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The Return of the Montemar Tradition

It has been our family's tradition to travel further north and spend Holy Week in Montemar, a beach resort in Bagac, Bataan. This yearly beach trip started way back in 2005. Since then, we have gone back every year even when not all members of the family could come along. For instance, I wasn't able to join as much as I wanted to when I started working in 2008. I was then required to report to work even on holidays.

The Montemar tradition took a back seat when my parents and I went on an Egypt-Israel-Jordan pilgrimage tour in 2011, and when we opted for an overnight stay in Tagaytay last year. A two-year break from Montemar might have been too long for the family, thus the comeback this year.

Noticeably New: The tri-color cloth roofing at the alfresco dining area

It's been three years since the last time I've been in Montemar. Except for a few details like the accent resembling a parachute at the outdoor dining area and the new members-only pool, nothing much has changed. It's still the peaceful beach getaway we have loved through the years.

Beach vegetation. Still thriving.

 

  

Read on for more photos.

Starters and Pasta of Café Mary Grace

You saw the pictures of our family during my sister's birthday celebration at Café Mary Grace. Now it's time to talk about the food!

If you're eating out, but avoiding rice dishes, one of your best options is Café Mary Grace. They have a good selection of sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes.

Mushroom Pâté

The Mushroom Pâté of Café Mary Grace will always be my favorite on their menu. It may take time for me to decide on my main dish, but I'd order a plate of the mushroom pâté right away. The earthy flavor of perfectly pairs with the lightly toasted slices of baguette.

Mary Grace Caesar Salad

We also ordered Mary Grace Caesar Salad because our family loves having salad. My father always makes sure that there is at least one vegetable dish at the table. I don't think you can ever go wrong with caesar salad. Mary Grace adds more texture and flavor to the traditional caesar salad by tossing in slices of chicken fillet.

Props to my family for making me eat caesar salad! It was actually my sister, Sheryl (How apt that I'm brining this up!) who made me eat it the first time. I can still remember the first caesar salad I ate was from California Pizza Kitchen. How can I forget? It's a food milestone for me! 

Leek and Saffron Cream with Fillet of Cream Dory

I've already tried Café Mary Grace's Chorizo and Green Olive Pasta and Spanish Sardines and Olives Pasta (which inspired me to make own version - Fusilli Sardines Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes). Both pasta dishes are superb! I wanted to discover a new dish that I can recommend. I went for Leek and Saffron Cream with Fillet of Cream Dory. I rarely try fish and pasta combination, but I can say it was really good. The fish was flaky, but still moist and the hint of lemon gives it an additional zest.

I had a cup of brewed coffee after. Too bad I couldn't take in not even a piece of their brownies. I've tried them before though and I tell you, a piece is not enough!

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My Sister's Birthday Celebration at Café Mary Grace, TriNoma

My Sister's Birthday Celebration at Café Mary Grace, TriNoma

Happy Birthday, Ate Shé! Make a wish!

My sister, Ate Sheryl, turned a year older last Sunday. Right after Church Service, we had (late) lunch at Café Mary Grace in TriNoma to celebrate. It was just a simple gathering with family. Unfortunately, we were not complete. :( Nevertheless, it was a good day!

The B Family

 Read on to see more pictures

Saturday at Makati Shangri-La Hotel

Since I got nothing better to do last Saturday, I decided to spend the day with my sister's family. They were checked in at Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

I took plenty of Instagram photos and I just wanted to compile them in this entry.

The view from the lounge

 

Lobby of Makati Shangri-La Hotel

 

Sarah Elizabeth's Christening

Sarah Elizabeth, my youngest niece, was last baptized Saturday at the Parish of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Twin Hearts) and I'm glad to be one of the godparents once again.

Just want to share with you the pictures. Most of them were taken by my cousin, Jobert.