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Showing posts from November 13, 2019

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...

Places to Visit in the Bay Area

Every year when I have the chance to visit the Bay Area in California I would go to inexpensive places with my best friend and her family. She would also come up with new places to explore. Either places she wants to visit or places her daughter's have been too for their field trip from their school. Either way it gives us a chance to bond and explore places together. Japanese Garden https://gardensatlakemerritt.org/japanese-garden/   Lake Merrit in Oakland Laney College Flea Market Address: 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 Open on Sunday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM The entrance fee varies depending on the day you go. Try Chamoyada a Mexican dessert made with a sweet and spicy type of shaved ice, or raspado, prepared with chamoy and mango. Chamoyada I went to Vietnam in San Jose to see what the place looked like. One of my friend had mentioned to me about...

Facial and Diamond Peel

I had a relative who came over and wanted an inexpensive facial treatment for her face. I had brought her to Ali Mall located in Cubao. The name of the place is Hairliners Beauty Salon. They are located in the second floor. It is best to go there early morning when the mall opens at 10:00 AM. The place can be busy because there are only two people doing the facial treatment. The price for the facial and diamond peel for PHP 500.00 ($10.00). It is up to you how much tip you want to give the person after wards. Facial are for both men and woman. For woman it is best to go there with no make up easier to start off your facial treatment. It takes one hour. Before you will start they will ask what kind of treatment you would like to do on your face. They will check your face and recommend treatments you may need. Steps on having your facial: You will be lying down on a bed. The person will put a tie on your hair to prevent going to your face. They will pl...

Zoobic Safari in Subic, Philippines

My sister was visiting with her family and close friends. She wanted to bring her kids to  interact with the animals.  We brought them to Zoobic Safari located in Subic . Entrance Fee from Zoobic Safari is: Adults: PHP 695.00 ($14.00) Children: PHP 595.00 ($12.00) You can check Klook for 50% off from the regular rates: PHP 350.00 ($7.00) Vouchers include: Weekday - Regular Admission Ticket Plus Photos Opportunity or Animal Feeding Weekend - Regular Admission Ticket The drive is 2 hours from Manila depending on the traffic. Papa Ping is trying to scare my Mom with the snake that he is holding. For the first time we all experience riding in a bus where you can feed the tiger when it reaches up to you unexpected. The tiger end up going to their window and everyone started screaming. It is a great adventure to see how the live animals live. You get the chance to feed ...