A Blog Entry on Christmas Day

One Valenzuela thought she was already having a wonderful Christmas. Good food, lots of gifts for kids, and being surrounded with a loving family are just a few things to thank for. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

And when she thought gift giving time is already over last midnight, she received yet another surprise. While One Valenzuela was braiding her daughter's hair, Little One Valenzuela got a paper box from her purple bag. When One Valenzuela opened the hand crafted box, she saw a string of orange and green beads together with a white feather. The bracelet came with a message of love: "Hindi lang po kayo ang magreregalo sa akin. Ako naman po ang magbibigay ng regalo sa inyo." (It's not just you who'll give a gift. It's time that I give you one too.)

Simply heart melting! Thank you.

Merry Christmas, Valenzuelanos!
Do you also have a heart warming story to share? Kindly drop a line below.

D' Cream Coffee and Tea at Brgy. Marulas, Valenzuela City

If you're studying at the Our Lady of Fatima University, you' re probably aware of or have been to D' Cream Coffee & Tea to get your milk tea fill. One Valenzuela dropped by the Marulas branch to have a taste of their popular drinks.

D' Cream's cold milk teas! 

Not knowing what to try first, the cashier suggested that One Valenzuela try their Golden Sun and D' Cream Special milk teas. Regular size (12 oz.) is at Php45.00. But if you are craving for more, you can have their large and giant sizes. Add-ons such as pearls, coco pudding, jelly, and coffee cubes are at Php10.00 each.

The Golden Sun milk tea has a hint of coffee while the leafy green tea taste is more prominent in their D'Cream Special. Yummy! By the way, D' Cream also has fruit teas, yogurt smoothies, specialty drinks (like Yakult Black Tea) and coffee (hot/cold/frappe). 

Golden Sun (12 oz. with pearls, Php55) and D' Cream Special (12 oz. with pearls, Php55)

D' Cream Coffee and Tea
Address: 115-C McArthur Highway, Brgy. Marulas, Valenzuela City
Brewing hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday-Sunday
Like D'Cream Coffee and Tea on Facebook here.
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Have you been here before? What's you're favorite drink?
Kindly drop a comment below. Thank you!

Valenzuelano Ako: Turning 65 at Jollibee Malinta, Valenzuela City

This post is dedicated to a beloved friend and colleague who just turned 65 last month. The surprise celebration took about five weeks of preparation bundled with "Shhhhh, she's here!" moments. Thank God she was clueless until the right day came!

One Valenzuela believes that best friend Jollibee is not just for kids but also for those individuals who are young at heart. It is so cool that a kiddie party can be tweaked and turned into an adults' party.

Thanks, Jollibee Malinta!

"Hala, pinaiyak ninyo yung matanda!" (English Translation: Oh no! You made the old one cry!)

Thanking everyone who made the celebration possible. Even Hetty and Jollibee are listening intently.

Aming Hirit: Isang Tula Para Kay Ma’am Cora

Isang masigla na empleyado

Sa komedya siya rin ay pabibo

Tiyak na iyong maaasahan

Usapang misa man o aklatan

Sadyang aktibo at masayahin

Sa kanya ang jumpshot ay sisiw na sisiw pa rin

Sa indakan ika’y mapapagiling

Kung si Ma’am Cora ang iyong kapiling

Kung saan-saan man makarating

Di nalilimutan pasalubong samin

Maswerte kami at ika’y aming kasama

Sa trabaho’t kulitan, lungkot at saya

Wala na kaming mahihiling pa

Kundi ang paminsan-minsang sa aklata’y pumunta

At siyempre,

Sa ‘yong kaarawan ika’y lumigaya.

Maligayang kaarawan, Ma’am Cora!
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Jollibee Malinta 
Address: G/F Feliza Building, McArthur Highway, Malinta, Valenzuela City
Phone Number: (02)2917888

Yey! A Christmas Bazaar at the Valenzuela City Hall

After clocking out of the office by 5 p.m., One Valenzuela goes to the Christmas Bazaar at the Valenzuela New City Hall. Yey, time to relax and munch on some snacks!

Here's a peek of what you can find at the bazaar.

Christmas Bazaar at the New City Hall

Marikina shoes, Illustrazio bags, discounted Hang Ten clothes, and an SM Hypermarket Booth at the Bazaar

Mekeni and Frabelle have stalls at the bazaar. One Valenzuela has to swear that she is an avid follower of 3A Calamansi juice! Kami 2-ply tissue packs are also available at a nearby stall.

There were clothes, appliances, toys, and accessories too.

Oooh, You'll find Cookie Butter at Chocolicious Shoppe Manila's booth! One Valenzuela bought a jar of Biscoff Cookie Butter at Php320.00 (As of this writing, her family can already see the bottom of the bottle. Hihi. Gotta try Speculoos next.). Chocolicious Shoppe Manila sells a wide variety of imported chocolates, cookies, and other goods. You can try out various sausages at King Sue's as well as munch on some crunchy tofu snack at a nearby stall.

The Christmas Bazaar runs until December 21, 2013. The stalls are open from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday Brunch at Ersao, Marulas, Valenzuela City

The whole family woke up quite late last Sunday. Instead of the usual pan de sal and their friendly neighbor's pancit bihon, they headed to Ersao in Brgy. Marulas. Ersao is famous for their milk teas, Taiwanese meals and quick snacks.

Ersao Valenzuela delivers! Yehey!

Winter Melon Milk Tea (Large at Php75) and Strawberry Shake (Php85)

Chicken Gizzard (Php65.00), Kuchai Dumplings (Steamed and Fried, Php115), and Pork Chao Fan (Php120, serves 2). 

Hubby ordered a plate of chicken gizzard while One Valenzuela and Little One Valenzuela settled for some kuchai dumplings. One Valenzuela was so happy that Little One Valenzuela ate a lot of the dumplings! For those coming here with kids, the sauce they serve with the dumplings is quite spicy. You may check out Ersao's condiments area for other alternatives. It is best to eat spicy food while gulping on Ersao's milk teas and shakes.

Dumpling Noodles (Large, Php135)

Craving for more, they ordered a bowl of dumpling noodles. When Ersao says it is large, it is indeed LARGE. This bowl made their bellies very happy. Hehe.

One Valenzuela would like to commend Ersao's cashier, Janice Cleofe. She served us well with a very warm smile. Thank you!

Ersao Valenzuela's spacious dining area. By the way, Ersao also has WiFi. 

Want a repeat meal at home? Ersao also has frozen items for sale.

How to reach Ersao Valenzuela:
Contact Numbers: (02)443-1680; (0925)5581680
Address: GOTACO Bldg. II #32 MacArthur Highway, Brgy. Marulas, Valenzuela City
Store Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00am to 11:30pm

Ersao Valenzuela is very near Fatima and is just beside Savory and C & E Bookstore.

Valenzuelano Ako: Maria Charo Pineda Wins Nationwide Poster Making Contest

The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. and the National Library of the Philippines, in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, recently held a nationwide poster making contest with the theme "Libraries:Preservers and Promoters of Culture and Arts". The illustration which places first shall be used as the official cover of the National Book Week 2013 souvenir program and other publicity materials (including posters which were distributed all over the country). The winner shall also bag a cash prize.

One Valenzuela would like to gladly inform every Valenzuelano that a Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela student's  work was chosen! She is Maria Charo Pineda, a graduating education student from the said university. Reading from a letter sent via e-mail, "Chosen among hundreds of entries from all over the country, your [Ms. Pineda] poster perfectly captured this year's theme...".

79th National Book WeeK: Charo at the Awarding Program

A well attended event lead by Atty. Antonio M. Santos (Director of the National Library of the Philippines), Mrs. Elizabeth R. Peralejo (President, PLAI), Hon. Raul M. Sunico (President, Cultural Center of the Philippines), and Mrs. Emma M. Rey (Over-all Chair, 2013 National Book Week Committee)

Souvenir program 

Atty. Antonio M. Santos renders the welcoming remarks. 

We are proud of you!

Congratulations, Charo!

Semestral Break at Hotel Dominique in Tagaytay

Tagaytay is One Valenzuela's nearest go-to place if she wants to unwind and relax (though this time she had to bring her notebook to submit a paper and a project due on the weekend. Haha!). Together with hubby and Little One Valenzuela, they went to Tagaytay to have a bit of family bonding before the second semester brings in much taxing work.

Front of Hotel Dominique

With a discount voucher via Cashcashpinoy (Hooray for one year validity!), she reserved an overnight stay in a Superior Room. Since Little One Valenzuela is quite a big girl now, she wants to have her own bed and so they got a room with two beds. By the way, One Valenzuela has already spent a night at this hotel together with her co-employees in what they call "Casitas".

Without further ado, here are some shots she took of the hotel:

Nice!

Though it is pretty cold now, many still swim in the pool.

One Valenzuela loves walking around the hotel which is like a little European village. Halloween is in the air because the funny witch and ghost decorations are still everywhere. Little One Valenzuela did a lot of kawaii posts with them!

Room 101: the room where we stayed

The room is just a short walk away from the pool which is a plus for water babies like them. It is quite small yet enough for a family of three. It has a refrigerator, a cabinet, and a safety deposit box. As always, One Valenzuela loves the big shampoo and liquid bath soap dispensers in the comfort room.

Photo op with the curtains closed.

Let the sunshine in!

What's on the desk

Gym facility

Awww, memories! Miss those fun days.

Kawaii posts of Little One Valenzuela

More photos

The plated complimentary breakfast is really satisfying after a good night of sleep. Hubby ordered the Pahimis breakfast (Php210), One Valenzuela had their American breakfast (Php220; converted bread to plain rice), and Little One Valenzuela had Eggs and Bread (Php61) with mango juice. 

Hubby's Pahimis breakfast

Little One Valenzuela's breakfast: too excited to swim and not to eat!

Though the WiFi connection can only be accessed at the hotel's restaurant, it definitely provides a strong and continuous signal. One Valenzuela was able to upload a 20MB file, her comic project, in a breeze.

The hotel is located along Aguinaldo Highway. You can also drop by known spots for eating and buying interesting finds like what One Valenzuela did. She went to Pink Sisters, Ilog Maria and Gourmet Cafe. You can reach Pink Sisters from the hotel through a quick walk. Ride a jeepney with the "Silang" signage for Ilog Maria and Gourmet Cafe. 

To sum it up, One Valenzuela's family really had a good time at the hotel. Aja, for the second semester!

You may also want to read about One Valenzuela's side trips to: Tootsie's, Ilog Maria, Gourmet Cafe, and Pink Sisters (Articles to be posted soon!). You can find her old post on Tagaytay here or try the search box at the top and right sides of the page.

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How to Reach Hotel Dominique from Valenzuela City:

Do not be afraid to travel to Tagaytay without your own vehicle. It's easy, Valenzuelanos!

From Brgy. Malinta, take a jeepney to Monumento (Php10.00) and ride the train bound to Gil Puyat (Php20.00; LRT opens at 5 a.m.).

LRT Gil Puyat Station

Go down the said station and you will find the DLTB Bus Terminal. When One Valenzuela called DLTB, the operator told her that she will have to ride a bus bound to Nasugbu, Batangas. It will pass by Tagaytay via Emilio Aguinaldo Highway (Php83.00; First trip as early as 4 a.m.). One Valenzuela told the conductor that they will be going down at Hotel Dominique. A very popular landmark near the hotel is Pink Sisters, which is just a quick stroll away.

DLTB Bus Terminal

Hotel Dominique also replied to One Valenzuela's Facebook query on how to reach the hotel. Here is their response:

*ALABANG TO HOTEL DOMINIQUE
OPTION 1
A. Bus going to BACLARAN or get off at COASTAL MALL
B. Bus with sign board MENDEZ/NASUGBU/TAGAYTAY
OPTION 2
A. Van (at ATC/SM SOUTH MALL) to DASMA BAYAN
B. Bus withsign board MENDEZ/NASUGBU/TAGAYTAY
OPTION 3
A. Van (at ATC/SM SOUTH MALL) to DASMA (DLSU)
B. Jeep to WALTERMART DASMA
C. From WALTERMART, bus with signboard MENDEZ/NASUGBU/TAGAYTAY
OPTION 4
A. Take a jeep to ZAPOTE KABILA
B. Take a jeep from ZAPOTE to SM BACOOR
C. From SM, take a bus with sign board
MENDEZ/NASUGBU/TAGAYTAY
*BACLARAN TO HOTEL DOMINIQUE
Bus with sign board MENDEZ/NASUGBU/TAGAYTAY
*ORTIGAS, TO HOTEL DOMINIQUE
A. MRT to TAFT AVE.
B. From TAFT, back of CHOWKING there is a bus terminal going to BATANGAS (BALAYAN/NASUGBU) and MENDEZ

Hotel Dominique
Address: Km. 55 Aguinaldo Highway, Brgy. Maitim II East, Tagaytay City, 4120
Contact numbers:
Mobile: (0917)8664140 and (0998)9749404
Landline: (02) 5844641, (02) 5298173 and 5298182

Like Hotel Dominique on Facebook or visit their site here.

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Thank you for reading this post!
Where to go, where to go?
Saan pa kaya dadalhin si One Valenzuela ng kanyang mga paa?
Kindly post a comment or suggestion below. 

Pineapple Cake from Michael's Bakery

If you have been following this blog for quite a while now, you might remember One Valenzuela's post on those cheesy doughnuts made by Michael's Bakery, a small store along A. Pablo Street in Malinta that sells good tasting bread. 

Their pineapple bread is also a simple snack that you can get for merienda in the afternoon. One Valenzuela's well loved co-employee just turned 65 last week. Though she has bought a calamansi sans rival cake from Caroline's for a small lunch celebration, One Valenzuela still asked Kuya Michael to make a whole pan of pineapple bread for her friend.

Happy Birthday, Tita Cora!

Eat this together with some hot coffee

The whole pan cost only Php95.00! The group ate this together with some hot coffee and chocolate. Kindly check out One Valenzuela's  previous post on Michael's Bakery to know its location.

Let us support local entrepreneurs in Valenzuela City!
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Thank you for reading this post!
Where to go, where to go?
Saan pa kaya dadalhin si One Valenzuela ng kanyang mga paa?
Kindly post a comment or suggestion below. 

Winding down over coffee and tea: Roots and Herbs Coffee at Marulas, Valenzuela City

After a big and hearty lunch buffet at Primero Casa Filipino, One Valenzuela's group decided to wind down and sip coffee. It is their usual tradition after eating a lot.

"Subukan natin yung bagong bukas na coffee shop diyan sa atin." (Translation: Let us try the newly opened coffee shop at our place.) her sister suggested.

And so onward they go to Roots and Herbs Coffee at Brgy. Marulas, Valenzuela City.

Roots and Herbs Coffee: A healthy treat in every sip!

Roots and Herbs Coffee counter. One Valenzuela saw that they also have Malunggay Coffee!

One Valenzuela wants to have a slice but she is really full.

Delish Cheese and Egg Sandwich (Php48.00)
Little One Valenzuela loved it! She wished it was a bit bigger though.

Hot Green Tea (Php48.00) and Hot Cappuccino (Php48.00)

And they have rice bowls too!

You will see what they put into your cup at the display area.

Cioccolato Frappe (Php88.00) and Iced Red Berry (Php88.00) 

Uber sister having a light moment with Tatay over a glass of Green Tea Frappe(Php88.00)

By the way, WiFi strength here is good because the group was able to view a home made video for Tatay's birthday posted at a social network. The group also talked and laughed about happy as well as embarrassing moments during their childhood years. As always, Tatay got a lot of stories in the bag. Hahaha! 

Having a great time with your family over some coffee and tea? It is definitely priceless.

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How to reach Roots and Herbs Coffee:

It is easy to find Roots and Herbs Coffee since it is along MacArthur Highway.

Address: No.185 MacArthur Highway, Marulas, Valenzuela City.

Tel. No.: (02)444-9267

Roots and Herbs Coffee accepts small private functions. 

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Thank you for reading this post!
Where to go, where to go?
Saan pa kaya dadalhin si One Valenzuela ng kanyang mga paa?
Kindly post a comment or suggestion below. 

A Simple Poem for Father

Tatay is turning 55 today. Dusting off the cobwebs from the boxes of pictures (thanks Byby!) and removing the rust on her Filipino poem writing skills, One Valenzuela veers away from her usual articles and dedicates this post to her father.

Para Kay Tatay: Isang Tula ng Pagmamahal 
(For Father: A Poem of Love)

Tiyaga at sipag ang kaagapay Di alintana ang hirap sa buhay Masayang ngiti at manibela ang naging kaakibat Upang kami’y mabigyan ng higit pa sa sapat Dahil sa tatlong makulit lumapad ang noo Kahit na ganoon sa amin ika’y nag-iisang guwapo Nakamit marami nating mithiin Diyos at pamilya sa puso’t isip ay kapiling Bagama’t subukin man ng panahon Nananatiling matatag sa bawat pagkakataon Isang astig at kwelang ama Wala na kaming mahihiling pa Ikaw ay sadyang walang kapantay Ikaw sa amin ang DA BEST tatay.

I am a proud daughter of a hardworking taxi driver.

Raising three naughty kids is tough. Salute to you and nanay!

Happy Birthday, Tatay! 

Mahal na mahal po namin kayo. 

(We love you so much.)

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To every Valenzuelano daughter/son, kindly hug and thank your tatay/papa/dad/erpat. Try to always show him how much you care, even if it is not Father's Day.