Another Baguio dining experience ( Dining in Baguio November 13, 2008 ) which we truly look forward to.  Last year when we visited Baguio, we were happy to share our misono  meal with our good friends, Paolo and Trina 

Angulas pasta 

Mom prepared special kobe beef for all of us 

James preparing and cooking the beef with freshly grated salt…you can really tell the difference in taste 

James version which he tried, which was fully cooked on the outside and medium rare on the inside 

Foie Gras!!!! YUMMY!!! First time for us to have this in misono- I will make sure we have it al the time from now on :-) 

Michaelangelo cake form Baguio Country Club - one of their bestsellers - their version of a sansrival 

Previous Entry:  Dining in Baguio November 13, 2008 

 share with a friend

Blessed with beautiful beaches, lush forests and natural wonders, the country is now fast becoming a favorite tourist destination. For all its splendor and richness, it seems impossible to capture all of them in a single frame but six of the country’s top photographers took the challenge and captured one of the most captivating islands in the Philippines: the Caramoan islands in Camarines Sur. 

The collection of riveting photographs of Caramoan was unveiled recently at the Fashion Walk, Greenbelt 5. A collaboration between Governor Villafuerte and photographer Jun de Leon, the exhibit aptly called Caramoan X6 (Caramoan times six) showcased the talents of today’s most brilliant photographers: Jake Versoza, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Sara Black, Paolo Pineda, Mark Nicdao and Jun de Leon as they reveal through their lenses the spectacular images of Caramoan and portraits of its people.

As Governor Villafuerte unveiled the exhibit he gratefully shares “I would like to thank all the photographers who lend their talents to create this exhibit. We hope to encourage more people to see and visit the beautiful island of Caramoan as the island is becoming a favorite destination especially with the international tourists.” The exhibit was on display in Ayala Malls Greenbelt 3 from December 18 to 20 and will be in STI Fort Bonifacio. And to commemorate the collaboration of these talented individuals, the photos were compiled in the Caramoan x6 coffee table book. The photos were also auctioned off – proceeds of which will be for the benefit of CamSur’s Educational Fund.

Governor LRay Villafuerte and wife Lara with kids Luigi, Julio, and Gabby 

Guests were treated to a night of remarkable visual displays and were serenaded by the Bicol Heritage Choir and LRay’s Strings Ensemble. Overflowing cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres from Cibo were served as guests went around the photo installations. Event host Mark Nelson presented the photographers to everyone. Among the revelers were Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land President’s Antonino Aquino, Thai Airway’s General Manager Nivat Chantarachoti, KC Concepcion, Randy Ortiz, Robbie Carmona, Apples Aberin-Sadwani, , Divine Lee, Pinky Tobiano, Mark and Camille Villar.

As one of the top destinations in the country, Caramoan islands is every traveler’s dream destination with its fine beaches, amazing sights, water sports, and the calmness of its surroundings. And with the unwavering efforts to promote this place, it is no wonder that Caramoan will very soon be on everyone’s vacation list.

Bob Miller, Christian Espiritu and Ito Carag

Gina Lopez and Lulu Tan Gan

Governor LRay Villafuerte and KC Concepcion

 Jake Versoza, Veejay Villafranca, Karina and Randy Estacio

Marc Nelson, Alex Escat, Camille Villar and Gino Jacinto

 Pinky Tobiano, Mikee Romero and Lara Villafuerte

Rod Nepomuceno, Richard Tiu, Grace Glori Go, Pinky Tobiano, Governor LRay and Lara Villafuerte

 Veron Medina, Jeena Lopez, Jun de Leon, Lara Villafuerte and son Luigi Villafuerte

 Previous Entry:  Captivating Caramoan Captured December 17, 2009 

 share with a friend

 share with a friend

Previous Entries:

Find Your Shangri-la in Boracay April 16, 2009

Villa 9, Shangri-la Boracay April 16, 2009 

Villa 13, Shangri-la Boracay April 16, 2009

Vintana, Shangri-la Boracay April 17, 2009

Breakfast Buffet at Vintana, Shangri-la Boracay April 17, 2009

Cielo, Shangri-la Boracay April 18, 2009

White Night, Shangri-la Boracay April 18, 2009

Solana and Cielo, Shangri-la Boracay April 19, 2009    

 share with a friend

Sharing with you a nice Christmas letter from our friend, Sihanouk and Gia.  What a unique family Christmas vacation. Thanks Gi for letting Heart2Heart share your christmas experience   

An experience worth remembering on a train like no other ( so far)

This was one trip that needed the extra planning and preparation. Every year, the Polar express makes it’s way to the North Pole and the only way to get on it is to win a lottery. Tell me it isn’t true, but I’d really want to believe that the man made famous by his ho-ho-hos personally picked us.

The day started out at 5 degrees Fahrenheit. There was a promise of a snowstorm coming that same night. Let’s beat that storm home said my brave husband. With at least 4 layers from top to bottom  our pjs on top, we loaded Mateo, our 3 year old and Sari, our 6 month old on the car. It was quite the drive. The view spectacular as we drove past snow capped mountains and frozen waterfalls on 93 north. We whisked by small towns, all promising quaintness that unfortunately we’d never know of ( not on this trip anyway). Our goal : to get to the Hobo Junction at Lincoln-Woodstock New Hampshire just in time to board the Polar Express at 430pm. We got there earlier then we thought and gave in to Mateo’s request for a Happy Meal. “hey, we might as well go all out, after all this day’s supposed to be a magical day for our three year old.” what’s one happy meal to make him a little happier:)

Raffy, Sari and I in tow, Mateo easily maneuvered us thru the crowded junction. There were big toy trains and small toy trains. Train stickers, Christmas balls, a big moose waving hello, a candy corner and people both young and once young in pjs and their practical winter boots. Our boy must have asked us a million times, are we going yet? Raffy appeased his anxious excitedness by taking him out to check out the train we were to board that day. He refused Raffy’s offer to join the other kids making snowballs outdoors. He had his eyes on the prize… his precious choo-choo train. Just then the conductor appeared and with his conductor voice asked us to fall in line. This we eagerly all did. This was also the time when mothers be true to form and check for wet diapers, which is what I did. Sari’s diaper was not only wet but she was soiled! Poor Mateo knocked on the ladies room and asked us to hurry. Almost everyone had boarded the train by that time. So with only a quilted winter suit on, I hurried Sari onto the platform and was helped by the conductor to board.

Lights dimmed by by little lamp shades made the train car look cozy. We had our very own table. Mateo and Raffy faced Sari and me. Mateo made sure he was by the window. The whistles blew, while the conductor busily tore tickets and welcomed the passengers. We were served hot cocoa and chocolate with a caramel center. Scarves were distributed and worn . “All Aboard!”, the conductor said with a loud voice and everyone echoed after him. And then, we were off!  My little boy, with nose pressed on the freezing train window seemed oblivious to the sounds around him. He just gazed out into the darkness perhaps, waiting for a glimpse of wolves or Santa himself. Our hearts warmed by the joy this simple little trip brought to our aspiring train engineer. After 20 minutes or so, we saw what seemed like unusual looking Christmas lights. Nothing prepared us for the very many lanterns that illuminated the dark night. And who were carrying them, why, the elves , of course! There were so many of them. They were jumping, dancing and being silly. ” Welcome to the North Pole!” It was a cold night. We walked on snow cracking under the grooves of our boots as we headed down to Santa’s home. We sat on the floor, rubbing our hands not only to keep it warm but in anticipation of what would come next. Then he came. He was an older man, maybe in his 80’s in his pjs and dressing robe. He took out his glasses and began to read. His story…the Polar Express. Even the very little ones( like Sari) were calm as he read his story till the end. Leaving Mateo to wonder whether he would ever meet Santa and get the first gift of Christmas. It didn’t take long when Santa did appear and took his cold little hands in his.  Mateo was in utter shock. His expression somewhat surprised, a bit dazed.  I was sure of one thing, he could not wait to get his very own santa’s reindeer bell.

The train ride back seemed quiet. I’m guessing each child trying to bank the experience into his memory. Our ride back home was even quieter with both children fast asleep.

As Raffy and I watched the snowstorm raging outside our window that night, we both felt peaceful and content. Just as I’m sure our Little boy will remember this day, we will never forget how in much in awe he was by the whole experience.

Belated Merry Christmas! May peace and love reign in your hearts and homes this year.

 Click on this to go to the website:

 share with a friend

Pinoy restaurant? 

Cute pet store with many cute puppies in the window for sale  

The # 1 Golden Spoon Store in the World at Tokyo Station 

Pinoys in Ginza looking and dressing like Japanese.  They fit in so well! :-) 

Apple window 

Fresh flowers which they made into puppies in a basket - how creative! 

Yummy Chocolate covered potato chips by Royce 

and now has White cheese flavor??WOW! Do they have this here already??

Pinoy Bapesters! buying the same hoodie! 

WOW!! Hermes bags!!!  

Icebar Tokyo- same owners as the ICE HOTEL - before going in - they give you jackets to wear 

 share with a friend

Even New Year’s Eve is difficult to find a restaurant for dinner.  Either they are fully booked or closed for dinner.  So we ended up again somewhere near the hotel.  We always pass this restaurant but never eat there.  Finally we did and it was quite good!  Fusion Japanese food and at very reasonable prices.  I was not able to get the menu so I will just describe the dishes in my own words

They had crispy cheese crackers - similar to the parmesan crisps!  So of course we ordered this 

Salmon Aburi which was also popular 

Chicken Wings 

Fresh sliced tomato

Spring roll with pork and cheese 

Spaghetti Bolognese with soba noodles and egg on top - interesting :-) 

Deep fried pasta noodles with seaweed- unique pica pica 

Mussels which you grill yourself in a cute small griller 

Assorted Yakitori 

This was like bacon with cheese inside - YUMMY!  

 A cheese fondue dish 

Another dish cooked in front of you- I forgot what it is

Brownies with ice cream which was YUMMY!! 

Waffle with ice cream 

 share with a friend

For New Year’s Day, Dad and Mom took us to watch ZED.  Mom heard from Tita Maricris that they were watching, so she got the idea from them and followed  We saw Rombit and Maja with their kids as well.   The theater is located near Disneyland so it fits in very well.

This is the only photo I was able to take- as soon as I shot this, a clown approached me and told me that it was not allowed.  HOW FAST!  :-) 

The best part for me was the beginning when those drapes all go inside! Watch it here

 Website for more info:  Zed

 share with a friend

Mostly all restaurants are closed in Tokyo on New Year’s Day.  It’s a good thing Mom found a Mos burger near the hotel that was opened!!  Mos burger is what Sango (Sango at Power Plant Mall November 13, 2009 ) is in the Philippines.  We normally order the yakiniku burger,

but this time, I tried their burger which is the master burger in Sango.  

Heart2Heart has to admit that the Sango Master Cheeseburger is even more YUMMY than the Mos one.  

But anyway, the family enjoyed spending New Year’s at Mos burger 

Previous Entries:

New At Sango March 26, 2008

Sango and Coop March 1, 2007 

 share with a friend