Saturday, August 27, 2011

Pain at the Right side of the abdomen

One Monday morning, I suddenly felt a very sharp pain on my right side of the abdomen. I can't breath properly because it was painful. I did the breath in breath out method to slow down the pain but was not improving. I asked our company driver to bring me to the ER of Makati Med. I was having a corporate sales call at that time but I can't bear the pain.

Doctors at the Makati Med seems to treat my symptoms as not Emergency care but considered it as Primary Care. So I waited for my turn to be treated inspite of the very painful feeling. When It's my turn, the ER doctor interviewed me and did some examinations on my tummy. She said that appendicitis and gallbladder stone is not possible though my symptoms seems to point at those problems. She said that it has something to do with my GERD or Acid Redlux but I was not convinced.

I had an IV injection of Maalox but after an hour, I can still felt the same pain. I told them and they gave me another injection of PAntoloc. Both are medicine for the acid reflux which should cure the pain.

After an hour, I felt better. They gave me a medication for a week or two. Maalox, Pantoloc and Motillium.

I went to StLukes for another check up. My Internal Cardiologist told me that gas or acid reflux is at the middle of the abdomen and not on the right side. He precribe CBC, Urine and ultrasound of the whole stomach to rule out anything. He said that the stomach is composed of different organs so we have to check on everyone.

The result of the stomach and pelvic ultrasound came out negative, but my urine shows that I am diabetic....I'll discuss this on my next blog. he immediately referred me to an ENDO doctor and Gastro doctor.

Gastro doctor asked me to have another test....glucose test and test on my protein and liver.

I have not done those test but will surely blog about it as soon as I am done.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Milky Way Cafe

Milky Way has been a favorite cafe for me and hubby. Hubby described the place as the "Carinderia ng mga mayayaman". True enough that when you base it on the menu, you will find the usual tilapia, bangus, pakbet, Puto at Dinuguan and so forth. The restaurant is a direct competitor of the more popular Via Mare.

You will find the cafe at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Arnaiz Street ( Pasay Road )in Makati. Together with it's sister restaurants...AZuthai, Tsukiji and..... The place is always busy during lunch and dinner everyday. They have a function room that could accommodate family and group gatherings. The restaurant decor is a modern Filipino design. The ambiance is very relaxing and intimate that only the sounds of the utensils are heard. No loud music and voices. Their center bar is very clean...another concern...their powder rooms are clean and very orderly.


Hubby ordered their Italian Sausage with fries and vegetable salad and I ordered their Milky Way Club Sandwich.




The Italian Sausage is so authentic that you get what you pay for. It's PHP 395.


My club sandwich is huge that you can share it with another 2 persons. The fillings were not
commercially prepared and very homemade so I liked it best. It is PHP 195.

We also ordered their best seller Halo Halo. It has the same ice quality with Razons, but their ingredients are more authentic, that you will taste the real Halo Halo. It's creamy and tasty.

Another favorite is their Rib Eye. It's the only steak that really melts the meat and the buttery tasteon your mouth.

TOAST BOX

To those coffee afficionados, you should try the coffee at TOAST BOX with branches located at Trinoma, Greenbelt 5 and Bonifacio Global City near St Lukes Hospital Global city. The lady at the cash register told me that they serve Singaporean coffee. True enough, almost all their patron that day were all Chinese.



Their branch at the BGC is small, white and cozy. It has limited area for around 20 people so it was very intimate.I was so impressed with the interior and their kitchen area. They have good and friendly staffs and delicious coffee selections.



I asked for their best seller and it was their brewed coffee which they call it KOPI. I don't like pure black so I ordered TEH which is KOPI with milk. They have other beverages aside from coffee. They have cold and hot malt with lemon, soya drink with gelo, iced lemon tea and they also serve meals in huge plates. It actually serve two persons.

I also saw how they prepared their coffee. It was entertaining just looking at the interior. So next time you have a chance visit them and try their Singaporean Coffee

Holiday Inn Galleria

Holiday Inn Galleria was the former Galleria Suite located in ADB Avenue Ortigas Center in Pasig City. I never have the chance to try this hotel because of the following reasons:

1. It is very far from my residence
2. The place looks crowded being located in an area connected to a skycraper, a big mall and a church and it is being highlighted by a flyover.
3. No good parking
4. Not so good structure
5. There are no good things to do.

Today the hotel is now the twin tower of Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza which connects at the 4th level.

I had the chance of trying the service of Galleria Suites last Fathers Day. I booked the free room that I got last Christmas 2010. I requested for high floor non smoking area. We were booked at the 22floor facing the Crowne plaza and below the swimming pool. It was a very nice
room. It has king size bed, LCD TV, complete toiletries, complimentary coffee and water and approximately I asked for the price of the room and it was PHP 5400 king bed with buffet breakfast for 2 persons. It was a good steal!

Fathers Day

We checked in at Holiday Galleria Suite for the Fathers Day. It was our first time to this hotel and I was surprised that it was not bad at all. They have friendly staff from the guard to the Front desk personnel who handles our checked in.

our request for a higher floor, non smoking area and good view were all granted. Thank you. When we enter our room which is a Deluxe King room, it was so spacious and very modern. I could compare it with the standard room of the Sofitel.

They have complete amenities and toiletries. You can even request for additional toiletries and beddings without extra charge. They have an iron and ironing board, complimentary water and coffee maker set. I was so happy that they also have a menu for their pillow! IF you want soft or feather soft. So fun!

The hotel is also very convinient because it is connected to the Robinsons Galleria Mall. We watched the last fullshow of Green Lantern without worrying of traveling back home. When we went back to the hotel, there was an event and I enjoyed looking at those beautiful gowns and dresses of the guests.

Early morning my daughter begged me that we go swimming. Pool closes at 8PM. Even though it's raining, we went swimming at 6AM and last for 3 hours. She really enjoyed the pool and that
made us go back for her birthday on the following month.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

My Kiddie Chef

My soon to be 10 year old daughter grew up to be very smart. When she was 4 years old she wanted to be a hotelier and build her own hotel not in the Philippines but in New York USA. I instilled in her young mind that dreams will be dreams if you will not do something about it.

She became the NO 1 fan of Ina Garten and Rachelle Rey on their cooking show at the Lifestyle channel.At very young age, she can tell the difference of spaghetti, lasagna and ziti pasta. She knew what is Parmesan cheese, Cheese melts and Bacon bits. Her favorite food is WANTON Mamie (there was a time that my brother in law was amazed that at 4 years old she wanted to eat at NORTH PRK restaurant instead of MCDO and Joliibe).

At her age now, she can baked the simplest carrot cake and so excited to bake other cakes She even urge me to buy more baking products so she could bake. I am so happy also that she is thinking of selling what she baked! Grabe! She can also wash the dishes and can now cook rice on the rice cooker. She can also prepare French toast and hot cake from the box.

I hope that I could sustain on her. I want to instilled something in her that even without us she will survive.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Heartburn or Acid Reflux

As my doctor examined all the test results of my check up, it was not at all heart attacked. My BP is on the average or acceptable for a hypertensive like me, my CBC is clear, other vital signs are okay. But why is it that I am exeriencing pain on my chest and upper back? Why am I gasping for air and felt blotted.

The culprit is that I have so much acid in my system and I am experiencing ACID reflux or Heartburn which basically made my upper chest painful.

My doctor advised me to stop or minimize intakes of foods that cause it. These foods are coffee, tea, acid drinks, chocolates, tomato based foods, fatty foods and sugary foods.

He also prescribe antacids for sudden occurrence of the pain and pain reliever. For now, I am trying to avoid those foods that cause it and by GODS grace and intervention I can now start goin to the gym.

Settles Best Coffee Valero

To maximize my free time I had coffee at Seattles Best Coffee in Valero Street after my lunch at the nearby Pizza store.

This is my second time to have coffee here. The place is very accessible. It is located at the ground floor of PONTE Condominium and it's opposite a fine dining restaurant. It is very strategically located in the area of the tallest building, the PBCOM Tower.

I ordered a slice of carrot cake and a cappuccino coffee to availed of their free wifi for a minimum bill of PHP 150. The dining area seats 35 persons, air-conditioned area and 10 persons seats at the smoking area. Aside from their gourmet coffee and regular pastries, they also served breakfast menus available the whole day. Their pastries are a bit cheaper but have more varieties than other coffee shops. They have non coffee products also. They have updated magazines and daily newpapers Their restroom is clean and spacious. Their baristas are more reserve than those of the other coffee shops. They are more serious and seldom smiles.

It's not noisy and guest are basically yuppies and office executives having their lunch. I also saw many expats buying their own coffees. I am always very happy if I see expats roaming around.

Money don't really matter in exchange of relaxation and comfort. Buying a cup of coffee is very expensive for a regular person but I think that once a while we should give in to our wants.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Chocolate Brownies

I baked my first ever CHOCOLATE BROWNIES last Thursday when I took a leave due to bad weather.I realized that baking is an exact science and that you really need to follow instructions. I am not good in cooking and baking.

I made up my mind and prepared the ingredients and baking utensils. I followed the recipe which was from a box of CHOCO BROWNIE FUDGE. Since I don't have an electric mixer, I used a wooden ladle and it was so hard because the batter was so heavy. I thought I am not doing it right so I double check on the recipe and I am on the right track. While cooking my little girl was on my side helping.

I was so happy and fulfilled that when my family tasted the product, they were all happy and told me that it was good that we have to sell it.

At last, I have overcome my fear that when I bake, I may just waste the ingredients. But now I know to myself that I can bake anything.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Chilis Greenbelt

I invited my husband for an early dinner last night. I was craving for a mouthwatering and juicy burger. I thought of Chilis in Greenbelt 5.

When I saw the menu I change my mind and planned to order their baby back with chicken but my husband who is not so fond of heavy eating before bedtime urged me to order just simple food. I then order their OLDTIME burger which is a personal favorite because of the so juicy patty and delicious frenchies. We also ordered fish and chips but we change the frenchies to Mashed Potato which came so good that we have to bring home the fries.

The place is so busy that we need to pay our bill because of the long que outside waiting to be seated. The food attendants were all attentive with our request and very fast in serving our order.

Basically the place is very cozy. It's an American restaurant and you see foreigners eating and waiting outside. the bar was so busy and occupied. If you are alone you can sit on the bar. Their restroom is clean and they have an area for smokers and big groups. It's both child and adult friendly.

The only thing that I don't like about the place is the noise.

Chilis Is located at the 2nd floor of Greenbelt 5. You can make reservations thru phone until 7pm but after that it will be on first come first serve basis.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Change of Lifestyle---Strong Will

Back in the 80's when gym membership was a privilegeD to few who has the money. It was not even a necessity back then. I Remember Jane Fonda's exercise video and of course Olivia Newton John's Let's get Physical song. Those headbands and colorful leg warmers and high cut leotards. It was an owe watching those videos on TV...I always thought of having a gym membership but it is so expensive that I have to let go of the thought.

I grew up to be a little bit heavy. So all my life I always envy those skinny people. I thought that maybe it is my genes or my lifestyle that is the culprit. Whichever was the reason, I know that I will not allow myself to grow old in a very heavy weight.

I have tried a lot of diet. Six O clock Diet- Where you are allowed to eat anything anytime of the day but you have to stop eating after 6PM. The Three Day Diet has certain foods that you will eat per day for 3 days. After 3 days, you will be allowed to eat as much as you want for 4 days then you go back to the 3 day diet again. The last one that I tried and last only for a week is the cabbage soup diet- where you are only allowed to take the cabbage soup(you can find cabbage soup menu on the Internet) for the whole day for 7 days. After 7 days, you are allowed to eat regularly for 3 days. After. 3 days, you will go back again to sipping soup.

This diet made my tummy ache.

Three years ago, my husband bought a Lifetime Gold Membership from Slimmers World. We were both excited that we went to the gym regularly...rain or shine...busy or not busy. It was very enjoyable because I got to meet few people who became my friends. I got to learn tips on being healthy. I lost few pounds on the first year of regular exercising. But then I have to stopped for a while because of health reasons...I realized that if you stopped and don't have the strong will to go back, it is so hard to go back. On my mind I thought of going to the gym, bring my gym bag but never go.

Lately I decided to have the NO RICE diet. It has a good impact on my health and I am still
continuing it. Today, I decided to start going to the gym. I know it will take a lot of will to go back again, But if I will not do it now, when will I start. I owe it to myself, to may family and to my husband who paid so much for our gym membership.

Pasta, Pasta and Pasta!

Well what is pizza without pasta! These days, a lot of restaurants are opening with their own versions of pasta in different sauces.

The spaghetti...long and thin is the most popular among the pastas. Gone are the days when this is the only pasta that restos served. Different pasta versions started with the arrival of Italiannis Restaurant...

In 1996, Italiannis opened their first branch in the old Greenbelt area ( where Greenbelt 5 is located now). Me and Carlos has to wait for our table. We ordered spaghetti with meatballs...it was a huge serving. Plus the ciabatta bread with olive oil as dip for appetizer. Until now, Itallianis remain as top of the Italian restos in the metropolitan Manila.

I came to like Cibo. The Italian restaurant owned by Margarita "Gaita" Fores, who is associated with the famous SOUTH BEACH DIET. I like their pumpkin soup, their toast bread with chicken liver pate dip. I also alike their thin crust pizza.

Another favorite is Old Spaghetti House, rates are more affordable with the same quality of
food.I like the Penne Pomodoro with eggplant parmigniana and their iced tea is very original.
The place is comfortable, clean and with friendly staff.

My daughters favorite pasta is Lasagna of French Baker....with it's very meaty sauce and yummy taste.

For those with big appetite, Sbarro is the place to be. They have big slices of lasagna, pizza and spaghetti balls. I personally like their baked ziti with red sauce. By the way, all their pastas have varieties of sauces from red sauce, meat sauce, meat balls and white sauce.

Funny, that when we had rice shortage a few years ago, people were advised to eat pasta. Maybe that was the reason why many restaurants offered different versions of pasta and
sauces..

Pizza Lover

Ingrid has been eating pizza since the day she started to started solids. After her cerelac and mashed potatoes day, it was pizza which became her 2nd food. Pizza was used to lure her and to stopped her from grumping. Pizza as a price when she did something good and pizza when there are special events

I remember my unforgettable encounter with pizza. I was in college when the EAT ALL YOU CAN PIZZA at PIZZA HUT was a craze. After my class, my group will go to SM Sta Mesa to participate in the Eat All you can Pizza. I wonder how Pizza Hut made all those thousands slices of pizzas.

There are two big names of pizza. Shakeys and Pizza Hut. Shakeys known for their thin crust and potato mojos and Pizza Hut with their stuffed crust pizza.

Even the arrivals of new brands like Yellow Cab, Brooklyn, California Pizza Kitchen, etc. Pizza Hut and Shakeys maintained their niche in the pizza industry.

I myself always goes back to Pizza Hut and Shakeys.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Coffee Shops

My first taste of gourmet coffee was in 1995. I had a dinner date with a friend and her Japanese husband who was working at Shangrila Makati.After the dinner we tried Starbucks coffee located at the 6750 building in Ayala Avenue. The feeling was intimidating because you have a Barista who speaks English and who has a lot of questions about your order. You have to tell what type of coffee, cold or hot, iced or frap and so on...after that first experience,I told to myself that drinking coffee will be the another status symbol in the coming years.

Indeed, after the opening of Starbucks in 6750, many more branches opened. Different coffee brand opened after that. We have the Filipino owned Figaro coffee, Coffee Tea and Leaves, Gloria Jeans Cafe, UCC coffee and a lot more...

Ever since then, you will never call it a date if there is no coffee, hot or cold....After my years of drinking gourmet coffee, I come to compare the different coffee shops and I came to like the best which met my standard...

FIGARO cafe came to mind...They have more choice of foods. From pastries, pasta, pizza, sandwiches and coffee. The place is not crowded and there are no students hanging around. You can see yuppies, executives eating their lunch or desserts, there was no loud voices and laughter. You can see and hear people talking about business. They have courteous staffs as well and clean restrooms...best of all good food and nice.

I felt so unfair with Starbucks but I think they have become a household name, brand for the
trying hard to be and a meeting place for everyone. I still like their coffee though and sit
there while I do my reports and blogs.

Figaro or Starbucks...it is up to the drinker...