Charlie's Grind and Grill

Marvin and I went to try out a new Burger Place, thanks to one of his friends.
Charlie's Grind and Grill is situated along the highway (16 East Kapitolyo Drive, Pasig) but we had to go through residential houses first before we finally got there, kinda hidden actually. I even thought we were lost!

You all know I'm not a big fan of burgers so I tried their Marinara Meats Balls in Pasta and Marvin had Black Angus Beef Burger and Buffalo Wings which he was truly truly satisfied of. I actually liked all that we ordered too.. including the tasty fries that go with the burger and the Charlie's Iced Tea (I even had to order a take out). I didn't have a camera with me then, sorry and my phone got no memory card. Of all days, it had to be last night that we were digitally helpless.. oh well.

Do not be discouraged with the place though. It's modest and quite small and may get packed easily. Please do not go there as a team or more than 5.. you'll find it hard to squeeze in and sit together. And yes, they're situated beside a car wash.. and they have tables outside to extend their dine-in services but come there for the food. One thing I like is the overflowing of condiments in their outside ref. Super nice for sauce lovers.

We promise to give you pictures when we get to come back. Don't fail to try their promising handcrafted burgers too! :)

I am Number Four Too!

Well, I'm four months that is! :)

Good Vibes lang peeps.

My trips to the bathroom have definitely lessened. I feel better now more than ever, no more lazy days (for now) ! hehe. One thing I'm really noticing, I can sense some pulses and somehow 'kicks' from down below. It could be my intestine.. but it could be something else too. I wanna think the baby is swimming and making some acrobat moves. :)

Stomach Flu

Perhaps you've experienced diarrhea once in your life? Or maybe you've vomited here and there (specially after a drinking session?) But have you had this two together in a single night? I did, and it was terrible, I tell you. Specially when you're pregnant!

So it was my typical Saturday. I came home, had breakfast, rest a little then slept. I was awakened by mild stomach cramps telling me that I need to use the bathroom, which I did. I realized I'm having diarrhea when I've been in and out of the bathroom more than 3 times in 4 hours. Usually, preggies are constipated and I'm no different. So I like this change, maybe it won't last soon. I was thinking maybe I just need to dispose all those that I've eaten.

Lo and behold, my diarrhea never left. I vomited right after dinner, had fruit and vomited again. It was crazy as I've never been sick like this.. ever! I can't keep anything down.

I resolved to run to the ER, as advised by my OB, if I won't be better. And thank goodness I was a bit better the next morning (because I didn't take anything anymore, except water!) Then I slowly took food that were easy to digest.

.....

I got the 'stomach flu' diagnosis from my book but I didn't exactly know what happened to me that night. I did not see a doctor at all. But the web says stomach flu is caused by germs or bacteria. I'm scared. I will make sure to talk to my OB about it.

Breaking Dawn Official Trailer (Teaser)

I can't wait for November!!

I think I will surely love Bill Condon. :)

Breaking Dawn Poster

Coming this November!!

Dopplers

I heard my baby's heart beat, second time, today. Quite fascinating actually. :)


My OB used a handy fetal doppler and with a few gel, we were able to listen. I read from the book that you can slo buy your own dopplers so you could hear your baby's heart beat whenever you wishes to. Super cool!

Body Changes

Before I learned that I was pregnant, the most prominent change I was ever aware of was that of my breast. They're super full like I was supposed to have my period. LOL, excuse me if my post will be revealing or straightforward. :)

• breast changes - the more you approach your delivery day, the bigger and fuller they will get. Especially your areola which simply prepares you for breastfeeding



• bloating/flatulence - I never experienced this. I get bloated if I drink too much liquid but apart from that, I never felt being bloated



• fatigue, sleepiness, low energy - this is fairly common. When extreme fatigue hits, there's just one thing to do, REST. Most pregnant women get so lazy as in lazy, haha, as the month progresses.



• frequent urination - ay very true. but when I hit my second trimester, visit to the washroom lessened.



• nausea w/ or w/o vomiting - so far, I've just vomited twice. :) apart from being nauseous, I get headachese here and there.



• excess saliva - weird right? but because of our hormonal changes, the body produces more saliva. nasasamid ako sa sarili kong laway, hehe.



• increased sensitivity to changes - we all know this. pregnant women tend to puke a lot if they don't like what they're smelling



• metallic taste - pregnant women may experience gum bleeding a lot because of lack of calcium, that's where there metallic taste comes from



• spotting / discharges - one may discharge a lot, expect that but colors vary. some discharges may show signs of complication or infection so always to talk your OB about it. spotting is red and beware. consult your OB when you're experiencing spotting.



• hair loss/breakage - I don't know if other pregnant women are experiencing this, but I do. my hair is so brittle.

If you're experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms above (hopefully not all!), relax, nothing's wrong with you.. you're just pregnant. Continue to eat well, avoid stress, get enough sleep and drink your vitamins. All will be better, soon.

Profiling

*image not mine, I still don't show*

I'm very thankful to my manager who got me this book entitled "What to Expect when You're Expecting". Been reading it since I got my hands on it. :)

And through this book, I learned that when you're pregnant, 3 profiles does matter:

GYNECOLOGICAL HISTORY

You have to mention to your OB if you've ever taken birth control pills or other methods. Other women kept taking oral meds because they aren't aware they are pregnant. So it's safe that you always keep your count right, and don't miss telling your OB about it. Anything that's happening down there and inside - mention to your OB.

OBSTETRICAL HISTORY

The success of your pregnancy also depends on your birthing profile - is this your first pregnancy? have you had back to back pregnancies? Have you had any preterm births, abortion or miscarriage? Are you considered high-risk? Women who are first timers to bear and is older than 35 maybe at high-risk.

lastly..

MEDICAL HISTORY

How's your health going along? Suffering from Obesity? Diabetes? Eating disorders? Are you drinking any meds on a regular basis?

I didn't really plan on getting pregnant but I'm still thankful that it happened now than later. I may not be that healthy when I hit my 30's. And of course, every body is different, every lifestyle is different. You may be 40 and still has the body of a 25y/o.

The book keeps reminding it's readers that every pregnancy is different. I think mine is. :)

Fixed

Pictures in my blog got all my posts mixed up..
but yey! It's all back now.. got to post 'hot news' here!

6 not 8

Hmmmm.. according to my LMP, I was 8 weeks pregnant. But today, I had my first transV that confirmed I am rather 6 3/7 weeks. OB said we follow the ultrasound calculations as it is more accurate.

I also had some blood tests done. My medical profile confirmed that I am fit to bear a child.



.. good vibes, good vibes. :)

Two Lines!

Ok, just before it turned out to be positive, I got a single line on my very first try. I wasn't surprised.. I really thought I will get my period soon.

After a week, I tried a PT again (in the office), yep! just to satisfy my curiousity. I placed the PT away from me because I was positive that it'll be just a single line. But lo and behold, I saw a two well placed and well pronounced purple lines, no mistakes this time. My hands turned cold and I texted away.

My head was racing then and my heart was pumping... I was looking at 9 months from now, I was looking at my family, my work and how everything will be.. now that I will have a ... baby of my own.

Questions.. questions.. I've got thousands of them!! but i was given the comfort that i need by my beloved fiancee who stood with me thru thick and thin.

Surprise !

There's always one.. coming your way!


(test post for the blog, which suddenly stopped working correctly)

A Chocolate Mousse to Remember

** finally, i had the time to put this together**

August 21, Saturday AM

I can say it’s been a tradition that the team spends quality time every weekend, or whenever we have money. Their latest addiction is indulging in seafood, that is Dampa. This particular Saturday, they decided yet again, to spend another ‘breakfast’ in Macapagal avenue. Since I’m trying to save up as much as I can for our Hong Kong Trip, I initially declined. There were no signs of panic and disturbance from the team but my manager insisted I go. I even used Marvin as my excuse (that he was sleeping, that he may not be able to follow, that our food trip won’t be worth it since he can’t eat much) but they all talked me out of it, like everyone has something to say to me. Oo na, sige na.. sasama na ko. Gosh. Little do I know that he (Marvin) wouldn’t have a hard time joining us.

Here are some little segments.

So we arrived bright and early at Dampa. Like the usual, I didn’t join the rest on their scouting walks. My manager, Allian, despite her killer heels, walked from restaurant to restaurant looking for a private resto with an acceptable ambiance. We moved from the initial open area to an airconditioned one because I prefer not to hear Bonchie whine. :p And as usual, I let them order food. I was so engrossed on reading that I let them do all the work.

When we were just waiting for our food to be cooked, they were singing the Karaoke. They even asked me what Marvin’s theme song is to me. I said that of Introvoys, they all laughed. Wala ata silang love song. OK fine.. hnd ko matandaan. After a few more songs and few more 5 pesos, Allian said she wanted to buy some DVDs so she stepped out. I can’t remember how everyone else followed. I know Rona said she wanted DVD too. Few minutes after, Myda and Hakkai followed outside for some reason. Kathlyn stepped out too as she will wait for Cai to arrive. Joey kept taking pictures, I honestly don’t know or where everyone is as I was busy reading.

Suddenly, a becky approached me with a cake in a slightly open box. He said, me nagpapabigay po, “Ha?” Ung nasa likod nia said “buksan mo daw ung box, buksan mo” So he slightly opened it and I saw the WILL YOU MARRY ME text, yes I’m 20-20. I am shaking a little. Sabi ko, “Ano to ha, sino nagpapabigay nito.” At the back of my mind, I know the cake is from Marvin.

And then..

spread the LOVE!

Mheann and Trek Tied the Knot!

The long wait is officially over. :)

Mheann and Trek celebrated their 12 years together by tying the knot at the Lourdes Church in Tagaytay City last March 22.

The church ceremony was very emotional as close friends and family witnessed the exchange of vows. I went blank when Mheann pulled out a paper when she was about to say her piece, masasayang make up ko. I know deep in my heart, she said nothing but pure LOVE. Mababaw luha ko so I opted not to listen well. I focused on the priest and his intention to make the promises of the couple blessed by the people around them. The priest invited the family and ninongs and ninangs to surround the couple as they take their oath of endless love. Truly heartwarming.

A few minutes later, the ceremony was over. Picture Time naman. :)

let me show you some cute finds...


their bridal car was vintage

the venue of the reception was breathtaking overlooking Taal Volcano
I forgot where this reception was held but it was very near Lourdes Church
(plus I don't have invitation, haha, so I don't have a reference)

here's the pool turned to be a mini stage or area where the couple would be at
we didn't get to stay the whole time because I have class waiting for me, but I'm sure this looks lovely at night

even this cute cake was orange-y
I wish I could have stolen a cupcake!! haha

trendy photobooth courtesy of CDWORX

nothing beats a good old company
nice to be with you all

i love them!
SUPER CONGRATS!

it may not be easy to keep the relationship for 12 years, but it's not impossible.
CHEERS to the newlyweds. :)

Would look forward to juniors soon...

no to PLASTICs

From my recent Cebu Trip, I have concluded that Cebu is making a stand on campaigning a healthier and greener Cebu by eliminating plastic bottles.

How?

Pictured below are some water dispensers that you'll see around Cebu. Almost every street has a minimum of one water dispenser. I am totally amazed on Filipinos developed a paid water dispenser that aims to control usage of plastic water bottles. Your Php1.00 in this dispenser is equivalent to 25ML of water whereas the cheapest 50ML water in 7-11 is around Php10.00. You don't just save money, we CONTROL PLASTIC.

Don't buy water bottles in stores anymore. Now you can carry your chic/posh/cute tumbler and refill all you want.

It's time to make a difference.


(hopefully clean water is not going to be an issue.)



I hope we could find ways to improve this dispenser and adapt here in the Philippines.
I challenge those water companies (Absolute, Coca-Cola, Wilkins, etc) to just make dispensers like this instead of small disposable water bottles.

Let's be Eco-Friendly.

For more ways to save the Earth, visit wwf.org.ph/howhelp.php
facebook.com/WWF.Philippines

Hukad Restaurant in Cebu

Recommended by a friend, Marvin and I tried Hukad restaurant at Ayala Center Cebu, before we flew back to Manila.

Shrimps in Garlic

Chiken Halang-Halang

tastes like cooked with gata and a little spicy

Kinilaw na Isda

Escabecheng Tanigue

cute rectanglar flat plate

I had Maja Blanca for dessert

We liked their service, and their food was delicioso too! There were just several items they didn't have like certain drink on their menu, but overall, we enjoyed the dining experience.

Marvin super liked the halang-halang and tanigue.

In case you'll be here, try their baby back ribs. I heard it's good too.

Cebu, Day 3: Dinner sa Matias

There are a lot of restaurants in Cebu.
Considered the most popular and most visited one's are those that are home based with home made food, just like Matias along A.S. Fortuna St.

They serve everything, grilled!

They have this soup which I forgot the name

Balbacua that Marvin has craved for ever since we've tried.
Ubos na nung dumating kami pero kahit sabaw na lang, go pa rin.

Native Rice called Pusot
(pronounced fast, like puson)

Nakakagutom pa din!

Cebu, Day 3

We didn't think twice of returning to Cebu proper despite the Sun shining today. We just don't want to risk it. Funny, when a Ferry arrived, me mga passengers pa din na sakay. They weren't worried at all about the Tsunami threat? Kunsabagay, sabi naman hnd daw aabot saten eh.

We paid our respect at the Basilica Sto Niño, the biggest church I know in Cebu.
just look at the attendees.

Beside the church is the famous Magellan's Cross

Since we need to get some pasalubong, we opted not to go to Carbon Market but head to Taboan instead. The market was very busy!

Famous in Taboan and Carbon Market are Danggit, Dried pusit and all other dried and flavored fish.

Bantayan Island, Day 3, Sun!

Aww, the sun shone brightly on our third day at Bantayan, the day we were supposed to leave for Cebu proper. Instead of having breakfast, I immediately changed and run to the waters.

I need some tan, LOL.

Anyway, it was low tide then. The water was very shallow, hence the color of the water. The sand mixed with rocks colors the water brown... but it's very white sand here.


I didn't get to dip in the water much because we have to leave soon as the weather might change again and we end up stuck here in the island. Besides, I have a class tomorrow!

Bantayan Island, Day 2, Play!

I was on the lookout if the weather will turn to any more OK. My patience was ultimately tested when I'm about to give up and just bring umbrella, just so we can stroll. But the rain stopped although the wind was still mad.

We hurriedly changed clothes, actually I was the one who was in a hurry and very excited with the change of weather, and ran to the shore. Good thing Tristan Resort is super beachfront. No further walking needed.

PLAY!!!

we found so many little friends on the shore. A lot of them were just brought here by the current. They kept digging the soft sand until they're burrowed. In samar, we call this UMANG

The ride that got us around the streets of Sta. Fe

First Destination, Ogtong Cave in Ogtong Beach Resort
with an entrance of Php100, we got a dip in their pool and beach

towards their Ogtong Cave
swimming isn't allowed because of the Tsunami threat, they're being safe. So, pictures only


Here's the beachfront

We found a little white friend on our way back.
Marvin thought this is a spider :p
It's TINY crab, I suppose. crablet? :p

Our background is a sandbar that gets formed in different places depending on the season.

We're enjoying Bantayan despite the rain!
We actually went back to our resort when the rain poured heavily.