Mountaineering 101: Trail Food

Since I climb mountains, I learned which food to eat while climbing. Of course you can't eat heavy meals along the way unless you are going to stop first and have your lunch. But while walking or taking a quick rest, you can munch on these trail foods.

First there these famous trail foods like the one from Nature Valley. It contains oats, rice crispies, honey, almonds, raisins, peanuts and sunflower seeds. Usually you'll find these stuff at the supermarket at the nuts or breakfast section and they cost maybe around 20 pesos. Just look for those that says Trail Mix. Or you may want to just make your own trail mix by buying nuts for protein such as peanuts, walnuts, almonds or whatever nuts you prefer then for your sugar, dried fruits such as raisins, pineapples, apricots, mangoes(this one is the best), prunes. Just mix them in a zip lock bag and you have your own customized trail mix.

You can even add a few candies if you want for added sugar. Or you can just eat the candies alone if you were not ableto buy or make your trail mix but will pass by a convenient store. A perfect example would be our very own Nips candy covered chocolate candies or Skittles.

The best trail food that I found out would be the jelly sticks. These are flavored jellies in sticks so you can just suck and eat them while walking. It's super cheap plus it contains sugar and water at the same time giving you energy. The jellies come in different flavors and are made by different brands. I prefer the brand Mr. Jiggles since its texture is a bit chewy unlike the others that are too watery and Mr. Jiggles is easier to open. If you can't find jelly sticks, you can just buy the regular shaped jellies though they are harder to eat because you need to remove its lid first.

Besides your water or whatever drink you have, don't let yourself die of starvation when you climb or even when traveling. You can bring these food. They are light and cheap and can be bought in your local grocery stores or even convenient store.

A Merry Christmas and all my wishes granted.

Merry Christmas to everyone.
I just want to say that this year has been a memorable year for me and literally all my (main) wishes have been granted, from my job, salary, loved ones and even material things. 2010 has been a great year for me and I am hoping that 2011 will be even better.
I am now with my loved one and I have received the gift from my wishlist during our exchange gift at the office which is actually an earth pad plus the person who gave me the gift gave me a portable towel as well.
I could never ask for more!
If there is anything that I would like to ask for for the coming year is good health, good fortune and peace of mind for everyone especially for my family.
I will strive harder, work harder to provide a better future for my family. I can say I am living the good life but I can definitely make it even better.
I would like to thank God for answering all my prayers. It was right that I placed all my faith in Him and never lost hope and in return, he granted all my prayers.
I pray that everyone will do the same and hope that everyone will also have their prayers answered.
Praying doesn't mean asking for something and expecting something in return. Praying means you have faith and that you believe in God. Have faith in Him and you will be rewarded.

Christmas Wish

If God can grant you one wish for Christmas, what would it be?

Will it be something material? A loved one?

I do have material wishes but those can wait. Money can be earned and those material things can be bought anytime.

If God can grant me just one wish for this Christmas or even for the next Christmases that will come, my wish is to be with the very important person in my life. I am even willing to sacrifice all or give everything just to be with that special person though if that's the case I don't think that is considered a gift anymore.

If God grants me my wish, it'll be the happiest day of my life and I don't think I will ask for anything else after that except for maybe good health and enough resources to live peacefully.

Restaurant Review: Racks

Indeed the meat falls of the bone.

The best ribs in town are by Racks restaurant. It was my first time to eat at Racks because I was craving for, guess what, fries. I really like eating burgers so we were supposed to eat at Brother's Burger but then I told my friend I feel like eating French fries and I wanted those big cut fries. She understood and said I might want to try Racks. I was like, you know I have never eaten there and I would like to try some ribs but why suggest Racks when I am craving for fries? The reason she suggested Racks is because they have these side dishes like Mac n Cheese, salads and their French Fries. I forgot what it's called but it is one of the best French fries I have tried.

Baby Back Ribs.

 

We ordered two different dishes first. I bought baby back ribs and my friend chose the flaked ribs already because she said she does not want to get into the hassle of slicing meat though Rack's meats are very tender that you almost don't need a knife because the meat fall of the bones.

Baby Back Ribs Meal Combo

Flaked Meat.

Since I was craving for fries, of course I chose their French fries as my side dish and it was the big cut fries that I wanted. It tasted really fresh and has a large serving. I would not mind eating there again and buying those fries. It was crunchy on the outside and soft inside. It also came with a dip that tasted like gravy which is good but I think I prefer dipping my fries on tartar sauce. *salivates*

Yummy French Fries!

Closer view of the fries.

Gravy.

The baby back ribs are so tender and like what I have said, it falls off the bones. It came with rice and fermented papaya side dish, a usual among Filipino dishes. The ribs are just spiced with salt and pepper and then you have the choice if you want the regular or spicy hot Rack's barbeque sauce. I like spicy foods so I poured spicy sauce all over the ribs and boy was it good but it was a little but too spicy that it kind of burns your lips but it is really good. The dishes are priced around 150 to 200 pesos and the side dishes are around 60 pesos.

Your choice of regular or extra hot barbeque sauce.

We spent around 700 pesos for the two dishes, the fries and a pitcher of iced tea. Quite expensive but considering the serving and taste I think it's worth the price. I would definitely eat there again.

Ate it all up!

Christmas and Gift Giving.

Christmas is near and actually I am not expecting any gifts from anyone except maybe from my mom and from our office since we have this Kris Kringle. You pick a name of one of your colleagues and you give them a gift for Christmas. Usually there is a rule like the price but you can give a more expensive gift as long as it comes from the heart but the price of the gift should at least reach the minimum price that's on the rule. There is also a wishlist so you don't need to think of what you can give to the person that you picked but it kind of removes the surprise but it is better than giving a gift cheque because it removes the spirit of opening gifts and suprising someone that you were able to actually find the gift that they wanted to receive. If you ask me, of course I won't be a hypocrite and I would still accept the gift cheque, but again, there is no more surprise on that maybe just the excitement on what you can buy with it. I am actually having troubles in buying the gift for the person that I picked, he has this airsoft gear as a wishlist and lucky for me, there is a gun shop or whatever you call it at the mall near our place and they sell airsoft equipment. Lucky for the person whom I picked, he already has a gift from me.

If you're reading this (guy from Kris Krisngle), you're lucky I bought your gift already.

I am a very shallow person and I really like getting surprises even with the smallest things or ideas. For example, give me a chocolate bar that I love and I will be smiling all the day because I know I was remembered and you know that the person made an effort to produce that gift. Give me money and of course I will definitely be smiling because I know I can buy whatever I want with the money but it's not as special compared to getting something that you really want and was even wrapped in special paper or box giving you that excitement or thrill, I bet you will be smiling from the time you receive the box up to the time you're already using the gift.I remember my mom giving me this little puppy toy when I was a kid. It was a cheap toy but it was so cute and I was staring at it while she wraps it so she can give it to my cousins. I asked her if I can have it and she replied it was for my cousins. I did not ask for it again and then Christmas came, I opened my mom's gift for me and it was that toy puppy. I was so happy and it was one of those memorable Cristmas gifts that I had.

Sodexo GC. Can buy anything from SM Malls.

 

Starbucks GC. Might buy tumbler with this one.

 I am not saying all people are like me but I think most are - maybe 70% will be happy you've given something that is not expensive but you really gave an effort in giving it to them. So you have 30% chance in failure but hey, it's glass more than half full, if they don't accept it or if they are not happy, it's not your loss, give it to somebody else who might appreciate it 100 times more.

I'm definitely gonna get something my heart desires...

And so... if you're gonna give someone a gift and you want that person to smile all day and remember you for the rest of their life (maybe not really but they will remember you for sure) make sure you give that person
something that he or she really likes. It does not mean giving something super expensive or their dream car, you can ask them or chat with them and get a few hints or if you're close with the person like a relative or best friend, you should already know what they want and for sure, it will be one if their memorable Christmas and yours too.

Krispy Kreme Baked Creations: Kruffins

 
I am not really a fan of Krispy Kreme because for me it's too expensive for a donut and it's also too sweet for my taste but I must say that the donut itself is really soft even after leaving it in the fridge for days.

Double Chocolate Kruffin

A few months back, KK produced a new product called Kruffins. I think Kruffins are a cross between the Krispy Kreme donuts and Muffins because they are as big as muffins but with a hole like donuts.

My mom bought the chocolate variant one (I wouldn't buy it myself). I think it's priced at around 60+ pesos which is equivalent to like 4 or 5 regular Dunkin Donuts. It is actually good, not too sweet and the cake is moist. I ate it the day after it was bought and even while it's cold from the fridge, it was still quite soft and very chocolatey. The size is almost like 2 to 3 donuts stacked and is wrapped in a very pretty muffin cup. One serving is filling but for the price, I think I'll go for real food instead of buying this if I'm hungry. I think they have like a cinnamon roll version but I think I'll go for Cinnabon instead.

Restaurant Review: Sizzling Pepper Steak

Sizzlin'!!!

  What I like about Sizzling Pepper Steak is their unique way of service. You get to write down your order on their order sheet and there is a stop and go sign so you don't need to call the waiter to get your order coz they'll be assisting you once you have written it down and changing the sign to "GO".

Salmon Steak with vegetable side dishes

 

Fish and Chips

If you like seafood, I recommend this salmon steak and their fish and chips. The salmon steak is oh so soft and the sauce is very delicious (sweet salty and a bit spicy). The fish and chips is not that oily in my opinion and i loved the fries: nice cut and very crispy and tasty. I also like the thought of squeezing the lemon on the fish and then dipping it on tartar sauce.. *salivates*

Cream of Corn Soup

The food is also served a bit raw on their really hot sizzling plate and there is an exhaust just above your table to suck up the smoke. It's a nice experience coz it's like cooking your own meal but of course not starting from raw.By the way, not all are served half cooked like their fried dishes but all that are served on their sizzling plate are half cooked be it chicken, pork, beef or seafood.

Watermelon and Mango Shakes

The taste of the food is really great. I haven't really tasted any dish that I didn't like. The serving is large, good enough to share. Last time my two friends and I spent 1k pesos for 3 dishes (salmon steak, fish and chips, carbonara) good for sharing plus we added 3 extra rice,bacon and egg, cream of corn soup and 3 fruit shakes and boy I'd tell you, our tummy got really full after eating. Be careful not to burn your fingers.

Pepper rice

Bacon and Egg

Service is great. My friend ordered the carbonara and he found it a bit dry maybe after it was baked so we asked the waiter if he can add a little more cream to the dish and he gave us somewhat like a sauce container with cream in it and we just poured the amount of cream that we want on the dish.

Carbonara

Overall, Sizzling Pepper Steak is one great restaurant in terms of taste, price, service, and ambience. Some might say it's a bit too expensive but for me it's worth the price. I actually think it's more of a family place or a restaurant where kids or the young at heart might enjoy. Want to try something different on how you eat? Try Sizzling Pepper Steak. FYI, Sizzling Pepper Steak is, I think a sister company of Teriyaki Boy so you might notice similarities in the ambience and the food - which is a fusion of Western and Japanese foods. If you like Teriyaki Boy, you will also like this restaurant.

Frozen Treats Review: Razon's Halo Halo

Razon's Halo Halo or rather, Saging at Macapuno con Hielo?

 I love eating halohalo and since Razon's became famous for their halohalo, I had to try it. It's quite expensive at 85 pesos (2 US$) for one serving.

It is actually good, with finely shaved ice and lots of milk. What's unique about it is that it only has 3 toppings or ingredients (besides the shaved ice and milk) namely the sweetened bananas, macapuno (sweetened young coconut flesh) and leche flan(milk custard). Others say it's not really halohalo because halohalo should have lots of toppings, usually 1 dozen. It's more like saging and macapuno con hielo. I really don't mind if they only have 3 toppings but what matters to me is the price. I think mainly due to their rise in popularity that it increased that much and so I'd rather eat halohalo somewhere else.

Coffee Shop Review: Baang

Black Forest Frappe and Grandma's Chocolate Cake

  A not so popular coffee shop but I tell you, this café rocks! I especially like their Black Forest frappe which really tastes like chocolates and cherry. As I am particular about the cream topping in coffee shops, Baang also uses non-dairy whipped cream but I don't care coz the coffee is great, pastries are great as well as the price. The place is really cozy and not that crowded compared to other famous coffee shops and they have the same amenities as well such as wifi, magazines, newspapers smoking area etc.

Grandma's Chocolate Cake

I've tried their pastries and they are delicious plus they are not as expensive compared to other coffee shops. So what I really like about this place is that besides the fact that they serve great coffee, the price is also great. Cakes and pastries are less than 100 pesos per slice or serving and coffee is around 115 to 150 pesos. They also serve lunch and dinner. Even if Starbucks is not that crowded, I won't hesitate to get my coffee fix at Baang.

Symphony Cake

I go to Baang's branch in Sta. Lucia Mall in Cainta but unfortunately they are closed. Not sure if they are gonna open again but I will sure miss Baang. They also have another branch in Timog Avenue but it's too far from my place.

Summer Getaway 2010 #2: Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

San Juan, Batangas

We climbed Mount Daguldol last April and to get to the jump off of the mountain, you need to pass by the shores of Laiya and its shores already has lots of resorts.

Lots of rocks.

 It was really hot walking along the sand plus the heat of summer. I actually got sun burnt and my skin became darker by maybe 5 shades!

Blue water

More giant rocks!

and even mountains of rocks!

and some trees..

 The sand there is almost white due to the corals. The sands there are actually made from corals and you can
even see chunks and chunks of corals along the beach. Besides the sand, there are also lots of rocks along the shore and I really mean LOTS of it. Not just rocks but there are also boulders along the shore of Laiya.

white sand

small waves

some beach chairs

just like a post card eh? :D

 I had a hard time walking along those rocks since I got frightened by the thought that my foot might slip between those rocks and boulders or I might trip since they are also slippery from the sea water. Good
thing all those thoughts did not come true.

Walk...

More walking...

After descending from the mountain, we rented a hut near the baranggay hall or whatever hall that is for just 500 pesos I think for a few hours. It's cheap actually then I went off to the beach.

a huge rock!

mermaid's rock!

 With me were actually 5 males from our mountaineering organization and good thing there was another female so the two of us went to swim while the boys were such kill joys. My friend brought with her her Olympus 8000 waterproof camera and we took lots and lots of pictures on the beach and underwater!

My friend Vangie

one of the huts you can rent

  I fell in love with the camera for it took such great pictures of us on the beach. I am even proud of the underwater shots I felt like I was a mermaid! :)) Because of the waterproof camera, I am now planning to buy my own! :D

I'm a Little Mermaid!!!

Another mermaid shot!

on top of what we call "mermaid rock" xD

This one is also one cool giant rock!!! Feeling like a mermaid again!

clear sea water!

it's actually deep but it's clear!

Though I cannot remember how we got there, I would definitely go back there if I given the chance. I definitely recommend this place expecially if you like going to the beach or would like to go somewhere beautiful.