Ibyang
Ibyang

Cherished Memories

Isang Dekada (One Decade)

We are not celebrating our wedding anniversary but today we honour the day we became a couple. 

We spent a few moments reading thru the scrapbooks I made from years ago and some blog entries during our previous monthsaries. I once shared how we got together (click story here) and the story will never grow old. We always find ourselves amused as we look back on all those memories and realize how much we’ve affected each other…how we still light up each other’s souls until now. 
Chris and Ivy (December 14, 2002)
Our first photo on that fateful 14th December 2002
Ten years (wow!). Such a great blessing to be in love and be the best of friends for a decade. We are truly grateful for everyday that has passed and look forward to more decades of togetherness.

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Exploring Sydney with Friends from SG

Our friend and former workmate in Manila came with her family and travelled to Sydney for a week. Their family is now based in Singapore and they enjoy travelling a lot. The Husband and I were so glad they chose to explore Sydney. Like we always say, we love seeing friends from overseas as it’s nice to re-connect and share the beauty of Sydney with them.

I was fortunate to take two days off work while the Husband took Friday off so he can also spend time with them. We had so much fun catching up, savouring good food and walking around the city in such a beautiful, sunny weather.  It was two lovely days spent with friends that we’ll always be grateful for. (Note: We miss them already but we know we will see each other again–someday soon we hope.)

Two days around Sydney:

Thursday – Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Fish Market, Darling Harbour, Lindt Cafe, Hurricane’s Grill, Westfield Sydney, The Galeries

Friday – Manly Beach and Circular Quay, Lunch at Bavarian Bier

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Friday Night-In with Kolokoys

We had a fun start to our weekend as we had a Friday Night-In with our group of friends, Kolokoys (that’s what we call our group). It’s been awhile since we’ve spent time together. We do meet up for meals or parties every once in a while but hanging out for no reason is something we missed. Having a night-in on a Friday is such a welcoming thing. The Husband and I like staying home on Fridays that’s why we love Friday Night-In with friends. The relaxing experience of being at home, talking with friends, playing with kids and sharing good food are some of the best ways to welcome the weekend. It’s one of the most laidback things as we just all arrive at a friend’s place after work with food to share with everyone. No dress code, no reservations needed, no time limit. Our presence and food, those two were the only things we needed.

Speaking of food, we had lots of it: Cheese and Ham platter, Pork Sisig, Relyenong Bangus, Pork Roast, Baked Spaghetti, Buttered Mushrooms, Green Salad, Apple Pie and Apple Danish (hindi naman kami masyadong mahilig sa apple nyan hahaha). And us ladies enjoyed a refreshing Pimm’s and Lemonade Cocktail and some bubblies before going home (no drinking for the Husbands who drive).

The start of our weekend did set the tone to a relaxing but productive Saturday and Sunday. The positive cheer and love from friends on Friday night was something we brought with us back to our home.

Hope you had a lovely weekend too.

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Cabramatta, Part 2

And we’re back at Cabramatta! 

We were just there two weeks ago but we enjoyed the place so much we went back and met up with friends for coffee and lunch before heading to the city to buy my new writing partner.

Started our foodie adventure at Cafe 86 (4/29 John Street, Cabramatta) so we can enjoy a refreshing glass of  Vietnamese Iced Coffee and Iced Jasmine tea. Our friend Yyoni loved it! We savoured it to the last sip.


Lunch was at another must-visit Vietnamese restaurant, Tan Viet Noodle House (3/100 John Street, Cabramatta) where we enjoyed rice meals of pork chops, rump steak and chicken cooked the Vietnamese way. Thanks to Yyoni and kids for bringing us here and for sharing our love for Vietnamese cuisine. We had so much fun catching up and eating great food.


Will share details of our Cabramatta foodie adventures soon. 🙂

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Woodcroft Lake Festival

Spent Saturday morning at the Woodcroft Lake Festival with our relatives where we got to enjoy looking at stalls, watching shows presented by different organizations and eating good food.

Thank goodness the sun shone brightly (it was raining on Friday night) which made the experience more enjoyable. Below are snippets of what transpired that morning.

Woodcroft Lake. A few years back, I used to live with relatives and their home is situated near this gorgeous lake. I used to come here often to briskwalk and jog. This place has changed over the years as it now has an exercise area and shaded tables for picnics.

The things that made up the festival. The whole morning we were there, a program that showcased singing and dancing from kids were being held. Kids enjoyed getting on a few rides and a mini train that goes around the lake. The Fire Department was there to let kids experience how to carry a hose. 


There were a lot of food and craft stalls that cater to different people.  One of my favourites was a stall selling doll dresses worn by Cabbage Patch Kids. I love Cabbage Patch Kids! I have one when I was a kid and my heart fluttered in glee when I saw them. So cute! 

Bought two potted flowers from the plants stall. They were cheap and sold by a Filipina who was kind enough to let us leave the plants we chose and just come back for it after we’re finished enjoying the festival.

There were a variety of food stalls that cater to different cultures but I gravitated towards the Filipino stalls. That’s basically what we came for–to eat Filipino food not cooked by us hahaha. We had Fishballs, Fried Lumpia, Pork BBQ and Turon (not in photo), then chased them up with refreshing Sago’t Gulaman. 

I shared this photo on my instagram (@ibyang) and wrote:

“Making tusok tusok the Fishballs and making sawsaw the Lumpiang Prito on the suka.”
(only a Filipino who grew up in the Philippines will understand the humour behind that)
Before we left, I made one last stop at the Fairy Floss stall and bought a stick. It was HUGE and I love it! This photo of mine below with the Fairy Floss sums up what I felt that Saturday–a happy kid!
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