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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...

Happy Birthday


Today is a special day for me and I just realized how there is a lot of people who is there for you not to be next by you, but to read out all the birthday wishes.

There are times you feel all alone and not realize there are really people out there for you.

I decided not to publish my birthday in social media. I was testing everyone if they would just remember on their own.

There are a lot of families and close friends who have passed the test.

I had received so many comments and birthday wishes it was over whelming. I had to turn off my internet for awhile to catch up and breath.

I am thankful for everyone having to think of me on this day. To send me birthday wishes and call me up just to greet me even if we're far away from each other.

The best birthday gift was receiving not a gift to unwrap and open it, but a birthday greeting that took courage for people to actually do it.

My younger sister had emailed me asking for our childhood pictures at first I was curious why she was asking for it.

I was thinking it was some sort of project for her children's assignment or she was planning to use it for something else.

I only found out when I woke up that she used the childhood picture when we're kids. My mom said, I was seven and my sister was 5 years old at that time.

I couldn't figure out our age since the picture had no date when it was taken.

As you reach your birthday you get to celebrate it with two days one today Manila time and the United States the next day. In Manila we are one day ahead and United States they are behind either way you get to celebrate it in two places.

In the Philippines when your birthday comes any buffet Restaurant has a free meal for the birthday celebrate. The only thing you need to present is your identification card to show proof of your birthday with a picture.

Today, I had celebrated my birthday with my Aunt whose birthday is the same month.



We would like to thank everyone for our birthday wishes.


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