Food Trip: Ice Giants

There’s a new (relatively) place for me that I’m enjoying as a snack place.  ICE GIANTS!  It has been operating for a few years in the city but it was only this month that I was able to try out the place (for a couple of times).  I wasn’t able to try it out when I was in Manila during 2006 – 2007.  But that’s okay.  The good thing is I get to experience it in my own hometown.

So I’m sharing with you a couple of pictures I took on the orders I made:

Ice Giants!

The “giant” menu

countertop

wall designs

the ceiling

close up of the ceiling light

Halo-halo! (my first visit order)

Lasagna! (another first visit order)

A platter of Tortillas (still from my first visit)

The Hungarian Sausage (2nd visit)

Cheesy Mushroom Burger (I think. Still from my 2nd visit! But my friend’s order)

The Berry Blast (2nd visit)

The whole ensemble of my 2nd visit

Can I just say that I LOVE their ice creations and their food in general!  I like the fact that I can share my platter of tortillas with my friends without feeling that everyone won’t get their fill.  Their halo-halo is just divine!  I long to create a perfectly iced halo-halo for my own business.  One that one come close to their servings!  Their berry blast specialty was a bit too sweet for me but, if shared with someone, it would be both economical and beneficial.  The hungarian sausage was what I expected.  Fully loaded and very hot (for my tastebuds that is).

What I love about Ice Giants is that it’s an ice cream parlor that you and your family and friends could go to and hang out and enjoy the good food.  I am especially looking forward to trying out their 3 kilo ice concoctions!

There are currently 3 Ice Giants Branches here in Davao City.  One in Damosa IT Park; the second one is at Sta. Ana Ave. (along Davao Central High School); and the third branch is at Quimpo Boulevard highway (along the intersection of Q. Boulevard and Sandawa).

 

Happy New Year 2012

Hi Everyone!  Happy New Year!!!  I haven’t been able to sit down and just leave my fingers to start keying the words my thoughts are dictating.  Been swamped with a number of things and different life events since last December that I haven’t been able to process it all and share about.  One thing’s for sure though.  2011 closed for me with a LOT of things to be thankful for.  And I wouldn’t be doing it any justice if I just simply enumerate it all without describing in detail each event.

Aside from that, I’ve also attended a number of parties and occasions that I would like to share with you guys.  I just haven’t got the time in uploading the photos to show you all.

So, sorry to keep you all waiting and thank you for your patience!  I’ll check in soon to update you all.

Advance Happy Chinese New Year!

Merry Christmas 2011!

December 1.  The start of the Christmas season (for me that is!).  I can’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation.  Trepidation for the many uncertain things that awaits me in my current job (project planning and execution), and getting the jitters of my employment status by the end of the year.

Nevertheless, I’m equally – more so rather -excited!  We just planned out our exchange gifts for our upcoming Christmas Party.  As the official in-charge of the party-planning and the Kris Kringle, I’m looking forward to our day-to-day gift-giving.  I’ve prepared a list of “somethings” we are scheduled to give our “Manito/Manita” on a daily basis (except Sundays) and I can’t hardly wait to receive my bag everyday!

Our Secret Santa List of "Somethings...

I’ve already started looking for items that would fit the descriptions as scheduled, and so far, I’ve bought 5 items I’m excited to give to “Elle“.

Day 1, check... and four other days, check!

So far, I have the following:

Christmas Tree stick – something that starts with a “C” and ends with “E”

Angry bird ball – something round and blue (which I just found out it lights up when being bounced)

Rainbow Spring – something twisted and mysterious

Winnie the Pooh mirror – something shocking and cute

Fun-shaped Rubber Bands – something small and hairy

So that’s 5 things.  All the rest, I need to look for.

Can you guys give any suggestions?

Past Words Of the Day

Past Words Of the Day.

Hey guys!  I came across this post and I thought it would be nice to share with you guys.

A BFF-ful Weekend Adventure

One of my bff (Toffee) was in town during the last weekend of September.  This vacation was a spur-of-the-moment plan a few months back.  Good thing she was able to get a seat sale from Cebu Pacific.  So did one of her colleagues.

Anyway, a week before her arrival, I was already thinking what our plans would be for bff Rai’s birthday.  But since Rai “initially” planned celebrating her day with her family (since it was a Sunday), I didn’t press the issue anymore.  Instead, we decided to push through with our swimming adventure at Villa de Mercedes with her older sis MM, and first-time-in-Davao visitor Nina.

For a brief overview of my weekend, I’m marking it in days (sharing a few photos as well):

Friday (September 30, 2011)

Aya [Charles] and I was already set to go out with a couple of our workmates for a little RnR and get-together.  Since Toffee was around, I asked her to join us.  The videoke session with the guys was a FUN experience.  Getting to see their more “rowdy” side made it more fun to get to know them altogether.  I was even able to prod one of our officemates (Joy) to catch up with us.  And I made a new discovery!  Joy can sure carry out a tune!.  Note to self: Must volunteer her for the Christmas party program. LOL.

After the 3 or 4 hours of singing, we decided to call it a night (since Aya and I still had an inventory to attend to the next day.  So we said goodbye to our colleagues.  So that left the 3 (aya, achi, and me) of us.  Feeling a bit uppity, I asked them to eat Durian.  (Which I ended up eating all to myself!  Thank you aya for finishing of the LAST fruit for me).

Saturday (October 1, 2011)

Inventory day.  Imagine sleeping only for a couple of hours then waking up to get to the office early.  Lucky for aya, we just had to pick him up along the way to the farm.  Sheesh!  Talk about ZOMBIE-MODE.  LOL.  So off we went to our work.  Good thing we finished early.  I could catch a few Zzz’s before heading off to our basketball game that night.  UNFORTUNATELY, my brain had other plans.  I couldn’t even get a nap.  So instead of sleeping, I decided to meet up with achi instead at the mall.  Figured since she’d be watching my game, better go there together.  And what luck!  Raisa was also coming along.

After purchasing food to eat, we took a taxi to Woodridge so I could prep up.  Along the way, we were finally able to convince the birthday girl to come with us the next day.  Since her family celebration was for lunch, it left plenty of time to spare in the afternoon.  And as an added bonus?  Our godsons got to have permission to come along.  Perfect!

I love having my bffs there during my games.  I get to have a boost of confidence in playing.  Though at times I can’t concentrate.  Too much publicity.  LOL.  But I’m truly happy they’re there.

My AVID fans

Yup! My teammates are guys..

Although we lost.  I’m happy I was able to score a couple of 3 pointers.  (Show-off!)  My lack of sleep was slowly seeping in during the game.  And the lack of players wasn’t helping though.  Anyway, winning (or losing) didn’t matter.  I was just glad I could sweat off a couple of pounds from my system every once in a while.  Here’s to next year’s league!

Up next, dinner.  Since we all ate a heavy late afternoon snacks, we skipped the dinner plans at Lyndon’s and went off to Barrio Bistro to grab their buy 1 take 1 pizza instead.  If you remember, I posted about Barrio Bistro a few weeks ago.  Check it out here.  So off we went!  We ordered their All Cheese Pizza and another Pizza (I forgot what it was called) and waited for it to be served while catching up with each other’s life.  In addition, we had a small “exchange gift” moment too.

My bffs

Tangled (Our gifts)

Sunday (October 2, 2011):

BFF Raisa’s birthday!!! Villa de Mercedes Swimming day!!!

Being the “planner” of the group, I still had one main problem for our activity.  Transportation.

Just a little sidenote and background about Villa de Mercedes.  VDM is an exclusive subdivision located at Catigan, Toril 585 ft. above sea level.  When I say exclusive, I mean ELITE.  The homeowners don’t just allow walk-in guests and use their clubhouse… particularly their infinity pool.  That’s what discovered upon visiting VDM the first time.  I was looking for a venue for our Christmas party when I remember VDM (courtesy of my former classmate who posted a few of her photos here.  I didn’t get her words then when she said you needed an agent to get in).  So when I was at their coffee shop, the barista explained that you needed to be a homeowner, or invited by one, OR have an agent to “sponsor” your visit.  She then pointed me a brochure postcard indicating their “Agent For the Day” whom I could contact to be invited.

So flash forward. I already coordinated with the agent a few days ago but transportation was a last-minute problem.  So when I informed the agent just to confirm our invite, she called me up to ask for other details.  When we got to the point about the transportation (and lack thereof), she offered to drive my group instead.  Yes!  Problem solved!  After meeting up with my bffs, my godsons, and meeting achi’s officemate Nina, we waited for Ms. Agent to pick us up.

The ride was quite pleasant and Ms. Agent was very open in sharing about Villa de Mercedes.  Acting out as a tour guide, she happily gave information about each subdivision phase, from the main entrance… to the lots… the features… the amenities… and the overall briefing of its “ELITE-ness”.  Impressive!

Finally, we were dropped off at the coffee shop to take a breathtaking view of the pool.  After the final words, we went off to change and finally try out their ionized pool.

[For more information about Villa de Mercedes, I saw this site to share with you.]

Breathtaking. And the view wasn't bad too. LOL

The coffee shop up above..

Bffs and Godsons

Light snacks

Nice

After having our fill of swimming, we were ready to go and have dinner.  Ms. Malou toured as to their “Kubo” area wherein visitors could eat the foods we brought along (since bringing in of foods at the clubhouse and pool area was prohibited).  Good thing our godsons brought snacks for us to share with and munch on.

Happiness!

We did our perfunctory jumpshot (though I only posted mine. LOL)  So Ms. Malou dropped us of at SM.  Achi bought a couple of treats to bring back to Manila which we dropped off at their house then we went to…. LYNDON’S (remember by blog about them here?) with ate MM.

Ready to Order!

Our shared Dinner

Baked Scallops

Can I just say that the reaction of Nina was priceless when she took that first forkful of spareribs!  Utter bliss!

Next stop?  Eating durian! However, we got a BIT sidetracked when we passed by Margie’s Bakeshop and remembered we didn’t have a cake for the birthday girl.  So here it is!

Mini-cake shared by 5 ladies

To cap the day off (well… for me though since the four other girls were going to have a massage after), we went off to FINALLY have our Durian.  Durian is one of the fruit specialties in Davao.  With a smell like hell (so they say.  Personally, I find the smell appetizing) but tastes like heaven.  For Nina, it was a new experience and I was glad we were there to boost her into taking that first bite.

Durian! Arancillo variety

 Well, that’s all I can share for now!  Hope you enjoyed reading!  I’m looking forward to my next adventure.

My Sunday Around the City

I was feeling quite dejected early last Sunday.  Mom still wasn’t home from her trip and I was getting pretty tired of skipping meals.  So armed with my gadgets and a couple of bucks, I was out on a mission to have my day out in my home city.  First stop?  Breakfast at Jollibee.  Yup, a bit shallow but I’ve been craving for one for their Breakfast joys meal for quite some time already.  And I remember Dad used to buy us breakfast on Sundays at Jollibee once in a while.

Breakfast Joy

My breakfast joy:  Fried rice, a piece of Longanisa, egg, and hot choco.  Just the perfect start to keep me energized.  After debating where to go next, I boarded a jeepney to take me to our city center: City Hall.  I was planning on being able to go into the Museo Dabawenyo (one of the two museums of Davao).  Unfortunately, contrary to what was listed online, they already close during Sundays.  Tough luck.  I did get one good photo of a new addition in our city.  I don’t know what’s it called.  But it’s a clock located in our city center.

The Town Clock (?)

After taking a couple of other jeeney rides around the metro, I ventured off into NCCC Mall.  One of the few malls I rarely get to go to due to proximity issues.  Glad that I went there too.  I finally found where my long-lost-out-of-stock-pined-for shoes have been hiding.  The Adidas CC Modulate W meant for running.  And the exact color that I’ve been crushing on too!  Sad though that I didn’t have money with me.  BOO.  Anyway, here’s the photo of the pair.  As what the saleslady said, it’s for the “elite” runner.  My thoughts… elite-terate? LOL.

For the "Elite" (terate) Runner

It may be an old design compared to the new ones that have come out recently.  But I find this one SO appealing.  And YES, it’s the color.  It just screams ME.  Aside from that, it’s also very light and comfortable for my feet.  With the Adidas fun run coming up this Sunday, September 4, the debate in my mind continued: Resist loans vs. Personal Gain.  Decisions, decisions.

To be continued…

LOL.

Moving forward, I then went to SM City Davao (another mall I rarely go to).  Nothing much to see.  So after going around some choice stores, I went off to ride another PUJ to Gaisano Mall.  With the prodding of my BFF achi Toffee, I went to Abreeza Mall to place a period in my malling.  Half-expecting and half-worrying that I’d bump into my boss and his family, my mind seemed to magnetize my most-thought of possibility.  Upon entering Abreeza, lo and behold!  The first few persons I ran into was my 2 bosses and their daughter.  Oh well… After the pleasantries, I went off to look for a place to grab a bite and rest my back and feet.

FOOD TRIP SUNDAY: Hukad

One of our office’s Senior officer has been plugging about Hukad and the good food they serve.  So when I was at the 2nd level of Abreeza, I chanced upon Hukad’s open-to-the-public displayed menu.  One of the waitress/cashier came up to me to assist me in my queries.  With my tight budget, I was hesitant at first.  But seemingly noticing my plight, she offered their budget meals to me.  A choice of Budget Meal A: Chicken barbeque, with unlimited rice and bottomless iced tea, plus a serving of soup and a siding of eggplant salad; or Budget Meal B: 3 pieces pork barbeque with unlimited rice and bottomless iced tea, plus a serving of soup and a siding of eggplant salad for only Php 99.00.  The said budget meal is available every 2:00PM to 5:00PM.  Checking with my watch… still 4:00PM.  Hmm… why not?

Budget Meal A

Now “hukad” by definition means to scoop out or if in Cebuano or Visayan terms, to set or to serve food.  The restaurant is aptly named since it specializes in Filipino food.  Next time, when I have enough cash, I’ll try out their other dishes.

Anyway, just to share with you.  I just LOVE the food that I ate.  After eating in a number of restaurants specializing in barbequed food (the likes of Penong’s, Banok’s, Mang Inasal), I never expected to experience a different taste in chicken barbeque.  For one, Hukad’s chicken barbeque was soft and easily removed from the stick.  Juicy and with just the right amount of seasoning.  The soup wasn’t loaded with MSG, and their eggplant salad gave the right touch of “homely” feel of the whole meal.  And to think that I NEVER eat eggplants at all.

I got a kick out of the designs of their lighting fixtures.  Their light was enclosed in “kanin na nasa puso” designs.  ”Puso” is another variety of how rice is cooked.  perfect for barbeque foods.

Biko with Sesame Seeds on Top

Aside from my budget meal, I also ordered one of their snack servings.  Biko (Sticky Rice) with your choice of drinks.  What makes this delicacy delicious is that it’s served hot.  And the sesame seeds on top gave it an extra oomph.

Having had my fill of malls, I eagerly walked home.  I do mean walk since Abreeza is just a couple of blocks from our place (especially since I know a couple of shortcuts).

I was still a bit wound up to take a rest and since our office declared that it’ll be observing the holidays for the 29th and 30th of the month, I needn’t worry about staying up late.  I decided to walk off my excess energy and at the same time try out my shoes (Yes, I did get it!) killing two birds with one stone.  I felt so light!  But running was out of the question yet.  My plantar fasciitis still keeps on bothering me.

For a day that started out not so well, ended up to be one of the most fun days I’ve had by myself.  But still, I’m still open for anyone who’d like to join me next time on my self-mapped out adventures.

My First-Ever Blog Award!!!

I have just read the post of one of my blog buddies.  It is such an honor to be nominated by someone who has served as an inspiration, coach, and motivator for the past few months.  So here it is:

The Versatile Blogger Award

Thank you Eliz for continuously putting up with me!  Your blog Mirth and Motivation has been an inspiration.  Truly, you are one great motivator!   Maraming Salamat! (Thank you!)

With all the “downs” I’ve been experiencing lately, it is such a breath of fresh air to discover that there are a whole lot of things that can still uplift my spirit.  (Be it the occasional flower surprises of Daddy D, the cheer-up texts of friends, the “pasalubongs” from travelers, to a monumental event as receiving an award even if I’ve been AWOL as of late.

I admit I’ve been playing hooky for the past week – going online but purposely avoiding my blog all the while – mostly due to certain stressors particularly at work.  I’ll save that for a different post. Sure I’ve had a couple of sparks of inspiration and a number of escaping thoughts that I wanted to share but opted to clam up about it.  I guess I just need a breather from my constant ranting about my woes.  It might become contagious. LOL.  So I was going for a more positive post for the moment.   And [THANKFULLY!] this little surprise couldn’t have come by at a better time.

I am truly grateful and ecstatic!

As instructed, I am to share this award to 15 bloggers, I’ll be listing down my awardees below.  All nominees, you may copy the award into your blog.

Rules for the Versatile Blogger Award:

1. Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them in your post.
2. Tell 7 Random facts about yourself.
3. Pass the award on to 15 new found bloggers.
4. Contact each blogger you want to pass the award on to and let them know you’ve done so, and let the giver of your award know you accept it... or not.

You may follow or modify the rules.  I didn’t follow rule #2 since I can usually do this on other posts.

Presenting my nominees (drumrolls please…):

Mirth and Motivation

Thoughts…

Strange Fruit

Life, and other things on my mind

The running garlic

The Real Full House

Beat of my Drum

Digital Bee

Porche howl

Cracked Illusion

Ankush Grover

As ME sees it.

Thank you for being my blog buddies, for the inspiration, for all the good reads, for the comments, and for sharing yourself.  We all may be worlds apart, but getting to know you all has made this uncertain world a brighter place.

I didn’t quite reach the 15 bloggers mark.  I’ll just update this the soonest!

Indescribable Day

Today would have been my dad’s 64th birthday.   I’m missing him so much right now.  But I’m thankful that I’m able to spare him the pain he would have been suffering.  Aside from his illness, he would be very affected if he knew what’s going on with my work life right now.  I guess that’s one of the reasons which I rarely share my troubles with my parents.

I’m particularly feeling down today.  I was intent on taking a leave of absence this day and visit my dad’s final resting place.  But due to a number of work-related concerns, I had to report to work.  Big mistake!  Reporting for work was utterly unbearable the whole day!  My fb (female boss) was at our plant.  Interviewing… for my replacement.

I was fine with that.  But having to see it live was quite humiliating.  Add to that, fb wasn’t exactly tact about the whole thing (especially on some lapses on my part).

UGH!!! It’s just SO annoying!  And depressing!

I still haven’t turned in my resignation so it would be against labor laws if they ASK me for my resignation letter.  So I’m just hoping that I’ll be able to land another job soon which I hope would be a better environment (and compensations too).

Sorry bffs.  Guess we’ll have to schedule our con-call some other time.  I’m just not in the talking mood.  Wishing for tightest of hugs though.

Loving the weekend

Just a quick post here.

I just LOVE weekends!!!  Why?  Well… for a couple of reasons.

1. Culmination of my workweek

2. Last day for workout (especially on Fridays)

3. Basketball with the guys!! (I’m the only girl playing though…)

4. Night outs!!! (Uhh… just occasionally…)

5. Hang out at my favorite spot (my beanbag chair)

6. Hanging out with my friends (depends if I get any invites though).

7. Freedom!!!

Ok, that was just a few things I could come up with right now.  How about you?  What’s great during your weekend off?

I’m Still a Leo!!!

Image via Wikipedia

I’m not really a follower of the zodiac.  But I am aware of my star sign and have felt compatible with the description of Leo.  I may not memorize the exact dates where a specific zodiac sign falls into, but I can draw the 12 symbols in the order of the zodiac just fine.

I even remember at one point in my young school days (during the boom of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers), I, together with some of my friends, would pretend to be Zodiac Rangers (me being the leader of course since I was a Leo).  At some point in my young life I was into astrology but it eventually mellowed down over the years.

So why the sudden interest?

I”ve heard it in passing over the news that there is a new zodiac calendar and a new zodiac sign has been added.  A 13th zodiac – Ophiuchus, the snake bearer.  Never cared about it much but it was worth checking out.

The Zodiac Calendar which I’m familiar about is this:

Aries: March 21 – April 19
Taurus: April 20 – May 21
Gemini: May 22 – June 22
Cancer: June 23 – July 22
Leo: July 23 – August 22
Virgo: August 23 – September 23
Libra: September 24 – October 23
Scorpio: October 24 – November 22
Sagittarius: November 23 – December 21
Capricorn: December 22 – January 20
Aquarius: January 21 – February 19
Pisces: February 20 – March 20

One new school of thought has this as a new assignment of zodiac:

Capricorn: January 20-February 16
Aquarius: February 16-March 11
Pisces: March 11-April 18
Aries: April 18-May 13
Taurus: May 13-June 21
Gemini: June 21-July 20
Cancer: July 20-August 10
Leo: August 10-September 16
Virgo: September 16-October 30
Libra: October 30-November 23
Scorpio: November 23-December 17
Sagittarius: December 17-January 20

And another school of thought, has added the 13th zodiac, thus coming up with this:
Capricorn: Jan. 20 – Feb. 16
Aquarius: Feb. 16 – March 11
Pisces: March 11- April 18
Aries: April 18 – May 13
Taurus: May 13 – June 21
Gemini: June 21 – July 20
Cancer: July 20 – Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10 – Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16 – Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30 – Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23 – Nov. 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 – Dec. 17
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 – Jan. 20

When I checked wikipedia.org, they had this chart for Sidereal astrology:

Constellation		Tropical date	Sidereal Date Cyril Fagan	IAU Definition Walter Berg
	Aries	March 21 – April 19	April 15 – May 15	April 17 – May 13
	Taurus	April 20 – May 21	May 16 – June 15	May 14 – June 19
	Gemini	May 22 – June 22	June 16 – July 15	June 20 – July 20
	Cancer	June 23 – July 22	July 16 – August 15	July 21 – August 9
	Leo	July 23 – August 22	August 16 – September 15	August 10 – September 15
	Virgo	August 23 – September 23	September 16 – October 15	September 16 – October 30
	Libra	September 24 – October 23	October 16 – November 15	October 31 – November 22
	Scorpius	October 24 – November 22	November 16 – December 15	November 23 – November 28
[dubious – discuss]/	Ophiuchus	N/A		November 29 – December 17
	Sagittarius	November 23 – December 21	December 16 – January 14	December 18 – January 17
	Capricorn	December 22 – January 20	January 15 – February 14	January 18 – February 15
	Aquarius	January 21 – February 19	February 15 – March 14	February 16 – March 11
	Pisces	February 20 – March 20	March 15 – April 14	March 12 – April 16

Quite confusing, I bet.  Most especially for those who are in constant guidance of their daily horoscopes.  I noticed a couple of my friends have been “bumped” off their originally known zodiac signs and they’re not happy about it (Yes Rai, I’m talking about you!).

But seriously, if you’re not into your daily horoscope, then it wouldn’t affect you much.  For me, I’m still glad I’m LEO. <growl>

How about you guys?  Has your zodiac sign changed?

New Zodiac Signs For 2011 (popcrunch.com)Related Articles

• Are You Now a Ophiuchus? (livingrichwithcoupons.com)
• Stars cross over wobbly zodiac signs (seattletimes.nwsource.com)