Gone Gaga Over Greenhills & Zark's

A week ago, we were finally able to push through with my very much awaited shopping spree at Greenhills.  Our plans for the day got pushed back at a later time though due to the bad weather. It just kept on raining the entire day! But this didn't stop me from going to Greenhills Shopping Center. Greenhills is probably the second most convenient way of getting good bargains (The top of my list goes to Landmark which is very accessible, having it located at huge Ayala Centers.) You can find literally everything at Greenhills, from gadgets, clothing, bags, designer imitations, even furniture. My goal was to find clothes & bags since online shops have been tempting me for the longest time; however I enjoy actual shopping more than browsing through the internet for cheap finds.

Disclaimer - I do not own these photos. Just found them on Google. Credits go to: Above & Bottom (Click on the words to direct you to the web pages of the photos' owners.)

Thanks to Leo for accompanying me and bearing with me as I went through a lot of stalls for the best bargains:) Anyway, when we got there, it was already past 3 in the afternoon and we haven't had lunch yet. Initially, I wanted to try Sunrise Buckets because I've heard a lot of good reviews about their buffalo wings unfortunately, we couldn't find where it is (haha! we barely go to Greenhills, that's why the area is very foreign to both of us), plus it was still raining so we gave up and decided to just grab a bite somewhere within the shopping district's vicinity. I was craving for Army Navy, thus that's where we decided to fuel up before shopping.

 We shared their delicious cheese quesadilla which was gone in a breeze. Also had a burrito each and of course their Libertea to quench our thirst:)

After the heavy and delightful meal, off we went to shop. Yay for me!:) Retail therapy just feels so good! I was able to get a few tops and a bag. I was dismayed though for not seeing much of the brandless bags which come from Bangkok & Thailand. I found only 2-3 stalls selling these kinds of bags which are found all over online shops. 2 of them sell over priced items! Also, if you happen to be reading this and you supply bags, accessories & clothing items from Bangkok, please do contact me at katherinegregorio@ymail.com. I'm thinking of putting up a small shop of my own. (Just an idea, but why not! I love selling goods.)

With the items I bought, I was contented enough to give up and call it a day. Going in and out of stalls made us real thirsty, so Happy Lemon it is. :) Leo is very fond of trying different drinks but I on the other hand am contented with the ONLY order I know: Cocoa with Rock Salt & Cheese. I wouldn't want to try something new and later on hate its taste. haha!

We then went to The Fort for S&R grocery shopping which is a part of his weekend chores. We're definitely back at our comfort zone! I just love how chill & laid back the South is compared to the North:) The traffic of the North is simply chaotic & unbearable.

Anyway, for dinner we also decided to finally try Zark's Burgers, a famous burger place best known for its delicious grilled burgers which are very affordable. They started off as a burger joint for students located at Taft and later on extended its branches due to its gaining popularity among the youth. Amazing how they became famous through word of mouth:)

Leo decided to have the Zark's Burger (I can't really remember how it's called.), and I tried their wings. I must admit, it's my first time to be served with a burger LIKE this. Having a huge and thick burger patty smothered with melted cheese. Of course they had to serve it this way so that you'll see how the cheese really melts! I know that burgers are naturally oily, but this is just delicious, very filling, and affordable. Not to mention, the fries which come alongside with it if you upgrade your order to a Meal (burger + fries + drinks), are also huge! Zark's is definitely one of the very few fast food restaurants which offer both quality and quantity:)

I decided to try their Buffalo Wings since I wasn't AS hungry when we ate here. I don't think I could finish an entire burger. The wings were okay specially the dip which came along with it, however, I still love Brooklyn's wings more. ;-) Overall, I really enjoyed this day! Talk about shopping and food tripping!:)

 Sept 15, 2012

BY THE WAY, A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO MY FREQUENT READERS!:) Thank you! 

Birthday Feast at Circles Makati Shangri-La

Whenever Filipinos celebrate any special occasion, food will always in all ways, be a part of the equation. I guess we just love to indulge in good food with great company. It's probably the best way to bond and have good conversations as far as Filipino culture is concerned. Last September 6, my youngest brother just turned 16. Time flies real fast! Our bunso grows too fast! I miss having a baby in the family:(

Anyway, of course we had to celebrate this, thus our lunch buffet at Circles, Makati Shangri-La last Saturday. It was definitely a delicious feast! 

Taking photos of food has become a fad over the past few months, since Instagram became a hit. I must admit, I too enjoy taking photos of food! This is probably the frustrated photographer in me. haha! I enjoy taking photos of all sorts however I find our SLR too complicated to configure and too huge to carry around! For now, I'm contented with my trusty point and shoot digital camera :) Enjoy and drool! ;-)

Seafood & Japanese Cuisine

My appetizer fix: shell fish, shrimp, maki, sashimi, Kani salad. Delicioso!

 The birthday boy! Happy Birthday, Brother!:)

Make-your-own Salad Bar. Everything is just, real good!

Next plate: Salad. Ceasar salad which I generously topped with bacon tidbits, parmesan, almonds and walnuts. I forgot how the other variant of salads are called, nonetheless, all are tasteful :) Below is a closer shot :)

My favorite potato gratin, baked salmon, buttered asparagus, roasted lamb, Greek peas, and dragon fruit for a change of taste:) Again, I loved everything except for the Greek peas. haha!

Cheese, baked salmon, salad again, maki, spicy shrimp and shawarma. :)

 It was hard to choose which desserts would I be having since I was already stuffed! Haha, but my choices were (above): Green Tea Opera, White Chocolate Brownie and I can't remember how the third slice is called. hihi. Below is my brother's dessert platter :) Everything is just delicious! Also loved their chocolate pudding & flourless chocolate cake:) Farewell, diet! 

Truly, it was a Happy birthday celebration for us and my brother!:)

September 8, 2012

Zahra's Epic Relik Birthday Celebration

Happiest Birthday to one of the greatest friends I have, Zahra!:) It's always fun celebrating her birthday because I get to see my high school best friends whom I barely see due to busy schedules & whatnot:) For this year's celebration, she opted to have it at Relik Tapas Bar & Lounge which is a really good venue for intimate drinking sessions with good friends. Thumbs up for Relik! 

From L-R: Charles, Vianne, Me, Zahra, Tracy, Guillan, Meg, Grace. Almost complete!:) Aya was able to make it at a later time, although we missed Trisha, Mafie and April :(

My love for them are beyond words:) We just felt the need to take a lot of photos since we barely are complete during gatherings & celebrations.

Happy 23rd Birthday to our "Princess in Pink with the tiara" who looks like she's 7, thus the number of candles. Haha! Kidding!:*

It was nice seeing her college & marketing friends!:) Cheers to your birthday, woman!

"We don't even have to try coz it's always a good time!"

With Grace & Aya this time! I barely see them girls also! Very glad to see you!!:)

 I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE... Someone DID IT AGAIN. hahahaha!

It was definitely an epic night to remember! Had an amazing time, Z! Merci! ;-) We should have more of THIS often (Even though we're more of the laid back & chill ladies. haha!)

Whenever we have late night outs, Tracy & I usually stay at our 2nd home, literally, Vianne's place! haha:) Thanks for always letting us crash, Vi! We should really leave some of our clothes at your place;-) 

September 1, 2012

7th High Vibe

Finally, I'm back to blogging!:) I became quite busy over the past few days and I'm just glad and really grateful that I've been too tired to even bother opening my laptop and surf the internet.

Anyway, last August 31, 2012, some fraternities from the faculty of Medicine hosted a crazy and fabulous party at 7th High, entitled, "Vibe." At first, I was ambivalent to join this event for some personal reasons but then comes my "Minsan Lang Naman" attitude plus it's a good time to see some of my college & high school friends alike, so I gave in and I've decided to come and join the fun:)

Before attending the party, I went to St. Luke's Global to visit Leo's mother who thankfully has recovered already. After which, we had a quick dinner at Nihonbashi Tei Japanese Restaurant with Leo's cousins who just flew in from Singapore. I wasn't able to take photos of the food anymore, but the food was really delicious! They served authentic Japanese meals which were filling and again, tasteful!

After having dinner, off we went to 7th High. Met up with my good old college friend, Dane for my ticket and later on saw Vianne ad Tracy as well then Paulo and a lot of familiar faces. 

Now, with my "kaladkarin" ladies! (Haha). Meet Vianne in white and Tracy in black & white:) Had a real good time partying with them! They're also my sleep over buddies. hihi

Of course we just had to take photos as we were waiting for a few more friends:) It was impossible to have a conversation inside though due to the very loud music and the place was simply jam packed!

Here's are photos (top & bottom) of me and my classmates from college for 3 years!:) Way to go, future doctors!:)

Also bumped into Shine, whom I shared the same school in high school, who's also a good friend from college. Good luck with Medicine, Half Sister so proud of you!:)

After our photo sessions, we shoved our way to the front most of 7th High to seek for space and to dance the night away. We got ourselves Jagger shots and found ourselves singing and dancing to the beat until our feet couldn't handle it anymore. It was fun but it's really hard to move around with such high heeled shoes. To my dismay, I still couldn't see my friends whom I was looking for almost the entire evening! There wasn't signal inside the bar either, that's why I couldn't text nor call them. Good thing, when we decided to finally go out and rest, that's also when I was able to finally see them!:)

Since we were through with dancing, we decided to transfer to a different venue where we could talk, sit down and have chit chat (This is us, being old. haha!) Jamba Juice it is! I don't exactly enjoy Jamba but after finishing my Banana Berry, I have never have felt more refreshed. haha! It was really hot inside 7th High that you'd barely feel the air conditioner plus I really hate smelling like cigarette smoke after staying inside a bar.  Nonetheless, it was a night to remember.

I wish I could've spent more time talking with my college ladies, but we decided to call it a night and here's a last group shot before bidding goodbye :) Indeed, it was a fun  & crazy night but it was an amazing way of ending the month of August!:)

August 31, 2012