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When the longing for authentic Pinoy dishes strikes in the U.S., Isla Grand stands ready to transport your taste buds back to the Philippines.

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...

My Thoughts



When I have a problem I tend to keep my thoughts in my head

I find it easier to write or type it in Microsoft Word

I put all my feelings on a piece of paper or type it in my laptop

I can easily express what I am feeling inside when I write it up

All my thoughts comes out and what I am feeling comes out easily not like anyone who can express themselves in front of a person

I grew up being self centered and kept my thoughts away from everyone

I wrote poems that no one knew only my close friends

I shared it with them 

They tend to use it for whomever they plan to date

How do you express yourself?

I see people expressing themselves by the way they dress when they are feeling high and feeling down.

I see people drinking alcohol with a group of friends or just being alone at home.

I see people buying clothes or unnecessary item to relieve the pain they are feeling inside.

I see people eating up and filling up their stomach until they can not stand up.

I see people cleaning and rearranging their home to remove all the memories they had from a break up.

I have friends who hibernate themselves from the world around them. 

I see people post in the social media what comes in their mind

Everyone in this world shows a different way how they feel when they are feeling down in the dumps.

How does someone return back to life?

Sometimes people need to be left alone to figure what is the next step

Some people need a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on

Some people need a ear to listen and give them the right advice

Some people express themselves in a different way 

We tend to find other meaning of life when we have discovered our friend has always been with us even when we are feeling the lowest moment in our life

Not many people can find a friend that is always there for them and will not judge who they are

What kind of friend are you?

I have close friends who tend to be secretive.

I have close friends who open up about their life.

I have close friends who just come and go when they need a friend.

I have close friends who are always next to your side.

I have close friends who lie about their life and make you a fool believing their stories

I have close friends who talk behind your back.

No matter what kind of friend you are I am not the type who will judge you for your actions

I am not the type of person who reacts and get mad easily

I am a friend who is always there for you

I am a friend who I don't take my friends for granted

I am a friend who is there when you need me

I am a friend who will drive you around and bring you where you want to go

I am a friend who can cook you a meal

I am a friend who you can always rely on

I am a friend who you can trust 

I am a friend who is nice to everyone

I am a friend who gives moral advice and give courage

For me all my friends you will always be in my thoughts

One thing I hate the most if you lie and hold a secret 

That is one thing I can no longer trust


That trust will take a long time for me to open my heart again




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