FIFA Fever

We've been consistently going to Harry's Bar to watch the 10pm matches and my addiction for a good soccer game is getting more and more. After years of trying to understand the "odd" rules, and frowning at the best of "no real" pain actors, I find myself screaming and booing at heart-stopping attempts and bad calls.

Last night was one of them. I painted the German flag on my chest, my children's cheeks and my helper's arm before we went to Paulaner Brauhaus to share the excitement with other fanatics and enjoy a "healthy" portion of pork knuckle and sauerkraut.

Soon as the game began, the loud noises of casual chitchat was gone and the room was filled with cheers, claps and hoots! 93 minutes of adrenalin rush was all worth it because Germany I would say, played very, very well this time. Excellent team play!

This Saturday, July 3rd is yet another heart pounder. Germany vs Argentina. I'm rooting for good, old, cold Germany of course, but Argentina's no easy contender.

I keep coming back to Manila

Five days in Manila seemed short but my siblings and I made the most out of it, as always. Well planned places to go to and last minute changes all made the vacation typical of "US". In the midst of that full schedule, I was able to meet with good friends and have sinful hours of sweets at Cafe Breton.

I was shopping for Tees and pants and even kiddie schoolbags-cum-luggages like crazy because the price was so low and my suitcase was empty because I arrived with it full of "pasalubongs and padalas" an excuse to fill it up.

We went to Tagaytay Highlands and stayed there for 3 days. Swimming, eating, chit-chatting and simply catching-up with each others lives. My sister who is pregnant with twins, being the youngest of the Francisco girls, got all the tips and advices about this and thats. I got the chance to give some sermon-therapy sessions to my 4th sister who really needs to do some mild but serious exercising.

Til the next trip! Woohoo!

late post but I just had to say it! teehee

No fan of cheese yet tonight's Cheese dinner with the family was oh so delicious I had a hard time stopping. With quince jelly, you can't go wrong. It works wonders even with the strongest of cheese.

Toasted authentic German bread, butter, French Rosette as the main...perfect!

We're ready for our European Christmas! (6 months to go...) and enjoying the days.

Mom's Night Out

What started out as a simple comparison of personas about who's who in the fashion movie Sex & the City turned out to be a full blast Mommies Night Out.

We booked the whole Gold Class cinema and you can imagine the chattering of 30, yes 30, highly excited women. Some even came all dressed up like Carrie possessed them...I found that really cute. They felt the freedom from their Mommyhood and had their inner teens released.

The package we took included free flow of drinks and appetizers but I guess food was the least of our interest given the shoes, clothes and MEN on screen.

Alas! It was midnight and it was time to get back to reality. Though some had to go home, I and the others opted for another hour or so at Clarke Quay for some dancing and innocent drinks...I love Virgin Coladas!

Another Thai Break

After some thinking and calculating, we have decided to go on a summer holiday working with a budget but without sacrificing the quality. I've always believed that it doesn't have to break the bank to be good. So, I scoured the net and A did some queries as well. After a week or two, we had a good list of choices and we checked them all out.

Some places were really nice but the price was too much. I guess if it's just the 2 of us, we'd go for the usual 3 days/2 nights offer but a family break is usually more than a week with the kids having their own room, so that would require deeper digging. Then we have to consider eating out and some recreation activities...these little things are the unknown budget danger so that has to be addressed right from the beginning. This time I'm not bending the bank---Not when the more important trip is 6 months from now.

We decided to inquire at Anantara and after a few email exchanges, they offered us a very nice package which we immediately grabbed before the wind changes their minds. So Krabi it is.