Kaka

Galette at the Sofitel Manila

I've always liked the layout of the lobby area at the Philippine Plaza.  When the hotel was a Westin, we had a lot of good memories there, specially at the Pier 7 where Kong and his golfing buddies would regularly treat us to have Sunday brunch.  Now that the hotel is managed as a Sofitel by Accor, I had thought that obtrusive changes would be made (old restaurant outlets were collapsed to fuse into Spiral), but the current management team has been able to keep the genteel warmth of the lobby bar with the addition of Galette (obviously named after the French crusty cake or the Canadian large cookie).

My brekky was gravlax on a brioche, while my friend had English sausages.  It was a good place to meet, quiet, no disturbances, and we were able to talk business for a good hour or so.  If you will partake of some of the sweet treats (great with black coffee), you can spend up to two to three hours on chit-chat without even noticing the time.  The whole she-bang doesn't come cheap though--prepare around P800 to P1,000 per person in order to enjoy the morning.

Night Jogging Shoes

Little Natalie showed us the latest on fancy footwear--rubber shoes for safe night jogging.  People can see you from a mile away!  Ain't it cute?

Oasis

Kylie had her debut at the Oasis, and we certainly had a wonderful time.  This events place is neatly tucked at the Aurora Boulevard end of the New Manila area.  The entrance seems demure, but as you enter, the beautiful lawn gives off good vibes.  We had the party at the Orchard function room atop the parking area, and the place was nicely decorated with balloon and candles.  The food was yummy and the program went on smoothly, with nary a hitch.  The best part?  Dancing was on till the wee hours of the morning!

Happy 18th birthday, Kylie!

Pancit Ng Taga Malabon

Yes, I was still hungry... So I thought to go to the next stall, to purchase a bowl of Pancit Malabon (roughly P100) from Pancit Ng Taga Malabon.   The brand is around 50 years old, and the specialty is originally from the clan's recipe of Pancit Bam-i, but flavored with shrimps, squid and oysters.  Still tastes great!

Pat-Lin

Roving around the Trinoma Mall made me hungry... I was already able to buy my man-purse so I found some time to calm my queasy tummy.  Chinese lumpia this time at the Pat Lin store in the fast-food area of Landmark Supermarket.  For P80 I found myself a healthy afternoon veggie snack!  The spring roll has carrots, cabbage, turnips, a little pork, some tofu, and they sprinkle on some fried bihon, hoti (seaweed), ground peanuts and sugar.  Not bad, but I didn't get enough to quash the grumble...

The Belgian

Yummy chocolates!  My friend Edwina gave me a box of great melt-in-your-mouth coffee flavored chocolate pralines simply called The Belgian.  Smooth, rich and so wonderful! Where can I get more?