Category: MANILA

MANILA, Mommy Diaries

Baby’s First Trip to the Philippines

by riannagalvez6 Comments on Baby’s First Trip to the Philippines

Hello, dolls! Hello, last day of April!! Who is ready to embrace the month of May with positivity? I have so many exciting things in store for me, little adventures I can’t wait to take on. I can officially start counting the days until I become a Mama of two now — how time flies! Despite the morning sickness and exhaustion, I have to say that I am truly enjoying this pregnancy. In fact, I feel like I am going to miss having her in my belly and going through the waves of changes.

I spent the entire weekend with my Filipino crew here in Baltimore. It was nice to catch up with everyone and talk about anything about home, the Philippines. There are so many things that we miss from home — the simplicity of life, the warmth of family and friends surrounding us, and food of course! My trips to the Philippines have changed ever since A and I got engaged. Before, I would come home and not plan anything because my main purpose was to retreat, spend time with my family, and eat my heart out. With A, I love how I am rediscovering things in the Philippines without compromising time with family and friends.

DSC_0657-1A.jpg Continue reading “Baby’s First Trip to the Philippines” →

Advertisements
MANILA

Manila Food Guide: Where To Eat in Binondo

by riannagalvez9 Comments on Manila Food Guide: Where To Eat in Binondo

Hello, dolls!! Hello, #Throwback Tuesday! Spring is definitely here and I am so happy to be enjoying this lovely season with extra time at home this year. The weather has been glorious lately which makes me really inspired to keep on planning little adventures for our little family before we welcome baby girl. Little A has been telling me how much he loves waking up with Mommy most days now and my heart just melts every time! I am happy we are getting our much anticipated solo time now.

So before I make you run to your fridge as you scroll through this blog post, let me remind you about the giveaway I am hosting this month in partnership with Maryland Families for Safe Birth. Only 3 days left until I announce the winner!! I am so excited for one Mama to take home $300 worth of baby products on May 19! Click here for the giveaway.

DSC_0661-1A.jpg

Continue reading “Manila Food Guide: Where To Eat in Binondo” →

MANILA

Manila Food Guide: Where To Eat Lunch in Quezon City

by riannagalvez5 Comments on Manila Food Guide: Where To Eat Lunch in Quezon City

Hello, dolls!! Hello, wonderful April! I know I have been expressing how exhausted I have been lately but man do I love being busy — the irony, right? I think that’s just how women are, we are born as “doers”. I once read an article online that mentioned how vital a woman’s role in a household is. That before we could even think of sitting down, we make sure we have everything covered, and for most of us, that happens right before bedtime! Now, I am not trying to say men don’t do their fair share of responsibilities at home. I like to think I am fortunate more than others when it comes to my husband being involved in our daily chores, but I sometimes wonder, if women stopped doing the things they do, and men are left with no structure at home, would it be as efficient as it would be?

Anyway, I am still reliving our Austin trip and all the amazing food that we had. After 3 consecutive delayed/canceled flights from our last two trips, I can’t believe that I am finally telling myself to go on a break from jet setting and just stick to road trips until our big family trip in December! So I guess I am going to let my blog travel for me for a while by reliving my great adventures.

Before I move on to my Quezon City lunch food guide, let me promote the giveaway I am hosting right now in Partnership with Maryland Families for Safe Birth. If you want to win a swag bag worth $300, please click here for the giveaway! <3

IMG_2798AA.JPG

Continue reading “Manila Food Guide: Where To Eat Lunch in Quezon City” →

MANILA

MANILA EATS: IKKORYU FUKUOKA RAMEN

by riannagalvez5 Comments on MANILA EATS: IKKORYU FUKUOKA RAMEN

Hello, dolls!! Hello, weekend!! <3 It’s an exciting weekend for me because I am headed to Austin with A and a couple of our friends. I already miss little A but this is “one of two” weekends that we will spend away from him so I am going to wear my big girl Mommy pants and enjoy my long weekend in a city I can’t wait to explore.

I am currently busy getting baby girl’s room in order before she gets here in less than 8 weeks! So it’s nice to unwind once in a while aka blog about my past adventures. Currently, I’ve been sharing our 2-week vacation in the Philippines, or as I like to call it, little A’s first trip to the Philippines. We tried to eat at as many places as we can and since this was a short trip, I made A pick most of the restaurants. After all, seeing my family was my objective.

IMG_2771A.JPG

Continue reading “MANILA EATS: IKKORYU FUKUOKA RAMEN” →

MANILA, TRAVEL

Manila Eats: Brick Burger

by riannagalvez4 Comments on Manila Eats: Brick Burger

Hello, dolls!! Hello, #ThrowbackThursday ! 😛 I’ve been getting an extra day with little A every 2/3 weeks and I must say, I don’t know how SAHMs do it without wanting to call anyone for help! lol. My energy is being consumed by 3 major things for the past 7 months — work, my pregnancy, and running after my toddler. I can’t wait to knock down the first two in a month so I can devote my energy to our growing family.

This week, I talked to my employer about my future in the company. It went better than I thought it would. Taking a step back on my career is something I really can’t fully grasp yet. After all, I spent the past 8 years working hard to get where I am now — so it’s a really bittersweet feeling. Though I know it’s for the best reason, the big question for me is “how do people let go of something they are passionate about?”. I know I need this break for my mental health as well. If I am not pregnant, I would probably be overworking myself until God knows when causing me to be toxic to the people around me because I am beyond exhausted — this I have to remind myself over and over.

IMG_0204A.JPG

Continue reading “Manila Eats: Brick Burger” →

FOOD, MANILA

Manila Eats: Oedo Japanese Restaurant

by riannagalvez3 Comments on Manila Eats: Oedo Japanese Restaurant

Hello, dolls! Hello, weekend!! Who is ready for Spring?? I AM! I started the month with great opportunities and I can’t wait to give back to my readers again (so stay tuned cause another giveaway is in the works!). I am so glad this long work week is over!! I feel like I wasn’t able to do a lot of personal stuff because of work so I am just excited to spend the next 48 hours focusing on myself and my family.

Anyway, I know I am still 9 months away from going back to the Philippines but I can’t help but think about it every day! When you have friends who send you messages about how excited they are to see you again, it’s hard not to be this eager. The last time we were in Manila, little A was barely 7 months old. This year, I will be going home with 2 kids!! I would be lying if I say I am not nervous, but I know the plane ride will be worth it once we see everyone again.

DSC_0148-1A.jpg Continue reading “Manila Eats: Oedo Japanese Restaurant” →

MANILA

Manila Eats: Ramen Nagi

by riannagalvezLeave a Comment on Manila Eats: Ramen Nagi

Hello,dolls! Hello, July! 🙂 This week has been steady, everyone’s looking forward to July 4th (Independence Day here in the US) and I am just here…writing this blog, thinking how fast June went by. I can’t believe that June is over, and that today is the third day of July. It’s craaaazy. 

So anyway, thinking about Independence Day makes me miss the Philippines. Living here in the US means embracing the American culture (and I love it!) but the downside is, I sometimes feel like I am forgetting about the Philippines. I look back to all the holidays and special occasions with my family that I missed for the past 3 years and wish that I do not have to miss more. Good thing my sister is here this year, I have someone to share the misery  / happiness with.

DSC_0029

This pretty much sums up how my life has been for the past week.

I’ve been drinking more than 6 cups of tea at work every morning. I am not a coffee drinker and unlike most of the cooks that I know, I do not drink energy drinks so yeah…tea helps me in the morning haha

I’ve been thinking about our wedding a lot lately, watching our SDE videos by Pat Dy and Jason Magbanua on Vimeo pretty much everyday. I miss being a bride-to-be! But guess what? We are having another wedding next month and I am excited!

I miss home..I miss home! I ordered a whole cake from Estrel’s on our last day in Manila last year. Took half of it back to Baltimore and to my surprise it did not get messed up during the flight.

This was me the day after we got back from Manila in last year in September. A cup of tea, a slice of Estrel’s caramel cake, and Brides magazine.

DSC_0546A

So where do I begin? This is a pretty random post and I am going to start with a glimpse of my life here in America as a Filipino Continue reading “Manila Eats: Ramen Nagi” →

BALTIMORE, Family, FOOD, LIFE IN BALTIMORE, LIFE IN MNL, LOVE in MNL, MANILA, MY EVER AFTER, THE FIANCE

Almost..I do.

by riannagalvezLeave a Comment on Almost..I do.

Hello, dolls!!! 🙂 Aaaah finally!!! I am sorry for being MIA for a week. Being in Manila means dealing with poor service. For the past 2 weeks A and I have had our fair share of annoying stories about being taken advantage of government officials/ traffic enforcers and having no internet for a week (just because PLDT decided to do maintenance i the area FOR A WEEK!). So it has been a busy 2 weeks, I’ve always dreamed of being a hands on bride, but gaaah I never thought it would be this challenging (not that I am complaining). I am kind of getting frustrated about not documenting most of the things that has been happening since I’ve been home. I don’t know why but maybe it’s the fact that I have been so worried about being so bloated/swollen because of the sudden change of weather (from 18 degrees to 97!). My ring finger is having an allergic reaction to the hot weather that I am so afraid my rings won’t fit next week! #StoryOfMyLife. Nonetheless, I feel like we are pretty much ready to say I do…suppliers are picked out and all I need is for my guests to RSVP! Haha So as I mentioned above, I failed to document everything, so let me share some throwbacks for you that shows how my life has been like for the past 2 weeks. DSC_0898A

Greek Easter: Greek Easter was this past Sunday. We missed it this year and aaah I was dreaming about Greek food all day!

Thinking about Greek Easter reminded me of the Greek Festival last year.

DSC_0860A

it was a Friday and luckily both A and I got the night off. So we invited this little egg tart to join us

Continue reading “Almost..I do.” →

FOOD, LOVE in MNL, MANILA, PHILIPPINES, Photography, THE FIANCE, TRAVEL

Manila Diaries: XLB and Noodles

by riannagalvez1 Comment on Manila Diaries: XLB and Noodles

September 2014: Hello again, Manila!

Hello dolls!!! 🙂 Aaaah, Manila! It’s almost a week since we’ve been home and about 2 weeks left until our big day! If there’s a chance for me to stop or slow down time, now would be the perfect time to do so. A and I have been taking afternoon naps because of jet lag, not that it is important, but it’s something that we have not done before! RELAX and not worry about work the next day. Although I must admit, my decision is kind of making me nervous about the first 3 months of my return to Baltimore. Ugggh. Why do I have to overthink everything?

Manila means food tripping everyday for A and I. Whether it be home or somewhere A would get stared at haha. I am only have a few posts left from our trip here in Manila last year, and I hope I could finish all of it before I say I do.

DSC_0576A

Before A and I would go on a trip, we would make a list of ALL the things/places that we want to do/go to.

Being a person who makes lists on almost everything, this has been really effective for us. The deal is to go out for lunch and check one thing off our list, then come home for dinner with family. Easy.

DSC_0598A

One of the places that A wanted to go to last year was Lugang Cafe.

It’s a restaurant by Bellagio Group based out of Shanghai and Beijing. Lugang Cafe specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine.  Continue reading “Manila Diaries: XLB and Noodles” →

Family, FOOD, FRIENDSHIP, LIFE IN MNL, LOVE in MNL, MANILA, Photography, Road Trips, THE FIANCE, TRAVEL

Sirius Espresso

by riannagalvez1 Comment on Sirius Espresso

09.12.14: Great food makes a trip

Hello,dolls!!! Happy hump day 😉 Aaah I can’t believe we only have less than 3 weeks left until we officially start our wedding journey. 2 Mondays left to accomplish everything that we need to do before our departure…oh the excitement of knowing that I will have a month filled with adventures and LOVE!!! <3

Looking at photos from our trip in Asia 6 months ago pumps me up more. I can’t wait to be with my family again and eat delicious food with A!!! One of our food adventures in Manila last year, and definitely one of my favorites is our trip to Bulacan to finally try my friend Karen’s baby… Sirius Espresso.

DSC_0732A

I am always happy to see my friends become successful. As soon as I found out that Karen opened a cafe, I wanted to hop on the next flight back home and try all the delicious things that she is whipping up.

DSC_0693A

I do not mind driving all the way to Bulacan just to try her food! Anyway, Bulacan is not that far from us. It only took us less than minutes to get to her restaurant without traffic…awesome! Continue reading “Sirius Espresso” →

Fashion, FOOD, FRIENDSHIP, KITCHEN DIARIES, LIFE IN MNL, MANILA, STYLE, THE FIANCE

It’s a Kate Spade thing

by riannagalvez1 Comment on It’s a Kate Spade thing

Hello, dolls!!! 🙂 It’s the third day of March,how has it been for you so far? For me, I am literally counting the days until winter is over (YESSS!!!) and our trip to Manila! I can’t believe that I can now say “we will be home in 27 days”. I feel like it was only yesterday when we booked our flights..and now I have to worry about packing SOON! Last month, I mentioned that my head’s a riot…well multiply that to 2 this month (and the month just started…yes!) I feel like I am still planning things even in my sleep which is crazy…beautiful. haha. There is no escaping….the wedding shenanigans and stress is crawling up to my sanity slowly.

So tonight I want keep it light…post something simple but worthy. Cause seriously, I feel like I’ve been thinking way toooo much that it’s almost like my head is going to explode any minute.

DSC_0737 (2)A

I am going to start this entry by saying “happy almost 1st birthday, love!”

DSC_0738A

When I say that A is the perfect man for me, I mean it. I sometimes think that he is a pdychic or something because he has never failed to give me the perfect present. (Or maybe I am just that easy to please….which is actually a fact)

DSC_0739A

I noticed that every year I have a brand that I go crazy about. Like unconsciously or without even trying so hard, I tend to consider that brand when buying stuff. I am so into it.

Continue reading “It’s a Kate Spade thing” →

Family, Fashion, FOOD, LOVE in MNL, MANILA, THAILAND, THE FIANCE, TRAVEL

Hello, Bangkok!

by riannagalvezLeave a Comment on Hello, Bangkok!

BANGKOK DIARIES

09.05.2014: S̄wạs̄dī

Hello, dolls!!!! 🙂 I am very very excited to share with you our trip to Thailand. I can’t believe that it has been 5 months already…and boy do I miss it! Last year, A and I were introduced to “family trips”. After our trip to Bangkok, I don’t think I can no longer say “my family and I with A” because A is now part of the family,and vice versa. Whether it be it with our family in the Philippines, or here in the US, we are all considered as one family now. So anyway, I am very happy that I am now sharing my first Bangkok post 🙂

DSC_0580A

To be in another country with A and our family is probably one of the best blessings that I received last year

DSC_0544A

One of the best trips ever!!! Especially because it was for the best Dad who turned 50 last year! 🙂

We had an early flight to Bangkok. Getting 8 people to wake up early and be ready before 7Am is not easy. So after dressing up, we went straight to the airport.

No breakfast for us!!! Everyone was excited and in a hurry because we did not want to miss our flight. We were so ready to have our first meal of the day after checking in our luggage. Continue reading “Hello, Bangkok!” →

FOOD, LOVE in MNL, MANILA, MY EVER AFTER, THE FIANCE

Happy Valentine’s Day!

by riannagalvez1 Comment on Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hello, sweets! 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day <3 What a cold snowy Valentine’s day it is! It’s so funny whenever people asked me what I am doing for Valentine’s day and I would abruptly say “work” and “I don’t do Valentine’s…it’s a Dad thing for me”. Then I go on and on how my Dad never fails to buy flowers for me, most of the time with balloons, and a cute Vday card. He still does that even when I am far from home. This year, it kind of made me wonder if “Valentine’s is really not my thing”. I mean I have A now….but it feels weird you know? Because I know A and I will be working all day on Valentine’s day for the next (n) years so it never really occurred to me that my Vday is going to be extraordinary. If anything, I am just glad that I have someone to come home to and call my Valentine.

A gave Valentine’s a new meaning for me. Although we don’t get to do anything special on the day itself, we see to it that we spend time together before or after the day of hearts to celebrate our love for each other. And let’s face it, it’s also a reason for us to eat out 😉 

So let me share with you some of the 3 things that made me change my mind and think about Valentine’s as a romantic day for lovers.

DSC_1254AA

1. It can be anything

A and I received a lot of presents last year. We gave each other significant gifts that can remind us of every special occasion from last year. We also have our wedding coming up in less than 3 months. Meaning, more surprises for the two of us. So for Valentine’s this year, I thought….why not keep it simple? We decided on making it fun by doing a theme, and it revolved around a book that we want to give each other (we have a never-ending list of books that we want to get so yeaaap). I find it really amusing to find things that will match the book that I got him. Instead of giving each other one big gift, we received small trinkets.

I am not a big fan of flowers (geeez how many times do I have to say this? lol) so flowers are out of the question. A week ago I already told A to not give me balloons because I’ve had enough balloons to make me happy until the end of the year from my 24th birthday and bridal shower. I guess, my point is…..it can be anything, or it could be nothing cause the best present of all is having someone to spend Valentine’s with.

DSC_1356AA

2. Valentine Date

Let’s face it, one of the joys of having a boyfriend/fiance/husband for Valentine’s day is the fact that I know I won’t be joining the “I am single for Valentine’s slash I wish I have a boyfriend” FB status club. I know in the end, whether we give each other presents or not, or if we go out or stay in, I’ll have A.

But A showed me that he is more than just a date. I am not the most romantic showy person ever! And most of the time I feel guilty for not being affectionate more. Anyway, A is more than just a date because he does not make me look forward to Valentine’s, he makes me excited about the things that are yet to happen after that. He is the perfect Valentine every day. Continue reading “Happy Valentine’s Day!” →

Family, FOOD, LIFE IN MNL, LOVE in MNL, MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Daddy’s 50th

by riannagalvezLeave a Comment on Daddy’s 50th

 

09.03.2014: Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Hello, dolls!! Happy almost weekend 😉 7 weeks — that’s what I have been telling myself all day. I need redemption, I need something that will make me feel stronger to where I am at now…something that will deviate the thought of change. As much as I want for time to freeze, I can’t wait to be home and get married to the love of my life!!! During the last week of January, I had this feeling that February is going to be a scary month to deal with – big opportunities and decisions are in order and sometimes I wish “yes” is not a factor for my family and I to be together.

DSC_0489A

The main reason why I went home in September last year was my Dad’s birthday. I’ve missed missed a good number of special moments with my family already, but I can’t go on life knowing that I missed my Dad’s birthday, so I did everything to make it happen.

DSC_0390A

We went to Spiral at Sofitel Philippine Plaza for Daddy’s birthday. It was the perfect place to celebrate is birthday, and give A the freedom to eat whatever wants. haha

His first stop? The Asian station.

Spiral is huge! I wish I was able to take more photos but A, jejekid,and I had a game plan — and that is to try everything!

Continue reading “Daddy’s 50th” →

Family, FOOD, LIFE IN MNL, LOVE in MNL, MANILA, THE FIANCE

Manila Eats: September 2014

by riannagalvez2 Comments on Manila Eats: September 2014

09.02.14: Anghelica’s, Borough, Black Chicken, and Mama’s Hainanese Chicken

Hello, dolls! Happy snowy Monday 😉 I can’t believe that my “weekend” is almost over again…and that in 8 and half weeks I will be home again!!! I don’t think I can hide the fact that I am pretty scared about February coming so soon. I feel like I still have tons to do… for the wedding, our life after the wedding, my sister’s future, my family taking a big step for togetherness..and you know? THE WEDDING! The past weekend was nothing but a riot and aaaah…I am just happy to finally let my thoughts out and clear my mind…even for just a little while 🙂

DSC_0334A

When I think of home, one of the things that come to mind is Anghelica’s.

Chef Anne’s brainchild. (which makes me realize! I need to place my orders soon!)

DSC_0348AWhen A and I came home in September, I told Chef Anne I want to try all of her new creations. Having her ube leche flan cake with the family is one of the reasons why I would always come home.

Anghelica’s promote desserts with Filipino favorite ingredients and flavors or as she puts it — Anghelica’s is a tribute to Philippine sweets.

The ube leche flan cake is the killer, but there is so much more in Anghelica’s that you have to try. Continue reading “Manila Eats: September 2014” →

Family, FOOD, LIFE IN BALTIMORE, LIFE IN MNL, LOVE in MNL, MANILA, THE FIANCE, TRAVEL

Nomama Artisnal Ramen

by riannagalvez2 Comments on Nomama Artisnal Ramen

09.01.14: My Asian Guy

Hello, dolls!!! 🙂 Happy Monday!! The past week was very rewarding and blessed for the Filipinos due to the Papal Visit. Hearing stories from my family who went to see him 4 days in a row just gave me so much happiness. I feel like it was a very fruitful 4 days and I wish I could have went with them. It’s been 4 months since I’ve been home and I miss it terribly. Lucky for me, I have this blog and a gazillion photos to share so I get to reminisce about moments during my homecoming and feel like it wasn’t very long ago.

DSC_0256A

I was very happy to welcome September 2014 in Manila. Apart from the happiness that I was feeling for being home, A arrived at 3AM in the morning, making September 1st one of the best day last year.

So what do we on A’s first day back in the Philippines? Try to fight jet lag until 7AM, take a nap, then leave for lunch. Probably not the most ideal time frame but it worked for us a couple of times. haha

DSC_0252A

So what did we do to make a feel at home in the Philippines??5 letters—- RAMEN!

We went to Nomama Artisnal Ramen because I am on a mission…and that is to take A to all of the great ramen places in the Philippines. I did not want to exhaust A so I’ve decided to go somewhere close to us. Nomama, which is 15 minutes away from us, came to mind so we went there.

Continue reading “Nomama Artisnal Ramen” →

Family, FOOD, LOVE in MNL, MANILA, TRAVEL

Home Run for The New Year

by riannagalvezLeave a Comment on Home Run for The New Year

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, DOLLS!!! 🙂 I know I promised that I will post an entry yesterday, but aaah the last day of 2014 was a crazy roller coaster ride that ended with so much excitement! Anyway, looking back I realized that posting an entry on the first day of the year is probably a good way to start a progressive blogging year 😉 Only 3 months until I get to be in the arms of my family again,and aaaah I can’t wait! So today, as my first blog of the year, I will look back to my memorable trip back home.

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

I don’t think I can ever get used to not being with my family, especially during the holidays. A lot of people tell me that it seems like I have adjusted to my new life here already. but honestly, I still yearn for my family’s presence…every waking day.

IMG_8830A

I left a week before A. We all know how hard it could be to ask time off from work. I am blessed that I work with people who understands my situation so they allowed me to get a month off.

It was a bittersweet departure for me. It’s always hard to leave Baltimore alone.. Continue reading “Home Run for The New Year” →

FOOD, FRIENDSHIP, MANILA

November Girls

by riannagalvezLeave a Comment on November Girls

It’s never too late to have a new BFF!

Hello, sweets!!! 🙂 I can’t believe we are almost halfway through my birthday month!(time, you need to slowdown!!!). November is always sweet to me, even though I do not try to make it extra amazing, blessings come pouring to remind me of how beautiful life is (and that turning a year old is not too bad!).I am not the only one who looks forward to November (well….duhh) what makes it even more special now is that one of my best friends birthday is also in November!

There are times where I feel like I am not being a good friend. Times that make me realize that being away could be challenging in every way. Recently it would take me up to more than a day to get back to messages from my friends, and it makes me feel horrible (of course!) because it shouldn’t be that way. Last night I felt overwhelmed about everything that I NEED to do in the next couple of months, all I wish right now is to have TIME to make them all happen.

DSCN1107A

Days like this makes me miss having my girlfriends close to me. I wish I could just give them a call right now and meet up an hour after.

DSCN1112A

I miss having lunch dates with Alyza, I wish I was home for her birthday to celebrate our birthday month together, just like last year! But the least thing that I can do for the person who made being in a LDR relationship bearable for me for 10 months is to write an entry here on my blog. Continue reading “November Girls” →

FOOD, FRIENDSHIP, MANILA

Halloween Hits

by riannagalvezLeave a Comment on Halloween Hits

“The Gift of Friendship”

Hello, sweets!! Happy Sunday!!! Sundays remind me of home..my family..my friends..my closet..everyone and everything! Halloween is fast approaching and I am still not sure if I will be able to dress up and party it up with my friends here (cause I have to work  late every weekend!!!!) Luckily I brought good memories with me to write about, so my Halloween is not going to be as lame as I think it would be. I am not big on scary stuff, and candies come first to mind when I think of Halloween. I don’t know if I will be able to give out candies this year but I know someday soon I can get crazy and make trick or treaters happy. Last year, I spent Halloween with my friends and I deliberately waited until this month to write about the good times that we shared together when I was home.

DSCN2052A

 The reason why I am also writing about this a few weeks early is because I  recently saw these kitchen babies that my good friend Cams gave me during my going away party this year.

They brings me back to our “panic spatula” slash Culinary school days. I love how my friends know me, and how they give me the perfect presents! Just like the tea infuser cause I am a tea lover <3

IMG_3119A

A few weeks before I left this February I had dinner with PPG at Mad for Garlic,The Fort.

We all do the same thing, we cook. Setting a date for dinner with all of us is always a challenge so I was very happy that we got to see each other before I left.

Continue reading “Halloween Hits” →

Family, FOOD, HONG KONG, MANILA, THE BOYFRIEND, TRAVEL

Hong Kong Diary: See you again, Hong Kong!

by riannagalvezLeave a Comment on Hong Kong Diary: See you again, Hong Kong!

10:06:13: Of Traveling Together

Hello, sweets! Another week is coming to an end, Monday is fast approaching, and I can’t wait for my weekend to start!!! This year, A and I promised each other that we will make this year better than the first 2 years we’ve been together. 2012, we were too busy at work that we missed spending some celebrations together (I remember working for his birthday all night). 2013, I spent 8 months in Manila, 8 months away from him. We engaged ourselves in a long distance relationship, and happily made it through after almost 11 months. Which I am very grateful for because A did everything to make me feel like he is not too away from me. Up to the point that he traveled to Asia and spent 3 weeks with me and my family. This year, we want to make the most of our time and experience new things together before we get married.

Anyway, this is my last post about our memorable trip in Hong Kong. Writing about this makes me pumped up about writing more each week so I can start our Bangkok Diary soon! Also, it excites me for our next trip together!!!! Traveling brought A and I closer and I think it is one of the reasons why I said YES to him. We got lost together, walked for an hour, survived a place we’ve never been before, spoke to people we couldn’t understand, and learned things about each other.

Make sure you’ve read my previous posts about our Hong Kong trip before you move on!! 🙂

Our first day –  http://riannagalvez.com/2014/07/29/hong-kong-and-us/

Island and Us –  http://riannagalvez.com/2014/08/09/hong-kong-diary-island-food-adventures/

Repulse Bay –  http://riannagalvez.com/2014/08/21/hong-kong-diary-repulse-bay/

Hong Kong Eats – http://riannagalvez.com/2014/08/25/hong-kong-diary-pigeon-mantis-shrimp-and-some-afternoon-sun/

Street Food Diet – http://riannagalvez.com/2014/09/12/hong-kong-diary-street-food-diet/

HBD, A – http://riannagalvez.com/2014/10/06/hong-kong-diary-happy-birthday-a/

A’s Bday Dinner – http://riannagalvez.com/2014/10/08/hong-kong-diary-as-birthday-dinner/

 

IMG_9968

The hotel sent us a fruit platter for A’s birthday before we checked out! Perfect for me because I love fruits!! YUMMMS

DSCN9562A

‘Our flight was in the afternoon, so we had the morning to do last minute shopping. The only thing on my list was to go the closest Tai Cheong that opens before 9AM.

DSCN9560A

Surprised A by wearing this Van Halen sweater for our last day! He likes it when I wear shirts of the bands that he listens to (hahahah it’s the least thing that I can do since I’ can’t stand 15 minutes listening to his music. LOL

While waiting for the train going to Tseung Kwan O.

Continue reading “Hong Kong Diary: See you again, Hong Kong!” →