Life by S

Semper Ad Meliora

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The vulnerable

Because she was scared of getting her heart broken into million pieces. Like she wasn’t build to be inside other people’s world. And that she couldn’t submerge into a superificial realm she had no patience to grasp.

But destiny had some ways to make her believe. To make her jump into the unknown. And to he dredged out of the dreadful mud and to be taken away by the greatest flood humanity had…

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The Good Ones 

It’s been so long since I wrote like this. I think it is much easier to write whenever I’m feeling down or sad. There’s so much beauty in misery that translating it to literature becomes a masterpiece.

But it is hard for me to write about happiness. And I wonder why. 

How could a celebration of joyous moments stops you from telling the tale? 

I guess the heart wants to keep the good ones more…

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Paris in Cebu

Wander with S and be a Parisian for a night

Like so many of us, I am dreaming of setting foot to the most romantic place on the earth–Paris.

As much as I would like to be there this instant, my resources fail me at the present time. So instead of mulling over my inability to travel, let me just show you how I got a taste of Paris (if you can call it like that considering how much it will fall…

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Perfect Valentine's Gift: How to Make a Photobook

Perfect Valentine’s Gift: How to Make a Photobook

Wander with S and make your perfect Vday gift1

Whenever I post my fresh-from-shipping photobooks online, or when I let my friends see them, I always get a number of questions from them. How, where, how much, etc. So I figured why not make a post on how to have your own photobook?

Back in the days, photo albums were a staple in every home, placed under the table in the center of our salas.…

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9 Things To Remember When Canyoneering

Wander with S and jump for joy!

  It was something I totally not have thought of doing until I saw videos and blogs of it. Surely, Canyoneering is a dreadful thought if you are afraid of heights and always veering away from dangerous stunts. But why we did it? Up until now, I still don’t know why. LOL.

According to Wikipedia, Canyoning, or Canyoneering, is travelling in canyons using a variety of…

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Airbnb in Cebu

Wander with S and spend your vacation with Airbnb Disclaimer: This isn’t a sponsored post. I just want to share our Airbnb experience to give you readers an option when you go out of town or the country. 

It is my second time booking with Airbnb. The first was when we went to Hong Kong where we rented a huge flat for 2 nights and it was the best decision ever because it was affordable and roomy,…

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STravels: Cebu, a rundown

STravels: Cebu, a rundown

I’ve been stalling. Or must be too lazy. But hey, here I am now, going to talk to you about our most recent trip, our year ender–CEBU!!!

I sounded so excited, but I can’t help it! It was over two weeks but I can’t still move on. I will try to collect my memories to give you a blow by blow account of what happened during our 4 days and 3 nights stay in the Queen City of the South. I will be…

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Butterworld: The newest bakeshop in town

Butterworld: The newest bakeshop in town

Wander with S and take a bite of fresh, baked goods!

I am a fan of anything baked. I don’t know, I just love breads and pastries. The effort, time and money it requires, it just makes the finished product all the more precious. That’s why I felt giddy when I saw a bunch of baked goods right in front of me, one sunny Sunday.

Located at Plaridel Square Bldg. Angeles City Pampanga, Butterworld is…

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GirlTrends and Hashtag Paulo Angeles at Food Choices Marquee Mall

GirlTrends and Hashtag Paulo Angeles at Food Choices Marquee Mall

  November 20, 2016, Angeles City, Pampanga — With the completion of its expansion area, MarQuee Mall excitedly shares its additional dining hub, the Food Choices! Ms. Rowena Tomeldan, Head of the Ayala Malls Group, Ayala Land Inc., leads the ribbon cutting ceremony together with Ms. Peachy Atendido, General Manager for Marquee Mall, and ABS CBN’s Girl Trends — Miho Nishida, Loisa Andalio, Maris…

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Why I will go back to Wang Fu

I never heard of Wang Fu before. But I love Chinese food so when Mark and I saw it in Marquee, I am sold! Plus, I’ve been craving for dumplings for weeks already at that time and I badly need my fix.

I did not take photos that much inside because I was too busy anticipating for our order and when it came, I am too engrossed with the food.

 It was my first time to heard of Salted Egg Chicken and…

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Art Is Alive

I have been surrounded by creative people all my life. From the moment I joined a simple art class way back when I was in sixth grade, I’ve became more curious and slightly jealous, of those people who really are great with their hands.

I can confidently say I can draw…when I am in my creative mood. But that’s just about it. I can doodle. I can imitate characters. But yeah, that’s just the…

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A Taste of Tradition: Apag Marangle 

Wander with S and taste authentic Kapampangan dishes

And now we’re down to the last restaurant from our tour and it is no other than–Apag Marangle!

A friend, who is not a Kapampangan, will visit our province and will ask you where can he taste authentic Kapampangan dishes…what will your answer be?

One of the top of mind answers I have will definitely be this restaurant.

Apag Marangle, which…

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TOFARM FILM FESTIVAL TO PREMIERE IN DIFFERENT PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES

TOFARM Film Festival, a competition dedicated to creating awareness on the triumphs and struggles of the farmers and their industry as a whole, is set to tour its six entries to different provinces in the Philippines starting August 24, 2016. This is an effort done to boost understanding and familiarity of the public on the real issues that our kababayans in the agricultural sector are facing,…

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Where your roots are: A dining experience at Cafe Fleur by Chef Sau

Where your roots are: A dining experience at Cafe Fleur by Chef Sau

Wander with S and be inspired by the story behind this old house turned into a food haven

“Do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

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Wander with S and experience Christmas all the days of the year!

Ber months are coming, how time flies! The festive holiday season is near and in no time everyone will be preparing for it. But inside a nice and dainty restaurant, every day is Christmas. And it is called Cafe Noelle.

Named after her daughter, Chef Judy Uson put this restaurant up with Noelle’s favorite occasion in mind–Christmas. And who wouldn’t feel right at home if everything you see reminds you of holidays?

As soon as we settled on our designated table, Chef Judy gave us a brief history of this beautiful restaurant. Cafe Noelle opened its doors last December 2012 which is located in Greenfields Square, Mac Arthur Hi-way, Sindalan San Fernando Pampanga. Then 2 years later, a branch was put up inside SM Clark.

Chef prepared us a specific set of menu, a feast my tummy won’t reject. One by one, Cafe Noelle’s efficient staff served the dishes. Mouth-watering food were laid on our table, I can’t wait to taste everything!

Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip

A creamy and luscious dip made with artichoke hearts, spinach, and a bend of cheese

As soon as I took a bite of this, I knew the food that will follow will be great. It is so delicious I could eat this the whole day! I don’t even know how to move on from this.

Truffle Fries

Crispy shoestring fries tossed with parmesan cheese and basil, and given a final toss with white truffle oil. 

Doesn’t this remind you of Pik-Nik? This starter is for sharing and perfect to munch on while waiting for your main dish.

Mom’s Quinoa Salad

High-protein quinoa with red sugar beets, almond slices and feta cheese, tossed w/ raspberry balsamic dressing

I haven’t tried eating quinoa and sugar beets ever, so I seriously don’t know what to expect. I am very wary of food I have no idea about their taste so I was hesitant at first to try this salad. But curiosity won, and I don’t regret trying it. I love how my taste buds love this. This is a new salad made by Chef Judy and I am not yet sure if it’s now available in their branches.

Salad Noelle

Cafe Noelle’s best seller. A delicious salad made with a medley of fresh greens, candied walnuts, and fruits, topped with creamy cheese balls and drizzled with Sesame-Mirin Dressing

Cheese balls and fresh greens? I don’t even have to think twice. No wonder this salad is a best seller!

No, these are not freak shakes. But you will freak out on how much flavorful and rich these shakes are! Normally I don’t like shakes because they sometimes get too sweet. And I am not a Strawberry person but this particular shake, man, I could finish it all! Their Chocolate Shake too, the taste, what can I say? It just fits my criteria.

Roast Beef Sandwich

Thin slices of tender roast beef in our special house sauce, topped with crispy onions

Now, now, now, sandwiches! I don’t know how to emphasize my love of sandwiches and I am very particular to my preference on how my sandwich should be. This Roast Beef sandwich is very flavorful and have a generous amount of the beef. The sandwich is a meal in itself, it could fill up a tummy.

Chicken Apple Walnut

Classic chunky chicken spread with green apple and candied walnuts

Walnuts? Apple? Chicken? All in a sandwich? I haven’t come across one so having a bite on this one is a new experience to me. And I think I would have one again next time.

Now let’s get to main dishes shall we?

Home-style Roast Beef

Tender slices of slow-roasted beef smothered with our creamy mushroom sauce. 

It is so tender I didn’t have a hard time chewing this.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Crispy fried chicken tossed with a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce

I love chicken dishes, and this added to my piling favorites!

Grilled Twin Porkchop

Spice-rubbed pork chops seasoned and grilled to perfection

At this point I thought there’s nothing that could mar the insanely delicious dishes served to us. And this pork chop this didn’t disappoint!

Salmon Salpicao

Sauteed chunks of Norwegian salmon in buttery garlic goodness.

I’ve tried chicken and beef salpicao before and again, it’s my first time to eat a salmon version of this dish. And I usually don’t like salmon but this dish, a thumbs up!

Pastas were also served and here are they.

(Start: bottom left, clockwise)

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Healty and light olive-oil based pasta with sundried tomatoes and olives

I am not much a fan of pasta having tomatoes but this dish made me want to finish the whole plate.

Truffled Mushroom Pasta

Creamy wild mushroom pasta drizzled with premium French White Truffle Oil. 

I’ve been reading a lot about people going crazy over dishes with truffle oil and I had no idea what was that, and so I was excited to eat this particular pasta just to know why they’re raving about the truffle. After tasting this though, I knew I have to have more of this.

Spinach Mozzarella Ravioli

Italian pasta stuffed with mozzarella cheese and spinach in pesto cream and marinara sauce

Ravioli? Did you say ravioli? Okay, I’m sold!! I was giddy upon seeing this dish and I can’t wait to devour it. I was in pasta heaven after having a bite of this. Can I have this every second of my life?

Desserts were served too and even if we were already full, of course, who were we to say no?

The Impossible cake, aptly named because of the complicated way to bake it– baking the cake & leche flan at the same time. The Banoffee Pie, which is a traditional English dessert made from bananas, cream, and toffee. And of course, the S’mores. I do not want to leave the table anymore!

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  What can I say? Trying out Cafe Noelle’s dishes is a feast in itself. I could not extend my sincere gratitude to Chef Judy for having us on that fine Sunday brunch at their SM Clark branch. I could not stress enough how much I enjoyed every moment we were there. Every one was so accommodating. Chef Judy’s daughter, Noelle, is a charming young lady. It was also a privilege to get to know Chef Judy, who is a celebrity in her own right (which I very much think is an understatement considering all of her achievements) but she didn’t strike as a standoffish kind but instead so warm, so welcoming, much like what Cafe Noelle makes me feel.

To experience first hand the Christmas magic, head over Cafe Noelle now!

Follow them on Instagram: @cafenoelleph, like them on Facebook Cafe Noelle and visit their website, www.cafenoelle.com.

    #SDines: Cafe Noelle

Wander with S and experience Christmas all the days of the year! Ber months are coming, how time flies!

#SDines: Cafe Noelle Wander with S and experience Christmas all the days of the year! Ber months are coming, how time flies!

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#SDines: Toll House, the food I grew up with

#SDines: Toll House, the food I grew up with

Wander with S and taste a little bit of her childhood!

Serving Angeleños for 28 years and counting, Toll House is inarguably one of the reasons why Pampanga is dubbed as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. With its delicious family recipes and affordable prices, dining in Toll House is worth every cent.

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Abe's Farm

Abe’s Farm

Wander with S and get lost inside a 4-hectare farm!

The Pampanga Restaurant Tour had kicked off and first on the list is none other than, Abe’s Farm.

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