2011 Holidays

Shashing is back in Manila, just in time for Christmas. First stop, Nanay's birthday and our reunion with the Cunanan Family. Sadly, Nanay wasn't feeling well that time so she couldn't join us. We just visited her at home and greeted her. As for the reunion, everyone was happy finally seeing me with a big tummy. My growing cousins were all excited to be called tito's and tita's soon enough.

As one family, we all gathered and prayed to thank Him for all the blessings and answered prayers in 2011.

Chrismas day in La Loma means Tita's Kare-kare, which means heaven. She cooked Sinigang na Salmon also which is equally heaven but more nutritious for me. There were new additions to our growing family this year, plus at least one more next year! I can't wait when Euen receives and opens her first Christmas gift from Santa Deeday who gives the grandest gift to every Marcial child and child at heart.

More little kids running around the house again, just like us when we were small. Admiring the huge Christmas tree, snooping at the gifts under them. A new generation of the Marcial clan is coming and growing.

Reminiscing with Churros Con Chocolate

When I was little, I spend summer vacations at my grandparents' house in Labo. This is in La Loma, Quezon City. I look forward to these days because I get to spend time with Mamang, Daddy, Tita Bebe, my other Tito's and Tita's, my cousins and my favorite cousin, Ate Deeday.

Ate Deeday. Yes, she was the Ate that I look up to. She had all the toys that I never had, Barbie/s with a big doll house, with all the clothes, shoes and accessories. She had the complete series of the Nancy Drew books. We were partners in crime and we would stay up late doing anything we want. I also get to go with them on Ate's voice lessons in Yamaha, SM North Edsa/Centerpoint. Or watch her Tae Kwon Do lessons. Usually, I would just wait and watch. Afterwards, we eat and they treat me. Tita and Ate would always have favorite restaurants that I never knew. Back then, dining out means eating a one-piece fried chicken and rice on a specific fast-food chain.

Thus, it's Tita and Ate who introduced me to Dulcinea. Dulcinea has been around since 1960's and they serve mostly Spanish-Fusion menu combined. I liked their deserts: cakes, cream puff and eclair. But their famous Churros Con Chocolate is the best! As a child then, I loved it and looked forward to the days when Tita or Ate would crave for Churros.

Today, we passed by Dulcinea and decided to have desert there. Since it is the "Love-Month", the churros were heart-shaped and looked extra-special. As I dipped each one and took a bite on cruncy thinly fried pastry, memories of my childhood days in La Loma came back to me. Feeling like a child again, as I savored the bittersweet chocolate dip, there was also this tinge in my heart, mostly because of the happy thoughts and memories back then.

Frutti Froyo

Mama Cherub's birthday gift to Ikoy, yogurt with all the toppings that he wants. Where else but Frutti Froyo, our favorite. This is the best yogurt place for us, because of the concept of make-your-own-yogurt. They have a lot of choices for the flavored yogurts, aside from the plain. Also, a wide variety of toppings: from cereals, nuts, chocolates, candies to fruits. With a number of flavored syrups to add to the final taste. We also love the colorful decorations and creative chairs and tables on the store.

Ikoy was free to choose which topping he wanted, he was so excited to put his cup on top of the sweet toppings and chocolates.

One thing to describe his creation: sugary. But he finished it in no time. It looked like a party for a the birthday boy because of the hats. We promise to make up to him when he's seven, when Shashing is back in Manila.

Bonchon Chicken

Chinese New Year dinner last night,we were thinking of where to eat. And Bamba came up with a bright idea, Bonchon Chicken. I remember that this is Shashing and Kuya Shosh's favorite in Singapore but I never had a chance to taste it. I'm surprised that we now have it here in Manila. And glad, at the same time.

Super yummy Soy Chicken! A different kind of "fried" chicken because of the unusual taste. Said to be healthier. With a reasonable prices.

Sure to be one included on my list happy foods.