Celine's Life Adventure

After Mass last Saturday, Jomar and I decided to take a trip to Memphis without living Vancouver. How? By trying barbecue from Memphis Blues Barbecue House in West Broadway. Memphis Blues Barbecue House I love barbecue. Whether it's Korean or Filipino-style, barbecue tastes so good! It's tangy and sweet and a bit of heat. Yum! Going to Memphis Blues, I have no idea what to expect all I know is that You Gotta Eat Here visited this joint. Jomar and I (like we always do) order a starter, main course, and dessert. BBQ Poutine For our starter, we picked BBQ Poutine. I mean, we're in Canada, of course we'll pick the poutine. Honestly, it was a debate between BBQ Nachos or BBQ Poutine and well, you know what won. BBQ Poutine It was sooo good. The fries is crispy even though it's smothered and drowning under the weight of the pulled pork and BBQ sauce. The cheese (though not as melted as I would like) provided a creamy texture. Moreover, the serving size is

Fish and Chips is not popular (at least I don't think so) in the Philippines. However, on my second day in Canada, my parents brought Jomar and I to Pajo's in Steveston, Richmond to try exactly that. I was surprised at how big the portions were and well, you can never go wrong with fries, especially if it's unlimited and you can come back for more. Also, I have always liked salmon (whether raw, grilled, or in a soup) and seeing and eating it in deep fried goodness was amazing. Tony's Last Friday, Jomar and I went to my favorite fish and chips place in Vancouver so far - Tony's Fish and Oyster Cafe located near the entrance of Granville Island. I have been her 16 times (as of this post) because I love their salmon and yam fries. Salmon Fish and Chips with Yam Fries Another reason I love this place, it's a walking distance to work. When I am stressed out or needed a feel good food Tony's is my go to place. Moreover, I can enjoy it in all seasons whe

Growing up in the Philippines, I only heard of the famous Philly Cheesesteak in movies or when watching Food Network. Thus, it shouldn't come as a surprise that last Satuday was the first time I tried a Philly Cheesesteak from The American Cheesesteak Co. in Vancouver. I have an uncle and cousins in Philadelphia and when I visit my goal is to try a Philly Cheesesteak while in Philly. The same way I was so estatic to eat Japanese Katsu Curry in Japan and Vigan Empanada in Vigan. The American Cheesesteak Co. Jomar and I went to St. Paul's Hospital for the last weekend of Lights of Hope and decided to have dinner here. Why? First, it's close to Granville Street where we will take the bus going home and second, I remember seeing the You Gotta Eat Here episode featuring them. Therese and I are attempting to try most of the restaurants John Catucci went to. Here's a map of restaurants the show visited in BC as of Season 5. The Philly VS New Yorker Since it's

When you hear or read the word hope , what comes into your mind? For me, hope is that little voice telling you that something good is coming. Hope is expecting things will be better even if it may not seems right now. Light of Hope Jomar and I went to Downtown, Vancouver last Saturday to view the Lights of Hope in St. Paul's Hospital. This display of lights is part of their annual fundraising activity to provide hope and support to the patients and caregivers of the hospital and all the supported institution of St. Paul's Foundation. Staying Hopeful As I write this post, I kept coming back to the question, what makes you hopeful? Think and reflect about it. During the moments of your life when all is lost and you feel totally lost and hopeless, why do you keep living? What makes you get up and live another day? My sources of hope First, my faith makes me hopeful all the time. When I feel scared or when I worry, I pray. Those few minutes of silence and prayer remi

I love how diverse Canada is. Back in Manila, I usually eat at either Filipino, Chinese, or Japanese cuisine restaurants. I wouldn't know where to find great authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. Because of Canada's diversity, I get to try amazing food from different countries all over the world. Mac Falafel Last 2016, my colleagues and I went to Mac Falafel on their 4th Avenue branch for lunch and I ordered their Chicken Shawarma. On the first Friday of 2018, Jomar and I had our Fridate dinner here. My goal right now is to make sure JT gets to try all the restaurants I have been to during our 2-year long distance relationship. Chicken Shawarma on whole wheat wrap with everything on it. Mac Falafel is a small eatery beside Noodle Box. I think people pass by this joint thinking it's a hole in a wall. They usually go straight to Romer's or Noodle Box or the Japanese restaurant on the right. But this unassuming eatery serves amazing Mediterranean f

Every Christmas our family will have secret Santa. On top of whoever I get for that year, I also give each member of the family a Christmas gift. This year, I was busy with work and moving out of our family home that I didn't have time to think and plan what to give them. Instead, I end up giving them gift cards which I don't really like because it seems impersonal. Hand-Written Cards So together with the gift cards, I wrote a Christmas letter to my parents, three siblings, and Jomar. Therese received a gift card from Sephora and I remember writing how proud I am of the woman she has become and I have no doubt that she will be an amazing lawyer some day. Meanwhile, Hovey received a VISA gift card to buy whatever it is he needs and I told him in my card that he is the most hardworking person I know and whatever career or line of work he decides to do, he will be great. Christmas Cards from UNICEF Lastly, for Alyanna I got a gift card from EB Games so she could final

First, thank you so much to all those who supported my birthday fundraising. I am not sure how much I was able to raise but I am sure that my mom gave $20 as a birthday gift so yay for mom. Second, Jomar arrived in Canada last October 21 and was planning to stay here until November 22 but we've been in a long distance relationship for 2 years now and we've been discussing getting married even before I left for Canada (plus, we got engaged last 16.06.16 (June 16, 2016)) so we decided to elope. October Last October 26, 2017, in front of my family and with the blessing of both our parents, we got married at the beautiful King George Park in Richmond, BC. I got my "garden" wedding and it happened in the most beautiful season of all, Fall. One of the reasons why I decided to stay in Canada is because of how amazing and beautiful Fall is. It's just amazing. We had a simple dinner at Kisha Poppo an eat-all-you-can Japanese restaurant. My mom enjoyed her unlimited

Have you watched the movie "A Walk to Remember" or have read the book? I will never forget one of Jamie's wishes, to be in two places at once. Landon made this happen by bringing her to a boundary of two states (North Carolina and Virginia). Ever since seeing that movie, I thought to myself, I should do that. Dramatic Sunset at the border Last Sunday, my parents and I went to Seattle to buy Jollibee, visit Pike Market, and attend Sunday Mass at St. James Cathedral. On our way back to Canada, there was a long line of cars at the border. Border We were right at the Peace Arch. I told my parents I will go down to stretch my legs and to take photos. I was so giddy since I felt like this is the only chance I have to be at this park. This is from the US side. This is the Canada side. I did what Jamie did, I placed my right foot on Canada while my left foot is still in the US. I was smiling from ear to ear, thanking God for the opportunity to do that.

It's my second Canada Day and Canada is turned 150 years young. Why do we celebrate Canada Day? My brother and I were discussing last Thursday (while watching the Canadian Football League game between Ottawa and Calgary) what's the equivalent of Canada Day in the Philippines. I told him it's the Philippines Independence Day. How come we don't celebrate it back there? As migrants to Canada, how come we (our family) feel this joy and excitement as we look forward to celebrating Canada Day? How come we don't feel the same way back in Philippines? Is this about patriotism? Does this mean we hate the Philippines? On top of head, the only difference I could think of is the way each country celebrates the day. Back in Philippines, there's no fanfare, no parade, no celebration as if indirectly telling Filipinos that this day is just any ordinary day and we're not celebrating anything. Not only that, in the news, you will learn and hear about people p

I have been posting about new restaurants I try but as you can see, I don't post as much about it. Does it mean I don't try new places anymore? Not really. Every Wednesday we have team lunch at the office and I get to pick where we order our food. With so many food delivery application and services to choose from, I end up using DoorDash. I did try to use Pandora once but being unable to add your credit card and getting a 500 error is just unacceptable so we stick with DoorDash. Below is a map of restaurants I am able to try because of our team lunches every Wednesday. Hopefully, I remember to update this map every Wednesday. Do you have any recommendation on where our team should eat next? Comment below!

I write this in the comforts of my home back in Canada. My mom and siblings are all home and busy eating the Goldilocks goodies I got for myself. It's great to be back in Canada! Manila I woke up at 2:00 AM (Manila time) on Sunday and I didn't want to get up. I don't want to leave. It's more than leaving Philippines. It's leaving Jomar and my life here. Alas, I had to face the reality that I have decided to immigrate two years ago to be with my family. with Jomar As we head to the airport, I was quiet. We hugged just outside Terminal 1. The guard told us that there's a section in the departure area where family members and friends can stay and wait. I asked Jomar to stay there while I check in. There was a long line and after checking in I was informed by the lady at the counter that I had to go to the travel tax counter. I walked there and they photocopied my Canadian PR card and gave me a receipt. I didn't had to pay anything. Pinoy Breakf

During my first 12 months in Canada, I visited museums and tourist spots just to get-to-know the country and province a little bit better. I learned about the Aboriginal or First Nations or Native Americans before the Europeans came (the first immigrants). The designs here at the arrival area is inspired by the stories of the First Nations. It reminded me so much of the exhibit at the Museum of Anthropology (MoA) at University of British Columbia ( UBC ). The Legend of the Raven and the Fog Woman This airport and the appreciation and continuous support to remind immigrants on the history of this country is something I really love about Canada and British Columbia. Yes, a pond (but with fake fish) in the middle of all the boutique stores. YVR is inspired by nature. Boarding is in an hour. In the meantime, I will go back to my Code Academy lessons and I might grab a snack from either A&W or Church's Chicken (can't decide yet). Have a great day or night de

I am writing this at the airport while waiting for my flight from Vancouver, Canada to Beijing, China. I have a 6-hour layover in Beijing before my flight to my dearest Manila, Philippines. I am excited to see friends and of course, Jomar. I am looking forward to all the Filipino food that I miss back home. A few days ago, Gordon (CEO of Gumstix ) asked where I was going for my vacation. I said, "I am going back home." I, honestly, did not expect his response, "But this is your home." If you've been reading this blog (I doubt people read this but oh well), you would notice that I have a love-hate relationship with Canada and as much as it has become a home the past almost 2 years, Philippines will always have a special place in my heart. I don't know. Maybe this feeling will be gone after a decade of living outside of the country but right now, all I know is I miss home every day. I read this post from a fellow immigrant (I think she's fr

May is the month of celebration and eating out. Below is a list of some of the restaurants I went to this month. Enjoy! Vegetarian Burgers with yam fries before the movie Harvest grain vegetarian burger with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mayonnaise and pickles, served on a brioche bun with sweet potato fries from Marine Drive Cineplex VIP area Travel the Dumpling Trail starting with Shibuyatei Sushi & Larmen Left to Right: Scallops Gyoza, Pork Gyoza, and Shrimp Gyoza Seafood Pancakes during Mother's Day dinner Seafood Pancake from Dai Jung Kum Old Style Bacon Cheeseburger from Fatburger An all time favourite! Our big, juicy ⅓ lb Alberta Angus beef patty topped with double Canadian Cheddar and maple bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard and red relish with yam fries. Pasta during Alyanna's birthday Italian Feast: Chicken Parmigiana, Cheese Ravioli, and Lasagna Classico from Olive Garden My Fave Soup from Cafe 101 Bakery Sun dried

Completely unrelated to this post but I had to share: It was a longer day at work than usual, especially for a Friday. But the real bummer is when I arrived home my 5-month old Asus Chromebook won't turn on. I tried the basic troubleshooting of plugging it in and hold the power for 60 seconds. I called Asus and I am under warranty for the next 24 months which is great but the repair process takes a week + shipping time AND I am leaving for the Philippines on Friday. So... I will be laptop-less. There, I said it. May is a busy and festive month for our family. We are celebrating two things: Mother's Day and Alyanna's birthday! Let me share with you a glimpse of what we did to celebrate both. Mother's Day Therese is the master planner in coming up with surprises for our parents. We created this Messenger group with just the four of us. She will buy flowers, I will buy the cake, Alyanna cooks breakfast, and Kuya shows up.  Flower delivery arrived a day earlier than

I am, finally, all caught up with my posts and can now share about my adventures this month. White Rock, BC Canada Last Saturday, it was our youngest siblings birthday. We had lunch at Olive Garden (unlimited bread sticks!) and after that we went to White Rock Beach. This is our second time here but it will be the first time for our only brother since he almost always have work during the weekend. Beautiful sunny day at White Rock Beach Lots of seagulls It was a short (1 hour) trip. We walked along the pier, had some ice cream to go from The White Coffee and Ice Cream, and went back to the car since we only paid 1-hour worth of parking space. Long road and view of the mountains from the horizon It was a great day spent with my parents and siblings. I can't wait to go back to the beach and spend time swimming and enjoying the sun.

Last February, I highlighted the snowy winter I have experienced for the first time. This time I will be sharing with you the beautiful pink colors of Spring. I will also dedicate a section for what our family had been up to. Lastly, I will make a list of the new restaurants I have tried this month! Family Highlight It's Kuya's birthday! Unlike, Therese's celebration last month, Kuya (kuya is Filipino for "brother") decided he wants us to have dinner at home. Pizza delivery, home cooked Filipino-style spaghetti, and cake that I purchased from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts near our office. Happy Birthday only-brother! Weather: Spring is Here! Yay! After months of Winter and snow, spring is finally here! Sakura everywhere. Cherry Blossoms after the rain April 5, 2017 7:15 AM Sunrise Cherry Blossoms April 11, 2017 After two weeks... Just like that they're all gone. Summer is just plain green so the next season I am loo