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Showing posts with label philippines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philippines. Show all posts

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Mom's Overseas Fruit TABLE and Other stuff

This is little sister number 2...she is eating a duhat and making a funny face. Duhat is a tropical plum, but eaten more like a cherry but with a sprinkling of sea salt!










Very tasty...and off season. Mom1 said that it used to be everyone had a duhat tree but more and more it is getting hard to find people who grow them since the tree often takes 3 years to mature.

This is definitely a rare treat ruled by the season of availability.

It is tart with a chalky bite but very good and supposedly one of the most nutritious foods out there.


This is "LINA" our big sister. She's always just hung around Mom and been there to be her partner in crime. Since her kids are grown too they hang out with us. Here she is chopping a crab for lunch. Somehow on Mom's daily shopping trip to the open market she found 1 guy that had 4 of these monsters.







They were steamed lightly then sauteed in Garlic and Chinese Chili Paste. I only wish Mr. Man had been there to enjoy them.











Simply unbelievable.













This is milkfish and silkfish. I ate fish almost everyday I was there. The best part of the open market is they will slice and clean your fish for you.










This is red snapper and some beast of a fish my mom got I think it's a grouper. But that big dark one was deliscious deep fried. It had flaky flesh like lapulapu but the skin was crisp and buttery.










This is about 80% from Mom's property or yard. Only the citrus was purchased. Those dragonfruit are fantastic and the baby pineapples are like "single serve"










It's nice to wake up in the morning and have a selection.












Balimbing is sweet and fantastic if ripened on the tree. They call it starfruit here. In front of it is Atis which is a bit pulpy but sweet with a big seed, the western name is star apple. The dark thing to the upper right is moms monster avocado. The red things to the right are lychee. The yellow tennis ball size things are Santol. The speckled bananas are actually local plantains.

I could go on describing all the flavors of these fruits for 2 pages, it's probably just easier to invite you.


Here are some little senorita bananas that they cut down from the property.












Normally Mom goes to the country house once a week. If she doesn't Mom2 sends back whatever looks good such as jackfruit, suha, green coconuts, crunchy coconut and of course those fabulous baby pineapples.









The Young coconut is very slippery like gelatin with a more fresh taste. The jackfruit is a whole other thing.











I told Mom your organic fruit is so ugly...and she said that's how I know it's organic OKAYYYY.












These are called Indian Mangos...they are tart and eaten like green apples and more sour than anything you know. But they are so good dipped in sea salt or spicy shrimp paste aka bagoong!










I have no idea why they are always bringing us this many plantains - we end up just giving them away to everyone. But I guess it's better to give them away than to let them rot on the tree.














Here are more Avocados and the mature coconuts. The mature coconuts are good for shredding or making coconut milk/cream. There is another type of coconut that is used for pastries and sweets because of it's gummy like texture. Those are rare and deliscious.








More mature coconuts













Various steamed cakes and rice pastries brought in for my grandmother by extended family on Sundays.
















This is one of my faves the layered rice cake with toasted coconut on top - fantastic.












My uncle was in from Chicago and his In Laws sent him this monster. LOL...They had to have some beers to honor the monster.











This is Lotty, the person in charge of my Grandmother and the girls watching her for the last 10 years. She is now in Florida somewhere married to a blonde dude. She can flash steam a lobster like nobody's business.

Her new husband better watchout!







Here's Lina breaking down a jackfruit (langka) to divide into ziploc bags and store in the freezer. I wish I would have had a canner and some jars coz believe me I would have brought some of this home...









Like no other. Sweet and slightly stringy with a honey ripe smell.

I hope someday you all get to try these fruits. To be honest this is the off season..Other seasons offer even MORE types of fruit!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

05 Sept 2009: Halfway there...


So...we're about halfway through vacation...it's so fun to relax and decompress...

Today Rommel Scilla and Pete left for Hawaii...but before they caught that 7pm flight we ran to the Mall of Asia...Everyone got up around 9am, everyone packed their bags and then we had a late breakfast. Julian wanted me to do a little museum tour with him (that's another story)...but LotLot (Mom's #1 best ever assistant) asked me,"aren't you getting the tickets today?" I was like DOH - I almost forgot about those tickets...

Last night Julian finally looked up the PBA vs NBA Challenge in Manila...also known as Asian Challenge 2009. He said the tickets were only hittin for 800 Philippine Pesos - so roughly 9 bucks. I was like well...if you are down i'm down. Lotlot heard us talkin about the game and she was like "BASKETBALL!!!" I said oh you like it? She was like yeah usually i'm the only one watchin in the living room..so I said wanna go? She's like Yeah...I'll give u money for the ticket...I said "NO YOU WON'T...our treat..."

Lotlot does everything for Mom and is also charged with the care of our maternal grandmother...she has done this for over 10 years without any piss poor behaviour or care...without complaint or neglect. She is also far more trustworthy than MOST of our relatives and tracks the finances and schedules in the house. So...if she wants to see a very rare game -I'll be the FIRST to get that ticket...







The boys weren't really lookin that bad for bein out until 330am last night and 5am the night before - but it was a last stop for facials and massages...

In looking at us you can't even tell it's a rainy day...we look so sunkissed and shiny.




Pete still wins the most photogenic award for vacation 2009





While they did that...We stopped for tickets. We got there ahead of someone who could barely restrain himself from pushing us over to look at the damn seats as there weren't many left - Then the SM Customer Service Center couldn't log onto net tickets...coz their internet connection wasn't even Booty...it was just BOO. bleh. So the guy behind us kept tryin to push forward...and Julian pushed him back and then he sidled up again and I said Damn Mothuhfucka can I but some tickets back UP...And he finally backed up. THEN the link disconnected to the ticket center - so the girl had to call on the phone and hold our tickets. She did. She looked at the guy behind me and I said I will NOT move until I have printed tickets in my HAND. She smiled and nodded. I knew what the hell is goin on.






The tickets were hittin for 4x the internet price - but all good.

Finally we got them...for Sept 11th. Woo hoo




Me, Julian, LotLot and Camille...roll out...roll out...roll out...roll out...




It's gonna be mad Fun. I've never even been to a real basketball game...and to think my first real game with Julian is a NBA PBA rare game with Kareem Abdul Jabbar as Head Coach and in Manila. CRAZY!!! Hella Cool but CRAZY. I'm excited....





The Georgia Cousins left for Hongkong this AM as well - we were to go with them but opted instead for this NBA PBA game...as HongKong will always be there. Yanno.

We also picked up a few things at the mall for our God Daughter - Cute like I dunno what! I know she will be very excited to get her things....Julian grabbed up one of the latest golf visors and ordered some sick air jordans plus matching jacket in from another nike store (they will arrive 2pm tomorrow)...While he did that - I popped by this spot i've been WRECKLESSLY EYEBALLING...




Seriously...the BOMB...even just plain yogurt is too delish. Creamy with perfect melt temperature...the right amount of tart. I could eat VATS of this plain...but with fresh kiwi and sliced almonds...UNBELIEVABLE...I may have to alternate frozen yogurt with my other fave coffee joint - UCC coffee...bwaa hahahha.

Hellz it's vacation - I can have both, just not at ONCE.

And still - they hit walls all over...i've been real neglectful about takin pics of different spots around that have grafitti...I gotta be more astute in takin out the cam...




Seems like this is the last place that krylon isn't under lock and key anymore.

---

I just wanna say it's so nice to relax and do nothing. When we first got here it was unusually HUMID for August. I was very surprised when my brother and sister got a case of Prickly Heat. Really rare for us coz we never get that. But in the last few days it's really cooled off and has been raining almost every other day. It's more acceptable and far far easier to get about. But regardless of the weather, we are able to get around. But the heat wiped us out a few days and even on those days family is prone to stopping by with a plate of food, a case of beer, a quick hello and more often than not they don't even stay because they have things to do. haha.

My Best Girl in Manila...Monica S...She was finally able to step away from her copywriting and food styling for one day and we caught up. It meant choppin it up until 130 am. hahaha Just like the old days when all we did was suck down either coffee or beer and paint all night. I have only the deepest respect and admiration for this girl of mine. Her grind is unbelievable and she's been 2 kinds of creative Art Director already - Yaddadamean? Even after all that - at our cores we are the same women who love life and art and food...in various orders. But I will say this - she is far more decent than I am...far more patient...but with such Joy doing what she does. And as if work weren't enough - she's kicking off a food styling company for tv and print ads.

Somehow she always does what is RIGHT.

We have a few things scheduled.

It's gonna get exciting.

Hahahha.

As if it weren't already.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

26 Aug 2007: Asian Vacation Day 9

Asian Vacation Day 9...

I have just organized the packing...

Handcarry Bag - with Limited Edition Jordans, Magazines and Moisturizer...

CHECK.

Golf Bag doubled up with cleaned golf shoes inside and..Stuffed with Asian Art Mags and Belts

CHECK.

Crate with 13 fresh kung fu undershirts, a couple purses and assorted clothing - my paintbrushes and many many gifts - packed and ready to be taped up...

Suitcase packed with goodies for the kids, preserves and assorted clothing...

Leather Carry on packed with dirty clothes for check-in...

Bookstore bag with Manila FHM and English Tagalog dictionary minus postcards for the homies alocated to front zip of luggage...

CHECK.

Closet stripped of our gear...

CHECK

All of our random junk placed in ONE spot so we don't forget anything...

CHECK.

---

Sigh. Tomorrow is a travel day. Julian is already in bed. All of our bags are packed. But..I still don't want to go to bed. This vacation has flown by. The days move so quickly when you are not just having fun by also living so happily. I don't want to miss a thing even if it is just a gecko hot steppin on a window, or the crickets chirping, or the whispery sound of the wind blowin the palm trees around. As far as I'm concerned this should be real life.

But there are people who love us and miss us and we really must go "home." Funny thing about this vacation is it really made me realize that I am truly a world citizen because I am at "home" anywhere I go.

I wish I could say that I'm spoiled...but the more accurate thing to say is that I have been lucky/fortunate to have travelled throughout my entire life. Julian has reminded me that most people don't leave the State they live in much less the country/continent they live on. I'm excited about the future. We have a lot to look forward to and places that Julian's never seen before (see Europe and Main Continental Asia)...

I'm also excited about future investments.

Everything is falling into place,

Seamlessly.

---

To be continued...once we land on US soil.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

25 Aug 2007: Asian Vacation Day 7

Asian Vacation Day 7...

Slept in. Started Packing. Had Brunch. Julian went back to bed. Decided we needed a few more things for our peeps at home. Hopped a cab to the mall in Alabang since Keyla needed her phone serviced.

While Keyla went and did that Julian saw some wireless boxing gloves for a fighting game - best believe he went and tested the shit out of them. Bwaa hahahhaa. He had a whole crowd watchin' his ass...

He has way too much fun shoppin' and watchin' people. Bwaa hahaha

We finally got hungry and decided on some fast Japanese food. It came up like 4 bucks a person. , Imagine that!!!

Furai Bento

Tempura Donburi

Ebi Tempura

I won't even go into all the fabulous stuff we picked up and some dope ass books. We also picked up the Filipino versions of FHM and MAXIM for my brother and godbrother - 5 versions - haha.

We made way back home through traffic with a quick stop at 7-11 (yes 7-11) for some beers and came home. Julian found something new...Rum and Coke in a bottle - hahahahhaha

Bwaa hahhaha - I'm still crackin' up at the Rum and Coke bottle. Observe in the picture below his new leather bracelets. Bwaa hahahhaha.

We got home and everyone wanted to go to the Casino - but we didn't feel like gambling. So we're off to the pool for a late night swim.

To be continued...

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

22 Aug 2007: Asian Vacation Part 3


Category: Blogging

Day 3 Photo Blog of Vacation...

2 days of country living flipped into a little bit of city living. Mom and Tita Mama wanted to take us to lunch at Sofitel Hotel...and then out to the Mall of Asia...I couldn't decide what to wear and almost sported some golf shorts and a tank and then decided to go the way of a girl...

Sofitel Hotel sits on Manila Bay near Roxas Boulevard. We entered the lobby through metal detectors - which is pretty common here.

The sculpture in the center of the winding staircase is beautiful

Turns out it was some kind of crazy high end lunch buffet. By any standard it was very pricey...40 dollars each for lunch. But damn well worth it.

Ironically - upon entering you pass the dessert line.

For the foodie Homegirls...I had to take pics...well, of the food.

Green Tea/Red Bean Pannacotta, Mango Choco Mousse, Pinipig Choco Crisp and all kinds of Yummy Madness...

Fresh fruit display including dragon fruit Yuuuuumers...Julian loved the dove carving on the watermelon! Me too.

Skewered Treats for the Chocolate Fountain

Everyone getting ready to throwdown uptown - on Lunch. haha

Mom looked over and said there Julian - your favorite - the SHRIMP! Then I got "busted" by Mister Snooty LunchRoom Monitor dude...No pictures in the dining room Ma'am. Bwaa hahahhhaa. But I still kept on...

Oysters...Shrimp...Cracked Crab Claws...Mussels. All THAT sitting on a mound of shaved ice and topped with some ice carving. Wow!

I warmed it up with a little sushi sampler and a few pieces of crab I took off of Julian's plate! So Yummy

10 years later and my sister is still playin' with her food. Bwaa hahaha - that's a strip of mushroom in her mouth off the dimsum selection!

Oh Dim Sum we love you. That green jelly was infused with jasmine tea and the little black sesame ball on top had a ginger twist...The almond jelly with sweet bean and kiwi was off the hook. They also served a version of the jelly's in shot glasses topped with fresh pineapple - oooooh so damn good.

I have to say that Julian and I had a lot of fans in the dining room. People would just look at us and smile at the "lovebirds" Julian also noticed at how apparently beautiful all the servers were and how excellent the customer service is...I said it is so nice to be in a beautiful environment with beautiful servers with great big beautiful smiles on their face. All he could do was nod - chew and say uh huh. Bwaa hahahahah.

I had a little antipasta plate...I love the air dried beef ! Also the salami and proscuitto - olives yum...a bit of smoked salmon and parmesan...I also had a sliver of apricot and some hummus...

We also had lamb, tempura...fish grilled to order. Paella and shaved shank was available and a very tasty salad bar...

So everyone was telling Julian about Halo Halo...He didn't look too sure about how to build it - so I made his for him. He said it was very yummy Mmmhmm as he was eating followed with Yup uh huh Yup -- then he added it kind of tastes like a Jelly Belly but better. hahahhaa. Excellent...

You know I had to dip something in the chocolate fountain and grub a churro...Who said cute can't be yummy.

The dining room opened onto the pool area so we stepped out there to get some air and look at the bay...

So after getting a little air - the Mom's wanted to go to the casino and gamble for a little bit. While they did that we stayed in the Casino VIP lounge. Cognac for him and Coffee for her.

Then we caught a cab to the Mall of Asia. We scheduled a massage for us (75 minutes each) and did a little shopping while we waited for our appointments.

I cannot believe the reaction Julian gets from the locals. They love to look at him and smile in this odd friendly manner. Of course he sends the ladies skittering. We breezed into the Nike Park store where he scored the dopest Jordan's ever. Limited edition. I'l talk about that more later.

That massage was excellent and I fell asleep for almost the whole thing. I would peek over at Julian and he was asleep. It totally entertains me that a lot of locals are shocked when I start speaking Filipino. We went into a local department store called SM to look for some stuff for the god kids...We scored a very cute dress. The Mommies went home and Julian wanted to look at the men's department ...where he scored a jersey to match his dope shoes.

I also found the plastic pencil case that April wanted for school. Found it - got it - yup. Mario brothers is the ticket.

Why was Julian being followed around by such eager salesladies...hahahaha. Why did he put on the frog headband in the kids department?

Why does Mr. Bean want my man?

We had everything we were looking for - and headed out. We stopped at Bo's coffee. Bo's coffee is a local coffee shop - excellent. We had single shots of Espresso Tsokolate and doppio waters while we perused our little purchases.

Here is a picture of Julian so pleased with his Philippine edition Jordans in the white patent with blue yellow and red touches - He also found a city series jersey by Fubu that had MANILA blazed across it. Just perfect.

As we hit the curb to get a cab - the sky opened up and filled the air with cool rain. When we got home the rain stopped. A perfect end to a perfect day.