thingie at Power Plant Mall (because that yema cake isn't too sweet nor salty, just right).

 

 

The best part of this cake though is this small one only costs P120 :)  The one at Power Plant Mall costs over P200, at least

 

But I am a fan of their yema icing with pili sweets (because it's soooo soft and gooey). I can eat it the whole day! Haha

So, if you're heading deep South and passing by Tayabas, make a stop at Rodillas for their wonderfully sinful yema cake.

Rodillas Restaurant
37 Regidor Street , 04327 Tayabas, Quezon
(042) 793 3265

All About Baking

I thought I already posted about them. What was formerly known as Chocolate Lovers at the corner of Kitanglad Street and Quezon Avenue in Quezon City is now under new management. I believe they just changed management last August.

The price range is generally the same, with more choices for candies and cupcake liners and an ambience that is brighter and lighter (because it was a little dark there before). They also brought in new products like mixers, edible paper, cookie cutters, molds

 

 

what I mean by lighter (more lights, haha)

 

a lot of the same products we patronized, just repackaged

 

good they're selling butter there now too

 

we bought this and it tasted just like the colorful candies like the one below

 

... which are really perfect for loot bags (and i'm hoping these are safe compared to the ones you can buy in Divi)

 

and these are the cupcake/muffin liners

Because of the upcoming Holidays, they may be out of stock of some items as some patrons might be panic buying the whole lot... OR they will have a surplus of just about everything, having anticipated that. There may also be slight price increases.

ALL ABOUT BAKING
2 Kitanlad Corner Quezon Avenue, QC
Tel No: 359-1153 / 741-7487 / 731-2404
e-mail: all.about.baking@gmail.com
Find them on Facebook... just search for "All About Baking"

Mommy Mundo Christmas Bazaar 2012

As if we really need more reasons to shop and empty our pockets out... but anyway...

Mommy Mundo is holding its Christmas Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent this coming weekend, Nov 24-25, 2012.

It may not be the place to look for marshall haze 40 guitar for your little achiever, but there are enough wooden toys from WonderWorld Toys, or really pretty dresses by Dizzy Dress, and even prettier bows from Celestina & Co.

Looking for cheaper breast pumps? Babymama is the booth to visit.

What about pregnancy and maternity clothes that are fab and comfy? Then, proceed to Mama.Baby.Love's booth and look through slings and cloth diapers while you're at it.

Download and print this map and have the vendors sign it when you visit their booths. When you complete at least 20 signatures, just submit the form at the exit, and get a chance to win wonderful prizes (Baby 1st Stroller, Mommy Matters nursingwear, Havaianas flipflops, and more:) at the Mommy Mundo Bazaar raffle draw!

For a list of exhibitors and other things one can expect at the expo, click here.

St. James the Great Bazaar 2012

I have actually never been, but I have heard of great finds and even greater food to be had at the St. James the Great Bazaar. What's more, my SIL has been selling clothes and food there for several years now.

The biggest bazaar for people living in the South will be held at the Cuenca Community Center and St. James Parking Lot this November 30, December 1 and 2... from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Don't be surprised if you see a lot of imported goods (you might find spenco shoes or Korean magic scarves as well as fab boots)  because sellers in this bazaar really source out their wares the entire year.

My SIL will be selling smocked dresses for little girls.

Expect wares from all over the country too, as well as delicacies. Bring fans and your own water though (unless you want to cease shopping just to buy water) if you're coming during the day, because the crowd will be merciless in their hunt for great finds and good bargains. Bring cash (of course) and eco bags too, so that you don't have to worry about having to carry things around.

If you can, collude with friends and family living in the area to just drop you off there and pick you up... or at least let you park your car in their garage.

Enjoy Christmas shopping and know that the proceeds of this event all go to the Church.

Balik Bukid Country Fair - November 2012

Warning... this will be a rave :)

Well.. the Sta. Elena Fun Farm proved to be a heaven for little kids to roam around in and just really enjoy nature and stretch their bodies. So, I will focus on the country fair instead.

We didn't get to really check each stall because we were there for the kids to play. not really to shop. But there was enough array of goods for everyone in the family. Beauty products and toiletries, food (pastries, ice cream on sticks, meals, pizza, etc), accessories (bags, necklaces, etc), furniture (wooden, antiques), art, toys, games, clothes... it's a bazaar that won't really overwhelm and most (if not all) are healthy and organic (Hecky's lechon isn't really healthy but they use organic pigs!).

The price range for the food was between affordable (like the inasal chicken and barbecue I bought) to expensive (P100/bottle of iced tea or dalandan juice!).

Registration went well... we each got blue bracelets crocheted from plastic strips

loved this pesto pizza from Pizza Morena

they have their own brick oven at the pavilion

seller of Waldorf dolls

seller of Waldorf wooden toys

when was the last time you saw horses made from newspapers??? :)  This cost P500 for a small one though so, I'm guessing the paints they use are plant-based

notebooks and boxes, anyone?

woven bags perhaps?

produce fresly picked from Holy Carabao farm (the neighbor of Fun Farm)

I didn't go near this shop because they were selling Advent wreathes,,, haha, and I might buy one

aren't these bunnies super cute???

some of the food booths at the dining area

the seller of this antique was a Lasallian hubs knows

these were his other wares

yup, there was dancing too

and storytelling by the Acacia Waldorf teachers (they also offered craft activities for parents and kids)

and games... sack race, coco shell stilts, jumping rope, dodge ball

the wash area is just beside this, and the bike trail (where you can borrow bikes or bring your own, not really for big bikes and motorcycle helmets though)

The usual entrance to the Fun Farm is P300 for all activities but Balik Bukid charged P350 for those (I guess, to cover the cost of the extra manpower in all stations). However, if you just want the festive air and to shop, you can get in for free.

I love that they insisted on people bringing their own eco bags and cleaning as they go. I love that it wasn't so loud, there were so many activities and it didn't feel crowded (despite the large number of families that went). Starbucks was there too :) And lots of celebs. And a photobooth :)

Ultimately, it's a relaxing trip to the farm without having to worry about bringing in your own food (but you can, and can even borrow picnic mats from them) or not having anything to do while the kids played. And personally, I prefer this to the usual bazaars that happen in the city.