Sunday, January 12, 2014

Soloviento, Lake Caliraya

I just spent the weekend with my friends at Soloviento, Lake Caliraya.

It is a lakeside windsport/watersport eco-resort.

To get there from the parking lot, we had to ride a barge.

The crew had to pull on the thick rope so they could ferry us across.

Happy faces upon our arrival. The weather was so nice and cool!

The Clubhouse.... Our rooms were at the second floor and dining area at the ground floor.

Our favorite spot..... Where we spent most of the time and jump off point of "our" water activities.

Fishing

SUP -Stand Up Paddle

Hahahaha If there is such a thing as stand up paddle.... There is also, Lying Down Paddle.

Mark, brother of Jon, followed the next day to bring the jet-ski to Caliraya.

That was Mona's water-adventure.

Jon, husband of Mayette, took up Kiteboarding lessons.

We went across the lake so he could learn.

We rode the tiny boat.

Water was very choppy because of the strong winds but I loved the exhilarating ride! I got soaked thru and thru but I did not mind!

Of course, Mayette and I took turns taking pictures!

Mayette practicing her "shorts" boarding!

Another favorite activity of mine was "islet" hopping. Jon and Mayette hired a boat to take us to the different islets and coves of Lake Caliraya.

We went to a small cove.....

And I saw animals!

The carabao was so interested in me!!!!

There was also a Mommy horse and a little pony.

Mayette said, she felt like she was in Marlboro Country!

I looked around and said, "It looks like carabao and horse poop country to me!!!!"

Hahahahahaha!

It was another enjoyable boat ride.

The food at the Clubhouse.....

Pork Sinigang

Breaded Porkchop

Fish with Teriyaki Sauce

Chicken Tinola

Spaghetti with Meatsauce. They even baked their own bread!

My favorite was the Hamburger! With homemade French fries.

The meat was thick and juicy and not "bloody" at all!

We asked permission if we could have a "picnic" at the hut.

One of the owners said we could!

We ordered Pepperoni Pizza and....

Sardines, Tomatoes and Onions pizza baked in their brick oven.

We also ate Mayette's Famous Adobo!!!!

....... with wansuy and tomatoes.

The weather was very cold! Hahahaha I thought I was going to the "beach"! I did not bring the proper attire! Would you believe I had to switch off the fan and wear my hoodie to bed?! Of course, we did not close our windows! That would have defeated our purpose of enjoying the cool weather.

It was like being in Baguio (pine tree alert) but there was water around you.

Unforgettable moments (photo ops) with friends....

Ohhhhh And.... Mayette gave me her Christmas gift!

Best of both worlds.

We did not want to leave yet!

But alas..... We had to.

James, Sherman, Michael, Jing, Mona, Mayette, Jon and I.

We are planning already our next trip!!!

I hope it is soon!

We will be back, Soloviento!

 

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Pink Afternoon Tea

PD promised Jing that one day she would be invited again for afternoon tea.

Today was the day.

Hello, Jing!

Welcome to PD's house!

The table is set for two.

Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

Calamansi Sorbet to clean the palate.

Our Afternoon Tea .... Assorted Sandwiches..... Raisin Scones.... Cinnamon Rolls.... Assorted Miniature desserts.

Scones with Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream

Jing being served.....

Wasabi-Portuguese Sardines open-faced little sandwiches....

It was so spicy hot! In a good way!

Had to cool our tongues with Grapes and Angel's Egg.

More dessert......

But I had to decline.... Too sweet for me

but not for Jing!

I hope you enjoyed yourself and had a wonderful time!

Thank you, PD for letting us experience your lovely Pink Afternoon Tea!

 

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Finally!!!

December was a busy month for everybody so my friends and I just celebrated Christmas today at Mona's in Alabang.

We only had Chicken Nilaga Soup and Lechon!

We just divided the cost of the lechon among us.

I got my usual plateful of crunchy skin.

I had to concede defeat and scraped off the fat. PD would have enjoyed our lechon.

Lots of desserts and snacks.

Tita Cena made fruit Salad.

Mayette brought a box of Cassava Cake. She and Jon came from Caliraya.

SJ and Paulette even brought Ube and Pandan Ice cream! Sorry, I forgot to take pictures!

We had our usual exchange of gifts. I could not post the pictures because they were taken against the afternoon sun.

The Boys

The Girls

My Favorite Picture of the day!

I am so glad SJ, Paulette and her boys, Jjay and Pablo were able to join us. They are from Sydney but visiting their families for the holidays.

Sherman is also home for the holidays from Jakarta!

We missed some of our friends, Mon ( in Bicol), Mariger (sick in bed) and Celina who is in the US!

I am still hoping that one day all my friends would be home for Christmas!

But .... I cannot complain..... It was still a very Happy Holidays celebration with the rest of the gang!

 

 

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Welcome 2014!

My family and I do not celebrate on Chrismtas Eve but on the 31st of December, everybody waits for the New Year.

PD gave everybody flashing 2014 wristbands!

I just prepared a simple "media noche"!

Creamy Macaroni Soup

Pork BBQ

PD was complaining that the sticks of fat before were not chunky enough.

Hahaha I suppose this time they were really chunky!

She probably got scared and did not finish it all.

Pancit Canton

Pancit is my Waterloo.... I do not know how to cook good Pancit that is why I always order it when I'm dining out.

Assorted Cold cuts and sausages from Santi's.

Freshly Baked Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Fruitcake

Yema Cake from Gina Padilla

Fruit Salad made by Gilly.

I am excited for the year 2014 because I know there will be lots of fun and good times ahead!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!