Because One Koreanovela Shot is Never Enough…
😀
Francisters: The Dinghy and a “Snowstorm”
Back from our winter adventure! I’ve so many to share.. but let me start off with my favorite part of this year’s winter trip:
During our Sapporo leg of the trip, we went on a dinghy ride in the snow (pulled by a snowmobile). Fun at first but it got more exciting when strong winds came and our faces started to numb and ice! 😀
This was what we looked like after our ride:
Lesson learned – Apparently ski masks aren’t just for robbing banks. They’re useful for activities like this!
More posts in a few days! 🙂
Cheers!
Ann
Countdown Begins! The Francisters’ Ultimate Winter Trip
Winter. Snow. Layers. Snowboarding. Snow Festival. Freezing. Fun!!!
Plane Tickets, check!
Visa requirements, check!
Visa? (Ask me again next week)
Hotel bookings, soon!
30 days to go!
Happy New Year!
Wishing everyone a great 2013! May we all be filled with love, joy, peace and contentment. And more travels, of course! Hope your Christmas went well too! Mine did – whatever weight I lost last year, I gained it all back during the holidays! 😀
Cheers!
Ann
1 of 30 : Experience real FALL
I thought I’d make my first 30 on 30 post about my most recent trip. About 2 years ago, I’ve decided to start celebrating birthday going somewhere and doing (or experiencing) something new. A couple of years ago it was Shanghai, and this year, it was a trip to Seoul. (About a week delayed though, to take advantage of the long weekend holiday).
1/30 Experience real FALL. (Well, this isn’t my first fall season, as I was in the US this time last year. But in sunny San Diego, I don’t think fall exists. It’s just all sun, and then sometimes fog, and then it gets cold.)
So I was able to do this in Seoul. To lie down and play with all those fallen yellow leaves without a care in the world. (Yes, I did not even worry about my coat getting dirty or what… I wanted to lie down on a bed of yellow leaves, enjoy the cool breeze and just feel “autumn”.
It is official. I have fallen for fall. Autumn is my FAVORITE season ever!
(yes, I am pretty vain.)
Tiktik : The Aswang Chronicles – My Take.
I’m not a fan of tagalog films, but after seeing the preview of Tiktik, I decided to give it a chance. And I was really surprised, and very impressed.
Great effects (though some scenes could still be better), love the story – the mix of comedy, horror and love story was just right. My friends and I were laughing so hard towards the last 30 minutes of the movie – It was really entertaining, and I didn’t find any scene that I thought was corny at all.
My “Ano na!?!?” Moments:
Some noticeable things though: Lovi Poe’s makeup was just too much – if you’ve given birth and chased by aswangs, I don’t think you should still have oil-free skin and even foundation and blush on. What’s an aswang movie without Janice de Belen? Though I didn’t like her that much in this movie, I though she was trying too hard. Even if this is more of a comedy movie, she was still over acting (IMHO). Love the treatment of the film. However, there was this one scene that it was really, really obvious that the aswang was computer generated – like in a 3d game, with a nearly realistic backdrop. I found it a bit off. But overall, I’d give it 4 stars. I’m not easy to please especially with pinoy films, but I am very impressed, and this gives me hope that there’s still a chance for Philippine cinema.
In Gratitude, 30 years and a week old.
Overwhelmed with all the love from family and friends. Just goes to show that just because you’re mataray, people won’t like you. People will like you because you’re true to yourself. 🙂
Turning 30 – 30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know – A Self-evaluation.
I remember reading this article a few months ago, or maybe a year ago, and I guess with 30 days to go before my big 3-0, I’d evaluate myself and see how I’ve “performed”
So here they are and what I have to say about it:
By 30, you should have …
1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
Never really had one that was truly official, but yes, I have 2 names on my mind.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
I bought a hat rack. Does that count?
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
I have the perfect suit for the employer, and a really nice laid back ensemble for the man of my dreams. (The man of my dreams would want me to look simple and not over-the-top. ;D)
4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
Yes. Yes. Yes. A cherished Prada, a trusty Samsonite, and a classic black umbrella that I always use.
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.
I think I’ve done enough damage in my 20s. 😀
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
I live a very colorful life. If it were to become a movie, it’ll fall under adventure comedy.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age — and some money set aside to help fund it.
I acknowledge that. And I’m working on the money part. 😉
8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account — all of which nobody has access to but you.
Yes, yes, yes. (Though the voice mailbox part doesn’t really matter much here in the Philippines.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
Check!
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
Had that friend, but it got too stressful and frustrating so I had to let go.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.
Why would I have a cordless drill?!?
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
I have 2 actually. Haha. 😀
13. The belief that you deserve it.
Heck, we all deserve it.
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
Lazy to do the regimen, doing the routine, and the plan is to just live the life and grow up.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.
🙂
By 30, you should know …
1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
How, yes. But to put it into practice, well, let’s wait then.
2. How you feel about having kids.
I do.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
Don’t burn bridges, give him what he deserves, and confront the friend when all the anger has passed.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
Took a lot of practice. But yes.
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
Beso beso na lang. 😛
6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town.
We don’t have that here.. my mom calls her “lola” and yes I have my best girl for that.
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
I’ve learned to be independent.
8. Where to go — be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat — when your soul needs soothing.
Couch. Always the purple couch at home.
9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents.
I’ve dealt with this reality a long time ago. ;P
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
I loved my childhood. Plastic balloon!
11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
😀
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long.
Good thing I don’t smoke, drink and do drugs..
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
Learning that this year…
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
I’ve been doing this as long as I can remember
15. Why they say life begins at 30
Definitely begins at 30. 🙂
Turned 30 I have
Happy Birthday to me! 🙂
A surprise Star Wars themed party. Glowsticks = Mini Lightsabers. 🙂
Death Star Centerpiece
Yoda cupcakes!
On the eve of my 30th
I still don’t have my 30 on 30 list! Work is really getting in the way (plus a couple of other things) for me to be able to come up with the 30 things I REALLY want to do (and will do) on my 30th year. I really don’t plan to make a Felix Baumgartner and jump from space, but I am seriously considering some form of jumping. (Bungee probably, where? I’m still trying to figure it out.)
Anyway, tomorrow’s my big 30. I initially thought of hosting a party with my friends, but somewhere along the way I felt I needed some quiet time (plus much needed rest). Probably the age. Haha 🙂
48 Hours in Hong Kong
Off to Hong Kong tomorrow, and I still haven’t packed. Agenda: Trade Fair. Second agenda: Eat, eat, eat! Third agenda: H&M!!!
Still stuck at work and tons to do. Pfffft.
Extraordinary Desserts – Extraordinary Indeed!
Note: This is long overdue, But as I was browsing through my photos, these are too good not to be shared. 🙂
—
Earlier this year, while on vacation in the US, my cousins took me to Extraordinary Desserts (San Diego, CA) – A dessert place that has gained popularity in the city for its selection of cakes, pastries, and their fine selection of teas. (They offer savory dishes too, among other things.) I’m not much of a dessert lover, so I wasn’t really expecting to get anything when we got there (plus we just had a very filling, “carb-loaded” dinner at a nearby Italian place). But I do love to look around, and I had to check it out since well, I was there anyway, and I wanted to see if the place lived up to it’s name.
I was impressed! Here are some photos I took while trying not to drool. 😛 (I may not go crazy for desserts, but to not drool is impossible!)
 Strawberry Raspberry Coffee Cake.
Blueberry Blackberry Buttermilk Scone.
 A closer look at the Strawberry Raspberry Coffee Cake.
Interesting Tea Selection
I instantly knew what to order!
Love the presentation!
 When there’s a long line, you know it’s good. 😉
Some treats other than cakes. 🙂
Can’t go wrong with anything chocolate here. 🙂
Yup, those are real flowers! And no, we did not eat them. 😛
Lemon bar. 😀
Eli, how’d you find the Lemon bar?
That’s me on the right with Isaiah (my nephew), my cousins, and aunts.
If by any chance you get to visit San Diego and the type of person who absolutely cannot live without desserts, YOU HAVE to make it a point to drop by Extraordinary Desserts. You won’t be disappointed! It’s one of the best I’ve tried. (Just don’t get the lemon squares. :D) Oh, and this is a dessert place that you really have to make room for. (So never go after a heavy meal from Filippi’s, Phil’s BBQ, or Hash House A Go Go)
Can’t wait to go back and and this time with my sister. I know she’ll go crazy over Extraordinary Desserts. 😀
Cheers!
Ann 🙂
—
Extraordinary Desserts
2929 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
Tel: 619.294.2132 | Fax: 619.294.7032
HOURS
Mon – Thu: 8:30am – 11:00pm
Fri: 8:30am – Midnight
Sat: 10:00am – Midnight
Sun: 10:00am – 11:00pm
Win Tickets see Keane, James Morrison, Foster the People and Wilson Phillips live in Manila!
Juice.ph is giving away free tickets to watch Keane (October 2), Foster the People (October 6), James Morrison (October 9),  and Wilson Phillips (October 12).
Check out these links to find out how you can win! 🙂
Keane | Foster the People | James Morrison | Wilson PhillipsÂ
Excited for Wilson Phillips! Grew up singing their songs. Haha. 😀
30 days before the big 30. The countdown begins.
In exactly one month, it’s the big 3-0 for me. I’ve been thinking about doing something really big to celebrate my “I officially declare myself an adult” day, but can’t think of anything yet… Or at least something feasible for now. I guess the past few months I toned down a bit and led a pretty quiet (and yes, boring), laid back life. This was most evident the first few months I got back from the US. (Can’t really be my usual adventurous self when you’ve just gone back from all those spending and jobless at the same time)
I’m trying to think now of the things I’ve accomplished the past months while I was busy not being the usual “me”.
1. I managed to organize and clean my room, which entailed having to let to of some clothes and shoes I no longer needed (or can fit on), donating some to those affected by the floods.
2. Did a couple of projects for friends, at least my creative side has been challenged and put into use.
3. Practiced some of my cooking skills, experimented on a couple of new dishes. (Now I have no time to cook!)
4. A few months after, I was blessed with a job. And I say blessed because this would probably be the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had… I guess 5th times a charm, eh? :p
5. Decided to commit to a ministry at church. Pray that I really stick to it.
I look back the past 9 months and I don’t see a lot, so on my 30th year, beginning October 20, 2012. I am starting my 30 on 30 project. 30 accomplishments on my 30th year. The challenge is to complete everything on my list before I turn 31.
My list comes out on the eve of my 30th, and my first project milestone to be completed on the day after my birthday.
I’m still coming up with my list. This should be fun. ☺
Photo credit:Â shankarsoma.wordpress.com
No More Excuses!
I have said it again and again, I will “regularly” update my blog. But I always fail. My excuse? Well not an excuse really, but I seem to always fail to prioritize my blog. 😦 (In other words, katamaran, “busy”, pagod, etc.)
My last post. May 2012. More than 3 months of my blog being idle. But my life, continues to be fun, exciting, filled with learnings, insights and crazy (also “nakakahiya” moments”).
I see my friends’ blogs regularly updated, and yes, they too have regular 8-5 jobs. I definitely have no excuse.
So, here’s the plan. And I promise to stick to it.
1. Some of you may know that I turn 30 this year. And it won’t be a quiet year for me, definitely. I’m definitely spending my 30th year with a bang! (I’ll share more on that soon)
2. I’ve so many untold stories of my travels. When I started this blog, its main purpose was to share all my stories, so I’m definitely going back to that. Regularly. Promise!
That’s it. Plus I’ll still be sharing all the random stuff I find interesting. 😀
Cheers!
p.s. New posts this week, promise!
Bucket List: Watch Conan O Brien Live – Check!
I can still recall the day I found out that I got in. October 15, 2011. It was a day that started out really bad, getting stuck in an elevator and all, (see post here) but ended great, with later that morning I received an email from Conan’s staff that I’ll be watching the show a month later in Los Angeles.
If you read my post about it a couple of months back, Yes, I know, I said I was going to dye my hair orange, but I didn’t – I couldn’t find a temporary orange hair color spray. So, Oh well.
So, the day started with my cousin and I leaving San Diego at 7am. Los Angeles was about 2 hours away, and we didn’t want to get caught up in rush hour traffic for both San Diego and Los Angeles, and thought that it would be best to arrive early than be late.
My confirmation email gave me the following details:
Check In Deadline: 2:30pm
Warner Brothers Studio (Free) Parking Opens at 11am.
Having left San Diego early, we got to the WB Studio 8 Parking Lot at around 10:30am. Since we didn’t want to pay for parking, we opted to go to Hollywood Boulevard first to have breakfast and see some sights. 🙂
Look who I found outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood Boulevard!
We went back to Warner Brothers Studios around lunch time to get our tickets. I have to say, they were quite strict yet very organized. We first passed through a metal detector, and then our bags were checked. Then we went to the registration desk to get our tickets, wristbands and number. We were no. 19.
Show time at 4:30pm. And I thought I would still get to go around LA after the show. Guess not.
We still had a couple of hours to go, so we thought of going to Universal City (10 mins away) first. (So as not to go off-topic, I’ll talk about Universal City Walk on succeeding posts.)
Me right in front of the Universal Studios Hollywood Sign. So “touristy”!!!
We went back at around 2:15, stayed at the waiting area, and got myself a souvenir shirt. $30 was pretty steep for an ordinary cotton tee, but then I figured, it’ll be long until I go back and watch the show again, I might as well get one now. So I did.
Around 3:00pm, they started calling us by our numbers to line up, and then by 3:30, we proceeded to another waiting area outside Stage 15 where the show is. Finally, at around 4:00pm, they led us in. No. 19 wasn’t bad at all. My cousin and I sat on the 2nd row, near the center section, aisle. (The perfect spot if I wanted to jump out and hug Conan, actually. :D)
4:15. Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band started playing, and Jimmy Pardo came out to gave us some instructions like not to shout “I love you, Conan!” during Conan’s monologue, When to applaud, as well as a short announcement from the fire department on exits and procedures just in case of any emergency. Off cam, Jimmy Pardo started entertaining us with some jokes, and I have to say, he’s pretty funny! 🙂
4:30. The band started playing the show’s theme, and Andy Richter came out, introducing Conan O Brien.
O.M.G. I wanted to jump off my seat and just hug Conan! (I just love him!)
He’s really tall, too!
Conan’s monologue was funny, as expected. and there were no cuts, or retakes. He was super amazing. He called to stage one of the audience members who had a tattoo of Conan on his leg (orange hair can’t beat that!) and he signed it. 😉
Conan’s first guest was Snooki. In all honesty, I didn’t know who Snooki was until a week before the show. I never watched Jershey Shore up until December 2011 – Thanks to a friend who had Netflix, but never really liked it. Still, Conan was hilarious, and his interview with Snooki was fun and entertaining. I remember Snooki was promoting her book and they mentioned something about recommending cat litter to put on the face to make it smooth…? Uhhh.. no thanks. 😛
Next was Rob Riggle, a US Marine turned Actor and Comedian. He’s cute, and he’s funny! Whenever I think “US Marine”, I’d think of someone serious and someone I’d be afraid to approach, but Rob Riggle was just the opposite.
Musical Guest, was Pegi Young. I didn’t know her, but the performance was still good.
After the show, Conan came out again and asked us to participate in taping some of the segments for the next day’s show. That was pretty funny too. We all know Conan’s shows are famous for the crazy segments on weird, non sensical stuff, and this was just one of them. (Shown in this episode). A bit shallow, but I was able to keep 1 post it from Post it Big Bird. Haha. 😀
Taping ended at around 7pm, and on the way out, I just couldn’t resist it. I HAD to take photos. 🙂
The Conan set after the show.
My only souvenir photo. Cameras were not allowed, we had to do it fast with my iPhone. 😉
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Later that night, I watched the show on TV.
My first US TV appearance. (That’s me in the striped pink sweater on the left) ^^
I have to say, it was an amazing experience. I’ve always dreamed of watching Conan live. I didn’t think I could fulfill this dream when NBC let him go about 2 years ago, but TBS got him and made it possible! I’m definitely watching him again when I go back to the US in 2 years! And this time I’ll be in orange hair, with a big signboard. Any ideas on what it should say? 🙂
Credits:
*Show photos are screenshots from the November 16, 2011 episode. (http://teamcoco.com/)
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Wanna watch Conan live?
Visit http://teamcoco.com/tickets, sign up, select your preferred date and pray!!! 🙂
Travel Writing Scholarships 2012
We all love to travel, and for those of you who love to write about your experiences (like me), I encourage you all to join this contest! 🙂
For more details, click here
Go go go!
Ann 🙂
Chocolate Hills, Here I Come!
I am finally getting to see ’em Chocolate Hills for the first time this June. Thanks to PAL’s Great Miles Getaway Promo, I was able to redeem 2 round trip tickets for Tagbilaran for me and my sis, for only 8,000 miles (total) plus around Php670+ tax per person. 🙂
So now, we go look at our hotel options… Yay! 🙂
Oh, and I have to say, this year, it was a breeze. I arrived at 8am, and I was no. 2 in line! Waited until 8:30 for the PAL Service Center to open, and by 8:50, I was done, and home by 9:00am. 😀
anglakwatsera on Pinterest!
Lately I’ve been so fascinated with Pinterest. I really love the idea of compiling all these images in your boards, placing them in different categories, etc. Before, when I see something I like online, I save the photo and keep it in my computer. But thanks to Pinterest, I no longer need to do that, saves me the time and disk space! 🙂 Only about 2 weeks in, I’m addicted! 😀
Anyway, do follow me if you’re into fashion, makeup, bags, photography, and of course, travel. 🙂 If you don’t have an account and want one, just send me an email at hello@anglakwatsera.com and I’ll send you an invite! 🙂
PAL’s Great Miles Getaway 2012
Well, here we go again! It’s that time again that we passionate travelers panic, check and count miles, and do last minute credit-card-points-to-airline-miles errands just to make sure we get the most of Philippine Airlines’ Great Miles Getaway. Here are the details: (Screenshots from the e-mail they sent me)
Admittedly, I panicked for a bit, and checked my available miles for redemption, called my bank to have some points converted and all, but soon realized that maybe I should go local this year. (Saving up for a really major trip next year, actually) So, if all goes well, (like waking up early, really early on Monday for the sale), I am planning a trip to a couple of local destinations. 🙂
See you in line! 😀
Ann 🙂
Back from a 1-month hiatus. :)
Well, I’m back after a month of not posting – no excuses, just got lazy. 😛 But I’m here now and excited for the next few weeks. I have a couple of posts lined up that I’d like to share with everyone – photos, restaurants, food, and of course, travels. 🙂 I’m also thinking of changing the look of anglakwatsera.com again. So expect a couple of changes too! 🙂
A new post, coming up! 🙂
26/365 : Back in Dgroup
So finally after more than 2 months of not being able to attend, I’m back! :p actually, I was supposed to go last week but jet lag kicked in. :p
Great to be back and catch up with the ladies! 🙂
25/365 : New Patches
One of my balikbayan boxes arrived today, yay! And I finally got my new patches to add to my growing collection. 🙂 These are from Yosemite, Alcatraz and San Francisco. 🙂
Yay! 🙂
24/365 : Breakfast of Champions
I got up really early today (for the past 5 days actually.) wide awake even before my alarm clock rang. It’s really rare that I get to wake up before 7 on a weekend, holiday or in my case, in between jobs, so I find it quite amusing, and pretty proud that it’s one of those days that I got to cook breakfast. Breakfast that didn’t involve reheating last night’s leftovers (not that there were any). 🙂
French bread toasted on butter, turkey bacon and slices of Swiss cheese. 🙂 Mmmmm… 🙂
23/365 : Chinese New Year
My CNY this year was pretty lame, since I spent it by cleaning my room (still a lot of boxes, since they were left untouched when I left for the US more than 2 months ago) and trying to fit all my clothes into my new cabinets.
We didn’t even plan to go to Binondo, since we dreaded the traffic, and parking would be such a hassle.
Since I was busy cleaning, I didn’t have any time to take a photo of anything or go anywhere, but let me share something Chinese still, since it’s Chinese New Year…
Dimsum from Kome! 🙂
Gong Xi Fa Cai, friends! 🙂
22/365 : Quick trip to S&R
Went to S&R today after church for some grocery shopping, and was surprised to find these here. I didn’t know we had these in Manila! It reminded me of someone I know who keeps a case (or two) of these in his car because he just can’t live without them (okay, that might be an exaggeration, but he drinks them all the time. :p)
Hi Pabs! 🙂
21/365 : I hate the heat. Winter is love!
Jet lagged. So I’m resting at home, and browsed through past (but recent) photos for my post for today.
I wasn’t ready to come home for many reasons, one of which was I wasn’t ready to face and experience the humid weather here in the PI. I’ve always loved winter and the snow, no matter how cold I got and how sometimes it was inconvenient for me, I would always enjoy the cool air and temperature surrounding me.
Sadly, I had to go home, and I can’t help but miss it. I could just lie down in snow all day!
20/365 : Postcards from California
Well well, this was a surprise. Well, a bit of a surprise. Last December, I sent myself a postcard from the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco. And I got it in the mail today! (I’m back in Manila, by the way). I sent one to a friend and he got it too. One to my sister as well, but that one hasn’t arrived yet. 🙂
19/365 : Manila, Manila
January 19, 2012.
18/365 was skipped because I was stuck in the plane (more of sleeping during the whole, entire flight).
As soon as I arrived, I knew what I wanted. Nothing beats a hot plate of Jollibee Chickenjoy for breakfast for those who have been away from the PI for more than a month!!! 🙂
17/365 : Making it up at Hash House A Go Go
Pablo brought me to brunch at Hash House A Go Go here in San Diego (My last day today! 😦 ) to make up for last night. I got the Andy’s Sage Fried Chicken Benedict… It was amazing! I loved it! And the serving was so huge, I had to bring home more than half of it. When we got there, the line was über long. But kudos to Pabs for making a reservation (thank you Open Table?), we didn’t have to wait. 🙂
Well, it did kinda make up for the mess last night. :p I’m easy to please. Haha. 😀
16/365 : Strawberry Margaritas
Celebrating my last night in San Diego at Old Town, and a visit to Old Town is never complete without a glass of margarita! 🙂
15/365 : Crab Hut!!!
Day 15 of my 365 (366) Project. I weighed myself this morning and was glad to discover that I lost another pound! So… I celebrated by eating a pound of yummy yummy yummy shrimp and crawfish from Crab Hut!!! 😀
14/365 : When Vanity Strikes
So I thought I’d take a break from posting all the food photos, and post a pic of myself (vain). Actually, I’m experimenting on my new make up today, and some new stuff I got when I went shopping last week. F21 Coat in Salmon, Tommy Girl floral top, and blue bead necklace from F21.
13/365 : Fortune Cookie
So far so good, day 13! 🙂
January 13, 2012
After a good and filling meal at P.F. Chang’s tonight, I got this from my fortune cookie. I really don’t believe in these kinds of things, but I think it’s fun to just read them once in a while.
After reading my “fortune”, I laughed. I am going to a party tomorrow, and well a bit anxious about something too. Haha. Maybe the word “fun” in this cookie means “interesting”, because that’s just what tomorrow could be: interesting. 😉
Goodnight friends,
Ann 🙂
San Francisco Food Trip: Katanaya Ramen
Before leaving San Francisco, I finally got to try out Katanaya Ramen on Geary St. Â Twice did we plan on going here with my friend (2 friends on 2 separate occasions actually) and there’s always a long list/line, so we always end up eating somewhere else.
It was a cold and cloudy day, so I figured, best time to have ramen. Originally I planned to go to Ike’s Place for sandwiches (featured on Man vs Food) but that could wait until tomorrow
Katanaya on Geary St. (just beside The Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square)
I was happy to see that when I went inside Katanaya, there were still a lot of tables available (yay! I didn’t have to list up and wait for a table, and I guess it helped that I was there about 5 minutes before 12nn).
View their menu HERE.
I didn’t know what to get, so I just decided on the Katanaya Ramen. I figured, they wouldn’t name it after their establishment if it wasnt any good, right?
The Katanaya Ramen (Miso. But you can choose if you want it soy based, or just salt based.)
My server was okay, asked me if everything was okay and made sure my water glass was full all the time, though one thing I hated was she kept on asking me if I was already done. (just because I was taking a break from eating and observing the place.) oh well.
As for the food, it was good, but compared to the ones I’ve tried in Japan, Katanaya is just average for me. I even found a nicer ramen place in Hong Kong that’s way cheaper and has more flavor than Katanaya’s. (Sorry Katanaya fans, there’s something better out there). The miso-based soup was good, flavorful and rich, but I found it too salty and they didn’t serve it hot enough. Considering it was probably less than 10 degrees celcius outside, I guess they should know better to serve it really hot, since it would easily get cold.
Taste, was okay. I loved the bamboo shoots and the sliced pork, but found the fried chicken a bit off and out of place. The potstickers were good too but probably best to request to have it on the side next time to retain its crisp. The noodles were fine, had good texture and chewy. And of course, my ramens are never complete without Chili Powder!
As for the serving, it was big! I had trouble finishing it, so once in a while I’d put my chopsticks down and rest for a bit. And for its price, I really plan on finishing it. I wouldn’t want it to go to waste.
My total bill was $14, plus a $2 tip because I got a bit annoyed with my server. She should know better to let me take my time should there be a next time.
Overall, I’d probably give it a 3.5/5 for taste and quality. I enjoyed Ukkokei Ramen (Manila) better than Katanaya. But I guess so far, it has been the best I’ve tried in San Francisco.
Cheers,
Ann 🙂
—
Katanaya Ramen
430 Geary St, San Francisco 94102
(415) 771-1280
12/365 : Swedish Meatballs!
One word: Ikea! 🙂
11/365 : Coupons!
Got some coupons for my last batch of purchases this coming weekend! 🙂
10/365 : Guess what arrived today!
I was expecting this to arrive tomorrow, but the delivery man brought it today!
Yay! 🙂
9/365 : Chula Vista Marina
January 9, 2012
My uncle brought me to Chula Vista Marina today to walk the dog. Princess behaved, and we had a pretty good time. I wish Manila Bay was this nice!!!
8/365 : Italian Goodies!
Excited to get these back home in the PI so I can experiment along with my gnocchi! 🙂
7/365 : Back at Stacked
(I took this photo yesterday, but I forgot to post it last night. Oops!)
January 7, 2012
We went back to Stacked for a late lunch, and I really wanted to try something different this time. So, I got myself a lettuce-wrapped turkey burger! 🙂
6/365 : Princess
Another shot of Princess from the top this time. Probably the fattest pug (pig) I’ve ever seen! :p
5/365 : Movies, Movies, Movies!
Day 5! 🙂 So far so good. 🙂 borrowed a couple of DVDs from my cousin tonight, and I’ll be watching these before I leave. Some I’ve seen, some not yet, but at least it’s something new! Out cable channels here at home keep on showing the same movies over and over again! :p
4/365 : Gnocchi!
We went to San Diego’s Little Italy today for dinner, at Filippi’s to be exact. The food was great, and I love that they have this little Italian grocery just outside the restaurant. I got a couple of stuff, like pesto, pepper spread, artichoke spread, and chili powder. I also got a couple of packs of Gnocchi that I’ll be experimenting on when I get back home to Manila. 🙂 Time to look for sauce recipes! 🙂
3/365 : Happy Birthday Eli!
Today is my nephew’s 1st Birthday! Happy Birthday Elijah! 🙂
2/365 : Looks Can Be Deceiving
Don’t be fooled by this cutie. I’ve known this dog for years, and I have to say, Princess is a very moody dog in always in need of attention. She snores, farts and there was this one time, she stole my burger when I wasn’t looking. And I always catch her lying on my blanket and pillows! Augh.
1/365 : The New Year and an Auto Show
January 1, 2012.
A friend invited me to go to the San Diego Auto Show with him, and it reminded me that I really should learn how to drive when I get back! I’m not really a car person, but I did appreciate some of the displays they had.
The Mystery Machine (with Scooby Doo!)
(More photos to be shared soon on a separate post)
So, my #1 Realistic resolution for 2012, DRIVE!
Cheers,
Ann 🙂
Project 365 | Twenty Twelve
Okay, so I’m thinking, maybe I should start another project 365 (and more dedicated to it this time) for 2012. It will be of anything and everything – experiences, people, random stuff, pets, or just random thoughts, but yes, documented through photos.
Last 2009, I was able to do it for 19 days. Maybe this year I can actually complete 365? (or should I say 366… leap year!)
Posting my 1/365 in a bit, and 2/365 tonight. 🙂
Cheers,
Ann 🙂
Welcoming 2012
Well, as cliche as it may sound, time flies so fast! And my vacation went by fast too. I’ve been here in California for more than a month already, I’ve done and experienced a lot of things during my vacation here, though the past 2 weeks I’ve toned down a bit, to rest, save a bit and well, diet a little as well. 😉
I wanna look back on 2011 and share with you guys my highs and lows, but mostly share the things that I’m really thankful for this year.
Last January, I got a new job related to travel. That time I thought that was great, but soon realized that other than loving and enjoying traveling, working in the travel industry in the Philippines is not for me.
I got to visit a couple of countries this past year, back to Hong Kong and Singapore, and as I write this post, I’m still in California enjoying the food, weather, and company of new relatives and new friends I’ve met and made.
Made some decisions, good and bad, but no regrets, as I’m sure they’ve molded me into who I am now. 🙂
I’m thankful for my family, as always, as crazy as we are and can be, God gave us each other to love and care for. 😉
My friends, dgroup, church friends, and those “friends” who’ve taught me very valuable lessons. 😉 (again)
I’m thankful that God gave me the opportunity to take a break (again) and figure out what I want (I still have time) and I’m praying that He would guide me into the path I should take when I come home.
This year, I’ve decided, and it just came to me out of the blue (great ideas do come out of the blue) that my theme this year is “Make It Count”. I’m turning 30 this year too, and for me, that’s when I really become an adult. No more idling, slacking, and wasting time. To finally finish all my personal projects, and go for the career that God has in His will for me.
Of course, travel is still there. My passion for travel will never die. Passion to explore and experience will always be in my blood.
Lastly, for 2012, I pray for more wisdom, guidance and great relationships.
Wishing everyone a blessed and prosperous new year!
Make it count,
Ann 🙂
// aF 