Wherever the trinket goes she’ll take everyone with her.
Come see the world with me!
DISCOUNTS & SAVINGS: ENSOGO
April 22, 2011
XOXO, The Trinket T. – kmae
Quiapo Church: BASILIKA NG NAZARENO
April 4, 2011
BASILIKA NG NAZARENO
In my defence against all the negativity in my life I bent over in humility and left my pride on the church doors to talk to the one last person or entity I knew I could talk to and trust at the moment.
I seldom go to mass, I never confessed although I studied in an exclusive all girls Catholic School run by nuns since Prep. I’d go hide in the farthest most unused restroom so no one would see me when it came my turn to face the priest to come clean of my greater than life sins. I certainly not wanted any other human being like myself dressed in some white garments hear my sins what more to tell me I was forgiven? It was absolute BS for me! I’d rather bend my knees on fiery charcoal/stones and talk straight to the God I believe in and tell me that I am forgiven of all my sins, than have someone represent him wearing white robes. I trusted no human being to hear of my weakness. I was a troubled child.
That was what I believed in; somehow today I try to defer that thinking.
The unexplained:
I have always considered myself blessed until I somehow lost that “faith” a few years back & my world started to crumble slowly. Until I felt I was flat on the ground and still struggling with no positive outcome, I thought I needed some kind of divine intervention that only the God I somewhat turned my back into can give me.
I went back, entered the big doors of his humble home, knelt on my knees, bowed my head, closed my eyes and I thought I could talk – instead I was there silent with no words to express. And then out of nowhere I uttered “Thank you.” It was all I could say and it was all I had felt right on my entire being. I am thankful, of the hurts, the pains, the sufferings, the weird things I had gone through, the negative outcomes, the disasters in my life. I was thankful because despite it all being the “bad” stuff it was where all the good stuff came in. I am thankful and all I could ask for is for His will be done. I know there is a greater plan for me; I’m back to Him because I’ve gained that faith back because I felt He is the only one to talk to and I trust Him.
Within just four days of the black sheep being back to her father’s home I received my first blessing. My mother gave me $2,000 USD to be deposited as time deposit when I thought she’d never give it to me because she has always been hesitant and thinks since I have no career and totally broke I’d spend every cent and leave myself struggling more. Asking for a simple financial assistance, he gave me more than I needed in a mere 4 days of regaining my faith. I am not poor and I’m not rich at all, I am a simple person struggling with life and how to keep up with it. There are several more aspects in my life that needs divine intervention and I’m faithful I’ll receive it one day. The startling surprise of a sudden help is just too overwhelming to keep to myself.
Beginning to be a devotee:
So many people trust their lives to their “Poong Nazareno” evidence of a flooding crowd in church every Friday is enough to see the good in it; the blessing of Holy Water every after mass also helps a lot for devotees who believe that w/ that more good things are coming.
I was never into these kinds of things, believing and putting your faith into something ethereal and delicate. But somehow a failing life gives more reason why you simply have to trust the unseen and the unpredictable, for what else would you be believing in? I used to be faithful and thankful, then I forgot to be one – I just deserved what I had gone through to show me back to where I was originally.
I made a commitment to stay faithful. Come what may.
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
Cebu: Taboan Market & Pasalubongs
March 30, 2011
TABOAN MARKET
(Where dried fish is plenty)
I’ve been to Cebu several times but never did I get the chance to actually go to Taboan Market. We simply took a cab and asked the driver to drop us off at the place where there are a lot of danggit & other pasalubongs, and he brought us here!
Taboan Public Market is best known as the Danggit Center of Cebu. Danggit, also known as the rabbit fish in English is one of the top things in mind come “pasalubong” buying time once you’ve stayed in Cebu. This famous sun dried fish is best eaten fresh of the pan after frying with hot rice and don’t ever forget the vinegar alongside w/ this! Oh yum!
Be ready to experience not just craters of dried fish on the sides of the road but rows and rows of different items in every stall.
From all sorts of pasalubongs such as dried fish like DANGGIT, PUSIT, DILIS, FISH TAPA, etc.
Here, you’ll also find all the well-known pasalubongs to bring home, chorizos, dried mangoes, otap, mango puree, peanut kisses, and so much more to choose from!
It’s said that on any given market or grocery store in Cebu you will easily find all these pasalubong treats, the only difference Taboan has which gained its popularity is the much more variety and lower prices offered for all the items especially when bought in bulk. Plus the rich color stricken area is seamless; the scene here makes even just passing a great experience.
THIS IS A WARNING:
Mind you guys that after you leave the Taboan Market you will definitely feel the stench of dried fish on your clothes.
Taboan is mainly the FOOD pasalubong center, while you can always visit other places like the airport, malls, other markets, hotel gift shops, specialty stores for other kinds of pasalubongs like t-shirts, magnets, ornaments, key chains and more.
Some Prices are as follow:
P400.00/Kilo – Danggit, salted
P500.00/Kilo – Danggit, unsalted
P480.00/Kilo – Pusit, small dried
P520.00/Kilo – Pusit, medium dried
P260.00/Kilo – Dilis
P160.00/tali – Chorizo, big
P120.00/dozen – Chorizo, small
P60.00/bottle – mango puree
P40.00/box – peanut kisses, small
P80.00/box – peanut kisses, big
CHECK OUT OTHER CEBU EXPERIENCES:
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
Cebu: Budyong Beach Resort
BUDYONG BEACH RESORT
Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu
FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS LIKE MYSELF!
There are several places to choose from to stay in Bantayan Island, yet I firmly suggest that you either stay here at Budyong, Kota or at Yooneek if you plan to travel during the months of January – June. The next half of the year I suggest you stay at the other side of the island where Beach Placid is located.
This is because the locals gave us a tip that during these times the water on the said beaches will be calm due to the winds direction that causes the waves.
In my opinion, the side where Budyong, Kota & Yooneek is the best side to stay in Bantayan. It’s in their shores that you will experience having your own little island whenever the water is in low-tide.
You’ll see a long stretch of sand boasting itself apart from the actual body of water infront of you. Besides the view the area is nearest the Market and Restaurants, you only need to walk a few minutes or ride a trisikad if walking is not part of your plan.
There is also an available in-house restaurant at Budyong. No need to tire yourself, indulge in the moment while you’re there and leave the rest of what you need to the staff. Just let them know what you want done & they’ll do what they can.
you can see the port from the end of Kota
the little island/breakwater
a barkada having fun
Why do I not prefer the other side of the beach? This is only as how I view it; the other side of Bantayan is relatively closer to the docks so the dirt, gas or any other waste cast out from the ferries roll down automatically in that side of the beach; while the other side is more confined because it has a breakwater that protects & calms the shores from the angry waves coming from the side of the docks.
where ends meet: beginning of high tide
The Budyong side view
all you have to do is relaaaaax!
The time we went here last week wasn’t such a good time, there was a low pressure area affecting the island so it wasn’t at all sunny not to mention it poured on us mostly and water was absolutely not calm. Never the less, I still found my way to enjoy the rest of my stay. It’s the experience you create that makes your journey worthwhile.
Oh! By the way, please do not expect this place to be like Boracay with lots of partying going on where everything is by the shore. Restaurants & bars are situated far back from the beach (we purchased our drinks, brought them with us and found our spot by the beach and just enjoyed our day with nothing else but the sun, sand, waves, my beer and my man). There are usually no television sets in most accommodations (your ipod and a reliable speaker will come in great handy). People here end their night early, expect this place to bring you to actually relax and unwind.
ROOM RATES:
- Beach Front with A/C (good for 4 pax) 1,700.00Php ($40.00 USD)
- Secondline with A/C (good for 4 pax) 1,500.00Php ($35.00 USD)
- Secondline with A/C (good for 2 pax) 1,300.00Php ($30.00 USD)
- Family Rooms (good for 6 pax) 2,200.00Php ($51.00 USD)
FAN ROOMS
- Bungalo (good for 4 pax) 1,000.00Php ($23.00 USD)
- Bungalo (good for 3 pax) 750.00Php ($18.00 USD)
- Bungalo (good for 2 pax) 500.00Php ($12.00 USD)
HOUSEMATE with A/C (good for 15pax) 5,000.00Php ($116.00 USD)
Contact Information:
Look for RONALYN or RYAN
Phone number: +630324385700
Mobile number: +639213145275
Website: www.budyong.net
CHECK OUT!
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
Cebu: BANTAYAN ISLAND PART II
March 29, 2011
BANTAYAN ISLAND PART II
Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
and
GOING BACK TO THE CITY
inihaw na chorizo anyone?
You’ll see barbeque stalls, a little local burger joint, chicken rotisserie, karinderias and a line of decent restaurants to choose from at SITIO MERCADO. The public market is also in the area. Walk around and explore.
We had lunch at Arjay May Sutukil Place and I won’t recommend it to anyone. Dinner was inihaw na chorizo (barbequed chorizo/longganisa) and inihaw na manok (chicken bbq) and rice, this is just by the streets & we simply had our choices barbequed & dinner was served! This is a budget friendly way to fill your stomach in Bantayan. P137.00 ($3 USD)dinner for two, not bad right!? 
The next day we splurge, I greatly needed to have the good stuff now. We had breakfast at MARISQUIERA O’ PORTUGUESE BAR & RESTAURANT. Most of the decent restaurants here are owned by foreigners who retired here or simply fell in love with the island, stayed, and invested.
P45 Milo w/ hot water VS. P2.00 hot water & P5.00 Milo sachet?
It didn’t occur to me that the P45.00 hot chocolate I ordered was simply a cup of hot water & a sachet of Milo! And the cup was so huge & filled to the rim that my needed choco fix was a great morning disappointment. Had I known, I would have just bought several packs of Milo (P5.00 each) at the market and paid for P2.00 bucks of hot water or had it free at Budyong! Crazy. Though hot chocolates are a disappointment, many coffee lovers will be delighted on the brewed coffee they serve here.
Freshly brewed, full, dark – milk & sugar on the side
Although my preferred drink was a calamity my tapa, egg & garlic rice (tapsilog: Filipino Breakfast) did the wonderful awakening of my morning. Hefty serving of rice, I thought my tapa wasn’t enough – then I realized I’m truly Filipino when I almost emptied my huge plate, however minimal a viand is served to us as long as there is ample rice we get to keep it all even in some ways. (Cheers to what a third world country can make us grow into!)
Tapsilog: beef, egg, rice P195.00 ($4.5 USD)
- Filipino Breakfast starts at 120.00Php – 195.00Php ($3 - $4.5USD) not including drinks
- Continental & American Breakfast includes coffee/juice
- Appetizers start at 55.00Php – 110.00Php ($2.5 USD)
- Value Meals w/ rice & iced tea at 120.00Php – 140.00Php ($3 - $3.5 USD)
- Soups (choice of Portuguese, Filipino, Thai) starts at 70.00Php – 220.00Php ($1.5 - $5 USD)
- Pizza at 416.00Php – 630.00Php medium/large ($10 - $15 USD)
- All other foods start at 135.00Php – 680.00Php ($3 - $15.5 USD)
For lunch we just enjoyed the beach, had some local beer and some “sunburnt fries” from the in-house restaurant, relaxed and somehow never felt to really eat a real meal. I know my fries isn’t worth referring to, but hey I’m more in the vibe with nature than how my fries looked. It tasted okay with beer anyhow!
Come dinner time we stumbled upon D’JUNGLE MONGOLIAN BBQ, GRILL & RESTO.
ask kuya to grill your preffered shells/other raw items
They were having eat all you can every Saturday nights. It’s a tight competition between them and MARISQUIERA O’ PORTUGUESE BAR & RESTAURANT just in front of each other. The latter offers their eat all you can for less but they have mostly Filipino food, meat and grilled chicken while D’Jungle has mostly fish and seafood.
That’s a huge fish & it sure was scrumptious!
Baliad for the locals or simply big oysters to us
The place was packed! Everyone wanted seafood I guess (unlimited scallops, oysters & more!). The owner Mr. Robert is very accommodating and his servers are nice. Upon entering, the servers already welcomed us and briefed us of what was on their menu (the buffet) and if we wanted the food warm they could do it for us.
The difference between the two restaurants is that D’Jungle has all the food on big serving plates and are just replenished just like how we all do it at home while at Marisquiera their food are all in chafing dishes which means you’re sure food is warm all night. I loved my last night as much as I enjoyed my stay. Food was superb, place was just awesome, people are all relatively nice.
Enjoy Bantayan Is
land. For travellers or wanderlusts like me a tiring journey th rough land, air & water is all worth it whenever I get to my final destination. Savour the moment you’re in a different place with different food, culture and people. We only live once and we only get to keep these things in our memory. Let them last.
GOING BACK TO THE CITY:
Itinerary:
6:00AM – check out at Budyong
7:45AM – ferry from Sta. Fe to Hagnaya
9:00AM – bus from Hagnaya to SM City Cebu/North Terminal Bus Station
10:30AM – Stop over at Hillside Restaurant & Bakeshop
11:20AM – SM City Cebu drop-off
1. Take a tricikad going back to Sta. Fe pier
2. Purchase ticket upon arrival & take note of the next ferry out of the island
A/C or first class at 170.00Php ($4USD), non-A/C or regular at 150.00Php ($3.5USD)
3. From Hagnaya there are buses waiting going back to the city
*they leave on time every hour. Make sure you catch them before it leaves you waiting for another hour or so.
* 138.00Php ($3.2 USD) one-way, fare is higher than from the city to Hagnaya.
4. Go down to SM North or your desired destination in the city
*just ask the ticket guy for directions or other information
Here are some more RESTAURANTS TO VISIT IN BANTAYAN IS.
Check out Cebu:
Budyong Beach Resort, Bantayan Island
Belgian Chocolate Lace Cookies
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
Cebu: BANTAYAN ISLAND PART I
BANTAYAN ISLAND PART I
Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu
GETTING THERE FROM CEBU CITY
and
ACCOMODATION
After staying a night at Cebu City, we checked-out at 6AM and headed our way to the North Terminal Bus Station to take on a 3hour road trip going to Hagnaya (pier). You can simply take a cab or if your hotel has transfers that’ll make life so much easier. We arrived at around 6:30AM at the terminal and an air-conditioned bus was almost leaving when we got there, lucky! (A/C buses to Hagnaya are limited)
The entire trip’s itinerary:
6:30 AM – North Bus Terminal (Cebu City) left for Hagnaya
8:00 AM – Stop over
9:45 AM – arrived at Hagnaya Port
10:00 AM – Ferry
10:45 AM – left Hagnaya Port to Sta. Fe
12:00 PM – arrived at Sta. Fe
GETTING THERE FROM CEBU CITY:
***please plan your trip accordingly.***
***LIMITED AIR SERVICE IS AVAILABLE. INQUIRE AT THE MACTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT***
1. Go to the NORTH TERMINAL BUS STATION near SM City
Cab from city may be approx. Less 100.00Php ($2USD)
2. Take a CERES BUS from the terminal going to HAGNAYA
***runs all day from 5AM onwards***
One-way fare A/C: 110.00Php ($2.5USD)
One-way fare non A/C: approximately 80.00Php ($2USD)
Travel time: approximately 2.5 hours – 3 hours
Stopover at HILLSIDE RESTAURANT & BAKESHOP for a few minutes
3. From HAGNAYA take a Ferry ride to get you to STA. FE, BANTAYAN ISLAND
***runs all day from 5:30AM & the last ferry of the day leaves HAGNAYA at 5:30PM***
Fare: 150.00Php ($3.5USD)
Terminal Fee: 10.00Php ($0.30USD)
Travel time: approximately 45minutes – 1 hour
4. From the port take a “tricikad/padyak” or a tricycle going to your hotel
Fare: starts at 10.00Php ($0.30USD) or depending on how much you want to hand them
ACCOMODATION:
We booked ourselves at BUDYONG BEACH RESORT. The resort is really nice, calm and inviting. Rooms/cottages are okay and the restroom we had is really nice & clean for a very low budget deal. (I know us; ladies look at the restroom first thing more than anything else especially when on travels.) The place is very affordable and of good value for the price you pay. About 75% of occupants here are foreign budget travellers. One has to simply step out and walk a few minutes to get to the Market and the Restaurants. If you plan to stay in, they have their own restaurant where you can sit & dine or have them bring your food in your cottage or by the beach front. It all depends on how you want things to be done, just ask the staff and they’ll do what they can to help & please you on your stay.
Get more info & room rates here : BUDYONG BEACH RESORT
If you plan to scout for a place to stay, the locals will help you get around.
Here are other lists of accommodation from wowbantayan.com:
OTHER POSTS ON CEBU
FOOD & RESTAURANTS and GETTING BACK TO CEBU CITY
Belgian Chocolate Lace Cookies
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
Cafe by the Ruins, Baguio City
March 6, 2011Cafe by the Ruins
Rizal Park, Baguio
From the many restaurants and simple food house “eateries” all over, where would you find yourself eating in one and how would you decide on it? I love the audacious kind of people who endeavo
ur on discovering the must try’s and must never go back to food establishments anywhere to everywhere! How else would the unwilling and pragmatic type of people find out what they should try or not?? And if not for en th usiasts how else do we find ourselves wanting to visit and try something unless recommended? That especially counts atop whenever there’s a budget to consider, a certain craving, a particular place, or a particular event to muster. Through those who shared their experiences, I would never have known this place actually existed.
The fondness in going up all the way to Baguio has always been lingering whenever possible. Factors from the climate here in the city, the fresh air I need to take in, the change in surrounding to the quiet I yearn once in awhile. Baguio’s mountainous terrain in the North was my best bet for a well worth jaunt (where I recently took my “soul-searching” escapade). I took note to visit and try this place out on my stay.
Cafe by the Ruins was the former home of the first governor of Baguio, Mr. Phelps Whitmarsh built very early in the last century and was devastated by World War II. Today, it’s the most popular cafe known to tourists.
Top left: Tia Olympia’s Fresh Lumpia (P175.00), right: Focaccia bread (P80.00) w/ Herb & Cheese Spread(P45.00)
Bottom left: Cheese Lumpia Straw (basil w/ tinapa & burong mangga) P130.00
Bottom right: Tortang Talong at Kesong Puti P200.00
Rizal’s Tsokolate-e (carabao’s milk w/ choco) Php 140.00
Freshly brewed Ruins Tapuey (Cordillera Rice Brew) Php 80.00
The food, even drinks they have here are Impeccable! They toss an extra special dash of something different on a very normal kind of our usual Pinoy food. I liked it & you have to try it. I loved the ambiance, the fusion of food, free WiFi.
The only thing I suggest they’d improve on is their service. The place could be packed or not, service is more or less the same - slow. Yet, it’s still my best breakfast place in Baguio when you have much cash to burn, as this place is a bit pricey.
Average Cost per complete meal per person: Php 500.00
Food and Drinks Corkage Php 250.00
Spirit Corkage Php 500.00
Additional 10% Service Charge
CAFE BY THE RUINS
25 Chuntug St | Rizal Park, Baguio, Luzon, Philippines
Tel: (074) 442 4010
Free WiFi Zone
ALSO CHECK OUT!
Oh My Gulay! (Art Gallery & Vegetarian Resto)
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
OH MY GULAY! (Art Gallery & Vegetarian Resto)
March 5, 2011SOMETHING ON TOP OF EVERYTHING
OH MY GULAY!
Session Road, Baguio City
Philippines
If there’s an imaginative side in you that yearns to be in an environment encapsulated in a time warp of artistry here’s a place you may want to visit. OH MY GULAY! in Baguio City. There’s always something on top of everything!
And it literally is on top of everything in the City. Located At La Azotea Building along Session Road you’ll have to be ready to set off hiking 5 levels of staircase to get to this mind’s-eye-creation-made-into-reality (I’m not even sure if there are working elevators in the building at all). Once you get there, I’m sure you’ll hear yourself awe in mixed admiration and curiosity while twisting your head off to see what this focal point you’re suddenly in really is. OMG! The place really makes of sheer creativity - a total wonderland. It’s more of an Art Gallery that serves food, vegetarian.
There’s no need to be a poet, an artist, a creative mind to actually appreciate the place, the artworks. Just a regular jock will do. The setting is already perfect. If you’d like to create your own plot in this mystic al world of twist & turns, i recommend you just lay back on any of the gallery’s wooden benches get a sip of their dark roast Benguet coffee or creamy hot chocolate, relax & you’ll be escorted with the breeze and look around you for a full view of the Centre of Baguio. Im sure your thoughts may linger – That is the vibe you get in here.
One thing i love in Baguio is that all veggies and fruits served or simply bought are so crunchy and almost freshly picked on that particular day. I wouldn’t press on the food served here in OMG!, they’re ordinary but surely fresh and healthy. Although, my favourites are Anak ng Putanesca P120 ($3 usd) per serving paired w/ Butter Fried Bread at P40 ($0.90 usd) & the OMG! Salad at P100 ($2.5 usd).
Anak ng Putaneska (left), OMG! Salad! & Limonada
Butter Fried Bread
Alfesto Pasta (left), Chow Chow Noodles (right) & OMG! Salad (top)
OMG! Menu
GETTING THERE:
By Bus: Victory Liner Inc.
You can choose to ride on any Victory Liner Station:
1. CALOOCAN - schedules are at 7am,9am,11:40am,2pm & 11:30pm
Regular 1-way fare: 430.00 Php ($10 usd)
2. CUBAO - schedule of travel every hour 24 hours a day
Regular 1-way fare: 430.00 Php ($10 usd)
3. PASAY - schedule of travel every hour 24 hours a day
Regular 1-way fare: 440.00 Php ($10.23 usd)
4. SAMPALOC - schedules are at 6:30am,10am, 12:30pm,3pm & 11pm
Regular 1-way fare: 430.00 Php ($10 usd)
*** Deluxe bus service usually costs 650.00 Php/$15 usd (one-way) schedules vary & must be booked days in advance.
By Car:
The fastest & easiest way to get you to Baguio is through
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway or SCTEx
Detailed driving directions from backpackingphilippines.com
OH MY GULAY! (Art Gallery & Vegetarian Resto)
Owner: Kidlat Tahimik
Chef: Marlon Caranto
5th Floor La Azotea Building, Session Road, Baguio City, Philippines
*also accepts catering for functions, parties & events
Tel: +639186676025
ALSO CHECK OUT!
Cafe by the Ruins, Baguio City
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
GAYUMA NI MARIA
March 4, 2011
A Must Try on your list:
the ORIGINAL bewitchingly gastronomic restaurant
I’ve read so much about this place & have wanted so dearly to visit and try out what they have. The owners used to have a small restaurant named Gayuma along Esteban Abada St. which closed & then re-opened along Gilmore as Cucina Gayuma which also closed shop. Today, the daughter of the Original Gayuma takes her toll in resurrecting her family’s restaurant concept bringing with her the culinary panache Gayuma originally had. It’s now situated along the Maginhawa St. (foodie haven! lucky those who live nearby) in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City.
Gayuma ni Maria Entrance
I had to go out & talk privately with someone, thus making me pick Gayuma. Just the thing I needed for this simple night! An ambient - homey feel perfect for couples retreat and/or simply having a good night with a good vibe with your best friends.
“the lovers curtain”
“the lounge”
“the family”
You can choose to seat yourself in any of their four areas, all which are interesting. 1st is what I call “the lovers curtain” best for couples who wish to have a private moment. You may ask the server if they can bring down the curtain on your side if you wish. 2nd area is “the lounge”, you’ll have to go upstairs to feel the zen type room - suggested for friends who just want to hang out and those who do not smoke. 3rd area is within the lovers curtain, they have big tables they can pull together for families who dine (lets call it “the family”). And the 4th area in the house is outside which I call “rock & smoke” obviously for smokers, this area still compel the vibe of Gayuma being bewitchingly relaxing and rocking at the same time.
The Naughty Nook
Witch Craft?
Your out of the ordinary homey feel restaurant
Gayuma’s food is phenomenal! You know good food at it’s best when you feel it succumb your entire body & mind into the experience of constant delight in every bite till you empty your plate, and still manage to grasp on the lingering taste on your pallet. I can simply say “I Have absolutely enjoyed my dinner and will be coming back for more.” Although their menu consists mostly of their best sellers (they’re usually out of most items on the menu) I think having their best sellers are evidence enough of the high appreciation they are getting from the public. (exactly why they’re called ‘best sellers’!) Gayuma ni Maria, set their “gayuma” on me! Im just totally in love with the culinary flair they have going on. Exceptional food is always a good experience for me. I’ll be back for sure!
BEST SELLERS
Top: Rock Me Baby
(Hickory BBQ Pork Ribs served w/ mashed potato & corn)
215 Php
Bottom: I Love You, Cross My Heart
(Chicken breast w/ cheese, mushroom & asparagus served w/ rice)
195 Php
Beats Sex Anyday 75 Php
(rich choco cake topped w/ butterscotch, cream & choco bits)
Getting there:
From EDSA (north-bound), turn RIGHT on Kamias, then turn LEFT on Kalayaan.
Turn RIGHT on V.Luna (first corner)
Follow the road till you pass SAVEMORE and SR.PEDRO LECHON MANOK
GAYUMA ni Maria will come on your LEFT side
123 V. Luna Extension (Maginhawa st.) Sikatuna Village,
Quezon City, Philippines
Email: gayuma.gourmet@gmail.com
+639216818989
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
Talipanan, Puerto Galera
March 1, 2011
A SUMMER GETAWAY SUGGESTION:
Talipanan Beach, Puerto Galera
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
Everything At Steak
February 26, 2011
Branches:
5 P. Guevarra St. (corner V. Cruz ), San Juan
(right next to the Petron gas station)
939 Banawe St. Quezon City
NEW! Along Annapolis St., Greenhills
There’s a new branch of Everything at Steak by Annapolis so we decided to pay it a visit and see what’s cooking on this little new steak house. Not a bad choice! Good Steak for less! By that I mean steaks for only P195.00 & I’m sure you won’t be complaining with the size of each serving!
a must try! MOO FRIES 140 Php
above: Rib Eye 195 Php, below: T-Bone Steak 195 Php
That even includes rice and a choice of side dish. Just let the servers know how you want your steak; there are times they forget to ask. In Annapolis you won’t worry about parking since Greenhills Shopping Center has plenty! Yet, if you want to park for free try passing by first at the store itself if there are still free parking slots, you might get lucky.
Having a hard time deciding where to bring your date coz you’re a bit short on cash but still want to please him/her? Everything at Steak is your perfect bet. The place which delivers good food for less! Try it now, you won’t go wrong with this.
You may also want to check out:
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
Texas Roadhouse Grill
Had a superb dinner at Texas Roadhouse Grill in El Pueblo
, Ortigas with my love last Valentines. Service was just spectacular and I haven ’t b een on many establishments that provide that authentic and excellent service. Great job Ms. Jhoanna, our Snow White server that night. She handed out a bowl of peanuts to enjoy while we wait. (I prefer shelled nuts rather than the loose/unshelled ones, for sanitary purposes.) Ladie
s/couples even got a gift from the Manager Michael since it was Valentines.
She helped me get our Salad to start of – the Roadhouse Lite Salad (Lone Ranger 220Php). A perfect mixture of greens, grapes, mangoes, carrots, a twist of blue cheese and some candied nuts to even out the effect of the blue cheese. I thought that was really a good way for the piquant taste to blend in, especially for some picky people to actually learn to eat or at least appreciate blue cheese.
I felt like having fish so I got the Outlaw’s Tuna Belly (395 Php). Much to my delight, it did not fail to tickle me on the right spots! It was cooked really well & wasn’t dry at all, spices or whatever blend was in there was just right. It just gets a little trickier to cook fish than any other dish because you want to still feel its freshness and get that dish to your guest really cooked yet with the right tenderness and still has its natural juice.
My boyfriend got the Grilled Pork Chops (350 Php). That dish equalled my expectations, perfectly grilled, tender and juicy. We really enjoyed our dinner, the place was just a site of good food.
For dessert, I ordered the Mighty Oreo Mud Pie (250 Php). It’s a huge slice of coffee & chocolate ice cream with bits of Snickers candy on an Oreo crust. I liked the coolness and sweetness after a good meal.
The only slip-up for this night was ordering the Buy-one-take-one Mojitos Mint (160 Php). I don’t really drink this because of the mint so we were wondering how we ended up getting that? I guess that’s the power of a good server, she did up-sell and we ended up getting something we really didn’t want because she was good in persuading. I like that, no not the drink. The skill.
Ruby Road, El Pueblo Real de Manila Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel. No.: (02) 635-6715 / (02) 635-6716
Bldg. I Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Tel. No.: (02) 856-1547 / (02) 856-2499
See Texas Roadhouse Grill Menu
You may also want to check out:
Affordable Steaks at EVERYTHING AT STEAK
Cebu Lechon at Chic-Boy Chicken at Baboy
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
Conformity Vs. Reality
February 23, 2011
The Trinket Traveler’s Final Destination (for now)
Destination: MANILA
Duration: for as long as she can. . .
I see Jeepneys!!! “WELCOME HOME SWEETIE!” my boyfriend whispering to my ear with tremendous excitement while hugging me. Wow! That feels good after almost an entire day flying, plus that actual human warmth I have neglected to have for years! I am so relieved to be home.
Coming home was purely my decision. I have received difficult comments; arbitrations and blood shot stares from other people when they have learned of my plans. I have kept it secret from the world until I was strongly sure & could defend myself because I knew people were coming to get me. I was put down & bombarded with continuous “You’re crazy! People at home (the Philippines) are dying just to be able to get here (The United States). And you? You’re here and you want to get out?! What’s wrong with you?!? What will people at home think of you?!” I was the center of gossip in the complex. I could just hail back and tell everyone, “What’s wrong with all of you!? I’m simply coming home to my own country where my family and my actual life was until this. At least I’m happy, I have my grounds & my values intact. What the hell’s wrong with that?! You people are just so consumed about the money or more so the prestige of being in the US even in actuality you’re all so hell miserable! I will not sell out my soul for what people think or expect of me. ” Oh, I would love to have shot back at them. Instead I stay silent, because the people who actually mattered they were the once who really understood. And that was all my concern. My visa will expire since I did not take effort into extending it another season. Leaving the US meant I have to start from zero once again & people fear that I may not be able to go back if I wanted to. It was less of my concern.
“I do not like to repeat successes; I like to go on to other things”. Walt Disney
See, what’s difficult for people to understand is the pressure towards conformity and our own reality. We are forced to believe that being someone everybody expects you to be is what makes of our lives. As to magazines telling the youth that skinny is sexy. From day one of our existence we are expected of so many things that the world had known. We deliver and we grow. And then we come to a point where we find ourselves glorifying the success everyone had wanted us to have then repeat everyday with what we know best to do – to follow what everyone else does or say because it is what’s going to make everyone happy and proud although on most days you hear yourself screaming or even begging that it has to stop because you will lose all the energy in this life if you continue living someone else’s life. But most of the time, we don’t stop. We are such cowards of the infinite possibilities outside our comfort zones. And we sell out on ourselves and simply continue, reluctant with our own confidence and who we really think we ought be.
What people don’t want to see and understand is that, We are who we are. No other person or place or event can change the fact that what you are and what you have physically, emotionally & mentally or even material is great and to perpetuate regardless of what people think or say is an actual sense of living beyond the strain of conformity. The last thing you want to do is deny your authentic self. The need to simply accept, receive and flourish what the world offers to you is the bulk of your purpose in this life. The next mere question to that is how you go on with living? Do you live a just, humane life with love, passion & being true to yourself or you’re just another lost soul going about your daily life hovering to what others expect from you and eventually get lost on your own self because you’ve been the universal robot who works for others passion than yourself?
To our OFW’s I salute the bravery and incandesce they bring to our country. I am aware of the life they go through day in-day out in another country where the family they strive for is not readily available to them. There are actual moments in life that you are left with less than many choices you wish you had.
As for myself, I started young in my venture in this world and slowly but continuously discovers the reality of the world and where I want to situate myself into this huge mess of our existence. I will not allow myself to settle when I know there is so many more options the world lays down for me. This world is limitless and I dare face it at this lifetime knowing than to withdraw because of so much fear and be unfamiliar.
As to any secret, you just have to have strong faith, believe & trust in yourself, have a strong will and everything will turn out fine. Of course in life to falter & fall is inevitable, that’s where the faith comes in. I have yet to discover more in thisjourney…
My dream for you all is to have an awesome life! You have to understand and accept fully that difficult things happen to make way for something extra wonderful in your life. Live. Just continue living. And always remember “Never stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done.”
♥ ♥ ♥
“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles has strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”
♥ ♥ ♥
Check out The Trinket Traveler’s USA ADVENTURES!
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
San Francisco, California
February 21, 2011The Trinket Traveler’s USA ADVENTURE Part VI
6th & final Stop: SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Duration: 2 separate weeks
The first time I flew in for a visit was months back 
when I was in California before Christmas if I remember correctl y. Its so cold in San Francisco day in day out, summer is similar to the climate in Tagaytay though the sun could just really burn you out.
I just spent time with family here & just visited famous spots.
Enjoy browsing! 
The Haight-Ashbury’s elaborately detailed, 19th century multi-story wooden houses became a haven for hippies during the 1960s, due to the availability of cheap rooms and vacant properties for rent or sale in the district; property values had dropped in part because of the proposed freeway.The bohemian subculture that subsequently flourished there took root, and to a great extent, has remained to this day. The neighborhood became the center of the San Francisco Renaissance and with it, the rise of a drug culture and rock-and-roll lifestyle by the mid ’60s.
Often referred to as The Rock, the small island early-on served as a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison, and a Federal Bureau of Prisons federal prison until 1963. Later, in 1972, Alcatraz became a national recreation area and received landmarking designations in 1976 and 1986.
a United States division of Swiss candymaker Lindt & Sprüngli.
the central shopping, hotel, and theater district that surrounds the plaza for several blocks. The area got its name because it was once used for rallies and support for the Union Army during the Civil War.Today, this one-block plaza and nearby area is one of the largest collections of department stores, upscale boutiques, tourist trinket shops, art galleries, and salons in the Western United States, which continue to make Union Square a major tourist draw, a vital, cosmopolitan place in downtown San Francisco, and one of the world’s premier shopping districts. Grand hotels and small inns, as well as repertory, off-Broadway, and single-act theaters also contribute to the area’s dynamic, 24-hour character.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in North America and the largest Chinese community outside Asia. Since its establishment in the 1840s, it has been highly important and influential in the history and culture of ethnic Chinese immigrants to the United States and North America. Chinatown is an active enclave that continues to retain its own customs, languages, places of worship, social clubs, and identity. Popularly known as a “city-within-a-city”, it has developed its own government, traditions, over 300 restaurants, and as many shops.
Shopping District
a shopping center and popular tourist attraction built on a pier in San Francisco, California. At Pier 39, there are shops, restaurants, a video arcade, street performances, an interpretive center for the Marine Mammal Center, the Aquarium of the Bay, virtual 3D rides, and views of California sea lions hauled out on docks on Pier 39’s marina. The marina is also home to the floating Forbes Island restaurant. A two-story carousel is one of the pier’s more dominant features, although it is not directly visible from the street and sits towards the end of the pier. The family-oriented entertainment and presence of marine mammals make this a popular tourist location for families with kids.
a neighborhood and popular tourist attraction in San Francisco, California. It roughly encompasses the northern waterfront area of San Francisco from Ghirardelli Square or Van Ness Avenue east to Pier 35 or Kearny Street. The F Market streetcar runs through the area, the Powell-Hyde cable car lines runs to Aquatic Park, at the edge of Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Powell-Mason cable car line runs a few blocks away.
Howard St.
(Bay Area Rapid Transit)
San Francisco apartments
◊ disclaimer: Most of the information on this particular blog are sourced from Wikipedia or their respective official sites. Photos are all original from yours truly.
Up next… The Trinket T. Finally Comes Home to Manila (Conformity Vs. Reality)
XOXO,
The Trinket T. – kmae
