Weekday R&R: Holiday Food Tripping at JT's Manukan Grille

Today is the 30th day of November and it's a definite "rave-y" Wednesday for me. Wondering why? First of all, it's a non-working holiday today as the country is commemorating Andres Bonifacio's 148th natal day. It is absolutely a great treat as we take a one-day breather from the hectic holiday rush. Secondly, majority of the work force are loaded since it's also a payday. Let's not forget, most of us might have already received the government-mandated 13th month pay. Summarizing this in one equation would be: no work + moolah = a great time!

My tita was our first house visitor this sunny holiday. She really wanted to go to Tagaytay today but the idea came in late at 11 am. I know for a fact that if we pushed through with the spur-of-the-moment trip it would be tiresome instead of a relaxing one. I am familiar with the average travel time since I am a frequent SLEX traveler. I am certain if we left the house at past 11 am, there is no way we can make the most out of the long trip.

So instead of drowning ourselves with movie reruns on cable TV, JF and I together with my brother and his wife decided to dine out for dinner. No, we didn't have something fancy in mind just to make the day more special. Also, a shopping spree is far from my mind since I want to better manage my holiday cash gifts this year as compared to those in the past. (Read a related entry which talks about managing your cash gifts this season.) Instead, we opted to satisfy ourselves with a typical Pinoy comfort food - it's no less than Chicken Inasal for dinner!

A taste of authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal

5 Steps to Raise Polite Kids

It is always nice to hear the word "please" when someone asks a favor from you. At the same time, hearing "thank you!" is equally delightful. Undoubtedly, everyone loves a polite individual. And I, as a mama, acknowledge the fact that it is my duty to raise polite kids since this endearing virtue will eventually be carried on to adulthood.

Be conscious to practice politeness at all times.

photo by Michal Marcol

Wisely Managing Your 13th Month Pay and Christmas Bonus in 5 Ways

Yes, Andy Williams got it all right. It is without a doubt that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Not only do we look forward to reunions with family and friends, but we also look forward in receiving our 13th month pay and for some, an additional Christmas bonus if the company has performed well during the year.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams

from YouTube

Calling for Support: Social Media Users' Day of Action Against Child Abuse

I blogged a few days ago how disgusted I was with obscene content posted by some Facebook users (read about it here). I was afraid SJ, who would just use FB to play some games, might be able to come across these trash. How I wish I could stop the widespread of such rubbish, but unfortunately the world wide web is too big for me to handle. Feeling Supergirl, eh?!

The sisterly stare down: SI vs. SJ

photo by Ate G

Weekday R&R: Luscious Chocolate Discovery

I am guilty for being a sweet tooth. Ever since I was a kid, I would always prefer the sweet as compared to something salty or sour. Moreover, something bitter is definitely out of the question. With that being said, one would assume that I would certainly go crazy over cakes and ice creams. True enough, that was the case when I was still pregnant with SI. However, on normal days, being a sweet tooth would only push me to crave for cakes and pastries.

I love trying out cake and pastry shops, most especially those making homemade goodies. Brownies, Lemon Squares, Brazo de Mercedes and soft Broas are just some of my favorites. Of course, the chocolate cake is my ultimate all-time favorite. Well, who doesn't? Whenever I see this luscious creation in pastry and coffee shops, even mall food stalls, I can't help myself from checking it out.

Award-winning chocolatey masterpiece

Weekday R&R: Great Fastfood Find - Slammer Burgers

Since my job involves extensive traveling, I must say that I am familiar with most food offered by different fastfood chains. It is the most convenient and cheapest way to pacify my rumbling stomach at any time of the day. It's either the Bee or the King or the Clown or the Colonel that usually feeds me on weekdays.

Fastfood Discovery: Slammer Burgers

In one of our purposeless trips to the mall, JF and I discovered Slammer Burgers at Trinoma's food court. I must say that we tried it out because as far as I'm concerned it somehow mimics Wham! Burgers. I really can't say which aspect is similar but I've come to realize that Slammer is comparable to the tasty offerings of Wham!

How to Keep a Great Yaya

For working moms like me, the assistance of a nanny or a yaya is essential. Sometimes, even a full-time mom appreciates the presence of this assistant by her side. Given all the demands of the little one, the joint efforts of this mom-and-yaya team would make child care considerably easier.

5 months and going stronger: SI and Ate G

It's true it is hard to find a yaya. However, it is harder to keep a great yaya. So just like in true love, once you find the right one, never let the person go. Aside from the yaya striving to impress you, also strive to keep a harmonious relationship from your end. Below are some tips to avoid having misunderstandings and disagreements with your assistant:

Online Shopping 101: Spot a Legitimate Seller

It is clear as daylight that the internet opened endless possibilities and opportunities. Some tasks were made obsolete because of this technology. Sending out letters through the post office, lining-up in a bank to pay bills, making overseas calls to loved-ones are just some of the things of the past. Now, these mundane tasks are easily accomplished by connecting to the internet. Not to mention, working as well as shopping can also be done remotely.

As a self-confessed internet junkie, a big chunk of my 24 hours is spent going online with trusty Google as my personal assistant. Not only do I surf the net for answers but I've also done some online shopping to purchase some of my guilty pleasures as well as stuff for my lovies, JF, SJ and SI. In the coming days, I'm sure I'd go virtual window shopping once more since the season of gift-giving is just around the corner.

Talk about fraudulent online sellers... read about it here

Photo from FashionPULIS.com

5 Tips to Keep Your Child Away from Online Trash

Browsing through my Facebook news feed these past few days has irked me. It even came to a point that my status sounded really annoyed.

My Facebook Appeal: Stop pornography in FB!

It just got into my nerves that something as amazing as Facebook is being used by individuals who do not have anything better to do. Apparently, the social network has been hacked with viruses containing porn links. In addition to that, there are a number of Pinoy groups that contain sexual content. With these types of vulgar content easily accessible online, it really is alarming most especially for parents like me. 

Weekday R&R: What Reminds You of Christmas?

With only a few weeks left before Christmas, one might still not feel the spirit of the holiday season because of too much work. Why don't you sit back, relax and anticipate what this occasion is about to bring.

Below is my personal list of things that reminds me of Christmas. Read on and just like me, I hope you would also look forward to fun-filled times ahead with the family.

1. Puto Bumbong and Bibingka

Bibingka at Puto Bungbong by busyPrinting

Weekday R&R: Grammar Tutor for the Sign Maker

Ever since I started mudraesque, blogging has always been on my mind. I can't stop thinking what would be an interesting topic not only for me but for my readers as well. However, since I am your regular working mom, the most that I can commit is to post content only during weekends. So, you might be wondering what am I doing here right now... it's only a Tuesday!

There is no way to cure my urge to write other than this. So, I've decided to come up with a series of weekday entries which I will call "Weekday R&R." You might instantly think that R&R stands for "Rest & Recreation." That is not the case because I definitely can not afford to enjoy that type of R&R on a weekday. For this purpose, R&R would most likely be "Rants & Raves" instead. 

Let's start, shall we?

As a debut, I will be sharing with you a sign I came across last Monday.

What the...?!?? In capital letters pa, huh?!?!!

Pinoy Pride: Puerto Princesa Underground River

This weekend has been a victory weekend for the Philippines. Aside from Pacman's controversial win against Mexican boxer, Marquez, there's another reason for Pinoys to celebrate.

At the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
with my girl friends

It was also announced this weekend that the Philippines' official entry to The 7 New Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, made it to the list. Alhough the final roster will be released by early 2012, the foundation's president, Bernard Weber already revealed that from the initial tally of votes, the Underground River is indeed included. It really amazes me how Pinoys exhibit the bayanihan spirit whenever online or sms voting is needed. :) Take a look at beauty pageants and it will be a big surprise if Miss Philippines won't win the online voting category.

Easy Tips to Tame Your Appetite

I am no stranger when it comes to weight loss. As of today, I've been through, not one or two, but several slim down and weight gain cycles. It is also because of this fact that I don't see losing weight as impossible. I've done it before. I know I can do it again this time and bid goodbye to the pregnancy/ post-pregnancy weight gain.

During my pregnant months, JF would always give in to my every whim of all-you-can-eat meals in Cabalen and Holy Cow!, pansit, Mang Jimmy's Lechon Kawali, Nelia's Dinuguan, cakes and ice creams. Now that a few months had passed since I gave birth to my adorable and cuddly SI, how am I supposed to reverse things around?

Mang Jimmy's: The Lechon Kawali is to-die-for.

(photo grabbed from Life is Fun)

Blogging on 11/11/11

Today is the 11th day of November and I HAVE to blog. I wouldn't miss it for the world for the sole reason that I want an entry with a date stamp of 11/11/11 (and hopefully, I'll get to publish this by 11:11 PM).  :)

once-in-a-lifetime occurrence

(photo from timeanddate.com)

Interesting dates in the past such as 08/08/08 or 09/09/09 or 10/10/10 had led many people to set significant life events, such as weddings, engagements and etc. with the belief that these dates were lucky. Some couples even made the conscious effort to schedule the conception of their child so that the birth date would coincide on those lucky dates. Also on those days, others chose to try their luck in the lottery or casinos. For 2011, today is of no exception. As a matter of fact, my cousin's daughter tied the knot today. 

Early Christmas Shopping: 6 Tips to Stretch Your Peso

It pays to be early. Time and time again, this famous line stands true. Whether you're early for your appointment or early to settle credit card obligations, you're sure to avoid unnecessary hassles. Now that it's only 48 days before Christmas, it won't hurt if we plan early for the holiday shopping. Below are some shopping tips in order to stretch out your peso and make it work to your advantage:

The tree says it all.

I need to do some Christmas gift shopping.

What's App: Kids Song All - 220 Songs by KYK

Aside from the usual stuffed toys that you bring along during your trip, what would be the other sources of entertainment for your kid? Just like everyone else, most children are also captivated by the pleasant sound of  music. When on the road, you could either have your little one's favorite CD on nursery rhymes play on the background. If your car is equipped with an audio-video system, you can load videos of Barney singing until you can't shake the lyrics off your head.

With today's technology, the iPad (also the iPhone and iPod) has become a multi-function gadget for everyone in the family. Aside from browsing my emails and the net, I interact with my 5-month old baby with the aid of some apps. Together with the baby flashcards app I previously wrote about, I found another baby-friendly app which can calm down your little ones anytime, anywhere.

Nursery rhymes collection arranged alphabetically

Baby Milestone: Is She Ready for the First Solid Meal?

It was such good news to hear when the pediatrician advised us that SI can already eat solid foods! JF have been asking me a few months back, when would be the right time to proceed. From my experience with SJ, we started feeding her when she was 6 months old and that instantly became my benchmark. So, it was a really pleasant surprise when our 5-month old already got the green light to chow down.

Another milestone: SI's first treat

Affordable Comfort Food at Silver Crown Food Center

When you crave for authentic Chinese food, you might immediately think of going to Ongpin in Chinatown. It is just fortunate that for those living in the CaMaNaVa area, you don't need to take the LRT in Monumento in order to reach the Chinese food haven located in the City of Manila.

If you are coming from Sangandaan, Caloocan City going to Monumento, be on the lookout for a BPI Branch on the left.  Beside that branch stands a restaurant that will give any Ongpin restaurant a run for their money. 

Silver Crown Food Center is just like your typical Chinese restaurant in terms of interior set-up. If you would like a fine dining experience, this is not the restaurant for you. It's more like a cafeteria set-up with several tables arranged side-by-side. During weekends, you might find yourself waiting for a table since this is a frequent reception place for baptism. It would be better if you'll dine in earlier or you'll just order and take them home.

Traveling with the Kids: 5 Tips to Remember

Not only do November 1st marks All Saints' Day, but it also reminds us that Christmas is just around the corner. Yay! :) I am so excited I can't stop imagining all the food, gifts, parties and family bondings. Of course, these family bondings would include travel with the kids. Double yay!

Family Christmas Holiday 2010
(photo from Tito T)

Buen Family: Author, SJ and JF.

SI was still in the author's tummy. 

(photo by Tito T)