Ronnie will be attending a five-day seminar in Dubai.  Instead of having to drive 130 km to and from Dubai for five days, he just decided to take us along with him.  Anyway, this duty trip is going to be sponsored by his company so basically, he will be provided an allowance to cover his expenses (food, accommodation, transportation, etc.) for the whole week.  We just have to work within the given budget or better yet get discounted deals in order for us to save extra cash for future use.  In that way, our family gets the chance to travel without having to spend a single penny out of our pocket.

If there's one trait which I am really grateful for that Ronnie and I have in common, it would probably our attitude of being "matipid" or thrifty which most people would usually regard as being "kuripot".  As husband and wife, it is important that we have the same take on our finances because this issue is one of the most common reasons of argument for married couples.  Ronnie and I have agreed to spend only on what is basic, what is needed, and what is necessary.  What we are always after is "value for money".

Speaking of value for money, Ronnie has spent several weeks looking for the "perfect" hotel where we could stay while in Dubai.  "Perfect" not in the sense that it is flawless but something that passed his criteria in terms of price, amenities, facilities, location, and reviews.  He is one of the most (if not the most) "thrifty" persons I've known.  So basically, price is always the biggest factor that he considers when paying for anything.  After a thorough deliberation of several hotels, he has finally decided to stay at The Landmark Hotel Riqqa.  (I will be posting a separate entry featuring the hotel and its facilities in the coming days).  For now, let me show you first the hotel room where we will be staying for the next five days.

Bloomsbury's is a boutique cafe and artisan bakery that has a total of five outlets in the United Arab Emirates.  Its name made a big noise in the food industry for creating "The Golden Phoenix" - the world's most expensive edible cupcake which was  ridiculously prized at AED 3,700.  I am not the type of person who loves desserts (especially expensive ones) but Bloomsbury's posh cafe has always caught my attention eversince.  Looking from a distance, their set of vintage-styled furnitures and lovely chandeliers speak perfectly of sophistication and elegance that reminds me of the Victorian era.  Dining in this place would definitely make you feel like a princess even just for a while.

I am not a big fan of cupcakes but Bloomsbury's mouthwatering gourmet confections has tempted my tastebuds making me feel like wanting to eat them all.  The cupcakes were a confectionary masterpiece that looks too beautiful to be eaten.  It is really an irresistible dessert you wouldn't even bother counting calories.

Bloomsbury's has over 30 different boutique and luxury cupcakes that you can choose from.  With a pretty steep price of AED 12 for the Boutique cupcakes and AED 16 for the Luxury cupcakes, it's really not practical to taste them all.  Choosing which ones to buy is going to be a tough decision to make (especially if you're on a tight budget).  I'm just glad that I don't have to go through that difficult part of choosing because a family friend gave us a box of Bloomsbury's cupcakes last Thursday for Rafael's 10th month birthday celebration.

RASPBERRY DREAM (AED 12) is said to be one of the all time favourites in Bloomsbury's. The vanilla sponge with a fruity raspberry buttercream and a fresh raspberry on top really looks appealing.  Its "pretty in pink" presentation will surely catch every girl's eyes.  Guilty as charged, this dessert was the first one that I tried. The vanilla sponge was moist and was perfectly baked.  However, the pink raspberry buttercream was bland and too buttery for me.  I liked that it's pink in color but the greasy feeling it left on my lips is a little bit disappointing.  This cupcake is best for photography purposes but it's better to reserve your money on something else.

On the contrary, I love ROCKY ROAD (AED 16)!  This cupcake is composed of a vanilla sponge with fudge icing topped with marshmallows, peanuts and an extra drizzling of chocolate.  The vanilla sponge was moist, fluffy and flavored just fine.  The fudge icing has a bittersweet taste of a dark chocolate perfect for people who hates overly sweet desserts.  The toppings of  crunchy peanuts and soft marshmallows were a perfect combination that will surely be loved by kids and kids-at-heart. This number is truly a sensational dessert that presents a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

VANILLA SQUARED (AED 12) is made of vanilla sponge topped with vanilla buttercream.  In all honesty, I am not fond of vanilla flavored desserts.  So basically, my expectations of this cupcake is low.  However, I was surprised to find myself loving this sweet treat.  Just like the Raspberry Dream, the vanilla sponge of this cupcake was baked to perfection.  The swirls of buttercream tastes perfectly sweet but not too much to be an overkill.  This dessert definitely tastes as good as it looks.

Of all the four cupcakes I've tasted, this DOUBLE CHOCOLATE HEAVEN (AED 12) is my ultimate favorite. This rose-like cupcake sprayed with edible gold looks luxurious; truly a dessert fit-for-the-gods.  It has a rich chocolate sponge topped with a heavenly chocolate fudge icing.  The bitterness of the dark chocolate icing perfectly complemented the sweetness of the moist sponge.  This cupcake is truly heaven sent!  Highly recommended for all the chocolate lovers out there.

Mirabel is a European restaurant and cafe located at the first level of the Marks and Spencers building in Airport Road.  Being the only restaurant inside the mall and strategically located at the center, it is almost impossible for you to miss this uberly chic dining place.  They offer a wide range of menu option which includes breakfast, soup, salad, pizza, pasta, main course, dessert, sandwiches, fresh juices, and hot/cold drinks.  Open daily from 8am to 10pm, Mirabel is a perfect choice for dining be it breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner.

You would know that you have reached Mirabel once you see several patio dining sets along the hallway under a glass dome ceiling (which I think would look a lot better during the night with star filled skies).  The tables and chairs made of resin wicker did not only gave the place a relaxed and laid back feel but comfort for a casual dining experience as well.  However, if you are looking for an intimate atmosphere, a more formal table set-up perfect for a romantic date is also available inside the restaurant.  The restaurant per se is small but the interior is stylish and elegant.

I ordered the Full English Breakfast which consists of two fried eggs, sausages, grilled turkey bacon, mushrooms, grilled tomato and baked beans for AED 48.  You have the option how you want the eggs to be cooked - boiled, sunny side up or scrambled.  This dish also comes with bread and your choice of coffee, hot chocolate or fresh juice.

There are three things that I loved about this dish.  First, it was served hot and came in a very generous amount.  Second, the grilled bacon was somehow healthy since it was not fatty. And lastly, they have a deliciously baked bread that's crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.  However, I also have a few suggestions to make our dining experience better the next time around.  First, I think it would be a lot better if they can make the eggs a vegetable omelet instead of just plain egg in order to add more texture in it.  And second, I would appreciate it more if the staff will be providing one butter and one jam for every customer.  I didn't like that they made the three of us share over a single serving of butter and jam.  I did ask for an additional but they only gave one.  I mean, there are three of us who ordered Full American Breakfast, why serve a single piece of butter and jam? 

The service is just fine.  Not bad but not the best either.  I find their staffs a bit formal and distant.  Maybe it's just that I prefer someone who is warm and welcoming.  It is in this case that a simple smile goes a long way.

I am a great fan of American breakfast and overall, I must say that this meal is a good one. However, when it comes to value for money, I still prefer Lips's Western Breakfast (will be posting a different blog entry for this) but Mirabel is worth a try.

Fotouh Al Khair Centre, Marks & Spencer Complex

Airport Road, Abu Dhabi

For Inquiries call:  02 631 5111 / 02 622 5111

During the time when I was on my first trimester of pregnancy with Rafael, I really had a difficult time satisfying my palate's cravings.  I would mostly crave for Filipino dishes or dessert.  It was very disappointing on my end not to be able to get what I wanted to eat (simply because it's not available in Abu Dhabi).  It's crazy.  I don't even know how to explain how weird it feels to crave for something when you're pregnant.

One of the many things that I missed and craved for during those times were Goldilock's and Red Ribbon's cakes.  We tried searching but what we usually encountered were ice cream cakes.  There were bakeries that would offer cakes but would not taste as good.  And in case we found something that taste perfect, the price tag that comes along with it looks perfectly expensive too.  That's really depressing for a craving pregnant woman!  So just imagine how excited I was when I learned that Goldilocks has finally arrived in Abu Dhabi.  The only thing is, I'm no longer pregnant.  (They were 10 months late.)

Goldilocks Abu Dhabi is not the usual Goldilocks Bakeshop that we have in the Philippines.  Aside from cakes and pastries, they also offer wide variety of breads like pandesal, sausage roll, ensaymada, and many more, thus the name Goldilocks Bakery.  Aside from baked products, they also have halo-halo, pancit palabok, shakes, sandwiches, and Arabic sweets.  Nevertheless, Goldilocks Bakeshop of the Philippines and Goldilocks Bakery of Abu Dhabi are of the same company.

Anyway, for all those pregnant and non-pregnant people who wants to taste a classic and authentic Filipino dessert, you can visit any of the two Goldilocks branches in Abu Dhabi:

It was Babyshop's final week of sale so the two Santas in the house decided to grab the opportunity to buy the little kiddo an advance Christmas present.  Daddy Santa gave a stroller while Ninang Santa gave a child tricycle (baby bike).

It was actually our first time to buy a stoller for the little boy.  The blue Graco full-size stroller that he used to have was a hand-me-down from Ronnie's very generous officemate.  Graco is really a good brand; high quality and proven to be heavy duty.  The original owner of Rafael's first stroller is already a grown up little lady who I believe is about 10 years of age.  We just really had to buy a lighter and less bulky stroller for convenience since we will be coming home to the Philippines and are expecting a lot of traveling to do.

We decided to choose Giggles umbrella stroller since it is lightweight (6.7 kgs), foldable and a great space saver.  Perfect for traveling especially in airports where heavy luggages are sure to consume most of your energy!  We actually prefer the color to be something neutral (so that it can still be used by Rafael's siblings in case we will be blessed with a baby girl in the future) and dark (so it would not be too high maintenance).  However, this model comes only in purple and beige.  The other available brads are either pricey or looks inferior in terms of functionality.  Since we didn't have much option, we decided to just get the beige one instead.  I am just hoping that it will be as durable as the Graco stroller (fingers crossed).

The other gift which Rafael will surely enjoy is his new toy bike from Ninang Mot (she really loves to spoil my son with a lot of toys).  This child tricycle can be used as a stroller during the early stages and can be transformed as a tricycle for toddler use.  It is definitely a multifunctional toy perfect from 10 months up to 3 years of age.  It has a detachable parent steering handle for full parent control (since he still can't use the pedal), a surrounding safety bar to make sure that the little boy wouldn't fall off, a foot rest where he can place his feet in case mommy or daddy is the one driving for him, front and back storage buckets, and two buttons that he can press to play 5 different musical sounds.

These hot wheels are really great!  Thank you daddy Ronnie and ninang Mot for the early Christmas presents!

We started with scallop and steamed prawn dumpling.  It was actually my first time to try a scallop dumpling.  Both dumplings were good; served hot with flavorful dipping sauce.

For the main course, I ordered the house specialty which is Nasi Goreng.  I was very hungry that time so I opted for a dish with rice.  My husband, Ronnie, who always wants to try something new chose the Betawi Style Beef.  Ate Mot, on the other hand, is a big fan of Thai food so we were not surprised of her choice of the very classic Pad Thai.  And our guest, Kuya Alan, ordered his favorite fish dish - Seared Salmon.

While waiting for our order, we were offered with cracklings and still water.  So basically, waiting didn't became too much of an agony for my hungry tummy.  Our food was served warm which is a must and was presented nicely as well. They also have a medium size serving for the main course so basically, it would not be enough for sharing.

A meal without dessert is incomplete so we decided to try their Asian mango pudding with ginger basil ice cream.  In all honesty, I didn't like it.  Maybe I'm just a big fan of sweet desserts that's why I was not able to appreciate it.  It just tastes too ginger-y for me.

Overall, the food is good.  Everything was deliciously tasty but not extraordinary.  This restaurant is also too pricey.  I wouldn't recommend dining in this place unless you have nothing else to spend your money on.  It's just not "sulit".  Good thing we have an entertainer voucher which entitles us to get an extra main course for free. The best thing about this dining experience?  It is Ate Mot's treat!  Thank you so much my very generous sister.

Hi anak!  Mommy is writing a blog post for you while you are busy enjoying your first nap of the day.  This is going to be the first of the many blog entries about life that mommy wishes to teach you in the future.  Don't worry, mommy will help you learn things about life as you grow older.  But in case mommy forgets or for some reasons you just can't handle mommy's life lessons personally (maybe mommy's nagging a little or a lot), you can always visit this website and read my blog.  I hope you will be able to learn something from this and I also hope that you will keep this lesson not only in your mind but in your heart as well.  You know why?  Because sometimes, our mind may forget important things which our heart will surely never fail to remember.

The first thing I want you to learn is the virtue of sharing.  You know, your daddy Ronnie and lolo Nestor are two of the most generous people I've known.  I hope when you grow up, you'll be as generous as they do.  Be that person who will always be willing to "give" and lend a helping hand.  Share your blessings, anak.  No matter how big or small, share anyway.  Remember, God cannot shower His blessings into hands that are full.  So if someday you find yourself more blessed than the others, don't brag.  You were blessed not to be conceited.  You were blessed because you were chosen to be a blessing to other people, so share.  Share without expecting anything in return.  Share wholeheartedly and you will be amazed how happiness can fill your heart.

Be generous, anak.  But be careful of those people who have the tendency to abuse your generosity because of their own selfish motives.  Yes, these people exist.  I hope someday you will be wise enough to identify these people and let not yourself be used as an instrument to tolerate their negative "habit".

Be generous, anak.  Share.  And let's help make this world a better place.

Christmas is the most wonderful day of the year!  I'm in love with it.  And since I just can't hide my excitement anymore, I asked Ronnie if we could put up our Christmas tree this early.  Well, he knew that it would make me happy and since he is the most supportive husband in the world (as he has always been,) he agreed.  So yesterday, we happily assembled and decorated our Christmas tree while Christmas songs from Glee was playing on the background.  Looking at the photos, it seems like I was not the only one who was so excited about it.  Haha!

1.  My Family.  It is in Abu Dhabi where Ronnie and I first met. We got introduced to each other over lunch at Figaro's Marina by Kuya Alan Guintibano (who happens to be his former superior in his first job) and my tita Ge (who was Kuya Alan's officemate).  We didn't hit off instantly back then because he, for some peculiar reasons, was so aloof to me.  That was actually strange since he was known to be very friendly to everyone.  I didn't mind.  Maybe he was just one of those people who I can never please, so deadma!  That was what I thought.  We never really became good friends until late 2010 when everything between us started to fall in place.  Two years later, we're back in Abu Dhabi again.  This time around, we already have Rafael - our original product of love.

2.  Our Bread and Butter.  Four years ago, Ronnie made a big decision to quit his job in Abu Dhabi and went home to the Philippines where he worked locally.  That was totally insane!  But who are we to judge?  He has his own reasons (perhaps, L-O-V-E is one of them) but it was indeed a very admirable trait for having that courage to choose something that will make him happy.  Just like what they say: "money can't buy you happiness."  Maybe, he was thinking the same thing.  A few years later, we got married (so that big decision of coming back home eventually paid off).  Just like the other newly weds, we started off with nothing but Ronnie was given the opportunity to join TRANSCO with the privilege of a family status.  Who would have thought we will be able to go back to the country where we first met?  This time around, the opportunity was even better.  We were really blessed to be given the chance to prepare for our children's future and at the same time stay together as a family in this foreign land.

Abu Dhabi has really played a big role in our lives, that's why we will always be forever grateful to this place for being so generous to our family!  Shukran Abu Dhabi!