Nanay’s Day

Before Nanay's birthday even came, I'd already made plans. I've planned to have a little party at home. We will have spaghetti and fried chicken and of course, a cake. A party is never complete without a cake. I will be drinking wine. Two big glasses of wine. One for her and one for me.

Then I had a dream. In my dream, there was Nanay. She was telling me to include pineapple juice in my grocery list. I tried to find the meaning of my dream however it was futile.

It just wasn't making any sense. I thought, maybe, just maybe, it was her way of telling me to take care and watch for my health? That I should be health conscious? Because you know, pineapple juice = good health. It’s the drink recommended for a lot of ailments such as high blood pressure, heart condition, constipation, etc etc. Hmmm, if I were to discern what this dream was all about, I think I should just take it literally, don't you think? Could it be that she knew what I was planning all along and that she would rather see me drink pineapple juice instead of wine? Oh well, if that’s what Nanay wants then I will drink pineapple juice. Anyway, I can always spike it up and turn it into pina colada. Genius! I told you, none of these make sense. I digress.

I got sick two days before her birthday. It was a really really bad cold and cough. I was having second thoughts of pushing thru with the celebration.  Then on a Saturday night, while nursing a bad headache, I received a phone call from my Aunt - Nanay's sister. She said she would be coming over. Without hesitation and not minding that I was not feeling well, I said yes.

So on a Sunday, we had a celebration - an impromptu party. We just made do of what was readily available. I was happy and sad at the same time. When I saw my aunt, I couldn't help but notice her resemblance to Nanay. I wanted to cry but I didn't. I knew she wasn't Nanay, she just looked like her.

My brother and I, along with my nephew, visited Nanay’s resting place on her special day. I was disappointed in myself because I wasn’t able to prepare well and execute my plans. No cake, no flowers, no siopao. Thankfully, there were candles being sold near the cemetery. We brought pancit and pineapple juice for her. I don’t even know why we brought pancit. Yeah it’s her birthday however the pancit symbolizes long life and it was…. sad. I only realized that now. I should have brought siopao and a cake. Tsk, tsk. Oh well, I’ll do better next year.

. . . Nanay's resting place and my nephew Oler

Kuya and Oler . . .

After that we went to Jollibee and celebrated again with … 

. . . jollibee's champ - another favorite by Nanay !!!

Oler enjoying his burger . . .

Oh these things that reminded me of her. It has been months but I still miss her terribly. The last two years were my most vivid memories of her. I am glad that during those times she decided to stay with me and Tapioca. Our house has never been the same without her. But I also knew that she is happier now wherever she is.

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Bar One's Big Buns Burger

Here's another deal from my favorite group buying site, Deal Grocer. A whopping 2-pound burger from Holiday Inn's Bar One. Since Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza Galleria share the same bar, I thought I might get the same burger experience from our last staycation.

. . . bar one's entrance

the promise of the big buns burger  . . .

 

. . . diluted nestea iced tea 

The voucher is good for 1 big buns burger and 8 drinks (choice of soda, iced tea or local beer).

 (allegedly) the biggest burger in town  . . .

I've grown so skeptical of some promos claiming that it's good for a number of people when in reality it's just good for 1 or 2 persons (remember this?) I'm happy to report that the promo was not deceitful at all. True to its promise, the burger was huge! Good for 8 people. It was cut like a pizza. Of course, Tapioca and I couldn't finish all of it so we invited a few friends to help conquer the massive burger.

I love the ambiance at Bar One. It's a perfect place to chill-ax. However, the service totally sucks. A far cry from the top-notched service we received from Crowne Plaza. Not sure if this was because we're voucher holders. Anyway, there was this one young lady server who changed all the negativity with her warm, friendly and courteous assistance. Also, we've seen one of the chefs who looked like a big-boned version of Donita Rose. I know Donita has decided to take a break from her showbiz career to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. Can anyone confirm that she is indeed working at Holiday Inn?

. . . the burger innards

Back to the burger, one slice is equivalent to a quarter pounder. Yes, it's that big. The verdict? It was really good. Pure beef-y goodness (no extenders) cooked just right. And that fluffy and yummy bread (it was thick but di cya nakakaumay), the veggies, eggs and bacon added flavors and texture that made the burger even more delish. Still, I have to admit, my heart belongs to the room service burger from Crowne Plaza LOL!!!

Christmas at Holiday Inn . . .

Holiday Inn was all glammed up for the coming holidays. I took advantage and had my picture taken with the made-up fireplace :-)

. . . sidebar

Afterwards, we went to Sidebar for some cocktails.

Had my current fave cocktail - grapefruit daiquiri.

joshua tree . . .

And a joshua tree to cap off the night.

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