Chilli Cheese Cake

Long Weekend in Photos :)

2010-10-27T12:49:00.000+08:00

DH and I claimed his Resorts World Manila Gold Card on Friday. We ate dinner at Ginzadon - Japanese resturant. We had the basics - sashimi, maki, tempuram gindara, agedashi tofu, and yasai-itame :) The food was good! Then we ht the slots just to try them out :) since our cards were loaded with Php100 gambling credits. Then it was off to Republiq. It has been ages since I last went into a club or enjoyed the experience as well. :) We are definitely coming back :)

Sunday was family day at our favorite Tagaytay hang-out -- Taal Vista. There was a cultural show, which Julia loves to watch. The food was scrumptious, as always :)

and oh a couple of bag purchases :) (uh-oh)

I hope you all had a fun long weekend as well :)

His and Hers Day at H :)

2010-10-14T20:33:00.000+08:00

Hubby's birthday is coming up. So I got him a watch, as planned. Not the brand that I wanted since I was way overboard with my spending. I had to settle with something a little bit more "practical".
Today I decided to get him another "practical" gift :) What can be more practical for a man than a belt!
Oh yeah so I got one for myself too. Kasi nga it is practical...LOL. But these belts are gorgeous. I wanted to get the white one too...but that would be way overboard...AGAIN. Besides if I did that I would end up buying more for me than for DH. Hmmmmmm.....

On A Ban!!!!

2010-10-07T13:59:00.000+08:00

I have been on self imposed bag buying ban for two weeks now. I am now on my third week. Last week was pretty easy since DH was here and I was very busy with a lot of things. We went out a lot, so my mind wasn't really on buying anything new. I rarely turned on my laptop too. So I couldn't look at my "temptations". And then come Monday, I received an SMS -- Blue de Prusse Birkin 35 is now in store and a " special bag" please check your email inbox". I didn't even think --- I hope I did. I just clicked on my inbox. And there she was...

Arghhhhh!!!! No, NO, NO, NO! I don't like it. I don't even dream of it. Heck, I can't afford it.
No, why would I write about it?
Torture me, why not? :(

A Very SWEET Gift!

2010-09-24T19:52:00.000+08:00

If there is any other material thing aside from bags and watches that I love in this world its -- SWEETS! My BGF Paolo arrived at our house on the afternoon of my birthday carrying a huge box. He said it was from Diane, my other very good friend. I was actually intimidated to open the box. But once I opened it -- I could not even utter a word in my awe...

Because I love bags...


And I was always at the beach...

Yes, I was 30...

These cupacakes were made by Rhee Garcia -- And I can say that she is one talented girl! I've eaten my share of fondant cakes -- heck my wedding cake was one. And based on my experience they are pretty to look at, but once you bite into them, you realize it's all just a facade. BUT these, THESE cupcakes had the moistest, yummiest cakes in them!!! I kid you not! They can stand a max of 5 days at room temperature. I was told not to put them in the fridge since this will cause moisture and destroy the fondant icing. But alas they only survived 3 days before they were all gone! Teehee! :)

This absolutely made my 30th sweeter! I loved it, everybody else that got to taste them loved them and I cannot pass on the opportunity to write about them!

To get in touch with her for extremely beautiful and outrageously YUMMY cakes or cupcake you may email her rheagarcia@gmail.com.

JUST ARRIVED: The Birthday Package

2010-09-15T12:00:00.000+08:00

Mulberry OS Alexa in Oak

She's here! I know, I know another bag. But hey it's my birthday and I'm gonna party like it's my birthday! I would like to welcome the Mulberry Alexa to my small collection.

The plum Alexa was beautiful too, but since there was a wait list, oak was really my second choice :)

I can go for a rest now --from buying bags. Just for a while, I'm sure if I see a new bag, this viscous cycle will start all over again. LOL. Bissous

Jane

New at Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club

2010-09-14T16:18:00.000+08:00

Photo from Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club

Travelogue: My Not So Ordinary Cebu

2010-09-14T16:01:00.000+08:00

When my husband was assigned to be based in Cebu, I could not bear to leave Manila. So we decided to have to homes. As months passed I discovered a Cebu that is different from the tourist trade. See Cebu from the eyes of a Manila Girl who loves Cebu.

Can you guess where this is?

Guadalupe Church

View from our condo at night.

Ayala Center Cebu during rush hour.

Our condo building in the heart of the City.


This was just before the Earth Hour 2010. Sad to say majority did NOT turn off their lights :(

Shot taken from the new hi-way.

Bag-a-holic Adventures: Shameless Plug - Chanel Single Flap FOR SALE!

2010-09-14T15:06:00.000+08:00

Chanel Single Flap in Black Lambskin with GHW

I just had to post this. This beautiful bag needs to be adopted. It's a timeless classic and more importantly its a Chanel. If anyone is interested you may send me an email at jane_espiritu01@yahoo.com.ph.

Random Thoughts: Chopsuey Over 30

2010-09-07T21:51:00.000+08:00

Its so often that we look at the misfortune of others to realize how good our lives. Why is it that we do not seem to feel "complete" with what we have and what we have been blessed with. I always hear other people comment, " Ay kawawa naman siya. Buti na lang ako hindi ganon." I am guilty of uttering these words a few times. Then I look back and I contemplate - why can't I just be content with what I have. Why do I crave for more? Greed? Vanity? Do we always have to look at the negatives of others to see OUR positives? In a world of superficial materialism how can we overcome these urges?

When I lost my father to cancer in 1997, I am sure a lot people pitied us. My mom, my sister and of course my youngest brother. Who at that time was only 9 years of age. I am also sure that these people realized that we should not take anyone for granted. I do not say the word anything --- since, most of the time the most important things are the ones we cannot see or touch. And more often than not the people that we love are responsible for these intangible things.

Our drive for excellence may also drives us to be greedy at times. It may seem that our only purpose in life is to be better than our neighbor. Better car, better house, better things, better wife (?), better kids and the list goes on. Have you ever been genuinely happy for the success of one of your friends and not to wish them ill-will that one day it will all disappear. One day you will have your time.

Soon I will celebrate my 30th year of life. And I can say that have come to a point that I am truly thankful for my life and the people in it. I am not a saint and say that there no times that I wonder if I took the opposite direction. But the thought just dies --- it has no sense. Why should I contemplate on something that I can never have. When the things that are most important to me are here, NOW. I will not waste my time. I am 30 -- and I may live till I am a hundred or not. I have learned to live in the now. Not tomorrow, and most especially not yesterday. Because now I am here - I can show the people that I love what I feel, I can laugh with my friends, I can kiss my Julia and tell her that I will do anything for her.

So, how about you? Will you waste your time looking at the misfortune of others to appreciate who you have? Will you just let everyday pass only to realize that its too late?

Turning 30 has made me realize -- that this is already a lifetime. And I am grateful.

So to 30 years, to life, to NOW, I say sante! :)

These are the moments that I will never trade for ANYTHING.

Food Trip: Breakfast with Mary Grace

2010-09-06T17:28:00.000+08:00

Interiors at Mary Grace Cafe at ATC

Julia and I decided to have breakfast at Mary Grace at Alabang Town Center. It was our first time. The interiors had a very homey feel to it. I love the stained glass lamps and the large glass windows!

As we were browsing through the menu, we could not help but notice the cake fridge. Lo and behold that there were cakes in every delectable manner possible. On the top most shelf there was a uber-white strawberry cake with gigantic strawberries and in the middle, a rich cheesecake. But what caught my eye was the Velvet Cake, with its creamy white frosting and chocolate droplets, DD and I had to buy it.


Mary Grace Velvet Cake

Its made up of a super moist chocolate cake and the frosting is actually made from a cream cheese base. Julia could not wait to taste it! ( Me too!)

Mary Grace Beef Tapa with Garlic Rosemary Rice

We had the tapa for breakfast. Which was great too. The Rosemary Garlic rice was divine. I was surprised that Julia loved it as well.

Julia reading a story while we waited for our order.

We finished breakfast around 11 am, just in time to go home and wait for daddy to come home from Tagaytay.

If you have a sweet tooth, like I do, Mary Grace is a place you'd want to visit. They already have branches at Serendra, Fort Bonifacio,Trinoma Mall, Quezon City, Robinsons Place Manila, Corte de los Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Rockwell Business Center, Ortigas and soon to open at St. Luke's Hospital, Fort Global City. You may visit their website to entice and tempt your tastebuds.

Random Thoughts: And it's Friday Again

2010-09-03T00:39:00.000+08:00

The weekend is here! Happy, happy, joy, joy! Another week ahead. And if you guys are Lost fans, like I am, you can check out the complete and final season on Amazon.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend! I know I will! Bissous!

Lost: The Complete Sixth and Final Season

Broken In

2010-09-02T20:19:00.000+08:00

Vinatge Chanel Jumbo Flap Lambskin GHW

It has been close to 3 months since I have purchased this bag. Today I decided to break her in. Ooooh she just felt oh-so-right!

She is pre-owned but she was gently used by her previous owner. There is almost no sign of usage except for the small tarnish on the turn lock.

One of the few Vintage Chanel Maxi Flaps with the CC logo on its backside.

Bag-a-holic Adventures : Chanel still has my heart :)

2010-09-02T19:24:00.000+08:00

Chanel Calfskin Weekender Bag in Black

I previously said that I was contemplating on getting a Mulberry Alexa, but alas Chanel has still won my heart. I have historically stuck with the classic brands - Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Bottega Venetta, Gucci, Hermes. Recently Balenciaga bags have captured my fancy. After a week long of contemplating - I have chosen the Chanel Calfskin Weekender Bag.

The bag is very roomy, much like the Mulberry Alexa. Its light-weight and it comes in three colors - black, gray, and brown/bronze. It also has a shoulder strap for convenience. Most especially when I have my 3 year old in tow. I am very happy with my choice. As I will forever ♥ Chanel.

Chanel Black Grand Shopper Black Quilted Tote

My Hamilo

2010-09-01T14:15:00.000+08:00


A beautiful day to soak up some sun...

Hamilo Coast Pico de Loro never ceases to amaze me. The view is as breathtaking as the first time I came here in May 2010. My family and I look forward to weekends spent here. There is just so much to do, and not to mention, to eat! YUM!

GM Mr. Levi Layug introduced us to the man responsible for these culinary delights, Executive Sous Chef Carlo Santiago.

There is also a well stocked bar for us adults, as we watch the sun set on another perfect day in My Hamilo...

Hamilo Mojito :) refreshing!

Lunch buffet at the Sun Coral Cafe - our favorite is the Lechon Kawali

Cookies and pastries

Yummy palitaw - a childhood favorite!

Fresh fruits

I love the Halo-halo buffet! They make their own ube halaya - and it is a winner!


I can't get enough of these cookies!!

Should I?

2010-08-26T12:17:00.000+08:00

After purchasing three Balenciaga bags in the past few months, I came across the Mulberry Oversized Alexa Satchel. Then I just read The BagHag Diaries about this bag this morning. I'm really trying to decide if I should get one. I seldom use my Balenciaga bags.

Balenciaga Motorcycle in blue

Balenciaga Covered Giant City in Black


Balenciaga Covered Giant City in Blue

I want the black Alexa if ever I will get it. Ho-hum...Should I or Should I not?

***Sigh***

MANILAISSAFE

2010-08-25T15:36:00.000+08:00

I have read this morning that a new campaign has come up on Twitter. This is to disseminate information to everyone that Manila is indeed safe after the hijacking of a tourist bus on August 23, 2010 by a disgruntled ex-cop.

I have lived in Manila for most of my life. I was schooled here, worked here, met my DH here, raised a family here. I can say that Manila is just as safe as any other city n the world. I have visited Europe, the U.S., Asian countries - all of these places have their bad sides.

I am alarmed by the reactions of the Hong Kong Chinese on the internet. As much as I understand the emotions that have been triggered by the hostage taking last Monday, I hope that the situation does blow out of proportion. This is an isolated case. The tourists were selected randomly by the hostage taker. He did not choose the victims because of their race, social standing, or age. I can only think that Mendoza thought that he would make a bigger statement if he took hostage of tourists. It is not a direct attack towards the Chinese in anyway.

I hope that we would all take a breather from it all -- I hope that people in Hong Kong would not retaliate against Filipinos living and working in HK. Violence does not solve violence. In my mind revenge - if that is what people want - has already been served. Mendoza is dead. Lest we forget that he too had a family of his own. He was a son, a father, a husband, and a brother. They too are in mourning.

I do not defend what he has done. There is absolutely no excuse for his actions. But we should all look at the situation from a wider point of view. Yes there were mistakes, many of them. A lot of "would have, could have, should have". I myself was disappointed at how the hostage drama unfolded as I was watching it live.

A task force has already been formed to investigate on what had happened. The Philippines has already agreed to the terms set by the Chinese government with regards to the victims. President Noynoy has already issued an official statement to the international community.

As a Filipino, I am deeply saddened by the events that happened. If I could apologize to the victims' families, I would. No one wanted this to happen.
Today has been declared as a national day of mourning for the victims of the 8/23 hostage taking.
Let us all say a prayer for the victims and the families they have left behind.

Random Thoughts : QUIRINO GRANDSTAND HOSTAGE TAKING

2010-08-24T16:02:00.000+08:00

I think I will not post a reaction on the events that transpired yesterday in Manila. Many have already shared their thoughts, hind-sights, lessons, and criticisms.

I am saddened by the fact that a decorated police officer was pushed to the edge. As our President mentioned, I also think Mendoza was not bent on killing the hostages or getting himself killed in the process.

So who was this hostage taker - who really was former Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza? Reading from various articles on the internet, according to them - Senior inspector Rolando Del Rosario Mendoza was a decorated police officer. He was born on January 10, 1955 in Naic, Cavite. Administrative charges were filed against him and three other officers, then dismissed for extortion and for forcing a chef to swallow Shabu. On October 17, 2008, the PNP Internal Affairs Service recommended the case be dismissed after Kalaw failed to appear in the proceedings. In August of the same year, the manila prosecutors Office Eight Division dismissed the case after Kalaw failed to appear during the preliminary proceedings. But the reassignment never happened due to his 90-day suspension.
His demands were simple. He did not want money. He just wanted his job back. But what could have pushed him to hold hostage a bus full of tourists. Were there no other ways for him to make his voice heard? Was there no other channel in which he could petition his plea? Why was he so desperate?

If the hostage ended differently would Mendoza get what he wanted? He was no ordinary "criminal". That was for sure. He was a police officer for 23 years. The aftermath of this event is tragic. I cannot judge Mendoza. We will never the reasons why he was pushed to do what he has done. He will never be reinstated.

Pointing fingers does not and will not solve anything. The events that have led to the hostage taking will only be speculation, or intelligent assumptions at best. What's done is done.

We must move forward from this. Accumulate all the lessons that we have learned. Apologize to the international community, most especially our neighbors in Hong Kong.

I think that we are being tested at a time of renewal and change. No one ever said that it was going to be easy.

Addiction 101

2010-08-17T17:12:00.000+08:00

Marlboro releases new packaging - 5s. DH brought this last night. Our friends couldn't believe it. DH says its to limit his cigarette consumption. Really?

Ooooh I love these!

2010-08-13T13:43:00.000+08:00

I have just recieved an email from Jimmy Choo website -- these shoes are GORGEOUS! I am officially in love!

Okay, okay, I don't really wear heels that often. But when I do, I like my shoes to be rockin'! Like these! They are called Glenys made from kid leather and priced at 775 Euros. :) For more information on these shoes and other Jimmy Choo products click here -->Jimmy Choo

It's Friday and I will be wining and dinning with my man tonight. Woohoo! Happy weekend!

Spring Cleaning

2010-08-12T21:21:00.000+08:00

Yey! I organized my bags today. I hesitantly put into storage bags that I do not use often or have not used in the past 6 months. I will lovingly give these bags to my family and friends -- I do not sell my pre-loved bags. I want to ensure that their new owners will take care of them. =) I have to make room for my new babies =)

At least my closet has less clutter.

DD and I went for a walk at ATC this afternoon, and ate an early dinner at Amici (YUM!). Although I must say, the quality does not compare to the original Amici located in Don Bosco Makati -- it used to be my favorite carbo loading spot.

DH will be home tomorrow. Looking forward to some quality time =)

Snapshot of moi last summer in Bora by my step-son.

Just Arrived: Louis Vuitton Artsy MM

2010-08-11T20:57:00.000+08:00

Isn't she lovely =)

Due to the consistent and persistent demands of my BGF Paolo, to post my bags on my blog -- I am posting my newest arrival. I am a bit hesitant to post photos of my "babies".

I am on a self imposed Hermes ban until further notice --- I have been using my Bottega for the past few days -- I think I will use my Artsy tomorrow.

Ciao =)

Bag-a-holic Adventures : Leilanie's House of Bags

2010-08-11T15:42:00.000+08:00


The pink "Birkin" thats sits at the entrance to Leilanie's House of Bags

After reading reviews of the recently opened Leilanie's House of Bags - this bag hag had to see for herself. There were mixed reviews regarding the facade, the interior and of course the merchandise- bags, bags, and even more bags.
So I dragged my DD along. She is so used to seeing bags with me. When we arrived, there was no parking available. I turned the car around, thinking maybe another day. But as I approached a car was leaving - Yey! I hastily got the parking slot. As I parked my "bag sense" were tingling all over. I was a tad bit excited. As I entered I could smell a hint of leather from all the eye candy inside their gold gilded cages.


Hermes bags waiting to be "adopted". (Sigh)

There were throws of bags in the 1st floor -- Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, Gucci, Coach, Fendi. Some pre-owned, unused, or brand new. Prices were reasonable for the pre-owned There were some "questionable" bags though -- for one thing I am aware that LV never puts any kind of plastic covering on the handles of the bags. There were bags with cling wrap - to protect the handles from further weathering, maybe. But these I have no idea ---

The second floor housed clothes, shoes, and some Longchamp totes. Tsk, tsk - mixing the ultra luxe, with tacky. The store should have been consistent in its message.
While the third floor had cheap China made toys that were a tad bit over-priced. And Leilanie's own bags -- carrying the brand name Leilanie, I was not impressed. Many of the bags had an "inspired" look. A lot of them had an uncanny resemblance to Chanel, Balenciaga or Longchamp -


Longchamp inspired much?

I will have to visit again. To thoroughly check the bags for signs of "authenticity" And I don't get why she labels authentic bags on her website as "ORIGINAL" (note the quotation marks) What does "ORIGINAL" mean -- what do the quotation marks mean? Eh? Mysterious...

So far -- I was not floored as I was expecting to be. A lot of room for improvement.
You may visit their store:

191 AGUIRRE ST PHASE 2 B.F. HOMES PARANAQUE CITY

Parañaque, Philippines, 1720.

Ciao!

Tav Asia

2010-08-11T14:30:00.000+08:00

Another night at my usual hang out in the south. Tav Asia is a fairly new bar-resto in BF Paranaque. Just over a year ago this establishment was opened by brothers Arthur and Alexander Cantor.

A loyal following soon came. Manresans mostly since Alex is a graduate from Manresa.

With its cozy interiors its also a perfect venue for family gatherings or corporate meetings. There is an airconditioned area, while an al fresco area is provided for those who want to enjoy the cool evening air.

This area allows patrons to just kick back and relax in a casual setting. The area also serves as a stage when the bar has their acoustic nights.

Another area for more intimate al fresco dinning - for bigger groups. The cabana at the end is also a popular hang out for groups of friends. My friends and I also stay in the cabana when we are complete. We tend to be a little noisy, so as to not disturb other patrons. :)

This is the chicken satay -- my ultimate favorite dish at Tav. Of course I had to have this last night even though I already had my dinner. Its super tender, you can taste the ginger and the peanut sauce.

DH prefers the chicken in pandan leaves. He is more of a red-meat person, as I like white meat. This dish is made of chicken thigh meat. It's sweet with a little bit of tang. The meat is very tender as well.

I tried this dessert last night -- and it was DIVINE! A soft apple compote with a drizzle of caramel sauce, served with vanilla ice cream with a dash of cinnamon powder. A perfect end to any meal. Yum!

All in all the ambiance, the price, the food, and the service TAV is certainly worth a trip to the south.

You may visit their Facebook page for more photos, click here --> TAV ASIA.

Monday Blues

2010-08-09T15:11:00.000+08:00

Oh yes, I've got the Monday blues...still on weekend mode. Tired from all the activities (a.k.a. SHOPPING) there were SALES all over the place. Still it was all good. We had a good family lunch on Sunday at Itallianis -- was a bit disappointed with the service though.
Purchased a bag last week -- a Goyard St. Louis. A GM white. To replace my brown one which I carelessly used as a beach bag. My retail therapy weekend hasn't rubbed off yet -- so I guess more shopping later. Yahoo! And oh, I was sick for most of the week. Had a bit of cough, no fever though, thankfully :) Will post photos of the weekend later. Ciao!

Flicker -- Amatuer Photog :)

2010-08-05T22:26:00.000+08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34307429@N04/