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May 31, 2011

Free Starbucks Drink

Yes! free Starbucks drink, you’ve read it right; I’ve got free Starbucks drink yesterday. It is one of HSBC Promo for their credit cardholders. All you need to do is present the charge slip amounting to P2000 or above and your credit card. You can redeem any of the Starbucks beverages or 3-pack Starbucks VIA ready to brew. Be sure that you redeem the freebies within thirty calendar days from the purchase or transaction date. Faded charge slips are not honored. 



This HSBC promo is really perfect for coffee lovers or Starbucks fan but this promo is not for me, I have so many charge slips that I have not used because I am neither a coffee lover nor a Starbucks fan. One more thing, the nearest Starbucks branch in our place is Shell SLEX branch, so it is not accessible. On our way home, we drop by at Shell SLEX to redeem the free beverage.



We’ve got two Mocha Frappucino for free (P135 each) and we ordered one mango peach cream pie P110 and honey glazed donut (P45). Our damage is only P155, not bad. I do not like their honey glazed donut, krispy kreme donut is much better. The mango peach cream pie is just ok, I love their banoffee pie but it is not available that time. 



June 15, 2011 Starbucks Treat 

My husband is now serious in redeeming our Starbucks beverage so I guess I will soon learn to love coffee. Yesterday, he called me to get ready because we will go to Starbucks, I was in a hurry because I was not yet finished when he arrived. My son went out already so I closed the door and followed them, without knowing that my son is not wearing any shoes or slippers, so we are in Starbucks and my son is on barefoot. 




We ordered Java Chip Frappuccino (P155) and Café Latte (P110). I love the Java Chip Frappuccino and Café Latte is just ok. We tried the cinnamon swirl (P60) and five cheese turnover (P85) and we liked them. It is so obvious in the picture because my husband almost finished the cinnamon swirl before I was able to take picture. I love the cheese turnover and there is no “umay” factor, maybe because I love cheese. We only paid P145 and saved P265. Thank you HSBC. 

Caffè Latte The traditional classic – steamed milk and espresso, lightly topped with foam. 
Java Chip Frappuccino A blissful blended beverage, created with espresso, chocolate, ice, milk and chocolate chips. 

July 3, 2011 Red Velvet Cake 

It’s time to redeem our Starbucks beverage again and this time we ordered coffee jelly frappuccino and red velvet cake. I haven’t tried any red velvet cake before so I am curious about its taste. When I ordered red velvet cake, the staff told me that it’s a good choice because this cake is really yummy. It is red, moist and dense sponge cake layered with frosted icing. 



But red velvet cake is too sweet for me, I thought one slice is not enough for me but I even shared it with my husband just to finish the slice of cake. I am not saying that it is not good but this cake is not my type, overly sweet for me. Now, I know why the staff gave me a glass of water even I did not ask for it. 

Coffee jelly frappuccino is just ok for me; I still prefer mocha frappucino and java chip frappucino. Coffee jelly frappuccino P155 (free from HSBC) red velvet cake P110 per slice) 

July 11, 2017 Rainy Sunday at Starbucks 

Yesterday was really a rainy Sunday and in times like this, it is nice to have a cup of coffee to keep you warm. We dropped by at Starbucks to have a quick snack before going to church. We’re decided to redeem hot beverages but when I placed my order, I changed my mind because I want to try their new beverage, Soy Strawberry Cream Frappuccino. 



I ordered Café Mocha and Soy Strawberry Cream Frappuccino. Cafe Mocha is combination of mocha chocolate, espresso, steamed milk and whipped cream. Soy Strawberry Cream Frappuccino is a coffee-free drink, so if you are not into coffee, this is the best alternative for you. It is a combination of strawberry syrup, cream, blended ice, soy milk and whipped cream. It is a little bit sweet so I have to drink water after finishing the drink but my son likes it. I can’t taste the soy milk, maybe because of the strawberry syrup.

I also ordered ensaymada and ham and cheese croissant. Overall, we’re both satisfied with our order. Cafe Mocha P125 and Soy Strawberry Cream Frappuccino P175 (free from HSBC), Ensaymada P65 and Ham and Cheese Croissant P75

July 18, 2011 Breakfast at Starbucks 

Yesterday, we need to leave early because we’re going to attend christening and birthday party. Since I have limited time to prepare for our breakfast, I suggested having breakfast at Starbucks. We still have charge slips to redeem so why not use it. Good thing that SLEX branch is already open at 7AM.



We’ve got Café Latte and White Chocolate Mocha. This is my first time to try White Chocolate Mocha and I like it. It is an espresso with steamed milk and white chocolate flavored sauce so expect that it is a little bit sweet. I having a hard time choosing for my meal and the staff suggested the Grilled Ham and Three Cheese. I immediately asked if there is mayonnaise on the sandwich and he said no so I ordered this one. This sandwich did not fail my expectation and I enjoyed every bite of it. Italian bread layered with lyoner ham, butter, Italian seasoning, black pepper and three cheeses (mozzarella cheese, quickmelt cheese and emmenthal cheese). My hubby got Hungarian Sausage with Egg and Cheese. 



Grilled Ham and Three Cheese P140 
Cafe Latte P110 and White Chocolate Mocha P140 (free from HSBC) 
Hungarian Sausage with Egg and Cheese P105 

July 26, 2011 Starbucks Instant Rewards 

From the time that we’ve decided to redeem our Starbucks Instant Rewards, we now often visit Starbucks; we’ve been here almost every week or every other week just to redeem our free beverage. But honestly, if the drinks are not free, you won’t see me here because I’m not really a coffee lover and I find Starbucks drinks very expensive. If I want coffee, I am very much satisfied with 3 in 1 instant coffee. The only time that you would see me here is when I will meet some friends because Starbucks is a good place to have an endless conversation. 



But of course, I enjoy the experience because I get the chance to try their different drinks for free and I also love their desserts and sandwiches. Last Sunday, after church service, we dropped by at Starbucks to redeem our instant rewards. We’ve got Chocolate Cream Chip Frappuccino (P155), Dark Mocha Frappuccino (P165), Ham and Cheese Croissant (P75) and (Belgian Waffle P75). 



My son loves the Chocolate Cream Chip Frappuccino so his dad has no choice but to give him the drink and he finished half of it. Every time we visit Starbucks, my son is in charge of putting the straw on our drinks and he will try every drink that is on the table and if he likes it you have no choice but to wait till he give it back to you. 



So far, he enjoyed the Soy Strawberry Cream Frappuccino and Chocolate Cream Chip Frappuccino (coffee free). My son and I love the Belgian waffle because we both love whipped cream that is the reason why I always order cold beverage so we can enjoy the whipped cream before drinking it.

August 15, 2011 Fruit and Nut Toast 

Yesterday, we’re going to attend 1st birthday party somewhere in Quezon City and because we live in South area we need to leave early. We anticipated the traffic plus our lunch time because the party will start at 1:30PM (according to the invitation) but there was no traffic so we ended up waiting for almost two hours because the party will start at 2PM not 1:30PM. But good thing that Starbucks is just two blocks away from the venue so we decided to have our lunch there.



It’s time to redeem our free beverage again. We’ve got Café Mocha P125, Hazelnut Mocha Frappuccino P155, Sausage Roll P80 and Fruit and Nut Toast P60. I’ve read a lot of good reviews about Fruit and Nut Toast and good thing that it is available in that branch but they almost burned my fruit and nut toast. 



One slice is enough for me, I cannot finish the other slice or maybe because I have limited butter and strawberry jam. Hazelnut Mocha Frappuccino is one of the new beverage, the taste is just ok but there is an after taste that I cannot explain, I guess this is not my type of drink. But my husband enjoyed his Sausage Roll and his favorite drink Café Mocha.

Kudos to the Starbucks Security Guard for his extra mile, this was the first time that someone open the car door for me when I’m about to get off and get in the car. 

September 13, 2011 Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Last weekend while getting my credit card bill online, I’ve read that Starbucks Instant Rewards will end on October 31, 2011. Hmm, the end is near for my Starbucks adventures so I immediately check our charge slips if we have something to redeem. 

We decided to have our breakfast at Starbucks before going to Asian Hospital for my son’s check-up. We redeemed our free beverages, Café Latte P110, Caramel Macchiato P140 and White Chocolate Mocha P140. It was my first time to try Caramel Macchiato and I’ve enjoyed it. We also ordered Cinnamon Swirl P60, Ham and Cheese Croissant P75 and Ultimate Grilled Cheese P140. 



Ultimate Grilled Cheese is one of the new sandwiches of Starbucks; it has six types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, emmenthal, provolone, gruyene, and feta. I felt so disappointed because I was expecting cheese sandwich but when I sliced it, I saw slices of Hungarian Sausage inside. But in spite of my disappointment I still love this sandwich, another alternative for Grilled Ham and Three Cheese. The name is quite deceiving, those people who are not eating meat won’t be happy if they order this. 

September 21, 2011 Creme Brulee Frappucino 

Last weekend, we visited Starbucks to try their new beverages and yummy breakfast options. I ordered Crème Brulee Frappuccino P135 and French Toast P85 while my hubby got his favorite Café Latte P110. 



Crème Brulee Frappuccino is overly sweet so I was not surprised if my son likes it, I patiently waited for him to give me my drink, he almost finish half of it before I was able to taste this drink. There is nothing special on their French Toast with maple syrup; I still like my own version of French toast with cinnamon powder. I was not able to finish the other slice so I shared it with my husband. I will try Iced Crème Brulee Macchiato and Crème Brulee Macchiato on my next visit; I still have few charge slips to use. 

September 26, 2011 Banoffee Pie

I’ve told before that I will try Iced Crème Brulee Macchiato and Crème Brulee Macchiato on my next visit but I’ve changed my mind because I’ve read a lot of negative feedback so I ordered Mocha Frappuccino P135, Soy Strawberry Cream Frappucino P155, Cinnamon Swirl P60 and Banoffee Pie P110.









Banoffee Pie is my all-time favorite. It is a dessert that it is not meant to be shared because I really love this pie, good thing that my hubby and son did not like this.

October 5, 2011 Starbucks Chicken Empanada 

We have HSBC charge slips that will expire this weekend so yesterday we had our breakfast at Starbucks on our way to Ark Avilon Zoo. We redeemed our favorite drinks Café Latte and White Chocolate Mocha and ordered Chicken Empanda P75 and Fruit and Nut Toast P60 + Cream Cheese P20. 


Empanada is not my favorite food but I enjoyed Starbucks Chicken Empanada. It has peas, carrots, potatoes, bell peppers and of course chicken strips. It was indeed a very filling meal. I’ve tried Fruit and Nut Toast before and I’m aware that free butter and jam is not enough for my two slices of bread so I added cream cheese for P20 and was a little bit disappointed because of its size. 

October 25, 2011 Iced Creme Brulee Macchiato 

One week before the deadline of Starbucks Instant Rewards, we redeemed our free beverage. I ordered our all-time favourite Cinnamon Swirl P60, Ensaymada P65, Mocha Frappuccino P135 and tried the new beverage Iced Crème Brulee Macchiato P140. I’ve read not so good reviews about this drink but I want to try it and I have to agree with them because I dislike the taste. I’ve asked my husband to try my drink and he did not like it, too bitter for our taste. 



A creamy mix of crème brûlèe flavoured syrup and freshly steamed milk marked with intense Starbucks espresso, topped with velvety foam with a roasty, dark caramel drizzle on top. 

May 7, 2012 Free Starbucks Beverage

Yay! It’s definitely back! Although I’m not a coffee lover I really love this HSBC Starbucks Promo because I have reason to visit Starbucks. I can try different beverages for free. The best things in life are always free so we always grab this offer.

If you are HSBC cardholder, you can redeem your free tall handcrafted beverage from Starbucks, all you need is a single charge slip worth P2500 and 250 bonus points. Sharing some beverages that we have tried…


Our all-time favorite Mocha Frappuccino (P135) and Strawberry Cream Frappuccino (P155)


We tried Mocha Cookie Crumble (P165) and Iced White Chocolate Mocha (P140). We dislike Iced White Chocolate Mocha but we all love Mocha Cookie Crumble. This is better than Java Chip Frappuccino.


We also tried their blended drinks, Mango Passion fruit (P135) and Raspberry Clack Currant (P135). We didn’t like it, it’s like drinking medicine #IMO, we prefer ordinary shake.

Care to share your favorite drink. 

May 30, 2011

Lunch at Contis Nuvali

Mother in law was here for a quick visit so my husband decided to bring her to Nuvali but the weather did not cooperate because it was raining when we got there. We were not able to ride in taxi boat and we were not able to feed the koi. We had our lunch in Contis; it is really one of my favorite restaurants because of their lengua estofado and mango bravo cake.

We ordered apple potato salad, chicken ballotine, lengua estofado, parmesan fish fillet, Philly cheese steak, roast porkloin, blueberry cheesecake, mango bravo and ice tea. We were all satisfied with the food, service, and price.







Apple Potato Salad (Php 130.00) Apples, potatoes, carrots and chicken chunks
Philly Cheesesteak (Php 175.00) Thinly sliced grilled steak covered with sauteed mushrooms, onions, peppers and cheese on toasted baguette 
Roast Porkloin (Php 195.00) Boneless loin of pork with special gravy, served with buttered vegetables and garlic rice 
Lengua Estofado (Php 290.00) Tender slices of ox tongue in mushroom sauce, served with buttered vegetables and garlic rice 
Chicken Ballotine (Php 225.00) Meat-stuffed boneless chicken breast rolled in a creamy sauce and served with buttered vegetables and garlic rice 
Parmesan Fish Fillet w/ Parsley Sauce (Php 230.00) Served with buttered vegetables and almond pilaf 
Mango Bravo (frozen) (Php 120.00) 
Blueberry Cheesecake (Frozen) (Php 70.00)

June 21, 2011
Contis Tiramisu

P295 - mini tiramisu
I do not want to leave Nuvali without dropping by at Contis. I always order Mango Bravo but this time I want something new so I bought tiramisu. Honestly, this is my first time to eat tiramisu and I like it, a better version of mocha cake because of the layer of chiffon, creamy cheese filling and cocoa powder. My son loves it and he was able to finish two slices of tiramisu. It is not too sweet so you will definitely love this.

October 5, 2011
Contis Mango Tart + Lengua Estofado

I admit that we are really fanatics of Contis desserts especially Tiramisu, Mango Bravo and Bananalicious Pie but for a change, I will try something new. I’m choosing between blueberry cheesecake and mango tart, I can’t decide and the staff suggested mango tart so I bought the Mango Tart but we did not like it. I’m not saying that it is not good but this is not our type, it’s like eating a mango ice cream. Next visit I will try the blueberry cheesecake, any feedback?





I also bought frozen lengua estofado because I no longer have time to cook for our dinner. Contis lengua estofado is really my favorite and the taste is still the same when I reheat it.



August 28, 2018
Viennese Mocha Torte 



Contis is one of our choices when it comes to cakes, we tried most of their desserts, pastries, and pies. August is my birthday month and my husband surprised me, he bought Viennese Mocha Torte for my birthday cake. It is like the mango bravo because it has layers of moist choco sponge cake, meringue, mocha cream mousse and topped with almonds. The cake is good but what I don’t like is the icing, it is super thick so parang nakakaumay na siya kainin. Price is P765 so I think I will just buy their chocolate cake.

Solenad, Nuvali
Tel. No: (049) 3026050 / 55
Mobile: (+63922)8819126 / (+63905)2545110)

May 28, 2011

How Motherhood Changed Me

We always hear this phrase when we are still young, “wait till you become a mother” and we did not pay any attention. But now that I am a mother, I have realized that it is true, that you will learn to appreciate your mom once you become a mother.




 Motherhood is not an easy job; it is very different from the corporate jobs because there is no day off, no salary and no resignation. You cannot earn any trophy, medals, or promotion. It is a lifetime contract that you cannot revoke.
I never expected that motherhood will change my life; not just a minimal change but it turned me upside down. There are so many changes in my life including my health, career, lifestyle, social life and outlook in life. I never thought that I could give up my career just to take care of my son. I never thought that I would be happy in doing simple things with my family. There are a lot of sacrifices that I have done but I have no regrets because I love my family.  
There are so many lessons that I have learned in my journey as a mom, I have realized that it is easy to become a mother but it is very difficult to be a good mother. I have my own fears if what I am doing is right or wrong, if my son would grow up the way I want him to be, a God-fearing man and a good citizen. I know that I can choose a husband but I cannot choose my child, and he cannot choose his parents too. So I always pray that God gives me more wisdom and strength so I could be the best mom that I could be.


May 21, 2011

Buttered Garlic Shrimp

One of my favorite foods is buttered garlic shrimp because it is so easy to prepare, to cook and to eat. Lol! All you need is shrimp, butter, garlic, salt and a dash of cayenne pepper to add some kick. You can have your buttered garlic shrimp in less than ten minutes.




Ingredients: 


½ kilo of shrimp 

½ cup butter 
¼ cup garlic 
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a pan, melt butter and saute garlic. 
2. Once you smell the aroma of the garlic, put the shrimp. 
3. Add salt and pepper according to your preference. 
4. Cook the shrimp until it change its color. 
5. Serve it hot.

May 15, 2011

Poquito Mas


We went to Paseo de Sta Rosa yesterday to look for a restaurant where we could eat our lunch, we are really hungry that time so when we saw this poster, we immediately went inside to check the food.


Poquito Mas restaurant ambiance is not really inviting but since we are hungry, we took a chance. We are not expecting that we will enjoy their Splatino buffet (Spanish, Latino, and Filipino) but we're really satisfied. P299 eat all you can is really worth it. 

They serve soup, salad, dessert, fish, chicken, pork, vegetables, pasta, and others. I am too shy to take pictures on their buffet table so I only have limited picture of the food. I love their pork caldereta, rosemary chicken, roast porkloin and palitaw. The service staffs are all friendly and nice.


May 14, 2011

Cardholder



I’ve got this from hubby; it is a cardholder that you can use to store your calling cards, atm, credit cards or memberships cards. It can hold up to six cards, so if you have limited card slots on your wallet, this is a better alternative for storing your cards.





I love Eng Bee Tin

Another pasalubong from my hubby, hopia mongo and ube from Eng Bee Tin. I really love their hopia especially the hopia mongo, the filling is not too sweet. This is the only hopia that I eat, too bad, they only have limited store.



Eng Bee Tin
650 Ongpin St. Cor. Nueva Street, Binondo, Manila, Philippines
Masagana Citimall, GL-8, 2410-2432 Taft Avenue Near Corner Libertad Street Pasay City
Masagana Superstore, TM. Kalaw Street Metro Manila
518 Quintin Paredes Street near Binondo Church Metro Manila
B-1 & B-3 Agora Mall, San Juan Manila
Level 2, Walter Mart Center, Chino Roces cor. A. Arnaiz ST. Makati
284 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave. Quezon City
G41-42 Ground flr, Victory Central Mall, Monumento, Caloocan City

May 11, 2011

Danish Butter Cookies and Currant Cookies

Hubby gave us this butter cookie last night. He got this as a prize from his team building. I love the taste of the butter cookie because it is not too sweet. I wonder where I can buy this “Wonderful Copenhagen” Danish butter cookies.



Update: May 28, 2011



Hubby is back from his Shanghai trip and I am so happy that he brought me a box of cookie. I thought it was a butter cookie but I was wrong. Kjeldsens currant cookie is a little bit sweet with different texture but I still love it except for the currant because I do not like dried grape. Perfect match for hot chocolate drink or coffee. Another favorite from Denmark.

May 05, 2011

Cebu's Ayer Lechon

Every time my hubby will go Cebu, I only have one request; do not forget my pasalubong and he knows already that I want Cebu’s lechon. He was not able to buy CNT lechon so he opted to Cebu’s Ayer Lechon.  This was supposed to be our dinner but because of the “delayed” of PAL, it became a midnight snack. I really woke up just to eat this lechon. 

I always love Cebu’s lechon because it is flavorful, tastier and cheaper compared to Manila’s lechon. No need for liver sauce or any condiments for their lechon. 

P375 for 3/4 kilo


It may not look good in the picture but believe me, it is yummy! Hindi na nga lang malutong yung skin, makunat na. Two months ago my husband bought two kilos of CNT lechon and it took us 3 days to eat it but now, after 12 hours, no more Cebu’ Ayer Lechon (3/4 kilo).

Edited this post because of this


Read: Cebu's Lechon


Update July 2017


My husband went back to Cebu last week and I told him to buy lechon. He always buys lechon at CnT since the branch is just near in Marriott Hotel. But he was running late to the airport so he bought lechon at Cebu's Ayer Lechon at Mactan International Airport. You have two options at the airport, either Zubuchon or Cebu's Ayer Lechon. The latter is cheaper at P375 per 1/2 kilo. 



Update April 2023 
It’s been a while since we went to Cebu and as expected, our Cebu trip is not complete without buying lechon. Since we did not go out and only stayed at Sheraton Mactan, sa airport lang kami bumili ng pasalubong. 
We saw the kiosk of Cebu's Ayer Lechon at the entrance of the airport so we bought 1 kilo for PHP950. The box has instructions na, I remembered when I first bought this makunat yung balat but last year I used our air fryer to reheat it, and voila, hindi na siya makunat.
2-Easy Reheating Steps of Ayers Lechon 
1. Defrost in the microwave oven. 
2. Use an air fryer, convection oven, or oven toaster. Preheat for 5 mins at 180C. Wrap the meat with aluminum foil and place it in the fryer/oven for 16mins. In another sheet of foil, place the lechon skin and put it in the fryer/oven in the remaining 8 mins of cooking time. Then serve.