Something Good, Something Purple, Something OPEN!

The long wait is oven! Oh wait, did I just say “oven”?  YES!!! I just did! Do you remember the time I wrote about going to Purple Oven (A Very Purple Oven)? Well since then, I have been able to sample some of their sweet creations via gifts, friends, etc. Also, since then I have been dreaming of a branch closer to home. I live near Tomas Morato (a street-full of restaurants, bistros, cafes, and the like) so I really wished they would have a store since our area was a gastronomical one.

guarantee!

 Finally my wish came true! You may now visit their new cozy but spacious branch at F7 Rallos Building. I really liked the place where they are in because they have more sitting area, both indoor and outdoor. They also serve coffee! They still serve their scrumptious cakes, delectable munchies (such as crinckles, brownies, etc.), and their delicious breads and pastries. They still have a schedule as to what is baked and sold at a specific time; so make sure you note your favorite pastry schedule down. J

their spacious store

goodies

CAKESSSSS

During my trip to their new place, I bought their chocolate lava (bought in 6’s) to be brought and eaten at home. So when I got home, my family and I sampled the chocolate lava and boy was it good! (NOTE: When buying and eating to-go chocolate lava, make sure to heat it in an oven toaster to have the full lava effect) My family and I did not heat it, so our chocolate lava was a bit cold. BUT, it was still yummy. The center was like a chocolate pudding and it went well with the rest of the dessert. This dessert also goes well with ice cream especially when the chocolate lava is heated.

Chocolate lava

Up close and personal with the Chocolate Lavas :)

Got some Purple Oven favorites and recommendations? Comment below! J

Till next time!

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by writer, if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

Sun, Sea, Sand, Surf … Repeat (Late Post)

 At the beginning of the year I listed down as one of my goals for this year was to experience 14 new things in 2014, whether it be a major achievement or a tiny triumph. So far I’m in ninth. My ninth experience happened during this summer vacation.

Just before the week of going back to work, yes it’s my second year of work already, I had a chance to spend three days and three nights with my family in one of the newest (in my opinion) tourists’ spot in the Philippines. This was Baler (in Aurora region, north of Manila).

A welcome view from our room

Different Shades of Blue

waves!

My trip to Baler was actually a bit of a surprise since it was unplanned. My father just happened to come across a magazine article featuring the place where we stayed while in Baler (will tell you more about this in a while). He called up the place, made reservations, and the next thing we knew we were in Baler. During our vacation in Baler, we stayed in Costa Pacifica. It was such a beautiful place. And we had a great room! It was facing the Pacific Ocean. The staffs were very accommodating even when there were a lot of tourists. The food was also wonderful. They served both local and international cuisines. They would also have specials from Baler. I particularly enjoyed their waffles, pizza, and suman (rice cake).  Well, my family and I didn’t just stay in the hotel. Of course we went out and explored the different sights in the area. We were able to visit the Museo de Baler (if you want to know the history of the place this museum would be perfect), House of Aurora (mother of the past president of the Philippines), and the Baler Church. All these three are very near to the hotel. You may walk or ride a tricycle since it’s just in the town proper. Another place that we were able to go to was the Millennium Tree.  There were still more sights that we were not able to visit due to the time constraints of our trip. But I highly recommend that you visit the Mother falls. These are all for adventure and nature junkies.

Museo de Baler

Baler Church

Sunset by the Church

Millenium Tree

a really big balete tree

 Now going back to my 9^th experience, the 9^th first time thing that I did was to learn how to surf. One morning, my brother and I decided to give surfing a go. A little backstory, I just watched the movie Chasing Mavericks, so I was inspired to try surfing and besides it looked easy in the movie. Boy was I wrong! It was hard work. I had to learn to stand in time to ride a wave. I had to learn to balance to continue staying afloat on the board.  Lastly, I had to learn to keep on trying even if I would fall every so often. I have to say it was painful, tiring, and somehow a little humiliating (there were pro surfers and fast learners in the area), but it was all so worth it because after an hour of surfing lessons… I WAS ABLE TO SURF! I was able to ride a few waves and it felt so wonderful and so exhilarating! At first I hesitated and doubted myself, but surfing taught me to just do it. I thought that you had to be a great swimmer to surf, but my surfing instructor said that even a person like me, very poor swimmer, could do it. And I did! So if you’re in doubt, don’t be afraid to try. Just make sure you have the right instructor. Along the coast of Baler you will be able to see different surfing instructors. You may hire them to teach you. For me and my brother, we opted to seek help from the surf instructors situated beside Costa Pacifica (sorry, I forgot the name). The instructors were very patient and helpful. I really enjoyed this new experience even if it involved tons of fails. Definitely a check to my imaginary bucket list. 

Cowabunga!

So that’s that! I definitely enjoyed my short but SWEET (cliche surfer tone) vacation at Baler. Till Next time!

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by writer,  if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

Bonus pictures:

Sunrise at Baler (I woke up at around 4 am and watched the sky and scenery change.... twas such a beauty)

nautical dawn

what a view from my bed

hello Mr. Sun

Sunrise

One Short Day in the Emerald City

It’s been a month and three days since I watched Wicked the Musical. It was a dream come true! I have and will always love the story of the Wizard of Oz, so I fell in love with Wicked.  

To those who are not familiar with the storyline of Wicked, (ALERT! ALERT! SPOILER AHEAD!) it is a story behind the happenings in Oz. It explains why there are different witches, why Elphaba (the wicked witch of the west) is green, why the Lion is Cowardly, how the Tin Man came to be, how Dorothy came to Oz, and so much more. I love the story so much because it not only is a background and a revisit to the real Oz, but it also tackles issues that are commonly seen today; such as the influence of power and fame, truth versus relativity, being unique and different to a square world, and others. It deals with so many issues and different kinds of relationships. And this makes Wicked appealing and relatable.

My other reasons for loving Wicked are the songs and scores. Who has not heard “Defying Gravity” or “For Good” and have not felt goose bumps or have not melted. The actors were flawless when they sang the different songs. Partnering their great singing was the equally great choreography.  It had more modern influences and was beautifully executed.  The cast and crew certainly placed their best foot forward. The cast were so endearing (I even got a picture with one of them J ).  

I would definitely watch Wicked again and again if they come back. Gahhhhhh… I’m still gushing over my experience. I just feel so ecstatic whenever I relive that two and a half hour of tragically beautiful artistry. Kudos to the Australian Wicked company!

Below are pictures of my Wicked experience. Enjoy!

Ticket to a Magical Afternoon

“Happy is what happens when all your dreams come true.”

"Changed for the better"

We signed (lower right)

“It's just life, so keep dancing through.” 

With the Wickedly Talented Ali Calder (plays Elphaba)

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by my Wicked buddies Jamey and TJ (thanks!), if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

Struck Down, BUT Not Destroyed

I have been in a blog hiatus for a couple of months now because I wanted to direct you, my readers, to focus in praying for and helping the Philippines, specifically the islands in Visayas, who were gravely affected by typhoon Haiyan. I would like to formally thank everyone who remembered the Philippines in their prayers. And I would also like to express my gratitude to those who went the extra mile by donating things or by coming to the Philippines and help rebuild communities and lives.

Below are some photos of areas affected by the typhoon. (All these photos were taken by my father, thanks Pa!)

Tent Houses

rubles all over the city of Tacloban

washed out houses in Leyte

a fishing village now destroyed

aerial view of Leyte (white things are tent houses) 

let's continue to rebuild lives!

Once again thank you! Please do continue to pray for the Philippines as reconstruction of homes and lives are ongoing. The Philippines might have been struck down but the Filipino Spirit is not destroyed.

In the coming weeks, please stay tuned for exciting blogs coming your way. J

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by my father Zee A., if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

The title of the blog is inspired from the song Trading My Sorrows

Help The Philippines

To all my readers and to passersby, as you might have heard or watched the Philippines, particularly the Visayan region, has been greatly affected by one of the strongest typhoons. I am asking for your help. Together let’s help ease even a bit of the pain of my countrymen. Thousands have lost their things, homes… and sadly their loved ones. Right now, thousands of men, women, elderly, and children are becoming sick and hungry. Donations in cash or in kind are badly needed. Help in packing and distributing relief goods are also needed. Here are some ways to help

For Local help (Philippines):

For International help:

(the following information are quoted from Time World)

UNICEF is supporting relief efforts by helping displaced families find access to shelter, clean water, food and vaccines and airlifting $1.3 million of additional supplies from its Copenhagen warehouse. You can donate online, call 1-800-367-5437 or text RELIEF to 864233.

The Philippine Red Cross is providing a tracking service for family members looking for missing people. The organization is accepting donations on its website (100 PHP = $2.30) and is looking for volunteers to help assemble relief packages at its headquarters in Manila.

The American Red Cross has also activated a family-tracking service for those looking for a missing family member in the Philippines. Donors can send a check to their local chapter, indicating “Philippines Typhoons and Floods” in the memo line.

The World Food Programme is mobilizing 40 metric tons of high-energy biscuits and additional relief supplies, but it is also accepting donations online or by calling 1-202-747-0722 or +39-06-65131 from outside the U.S.

CARE is accepting donations on its website and has deployed workers to the Philippines to assist with emergency relief. You can donate by phone at 1-800-521-2273 or +1-404-681-2252 for international calls.

Oxfam has emergency responders on the ground to assist with relief support. The organization is asking for contributions to its Typhoon Haiyan Relief and Recovery Fund online.

International Medical Corps is also on the ground to help assess damage and is accepting donations on its emergency-response page for Haiyan relief.

ChildFund International is distributing clean water, food, blankets and other emergency aid items. Staff members are also setting up child-centered spaces in evacuation centers to offer counseling and relief for children and their families. Donate online. 

One of the best help that we all can give is our prayers. Remember my countrymen; remember my country in your prayers.  Thank you once again. May God bless you in return

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” 
John Bunyan

-DOT-

Sources:

Picture from Hands on Manila

International Sources fromhttp://world.time.com/2013/11/10/how-to-help-typhoon-victims/

A Very Purple Oven

Sounds intriguing right? A purple oven?

Tucked in the quiet San Antonio Plaza Arcade at Mckinley Road, Taguig is a cute cozy bakeshop called Purple Oven. They bake and sell scrumptious pastries and cakes. Their products are guaranteed fresh since they sell goodies fresh from the oven. They even have a schedule on what pastry will be out – this means that not all their pastries are available all the time so make sure you catch their schedule. Purple oven sells a variety of cakes from classic sans rival to chocolate dome cake to lemon torte to cheesecakes!! You name it! They also have a bunch of savory pastries such as quiche tinapa and ham and cheese croissants.  

I recently visited Purple Oven in San Antonio; I forgot to mention they have four more branches in Luzon. When I went to Purple Oven I just had lunch with a friend so we decided to buy something sweet. Upon entering, the store felt so homey yet sophisticated. There were arrays of cakes in one side of the store and another array of pastries on the opposite side. I gravitated towards the cakes, but I saw that cake orders are not per slice rather as a whole. So, I choose to buy their Fudge Brownie and my friend bought their Chocolate Crinkles. The brownie was moist and it had walnuts inside. I loved it because it was not too sweet. It had the right bitterness and sweetness to it. It also had a crunchy and chewy balance. My friend too was pleased with the crinkles. I brought home the rest of the brownie (because each purchase is a pack of 16 slices) and my parents and brother loved it. Looks like I’ll be back soon J.

cakes! cakes! cakes!

Quiche and Croissants 

doughnuts!!

turnovers :D

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by writer, if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

P.S. Sorry I forgot to take photos of the brownie and crinkle L next time J

Slice of Life

Hello! Hello! Happy July everyone! I am now part of the labor force. J So, I might have lesser time to blog, but be rest assured that I am still exploring different places and tasting different food to share to you all. J

To start of July, here are some sweet treats to munch on. If you have been following my blogs you would get a hint that I love sweets. Just recently my mom brought home cakes by Heny Sison from Victorino’s. Side info: Victorino’s is a restaurant located at 11th Jamboree St. corner Scout Rallos. It is a restaurant devoted to Ilocano (member of a people inhabiting northwestern Luzon in the Philippines) dishes. Also found there are pastries and cakes from Heny Sison.

So who is Heny Sison you may ask….only one of the best pastry chef and cake designer in the Philippines!!! J So tasting cakes from Heny Sison was such a joy and a treat. My mother brought home five cake slices namely, strawberry shortcake, red velvet cake, apple pie, blueberry cheesecake, and carrot cake. May I just gush that ALL the slices were scrumptious. I loved the strawberry shortcake and the red velvet. I enjoyed the shortcake because of the real strawberry fillings between the yummy chiffon and topped with whip cream (I think that they made their own whip cream because of the light consistency that married well to the whole cake. I also loved the red velvet slice because of the yummy cream filling. It was like eating a very good red velvet cupcake. The apple pie, carrot cake, and blueberry cheesecake were also good! I liked them because they were made with the real deal balanced with the right amount of sweetness. Tasting slices of Heny Sison cakes were so good!  Will definitely try more.  

slice of life :)

strawberry shortcake

apple pie

red velvet cake

blueberry and carrots <3

- Dot-

Photos are personally owned by writer, if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J