Early Valentine's Date

I spent the first day of February by going on an early Valentine's date with the two special men in my life -- my husband and my son. We had dinner at the newly re-opened Spiral restaurant at Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Some of you may remember that back in September 2011, Spiral was devastated by a storm surge that flooded many establishments in the area. Spiral was submerged in waist-deep flood waters. Sofitel was forced to temporary close their flagship restaurant because of the damages brought by typhoon Pedring. The renovation of Spiral took more than a year to finish. It finally opened its doors again last Nov. 8, 2013.

It was our second time at Spiral. We enjoyed our first lavish buffet experience. The three of us had no doubts that our second experience would be equally great.

We went down the familiar grand spiral staircase leading to the elegant restaurant below. Lovely ladies welcomed us to the newly refurbished Spiral. We were seated just across the back of the grand staircase with a view of gentle, flowing water. It was perfect!

The food was as great as we remembered. We were glad to see our old favorites and there were a lot of new dishes added to the sumptuous buffet. For my family, it's the best buffet in the country. The abundance of food is simply overwhelming. The new Spiral is actually divided into 21 dining ateliers.  I don't think it's possible to try everything in one night.

Some of my husband's personal favorites include crabs, shrimps, crayfish, steak, bulgogi, beef short ribs, lamb chops, and the Asian pulled noodles. I love the Peking Duck, Chinese dimsum, Korean noodles, and skewered seafood. My son, Yohan love their salad, pasta, and freshly baked pizza.

I was surprised how my little man turned out to be quite a cheese connoisseur because he enjoyed trying out the different types of cheese at the Cheese room.   The three of us share a liking for Japanese, Chinese, and Italian food.  We also loved their freshly baked bread that we dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Yohan preferred butter and pesto on his bread.

After that sumptuous feast, we barely had room for dessert but I knew I would regret it if I missed their delicious creme brulee. Sadly, they don't serve those melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies like before. I think Spiral should really consider bringing those heavenly cookies back. Yohan enjoyed the candy bar and the chocolate fountain. The three of us tried the Creamery which serves different types of ice-cream and toppings. Sadly I was too full to try their chocolates, truffles and pralines.

I had a fantastic time with my family and I'm so happy because on that same evening, I met a dear old blog friend in person. It was a pleasure seeing Kathy of Life is KulaYFul! She is sweet and charming in person as she is on her blog.

 

A Post Card Between The Pages

"A letter always seemed to me like Immortality."
- Emily Dickinson

I was looking for an old book to read. I found one of my old pocketbooks. I was about to read it when I discovered an old post card between the pages. It was from my college best friend written many years ago. He sent me a post card when he went to Paris on a business trip. Reading the post card again warmed my heart.

Friends From Down Under

Three years ago, my former colleague and dear friend decided to take a chance in Australia with her family. Her husband landed a job in a restaurant and the contract gave him the privilege to bring his family with him. They had some challenges along the way but I'm glad that they were able to overcome every hurdle. Now they are happy and comfortably nestled in Australia. In fact, they just bought a new home.

My friend together with her husband and three kids are here for a short vacation. I was so happy when they went to our house yesterday for a visit. True friendship always remain strong despite the distance. We had fun exchanging stories and catching up with one another. Our kids had a wonderful time bonding.

My friend's daughter also happens to be my goddaughter. She has grown up since I last saw her. I gave the kids some gifts. When my son saw me give the gifts, he was inspired to give his own gifts too. He asked my permission if he could give some small toys to his friends. I gave him the go signal and it was nice to see him happily share his toys.

My friend and her family also gave us some gifts. They are still as sweet and thoughtful as before.

Thank you Anton and Cris for the wonderful gifts.

I like this cute personalized brush.

Blog Break Is Over

Hi everyone! I'm sorry for being an absent blogger for quite a while. I'm putting an end to my unannounced blogging break.

I'm back! :)

I'm looking forward to visiting blog friends. I know I have a lot of catching up to do. See you soon.

Kindness Goes a Long Way

This post is dedicated to Jo of Wits and Nuts. I would like her belated Happy Birthday and Happy 2nd Blog Anniversary. To celebrate these two special occasions, she is having a
blog giveaway.

Jo's challenge: Make someone you personally know AND a stranger (or not so stranger) happy (happier) or feel better.

Someone I Know

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless." - Mother Teresa

I'm blessed to have a kind and nurturing yaya (nanny). She has taken good care of me since I was a baby. I'm thankful that she decided to stay with our family through the years. She is like a second mom to me.

Just the other day I embraced my yaya and whispered "I love you." I'm sure she knows how much she means to me but I'm sure saying the words aloud made her feel good and vise versa.

Not So Stranger

"When you carry out acts of kindness you get a wonderful feeling inside. It is as though something inside your body responds and says, yes, this is how I ought to feel." - Harold Kushner

A few days ago while I was making a cheese sandwich for my son, I heard the distinctive sound of the grass cutter outside. I checked and saw two village maintenance personnel cutting the grass in the nearby vacant lots. I hurriedly made two more sandwiches and asked our household helper to give it to the working men outside. The men conveyed their thanks. It was a very small gesture but it felt good knowing that I was able to do something nice that day.

Weekend Snapshot #76

To join this weekly meme, click here.

Last Saturday, Hubby and I attended the Luau Birthday party of Yana (our friend's daughter). Sadly we weren't able to bring Yohan because it was raining really hard that day. Yohan just recovered from cough and colds so we thought it best not to bring him along. He had a Hawaiian shirt ready for the occasion but we just didn't want to risk him getting sick again. We missed Yohan the whole time we were there.

Yana's Lilo and Stitch cake and cupcakes.

The lovely 3D cake up close.

I love the cute 3D cupcakes.

Chanda (the celebrant's mom) gave me a Stitch cupcake to bring home to Yohan.

Photo Hunt :: Advertisement

Come and join the hunt here

I think one great form of advertisement is word of mouth. When my MIL asked if I knew any new restaurant in Tagaytay where she could have lunch with her friends, I told her about Pamana Restaurant. I've heard good things about this restaurant from fellow bloggers which I shared with my MIL. She took my suggestion and had lunch there with her college friends. Below are some photos of the place. The restaurant has a vintage interior.

Super Comments Award

Thank you Alice for this award. I really appreciate it. I enjoy visiting your blog as often as I can. I also want to thank you for being one of my regular readers. Thank you for always taking time to leave wonderful remarks on my blog.

About this award: "We give and get awards for having a great blog and being a good friend. What I want to award is those people whose comments have meant THE WORLD to me. It takes time to visit a blog and leave a comment ... I wanted to recognize some special bloggers whose comments have made such an impact on me. The “You Don’t Say?” Award is awarded to these special bloggers in hopes that they will pass the award along to 5-10 of their best commenters!"

I would like to pass this award to the following blog friends:

1. Kia
   
2. donG hO
   
3. Sheng
   
4. Salen
   
5. Kay
   
6. Ebie
   
7. Maria
   
8. Cascia
   
9. Janice
10. Louann
    

3 Word Thursdays #24

meme rules:
*photo must have 3 words in it
*post your photo on your site with a link
back to Ma Vie Folle (or grab button)

Reunion With Mommy Bloggers Part II

This is Red Mango's signature line. I agree. We should all make it a point to treat ourselves well. Life is something we should be grateful for. Let's enjoy it as much as we can. Rejoice and live well!

Do you treat yourself well? I hope the answer is 'Yes'.

Red Mango at Trinoma.

It's real frozen yogurt goodness! It's naturally delicious and healthy too. I think it's a fun dessert because you can combine the yogurt (original or green tea) with exciting toppings.

Red Mango Frozen Yogurt

I love the topping selection: mango, blackberry, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, banana, pineapple, coconut, cocoa pebbles, fruity pebbles, almonds, granola, graham crackers, cranberries, dark chocolate, M&Ms and much more.

I chose blueberry and almonds for my toppings.

They have delicious waffles too. I like the heart shapes.

You know what's better than yummy food? Good friends of course. :) I had the privilege to join my mommy blogger friends in another fun get together; this time at Trinoma.

(This photo is courtesy of Jane).

Thank you very much Dine for the delicious lunch and Annamanila for the yummy dessert.

Lunch with mommy bloggers at A Venetto, Trinoma.
Standing (L-R): Jane, Noemi, Cookie, Julie and me
Seated (L-R) Aileen, Annamanila, Dine, V (Chat's lovely daughter) and Chats

Related Post:
Reunion With Mommy Bloggers Part I

A Nice Reunion With Mommy Bloggers

Last Year (March 2008)

Last March 1, 2008, I met Raq and her beautiful family for the first time while they were on vacation in the Philippines. We had dinner at Burgoo (Podium) with other mommy bloggers.

L-R: Raq with daughters, Dine, Noemi, Cookie and Wenchie with their respective daughters, Feng (center), me, Lynn and Julie.

This Year (April 2009)

Raq is back in the country and last Tuesday evening was a perfect opportunity for a nice reunion with other mommy bloggers. The get together was held in the very same place as last year. It was a fun and memorable evening with friends. We missed some of the people from last year but it's nice to meet new friends. I'm very happy to meet Annamanila in person. It was also a pleasure to meet Aileen for the first time.

Back (L-R): Salen, me, Wenchie, Chats, Jane, Dine, Annamanila and Julie Front/Seated (L-R): Noemi, Aileen and Raq

I just love how blogging intertwines people and weaves friendships.


My son, Yohan was delighted to meet my blog friends.
(Photo borrowed from Jane.)

Below are just some of the delicious dishes that evening.

Stone baked pizza

Seasoning the salad.

Seafood Caesar Supreme

Thank you Raq for the delicious dinner and the yummy chocolates.

After dinner I joined some of the mommy bloggers for a round of coffee and pastries. I enjoyed the chit chat and the laughter. I don't get to join them as often as I want but I always appreciate the moments I share with them.

Hope to see you again girls.

Maver's Blog Birthday Bonanza

My blog pal and grade school classmate, Maver of Gossip Gehl is celebrating her 1st blog anniversary in just seven days. She's giving away a Smart Prepaid Broadband Kit! Check out her Blog Birthday Bonanza to learn more.

Fabulous, Kreativ, Blog Love and More

Thank you Alice for awarding me with the Your Blog is Fabulous Award. I really appreciate it. This award comes with a request to share five things I'm addicted to ...

1. Yohan's Hugs and Kisses - My son will always top my list. :)
2. Julia Fordham's CDs - I love all her songs. I never get tired of listening to them.
3. Blueberry Cheesecake - This is my favorite dessert. I always order it.
4. Picture Perfect Moments - I love carrying my handy point-and-shoot camera everywhere. I just love taking photos.
5. Cute Little Nonsense - I love buying cute little stuff/trinkets that catch my interest.

I'm passing this award to Jeanette, Janice, Josiet, Kia, and Liz (MommyBa)

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This Kreativ Blogger award is also from my dear friend Alice. I'm very sorry if I wasn't able to share it sooner.

This award deals with the values we deem important in others. Here are the six values that are important to me, six things I don’t support, and my nomination of six bloggers:

Six values that are important to me:

1. Love
2. Kindness
   
3. Respectfulness
4. Honesty
   
5. Self Disciple
   
6. Sympathy For Others
   

Six things I don’t support:

1. Hatred
   
2. Selfishness
   
3. Lack of Self Tolerance
   
4. Lack of Sympathy
   
5. No Concern For Others
   
6. Hypocrisy
   

My nomination of six bloggers:

1. Odette
2. Jo
3. Evi
4. Fenny
5. Girlie

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Thank you Sasha for this Blog Love award. Please pardon the delay.

1. Put the logo in your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.
3. Pass this award to your Blogger Friends
4. Add your link to the list of participants below
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

Blog Lovers: 1. Soul Anchor 2. Cookie’s Corner 3. Ane of Life According To Me 4. Tales of a Pinay Single Mommy 5. A Girl For All for Status 6. Sasha says… 7. Heart of Rachel 8. YOU'RE NEXT

~~END COPY~~

I'm passing this to Alice, Roselle, Sheng, Shimumsy, Tetcha, and Arlene.

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Thank you very much Tetcha for this great award.

This Award is presented to bloggers who display consistency in any one or a combination of these conditions:
1. The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.
2. The Blog contents inspire, strives to encourage and offers solutions.
3. There is a clear purpose at the Blog, one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs.
4. The Blog is refreshing and creative.
5. The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following steps:
1. Create a Post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award.
2. The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post.
3. Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older posts to support.
4. The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.
5. The Blogger must display the Award at any location at the Blog.

I'm happy that my blog has gained regular readers over the years. I would like to pass this award to each and everyone who takes time to read my posts.