1 & 2/23 Maple and Bono Artisanal Gelato

by she said

Related Post: One Summer, Twenty Three Restaurants

I'm not supposed to be on summer vacation yet. But I got lucky, and got off school a week early. YAY!

My mom and I are celebrating by starting to check out some places from our Twenty Three Restaurant List for the summer. But before we did that, we took a trip to the nail spa and salon. I've been so busy with school, I think my last haircut was 5 months ago - that's a pretty long time! My hair was starting to feel like a curtain.

Thanks to my Tita D for the Nailtropics gift certificates! :)

We decided to try out two places today. There is no order to the way we're getting through the list, so we look at our choices and pick the one that satisfies a craving or seems the most interesting on a certain day.

1/23: Maple

We decided to try out Maple for brunch today. We ordered a big breakfast to see how we'd like it and decide later if we would still have room in out tummies for more.

Maple is part of the Pancake House Group so there were some similarities to the menu with the addition of some other dishes such as the Prime Rib Angus Tapa and Spaetzle Jambalaya.

The Big Maple Breakfast includes a choice of three buttermilk pancakes or a giant Belgian waffle served with two eggs, maple bacon, country fries and breakfast sausages.

My mom and I eat with our eyes. We weren't too happy with the way this dish was plated. It looks pretty sad, don't you think?

 

Whenever I order Belgian waffles, what always comes to mind is the Starbucks version- a crisp and sugary sweet crust topped with heaps of whipped cream. Maple's version is a plain waffle, crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, topped with whipped butter and syrup on the side. The breakfast sausages tasted exactly like the ones in Pancake House, except they were bigger. We wish that the bacon was crispier, though.

We wanted to try other dishes but this plate left us feeling full. I think we have to go back one more time!

 The view from Maple- Santuario De San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati

2/23: BONO artisanal gelato

BONO artisanal gelato is in SM Makati, a short walk away from the branch of Forever 21 on the ground floor. After spending about two hours flipping through racks of clothes, we found ourselves trekking to the corner of the second floor where it's located, shopping bag (and camera) in tow.

 

This is not a run-of-the-mill gelato place. The flavors are different, interesting, and exciting. Although, some are not everyone's cup of tea - the Lavande flavor, infused with lavender flowers which my mom found quite good was not exactly my type. But there's definitely something you will enjoy on their menu.

Gelato Lab- serious gelato making going on in here.

After spending some time talking to the staff and being handed around three or four spoons with different flavors of gelato to taste, we decided to both get double scoops of different flavors. I got the Speculoos and Cereal & Milk flavors, while mom got the Fragola and Pistacchio flavors. They did not dissapoint!

The first thing I noticed about my gelato was every bite had a little morsel of whatever the flavor description included - no empty bites of plain vanilla! (This is EXTREMELY important for me.) Cereal & Milk, a concoction of cornflakes and the taste of sweetened milk, though interesting, was not my favorite. The Speculoos flavor was the best for me. Cookie Butter and I are pretty good friends. The gelato had lots of cookie bits!

Nice & thick and super creamy!

Mom's orders were equally yummy. The Fragola flavor, made with strawberries, was super refreshing. I don't normally like Pistacchio flavored ice cream, but BONO's gelato version was nutty, crunchy and captured the taste of the nut perfectly.

BONO is perfect for ending a tiring shopping excursion, satisfying your sweet craving, or just for hanging out with a bunch of friends. We hope that a proper branch can open up in a less busy atmosphere!

Another mother & daughter adventure I enjoyed - and I definitely have a very full tummy :)

Real People - Dennis & Sarah Decena

By She Said

On the 20th of November 1996, Mr. & Mrs. Dennis and Sarah Decena received heartbreaking news any parent would never want to receive. Their daughter, Debbie, then a fourth grade student at the De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in Muntinlupa was involved in an accident while on an amusement park ride during the School Fair. Debbie did not survive the accident. She was only nine years old.

One cannot begin to imagine the pain and the agony of losing a child, especially one so young.  Mrs. Decena recounts how she struggled with the loss of her daughter and the unspeakable pain-  "After Debbie was laid to rest, everyone was back to school and work. I remember the deafening silence and loneliness I felt while I was left alone at home. I would burst into tears. I wanted to skip all the holidays and birthdays." 

But God always has a way of turning things around, transforming their grief and sorrow into something beautiful. In 2002, Mr. & Mrs. Decena, in a admirable act of forgiveness and acceptance, formed the Debbie Decena Memorial Scholarship Foundation in cooperation with De La Salle Zobel.

The Debbie Decena Memorial Foundation grants full scholarships to deserving incoming and current high school students of DLSZ in need of financial assistance. They have since granted over 20 scholarships and have also grown to provide college scholarships in STI Colleges in Muntinlupa and Las Pinas.

 

 Auditorium at the De La Salle Santiago Zobel dedicated in honor of Debbie Decena

The Debbie Decena Memorial Foundation is a family initiative, with Mr. Decena as the President and ably supported by his wife and children Kate, Denise & Kim.  They are all closely involved in the screening and selection process of applicants.

Mr. Decena, an accomplished business executive, has held notable positions in companies such as Urban Bank, Roxaco Land, and New San Jose Builders. He currently serves as an Independent Director for several companies. Together with  Mrs. Decena, he is involved in various civic organizations. Mrs. Decena has actively participated in feeding programs and conducted values formation seminars for the Rotary Club of Makati West.

Not new to scholarships, he himself being the recipient of academic scholarships all throughout his high school and college education at the Ateneo de Manila University and extending even to his masters degree at the University of the Philippines, Mr. Decena is a firm believer in paying it forward. He continues to inspire his wife and daughters to spread love and kindness despite their tragic experience.

{I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. & Mrs. Decena for trusting me enough to share their story. My daughter is a proud recipient of the Debbie Decena Scholarship and we are forever indebted to their generosity and kindness and grateful for all the lessons learned.}

100 Acts of Kindness

By She Said

When my daughter and I were conceptualizing our mother & daughter blog, it was our intention to chronicle events and situations of our everyday life that we are thankful for. We wanted the blog to be a celebration of our life and our special relationship.

We have been constantly on the receiving end of countless blessings, favors and kindness from friends, family and even strangers, when we needed it most. And in the face of adversity, all these acts of kindness that were incessantly coming our way was what kept us going. It gave us hope and made us positive that despite all odds, the best is yet to come.

Although we have expressed our gratitude one way or another, I have always wanted to do something on a grander scale. But I kept postponing it, telling myself I would send a big thank you gift when I had saved up enough money or I would donate to a worthy cause when I won the lotto (which I think is no where near from ever happening,  lol!).

I read this story about a young girl who is performing 89 Acts of Kindness in memory of her great grandmother and how her simple, honest gestures have touched others' lives. This inspired me to perform my own random acts of kindness too.

My daughter and I are pledging 100 Acts of Kindness, in honor of the countless persons who have shown us kindness and generosity, and in memory of my mom, whose selflessness and big heart I will always remember.

 It is our hope that you too will be inspired to start your own and begin a never ending cycle of good! It can be as simple as offering to carry someone's heavy bag, letting someone go ahead of you when you're lining up at the supermarket cashier, or if you're feeling extra generous, maybe paying for someone's meal when you are eating out at one of the fast food chains. It doesn't have to be fancy. As long as what you do comes from the heart, it's all that matters.

I'm already foreseeing that this is going to be one awesome, unforgettable summer with all our little projects and plans! We will be documenting our 100 Acts of Kindness on our Facebook page, so if you're interested to know how we're progressing or would want to give us some encouragement (we'll be needing that for sure) please go ahead and visit our page!

                

                                                                          

The Way We Ate - CIBO

By She Said

Meals are so central and important to our everyday lives. It is the time we come together not just to share food but also to share ourselves with those we have our meals with.

I love trying out new restaurants, but there are days when all I’m craving for are the tried and tested, familiar favorites on my list. 

CIBO holds a special place in my heart. I’ve had many memorable meals here. Family celebrations, lunches with good friends, and lots of heart to heart talks with my daughter over bowls of steaming pasta and the customary Tiramisu and Panna Cotta. Their branch at the Corte de Las Palmas at Alabang Town Center has been around since 2000. And since it’s conveniently located close to where I live, it’s always our default place to go to whenever we're craving comfort food.

Richard Dela Victoria, ATC Branch Manager, has been with CIBO for 14 years now. He’s one of the reasons we keep coming back. Warm and friendly service, we always feel pampered and at home. On a side note, Richard’s son whom I’ve had the pleasure to meet on one occasion is a dead ringer for Kris Aquino’s youngest son, Baby James, haha :)

 Ferdie. Chef Gemron. Jose. Roger- No matter how far apart our visits are, happy, smiling faces always greet us whenever we drop by. Evident of service with a heart.

 Tegamino Mozarella- grilled cheese, tomatoes, anchovies, basil, served with thin Sardinian flat bread.

Penne Al Telefono- stewed tomatoes, mozarella, white cheese, basil, cream. I've tried to recreate this several times at home, but no one does it better like Cibo.

Insalata Di Mare- shrimp, squid, crab, greens, basil pesto, alfalfa, lemon vinaigrette. Good to know that 75% of Cibo's fresh produce is organic & naturally grown.

Pizza Fiori Di Zucca- mozarella, squash flowers, extra virgin olive oil.

Linguini All'Alfonso- shrimps, chives, tomato, cream, chili peppers.

Tagliata Di Manzo- beef tenderloin roast topped with fontina & tomatoes.

Gelato Tiramisu- we just discovered this, yummy!

Mango Panna Cotta- perfect sweet ending to our meal.
 

I don’t claim to be a food expert, I’m just a food enthusiast, really. But what makes every meal special is good food coupled with excellent service, and CIBO consistently delivers each and every time.

CIBO
Upper Ground Level, Corte de las Palmas,
Alabang Town Center
Muntinlupa City

*several branches in Metro Manila
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Lomography 101

by she said

I usually do workshops or take up some lessons during my summer vacation which starts in a few weeks, but I started earlier than usual this year. 

My mom found out about a Lomography Workshop happening at the new Trilogy Boutique in Alabang Town Center, a place my classmates often refer to as 'the swag shop', because apparently it has swag. (I don't know what that really means aside from the fact that Justin Bieber says it a lot.)

Trilogy is a store that houses some of the most exclusive local and international street wear brands like Miss Sixty, Vans, 7 For All Mankind and Team Manila.

What is Lomography? 

It is a new style of artistic, experimental photography that started in the early nineties in Vienna, Austria. Characterized by vibrant colors, deep saturation and creative visual expression, Lomography is now considered an art movement.

Registration is only P100, how cool is that? :)

The workshop covered the basics that you need to know to begin taking photos with an analogue film camera. I am a total control freak with photography. I want my photos to be perfect ALL THE TIME. That's why I've always loved the idea of not knowing how pictures will turn out until after finishing an entire film roll, because I think lomography helps you to think less, and appreciate great images more.

The two speakers from Lomography Embassy Manila- the official distributor of  lomography products here in the Philippines, also discussed fun techniques and experiments with film cameras, like creating vignetting on a photo, how to put tiny little action figures to create silhouettes against images, and double exposures, all of which I want to try when I get my first lomography camera. (which is hopefully soon. HI MOM)

There is something about Lomography that I have always found interesting, mainly because I think I've always had a penchant for old-looking things, and also because of the sheer amount of time I spent* on Tumblr (*past tense! my account is now sad and inactive) scrolling through thousands of grainy vintage images of the sea and ice cream and girls with beach waves.

I've always wanted to make an analogue photo diary, go on photo walks and do general geeky lomography stuff with generally geeky lomographers.  I hope that's something I get to work on this summer!

Definitely Not Small Talk

by she said
 

I'm not really that good at small talk. I like conversations where I can really voice an opinion, learn something new or pick up something different. 

I go to a Catholic school and every year I go on either a retreat or recollection with my class, and that's when I get to do just that. I get to have an in-depth conversation, understand people I never thought I would, and pray like a family with people who I'm not related to.

They always teach us in our recollections that we should never judge people by how they act or how we see them, which is sometimes difficult for me to do. I judge people way too easily - by how noisy they are in class, the shoes they wear, or how they do their hair, but I seldom get to understand why they are the way they are. So I'm thankful to get this opportunity to get to know my classmates better. 

We openly shared our thoughts and feelings to each other during the recollection. And after hearing their stories of the challenges they face and what they've been through, I saw them in a different light and it has inspired me to become a stronger person and to always look at what I have in a more positive light.

We were all in tears after, and I am moved that my own story has touched them somehow. 

I always feel renewed after recollections. I still get to go home and have the same life, but I will live it differently.

One Summer, Twenty Three Restaurants

By She Said

I can't wait for summer vacation to start so I can drag my daughter, who is my best eating buddy, to all the restaurants and places I've been keeping tabs on. Some of you may already know that I make a list of restaurants, dessert joints, cafes, and just about any place that spell FOOD that I want to try out in a notebook I have with me while I'm stalking my favorite food bloggers online. So, here's what I came up with....

Summer Restaurant Must Trys- and because I've done my homework, I've also included dishes I want to order ;)

Early Bird Breakfast Club- French Toast Fondue, Viva Longganisa, Spanish Omelette

IHOP- Big Steak Omelette, New York Cheesecake Pancakes, Chocolate Chocolate Chip Pancakes, CINN-A-STACK Pancakes, Splashberry Drink,

Maple- Prime Rib Angus Tapa, Spaetzle Jambalaya, Big Maple Breakfast

My Kitchen by Chef Chris- Homemade Italian Sausages, Panizza, Ricotta & Parmesan Gnocchi, Spaghetti con Frutti di Mare, Lemon Lime Cheesecake

Spectrum at Fairmont Makati- I really want to check out the buffet here that features a honey station with live bees!!!

 BONO artisanal gelato- Pistacchio, Strawberries & Proseco, Speculoos, Fragola, Movie Night (chocolate covered potato chips.malt balls.caramel!)

Brasserie Cicou- Escargots, Foie Gras Ravioli, Roasted Bone Marrow, Koign Aman, Chocolat Moelleux

Sweet Bella- Strawberry Charlotte, Mangotier, Chocolata, Pearl Cake

The Fireplace at the Hyatt Hotel- Millionaire's Salad, Prawns with Mushroom Rissoto, Angus Ribeye, Flamed Ice Cream Alaska

Cafe Ysabel- Lobster Bisque, Silk Road Salad, Baked Scallops, Pan Roasted Seabass, Creme Brulee

Eat Fresh Hong Kong Famous Street Food- Pancake Balls, Squid Balls, Lobster Cheese Roll, Clay Pot Chicken,  Almond Shake

B & T Mexican Kitchen- Fish & Shrimp Burrito, Guaca de Frito Al Pastor, Mexican Burger with Potato Fries, Horchata, Chocolate Nachos

Mien-San Noodle House- Xiao long bao with patola, Fried Siopao, Fried Sesame Balls, Cha-chang Noodles, Beef Noodle Soup, Three Cups Chicken

Corner Tree Cafe- Vegetarian. Veg Biryani, Zucchini Fries, Moussaka, Falafel Burger, Lasagna

Hai Chix & Steaks- Hainanese Chicken Rice, Butter Garlic Shrimp, Ribeye Steak with Beef Rice

 Wooden Spoon by Chef Sandy Daza- Lechon Kawali, Crab Pancit, Stuffed Pechay, Sago Cake

Nomama- Prawn Teppan in Uni Bisque, Nomama Ramen, Miso & Mango Glazed Chicken, Kitayama Wagyu with Miso Butter & Tofu Fries, Apple Pie Gyoza

Chef's Table with Chef Bruce Lim- Roasted Tomato Halaan Soup, Fried Pusit with Green Mango Salad, Canadian Salad, Potato Crusted Salmon, Laing Linguine, Prawn Aligue, Biko with Calamansi Cream, Langka Creme Brulee

La Petite Camille- Pomelo Salad, Eggplant with Chinese Sausage & Shrimp, PHO Combination, Beef Look Luck, Special Rice in Claypot, Saigon Style Pork, Pandan & Yellow Mung Bean

da.u.de Tea Lounge- da.u.de Pho, Crisp Pork Banh Mi, Prosciutto & Melon Salad, Passion Green Tea, Goji Melon Tea, Papaya Kamille Tea, Peanut Butter & Jelly Scones

Gourmandise Patisserie- Blueberry Cheesecake, Raspberry  & Mont Blanc Eclairs, Lemon Meringue Tart, Carrot Cake

Breakfast at Antonio's in Tagaytay- Homemade Yogurt topped with Lemon Curd, Fresh Corned Beef, Pancakes with caramelized pineapple & banana, and Felchlin Swiss Hot Chocolate to wash it all down.

Zubuchon in Cebu City- we have to fly out to eat here?!? Maybe I'll check if they can deliver to Manila ;) Boneless Zubuchon, Stuffed Squid with Sisig, Ginataang Langka with Lapu Lapu, Crab Relleno, Kamias Shake

We've got roughly nine weeks of summer, so that means we have to eat out at least 2 or 3 times a week in order to complete the list. I don't know how I'm going to find the budget since apart from the list, we'll also have to find time to squeeze in our other favorite haunts. Plus we're also keeping positive that we'll get the chance to travel this summer! Wish us lots and lots of luck!

What we did last summer- Baguio 2012

                                 

We'd love to know what your summer plans are. Drop us a note and share your plans with us. What's on your list?