Ibyang
Ibyang

Figaro Coffee, You Remind Me of the Good Things

Don’t you just love waking up to great coffee?

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Thank God for friends who are generous enough to send care packages to me.  When my friends in Manila found out that my Mum’s coming to Sydney, some of them thoughtfully sent me some stuff I love.  Thanks Hazel for sending one of my favourite coffees from the Philippines.  

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I love how the aroma of Barako Gold filled the air in our home the moment I took it out of the box, it was just wonderful.  Every cup I’m savouring gives me a clean, rich and flavourful taste.  

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When I drink Figaro, I’m reminded of one of the best times of my life.

It reminds me of one of my dearest bestfriends, Teng.    We both share a passion for drinking coffee since we were young.  When we graduated from college and went our separate ways to follow our respective career paths, we thought we would see less of each other.  But coffee brought us together almost every week (sometimes even twice a week).  I worked in Makati and she worked in Mandaluyong so our meeting place was always in Ortigas area.  We had the best times of our lives meeting up after work usually for coffee at Figaro in Shangri-la Mall.  When we’ve had a bad day, we’d have a drink or two at a bar.  But always, it was at a Figaro where we’d meet and start our rendezvous and misadventures.  We loved Figaro not only for its coffee but because they offered delicious pastries and fairly decent dishes like pasta and sandwiches.  Other than have coffee, that’s where we have dinner too.  

I miss those times and I miss Teng more.  I’m hoping one day we get to have our much-awaited coffee klatch  and make new memories again over a cup of our good ‘ol Figaro.
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Fri-date: Korean Movie, Coffee & Food Tripping, Vivid Sydney 2012

The last time we had a Fri-date was in Summer.  We enjoyed our Fri-date so much, we decided that once in a while, we will in sync our day-offs together so we’ll have one whole day just for us.  Three months ago, I was in a shirt-shorts-sandals ensemble but the weather has grown so much colder since then.  We still have a few days of Autumn left but the temps are definitely Winter-ish.  Our agenda for the Friday will extend up to night time so we left home all bundled up.  

“As One Korea“, a Korean film.   We discovered that a few selected theatres in Sydney feature Korean films and we were lucky to find that there’s a film being shown in Broadway Shopping Centre until 30th May.  The film is based on a true story of the first unified Korean team who competed in the 1991 World Table Tennis Championships in Chiba, Japan.  It’s a story of teamwork and friendship that blossomed between the North and South Korean teams.  The film was so heartwarming it brought tears to the women watching in the cinema (including me!).   The cast was lead by Ha Ji-won from the famous KDrama, “Secret Garden” and “The King 2 Hearts“.

After the movie, we trooped down to Glebe and had coffee and pastries at La Banette, a rustic French patisserie.
 



As mentioned in my instagram, La Banette Patisserie was my beautiful find that day.  I love cafes with eccentric interiors and small spaces that doesn’t intrude on my personal space.  Even if there were people seated near us, there was a sense of privacy and we felt comfortable.  We enjoyed their pastries which were freshly-baked.  I will write a separate entry about their food soon.



Visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art Store.  From Glebe, we took the bus to Circular Quay and spent the rest of the evening at The Rocks.  We visited the newly-renovated Museum of Contemporary Art and had a look at a few items at their store.  The store sells books, bags, jewellery, lomo cameras etc.  I saw Pochi purses which I find very cute.  Maybe one day I’ll buy one for myself.


Early Dinner of Kebabs at The Rocks Market.  I waited two weeks just to get a hold of these yummy kebabs at The Rocks!  When I saw that Shawarma scene in “The Avengers” movie, I just knew it was time to have that kebab date with the Husband.  We were there early so we had the kebab stall all to ourselves.    
 

We enjoyed their Meatball Kebab and Grilled Chicken Tikka Kebab as we roamed around The Rocks Market.


Vivid Sydney 2012.   Twenty minutes before the stroke of 6PM, we’re all setted up (camera gears and all) at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay waiting for the Lighting of the Sails of Sydney Opera House.  Naging panata na namin ang Vivid Sydney (We have a devotion to witnessing Vivid Sydney).  This is the only evening event during Autumn/Winter that we go to because it’s (1) about art and technology; (2) a family event; and (3) we like taking photographs of light shows.

The Lighting of the Sails of Sydney Opera House was a miss.  This was so far the worst Lighting of the Sails and we were very disappointed. 

We tried to enjoy it but the truth was there was nothing enjoyable about it.  We appreciate the art and light show but overall, we didn’t like it. 

The only saving grace was the light show on the Museum of Contemporary Art and Customs House and few light installations around Circular Quay.

After exploring the light shows of Vivid Sydney, we went back to The Rocks Market to eat again.  Taking photographs and walking in the cold left us famished so we had pork buns and bean buns before finally going home.

A separate feature on Vivid Sydney 2012 and The Rocks Market will be shared soon!
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Discovered Inspirations: The Happiness Manifesto

Thanks to my friend Pen for sharing this Happiness Manifesto last week.  I googled it and found that you can order the Happiness Manifesto poster here.


I love this manifesto because it mentions one of my own manifesto “Live in the Moment” — my manifesto being “Live in the moment and enjoy being“.

Have a cheerful and productive week ahead!

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Pastry Lunch at Cafe Bariloche

Moving to Sydney has influenced me to become a bit creative with how I eat and enjoy my food.  This place is a foodie’s haven as this city is composed of different cultures from all over the world.  Everywhere you go, you’ll see cafes and restaurants specializing in a cuisine of your liking.  

It was not intentional but I’ve been having some interesting meals depending on whom I eat with or what the occasion is.  I sometimes have Pastry Lunches and Pub Grub Lunches with workmates.  Last year, I gifted the Husband with a Pastry Brekky for his birthday.  When my Mum was here, I introduced her to a Dessert Dinner.  

My latest favourite lunch adventure is having Pastry Lunch with my workmate.  She’s a foodie like me and we enjoy having foodie conversations all the time.

We’re lucky that our workplace is surrounded by several cafes and restaurants–and good ones at that.  One day, we decided to have a Pastry Lunch at Cafe Bariloche which is known for their best-tasting Meat Pies and Empanadas.

Cafe Bariloche is a pastry shop in Glebe and they only sell nothing but savoury and sweet pastries, plus coffee. I like the exclusivity that “just pastries” entail, there’s something sacred about that.  Their shop is small but regulars like us always get a table.

Everytime I eat there, I always get a savioury pastry for my main meal and a sweet pastry for my dessert partnered with a hot cup of coffee.  

Their bestseller is their huge Empanada and it is what I always order for my main meal.  

The pastry baked to perfection, the innards of minced beef is always juicy and mildly spicy.   What makes it more of a winner is that it has boiled eggs and olives.  Really yummy!



For dessert, I love their Custard Pie.  It’s creamy, smooth and at the same time, I taste a tinge of lemon.  It’s refreshingly sweet but not cloying.



Yesterday, we went out to have Pastry Lunch again but they’ve ran out of the Custard Pie (*gasp* *sad face*)



I chose to have the Apple Danish instead and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  Their Apple Danish is exceptionally beautiful as it was abundant with apples.  

Cafe Bariloche also makes the best meat pies in Sydney and a few other sweet pastries.  If you’re in Glebe, drop by for a cup of coffee or buy some treats for take-away.

333 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
Phone: 9660 3524
Open for Breakfast and Lunch
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Favourite Song: “Don’t Forget Me” (from the Season Ender of SMASH)

24 May 2012 0 Comments Category: Entertainment

I watched the season ender of SMASH twice last week and I think I will watch it again this weekend.  That’s how much I loved it.  The finale song was just fantastically apt.  I feel a tug at my heart whenever I hear this song.  Here are the lyrics and video in case you haven’t seen or heard it yet. 

“Don’t Forget Me”
(sang by Katharine McPhee in SMASH)

They thought they could dispose of me
They tried to make me small
I suffered each indignity
But now rise above it all

Yes, the price I paid was all I had
But at last, I found release
And if something good can come from bad
The past can rest in peace

Oh if you see someone’s hurt
And in need of a hand
Don’t forget me
Or hear a melody crying from some baby grand
You don’t forget me

When you sing happy birthday to someone you love
Or see diamonds you wish were all free
Please say that you won’t;
I pray that you don’t forget me

But forget every man who I ever met
‘Cause they only lived to control
For a kiss they paid a thousand
Yet they paid fifty cents for my soul
They took their piece
The price of fame that no one can repay
Ah, but they didn’t buy me when they bought my name
And that is why I pray

That when you see someone’s hurt
And in need of a hand
You don’t forget me
Or hear a melody crying from some baby grand
You don’t forget me

When you sing happy birthday to someone you love
Or see diamonds you wish were all free
Please say that you won’t;
I pray that you don’t forget me

There are some in this world who have strength on their own
Never broken or in need of repair
But there are some born to shine who can’t do it alone
So protect them and take special care
Take care

And don’t forget me
Please take care
And don’t forget me
When you look to the heavens with someone you love
And a light shining bright from afar
Hope you see my face there
And then offer a prayer
And please let me be
Let me be that star
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