Luncheon at Bambi & Tony’s House

Aloha Everyone,

At 9:00 am, we went to Landers to purchase 3 different chocolate gift items for Bambi & Tony. Taxi we took was driven by a young man whose main skill is driving fast. It took us no more than 20 minutes to Magallanes.

J.J. and I were the first to arrive. We were entertained by Tony, Gabs, Paolo then Anna who joined us via her daily video chat. Others arrived later but early arrival gave us a chance to catch up with family news.

Marita catered delicious dishes including pork, chicken, fish, noodles, vegetables and desserts. Chocolate cake with avocado ice cream, a rather exotic combination, was my favorite. One disappointment was the Fruits of the God dessert. 

We returned to our hotel early in Tony’s large, luxurious SUV driven by Gabs. It was a good family gathering.

Aloha -- Cathi

Manicure & Pedicure Appointments

Aloha Everyone,

It took approximately 45 minutes to have our nails done. J.J. and I each had one person assigned to us. Compared to the same franchise store located in Makati, they were attentive and efficient. Extremely happy for their tip of 500 pesos each. They asked how often we would return. I think we should have our nails done every 5 weeks :-)

The amount we paid the salon was P1,850. Total including tips was US$49.

Stopped by at Bench Salon to see if they have operators available. One hour waiting time. We decided to get an early lunch. It’s a Saturday. Our first two restaurant choices were full. J.J. and I ended up going to Chile’s. My fish and chips with corn was so-so. J.J. liked his burrito but then he is more flexible with food.

J.J.’s hair cut looks good. Charge is P500. As I mentioned to the stylist, nothing too drastic. I am getting my roots colored. The stylist said that it’s 2 months growth. Cost 5,000 peso which I had to verbally approve before he proceeded.

I sat under a heater contraption with plastic wrap to complete the coloring  process. J.J. waited for me outside on a chair. Whenever I saw his shoes in a  mirror reflection, it was comforting and I felt gratitude that he stayed nearby.

BENCH is a Philippine clothing and lifestyle brand owned by Suyen Corporation. Korean singers, actors, models are used to entice passersby to come into the shop.

We celebrated our very busy day by going to get roast duck and dim sums for dinner.

Our laundry with Mr. Jeff was delivered the previous day. Clothes came back in tight plastic wrapped bag. Too much fragrance from the detergent and wrinkles caused by the wrapping. We might try doing our own laundry using our condo washing machine.

J.J. said, “Oh, I miss our cruise ship days,” which now includes free laundry. I totally agree.

Aloha -- Cathi

Dental Appointment

Aloha Everyone,

It was an impromptu appointment. After going to BDO bank to do a transaction, we stopped at Novodental to inquire about their services. It so happened two of the dentists were available. They could accommodate us right away. After nearly two hours, our teeth were clean, polished and fluoride applied.

J.J. had x-rays taken and the dentist declared he has no cavities. I have two which I’ve suspected. My follow-up appointment is next week Monday.

 

The doctor I had seemed very competent and experienced. Our initial consultations plus services came out to approximately US $186.  

Reluctant to have my now pearly white teeth stained. I was careful with my meal choices at Izakaya Kokoro.

Back at our condo, the comforter was washed and dried and we got our new 4 pcs bedding set ready.  

Purchased a roll of masking tape and pencil sharpener at National Bookstore. I need to purchase a 2025 Mini Calendar and a double side but quality bond travel sketchbook.

At 8:00 pm, no signs of delivery from Mr. Jeff. Utilized our waiting time to practice Kundalini Yoga.

Aloha -- Cathi

Lunch with Marita

Aloha Everyone,

Our venue was a Japanese restaurant called Sugi located in a condo tower just across the street from Holiday Inn Glorieta. The food was okay.

Somehow, I thought the distance from Uptown Parksuites to Makati would be about an hour drive. I was wrong. It took us about 12 minutes by taxi. The driver was happy that J.J. gave him 200 pesos (About US $3.50). The actual fare was 120 pesos.

J.J. and I went to buy bathroom floor mats at Landmark. Chose colorful Christmas decor with non-slip cushion.

Dinner at Wildflour. Lousy food and poor service. Overall, this turned out to be insignificant day.

Aloha -- Cathi

Bed Sheets from Landers

Aloha Everyone,

First order of the day. We walked to Mr. Jeff to drop off our laundry. Non-functioning escalator is not my idea of morning exercise.

To elevate our mood, we had our lunch at Din Tai Fung. Always friendly, clean and quality food with good service. Paying an extra 15% compared to other similar restaurants, I think it’s well worth it.

Then Landers to purchase sheets and pillows. I am especially happy with new, flatter pillows. 

Purchased protein bars for my breakfast with fruits and coffee.

Dinner at Parmigiano was so-so. Paying 20% higher wasn’t worth it. This would be the only time we would eat here.

Aloha -- Cathi