Nagoya, Japan Tour 2019 – SAHM Goal Achieved

It took me a while to leave for Japan due to some personal reasons. I got my Japan Visa in June 2019 but I was able to travel in September 2019 (almost the end of visa validity). However, it was God’s grace that this trip came into a reality.

Please read here on How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa. I do not mean to discourage the visa applicants, yet it was not true that it was easy. As I  mentioned on the post about visa application, while waiting for my turn, 2 applicants were denied of Japan Visa. They were told to apply after 6 months if they wish to. It is imperative to be very careful with the requirements and specifics such as the A4 size paper, the info on the forms should be consistent, the itinerary and others. When you follow the guidelines appropriately, it will be easy to acquire your dream visa to Japan.

Let us move on! I realized, when you travel, it is important that you know what is your purpose on that specific trip. For example, personally, I want to take a rest from the house chores, and all that there is in being a Stay at Home Wife for years. Can you relate? Comment down if you do. Tell us more about it. Who understands me on this sentiment? Having said so, I did not intend to go to Disneyland or the like. I want to be there with my kids. I was more on, having peace; walk in the park; experience eating authentic Ramen, Sushi and Yakiniku; experience the transportation system in Japan, shop chocolates, buy at least 1 branded bag and whatever I could think of. I wanted to see Sakura but it was not the season anymore of Sakura or Cherry Blossoms since it blooms in March, I traveled in September. So, I need to go back!

I was and is still very thankful to my friend Eloi and his husband Bong for accommodating me in their humble abode. I had a nice time with the kids too. I was able to stay in a house which is not just Japan-inspired but a Japanese house in reality. I had culture immersion on how it is to live in Japan. And how it is to live in a residential area with Japanese neighbors. How quiet it can be. That was indeed one of the great experiences on my first travel to Japan!

Their transport system is very organized. You can travel with ease. Why did I say that? Everything is ON TIME. You know when the train and the bus will arrive and leave. No pushing, everyone is calm while entering and alighting the train and bus. Japan has different reloadable cards where you can use at the bus and train ride and even 7/11, Family mart and Lawson stores to purchase food and other you might need along the way.

There was just a slight challenge because only few people speaks English. What I can advice is to download Google Translate and make use of Google maps on your mobile phone. These 2 mobile applications can be very useful in your travels not just in Japan. You can travel Japan with ease. And do not forget to book wifi device on Klook as it will be very useful as you travel all over Japan. Choose the one that offers unlimited data.

Want to know another reason why I said that you can travel with ease in Japan? My friend for some unexpected reason was not able to pick me up at the airport on my arrival date.  Something came up from her work. I have nothing against my friend. In fact, it was an exciting one. I arrived at Chubu Centrair International Airport a bit earlier than expected, around 8:20PM. It was also a good one that airports in Japan have strong internet connection. We were able to call each other on Facebook Messenger from the moment I queue at the immigration, which way to the exit, where to buy train tickets, which train to ride, which station to go, until she arrived on that train station.

The pocket wifi I ordered, was late for delivery at their house, reason why I did not have it yet with me. And the counter at the airport closes at 6PM, my arrival was supposed to be almost 9PM, so I ought to have it delivered at their house. The Japanese Telco immediately reply and refund for 2 days (days late) is in process going back to my Klook account. Thank you!

Intro is over! What did I do in Japan? Where did I go? What food did I try?

Gusto Cafe in Higashiura, Obu, Aichi Prefecture

I left our house in the Philippines with my husband; Third at around 8AM. We had brunch in Cubao while waiting for the P2P bus going to NAIA. My last meal was 10AM. I only had crackers while on the plane. It was almost midnight in Japan, guess what? I was so hungry then. Eloi brought me to Gusto Cafe. I was so amazed with everything there. My ignorance hit me. But I like it. I want to learn and discover new things, specially in Japan; a first world country. I let Eloi order for me. Then, she added the Drink Bar where you can have unlimited or bottomless flavored coffee, flavored juice, flavored tea, flavored soda and chocolate drink with added flavor. Your choice if you want it hot or cold, amazing isn’t it? Since, I liked it a lot there. I went there again, alone and planned to compose a blog post or anything that I can write. It was cozy there and serene. It was there that I film my review of Japan Trip 2019 and how to order without knowing Nihonggo.

Little World Museum of Man in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture

My experience with my friend Eloi in Little World was fun and unforgettable. The moment I arrived in Japan, I kept saying, “I’m in Japan”. I could not believe it. Eloi, would just stare at me and smile. She understood that I was happy to be with her in Japan. I read on some blogs that you can have a passport to go around the world inside the Little World and have it stamped by yourself in every country then, you can have a gift as well on your last stamp at the reception before you exit the premise. Walking around the Little World was tiring yet exciting. We got motivated by the stamps that we had to complete and the gift after the trip. I swear, you need motivation! If not, you might give up after visiting only few countries. You can try different national costume of each country destination for a price of 500 Yen. There is a coaster as a transport to use to roam around but, we did not try it. We enjoyed walking though it was a sunny afternoon. It was still Summer time when I arrived in Japan. Fall was approaching when I left Japan. Check out our YT video representing different countries below:

Daiso Japan in Arimatsu, Aichi Prefecture

I know we have Daiso also in the Philippines but I happened to reach this big Daiso outlet store in Arimatsu inside the Aeon Mall. Most of the items there were worth 100 Yen or if we convert to our money is PhP 47 – 50 (depends on the prevailing rate) plus 8% sales tax. I bought some goos and slime for our kids, also some make up items. There are lots of items to choose from. Other items will have price tags which are worth above 100 yen. Watch my video and see what you can find below:

BIC Camera in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Bic Camera is one of the go to shop in Japan if you want to have variety of options at a lower cost compared to the other shops when it comes to gadgets, appliances and other electronic items. We found a good price for 1TB Hardrive which my friend bought. There is also a voucher for discounts where you can get online at their website, on Klook, and at the nearest tourist reception center of the area where you are in Japan.

Shiromaru-Base (Authentic Ramen) in Kanayama, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Diz iz it! Ramen is becoming famous in the Philippines next to Samguypsal chains. As we all know, Samgyupsal originated in Korean with grilled food where you can choose marinated beef and pork on variety of flavors while Ramen originated in Japan with  noodles and flavors to choose from. We noticed that there were men more than women who looked like they came from work/office. I was so excited because I have not tasted Ramen even in the Philippines, I wanted it as authentic as it can be. My Japan visit is just perfect! Now, I understand the cravings! Watch my first encounter of Ramen on my video of Mukbang Ramen, Japan edition here:

Aeon Mall – Food Court in Obu, Aichi Prefecture

I dined in here and found those displays right near the entrance of each restaurant chain. They are very inviting and looked so real to me. Check it out here! What will you order?

Don Quijote in Sakae, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

This is the place to be if you want to shop pasalubong to take back home for your family and friends. The branch that my friend and I went into was in Sakae near the Nagoya TV Tower and Oasis 21. Just in front of Sunshine Sakae. You won’t miss it since there are a lot of lights and posters that says TAX FREE or TAX REFUND. This store location has 4 floors. 1st floor has food, chocolates, drinks and groceries. 2nd floor has make-up and medicine, 3rd floor has toys, gadgets and accessories and 4th floor has perfumes, shoes, watches, luxury items such as bags of different brands. See for yourself here:

Sunshine Sakae in Sakae, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

It is a mall at the center of Sakae. It has a ferris wheel in front of its building. It is operational and it could be a nice experience to ride.

Nagoya TV Tower and Oasis 21 in Sakae, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Nagoya TV Tower and Oasis 21 are two of the most visited spots in Sakae. The Nagoya TV tower was said to look like Eiffel tower in the evening because of its lights and structure.  Unfortunately, there were no lights on that night. While the Oasis 21 is like a huge spaceship that shifts colors from time to time. When we were there, we went live on Facebook. You can ride an elevator to reach the top level where you can walk around the transparent water filled roof which changes its flooring color. On the 2nd level is a garden set up where tourists can relax and chat with their company. The ground floor has shopping and dining options.

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Conveyor Belt Sushi at Oasis 21 in Sakae, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

It was a dream come true to finally dine in authentic conveyor belt restaurant. It was bit pricey from where we dine in at Nigiri No Tokube located in Oasis 21 compared to other local sushi restaurants in another area where there is 100 yen per plate. The price per plates was discussed in our YT video.

Nagashima Resort in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture

The Nagashima Resort features a hotel, onsen spa, an amusement park, and shopping at Mitsui Outlet Park. It is said to be Japan’s largest amusement park and natural outdoor bath in one. Both adults and kids can enjoy and have fun here. I only have few photos and video since my phone battery died. Overall, it was fun and relaxing. Not to mention, my friends Eloi, Lez and I bought a bag with same design which I called our FRIENDSHIP BAG from Coach. We had fun at Chanel outlet store too. We found those jaw-dropping prices and another jaw-dropping reaction after we saw how the prices dropped making it SUPER SALE! I will surely come back. Can you read my mind?

McDonalds in Japan

We all know what McDonalds is. But it is still different when its there. I had to do it. And besides if you are on a budget, you will have that moment when you will tell yourself, it might be a little different here. 🙂 Oh well, their meals start at 500 yen If I remember it right. The easiest way to convert it into Philippine Pesos is to divide it into 2. The exchange rate of 1 yen to PhP ranges from .47 to .49 depends on the current rate. My order is worth around 250 pesos.

Yakiniku King in Anjo, Aichi Prefecture

What can I say? Speechless with the taste and the chunky serving of the meat here. Plus the bonding time with my friends. It closes at 12mn. Our friend Lez brought Eloi and I to the most unforgettable Yakiniku (for sure) I can ever experience. Thank you Lez.

Nabana No Sato in Mie Prefecture

It was an enchanting experience to see thousands of flowers, real ones and not paper roses. The Begonia Garden caught my attention. There was also Onsen inside, but we did not bother. Watch what I have seen. My pleasure to share with you all.

Toilet in Japan (Ignorance strikes)

I was so ignorant and amazed how toilet looks like in Japan. I do not know if we have it in the Philippines. I know a bidet from the toilet but that’s just it. Not with all thise sound effects of flush, flowing water, hot or cold, etc. Do we? Please comment down where? Watch how ignorant I was in my YT video here:

 

Overall experience, my first trip to Japan was a blast! Experiences of eating authentic Japanese cuisine was a remarkable experience one can have. I enjoyed the feeling of ignorance in a country I have never been before. I was also surprised to know that there were not much trash can in Japan. You can only find them beside vending machines. They segregate their trash and only bring it outside on scheduled pick up dates. Watch here:

My goal of “me time” was achieved! Stay at home moms need sometime for themselves. I will surely go back. I will plan my next itinerary based on my goal as what I did.

Thank you to my husband for the funds and support.

Share your plans and experiences in Japan. Let us know what you have in mind. Like my Facebook page.

Bohol, Philippines Adventure – Summer 2017 (Day 1)

We were late for this trip! From Cebu, we took the Star Craft Ferry. It was 1 hour ferry ride from the Cebu Port 1 going to Tubigon Port in Bohol. We overslept, probably tired because our two day trip in Cebu was jampacked with activities. We should have left the hotel earlier to make it to the first trip which was 5:45 AM. Even if we arrived at 5:45 AM, the ticketing booth was already closed to accept passengers for the first trip, instead we were for 7AM trip.

The ticketing booth is not located inside the port. It can be found outside. I had to ask the guard where it was. There was a challenge, it was still raining. As soon as we bought the tickets, the service arrived at the ticketing booth (which did not look like it was a ticketing booth but an abandoned commercial space). That service gave us a ride to the port. Nice. We did not have to run in the rain.

There are two ways to travel from Cebu to Tubigon, Bohol. First is through the Fast Ferry. It is a high speed passenger service. It is about three times higher the fare of a regular ferry. But, its first trip from Cebu Port is at 8:45AM. We wanted to arrive early in Bohol to utilize the time we have left. So, it lead us to the next choice. Second is through the Star Craft (what we availed). It is the cheapest. It cost us only PhP250 each (if not mistaken) but not 300. Then, there is Ocean Jet, its route is Cebu to Tagbilaran. It is for about 2 hours trip at PhP800-PhP1,000 each. You can check the schedules here https://www.bohol.ph/article107.html

When we arrived in Tubigon, we took a trike going to the van terminal which brought us to another trike terminal. The fare at the van was PhP90 each. We also paid for our luggage as another person. It was cheap, thinking we had a roller coaster ride. Whew! The passengers inside the van were like in a can of Ligo Sardines; no space to move. The van even stopped in front of a waiting shed and got another passenger. What? Hubby and I were just looking at each other. Well, I want to enjoy the trip, so I just smiled.

Welcome to Bohol! Below was our itinerary. We missed those highlighted in yellow due to weather condition and time constraint.

Soon as we arrived at Aliria Bed and Breakfast, the motorcycle we rented for 24 hours was already there waiting for us. Free delivery by Hey Joe Motor Bike Rentals as requested. You can contact them sir Tim (foreigner/business owner) at 09152781949 and 09205821355. We rented a Honda Click 125i 2016 with a rental cost of PhP700 per day. It was a new model from what I knew. It was fast and smooth to ride on. The motorcycle rental was inclusive of 2 helmets. Requirements were photocopy of driver’s license and/or passport. We were wearing another personalized shirts I made with Tarsier of print and texts “Third & Porsche explored”.

Loboc River Cruise

The Loboc River Cruise is also known as the Loboc Floating Restaurant. We were so hungry since we did not have breakfast yet from the time we left Cebu. We hurried to Loboc. It was around 35 minutes motor ride with 25km distance. Hubby took-in-charge. I am not capable of driving a motorcycle, I can only drive a car. We enjoyed the view, 25km was a little far from what I expected. When we arrived, we were given a number and waited to be called to pay our fee. When done, we were instructed where to go and which floating restaurant we should be. It was #1!

Here is a video while we were at Loboc River Floating Restaurant

The food was good enough for a hungry tummy, nothing great. Yet, we really enjoyed the view, the vibe, and the quality time we spent as a couple. A live band was playing near the buffet table to entertain the passengers while on cruise. I observed, I had to ask for a refill of the dessert after it ran out before they did. We were with foreigners on that cruise. I bet they enjoyed too.

Man Made Forest

On our way to the Tarsier Conservation Center, we witnessed how awesome this Man Made Forest was. Speechless!

The Bohol Man-Made is a mahogany forest stretching in a 2km stretch of densely planted with Mahogany trees located in the border of Loboc and Bilar towns. Before and after you reach the man-made forest there are also naturally grown forests of Loboc and Bilar which has a thick kaleidoscope of green foliage, different kinds of trees and giant ferns lining the road. – wikipedia.org

Tarsier Conservation Center

We got lost at first. Waze pointed out to the previous location of the Tarsier Conservation Center. We stopped by a house and asked a lady doing her chores. She pointed us to the right location. Loay Interior Road, Loboc Bohol is the new location. A fee must be paid on the entrance. Strict policies were: DO NOT touch the Tarsier and NO camera flash. Fair enough to secure the tarsiers. I observed the staff there were mindful of the tourists. They said “No” and “Excuse Me” a couple of times, when the tourist was getting near the cute endangered species. I asked how many tarsiers can we possibly see there, I was told only 10. The rest were inside the conservation area. After the experience with the tarsiers, you can buy souvenirs from their shop such as wallet, keychains, ref magnet, bags, pen holder and other stuff with tarsier in it.

An initial three-hectare area is now ready for tarsier viewing with pebbled pathways for visitors laid out around the wooded sanctuary while a thatched-roofed waiting area showcasing tarsier souvenirs has been constructed to accommodate the expected influx of visitors. Tourists can still have the opportunity to see these cute primates but the centralized effort now makes sure that stricter rules are implemented for the benefit of the tarsiers. Visitors may amble on a pebbled pathway meandering around the three-hectare mahogany forest and see the tarsiers in their natural habitat. From big to small. From reptile to primate. From monstrous to the cutest. Bohol is home to not just the world’s biggest snake in captivity but also one of the world’s smallest primates. – http://www.thepoortraveler.net/

The Chocolate Hills

I remember my son; Fourth when we reached there. The Chocolate Hills was already part of their lessons in school. We had to go up the designated photo taking area to get a perfect view of The Chocolate Hills. It was 214 steps! I had to stop once in awhile and catch my breath. There should have been a lift. How about the senior citizens? How can they reach the top? It felt that I cannot make it at all, but of course I did! I had this idea that on our way down, to be more exciting, there should have been a slide straight to the bottom. What do you think?

The Chocolate Hills (Cebuano: Mga Bungtod sa Tsokolate; Filipino: Mga Tsokolateng Burol) are a geological formation in the Bohol province of the Philippines. There are at least 1,260 hills but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres (20 sq mi). They are covered in green grass that turns brown (like chocolate) during the dry season, hence the name. – wikipedia.org

 

I don’t look happy.. yeah? I cannot breath anymore.

Pangas Falls

We never planned to get to Pangas Falls. We never knew it from that time. On our way back to the Aliria Hotel, we saw an arrow sign that says, “Pangas Falls”. We asked the tricycle drivers from the said road. It was about almost 5km, if I remember it right. Since, we had a motorcycle we wanted to give it a try anyway. At first, it was a cemented road, the next part of the road was not at all. Some part were even slippery because of the rainfall. I was glad we made it. A PhP10 fee was asked with a receipt from the Bohol government. Have a look!

Looks like a turtle right?

Loboc Church

What we saw there was ruins of the earthquake in October 2013. According to the news I watched, the Loboc Church is currently undergoing renovations. No mass service there since the earthquake for security reasons. There are still a lot of work to do.

The San Pedro Apostol Parish Church (also Saint Peter the Apostle Parish Church), commonly known as Loboc Church, is a Roman Catholic church in the municipality of Loboc, Bohol, Philippines, within the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tagbilaran.

Loboc Church before

Photo credit:  akrosdayunibers.com

Loboc Church as of March 2017

Bell tower

Across the Loboc church is a vacant lot with stalls for snacks such as BBQ, balot, and others. beside where we ate was the ruins of the bell tower. There were also comfort rooms for men and women. A stop over won’t hurt. We had a nice time there.

Check this video!

Fields along Loboc Road (Random)

Appreciating nature…

Aliria Bed and Breakfast

Before we went back to our Aliria Bed and Breakfast we looked for a decent place for dinner. However, we were too tired to park, sit down and order. So, as we reached the hotel, we used their landline phone to call Jollibee for food delivery.  After dinner, shower and had the rest we deserved! Early again for tomorrow’s itinerary. Day 2 Bohol trip was the best on this trip! See my next post.

Feel free to leave a comment or if you have any questions, just shoot!

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Cebu Tour Day 1

Cebu Tour Day 2

Cebu Tour (Last Night)

Chef Laudico Guevarra’s at San Juan: (All You Can Eat) Lunch with the Leaders 2016

I have been looking at Chef Laudico Guevarra’s Restaurant for years but did not really have the chance to go. Until my hubby’s cluster at work decided to have their lunch there. As we all know, Chef Lau is one of the celebrity chef in the Philippines. He is also one of the judges of the cooking show in one of the big TV network.

The restaurant is an old mansion serving only FILIPINO FOOD. You will feel the Filipino vibe the moment you get there. I felt nostalgic because I remembered my Lolo (Tatay Osong) and Lola (Nanay Bina). The house I grew up at was an old Hispanic house with variety of fruit-bearing trees outside and wide space to play around. There is ample parking space there. No hassle if you decide to come in group with your family or colleagues.

Chef Laudico Guevarra’s is open from Mondays thru Sundays. Lunch is open from 11am until 2pm while, dinner is from 7:30pm until 10pm. They also have Maagang Salu-Salo Promo from 5pm-630pm in which offered on a cheaper rate than the dinner time rate. See their over-all updated rates below:

My hubby’s cluster plus me came in 23 pax. Reservation with 50% DOWN PAYMENT has to be done prior to the lunch date. Other buffet restaurants do not require reservation though. We occupied a small room named Abad Santos with a wash room inside. It is shared, people from other area can also use the wash room. There was a dedicated server who assisted us with all our requests during our whole stay. He got a tip from us for his excellent customer service. Thank you Kuya Jun. We told him our group was celebrating for work’s peak season. He handed us a cake with a “Congratulations! Goodluck Phone Leaders” message. Galingan nyo pa guys! Maaga ang Congratulations ni Kuya. 😊 By the way, ang cake na ito ay pinabalot at binigay namen sa batang namamalimos sa kalye.

Onset, we (hubby and I) hurried to the buffet area after we made sure we got our table and seats. Some leaders arrived earlier to secure the reservation; TLs MJean, Roe, Wilma, Krisna and Vince. Others arrived after a few minutes; TLs JLo, Tina, Earl, Jhigz, Doms, Jona, Rona, Gimo, Abby, June, Jason J, Jason O, Zee, Alex, and STL Jean.

There are paintings on every wall. It only shows that Chef Lau and wife Chef Jackie are also art enthusiasts. The white plates have dedication from the people/celebrities who visited the buffet restaurant. I asked one of the servers if the group can also sign a plate, he replied only celebrities do that. But looking at other blogs, even the non-celebs were able to sign. Maybe that feature of the restaurant already ended.

Guevarra’s Restaurant also offer Hot Tea and Coffee, not inclusive in the buffet rate. Any additional order will be on top of the bill. A great way to relax a bit after the Man vs Food session.

Food Stations with respective food are as follow:

Appetizer

Breads, Salads (Radish Cucumber, Macaroni Salad, Steamed Vegetables), Dips/Pastes/Dressings (Bagoong Balayan, Bagoong Vinaigrette, Guava Glaze, Peanut Sauce, Cesar Dressing, and Salted Eggs), Fresh Lumpiang Ubod, Tokwa’t Baboy, Cheese Platter, Spicy Sardines, Tuna Kilawin and Squid Law

Carving Station

Lechon, Spicy Balamban, Roast Beef, Pork Bagnet, Roast Chicken and Tomato Salsa (This section is a sinful one; crispy & rich in cholesterol yet sumptious. Ang lutong nila!)

Main Dishes

Beef Kare-Kare, Chili Garlic Crab, Callos, Party Spaghetti, Pansit Bihon, Fried Chicken, Chicken Pastel, Seafood Ala Pobre, Pinakbet Bagnet, Dinuguan with Puto, Fish Fillet,  Ribs, Paella Guevarras, and White Rice (pardon if I miss some viands)

Grilled/Oven-Baked

Liempo, Grilled Chicken, Angus Beef Tapa, Seafood Pizza, Karnevorous Pizza, Vegetarian Pizza, Lumpiang Shanghai, Crablets, Grilled Corn, Camote Croquettes, Crablets, Gindara Fish, and Grilled Squid

Desserts

Soft Ice Cream with colorful sprinkles, Kalabasa Pastillas, Fruits (apple and orange), Chocolate and Red Velvet Cupcakes, Maja Blanca, Suman Panna Cotta, Leche Flan, Sapin-Sapin, Bannofie Pie, Choco Banana Fudge, Buko Pandan, Pitsi-Pitsi, Fruit Salad Matamis na Saging, Champorado and Halo-Halo (I am sure I missed some, there are lots of them)

Beverages 

Pepsi products, Lipton Iced Tea, Milk Tea (your choice if you want to add pearls), Sago’t Gulaman (your choice if you want to add sago) and Buko Pandan (your choice if you want to add green gulaman)

My rating:

Food 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

Ambiance 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

Service 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

Over-all I gave it 5 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎! Tama lahat ng lasa. Hindi tinipid. Try it yourself. A wonderful place to celebrate your special days. Share your experience with us. 😊

Caesar’s Coffee Shop at Makati Palace Hotel – A Review

My husband had a cluster dinner with his colleagues at work; October 6, 2012, Saturday. Our kids and I were not supposed to join but we attended a birthday party in Greenbelt 1 earlier that day so we were company with them. There was an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet at Caesar’s Coffee Shop in Makati Palace Hotel at 5011 P. Burgos Corner Canceres St. It is near the entertainment district of Makati. There were glittering lights all over the area outside of the hotel.

Makati Palace Hotel from afar

Entrance of Makati Palace Hotel

One of the dining places in Makati Palace Hotel is Caesars Coffee Shop. Have a look!

Entrance of Caesars Coffee Shop with attendants at the side

Menu for Beverages

Piano in the corner entrance

One of the long tables

Dining Table near the glass walls

Corner seat for lovers maybe

Another corner seat for lovers maybe

Dining tables for four in the middle of the room

Loo for men and women

Liquors

Wine glasses and drinks

A table napkin at Caesars Coffee Shop

They found a deal at Metrodeal, instead of Php 700/guest it was down to P299. They saved Php 401 each. It was stated there that the foods to be served are Filipino staples such as: Pandan Rice, Chopsuey, Relyenong Bangus, Kare-Kare and Lechon Kawali.

Unfortunately on the actual buffet, Kare-Kare and Lechon Kawali were missing. Instead, some familiar dishes with no labels were served on the table. The food I was able to identify were Fish Fillet with Taosi sauce (is it?), Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet, Pork Fillet(?), Sotanghon as the soup for the day, some kind of Vegetable dish, Plain rice, Pandan rice, Pancit (Miki), Menudo and Maja blanca. There was a vegetable salad bar in the corner.  The amount paid per head was just equal in value for the food quality served. It will be too much for Php 700/guest. The over-all taste was fine, nothing really special. Here are some pictures taken that night. I missed to take a picture of other food like their Plain rice, Pandan rice, Pancit (Miki) and Menudo,

Soup Area

Dinner Buffet Table

Vegetable Salad Bar

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet

Fish with Taosi Sauce

Pork dish

Some kind of Vegetable dish

Maja Blanca

Sotanghon Soup

The Blackberry team managers held a surprise baby shower for Boss Thea who has been waiting for her due date sometime 3rd week of October. They prepared gifts for her like lollipops, baby album, well-wishers card and other gift left wrapped. It was a fun evening seeing them throw their jokes to each other. I know most of them because I also worked there for more than 2 years. It was nice seeing all of you again. Nice to meet you guys to those I haven’t met personally and who just got promoted. My husband will be transferred into other Line of Business. This might be the last time he can have dinner with them. But who knows?!

Diane, Thea, Thea’s sister, Cha, Clarisse, Jame, me, my husband with Fourth, Cheska, Tin, Jason, Mich, Trina, Auds and Ga

Blackberry TMs, STL Third, OM Auds, OM Thea and SOM Walther

Boss Thea’s 4D images of her baby

My kids sure did loiter around. Eventhough a high chair was provided for Fourth, he did not stay for long there. He liked it better to walk around. Here are the evidences…

Fourth loitering in the loo

Ate Cheska and Fourth trying to play the piano

He’s all over the place

Cheers!