Whenever Carmina visits her hometown on vacation, she always makes time to ship boxes to the Philippines . This time, she’s staying with her dad in an unfamiliar area, so she had to ask where to send her balikbayan boxes . She learned that people there are happy with LBC ’s services. Mom Violy gave her a list of heavy items to buy and ship, and a family member suggested using extra-large LBC boxes , which were on promotion, offering discounts for sending multiple boxes at once. Relatives also donated used towels, bedsheets, clothes, and other items to give away for the upcoming Christmas season. Carmina kept telling her family she gladly accepts donations to ship. Everyone had unwanted clutter, and the best part was not spending on the items, just the shipping. In the end, Carmina shipped two extra-large boxes, plus another box from someone else, all picked up on Saturday, May 30, 2026. LBC gives you replacement boxes this way you can start packing new boxes and have it shipped out wit...

While visiting California, a family member found out I was in town and suggested we meet halfway. Uncle Danny mentioned he’d like to eat at a buffet, and a visitor recommended Fusion Buffet  at Sun Valley Mall in Concord, California . I passed along the suggestion, and we agreed to meet at eleven o’clock when the restaurant opened so we could walk right in. We set the date for Wednesday, May 27, 2026. When we arrived, there was already a line forming right at opening. At the counter, staff asked how many were in our party and if there were any seniors eligible for the 10% discount for guests aged 65 and older.  We were shown to our table and ready to get food. While family members filled their plates, Carmina took videos of the dishes on offer. I found it tricky to record since the line was busy and didn’t want to hold anyone up, which made me understand why people in some countries film in fast mode. The service was excellent, with staff clearing plates promptly. Utensils we...

Carmina was shopping at Suisun Seafood Center to pick up ingredients for a dish requested by a family member. As soon as she walked into the store, she noticed a variety of beverages and spotted her favorite basil seed drinks . Although she had never tried that brand before, she decided to give it a shot since they had watermelon and mango flavors.  Here are the description and ingredients. Honey Bee Basil Seed Watermelon Flavor costs $1.59, while the Mango Flavor is $1.75, excluding sales tax. Carmina has always enjoyed basil seed drinks but had never come across watermelon and mango flavors before. They’re not too sweet and are refreshingly perfect for a hot day. NOT SPONSORED. Check out the video @ Carmina Lifestyle YouTube Channel  and click on the subscribe and thank you for the support.

  After doing errands with the family my dad wanted to eat Vietnamese food in the area of Fremont . My dad brought us to  Pho Lan Noodles House  for our lunch. We all decided to eat one of our favorite Vietnamese dishes. We had ordered some appetizers fried wanton and fried chicken with fish sauce . My dad had ordered Lemongrass chicken include with rice and salad in his meal but was already full when he had eaten his wife's meal. She had ordered the Chicken Banh Mi and chicken clear soup. I wanted to try their Pork Banh Mi sandwich and requested no jalapeno pepper on it. The sandwich is quite big had to slice it in the middle and the remaining was for takeout. The filling of the pork was a lot of serving soft and tender had a lot of flavoring. The bread was also soft even if it was toasted. Family members had ordered the Garlic Chow Mein with Shrimp . NOT SPONSORED. Check out my channel @ Carmina Lifestyle YouTube  and click on the subscribe button for more vid...

Anyone in the family starts craving food when they hear about what someone else has recently eaten. The next day, after a productive day, we wanted to get some cheesesteak sandwiches and were referred to someone to check out  Charley's Cheesesteak  which was in the same shopping complex we're currently located. Upon entering, you can check out the menu and decide what size sandwich you want or opt for a meal that includes a beverage and your choice of French fries. There are plenty of options if you prefer something other than a sandwich, so you can satisfy whatever cravings you have. I was impressed by the variety of cheesesteaks available—something not many restaurants offer to this extent. The service is fast, and you can enjoy your meal in the seating area, which is clean along with the restrooms. Parking is available outside. Carmina ordered a regular-sized Steak Philly Cheesesteak, without bell peppers and mushrooms, topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayo, along with Fren...

Carmina is traveling to the United States to spend time with her family. My dad planned a family gathering for Mother's Day at their favorite Pinoy restaurant . Since reservations aren’t possible, we arrived an hour early to ensure we could get a table for twelve before everyone else showed up. As my dad approached Isla Grand , the branch we visited in Pleasant Hills, California , the host at the door said they could prepare a table for twelve at five o'clock. Later, the server called my dad's name and guided us to our table. The place was bustling with people enjoying meals and celebrating Mother's Day. On our first visit to Isla Grand, I was captivated by the décor, noticing many native items that gave the place a fancy yet authentic Filipino feel. They usually have a live band, but unfortunately, there was no entertainment the night we went. My family had spoken highly of Isla Grand and encouraged us to try the Filipino dishes we’ve been missing from back home. Lech...

Last year my dad had informed me he will be getting married in Tacloban the place his wife grew up in the Philippines . My dad said he would like all of his family members to attend since they couldn't go to the one in the United States. Carmina booked her flight during Philippine Airlines ’ year-end sale at the start of 2026. I told my dad about my travel plans for a short trip from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19. My cousins also asked for my flight details so they could book the same flight. My dad said he will book my room for me sharing with two family members at  Summit Hotel in Tacloban . Sending me the confirmation booking information for my reference.  As the months went by, before I knew it, the big day had finally arrived—a rare event that doesn’t happen too often. Everything had been carefully planned by my dad and his wife, Tita Cielo. When we arrived, the check-in time was 2 PM, but there was a mix-up with the rooms. Some were ready for check-in, but the one...

It’s not often we get to spend time with relatives visiting from the Philippines for a family member’s wedding. Carmina's father was getting married in Tacloban , and everyone flew miles to attend the big day. On the first day of our arrival, before the event began, my cousin Mariles suggested we have dinner together. Mariles asked if we enjoy eating seafood, and I told her we do. Carmina messaged all the family members Mariles wanted to invite and asked if they were free for dinner. Mariles had informed everyone we'll be having dinner at  Ocho Seafood & Grill  located in Tacloban. My dad arranged for a driver so we could all ride together in a van. Upon entering, Mariles informed all the family members that she had already preordered our meals. The only thing we had to order was our beverages. Crispy Kangkong with dipping sauce Calamaries with dipping sauce Sisig Pork Nilaga   Fish Chicken Inasal   Crab Shrimp Grilled Squid We also enjoyed pinakbet , though I ...

Family was informed by their friends to try  Blackbird at the Nielson Tower  and asked Mom Violy if she has ever been there before. Mom Violy had no clue what it was asked Carmina to look it up and see what kind of food they serve.  Carmina gave the phone number to Mom Violy make a reservation for a family lunch. On the day of the reservation, we arrived early and were allowed to enter before the official opening time of eleven o’clock in the morning. We decided to stay in the lobby, where we were asked if we wanted anything to drink. Carmina took videos inside and learned about the history by talking to the staff. One hour later, people started coming into the restaurant and took their seats at the reservation table, browsing the menu to decide what to order. Our family members were running late, but we didn’t get bored thanks to the friendly staff. More customers kept arriving and placing their orders, and we couldn’t help but glance at their dishes, curious about what ...