ON FOOD TRIP: GRILLED FISH AND PORK BARBECUE

 These are dinner, grilled fish and pork barbecue.  They were not done yet but Sean took a picture of them already.   He was too excited with the food but too tired and feeling sick right now.  I hope he feels better tomorrow.

WHAT'S UP?: IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

It was a simple surprise celebration for my birthday and look what we had to celebrate with... Beef barbecue and fried calamari! Got Smirnoff double black to go with 'em! Let's drink to that yeah yeah!

ON FOOD TRIP: LUNCH @ MESA

We (with niece and nephew) came to visit my father's grave in Makati early Monday morning. Right after, we went straight to Greenbelt. We dropped by the chapel and sat on the park for awhile. Enjoying the air blowing lightly.  Sky was nice and weather was not that hot.  We enjoyed looking at the kids playing by the fountain.  I wanted to take pictures of them but parents might call my attention for that.  One mom blew some bubbles over the kids. Such a wonderful moment when little kids tried to burst bubbles. Benches were occupied as well as the tables from the coffee shops behind us.  

Look at how the scenery made on this old man's face.  It was my niece's hand below the photo, by the way.  I really enjoyed the day, like a break off from the rat race. I definitely need more of this kind of day.  

And finally, i was able to get back and dined here. @Mesa, Greenbelt.  Good though that we were able to get seats because most of the tables were reserved already and the resto just opened that time.  

These are what they used to light up the place.  I like the ambiance.  Like what they say it is a Filipino Moderne.  I wanted to take one of those tables but already reserved.

The condiments.

We ordered for Pork barbecue, Beef and Tripe in peanut sauce and shrimp paste which locally know as "kare-kare", and Steamed supreme beef.   Kids just loved how the beef so tender.

Though i wanted to try other dishes like the catfish flakes, crispchon, stuffed squid, baby squid in olive oil and other shell recipes, i just simply can't.  Kids are so fussy with food but i am so glad this time they really enjoyed them.  They finished them all up and it's worth it.  

PROLIFERATION OF GLUTTONY...NOT!

It is definitely not a proliferation of gluttony. It is just that every time we get together, which is not often, we ended up having good laughs and fun pigging out and having drinks. And this time it was with my guy cousins and their families.

In celebration of father's day and that the day after is a holiday, we spent the day in my eldest guy cousin's place. Nothing much special on the food but these fruit cuts in containers. I said special and let me tell you why....

My guy cousins on my mom's side, well, they are not that showy or not good showing affection. (or was it a guy thing?) Anyways, the eldest went out with my sis and wife to get some food. They were to get some pancit malabon, spring rolls, and crispy pata but the rain was so heavy they ended up in the supermarket instead and got something to grill. My guy cuz went to the salad section, got two containers and filled it up with fruit cuts he has chosen himself. Then when they got back, he immediately served them to the oldies (my mom and aunt). He even said "just for them". I was touched with his gestures. Well, probably because it was nothing like i see of him that way. My sister even whispered to me like it was a "miracle". I appreciated him that time. His brother on the other hand, made their way to travel north to south (with the pouring rain) just so he can be with us. At first, we thought this "little-get-together" wont be possible because we can not fit in one car (which will be the only available that time). But i decided to just use public transport, with my mom and nephew, the night before so my other cousin and mom can join us as well.

Anyways, we spent the day eating, drinking and singing our heart out with the karaoke...still with the pouring rain. Today is like no other day having fun times with family. This moment is what we call precious!

The Special Fruit Cup

Here are the blessings we had on the table:

Well, a lot more of them on the grill and pan. My younger guy cuz brought with him crispy chicharon and native delicacies like "puto and suman", which he got from Bulacan.

In the afternoon, they drove us home safely. We all crashed to sleep early that night.

I hope you too had a great weekend!