Cherished Memories Archives | Page 11 of 29

Weekend BBQ Party with Friends

12 March 2012 Ibyang Sanchez 3 Comments Category: Charmed Life of a Mrs, Cherished Memories, The Married Life

We had summer weather last weekend so what better way to celebrate the sun and blue skies by having a BBQ party with friends. Planned an almost-all-day get together so we can all properly catch up–no special occassion, we simply just want to spend time together.

While dining out is equally precious, there’s something more special and relaxing when get-togethers are done at home where there’s no time limit and things become spontaneous. The adults can be noisy and kids can be rowdy and we can all eat like there’s no tomorrow. The party lasted for seven (7) hours and it was one of the funnest times we’ve had in a long while.

The BBQ started at 2:30PM. Some brought cooked food and some brought stuff to be cooked on the barbie.

The Husbands hovered around the big BBQ Grill and got those pork belly cooked.

On the other hand, I hung out by the smaller BBQ Grill and got busy with my Bulgogi-marinated Beef. (I’ll share the recipe later this week).

My Bulgogi only took a few minutes to grill. Once one side of the thinly-sliced beef is cooked, I flipped it over and sliced it into strips.

It should look like this once it’s done (see photo below). I served it with Kimchi.

Other than the dish I prepared, we had the grilled Pork Belly (dipped in spicy Vinegar), Pancit, Steamed Milkfish and Corned Beef Pandesal (the Pandesal was freshly-baked by one of our friends). The food lasted us till dinnertime and it was all delicious.

For dessert, we had Chocolate Crinkles (baked also by one of our friends) and Caramel Cake.

No matter what happens, we never forget to take photos, especially the Wifeys…thank God our Husbands always obliged.

Even the kids, had a special “photoshoot” session. It took a lot of “sit still” and “look at the camera, please?” to get them all together in one photograph, but we sure had a lot of laughter doing this.

Other than spending time as a family, the Wifeys and Husbands get to bond separately. The Husbands have their time to talk about their stuff and (sometimes) watch a DVD while the Wifeys happily chats away with stuff they care about too.

And always, we never seem to ran out of things to talk or laugh about. Our friendship is amazing and truly blessed. Our party ended with smiles that will last us until the next get-together.

The Australian Open 2012 Experience

20 February 2012 Ibyang Sanchez 2 Comments Category: Charmed Life of a Mrs, Cherished Memories, Sports

On the day of my birthday this year, a lot of my wishes came true:

to spend the day with the love of my life

to be greeted by the people I love

to be in one of my favourite cities in the world

to experience the Australian Open once again

to watch a game at the Rod Laver Arena

to watch Roger Federer play

-oOoOo-

After three years, we came back to Melbourne to experience the Australian Open once again. In 2009, we just followed the yellow brick road to Melbourne Park because the excitement of tennis fans at Federation Square allured us. I’ve always liked the sport but after watching games the whole day at the ground courts of the Australian Open, I fell in love with it. See my first Australian Open adventure here and some photos of the games and players we watched here.

Compared to 2009’s adventure, we were prepared to watch this year. We planned to watch in 2010 but because of our indecisiveness, we were too late and couldn’t book ourselves a room in Melbourne. Late last year, after Sunday coffee and pancakes, we made up our minds and finally sat ourselves in front of the computer and did a turbo search for our travel. Booked the cheapest fares and decent accommodation we could find in Melbourne and in a few minutes, I was exchanging squeals with our dear Melbournian friend Lui telling her, “We will see you soon!!!”. Yes, simple pleasures.

The nice thing about having a birth date like mine is that there will always be an Australian Open game happening on this side of the world. I think that is very very cool and convenient. It was my wish to be somewhere nice on my birthday. I was hoping for Seoul, Korea but we didn’t want to spend that much money at the start of the year. So we opted for our second favourite city in Australia–Melbourne!

When we’ve finalized our itinerary (restaurant bookings, friends we will see, etc) and found that we definitely have time to watch on my birthday, we then bought our tickets to the 4th Round Game, Sunday, 7:00PM at the Rod Laver Arena.

Since the game will be at night, we had a relaxing day on Sunday. We attended mass and had brunch at my favourite brunch restaurant, The European. It was a hot day so I decided to have a nap back at the hotel while the Husband had his “Me”time hanging out at the shops. He picked me up in time for us to have a meal at Il Pomodoro at Federation Square where we had pizza and cake.

As much as we wanted to sashay along the sides of Yarra River, we were kind of running late so we weren’t able to walk leisurely towards the entrance of Melbourne Park.

Other than security people checking the length of our camera lenses and what we have inside our bags, we had no drama when we breezed thru the entrance of Melbourne Park.

The Rod Laver Arena Forecourt & Entrance were full of people waiting for the 7:00PM game to start. For those on a budget or weren’t able to get a ticket to any of the courts, you can buy Ground Pass tickets and still watch the games at Melbourne Park at Rod Laver Arena Forecourt & Entrance. Games are televised via a giant TV. You can bring mats or blankets and lie down while watching the games. For ticket prices, click AusOpen Ticket Prices.

It was nearly 7:00pm when we arrived at Rod Laver Arena. By this time, I was beaming with excitement. In 2009, we only got to watch at the ground courts so my dream was to watch a game at Rod Laver Arena.

As soon as we got in, we made a trip to the toilet and then bought two bottles of water. Evian was one of the sponsors of AusOpen so the only brand available inside Melbourne Park was Evian. If I remember correctly, a small bottle costs AUD$3.50. Hot food was also available like hotdogs, chips, etc but since we’ve just eaten, we didn’t bother buying food anymore.

It took awhile to get to our seats. The afternoon game just finished and people coming in and out got stuck in the halls of RLA. No need to worry though because tickets to RLA are reserved seating. Also, the AusOpen ushers tried their best to gain smooth traffic in the halls to avoid delays.

And then at last we got in and saw the marvel that is the Rod Laver Arena. For a tennis fan like me, it is a big deal.

As fate would have it, Roger Federer played that night against Bernard Tomic. It was a memorable game as tennis fans said it’s like Dumblerdore vs. Harry Potter of the tennis world, which was so true.

To watch a legend like Roger Federer is a gift. For someone like me who’s far away from any Grand Slam or Masters venue, it is a once in a lifetime blessing. The minute Federer walked inside the court, the crowd was in awe. One will feel the air of royalty alluded to him by many but he didn’t look intimidating at all. He looked relaxed and down-to-earth. He has this certain grace that only a Master exudes.

Federer was that he doesn’t look breathless even if he ran around the court. His composure and grace is really admirable. I told my Husband, “Grabe si Federer, kahit ang paghingal niya graceful pa rin!”

We noticed that most of the time, the photographers are dead set on capturing every move Roger Federer makes inside the court. It’s amazing.

A big support was given to Bernard Tomic that night. Australia loves Tomic and Federer but being an Australian weighed more so the cheer for Tomic was louder. The fans would cheer Tomic to give him more encouragement but the crowd cheered when Federer makes an impressive shot too. Federer was gentleman enough not to play his tricks on Tomic, careful not to offend Australians. Over-all, it was a great game and entertaining show because both players played well. I hope Bernard Tomic continues to be great in tennis because the boy has talent.

Group of Aussies who cheered for Tomic and provided entertainment to the crowd

The second game at the Rod Laver Arena that night was the Women’s where we got to watch Caroline Wozniacki and Jelena Jankovic. We only watched the 1st set because it was not an exciting game.

Caroline Wozniacki

Jelena Jankovic

Went around the Melbourne Park and saw the Wilson Tent. Wilson stays open until the last game of the night is finished. This is where the rackets of all tennis players are taken for restringing.

The Australian Open Shop was still open when we went out (thank God!) so we went inside to buy a few items. The shop offers a lot of Australian Open souvenir such as shirts, caps, towel, bags, fridge magnets, iPhone 4s cases, jackets, etc. They also sell a few shirts worn by the players. We saw Roger Federer’s shirt and I offered to buy it for the Husband but he didn’t want one. (Tip: The Australian Open merchandise in Rebel Sport are cheaper!)

We didn’t come home empty-handed as I bought a few AusOpen items: the Australian Open Official Program, fridge magnets and an iPhone 4s case.

Trams to and from Flinders Station are available to all AusOpen ticket holders for free so we got on and bought my favourite Churros from the Spanish Doughnuts outlet before going home.

When we got back to the hotel, the Wozniacki vs. Jankovic game was still on so we watched it on TV while we packed our stuff.

-oOoOo-

I have a few friends who are very much interested to know more about travelling to Melbourne during Australian Open so I will be sharing some tips. If you have any questions, let me know by leaving a comment here and I will try my best to answer them.

Grateful on my 35th

31 January 2012 Ibyang Sanchez 7 Comments Category: Charmed Life of a Mrs, Cherished Memories, Deep Thoughts, Milestones

I couldn’t let January pass without having a (belated) birthday post. This month has been amazing. I’ve always been glad that I celebrate my birthday on the first month of the year. I feel like it’s an advantage that I start my year celebrating my birthday and then focus on the rest of my year making my dreams come true.

My word on my birthday is GRATEFUL. It’s been my word for the past few months and I plan to make it my everyday word. GRATEFUL is my word because when I say that word, it is actually my prayer of thanks to God.

I’m on my 35th year and even if I still have many things to do, I’m very grateful for every blessing that has been given to me, my family and friends. I value every blessing, opportunity and circumstance that I’m able to witness in my life and my loved ones’ lives.

There were no plans for any birthday celebrations but it just happened. We have two group of friends whom we regularly hang out with and somehow the stars aligned that I got to spend time with them two weekends before my birthday.

My lovable Tweethearts had an 80’s themed party on the first Saturday of the month. It was a day filled with downing delicious home-cooked meals and singing our hearts out with the help of a Magic Sing microphone. Birit kung birit! It was so much fun singing and dancing to our favourite tunes (mostly) from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. We all went home with tummies full and hearts aglow from our get together.

The following weekend, I had dinner with my dearest Kolokoys at Phoenix Parramatta and savoured the best Chinese dishes ever created. I shared the celebration with two of our fellow Kolokoys who were also January celebrants, Gary and little Bella. The Kolokoys have a very special bond. Throughout the years, we have grown together like a family and have witnessed each other’s milestones. Compared to our past group dates, this birthday celebration with them was actually an impromptu celebration. A few days before Saturday, an email was sent and even if it was short notice, they all came. It was truly touching.

Two days before we left for Melbourne, we had a quiet dinner with my relatives. I’m so grateful that even if we scheduled it in the middle of the week, they were able to join us. Whether there’s an occasion or not, I love spending time with them.

Now the Melbourne trip, was yet another unplanned short vacation. We were having breakfast one Sunday in December and decided to just go ahead with it. We were actually set on staying in Sydney. However, celebrating 2 big milestones (our 5th wedding anniversary and my 35th birthday), we had that big urge to get out of Sydney and be somewhere.

As mentioned in a previous post, our Melbourne trip was truly amazing: celebrating with friends, having gastronomical indulgences with the Husband, watching a game at Rod Laver Arena for the Australian Open and being able to see one of the best tennis players of history, Roger Federer, made my birthday more fantastic.

Even if I was very quiet about my birthday at the office, the word got out and my workmates organized morning tea in honour of me.

And just when I thought that all the celebrations were over, the Husband went home last night with one of my favourite sponge cakes in tow. He made me wish and blow the candle on my cake as he sang “Happy Birthday” in Korean. Yes, in Korean!!! haha. How funny and sweet is that? The Husband said he thought that we should celebrate my birthday before January finally ends.

Five celebrations with friends. Five cakes. Four days in Melbourne. One tennis match I will always remember. Lots of gifts from family and friends. Sweet and touching birthday greetings throughout the month. The feeling that I’m loved and important to people whom I love too. Eternally priceless.

I’m GRATEFUL.

Back from Melbourne

24 January 2012 Ibyang Sanchez 6 Comments Category: Charmed Life of a Mrs, Cherished Memories, Travel

Just came back from a short vacation in Melbourne to celebrate my wedding anniversary with the Husband and my birthday. We had the best time as we indulged in great company, delicious food, a bit of shopping and relaxing and watching Roger Federer play at the Rod Laver Arena.

Was able to book us a table at MoVida Aqui, the best Spanish restaurant we’ve ever dined in.

A jug of Sangria

Bomba

Had syphoned coffee at Sensory Lab.

Dinner at MAMASITA, the best Mexican restaurant in Melbourne. Our dear friend Dith joined us.

Lunch at Dahon Tea, a classy Filipino restaurant in South Melbourne. We were joined by friends Lui, Abby, Nel and little Nixie. We also got to meet the owner and chef of Dahon Tea, Cherrie.

Had dessert at Chez Dre. They make the best cakes and great coffee.

Birthday brunch at my favourite brunch restaurant, The European.

Early lunch at Il Pomodoro at Federation Square. My birthday cake came in a glass! Creatively delicious Tiramisu.

Watched the 4th Round game of Roger Federer vs. Bernard Tomic and Caroline Wozniacki vs. Jelena Jankovic. I was extremely happy to be watching Roger Federer on the night of my birthday. It was spectacular to be back at Melbourne Park for the Australian Open and watch the games again.

I’m slowly shaking off my vaycay fever. I will share every detail of our Melbourne trip, our anniversary and my birthday in the coming days.

If you would like to get updates on food, restaurant & shopping finds, immediate updates on my wifely adventures and spur-of-the-moment thoughts, please follow my twitter account: http://twitter.com/ibyang . Thank you!

The Abundant Table (How We Said “Hello” to 2012)

10 January 2012 Ibyang Sanchez 2 Comments Category: Charmed Life of a Mrs, Cherished Memories, Food, The Married Life

Like any Filipino household, we said “Hello to 2012!” with table laden with food and fruits. Like last year, I cooked Ham and Noodles, had a dessert dish, wine and fruits. The only difference for this NY’s was I baked a bigger piece of ham (last year we had half a leg of ham) and had my first try at cooking Biko and Pancit Canton.

The Abundant Table (How We Said "Hello" to 2012)

Thank God, the food had a great turnout. The baked Ham was juicier and tastier compared to the first one I made. The Pancit Canton, to me was average, but the Husband enjoyed it.

I was nervous about cooking Biko but was not able to buy from Filipino shops so I decided to do it myself since we had glutinous rice at home that I wanted to get rid of. It was surprisingly good. I was able to replicate the taste of Biko sold in Filipino shops.

I especially bought a few macarons from Adriano Zumbo’s cafe because I love them and they’re round. In Filipino homes, putting round food and fruits on the table symbolizes prosperity.

Fruits were abundant as I went overboard. The tradition was to have at least 12 fruits. But I think we have at least 20 kinds! I didn’t keep count and I was confident in buying them because I got myself a Juicer for Christmas (Thank you, Husband!)

My mom and mother-in-law also advised me to light up seven coloured candles. The colours should be red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple and pink. According to them, each colour symbolizes an aspect of our lives BUT I forgot what they were. In the Philippines, one can buy these multi-coloured candles which has the same size and length. Since we don’t have them here in Sydney, I improvised and didn’t really care about lengths or sizes. I like lighting candles anyway. For me, lighting candles during New Year’s symbolizes a more enlightened year ahead. I arranged the candles as pretty as I could and then placed it near our Holy Family statue. Nearby was a bowl of rice with coin, another suggestion of my mom, for prosperity.

At the stroke of midnight, we kissed and hugged as we greeted each other, watched the Sydney fireworks on TV and then prayed in front of the Holy Family.

I’ve recently opened an account with blipfoto which is a daily photo journal. Once a member, you are able to publish a photo a day. Since I cannot blog everyday but always want to document the things I’m grateful for everyday, I’m using my blipfoto account as my gratitude journal.

Let me share with you one of my entries where I shared my thoughts via my blipfoto entitled “A Grateful Life“

This was our table when we welcomed 2012. Our parents have taught us the tradition of having a table laden with fruits and food during New Year’s. According to them, this invites prosperity for the whole year.

On New Year’s, I felt very grateful for the past year of abundance and blessings. I was also very grateful for 2012 being more prosperous and abundant. Some days we may have dark clouds hovering over us but we always come home to a place where we have enough. Not just food, but with everything we need.

Thank you God, thank you Universe for always making sure we have enough of what we need and more.