"Happy wedding day!"

This was our answer to the tiebreaker question: "How many days has it been since Phil proposed to Mia on quiz night? We were off by about 20 days. What? Of course there was quiz at the wedding.

Phil and Mia, friends from quiz night, got married yesterday during brunch time at Carmel, which is somewhere in New Manila. They're actually from another team, Urban Fervor. A year ago, I probably wouldn't have imagined being invited or attending the wedding of our bitter rivals (yes we take quiz night very seriously).

But now, I'm very happy we all became friends. It has become some sort of a community of people, all geeks in one way or another who completely get each other.

Here's to Phil and Mia and to little trivia babies soon. The (S)trippers hope to win at the baptismal.

Breakfast at Gerald's

I'm always on the lookout for a great place to grab a quick snack or a delicious breakfast. It was my mom who actually turned me on to Gerald's a little known (for now) deli on the 2/f of Ecoplaza along Pasong Tamo extension. She and her yoga friends would go there after yoga to well, un-yoga their bodies by stuffing themselves with coffee and butter-filled flakey goodness.

First off, was coffee. Now, I'm not much of a coffee drinker but I will try a cup if it's early enough in the morning and I know I have the rest of the day to "shake" off its effects
The coffee I tried wasn't bad, it wasn't too acidic and I loved the spoon-like sugar holders.
My mom ordered her favorite butter croissant and she let me try a little bit of it, this particular croissant gets sold out quickly as they only make a certain amount per day. If you are dying to have one and they've just run out, then be prepared to wait about 20 mins for a new one.

Finally, I ordered my quiche, this is probably one of my favorite "frenchie" dishes, I have enjoyed the ones served at Mickey's (on Jupiter) and Alexandre (in Fort Bonifacio) so I'm always on the lookout for something new. I thought I'd just get one slice, but it turns out for Php 170 you get the whole piece which I thought was quite generous. It wasn't as tasty as the spinach quiche I normally get at Mickey's and I enjoy the side salad and almost unlimited bread servings you get at Alexandre, but this was soft and tasty. In the beginning, after the first bite I thought it tasted a little too eggy, but as I worked my way through it, it got better and better. Gerald's is open everyday except Sundays. Some have told me that the owner (who I assume is named Gerald) used to sell his wares at the American Women's Bazaar. Gerald's also has a freezer section where you can buy all sorts of ready to eat (after unfreezing) goodies. Including a frozen paella. I'd much rather stick to the fresh out of the oven breads instead!

Burgers and a whole lot more

Last Sunday, my friend Berry Tenchavez invited me to the dry run of their family + partners' burger joint at the Ayala Triangle. 

Excited to try out new burgers (my husband and I had been burger-hopping for three weeks already), I obliged. Too bad I didn't bring my camera so please bear with my lesser quality phone photos :)

The new joint is called CBD (Cheesesteaks, Burgers & Drinks)

and as the name suggests, it is a hub for juicy burgers, sandwiches and drinks.

First, we tried two of their shakes. They aren't ordinary shakes—they're milkshakes blended in with REAL CAKE—they're called SHAKE & BAKE! Chunky and creamy and milky goodness!

Left: Strawberry Short Cake; Right: Chocolate Fudge Shake & Bake

Up next: spicy and flavorful buffalo wings! Too spicy for me but I've been told they are coming in with milder variety for the weak at heart.

I ordered the CBD Cheeseburger which was a good amount of crunchy and soft and juicy. Juuuust right! :9 It also came with crispy twirly fries, as all of their burgers do!

Berry (LEFT) and Cara (RIGHT)

CBD also serves imported beers and LCD TVs are all over the place, so if you want to watch the news or some ESPN, this is the place to be! (NOTE to boys: ahem, ahem)

clean, modern and comfy interiors to make guests feel welcome and comfortable!

And the prices aren't so bad, either! For three people, the bill only totaled P951—and we were STUFFED & SATISFIED! 

A Deelish Detour

If you haven't driven 1.15 hours to Pampanga for a gastronomic partay at C', then you're definitely living under Patrick the Starfish's rock. 500 meters into the ocean.

C' is this Italian enclave owned by, well, an Italian man named Charlie. The place is a pretty old, bricky structure that was most likely a house forty years ago.

C' is also where Yellow Cab's DEAR DARLA pizza idea was probably taken.

You see, people don't only go to C' for their generous serving of pasta:

And not the lamb, the steak, the risotto....They also come-a-drivin' over for the PANIZZAS.

What are panizzas? Well, tasty pizza that's cut into vertical strips and rolled with alfalfa sprout and arugula (sound familiar?)

But this has been around for YEARS! So go figure! :p

Just thought I'd take in a shot of my friends who were there with me! What's a good meal without good friends to share it with? Thank God for friends who eat the way I do!!! :)

Photos by Darwin Mago

Lunch in a bun

I'm becoming a fan of Starbucks sandwiches. Provided they are served hot and eaten right away. I try to get something new whenever I can, although I don't think it's helping in my battle against the bulge. Some favorites of mine include the Baked Sicilian Fish with Rustic Vegetables, the Tomato, Basil and Cheese Bagel (though they've now changed it to foccacia) and if I'm really in the mood to indulge, there is the Italian Ham with Three Cheeses.
Today for lunch I tried their Ham, Chicken and Gruyere ( I love gruyere) in a black sesame seed bun. The sesame seeds add a whole lot more flavor to the bread and when I ate the sandwich freshly heated, the ham, chicken and cheese all seemed to melt into my mouth in a lovely, delectable medley of flavors.


Sandwiches make for an easy, non-messy snack (well, unless they're filled with sauce and overstuffed) that don't take up too much space in your bag but depending on the ingredients a lot of space in your tummy. When I'm in a hurry, this is my go-to-meal, and on a very, very inspired day, I can actually make one for myself. But, that is a rare moment in my no-cook existence.

There are lots of new delis opening up, serving up fresh meats, cheeses, and other savory delights on a variety of breads, so pick your carb-buddy of choice, and have fun with your bun!