Being a true blue Southerner, i could say that the thriving Filinvest City in Alabang is probably one of our favorite go-to escape when we needed to shop, eat fancy or perhaps stay the night away to spoil ourselves with the most needed rest and relaxation. Weeks before my birthday my husband's asking what's my plan. And i said, all i ever wanted for my birthday was to REST and to shop (a little) for the holidays for the kids and our family as well. I was looking at my bucket list and was contemplating if we should to go back to Crimson Hotel which is my favorite, or perhaps try other hotels on the list, until i came across Somerset which was the newest in the area. So, there we agreed to book a room for my birthday.

With the unbridled congestion of the metro and the widespread contamination of our surroundings these days, i would sometimes pray for the abundance of old-fashioned things like fresh air, sunshine and farm lots. Why not? Perhaps, its the most luxurious boon that i can give to myself so i could breath obliviously. Well, talking about fresh air, on one of my occasional explorations, I've discovered a ranch house turned cafe somewhere in the sleepy town of Taal, Batangas where lush greenery and a breath of fresh air was very ordinary. 

‘Tis the season to shop ‘til you drop and be jolly! Isn’t it? I hope you all have completed your gifts or at least half way done ticking it down one by one. For those who hadn’t completed it yet and still adding one at a time, fret not, 'coz the holiday season isn’t over yet until new year! Hahaha!

Have you noticed that fashion trends are repetitive? Looking back at photos of my mom in the 60's and 70's, I've seen quite a number of wide leg pants that she used to wear during her youth days. Not the flared jeans or bell bottom pants but those loose, flowing and stylish pants that are just so pretty like maxi skirts. Palazzo pants are head-turner these days and they are just gorgeous!

What happens when mothers come together to celebrate their personal advocacy of wellness? A Wellness Moms Movement emerges- a movement of change by mothers rallying as one for a better and healthier lifestyle.

Being confined with routines and all the same things can be boring & so, i'm always in the look out for new experiences that can lead me to new hobbies and enthusiasm. I have always wanted to try archery, apart from the very truth that i am an avid fan of Oliver Queen, the fictional hero on the TV series Green Arrow played by Stephen Amell plus i'm an inborn Sagittarian by zodiac. While my kids admire Katniss Everdeen too, from the movie Hunger Games, i thought that maybe, it's about time to unleash our potential in the archery department yesterday after a disappointing itinerary.

Hello there lovelies! 

Today, allow me to introduce the newest category in this blogosphere of mine (drum roll, please)! Fashion and Style by Mommy Queenelizabeth is a page which will feature my occasional "Outfit of the Day" in the intent to encourage other women, specially MOMS, to dress up and look fabulous regardless of age and size. Take note: Style and being fashion-ate doesn't have to be expensive at all! 

Here's fresh news like freshly baked goodies! 

Yesterday, i was invited to the grand opening of "The Chef CHARM'S Golden Spoon, House of Pastry and Pasta". It's the newest 'shop and go' outlet of delicious goodies in Batangas City. Apart from the truth that i do love her breads, it so happened that Chef Charmi, was the partner of my husband's cousin and a co-parent in school. We went there over lunch time and we were sampled with a taste of Chef Charm's delicious menu which is available at her very own catering services. 

We know that Christmas is always a special time of the year for Filipinos and because of this, SM Southmall seek to give their customers the best and most memorable experiences possible, as they prepare for the holidays. So this year, they wanted to kick-off this amazing season by sending out an inspiring message of selflessness and kindness that is characteristic of the Christmas season. 

I always believed that Sundays are for the family. If you follow me on Instagram, Twitter and other social media pages, you'll notice that i always use the hashtag #SundaysBest. Basically, because it's the first day of the week and starting it right makes it the best! First, by going to church to declare my faith and thanksgiving and to enjoy quality time with my loved ones. In my context, quality time also means eating good food and trying out something new, given enough time and resources.

Balay Dako is the latest Filipino restaurant in Tagaytay owned by the famous Chef Tony Boy Escalante, . If you have tried its sibling restaurants like Breakfast at Antonio's and Antonio's Fine Dining in Tagaytay, you'll probably get a hint of what food is like, heavenly!

It's been a lovely day at Tagaytay weeks ago, despite the typhoon forecast that was expected to hit Luzon area in the afternoon of that Wednesday. I was able to brave the 1-hour drive via Talisay Road from Batangas, with views of the Taal Lake from the zigzag road going up. 

Together with amazing bloggers, media personnel and the organizers of Avida X Make It Blissful event, our day had been blissful indeed.

Somebody said that, "A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour." Probably, most of us grew up with some vision of what we want our lives to be like. Our personal goals, career aspirations, family plans—the whole white picket fence thing. Years must've gone by and when we evaluate our lives, we often see that life has turned out differently than what we expected. It is true that the road to our goals and dreams isn't always straight. And so here's good news that i would like to share to all those who never stop aspiring! 

Somebody said that, "One should not attend even the end of the world without a good breakfast". This sounds true to me. I'm a breakfast person, be it toasts and coffee alone or perhaps, a hearty brekky with rice, bacon and eggs. Breakfast is the most important meal and skipping it can make me useless for the entire day.

If you'll notice my Instagram feed, the past weeks of my life was spent food hunting, cafe hopping and indulging into different family occasions. The flooding of food is just so hard to resist! Have you ever been into that situation? How do you manage? Ako? I just give in! Kain lang ng kain! Hahaha! 

Kidding aside, there comes a time talaga that you'll really feel like craving for something extra special than the usual. Or perhaps, getting bored sometimes, resorts to some sort of binge eating. I, for one, loves the idea of checking out new cafes once in a while and coddle myself with good food or coffee, coupled with a nice and cozy ambiance where i could set the mood for some random musings and think about something that i wanted to write.

Oftentimes, they say that good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends. I agree! Once in a while, it is always, always a good idea to visit new places, where good to great food is served paired with a good laugh with friends. One of the highlights of my September was a short and sweet fun away with two of my close pals. Our itchy feet brought us to the laid back district of Silang, Cavite where a nice European dining experience took our breath away!

It was funny and ridiculous, how i'd thought of planning a runaway-from-home scenario weeks ago. I was like grasping for some air and i thought of going out somewhere with my kids, while recuperating from a flu virus which caused me some emotional strains and anxiety the past days. Too much stressful situations lately made me gaunt physically and poignant resulting to some unstable kooky-ness! Yes, it happened, because i am human. So, undeterred where to head and stay for the night, while parked in a gas station, i remembered Microtel in Sto.Tomas which is just an hour drive away. I booked it online, using my smartphone that instant and was surprised to receive immediate confirmation!

Born under the sign of Wood Rat, i must say that it somehow has something to do with my penchant for anything wood or wooden in nature. My friends and family can attest to, as our home is filled up with pieces of wood furnitures and the like. Anything that looks wood, made of wood, resembles a wood, color of wood and wood crafted ornaments are just so pretty in my eyes, hence i invest in collecting those kinds of furniture pieces one at a time. 

Thanks to the long weekend! My son's long overdue birthday wish to visit The Mind Museum has finally granted along with the Dino Play experience! It was actually my kids' first ever visit to The Mind Museum, because i really doesn't find it fun for myself (forgive me please, hahaha!) so i always end up ignoring their request, not until i heard about the Dino Play (at a limited time only) and it was so timely that i chanced upon a promo at Metrodeal for a bundle perfect for my family at a really reasonable price so i grabbed it right away! Also, if not for my son's fascination about dinosaurs, this weekend trip with their cousins would've not been possible. So, as a self-proclaimed good mom who keeps her promises, there we go! 

I was born and raised in the South (Batangas, specifically) and i must admit that i never regret any single day of my life living it here, in the province, where lush greenery, chilly fresh air, the farm to table kind of food (organic and fresh), awesome scenery and beautiful beaches still exist. Ofcourse, the noise and traffic of the metro and the posh shopping malls of Manila where i can get to shop my favorites is still another story to tell. But I love the South. I grew up here, i love its peacefulness and simplicity. And i will never trade Southern Living for anything else fancy and chaotic.

If i have foreigner friends who'll visit and would have to bring them out for a quick lunch in the metro or somewhere in the province, i wanna bring them to Buddy's. This all Filipino-Quezonian restaurant is one of my favorite. Their concept from interiors, all the way to their food is simply Pinoy. And it's so relieving to see the pride of Lucban, Quezon, making a  good name in the food business around the city today with over 11 branches.

Last time, i blogged about my gastronomic experience at a bus-inspired cafe in my "When In Batangas" series. If you haven't read about it yet, please check it here. This time, on my occasional explorations around the nearby towns and provinces of the South, my itchy feet brought me and my family in the city of Tayabas, Quezon. Have you been there? Tayabas City was proclaimed as the City of Festivals, as they celebrate quite a number of festivals all year round. It is also known for some ancestral houses and old churches, native restaurants, resorts and my favorite from this part of the province, the Budin! (Cassava Cake) 

There's a hidden cafe that i used to frequent lately along San Jose, Batangas. I was itching to go home as quickly as possible after a series of client meetings in the city of Lipa when all of a sudden, i got sleepy along the way, and obviously, it was not a good idea to continue driving. Thankfully, i spotted a commercial complex and saw Tuesday Cafe, so i stopped by for a while to take a dose of strong coffee.

Moms are great multi-taskers, right? As far as experience is concerned, i could say that i almost, if not fully, had perfect the art of juggling between mothering my kids, while balancing the stresses of running a home-based business as a mompreneur, plus a lot more of important work in between.

Have you ever dreamed of putting up your brick and mortar business and be your own boss but thinking how to get started and wondering what could be the perfect business for you is thought-provoking?

Some weekends ago i was invited to attend one of the Philippine's most sought after business event that happens every year, the Franchise Asia Philippines 2016 held at SMX Convention Center at Mall of Asia. It's a 3-day event that caters to a lot of brands from food, non-food and services all over the Philippines and in Asia.

Tired of your day job? Want to be your own boss and start running your own business? Are you looking for suppliers, business ideas or franchise concepts that will fit in to your interests and passion? 

Take your first step to success by registering at the biggest franchise show in Asia happening on July 22-24, 2016 at SMX Convention Center.

Franchise Asia Philippines 2016 is the biggest franchise show in Asia and is your gateway to the emerging tiger economies in Asia-Pacific. With more than 20 years of bringing Asia to the World and the World to Asia, Franchise Asia Philippines 2016 provides the platform to help your franchise grow not only in the booming Philippine market but also across the entire Asia-Pacific region.

(An Honest Review + a Side Story)

I am amazed how cafes and food hubs are cleverly designed nowadays. For the past years, I've seen how these coffee shops and newly opened restaurants were slowly filling up the spaces in cities like Lipa and Batangas. Some rainy days ago, together with my foodie son (yes, he's a foodie now!) and my favorite cousin Josh, we braved the heavy rains, drove around the city of Lipa and found ourselves chilling like wet chicks in a "bus station", drinking some frappes and eating some pastas.

Our recent trip abroad was merely a 3 days 2 nights travel. Two days of which were spent travelling to and from Hong Kong, stressful right? We barely scratched the surface of the city because what we really wanted to see was just Disneyland and Ocean Park for the kids, while the oldies (our parents, both mine and my in-laws) together with my sissy went on an arranged city tour. We skipped the latter because we've been to other places and attractions in Hong Kong before and we just got back to fulfill my daughter's 7th Birthday wish.

Traveling from the South going to the airport, then leaving the country for a couple of days can be tiresome and of course, expensive too. You will need someone to drive your car to drop you to the airport, and then, they would have to pick you up again from the airport after several days to drive you back home. Basically, the gas consumption, your tire's tear and wear, toll fees and the driver's fee are just some of the additional expenses to consider when travelling abroad or even domestically, if you are coming from the province. But that was not the case anymore, until i found out about Park 'N Fly. 

(If you are an avid reader of my blogs) I have mentioned before that my kids are not a fan of grand celebrations or fancy birthday parties. In fact, during my son's 7th birthday he opted not to have a big party but rather chose to travel to Legoland. Two years later, my daughter's 7th birthday just ring a bell and believe me, i was the one excited for a grand celebration! But guess what? It didn't happen. Because just like my son, my daughter doesn't want to have a big party neither. No matter how many times i tried to convince her with a glittering tiara, a Cinderella gown, and a dazzling 7th birthday party theme, she answers NO. So, all the magical moments in my head just popped. Boom! No party! All she ever wanted was to travel to Disneyland (wiser choice) and that's the best birthday gift ever (all kids says that!). Fast forward, wish granted! But of course, as a mom, i did not want to just let her special day pass by without preparing something special, but not grand. After all, every natal day deserves a thanksgiving and so i thought of throwing a DIY party for her. 

If there's a restaurant that i would love to frequent most when in Tagaytay, it would be The Bag of Beans. I simply love the rustic surroundings of this restaurant, the colorful, vibrant feel of the whole place and most of all, the food! Plus the crisp and chilly Tagaytay air makes this place my favorite weekend or holiday destination.

One of the reason why i love being a mompreneur apart from being my own boss and owning my time, is the privilege of combining business with leisure. On some occasions that i needed to deliver my goods in a certain area, i always look forward to discovering new places or restaurants where i don't used to go. Basically, it's like hitting two birds with one stone. I earn from my small business and i gain new experiences through the places i visit.

Active learning and hands-on experience is invaluable, and parents, guardians, siblings and peers play an important role in a child's development. As a mom, with school-age kids, i'm always in the lookout for activities that will keep my kids busy on weekends, apart from strolling in the neighborhood with playmates (yes i allow them to play outdoors a lot) and being hooked up with their gadgets.

For the past years, Mommy Mundo never fails to bring out the best activities for everyone and i'm always looking forward to join its programs. Active parenting and bonding with the family is one of Mommy Mundo’s objectives when planning for events in the pursuit to encourage each and every moms to promote camaraderie & togetherness within the family and the community. And so it has been a great opportunity to be a part of Mommy Bloggers Philippines to join the 6th Mommy Milkshake Run by Mommy Mundo that happened last Sunday, March 6, 2016 at Bonifacio Global City.

Photo Credits to Earbudz Productions

Just a month before the school year ends, some institutions just like my kids' school were up to something grand, like the yearly foundation week. Our school's founding anniversary this year seems to be very special with so many highlights as they were celebrating their 10th year in the academe. In line with this remarkable milestone, my daughter was chosen to be one of those students in their class who will join a group poem recitation. Nothing seems to be very special about her role, but as a mom, of course, i knew i should be proud.

Excited?

As i have said earlier on my previous blogs, garage burgers and other burger joints were popping everywhere in the city. While everything that they offer are burgers and burgers with added fries and drinks, still, there's one burger joint that never fails to tickle our tummies.

If you'll notice, my posts about food trips and restaurant reviews is centered in Batangas. Yes, because i'm a proud Batangueña who hails in the traffic capital of the province! (Hulaan nyo kung saan yun) My advocacy for entrepreneurship (mompreneurship) goes out to small and medium enterprises and that includes budding businesses that suits my lifestyle. That's the reason why, once in a while i give them some space here in my personal blogsite, lending them the chance to shine and to entice more people to visit Batangas as well. So here i am again with my When in Batangas series!

The 7th Ajinomoto® UCC event was a success!

The Ajinomoto Umami Culinary Challenge (UCC) was attended by thousands of HRM and Nutrition students last January 30, 2015 at the Philippine Trade Training Center. Over 300 students-competitors dished out hundreds of culinary masterpieces with each one striving to depict the importance of “umami deliciousness” in healthy cooking. 

The mythical valentines celebration with cupids and butterfly kisses is ringing a bell now! Hey it's three days to go and love is in the air. Did you buy something for your beloved already? Or if you are single and ready to mingle, have you thought of something to give to your friends, your parents or for yourself? How about giving your special someone with something unique than the usual flowers and cakes- a home-made special Leche Flan perhaps or something not imported but of great tasting quality chocolates. Love local! How about some proudly pinoy and home- made dark chocolates?

[Product Review]

Having kids ages 6 and 8 years old gives me equal amount of joys and [sometimes] pain as well. With their extremely active and playful nature, i'm sure that a lot of moms with kids of the same age bracket can relate to my sentiments. But more than the pains of running after active kids, it gives me twice the pain when i see them sick, hence i always ensure that they are getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals that is necessary and applicable to their age.

Do you want to be your own boss and start your own business? 

Are you looking for new suppliers that can help you grow your business? 

Perhaps, a long drive and a pleasurable staycation wouldn't be complete without a gratifying gastronomic experience. Agree? On our recent romantic escape (which i shared on my previous blog), we reserved a table for two in one of the quaint restaurants in Tagaytay City. The Pamana Restaurant, which has rave reviews from food bloggers is just a tumbling away from our hotel, and so i thought of giving it a try.

Hello Kidzanians! Let's put your photos into good use! 

Here's your chance to win two (2) local roundtrip tickets from Cebu Pacific by uploading your Kidzania Photo with the KidZania Manila Aviation Academy or Airport Access area in the background. Photo entries will be judged according to Creativity (40%); Relevance to the Love is in the Air theme (30%) and Overall Presentation (30%). See full details and mechanics of the contest below:

Days and nights must be slipping so fast. Have you flipped your calendar yet? I just did it this morning and hello! It's February na pala! Welcome to the love month- the idyllic time of the year when flowers and chocolates are flooding! Women are giggling with glee, because finally, here's to a bunch of fresh red roses, a fluffy teddy bear or a sweet romantic escape! Kilig! 

Speaking of escape, me and my husband recently had our anniversary staycation (and an advance valentine celebration too, before he left for work) at one of the most romantic place in the region, Tagaytay. Why not? It's chilly, scenic and a perfect quick destination for a total rest and relaxation. Not to mention the long list of nice restos ideal for a table-for-two dinner date.

This is the year and January is the month when we celebrated our 10th year wedding anniversary. Did i just said 10 years? How fast time flies. It's been a decade past since we pledged for our vows and exchanged "I Dos", but what could be happier than to celebrate it with that one special person whom, for all these years has been my source of [stress], i mean strength and immeasurable happiness. Hahaha! Yes, i'm a happy wife to my husband of 10 years and this deserves a special celebration!