Jomi's 3rd Birthday

It was my one and only nephew’s 3rd birthday last January 12. His parents decided to just have a simple celebration but made sure that all guests will go home full and satisfied with the menu.

For that day, we prepared Spaghetti and chicken nuggets for kids, Mixed Vegetables, Hot Chicken Salad, Roast Beef, Pork Asado, Relyenong Bangus (Stuffed Milkfish) and Biringhe (Glutinous Rice with coconut milk which is also known as the Filipino Version of Paella).

Whenever we have occasion, we plan the menu at least 2 weeks ahead including the number of guests and start food preparation a day before. We never resorted to catering services since my mom and siblings REALLY know how to cook. But on the day of the occasion, we hire professional waiters (FYI: These guys work in a respectable restaurant here in Angeles City:0) so that serving of food and drinks to guests is less laborious.

Mom baked 4 cakes for him which my two siblings lovingly decorated. Patrick inspired cookies were also baked in addition to the cupcakes and sherbet (which was a complimentary from his godfather - THANK YOU!) for desserts.

We bought some balloons beforehand to use for his birthday. My sister-in-law, Jomi’s mother was the one who made them with the help of Len Guilas’ (my officemate) electric balloon inflator which she generously lent on that day. However, if you would like a hassle free party balloon creations and rentable food carts for ALL occasions at super duper affordable prices, you can always get her service. You can visit her page/site in facebook to see her wonderful masterpieces at https://www.facebook.com/iheartparties.

My brother hired 2 clowns to entertain the kids and facilitate the games. Although the party lasted for just 4 hours, I know that my nephew enjoyed himself which was manifested by blowing the candle on one of his cakes over and over again. LOL!

My brother and sister-in-law did not spend that much but guests commented that they enjoyed the food and even asked who catered it!!! Hehehe.

Although it was a bit tiring, what's important is the celebrant enjoyed his big day. Happy Birthday Jose Miguel (JoMi)!! - Love, Titas

-- MnM --

Post Christmas Gift from BPI

I thought that Christmas and gift-giving is over but hey, look what I’ve got this morning? Hehe. The card came in a white envelope which had my name and address on it; no return address so I was wondering where it came from……

It says Happy Holidays! I was asking myself if this is intended for last Christmas or this Chinese New Year. LOL!

This is what's stated in the card....Lovin’ BPI more!

Dear Valued Cardholder (That's ME. I really felt valued! Haha)

Throughout the year, you have made BPI Express Credit your partner in capturing precious moments well-spent (how sure are you?? :p) with family and friends. This holiday season, as a sign of our appreciation for your continued patronage, please accept our special gift of 1,000 (R-E-A-D: 1000!) bonus Real Thrills Rewards points (isn't that GREAATT? A thousand more without having to spend anything?) to be reflected on your January 2012 statement of account (This is the only time that I can’t wait to see my statement online. Hahaha!). You can use these points to redeem gifts from the e-catalog (www.mybpimag.com). We’ve also made it easier for you to claim your gifts right away at partner stores. And you can now redeem with less points by simply charging the price difference with our points + charge facility (don’t know really what they meant by that ^--^). No need to wait! But, if you want to redeem for later a bigger gift, no worries because your point don’t expire. We wish you a Christmas that’s bright (ahhh.. it’s intended for Christmas although not the traditional December 25 Christmas day. LOL), a family full of delight (YOU BET!). Here’s to another thrilling year of partnership with you (you can count on me – your avid cardholder). Can't wait to check on your freebies!! Hehehe! -- MnM --

Sweeth Tooth

Chocolates are some people's best friend. I am not fond of eating chocolates if I have to buy them. LOL! BUT….. If they are given for free, I only have 2 replies – Why not? And Thank You!

-- MnM --

Revisiting HK and Macau Part 2

We were bound for Macau on the second day (included in the IT is the Senate Square and The Venetian). I superlooovvve the free taste of biscuits, candies and jerky at Pasteleria Koi Kei that we even bought some, munching it while walking near Ruins of St.Paul. Who can resist these???

On background is Ruins of St.Paul (Ruínas de São Paulo). This is one of Macau’s most famous landmarks. It was named as such because what was left was the facade of the Cathedral when it was destroyed by a fire during a typhoon in 1835. The ruins now consist of the southern stone facade which are intricately carved and seated on a small hill, with 66 stone steps leading up to it.

THE VENETIAN - this is a 40 storey hotel and casino in Macau. The casino still looks the same the first time I visited here back in 2007 where gambling and gaming are the major attractions. When you get the chance to drop by, don’t forget to visit Lord Stow’s bakery and grab the best Portuguese Egg Tart in town!

NgongPing Village, Po Lin Monastery and Giant Buddha had their slots on the third day after which, stall hopping at CityGate Outlet before heading back to the Guest House.

If you are fond of eating meat, well, here’s a challenge for you. At Po Lin Monastery, merely bringing more so eating meat is strictly prohibited. I haven’t had any problem having my lunch here. I so love the veggies they served because of their freshness. I could tell that they use very minimal herbs in their dishes that you get only the real and fresh vegetables which they grow from their own garden (from what I heard).

Last day was a bit tiring because I need to wake up early since flight going back to Philippines is at 945AM. I took a peek at my favorite bakery near TST MTR station hoping that I would be able to bring home few boxes of their delish blueberry muffins but it was still close. Adding on to already a melancholic morning is staring at the H & M store along Canton Road where they announced while I was there the night before that the store is closing just when I was bringing 2 coats to fit and currently spying on a pair of boots. I will definitely go back to HK for these!!! LOL! Here are some tips that you would like to consider if you have plans of going to HK and Macau:

1. If you are going with your friends, family or it’s an “ALL adult” trip, you can just check-in at decent and practical guest houses if all you need is a place to sleep, bath and leave/secure your things. There are 3 guest houses which I would highly recommend but MAKE SURE that you book your reservation at least 2 or 3 months to make sure that you get a room. Wonderful Inn, Golden Crown Guest House and Yiu Fai Guesthouse which are all located at Flat E, 5 and 6/FL., Golden Crown Court, 66-70 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel: (852)27225349 and TEL:(852) 2369 1782

2.If nobody will pick you up at the airport, it is better to get an AIRPORT EXPRESS TRAVEL PASS Octopus Card at the HK Airport. There are 2 denominations, one is for Single Trip (HK220) from the Airport to any Station / Destination and the other provides 2 trips/ round trip (HK300). Both have 3 (THREE) days unlimited travel on all MTR lines but not to the border stations Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau. Both includes HK50 deposit and valid for a period of 180 days from date of purchase. Make sure to open the small “leaflet” that goes with the card because it include stub-like cards which gives you discounts on Disneyland, The Peak, Madame Tussaud’s Museum, Ngong Ping Village and Ocean Park Adventure. You can check this site for additional information regarding Octopus Card:

3.I would go for the Branded Shops at Tsim Tsa Tsui area rather than those in City Gate Outlet because there are more stores that you can choose from in TST.

4. Probably it’s not everyday that you get to eat street foods, try looking for hawkers or costermonger at the junction of Cameron and Carnarvon Road, at the heart of Tsim Tsa Tsui and you’ll know the real definition of “Street Food.”

5. If you are spending more than 3 days in HK, and you still have the budget, might as well go to Macau! Don’t forget to bring your passports with you. It is approximately 120 minute Ferry-ride from China Ferry Terminal which is located at at China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. You have several choices for Ferries – First Macau Ferry, Cotai Jet and TurboJet Ferry. Just make sure to check their time of departure and of course, their fees since they vary :0)

6. While in Macau, you may want to visit The Venetian and Wynn Hotel. Don't forget to buy Lord Stow's delish egg tart. Drop by also at Senate Square to have a free taste of cookies, candy and jerky at Pasteleria Koi Kei and take pictures of the historical Ruins of St.Paul. 7. If your feet easily gets sores because of prolong walking, I would HIGHLY suggest that you bring along with you a very comfy pair of slippers. I would recommend the slippers from Giordano which I personally wore and they felt good on my feet even after walking for NTH HOURS! :-) -- MnM --

Cupcake Piazza: Vanilla Cupcakes

A close friend of mine requested me to bake cupcakes for her because she would give them as birthday presents. She told me that it would cost her too much if she’ll order from bakeshops so she asked me if I can do it as a favor for her.

The birthday celebrant is not a fan of chocolate cake or cupcakes which is why I decided to bake Vanilla cuppies instead. They were moist and you could taste that butter and vanilla flavor on every cupcakes (I know because I ate one as soon as they were out of the oven! Hehehe)

I chose butter cream icing so I can pipe the frosting the way she wanted it – swirls and angry birds.


I used an ice cream scoop to make sure that they are evenly distributed in each paper liners.
I used 2 tone color to break the dullness in the frosting :0)

I am not sure if these looks like angry birds to you. LOL!


And did I tell you that I gave her nth percent discount??!'Til my next baking!

-- MnM --

Cupcake Piazza: Banana Cupcakes

I’ve been addicted to baking again…this time with CUPCAKES! I used to bake few years ago but not on a daily basis – just so we can munch something for midnight snack. Last week, I had orders from few friends and officemates which is why I baked almost every other day. My mom studied baking and it is from her that I learned the basics. My best friend told me that it’s a good business to start with considering that I have the so-called “skills” (LOL), we have the equipments that we need (mom has lots of baking tools), starting capital would just be few bucks and of course we just have to look for prospective market.

Banana Cupcakes with Chocolate Morsels
Banana Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
These were ordered by friends and office mates :)


Making it as a business should be easy but the thought of baking after working in the graveyard (night) shift on a daily basis already makes me lose my sanity. LOL! The problem is since the day that it was conceptualized; I’m having mixed emotions – excited at the same time worried. Excited because in case this would become a great source of income, I don’t have to work anymore in the night shift and live a normal life (wide grin). And the reason for the latter is I may not be able to finish what I started.

I am still giving myself few days to decide. As they say "When the going gets tough, the tough gets going! So if I am able to do both, MUCH better! Go, go, go!! LOL!

-- MnM --

Cupcake Piazza - Nikai's Bday

It was my cousin’s birthday and I baked red velvet and banana cupcakes with chocolate morsels. I made them in sampler size since it is children’s party.

She enjoyed the cupcakes just like how the adults did. They were more fascinated with the red velvet probably because of its bright color. LOL!


Nikai (her real name is Marie Dominique) who happens to be the celebrant wanted to have a picture beside the cupcakes.
Freshly baked Red Velvet cupcakes.
Banana Cupcakes before throwing them in the oven. LOL!


-- MnM --