HoliDATE at Bistro Ravioli, Glorietta, Makati City

To cap our long weekend, we decided to go out and stroll around the neaby malls (Glorietta and Landmark) in Makati City.  Our initial plan was to window shop, buy some stuffs in the grocery and go home; but due to some unexplained reason, everything changed. We opted to eat first (again) and try look for a restaurant that will satisfy our crave, at that moment, for pizza and pasta. Our search did not disappoint.  Our feet led us to Bistro Ravioli, a small italian restaurant in Glorietta.

All Day Breakfast at KANTO FREESTYLE in Makati

Yesterday afternoon, after attending church services, we went to the newly-opened branch of Kanto Freestyle in Makati City to satisfy our cravings for delicious all-day breakfast foods. This branch, by the way, is located near the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church in Barangay Poblacion. Unlike their branch in Mandaluyong, this one is more "private" and spacious. The only negative feedback we have (at least for us) were the accelerating cars just in front of the place. The cars were creating too much noise and smoke affecting the overall ambiance of the place.

Mang Rudy's Tuna Grill and Papaitan at Makati Avenue

Yesterday night, before ending our long weekend, we decided to walk around the neighborhood and nearby areas to look for a place where we can eat. Our feet and hungry tummy led us to Makati Avenue, home to restaurants and bars in the financial district. 

Right across the famous A.VENUE Mall is Mang Rudy's Tuna Grill and Papaitan. We heard about this food hub from an UBER driver a few weeks ago.  According to the driver, the food, especially Pork Sisig, is best tasting and affordable (Word of Mouth Marketing at work).  And so, our curiosity triggered. We tried out their Pork Sisig at Php. 210.00.   

IN REVIEW: The Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City

The Newtown Plaza Hotel is located in C.M. Recto Street corner Leonard Wood Road in Baguio City. It is a relatively new hotel in town; very evident by its new furniture, interiors and facade. The Korean translations in every signage within the hotel vicinity made us think that the owner/s might be Korean Nationals; or it might be that the main target market of the hotel are Koreans who, according to the Department of Tourism Website, are the number one foreign visitors of the country by far. Nonetheless, our overall stay in this hotel was very convenient and satisfying. 

Back-to-back Birthday Celebrations at MAD MARK'S Kapitolyo

RLF: Last Sunday afternoon, we had a sumptous meal at Mad Mark's in Kapitolyo, Pasig City.  This is to celebrate two birthday celebrants in the group: myself and my friend, Jennie. It was a short meeting I would say, but definitely filled with candid interactions which will add-on to our friendship memories worth remembering. 

Tunnels and Mushrooms at Rizal Technological University

No one would ever think that a historical underground tunnel can be found inside the Rizal Technological University Campus in Mandaluyong City.  I, for myself, marveled upon seeing this right in front of my very eyes.  A piece of GEM in the Philippine World War II history!

According to some University Staff that I've spoke with, the tunnel dates back during the World War II. No one has ever dared to explore its whole stretch because of fear of snakes and other unknown species that might be thriving there. 

Currently, the entrance of the tunnel is being used as a "room" for commercial and experimental cultivation of different mushroom species. You see, even places with a heart-rending past can be transformed into a life-generating "machinery." The very minimal light and relative warmth inside the tunnel makes it conducive for a fruitful mushroom cultivation. 

If anyone wishes to learn mushroom cultivation and have a glimpse of the historical tunnel, you may reach out to the University's Biological Sciences Department and look for Prof. Medalla. 

Not by BREAD alone, but by LOVE!

RLF: Last saturday evening, my wife bought me a delicious treat from WILDFLOUR Cafe + Bakery.  Two different breads (don't know the names) were inside the take-out box. By plain eating, the breads  tasted ordinary, but not until the chocolate dip came into the scene. The chocolate dip gave the bread a flavourful taste which will make you crave for more.

Like the chocolate dip, our faith in JESUS gives meaning to our existence. Had He not changed our lives (and hearts); we probably wouldn't experience the freedom and grace that we feel today. 

In the gospels, the BREAD is the Body of Christ. We, on the other hand, as members of the Church, are His Mystical Body. We are called to be BREAD for others. That means, we must always be ready to be broken, shared and consumed by others - the way JESUS did the same. In short, we must be life-givers in the same way JESUS, the Bread of Life, is.    

Remember that we live not by bread alone - fancy bread for that matter - but by the LOVE OF JESUS and His life-giving Words.   

JESUS said: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” -John 6:51