High Ridge

Checking-in, checking-in.....  Oh, how I love beautiful places and beautiful things!  Sa tuktok pa ng bundok, sa pinakalalim pa ng dagat, sa kaduludulohan pa ng mundo, at sa kaibuturan pa ng puso (char lang!), talagang dadayuhin just to experience!  Experience a place and all its goodness, that's my kinababaliwan these past years!  But my latest check-in is not that exag to reach and attain to.  It was actually, smart!  Specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time-bound.  Ngek, nakuha lang sa seminar?  Haha!  Or might be, LSS?  Anyway highway, this was our PEP dinner venue at Cee-Dee-Oh last Sunday night!

High Ridge is located on a hilltop at Aluba, Upper Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City.  It is a really big resto that could cater 300-500 persons (in my calculation only) in just one setting.  There are plenty of seats to accommodate everyone according to preference, may it be indoor fine dining or just the casual al fresco.  But I prefer the latter-outdoor garden and the terrace for a more cozy atmosphere and cooler ambiance.

In addition to the garden, a playing area for kids is installed too which makes the place a family-friendly one.  It is a perfect location for family bonding after church on a Sunday as what we'd notice and it's great to go there by late afternoon to early evening.  I have to warn you that the road is a bit risky though it's not rocky and bumpy.  It's just too steep, you know.  Acrophobic issue, curling my feet in greater heights.....  Nyikes!  By the way, High Ridge is open from 11 AM to 12 MN serving lunch, snacks, dinner, and nightcap.

  

Since the resto is on top of a hill, the air is a bit nippy in contrast with the burning heat of CDO city proper.  It offers a panoramic view of the city which reminds me of Victoria Peak in Hong Kong wherein you'll also get dazzled by the lights come nighttime.

And the food.  Yes, the food!  No wonder why people flock to the place!  For not only we can have a nice change of environment but we can also have more than good food!  Just by the sight, one can't never resist!

Introducing, the Fiesta Platter in calamares top view (edited through IG), pork belly view, roasted chicken view, and crispy pata view!  All the yummy goodness in just one big platter perfect for 4-6 persons (in my own calculation again depending on the group's appetite).  Everyone's fave calamares is chewy but not rubbery, the pork belly is too flavorful than the ordinary grilled ones.  However, the roasted chicken is a bit dry and not juicy.  And the crispy pata's skin is really crunchy to the bite!  The sauces have their distinct tang and zest that I couldn't compare with ordinary soy sauce and vinegar.  Overall impact for this, it's really fiesta to the mouth and the tummy!      

Fiesta Platter - P1,399

Another is the Seafood Platter comprising of seaweed salad, kinilaw, grilled squid, shrimps, and fish.  Looks very palatable but not that ample compared with the Fiesta Platter which can only be good for 3-5 persons only (in my calculation again and again).  And this one is more pricey.  Maybe seafood in CDO costs really high 'coz here in Ozamiz, we've got plenty in our market!  I didn't find anything remarkable in this platter.  The taste is just the same as what we can do and have in our own kitchen at home.  We can even do better.  Hehe.....

Seafood Platter - P1,799

With that, I highly recommend the Fiesta Platter than the Seafood Platter as long as you are not health conscious and you eat giving in to your guilty pleasure.

On the other hand, there are also a la carte servings such as this High Ridge roasted chicken.  I haven't tasted this one and I hope this isn't cooked the same as the roasted chicken in the Fiesta Platter.

High Ridge Roasted Chicken - P169

Finally, the drinks!  If other restos or cafes shoot up the prices of their drinks, High Ridge doesn't.  Cold drinks start at only P35 to P89 and shakes range from P109-P149.  Glasses are tall making the drinks even more worth the price!

 Then we had full tummies after our very satisfying banquet at the resto!  

   
So may it be a date with someone special, a barkada hang-out, or a family reunion, visit High Ridge for an ultimate view from the top!

As with the experience, it was worth the long and winding road 'coz the LSU MatSci Department loves High Ridge! #tosomeats #tosomtravels

    

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A Hundred Years Birthday Celebration

Welcome to the 100th year birthday celebration of Lola Meding!

From kiddie pillars to taller towers!

Balloon chandeliers, hearts, and the like!

 Youth is the gift of nature, but age is the work of art. Such a great blessing to reach a hundred years! Happy happy birthday, Lola Meding!

Venue at Bethany Gardens Hotel and Restaurant.  Balloon arrangement by Fascino.  Thank you Jalalon family for trusting us! :)

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Tuscan

h & m tuscan jumpshort from ep2x.  location at Alona's Dreamland Beach Resort.  FFF

  

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Yna's Pinalayok/Angelo's Paella

As an avid fan of KathNiel, I've been following their running soap in primetime, Pangako Sa'yo.  Sadly, their new chapter doesn't please me because it's already very far from the original story.  It's like that they're taking a detour, making their story another story.  So with that, I'm writing a post dedicated to the first two-month episodes of the serye which made me hooked into it.  And since I love to cook, here's my version of Yna's pinalayok and Angelo's paella rolled into one (hopefully) delicious dish!  Here's how: 

1. Sauté garlic, onion, and chicken strips.  Season with salt and pepper.

2. Layer-in cooked rice.

3. Fill-in with (leftover) chorizo and layer with cooked rice again.

4. Top with veggies of your choice and season with oyster sauce.

That's how easy it is!  Try it, try it, try it in your own kitchen! :)  See below for other #SundayHomeCooking recipes!  #PSYsaKusina #tosomeats

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Lablab for Kids Christmas 2015 :)

Since today is Thanksgiving Sunday, let us give thanks to our Lord with an ever grateful heart!  God has been so good to us for keeping us away from harm and sickness.  By the looks of it since you're reading this, you are perfectly in a safe place and in good health.  There are plenty to be thankful for!  The moment we open our eyes this morning is such a great blessing for us to enjoy another day of life God has given us.  We are all blessed in every aspect of our lives may it be mentally, physically, or emotionally.  However, we sometimes forget to give thanks because we tend to stumble upon the daily battles we might be fighting.  May it be a tough job, an unfriendly colleague, a dwindling economy, or a missing part of us.  We tend to focus on such things, making us forget to count our blessings.  So for today, let us pause for a while and be reminded of the goodness God has bestowed upon us.

In this matter, a simple "thank you" would already mean a lot.  It's the thought and act of being grateful that count.  But would it be nicer if we give back?  As the children's action song goes, "It's just like a magic penny.  Hold it tight and you won't have any.  Spend it, share it.  Give it away!  It will come right back to you."  I'm amazed I still memorize this song from grade school taught to us by Mrs. Carmen Guangco!  And what was the first stanza of the song?  Hmmm.....  "Love is something if you give it away.  Give it away.  Give it away.  Love is something if you give it away.  It will come right back to you."  Yes!  I exactly memorize the lyrics of the song!  I do believe that love is indeed something if we give it away!  Thank you, Ma'am Guangco for not only teaching us this song but also teaching us the value of loving and giving.

So that means, we can also say "thank you" by giving.  Since we are tremendously blessed, let us also share the blessings we had receive from God!  I know each one of us has his/her own way of sharing and giving but if you would like to give more, you can also allow us to be the way for that.  In continuation to Fascino by Maria Rosalia's project last year which was entitled "50 days of Christmas:  Singko Mo, E-Regalo Mo", we are again opening up another one in collaboration with a dear benefactor.  For this year, we name it as "Lablab for Kids Christmas 2015 :)"!

Image from Web

  

That's the product of our brainstorming last week 'coz we envision to put a smile in every kid's heart for Christmas starting today until we grow old.  "Lablab" is the baby talk for love in Cebuano language.  We used the slang instead of the proper word because it sounds sweeter, nicer, and kid-friendly.  In short, it's more malambing.  'Coz everytime a child makes lambing to us, our hearts easily melt.  

So we make lambing to you too.  Hehe.....  If you have old children's books, children's clothes, children's shoes, and children's toys that can still be used, we're willing to adopt them for the little community we are currently eyeing at Baybay Maningcol.  Donate 'em at Fascino starting tomorrow until December 24, 2015.  If you still don't have kids and don't have the aforementioned stuff, you can also have your share by ordering your balloons at Fascino.  Yes, your purchase can also be of great help!  For every dozen of balloons ordered at Fascino Store, you will be able to donate 5 pesos to the said community.  But take note, prices of our balloons remain the same.  There are no add-ons for we will only be getting a portion of it for kids' joy!

Then our Thanksgiving Sunday becomes a meaningful one.  Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks by sharing your blessings!  Let's jumpstart the holiday season by spreading love love love!  See you at Fascino! :)

*Prices for every dozen of balloons are still P180 for assorted colors, P190 for choice of colors, and P200 for cartoon character print. 

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When Benjie Weds Annalyn

Walking down the aisle is every girl's dream.  Finding "the one" is everyone's life goal.  And I'm so happy for another friend of mine who realized and materialized both just last month on her wedding day!

When Benjie weds Annalyn, every detail is planned accordingly.

When Benjie weds Annalyn, everybody gets really excited!

When Benjie weds Annalyn, two families unite as one.

When Benjie weds Annalyn, vows are solemnly made.

When Benjie weds Annalyn, close friends are there to share.

When Benjie weds Annalyn, kids have their part too.

When Benjie weds Annalyn, everybody enjoys the revelry!

When Benjie weds Annalyn, everything falls perfectly in its place!

Congratulations and best wishes once again, Mr. & Mrs. Benjie Adobo!  We are so happy for the both of you!  We pray for you to have a blissful marriage and a lifetime filled with love together.  Through thick and thin, take care of each other and your future kiddos of course.  Looking forward for little Benjs and little Anns to make kulit with.  Stay in love and make Christ (not Kring2x. hehe) as the center of your relationship.  We, the solid, liquid, gas friends are just around!  We love you! :) <3

  

All photos above are courtesy of FOTO Crime Lab (FCL).  HMUA:  Nej Firm Pequiro.  Flowers and set-up:  Guilbert Oringot.  Gowns and coordination:  House of L.  Ceremony:  Immaculate Conception Cathedral.  Reception:  Royal Garden Hotel.  

In continuation to the #SisterhoodOfTheTravelingVeil, two down, two to go!  Who's gonna be next?

    

And this is just another #tosomweddings post.  With love,

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The Original AA BBQ

When in Cebu, have a taste of Cebuano barbecue of all kinds at The Original AA BBQ!  They have the food and atmosphere of a resto yet their prices are streetwise.  Sanitary is 100% guaranteed so there's no need to worry about salmonella nor E. coli.  Branches are just everywhere in the city so may it be breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night hang-out, you'll surely have that satisfying meal.  It's not only barbecue that they serve.  Fish, pork, chicken, veggies.  Sauteed, grilled, stewed.  Name a Filipino dish and they also have it!

After visiting the Temple of Leah, we were famished from the tour so we had AA for late lunch.  Papa liked the fish tinola so much!  The fish was so fresh and the soup was so umami.  I just forgot the name of the fish though.  The spicy chorizo de Cebu was really tasty and didn't taste like food coloring nor food preservative.  The pork belly was so tender, fish, chicken, pork, and chicken liver skewers were really good.  Additionally, the ngohiong tasted really Chinesy especially its sauce.

We were glad that we chose The Original AA BBQ upon descending from the top of Busay.  Thanks to our habal-habal motorcycle drivers to and fro the temple for dropping us off at AA!  #tosomeats #tosomtravels

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Temple of Leah

The famous landmark in India, Taj Mahal was built by the Mogul emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal in 1632. ( Wikipedia ) In the same way, The Ruins in Bacolod was built by the sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson in memory of his beautiful Portuguese wife, Maria Braga in 1911. ( theruins.com.ph ) What's the common denominator? Both architectural structures were built in the name of love! And just last 2012, another manifestation of love was built in Cebu by business tycoon Teodorico S. Adarna as a symbol of his undying love to his beauty queen wife, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna.

The Temple of Leah as it is called is located in the highlands of Busay, Cebu City. In getting there through public transportation, starting off at JY Square in a cab would cost you P600 for 1-4 pax though the meter would only read P150 -P200. Vice versa, it would be a very pricey taxi ride for P1,200! However, there are also cheaper yet uncomfy and risky  habal-habal  motorcycle rides that would take you for P150 for 1-2 pax and to further calculate, P300 for the roundtrip. And since we were 5 persons during our trip last month, we just had the latter for a total of P900! What a very excessive price for transportation alone though we saved P300 but as soon as we got to the temple, we realized that it was all worth the pesos!

In contrary to the transpo cost, entrance fee to the temple is free for senior citizens and children of 10 years and below. But for us middle-aged, it's only P50 that will not definitely hurt the pocket. Since papa and mama are already seniors, we only paid P150. By the way, if you wish to have your prenup or debut pictorials, fee is P2,500 for the maintenance cost of the place.

Though Temple of Leah is still work in progress, it is already grandiose in its rawness state. Ancient Greece, classical Rome, and romantic France are fused into one ostentatious site that awakened the curiosity of passers-by who took effort in climbing up the hill just to have a peep. The owner saw the keenness of such passers-by so he just allowed them to enter and marvel in the place for free. That's according to one of our habal-habal drivers. Eventually, through word of mouth and social media, Cebuanos flock to the area for picture-taking. And since we want checking-in and instagramming the latest and hottest locations nowadays, the temple instantly became a tourist attraction that explains the charges as mentioned above.

As you enter the intricately-designed arc of the gate, you will not be impressed by the uphill walk but once you get to the platform, you'll be greeted by a vast space. It's a very wide veranda with a Roman fountain at the center. It looks like the Trevi Fountain of Rome with its four horses and three maidens but it's rather smaller. (As if I've seen the actual Trevi Fountain. Haha!) It's made ​​of white marble which reminds me of the elegantly-carved masterpieces I've seen in Hai Duong Province, Vietnam last summer.

There are also love seats around the balcony. The owner must be very generous in welcoming guests who are anticipatingly "lovers" by providing them a very romantic venue for their date. Lovers can swear their endless love to each other over the top of the city. With that, it must be love on top which is closer to the moon and the stars come nighttime. Now, that's even more romantic! <3

Aside from the love seats, maiden statues of lamp posts are everywhere too. They are like guardians to the lovers so one will not break his / her promise to the other. Hehe ....

Then the grand temple welcomes you with a wide flight of steps and two giant lions by the sides. The experience was just exhilarating that I could imagine walking into Greece's Parthenon with its gigantic columns and elaborate flooring.

At the middle of the great hall, another flight of stairs takes you to the bronze statue of Leah. It has a colored glass mosaic backdrop of angels with musical instruments. But what's odd in the area are the big Chinese porcelain vases that in my opinion, sabotaged the European get-up and ambiance of the place.

However, the luxurious Victorian stairwells by both sides of the statue lead to the rooftop which houses the glass pyramid that depicts the one in Louvre Museum, Paris. It's smaller of course but serves its purpose 'coz just like in the Da Vinci's code, under the Louvre Pyramid is the holy grail.

             

And that's the essence of the Temple of Leah - to serve as a reminder of  Leah  Villa Albino-Adarna, grandmother of the Star Magic artist, Ellen Adarna. To house the memories of her, various collections she procured in her lifetime are in the chambers of the temple. But as I've said, the temple is still work in progress so I just took photos from the windows of such royal chambers 'coz it is still restricted.

With the flamboyance of the temple, Teodorico Adarna indeed executes his great love to his wife.  Though the temple does not serve as the final resting place of Leah as the Taj Mahal and also does not serve as a way of coping up Teodorico's loss as The Ruins, it is in itself LOVE.  A love undying and devotion ceaseless.  Now that truly testifies "'till death do us part" which is already a forgotten vow by some in our changing world today! 

Moreover, it's not only the Adarna family who come into the place to reunite and bond  but also other "commoner" families like us. The temple made us experience Europe which is a really big deal for us 'coz going to Europe is still impossible for us (as for the moment). It would spell a million pesos to work for my entire lifetime! Haha ..... So, thanks to the Adarna family for being so generous in sharing their treasures to the general public.

I'm looking forward for the  Temple of Leah to be done. If it's already breathtaking when it's not yet finished, how much more if it already has its final touches. If you plan to visit the temple, it's best to do it by late afternoon so you can enjoy the gentle breeze of highland Cebu. Just be careful in your every step and for falling debris 'coz again, the site is still under construction.  But I do not say that it's not safe to go there. There are restricted areas and once labeled "restricted", do not enter.  Just follow rules and refrain from standing on top of anything and doing vandalism.  Let's show respect to the temple and to the owner.  Go in packs or have solo your lovey dovey. Surely, you can feel the magic and love of this another enchanting manifestation of love!  More of #tosomtravels next time! :)

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