The Best Empanada So Far

...comes from Laoag City, at the corner across the market. 

The plus factor - we had it at around 10 in the evening when most of the establishments are already closed, no one's walking on the street except for us tourists.

Choose between ketchup and (strongly) fermented Iloco vinegar as your empanada condiment, you can't go wrong with either.

I wish Laoag City and their empanadas are just minutes away from my house.

Harvard Baseball 2012 Call Me Maybe Cover

I've watched this video so many times I ain't even tired. These boys are so adorable (especially the last guy hihi). *teenage giggling self unleashed*

Sophie's Mom Goodies

I finally got to try Sophie's Mom's Red Velvet cupcake! Thanks to my friend, Regina, who gave us the heads up (and also convinced us to head over to SM Megamall that afternoon).

Look at their velvet cupcakes and cookies!

menu

Ensaymadas

Their famous velvet cupcakes

I bought the dark choco macadamia cookies

Reg bought this mushroom and cheese focaccia bread that we shared in the office. It was good, soft and tasty.

I still want to visit their store in Makati to see more variety cos there was not much choices in their Megamall store. Puro velvet cupcakes and cookies hehe.

Labor Day Lunch at Via Mare

To celebrate Labor Day, and the ironic fact that we were working on a holiday, me and my friends decided to have a lunch out.

Here at Via Mare, Shangri La Mall.

Ten and I ordered sago't gulaman for our drinks (which is also an instant dessert).

We had kare-kare. Thumbs up, sarap!

Rellenong talong.

Ensaladang pako.

Ensaladang bagnet. Yum!

It was a quiet but satisfying lunch out. Happy Labor Day!

2012 Birthday Wishlist

Hello my favorite month. I've been making this list since I started blogging in '05. After rereading a few entries, even I was surprised to remember that in '06 one of my 3 only wishes was to eat in a fastfood or a restaurant. '06 remains to be the most difficult year of my life and look how time has changed.

Anyway, here goes:

• A cake with sparklers (2 years ko na 'tong wish!).

• Book 5 in the Song of Ice and Fire series. PS: paperback edition is available now, 315 pesos only!

• Pretzel M & M's!

• Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon's Daytripper. Available at National Bookstore.

• A new mouse because my old CDR King mouse conked out on me already. Ok lang kahit CDR king pa rin hehe.

•  Neutrogena daily moisturizer

The usuals/recycles on my wish lists:

• socks
• postcard (from where you are. I'll give you my address!)
• dinner at a restaurant I haven't eaten before
• cheap telly
• Strength for Boston Celtics to get through playoffs
• good health
• more travels
• Asics Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Black
• Justice for Maguindanao massacre victims
• World peace

And for the new ones:

• A new phone to replace the one I lost :( (It's not iPhone but it's good enough haha)
• new undies (medium size!). This'll be my new mainstay in the list, next to socks.
• sorta formal watch for formal occasions
• formal bag for formal occasions
• sharper NOT dwindling memory
• an APPROVED visa application
• Free Jonas Burgos!

The rest I know I'll have to work on myself such as savings for Bali 2013, Machu Picchu 2014, Egypt 2024, outer space 2099...

But with or without any of these, I'm blessed enough because I have work, a roof over my head, an electric fan to lessen the insane summer heat, eyes that can see, water on the fridge, internet connection, sturdy legs, wits to get me through the day, 5 remaining episodes of Game of Thrones, trips to look forward to, friends, extended families, kind and loving boyfriend, grandmas to say I love you to despite the distance and a God to whisper my thanks, wrongdoings, secrets and wishes every night.