Thank You 2016

I've started the year right with a cake surprise for one of my bestfriends even though January isn't his birth month. Let's just say that 'twas my simple way of thanking him for all the good things that he did for me. And I just can't forget the look on his face on that day.

Hello February! The season of hearts just came in handy. It went by quickly with some food trips and revisiting an old place in the North.

March was all about this thing in the photo below. Definitely not a doodad.

April wasn't so friendly at all after we've received a sad news at the onset of the month. Nevertheless, we've managed to move on slowly.

The MRT Ayala scene. I shouldn't be telling this story but I find it funny in some other way. So here it goes...I was with one of my bestfriends waiting for a south bound train from Ayala station one afternoon in May. We're on our way to a very important transaction with thousands of cold cash in one of our bags. While waiting, my bestfriend suddenly sensed some smoke but clueless of where it came from. I noticed it as well but never mind about it until I turned my head up to him and saw that it's actually coming from his bag. How to spell panicked? I guess that's the closest adjective of how we reacted to the situation. But thanks to good luck as we're able to save those bucks. Lesson learned: just laugh out loud!

Last June, I took the time off from work and went home to CDO and sang at my brother's wedding in Gingoog City.

The groom's family

The airport. I was there more than once in the month of July. I love this place and hate it at the same time. 

August was one of my most unforgettable months after my encounter with Ms. World 2013 in High Street.

Meet my sister!

The 'ber' months was indeed very festive. We got a handful of birthday invites from September to October.

November - I had a month full of surprises which you can read about on my other article: Birthday blessings and then the TLC festival in BGC where I had the chance to see the Cake Boss himself, Chef Buddy. I've also made time to pursue my old hobby by joining JKA Camp Crame.

Howard showing off his artist side in one of the TLC festival booths

Then came the most wonderful time of the year. Did you ever think of making a difference in someone else's day? On Christmas eve, my son and I were out and about and without any plans, we surprised two of my good friends with an unexpected visit and some food. It was also in December when my son celebrated his 5th birthday. 

the birthday boy getting ready to dig in.

Those are just some of the events that I can't forget every time I think about the year 2016. Here's looking forward to a better and fabulous new year.

What is it with you Food?

I'd like to dedicate this entire month of January recalling some stories of my 2016. So how about food? Let's take a peek at some of my favorites last year.


Didi's. much about their best selling pizza, I keep coming back to Didi's because of my all time favorite "sizzling sisig". This has been my favorite since then (years ago when I was still living and working in Angeles City). It looks like that I haven't found anything close to its texture and taste even if I've been to anywhere in the Philippines. True enough, they stand by their province's pride of being the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.

Vikings. can't forget the savory dumplings at the chinese station and there's the blueberry cheesecake and some more cheesecakes...and the rest is history. A good place to celebrate your birthday as you'll get a free personalized mini cake with their dancing staff to celebrate your birth month.

100g Burgers. discovered this place with my bestfriend out of curiosity and has became one of our favorite places to dine. Each burger that we've tried here is definitely worth the value for money. 100g is just right at the corner of Estrella Street in Bangkal, Makati.

Llaollao. because I simply love yogurt (frozen or not). When I learned that they're going to open a shop in Glorietta, I was all excited to try it.

Angel's Pizza. just along the lively street of Makati Avenue, you can easily spot one of Angel's pizza branches. There's no question as to how great their pizza plus the other food in their menu.

Dairy Queen. my only favorite is DQ's mango cheesecake ice cream but I'm sure that all the other flavors are also tonguewhipping? Is there such a word?

P.S I have not gained the extra pounds from all of those food trips. Good thing that I have someone (the bestfriend) who's always ready to finish my food if we're together and of course only when he's up for it.

Credit: google images for the DQ photo

Places of My Year 2016

1. The Gateway to the Land of Promise - or popularly known as the City of Golden Friendship. Cagayan de Oro City is shown in the background of this photo taken from one of highest points in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

2.  The City of Good Luck - this is what Gingoog City is known for which implies good fortune. Though this laid back city is only a few kilometers away from my hometown, I haven't been here before. Not until June of 2016. The photo below shows the new and only resort that we went to in Brgy. Samay overlooking the mountains of the neighboring provinces in Misamis Oriental.