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Last 2001, I was invited by my colleagues to visit Lake Pepin, Wisconsin. I remember it was such a beautiful day to relax and talk about anything under the sun.

The three of us are part of the Marketing group so we discussed work as well. We can’t help but discussed investment and how it would help us and our future. A collegue is thinking if he should buy gold eagle coins since it’s value as of the moment is getting higher everyday. It is a perfect investment for him since all he had to do is buy from US Gold Bureau and have them delivered to his place. Or better he could arrange a safety deposit box so he doesn’t need to keep it. At least with that, it would be safer and doesn’t need to worry of thieves.

A trip like this is definitely priceless! It made us relaxed even for just one day. We learned a lot from exchanging stories and after the trip, we were again ready to work!

You Are SPF 2

You love the sun, and the sun loves you. You always have a sun kissed glow. It’s likely that you are very athletic and very outdoorsy. Nature is your element. You get depressed if it’s too cloudy or gloomy for too long. You are solar powered. If you could, you would sunbathe all the time. Being in the sun makes you feel at peace.

I don’t know with you but I love summer so much! I hate gloomy weathers and rainy season. I love the thought of being able to go out anytime without having a wet shoes or clothes.

This was fun. Try it too!

Ever since I’ve read Bawai’s at Anton’s OurAwesomPlanet.com, I wanted to try it because I love Vietnamese Spring Rolls. Yes that’s the main reason why I wanted to check it out. But I don’t know but I keep on forgetting Bawai’s that we would always end up eating somewhere. So, when Hubby and I decided to spend one weekend in Tagaytay, I made sure that we have lunch at Bawai’s.

We got a little bit lost going there. Well, it was actually kind of my fault because I didn’t show Hubby the map. The road going there was quite familiar so I was thinking I would know how to go there.

When we finally arrived, both of us were relieved and surprisingly hungry (because we just had breakfast 3 hours ago!). The weather was just right – not too cold and not too hot either. Perfect for me! I was surprised to see that the restaurant was really small. The parking space would only allow 6 cars. No wonder they require you to call first and reserve for a spot. (Take note that you need to call 3 days before your arrival date.)

I love it when someone greets you the moment you parked your car. Then you will be lead to the restaurant. A lady will ring the bell indicating you are going up and then someone will greet you in the restaurant. My initial reaction when I was inside was, “Bliss!”. It was small yet cozy, quiet yet warm. I felt immediately at home.

We were served house tea to start up the meal.

I ordered for their best sellers because it was our first time and I don’t want to go wrong with my orders.

Cha Gio – Crispy pork spring rolls, served with fresh veggies and special fish sauce (PHP 150)

This one is to die for! I haven’t really tried the Authentic Vietnamese food but I can taste the difference from the typical food at Phoa and Phobac. Love, love it!

Chao Tom – Pounded Shrimp on Sugar Cane Skewers (PHP 250)

I was thinking if I should eat the sugar cane skewers too! HA! I love this to bits. I should have ordered more of this. Hopefully next time, because we will definitely come back.

Pho bo – Rice Noodles & thinly sliced beef cooked in hot beef broth, topped with cilantro, spring onions and scallion (PHP 225)

This one I ordered for Hubby. The serving was huuuge so we just placed it in the middle so we can share. I love the soup and the spices that go so well with the beef. The only down side is that the soup is not too hot anymore.

Ga Xao Xa – Lemongrass Chicken with Rice (PHP 290)

It looks like adobo isn’t it? That was my initial reaction. But when I got to taste it, oh, it definitely doesn’t taste like one. I couldn’t taste the lemongrass though. But this dish sure is highly recommended.

We ended our meal with Pandan Iced Tea and the Tamarind drink.

I didn’t order dessert anymore because by the time we finished our meal, both of us are so full we couldn’t even move! Funny when we were there, Bawai (the owner and the cook) was being interviewed by Winnie Cordero for Umagang Kay Ganda. So we were sort of part of that interview (I think!) because they shot a couple of us while they were conducting the interview. LOL!

The owners (Bawai, her daughter and Husband) were very apologetic for not being able to entertain us because of the interview. And for us not having a quiet lunch. Honestly, we didn’t mind at all because the food was so good we almost forgot about the people around us. HAHA!

Oh, did I mention that Bawai is a Vietnamese? Born and raised in Vietnam. Thus, Bawai’s food is definitely an authentic Vietnamese food. Obviously, this one is highly recommended! Try it when you are in Tagaytay. (*wink*)

Bawai’s Vietnamese Kusina
Yong Tatlonghari, Bawai
Brgy. Bukal, Silang, Cavite
Cell Nos. +63927 697 0445, +63 915- 403 5155

Hubby and I just got back from a short getaway and there is one thing that I’ve realized this weekend. That is to save more, invest and work more to be able to travel more as a couple and as a family. You see, every time I travel I always feel like I need to travel more and more. So I had the “talk” with the Hubby and we decided to take a look at the options that we were considering to invest. To buy gold bullion is an option. We are considering US Gold Bureau since I’ve heard that they can setup a safety deposit box or deliver the precious metals right into your doorstep. That is quite convenient especially if you are always out or busy or just traveling. I hope we really make up our minds so we can start investing and with that, who knows, we might be able to travel around the world!

After watching a hilarious Tagalog movie, my friends and I went to Cafe Via Mare in Promenade for dinner. I suggested it actually, since the last time I ate here was months ago. I loved the food a few months ago and the ambiance was not bad at all so this would be a perfect place for girls’ talk. True enough we can’t stop each other from telling stories to one another. From the talk of shopping of loose diamonds and bags to updates of our daily lives. Funny how girls tend to really talk about jewelries and diamonds. I guess this is part of every girl bonding. A diamond really is a girl’s bestfriend. Good thing my friends and I love the same things and diamonds are one of those things.

The place wasn’t packed and by 930PM we had the place to ourselves. While chatting and updating ourselves, we of course ate and ordered some favorite meals.

Oyster Rockefeller

One of my favorites in Via Mare. I would make sure I would order this anytime I’m at the restaurant.I just love the Oysters and the cheese baked into perfection. Yummy!

Liempo with Pinakbet

Another one that is worth trying! One meal that comes with pork liempo, pinakbet, and rice. This is worth your money.

Crab Omelette

First time to order this. I love crab omelettes but this one is just ok. Nothing fancy. Comes with spring roll which neither of us tried.

This is a night that I will always cherish. Great friends, yummy food, and nice restaurant. Definitely a perfect night!

Cafe Via Mare – Highly Recommended!

Cafe Via Mare
Greenhills Promenad
The New Promenade Theatre Mall, Greenhills
Tel. No. 726-8931
Fax No. 723-2863

Would you believe that I started my Christmas list as soon the year 2010 started? Yes a month after Christmas, I’m already making a Christmas list! I’m that excited. I love to shop for gifts and I don’t want to cram come Christmas time. So what I do is I purchase gifts when an opportunity comes. When I see something that my Mom or Dad would like, I would buy it and give it as a Christmas gift. All year round I’m shopping for my loved ones so when the Christmas Rush arrives, all I have to worry are the Christmas cards that come with the gift. For the loved ones abroad, I would send them Christmas cards and photos too. With that, I don’t get to be stressed out with the Christmas rush and enjoy the holidays with my family.

Another one of those when I just want to reminisce on my US trip last 2001. I was still single then and when I visited my Mom, we headed to Atlantic City to try some casinos.

It was my first time to witness the casino for us players. The place was packed and huuuge. Good thing I was already 23 years old so I was able to enjoy the time I was there. Had a few drinks and played a few times with the slot machines, made me appreciate the casinos for usa players. I remember it was already 12 midnight but it felt like it was day time. Everybody was having a great time, playing ’til dawn, having the time of their lives. I guess that’s the point of being in a casino. You are there to have a great time and forget about your everyday troubles. After all, life is short, right?

Now that I came across online casinos and us online casino deposits, I can’t help but reminisce on the time I was at Atlantic City. When I was playing a few slot machines at the website, it felt like I was truly there physcially. The only difference is that I’m playing at the comforts of my home. I’m playing and having a great time at home with my family. They can even play too! (Well except of course the kids who are still minors and not even 18 are not allowed. I don’t want them to think that they can play casino anytime.) But I have to admit, it is pretty difficult to find a site that would suit all your needs and wants. Good thing there are sites that give you the choices and options. They give you all the details that you need in every site. All you have to do is choose one and have a good time!

Last 2008, I spent my birthday in Bangkok. It was one of the unforgettable trips ever. Floating Market was one of the places that we visited.

We had fun shopping for fruits, souvenir items, shirts, caps, and more.

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, situated 110 kms west of Bangkok, is a very attractive place for tourists to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables, etc., from small boats. You will also see traditional Thai houses, the way they live and travel by boats. The tour includes a visit to Nakorn Pathom, site of the highest Chedi in Thailand called “Phra Patom Chedi” which is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. SOURCE.

Would love to go back here hopefully in the next few years!

My initial reaction when I saw Golden Bay in Macapagal Blvd is, WOW! It’s huge! But when I entered the restaurant I was surprised that it only has 3 floors. It was Father’s Day so the place was packed! Good thing we had reservations so we didn’t have to wait long before we were seated.

We ordered the SET A which includes the following: Cold Cut Combination, Steamed Suahe, Dried Scallop and Sea Cucumber Soup, Pecking Duck in Two Ways, Deep Fried Salad Seafood Roll, Steamed Lapu-Lapu, Braised Patatim, and Fried Duck Bone with Pepper Salt.

Started with the Appetizer – Cold Cut Combination

It was just the typical Cold Cut combination. For me, it was nothing special.

Steamed Suahe

The suahe was sweet but I didn’t like it that much. I love our home-cooked suahe instead of this.

Dried Scallop and Sea Cucumber Soup

This soup is really good. I would highly recommend this.

The rest of the food are…

Steamed Lapu-Lapu – which was ok. I’m not a fan of steamed lapu-lapu that much so I couldn’t comment on this one.

Braised Patatim – For the first time, I loved the Patatim. It was so tender, I wanted to finish the whole order!

Fried Duck Bone with Pepper Salt – It was good too.

The food in Golden Bay Restaurant was nothing special. And the service really sucks. We were following up orders every minute but they just couldn’t keep up. It took them so long to serve the rest of the dishes that we ended up just taking it home. Probably because it was Father’s Day or maybe because they are just new!? I really don’t know. I will probably give them another chance in the next few months.

Golden Bay, Pasay
Lots 3 & 4 Super Block A, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd.
Pasay City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 556-7525