Take a Break from Seoul: Eat Korean Food!

I have mentioned in my previous post that me and my family like to eat steak whenever we feel like eating out. But whenever we like to eat healthy (but still eat a lot) there's also a resto that we usually go to: Seoul Barbecue.

Seoul Barbecue is located in Libis, QC; just 30 mins away from where we live. Whenever we feel like there is just no good restaurant at the mall, we would usually go here to satisfy our hungry tummies hehe.

Seoul Barbecue, just like what the name implies, is a Korean Restaurant. So far, for us, this is definitely the best Korean Resto that we've been to (aside from the authentic ones where we've eaten in Seoul). In here, unlike the other Korean Restaurants, you get unlimited refill of side dishes ( we LOOVVVVEEE SIDE DISHES) FOR FREE! If you've been to Korean Restos you probably already know the typical Korean Food. 

As for us, whenever we go here, we only order the "USUALS":

(Super Many Side dishes!)

( where the beef is going to be cooked)

( THE BEEF)

( couldn't find the raw pics so I was only able to post the collage versions haha! Anyway, these are: the side dishes, kimbap,beef bulgogi,kalbi chim,japchae,grilled chicken)

( Complimentary Fruits! Hehe)

That's it! Haha! Try to check them out at:

L20 Acropolis 

E. Rodriguez Jr. ave 

Libis, Quezon City.

First Food!

Okay, I'm not really a food blogger; but since I'm a foodie at heart, I will try to post some of my gastronomic adventures here in my blog haha! 

First up would be my family's all-time favorite gourmet resto! 

Actually, this resto holds a lot of memories. Take this one for example: it is where my mom and dad had their first date! Haha! Dad said that the first branch of House of Minis was in Greenhills (was able to eat there when I was young; I'm just not sure if it's still there up to now); but lately, they only cater to foodcourts except for the one in Pasig. 

Whenever we want to eat out, specially when we are craving for MEAT,this is the first restaurant that comes into our minds! So whether, it's an anniversary,valentine's day, family day, or even just Sunday (hehe) this is our ultimate go-to-resto! 

In House of Minis, you'll really get your money's worth! They serve a full-course meal in here, and it's so good that even the appetizer could count as the main course haha! I would have to say that their steaks really are the best! Whether it's tenderloin, sirloin, or filet mignon, it's simply just the best!

Enjoy the pics! Haha!

( mmmmm soup!)

( their bread is so good that my mom's bestfriend from the states cannot forget them until now!)

( Filet Mignon)

(Mom's fave: Golden Fried Prawn)

(They also serve pinoy foods like sizzling sisig!)

( Dessert: you can choose among coffee, tea, or ice cream)

Yum!! That's it! If you have time, do visit them at this address:

House of Minis

Pasig

104 E.Rodriquez Jr.Ave.

Ugong, Pasig

(Just across Tiendesitas)

• 1CRAVED
• BEEN HERE2BEEN HERE

Sad Movies,,,always make me cry.....

(Okay, who wouldn't cry while watching a sad movie right?Haha!)

"A walk to Remember" will always remain to be one of my favorite movies Ever!!!

Just last week, I have decided to watch this movie (for the nth time!) again. I really don't know why but I just always cry whenever I watch this film! The emotions just keep on coming back to me, as if it was the first time I have seen the movie. I can definitely say that this is one of the most heartfelt movies ever. It literally speaks to my heart and to my mind that everytime that I watch it, these systems of my body would immediately know how they would react.

Not content of having watched the movie, the following day, I have decided to read the last part of the book. And guess what? I ALSO CRIED!

Call me crazy, but this is just how good this movie is! Maybe not everybody can appreciate this movie, but believe me, IT IS A GOOD MOVIE! haha!

A walk to remember is very cliche! But it will forever be a cliche that would never become annoying!

"In Beaufort, North Carolina, a prank on a student goes terribly wrong and puts the student in the hospital. Landon Carter, a popular student with no defined plans for the future, is held responsible and forced to participate in after-school community service activities as punishment, which include starring as the lead in the school play. Also participating in these activities is Jamie Sullivan, the reverend's daughter who has great ambitions and nothing in common with Landon. When Landon decides he wants to take his activities seriously, he asks Jamie for help and begins to spend most of his time with her. But he starts to develop strong feelings for her, something he did not expect to do. The two start a relationship, much to the chagrin of Landon's old popular friends and Jamie's strict reverend father. But when a heart-breaking secret becomes known that puts their relationship to the test, it is then that Landon and Jamie realize the true meaning of love and fate. "


MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM THE MOVIE:


"Jamie: You don't know the first thing about being someone's friend.
Landon: I don't want to just be your friend.
Jamie: You don't know what you want.
Landon: Neither do you. Maybe you're just too scared that someone might actually want to be with you.
Jamie: And why would that scare me?
Landon: Because then you wouldn't be able to hide behind your books, or your frickin' telescope, or your faith. No, no, you know the real reason why you're scared? It's cause you wanna be with me too." 




" Landon: Jamie has faith in me. She makes me want to be different, better. "


" Landon: Our love is like the wind... I can't see it, but I sure can feel it. "


--- Cynics would say that this is just too cliche of a love story. But hey, love stories are not for everyone right? hahaha!! 




For more information about this movie click the link BELOW:

" A WALK TO REMEMBER MOVIE "

source: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0281358/

Korea (Day 2): The day when I've seen it all!!! =)

Oh my...it's been so so weeks already!! And I'm only still blogging about our second day! Well, anyway, it's better late than never right?hehe

So our day started with SKYPE! We went online early in the morning just so we can skype with Oxford (my cutie patootie nephew). It lasted about 10 minutes only since he has a short attention span (not in a bad way though, just the normal kind usually for kids hehe) 

Here's Oxie on screen!!

We had breakfast at a nearby (just a 2-minute walk from the hotel) local Korean restaurant..I tried something different that morning;actually, i forgot what this meal was called but it was sooooo delicious!!! (it's a kiddie meal, i think)

My YUMMY  BREKKY

Right after our very HEAVY Breakfast, we've then decided to take a stroll around dongdaemun..

The Streets of Dongdaemun

Since it was still too early (10 am, go figure!), there were not too many stores that were open yet, and so we just decided to go to Gangnam on our own via subway!! yay!!

Sindang station (around 20 minutes away, we thought this was the closest one to our hotel; but turns out that there was another one nearby..and it's just a 3-minute walk!haha!!oh well)

It was our first time to ride the korean subway..The first for my mom and dad (AS IN FIRST), but not for me and my ate..we ride the LRT back in the Philippines whenever we get lucky haha!! So, during that time, we were not aware that the machine does not accept large amount of bills...we were trying to insert our 50,000 won but the machine won't accept it..So we went out again and then looked for a nearby convenience store. We found one, but instead of sticking to the original plan which was to exchange our bill for smaller bills, we just bought a can of mineral water. Turned out that that the lady cannot understand and speak english! She even called an interpreter..but the interpreter knows chinese only! She thought we were chinese pala!haha!! So anyway, after we got the bills, we returned to the station and this time, the machine accepted!!

Here's me, my ate, and my mom feeling victorious!haha!!

Oh and btw, before I forget, in Korea, everytime you buy a single journey card for the train, you would have to pay an additional amount as a deposit..this deposit, however, would be instantly refunded after you got off the train! amazing huh?=)

It took us around 30 minutes to get to Gangnam station. This was way more savvy as compared to a taxi ride..Actually we were not really sure if we were really supposed to be headed to Gangnam. We just took a wild guess if it was the right station. Luckily, when we got off, we found this sign:

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORP!! We were right!! We walked a little bit more..and found the building finally!!

KEPCO Head Office (This is the main office of the company where my mom and dad works!)

We went inside and looked for my mom and dad's boss (he was the vice president back when he was in the Philippines, but now he's back in here). He asked us to go first to the nearby COEX Mall (which was just literally across the office), and asked us to meet him again at exactly 3:15 pm!!haha!! He asked us the places where we wanted to go and listed them all down!

COEX MALL!! The largest underground mall in Asia!

Some cute kids that  we saw..hihihi..so ADORABLE!

At 3:!5, we were back in KEPCO! We met again with Mr. Shin (my mom and dad's boss), and he then took us to the different places where we wanted to go!We passed along Apgujeong a.k.a. Rodeo Drive, then we went to our first destination! First stop: N Seoul Tower!! This tower is the most famous tower in Korea..actually it was named as the Most Beautiful Tower in Asia..People go up here to chill during the day..but it was actually really famous for COUPLES..They go here and put up locks (i will show later the picture) to profess their love, and to signify their sort of "FOREVER AND ALWAYS" thingy..that kinds of stuff haha!! The place was filled with many of these!! and it really looked SO AMAZING!! It was nice to know that a lot of people are FANS OF LOVE..haha!! Although, it would be really nice to know how many of those locks have actually served their purpose..haha!!

Note:

Click to see the more info about N Seoul Tower

(Seoul Tower)

The view of Seoul Tower as we were getting closer!!

btw, this tower is located at Mt. Namsan, so it was really high! Some people take a walk, but it would be rather convenient to ride a bus, or a car. Once you're there you would then have to ride a cable car to go the tower. This was a fun ride! =)

The view of Seoul Tower from the Cable Car

Mr. Shin's car which practically brought us around Seoul! Thank you!! =)

More Tower pics!

Locks of LOVE!!

Me in front of the TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM (This was featured in the Korean Drama, "Princess Hours")

Waiting for the elevator that would take us up to the TOWER! =)

Inside the tower, there's this what they call the "Shocking Step". I don't really understand why, I was not shocked in the first place hehe..more of amazed actually.. So there, there are different glass panels with different names of places and their distance..It was said that these windows literally points to where that specific place is. We were so happy to see Manila!!! =)..also, there's a telescope that you can use; although I don't think that you could literally see those places using that telescope

Manila!! So we were this far away from home!=)

 Jeju Island!!

After going to Seoul tower, we were then taken to Yeouido Road a.k.a. The Cherry Blossoms Road!! This street is actually famous during Spring, because it is filled with almost a thousand cherry blossom trees!!! We were really lucky during our trip because it was the peak of the BLOSSOM!!haha! What I mean is that it was during that time when the trees are in FULL BLOOM..So we literally see the white trees so nicely lined up!! =)..People go there to spend their afternoon eating snacks with the view of the HAN RIVER. It was really nice there!!

Note:
Click to see the more info about Yeouido
(Yeouido Park)

Me eating sausage under the cherry blossom tree!haha!

The view of the Han River during SUNSET!! =)

Cute Korean Baby that I saw climbing the mini hill, unaccompanied!!haha!! she really amazed me!!! I even ran after her..she was super fast!!haha!!

We then went to 63 Convention (Which was featured in the Korean drama, "My Girl"). We had dinner there, then went back to the hotel right after. It was a LOOONGGG DAY...But we were really happy that day!!!! We saw the BEST OF SEOUL in JUST ONE DAY!!! =)

KOREA (Day 1)

It has been more than  a week already since we had our out-of-the-country trip to Seoul, Korea. I really got bored today so I've decided to make an entry for that trip.

Day 1:

We went early to NAIA since our flight was scheduled at a very early time for the next day. We were there at around 10pm of April 17, and waited for our departure which was scheduled at around 1:15 in the morning the next day. 

We left NAIA at around 1 o'clock in the morning of April 18,2011. There were really a lot of KOREANS with us that morning (Go Figure.haha!). And so my dad, being the funny guy that he is, imitated the Koreans around which were literally sleeping on the benches! haha! Here he is doing his bit:

The process in the airport was quite easy: you check in, you go to the immigration and fill up some stuff, the immigration people will check your passport/visas, they will ask you questions for a bit (although the one who asked me that time was a tad crabby! he shouted at me! but hey, not a reason to spoil my vacation right? so I let that pass haha!), then you go and wait at the boarding area near the gate that was assigned to you. That's it!

The flight took about 3 hours; although it may seem like 4 hours because Korea is one hour ahead of the time in the Philippines. So we left the Philippines at 1am and arrived at Korea at around 5 in the morning (when in fact it's only 4am in the Philippines). Anyway, it was still a tiring flight; we chose Cebu Pacific as our  Airline, and as expected, there were no free food, or drinks (unless you'll buy). But on the bright side, nothing can still beat the feeling of hearing that you have finally arrived at your destination! The captain announced that the temperature was 6 degrees. I asked my ate if  what I heard was right and if it was really 6 degrees, and she said 16 degrees. ah okay..good..haha!! At around 5 in the morning (sorry, i forgot the exact time!haha!), this became the view from  the window! (where I was seated btw!):

HELLO INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT!

Upon getting off the plane, we then went to the airport train, which later took us to the main arrival area..This was very new to us because usually the arrival area would be just a walk away..this ride, btw,  was very efficient for a new train comes in after every 5 minutes..

It was exactly 5:59 am when we got off the airport shuttle! I'm so glad I was able to take a picture of the time! haha!

The picture of our FLIGHT NUMBER! 5J190 Origin: Manila! =)

The immigration line was very LOOONNGGG!! But the process was quite efficient (as compared to NAIA..Will post later why!). After we passed, got our passport stamped, it was now time for:  BAGGAGE CLAIM!!! This is definitely the most fun part! You know, seeing your bags haha! During our trip, it was dad and I who were assigned in carrying the baggage..haha! What a task! It was really fun anyway..."Sariling Sikap sa Ibang Bansa!" haha! Here's the picture of our struggle:

After claiming our baggage, we then felt very hungry so we looked for a place to eat, and voila! Look at what we found! Mc Donald's!! haha!

After we ate our breakfast, we've decide to look for a cab to take us to our hotel...The travel time from Incheon International Airport to Seoul was about 1.5 hours so we took off a bit earlier in case the cab will not be able to find where we'll be staying. Oh and another thing, when we landed it was announced that the temperature was a freezing 6 degrees.. I was not really convinced because of the fact that inside the airport, it was fine anyway...but once we got out: WOOOWWWW!!! It was soo freaking COLD!!!  So it was really 6 DEGREES!! Check the look on my family's faces! hahaha!

The taxi ride was really about an hour and a half, and as we traveled, the sight was really nice! It was a bit gloomy when we arrived, a very unusual weather for the spring season, but the cab driver assured us that it would only be for a day. So anyway, I was really happy when I saw this electronic billboard along the expressway:

KEPCO Smart Grid! Where my mom and dad is working! wow! of course, this is only the main office, but still, they're a part of it! =)

FUNNY SIGN inside the CAB! Ohh...hahaha!! NO FORGET THEM OKAY?=)..But this is also SOOOOO CUTE!!

So finally, after an hour and a half taxi ride, we've finally arrived in our hotel. It was not a fancy traditional type of hotel. It was more of a Boutique Hotel: The Eastgate Tower Hotel. The thing that I immediately looked for: Internet!haha! There was a free internet in the lobby where you can also print out stuff, Nice huh?=)

Our room was actually quite BIG..as in..you can practically play volleyball in there!haha! It was also very cozy, and CLEAN! =)

Our Room number! =)

We did not feel any jet lag, so at around noon it actually felt as if it had been too long already!haha! Mom, ate, and I got bored to we decided to go out for a walk, and maybe do a little shopping. First stop: DOOTA!!!

But little did we know that malls are closed on MONDAYS! haha! We actually felt disappointed because we were not able to see any street market, or OPEN MALLS..and to think there were a lot of malls just around the corner! haha!! good thing, we consulted the book and got ourselves an explanation

View from the window

So the night came, and we asked dad to come with us, and go out. We did a litle bit of sightseeing (some malls were already open at this time, so we were finally HAPPY! hehe)

DOOTA mall at night! This mall opens at 10:30 am and closes at 5:00 AM! Yep, 5 IN THE MORNING!Haha! This was just behind our hotel! 

We did not do any shopping on our first day, and only looked at the things which we could buy.. After strolling, we then looked for something warm to drink..and the answer: EDIYA!! =)

Awww...LOVE BEGETS LOVE...

Forrest Gump! 

Wall with scribbles!! Wow, Koreans really love to SCRIBBLE THINGS!! Haha!! This wall was very adorable! =)

It was quite a long day, and we know that we still have so much to do; but this day was very fun already, that we could have practically stayed in our hotel and not get bored at all! haha! 

All the shows are korean shows, so then I was very happy to see Gossip Girl on TV! Hi Nate! haha! 

........And that ends my FIRST DAY IN KOREA! The Land of the Morning Calm! =)... 6 more days to goo!!!!