Tutti Fruity Wednesday - A Royal Diet Day

The Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton is fast approaching. Royal mail has just arrived. I know I have to prepare for that big day one month from today. I've been thinking what to wear on this very special occasion but I'm having a hard time deciding. I been trying all of my suits in my closet but nothing seems to fit anymore. I admit, I been eating too much and can't give up the greasy meal and sweet desserts. I've been trying to call a well known fashion designer to no avail or maybe I've dialed wrong International Numbers. Well, I have decided to go on a diet, I have ample of time. I started earlier at lunch, I had a "fruitful" lunch in an undisclosed location.





The Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton are just around the corner. And yes, I am NOT invited. I was just daydreaming. I've realized, I can’t give up a sumptuous meal over fame and riches. But a day of diet with fruits wasn’t painful as I’ve figured. In fact I feel lighter and refreshed Perhaps I need to prepare a heavy lunch tomorrow. I’m thinking of Crispy Pata and Leche Flan for dessert. Sweet, I can’t wait for tomorrow’s lunch.


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Visita Iglesia - The Santo Nino Church and Convent






We didn't stay long in Cebu City. What we do with a limited time is to maximize it visiting the City's tourist main attraction: The Santo Nino Church and Convent. The church is said to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The structure islocated right in the heart of downtown Cebu City. On our way to the church  I've noticed that its akin to Manila's Quiapo, vendors were lined up on the street but its more organized.






The ancient Bell Tower is old and dingy. Grayish and dusty color shows that it has existed for a very  long time. A legacy of towering faith, Cebuanos were known as religious, Christ-centered people. Visiting this religious attaraction was mentally stimulating somehow uplifting. Its towering facade blends Muslim, Romanesque, and neo-classical architectures.






The facade is clean, made of cut coral is decorated with niches in which images of saints are placed. Inside the Sto. Nino Basilica Church is a small museum holding artifacts of different kinds of Sto. Nino's and other relics such as donations to the Sto. Nino, Sto. Nino idols, old money (from different currencies around the world), church stuff, etc.






A line at the Sto. Nino Basilica Church caught my attention. It was leading to the patron saint Sto. Nino. Falling in line gives you a chance to see the miraculous Sto. Nino to touch him or to pray to him. Candles are not allowed inside the church, however, devotees may light a candle ,drop their wishes and say their prayers in a corner around the pagoda.



Water and Wisdom







I am part of the sun as my eye is part of me. That I am part of the earth my feet know perfectly, and my blood is part of the sea. There is not any part of me that is alone and absolute except my mind, and we shall find that the mind has no existence by itself, it is only the glitter of the sun on the surfaces of the water. - D. H. Lawrence






The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures. It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers. It is the same life that is rocked in the ocean-cradle of birth and of death, in ebb and in flow. I feel my limbs are made glorious by the touch of this world of life. And my pride is from the life-throb of ages dancing in my blood this moment.from Gitanjali - Rabindranath Tagor







For those who have seen the Earth from space, and for the hundreds and perhaps thousands more who will, the experience most certainly changes your perspective. The things that we share in our world are far more valuable than those which divide us.- Donald William








Instead of a bottom-line based on money and power, we need a new bottom-line that defines productivity and creativity as where corporations, governments, schools, public institutions, and social practices are judged as efficient, rational and productive not only to the extent they maximize money and power, but to the extent they maximize love and caring, ethical and ecological sensitivity, and our capacities to respond with awe and wonder at the grandeur of creation.- Michael Lerner








For nothing is fixed, forever and forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock. Generations do not cease to be born, and we are responsible to them because we are the only witnesses they have. The sea rises, the light fails, lovers cling to each other, and children cling to us. The moment we cease to hold each other, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out.- James Baldwin







People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child -- our own two eyes. All is a miracle.- Thich Nhat Hanh


Photo Credit: Marcial V. Bolen

Sun, Sand and Sea at CaliforniaBerry



Summer Season is here once again. I have listed possible activities this summer and I have plenty of ‘em.  Honestly, I’m having a hard time deciding what to enjoy.  Unlike the usual, I want to sign up for a culinary class, volunteer in environmental clean up, watch the movies I’ve missed, and learn how to sew. Majority of us, summer means Sun, Sand and Sea.  Something to be expected in my summer activities is to bath in a less crowded beach with a shadowy palm grove. 


Strawberry syrup flavored shaved Ice Ice Baby (PhP 65)


Do you have summer plans already?  If none, here are some activities I would like to suggest. Gather up a few friends and have a picnic in your backyard, go on a walk and take pictures of trees, flowers, and dogs, go window-shopping with a friend, and make cold treats in your freezer. Whatever your plans are make sure to have fun because summer is plenty of fun. One thing you shouldn’t miss though is to try the CaliforniaBerry’s Ice Ice, Baby!


Mango Tango (PhP 95.00)

Last Sunday, The Cuisineuer fell in love with froyo once more, this time with CaliforniaBerry, known for its certified 100% non-fat, authentic, and flavorful froyo. Bloggers were teased with their Fresh Fruit Blends. I had Mango Tango made with Mango, Banana and Peach. Other variants are Banana Rama, Double Berry, and FluShot. Customers could choose from 3 fruit variants of Mango, Kiwi, Peach, Orange, Banana, Blueberry, and Strawberry.


The Sun


Cheesy Lasagna (Php 145), Spaghetti Bolognese (PhP 125), Seafood Alfredo (PhP 145)


Just Like the bright rays of the Sun, my face brightened when the pasta were served. The Spaghetti is rich and stuffy. The Lasagna is sweet and cheesy, I think kiddos will definitely liked it. Seafood Alfredo is tangy and creamy.


The Sand


Ice Ice Baby topped with condensed milk drizzle and choco rings (PhP 65)




Yo! Ice is back with their brand new invention: shaved ice with flavored syrup (strawberry, Melon, Original, and a lot more). Plus, wide range of toppings to choose from. I imagine myself seating on the sand of a beautiful beach cooling myself with the Ice Ice Baby!


The Sea


Organic Coffee (PhP 85.00)

I am a self-confessed coffee addict. Sipping this cup of Organic Coffee is happiness.  My choice of coffee is strong, I don't like decaf or organic. But when I tried this, hey! Organic Coffee isn't bad afterall. I secretly wish that the sea is made of organic coffee. 

Good Times at Tower Lounge in One Tagaytay Place

Green Minded, Apple Punch, Margarita,Vodka Sprite and Rum Coke


Indulge and eat whatever I want to eat, pamper myself with a sensual massage, listen to calm and sweet music, read good book, or go to a place I never been before are some of my ideas of good times. Most of  my time were spent browsing the internet playing and visiting websites. Occasionally, I drink cocktails and alcoholic beverages while socializing and catching up  with friends to fill the gaps between. One thing I learned about drinking when we were at One Tagaytay Place was: Don't hang out with people who doesn't drink. 




I've gulped three of the free drinks on the first picture because my cousins Peachy, Anney, Tess, Nyds and my nieces don't drink. The Free of charge cocktails were part of  One Tagaytay Place accommodation package we have availed when Sissy Peachy celebrated her birthday here last year. I was numb, dead drunk  when we got back in our hotel room. I forgot how I was able to climb the hotel's penthouse where we were billeted. The following morning sissy told me that I made funny noises while sleeping. I had a hangover, my head ached, and I was drowsy all day.  Gee, lesson learned.





Tivona - Laiya, Batangas



I enjoy going to the beach and just sitting by the water and watch the waves. I prefer to relax and just take things as it is, bringing a sense of inner peace. (Click Here for related story)

2nd Philippine Culinary Tourism Expo (PCTEX 2011)

I was browsing the Department of Tourim Website while looking for my next destination this summer when something caught my attention. I've noticed one of the DOT's campaigns, the exposition of Philippine cuisine dedicated to promote the Philippines not only a travel but a culinary destination. Wow! this was a brilliant idea. The Expo will showcase the Philippine cuisine, Regional dishes, local delicacies, local food products and One Town One Product (OTOP – Foods and Beverages). I never knew that this year will be the second time they'll be having this kind of event. The Cuisineuer is very excited to attend this exposition. 





The PCTEX 2011 will be on July 29-31, 2011 and will be held at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall Bldg. B, Mandaluyong City, Organized by Philippine Culinary Tourism. You may want to check out various tentative program on their website (click here). 


Contact:

Tel. No: (02) 687-4812; 687-4906;
             6872456
Fax No: (02) 687-3690
Email: info@philippineculinarytourism.org


Cebu's Delight



Should I decided not to go in Cebu last December, I wouldn't experience a delightful cuisine. Heres another food I found in Cebu. My apology, I forgot the name. If you know what it is please limme know or better yet, send me one hehehe.

Where to Eat in Cebu - Larsian sa Fuente

Pork Barbecue PhP 5.00 per Stick

The Cuisineuer's visayan culinary experience never ends. This time we went to Larsian. Larsian is synonymous to barbecue. It is a barbeque or grill place the locals always head to when craving for grilled foodies. It has many different stalls selling the same foods: grilled chicken, fish, pork, beef etc. This street food arcade opens from 2 p.m. until the wee hours of the morning. Located at the uptown area near Fuente Osmeña and Chong Hua Hospital opposite Robinson’s Cybergate


Puso ( rice cooked in bunch of heart-shaped containers )


What captured me was the Puso. A rice cooked in bunch of heart-shaped containers, woven from coconut palm leaves.  I want my rice sticky. I found puso to be a bit hard compared to boiled or steamed rice, but there are those who just love this type of preparation.




The place is crowded with hundreds of stalls. Competition is stiff. When we came in, vendors screamed at us just to get our attention and convince us to eat at their stall. I thought they just want my autograph. Lol.



Cheap Accommodation in Cebu - Cebu Pensione Plaza



We prefer pensione for they are much cheaper. The pensione I usually stayed have small room not to mention small hallways.We didnt expect it to be that great for it was very cheap,so far it was the cheapest we could find, to our surprise the rooms are clean and was pretty spacious. Plus, the housekeeping staff were comfortable to talk with. 




We were accommodated in this triple sharing room with 2 A/C, Cable TV, PABX telephone System and two bathrooms. They also have laundry service. Free Breakfast at Espresso Ebay Cafe. The location is 5 mins away of malls,restaurants.




Cebu Pension Plaza
North Escario Street
Cebu City, Cebu 6000
Philippines

Tel No: +63- 32- 254- 6300

Click Here and Here to check out where we ate.


Lumpia ala Dalaguete ( heart of palm spring rolls )



The deep fried Lumpiang Ubod above was made by Majal's aunt for our lunch.  Made  from coconut julienne or heart of palm, a vegetable extensively used in the Visayas. In fact, they even serve it as punch called ensalda. Normally, a Lumpiang Ubod was wrapped in egg, crepe-like spring roll wrappers with peanut sauce. Tita used the lumpiang shanghai wrapper and dip it in egg before fryng. She also prepared sweet and sour sauce instead of peanut sauce.






Its kinda weird, I thought. But when I tried it, bliss. A lumpiang ubod with a twist of crisp wrapper I would say. Nevertheless, nothing is more tastier than the utmost hospitality of the Cebuanos.



Rome the Nanny

Taking a day off from the office doesn't mean rest. Sometimes, I do part time baby sitting my nieces and nephews. I read a lot of worse baby sitting experience. One story story involves being chased around the backyard by a 5 year-old swinging a long, thick piece of metal chain above his head like a lasso.No way, my idea of baby sitting is fun. I mean, FUN.




That was tasha. She's in a hurry to be a woman. She want to put some make up on and boobs "like the grown ups", she said.  Being their favorite tito, I always spoil them and always submissive to what they want to do.




This is Simon. Disclaimer: He is not gay. He is the most mischievous among my nieces and nephews. He's actually really sweet, but somehow, I have seemed to capture his other side! 




Combi de Cuisineuer - Suman at Tsokolate ( Hot Chocolate and Glutinous Rice Cake )



My delightful culinary experience in Cebu City continues. This time, we had a perfect match of Tsokolate at Suman ( Hot Chocolate and Glutinous Rice Cake ) for breakfast. Another Filipino favorite duo for breakfast I would say.




The hot, thick, steaming and  rich chocolate  was made from the cocoa mass shown above. It was personally made by Majal's Aunt where we spend the night before. They have grown cacao trees at their farmville, made the cocoa mass and saved it for their visitors like us. Majal's aunt was very accommodating and sweet. Always taking care of us. The cocoa mass was cooked in a pot on this humble, homemade stove.




On the other hand, the Suman or the Glutinous Rice Cake wrapped in banana leaves were bought from the Suman maker. We saw how it was prepared when we passed by going to the San Guillermo de Aquitana Church the night before.










 I am very grateful to experience not just a superb cuisine but personalized or shall I say, cebuano's way of hospitality. Indeed, Cebuanos are very hospitable people. Thank you tita for accommodating and feeding us.