Wakeboarding at Deca Clark, Pampanga

Wakeboarding is a surface water sport which involves riding a wakeboard over the surface of a body of water. It was developed from a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques.

Deca Wakeboard Park is part of the Deca Clark Resort Residences located in Margot, Angeles City. Its close proximity to Clark Freeport Zone ensures access to other amenities that the area can offer such as parks, restaurants, hotels.

Deca Wakeboard Park is a man-made lake which is surrounded by a series of masts that hold an overhead cable. The overhead cable rotates in a counterclockwise motion around the lake. Along the cable there is a number of carriers. Riders are pulled around the lake by the ropes attached to these carriers.

Today, Daniz has a chance to wakeboard. It's her "day-off from school" as she fondly called school holiday...her school is celebrating Parish Priests' Day.

Father and daughter took advantage of the opportunity to maximize the use of the wakeboard park, since not all schools will be on holiday...which means Daniz and a few others will have the wake park to themselves.

It's her third time today. The first was last April 30. The second was last July 29, during the celebration of Eid’l Fitr (End of Ramadan). All these 3 sessions were courtesy of a very good friend of the family...

Kuya Coach is refreshing Daniz with the basics of wakeboarding:

• Toes up.
• Crouch. Bend your knees and remember to maintain an upright body position.
• Hold the handle knuckles up.  
• Use both hands, arms straight. Right hand to control, Do not pull too hard, just enough to counter the force of the cable.
• Put weight on the back leg.
• Most important so as not to fall; SMILE

A good start...

Flat on the face...because she stood up. she forgot the crouch position.

Waiting for the tow line and for Kuya Coach to remind her again the right thing to do.

Off she goes in proper form....toes up, crouched, arms straight.

Not pulling too hard, just enough to counter the force of the cable.

Weight on the back leg...

This is the first time that she tried knee boarding...and she like it better than wakeboarding. Please click here for the video.


This water park is for more experience riders with obstacles, sliders and kickers for making tricks.

An overhead cable system run by electric motors.

The long queue of riders during weekends and holidays...

How to get here:

For more information, please visit http://www.clarkwakeboard.com/

Please also read:

• Surfing at San Juan La Union

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I Am A Runner...

One of the things I want to do before I die is to run and finish a full marathon…a 42-kilometer run.

I am 48 years old, which means I have more or less 27.59 years to do it based on the estimated 2014 Philippines Life Expectancy At Birth for female.

“I AM A RUNNER because I run.
Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.
I AM A RUNNER because I say I am.
And no one can tell me I’m not."
John "The Penguin" Bingham

This afternoon, I ran again…and it felt good. It’s only a 5-kilometer run…on an easy pace…without stopping nor walking…and I am sweating profusely during and after the run.

I AM A RUNNER because even if I know I will be tired yet I still run. I love the feel of the wind on my face and on my skin and the sweat trickling my body.

Today was my first run after I had a knee injury during my half-marathon (21-kilometer) run March of this year. I had a good start but the last 5 kilometers, my lower back and right knee was in pain…I had to walk most of the time. I even thought of going to the ambulance but I worry that the Medics would advise me not to continue…so I endured the pain and finished the race.

After that race, I was advise by the Medic to see and consult with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. I did not, at first, but when the pain on my knee became intolerable…I had to give in. I was diagnosed with Torn Meniscus Membrane on my right knee. I had to undergo 6 sessions of physical therapy

I AM A RUNNER because I experienced knee pains and lower back pains but I still push myself even beyond the limits and finish the race. It’s the exhilaration of crossing the finish line and conquering another race.

I started running in August 2010. I joined my very first fun run, with Jonjie, held at Clark, Pampanga dubbed “Takbo Para sa Katutubo” (Run for Indigenous People). I just decided to run and Jonjie supported me. We braved the 5 kilometer run without practice…without training. But Jonjie has an advantage…he ran during his high school and college days and knew the dos and donts of running.

My first run, though difficult and painful, but it opened a new world to me.

In 2010, we joined 8 Fun Runs. And the highlights of our first year of running were:

10.10.10 Run for Pasig River

We were part of the 116,086 runners from all walks of life that participated in the momentous event that broke the existing Guinness World Record for the for the most number of participants in a single race, against 110,000 runners at the "Bay to Breakers" race in San Francisco, California in 1988.

In just 2 months of running, we braved the 10-kilometer run. We finished the race…but we were not able to get our Finisher’s Band. After crossing the finish line, we immediately went to the parking area to look for my Mother, our daughter Daniz and our “Ate”…

11.07.10 34th National Milo Marathon

Then in November 07, we joined the 34th National Milo Marathon in Tarlac. Our second 10-kilometer run. During this run, I experienced the longest and hardest last kilometer of the race. Every step to the finish line, I was willing my feet to move and step forward. Added to the pressure was my chance to be included in the Top 10 for Female Category…

I AM A RUNNER because I learn to love to run. I love the feeling each time I heard the gun start and the sound of the rushing feet. I love the adrenalin rush each time I cross the finish line.

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Daily Log: The Power of 3 Little Words

The 3 Little Words are: I'll Be There, I Miss You, I Respect You, Maybe You're Right, Please Forgive Me, I Thank You, Count On Me, Let Me Help. I Understand You, Go For It and I LOVE YOU.

I am browsing through my old documents and I came across my compilations of old emails and this inspirational message immediately caught my attention.

It was from FriendsReflections…one of the yahoo groups I’ve been subscribing since 2000. While writing this daily log, I just realized that the messages stop coming but I never unsubscribe from the group. I tried to search the web and voila...I am still a member of the group but with bounce messages because my registered email was not active anymore.

Taken last September 10, 2014 at the grounds of Apung Mamacalulu Shrine, Angeles City, Pampanga

January 17, 2008

The Power of Three Little Words

Author Unknown

Some of the most significant messages people deliver to one another often come in just three words. When spoken or conveyed, those statements have the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones and restore relationships that have cooled.

The following three word phrases can enrich every relationship:

I'LL BE THERE - Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and to us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. 'Being there' is at the very, very core of civility.

I MISS YOU - Perhaps more marriages could be salvaged and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other, "I miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved.

I RESPECT YOU - Respect is another way of showing love. Respect conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal. It is a powerful way to affirm the importance of a relationship.

MAYBE YOU'RE RIGHT - This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side of "maybe you're right" is the humility of admitting "maybe I'm wrong."

PLEASE FORGIVE ME - Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up to he has been in the wrong, which is by saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I THANK YOU - Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

COUNT ON ME - "A friend is one who walks in when others walk out." "Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those who are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there, indicating "you can count on me."

LET ME HELP - The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they pitch in and help.

I UNDERSTAND YOU - People become closer and enjoy each other more if they feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting others know in so many little ways that you understand him or her is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship.

GO FOR IT - Some of your friends may be non-conformists, have unique projects and unusual hobbies. Support them in pursuing their interests. Rather than urging your loved ones to conform, encourage their uniqueness - everyone has dreams that no one else has.

I suppose the 3 little words that you were expecting to see have to be reserved for those who are special; that is I LOVE YOU.

With this log, I was able to reactivate my subscription with Friends Reflections. If you want to receive daily inspirational messages, please search the web for Reflections/Meditations sent daily - Yahoo Groups.

The Group Description

Friends Reflections began in 1999 when the net started to become accessible. The availability and accessibility of this technology created the opportunity to share meditations & reflections to everybody, regardless of religious affiliation. At the beginning, sourcing was a problem until subscribers started to share their own pieces. 

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Daily Log: "Let Go, Enjoy the Ride" by Bob Perks

Here’s another inspiring thoughts that simply tells us to enjoy life to its fullest…including the 'ups' and 'downs', the 'twists' and 'turns' that comes along with it.
   


"Let go, enjoy the ride"
By Bob Perks

Don't try to rationalize everything in your life.  Life is sometimes irrational.  It certainly is unpredictable.

It's meant to be spontaneous if you don't try to conform it and reign it in.

Life is meant to surprise you.  That means you cannot be prepared for everything and thinking you can or should be sucks the life out of moments of pure joy.

 

Life is like a ride in an amusement park  The only difference is it changes everyday. What was a hill will be a valley. What was a straight, smooth journey will be filled with twists and turns.

 

It was meant to be that way.  It was meant to turn dull, repetitive hours into journeys of never ending splendor.

Let it go.  Raise your hands toward Heaven proving that this ride is hands free and God is in control. While they are up, offer praise and thanks to the One Who has given you all this.

Life will not tire you out because it is hard.  Life will exhaust you because you have lived it fully.

Then, at just the right time, it slows down and peacefully, gently brings you to a resting point just as darkness washes over the day.

Clear your mind.  Don't waste time worrying about what was, what might have been, or what will be.

Set it free.  Let it go.

 

Tomorrow will bring so much more if you let it. 

"I believe in you!"
J
Bob
www.Ok2Be.Me
"Live an inspired life!"

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Relaxation: Mi Chay Foot and Body Massage

Yesterday night, I had a relaxing massage. And this morning when I woke up, I felt refresh and light…and stress-free.

Massage or “hilot” is one of the ways I pamper myself…at least once or twice a month. It relaxes not just my whole body but my mind as well, as I tend to sleep most of the time during the session.

Since 2011 until late last year I even have one “manghihilot” went to our house once in a while but it’s difficult to request for a schedule because I want to have the session after work. And she’s already a senior citizen and I worry about her going home at night.

So when a foot and body massage opened in Mabalacat…it was a most welcome relief. It was a walking distance from our house.

Mi Chay Foot and Body Massage opened last March 15, 2014. It is located at the newly built Clark Gateway Commercial Complex in San Francisco, Mabalacat, Pampanga, in between Clark Mabalacat Gate and Mabalacat Public Market. They are open from 1:00 pm ~ 1:00 am (last call is 12:00am), Monday to Sunday.

According to one of the owner, Ms. Lou Manalo, Mi Chay is a Thai word which is a direct translation of their surname. They decided to put up the business because of their love for massage and relaxation.

We’ve been to Mi Chay several times, mostly with my ex-boyfriend, my adventure and running buddy, my partner-for-life, my everything…my husband, Jonjie. On our first session, we tried Ventosa with massage. Before the session, I had apprehensions because it was during that time when an accident happen in one of the spa in Manila that caused a client a second degree burn. But we were repeatedly assured that it will not happen.

We also tried their Swedish Massage.

And then last July, right after a very tiring 10-hour trip from Bicol, Jonjie tried the Hot Stone Massage while I decided to have the Aromatheraphy Massage. I love the aroma scent, the hot pads on my back and the herbal balls that was used to massage my back.

I have yet to try their Thai Body Massage.  I need to have the courage to go for it, as it's a big NO for Jonjie because of his unpleasant experience in Thailand. He said he had fever for one week after the massage.

 

Different Type of Massage according to Wikipedia:

• Aromatherapy Massage - Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses plant materials and aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering one's mood, cognitive, psychological or physical well being.
• Hot Stone Massage - uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes. The hot stones used are commonly Basalt stones (or lava rocks) which over time have become extremely polished and smooth. As the stones are placed along the recipient's back, they help to retain heat which then deeply penetrates into the muscles.
• Swedish Massage - uses five styles of strokes: effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber or with the fibers) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Thai Body Massage -  combines both physical and energetic aspects. It is a deep, full-body massage progressing from the feet up, and focusing on sen or energy lines throughout the body, with the aim of clearing blockages in these lines, and thus stimulating the flow of blood and lymph throughout the body.
• Ventosa with Massage - or Cupping Therapy is an ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin; practitioners believe this mobilizes blood flow in order to promote healing. Glasses are the commonly used for cupping.

* Dagdagay Massage - from browsing the net is a traditional Filipino foot massage using two bamboo sticks introduced by the tribal people from the highland of Cordillera region.

It's me...for the combination Foot and Body Massage...with Dang, one of their strongest Therapist.

My favorite, especially if I felt heaviness on my shoulders, is their combination Foot and Body Massage. Its 1 hour 15 mins session with 45 mins concentration on my back…it’s so “sulit" for me.

What I love about their treatment is that it’s not just massage, they are also making use of the pressure points.

After the massage, we were politely informed that the treatment is finished and advised to rest for 5 minutes. Likewise, we were asked whether we like hot tea or warm water. It can be served at the treatment area or at the receiving area, with wet warm face towel.

Daniz with Tintin...for the Swedish Massage

Our daughter Daniz tried the Swedish Massage. The Therapist assigned to her used the mildest of touch for her. She said its good but it’s too long…and it tickles.

But she wanted to try it again. So I told Ms. Lou, the next time, it would be the 30 mins Express Back Massage.

The Mi Chay Angels (clockwise from front) - Nette, Weng, Tintin, Irene

Daniz with Nette, Tintin, Irene (L to R)

The Therapists, whom I fondly called Mi Chay Angels, undergone a 1-month extensive training held at Ms. Lou's house, all expenses paid including meal allowance. The training was conducted by a DOH (Department of Health) Personnel, and after successfully completing the required training, they became DOH Certified.

And as part of the arrangement, the DOH Personnel stayed with Mi Chay for 3 months to oversee and ensure that the teachings are being applied accordingly.

Part of the receiving area

Area for washing the feet before the session

Massage bed with a face hole (covered by the pillow) that allows the client to breathe easily while lying face down

For Thai Massage

Chairs for foot massage

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Daily Log: “Want to be Happy? Aim for Joy!" by Bob Perks

I have been following Bob Perks since 2001. He is an inspirational writer and speaker, an author, a life coach.

In more ways, he touched my life with his writings. I want...I aim to write like him...I want to inspire others the way he inspired me.

For today, I want to share this with you…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Want to be happy?  Aim for Joy!"
By Bob Perks

Happy seems to be a goal for most of us.  We want to be "Happy."

That doesn't sound like a lot to ask does it?

It has been said that happiness is a choice.  You can choose to be happy. 

I believe that to be true in this sense.  You can choose to be happy and then work toward that goal.  Happiness is a goal.

I don't begin to suggest that you choose to be happy, blink your eyes and there you are.

I do believe that by making "happiness a choice" you create the mindset to become that.

Like you can choose to be healthy.  Then you do the things necessary to make it so.

Here's my challenge to you.

I am declaring my time of grief at an end.  No more.  I am choosing to now focus on something even greater than happy.

I am aiming at "joy."  I want to be joyful.  I want to simply overflow with joy.

Why not try it, too?

I believe that in order for us to reach our full potential, we must reach beyond our grasp.

 

Like touching your toes.  Go ahead stand up and bend over and touch your toes.

I can't remember the last time I could stand up, look down and see them!

Certainly many of you could touch your toes.  I will say most can't...not right now.  But if your kept at it everyday bending, stretching comfortably a little more each day, you would be able to.

Reaching beyond you grasp.

So, if happy is a goal why not aim beyond that?

Why not choose joy?

The dictionary defines happy as, "feeling or showing pleasure or contentment"

Joy is defined as "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness"

See, it's just beyond my grasp.

I am sharing with you a little miracle.  I planned on writing this as a part of my "closure," my moving beyond my grief.

Then just before writing this I received a message from my friend, Hannah Smith.

 

Here is a small portion of it: "Philippians - only four chapters long - Paul uses the word "joy" 16 times. The amazing thing is, Paul didn't write this book when he was  on vacation in the Caribbean. He was in prison in Rome,waiting to be executed. In the darkest days of his life,he wrote the most positive book in the Bible.

In Philippians, Paul gives us very strong joy-builders that will help diffuse our discouragement and lift our depression."

Go ahead read it.

Before you do remember everything that grows stretches. Man is the only creature that can choose to become more than it is at the moment.  Every living thing was designed to evolve fully into what it was created to be.  A bee can't be a flower but it can be the very best bee it was created to be. Man however, (woman of course implied) has no real idea what their full potential is.  That's why we celebrate when someone breaks a record, does something bigger, better, longer than anyone before them.

The only way we can find how far we can grow is by reaching beyond our grasp.  Then again and again.

Want to be happy?  Aim for Joy!

J

Bob
www.Ok2Be.Me

"Live an inspired life!"

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Daday’s Kitchen: Bolognese Spaghetti Di Daniz

Most children like their spaghetti Filipino style…sweet, like that of Jollibee. But not our daughter, Daniz…no, no, no. She likes it Italian style…tomato based with mince beef or pork…sour with just a hint of sweetness.

It’s not that she does not love Jollibee…she does, especially Chicken Joy. She grew up eating Italian style spaghetti. And so, just now, Jonjie and i decided to call this recipe…Bolognese Spaghetti Di Daniz.

When you tried to follow the recipe, you can tweak it, put your own brand…and you can even change the name.

INGREDIENTS: (To serve at least 10 persons)

• 450g Spaghetti Noodles
• 1 pack (5 pcs) CDO Nutri-Burger Beef Patties
• 4 medium Fresh Tomatoes, diced
• 1 big Onion, finely diced
• 1 1/2 cloves of Garlic, finely diced
• 1 small can Mushroom, diced (set aside the liquid)
• 3 small packs of Del Monte Italian-Style Spaghetti Sauce
• 2 tbsp All Purpose Cream
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
• Oil (for this recipe, its Olive Oil)
• Salt and Black Pepper
• At least 15 Basil Leaves, hand-torn for best flavor
• 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese, grated (for toppings, optional)
• Parsley leaves, chopped, (for toppings, optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, cover the pot with a lid to help bring the water to a boil faster.
2. Add oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
3. Add salt, at least 2 tbsp.  Salting the water makes pasta taste better by bringing out the natural flavor of the pasta, this does not increase the sodium level of the recipe. Note: Do not add the salt until the water has come to a full boil, plain water boils faster than salted water.
4. Add the pasta, all at once, to the boiling salted water, and keep the heat high to bring the water back to the boil as quickly as possible. Note: Fast boil is so important; the water temperature drops when you add the pasta, but if you have a fast boil, the water will still be hot enough for the pasta to cook properly.
5. Stir at the beginning. After you add the pasta to the boiling water, stir with a long wooden spoon (stirring prevents pasta from sticking to each other and from sticking to the bottom and the edge of pan). Frequent stirring with a long wooden spoon or fork while the pasta is cooking will help the pasta to cook.
6. Start timing when the water returns to a boil. Most pastas cook in 8 to 12 minutes. Note: Don't rely on the package to give you the correct cooking time (this is only a guideline). 
7. Test dry pasta for doneness after about 4 minutes of cooking by tasting it. It is difficult to give exact cooking times since different shapes and thickness of pasta will take less or more time to cook.
8. Watch the cooking process of the pasta carefully since it can overcook very quickly. Pasta should be tender but still firm when you eat it. To be sure, bite into the pasta. If it's too hard to bite or if you see white in the center, it needs to cook a little longer. When it's cooked all the way through but still firm, it's ready. This is referred to as al dente (“to the tooth”) in Italian. 
9. When cook, drain immediately and put it under running water to stop the noodles from cooking.

Sauce

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onions, stirring, until soft.
3. Add the garlic, stirring softly until it smell. Add tomatoes, and a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper, then mash.
4. Add beef patties and cook, stirring, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the liquid from the canned mushroom and simmer for another 5inutes.
6. Add spaghetti sauce until it boils. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, to keep the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan, until the sauce is thickened and flavorful.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add all purpose cream and grated Cheddar cheese, then let it boil.
9. When it starts to boil, add mushroom, let it boil then turn off the heat.
10. Add basil leaves.

ASSEMBLE:

Put noodles on a plate, pour an appropriate amount of sauce, topped it with parmesan cheese and parsley.

It can be served with Garlic Bread and Baked Stuffed Green Bell Pepper for plated dinner or by itself for sharing. Or, as you desired.

ENJOY!!! Have a happy tummy…

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Daily Log: Trust in the Lord

Each of us has our own cross to carry…our own trials and tribulations. Each of us at some point in our lives experienced deep pain or sadness…a loss of loved one…betrayal…unfaithfulness…humiliation.

In those times, we feel differently…we act differently. Some put up an invisible wall around themselves not feel it again. Others tried to keep it to themselves, afraid to be ridiculed. A few would resort to harm themselves or others. But for most, they chose to be with their family and be comforted…to heal…to recover…to move on.

Taken last June 8, 2014 while finding our way to the Historical Church of our Lady of Namacpacan in Luna, La Union

I always believe that our own cross was given to us for a purpose.

To teach us a lesson…to hold on…to let go…to fight…to dream…to be steadfast. To challenge us to be the best that we can be. To discover our strength. To accept our weaknesses. To love unconditionally. To give freely. And most of all, to know ourselves.

That each hurdle we passed and conquered, we became stronger…ready to face another battle.

And in all those times, especially during our lowest…when we think we cannot take it anymore…when everything seem hopeless…when all we want to do is give up. There is always someone who never left us. Someone who is just waiting…ready to open His arms and hide us in His loving embrace, long enough to give us the comfort and peace that we need in that moment.

And all it takes is for us to call on Him. To let Him lead the way. To light our path. To carry us, when there is no strength left. To let His will be done unto us.

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

 Jeremiah 29:11-12

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Food Trip: Jonas Pares, Mayon St, Quezon City

I was introduced to Jonas and its famous “pares” in 1999 during our church wedding preparation. That was the first time I ate “pares” and since then, we always eat at Jonas every time there is an opportunity.

Even Daniz grew up eating “pares”…she like it very much. Daday already made his own pares recipe which is almost the same with Jonas, and in time I will post it here.

"PARES is a pairing of rice and beef coined by the owner to speed up the service for the value meal of fried rice, beef stew and soup, and the name caught and since then JONAS has been called the 'original pares' place."

This can be found in one of the wall inside Jonas dining area

Jonjie's memories of Jonas was way back in the early 1980's when it can only accommodate a few customers at a time...and the rest had to stand in wait for whoever will finish first.

Prices as of September 2014. These are their main menu but there are other

available dishes to choose from

Jonjie asking us our orders of drinks: Iced Tead for Daniz (as usual) and Almond Gulaman for me

Daniz on her way to the service area to get our spoons and forks. Jonjie at the counter and beside him, carrying our food, is my brother Angelo

Our usual orders, good for 4, are: Pares (2 orders + 2 extra rice), Pork Siomai and Kikiam, and an additional Brocolli Leaves in Garlic, if available.

Outside looking in

Outside looking in

Location Map

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