I hear WEDDING BELLS!

So I have been a bit MIA lately because my mind has been so preoccupied lately, but in a good way! And why you ask? Well, my boyfriend finally proposed last Feb 8, 2015 (SUNDAY). I guess I could say then even until now, I am still in CLOUD 9! Hahahaha.

What started out as an advanced Anniversary Date (we just celebrated our 2nd Anniversary the day after VALENTINES) ended with an unexpected proposal... something that brought me to tears!

Selfie while stuck in short traffic. Totally clueless.

I have always known Mark to be romantic and full of surprises. But really, I never expected he would pull off such a beautiful proposal. What even shocked me was that my close friends slash officemates (who are boys, by the way), my sister, bestfriend and my soon to be sister in law were all there... apparently, they were asked by Mark to help him with his proposal.

I can't give a total play by play of what happened. But I'll try with the help of pictures. =)


Picture on top (set up on Jack's ridge) more on that later

Brunch at Pancake House at SM Ecoland - the place where we first ate together back in early 2011.

BTW check out our Shirts. M for Mark, A for Athina =)

After SM, went to Jack's Ridge for an after brunch drink.

While Mark was stalling me, these people (family and friends) were setting up the place

L-R: Dave, Reymond, Louie, Kitin, Katrina and Kezia (Lee took the photo)

Mark showed me a video (which I will link later via VIMEO) and then he blindfolded me and carried me to someplace that I couldn't even determine where. (because I was blindfolded, duh)

I was honestly scared because I had no idea where he was taking me. Kidnap??? ahahhahaha. And it was scorching HOT by the way!

when we reached the top, my blindfold was removed and I was surprised to see that it was my sister who took it off. I looked around and saw familiar faces. I started to cry. Then Mark, from the heart shaped from flowers, came up to me with a bouquet. And he knelt down and popped the question.

VIDEO!

I don't know if you could tell from the video that I was really shocked and happy. I was crying like crazy! I did not expect that at all! Mark was able to pull off this proposal perfectly with the help of friends. I just love them and of course, I love him. Obviously I SAID YES! hahahaha


Like what I said earlier, I'll link the whole video Mark made for me and this already includes the actual proposal. The video was so beautiful he even pulled a few strings to include friends and family from abroad. I can't really explain in words what's in the video but if watched, it would be understood as it is.

CLICK HERE!

Thank you guys for helping Mark and for the experience of a very beautiful proposal. =)

oh and thank you Jack's Ridge :) that place will always be memorable :)

=)

Mark and I will be busy in the next coming weeks preparing for our wedding. 

So I guess there will be a lot of wedding related posts from me from now on. Haha!

XOXO,

AVI

OOTD: Batwing Minty Green and Blue-ish on Chinese New Year.

 I know I should have worn red since it was Chinese New Year. But I didn't have any good red blouses on the rack. So went for an outfit with the colors mint green going to blue... oh and a bit of gold there too. 

So I opted to wear something comfy since Mark and I ran a few errands that day.

AOTD 

details

Batwing Top bought online, Faded denims from NCCC Department Store, small tote bag from Bangkok and Glittery Blue Shoes from MKNY (Abreeza dept store)

XOXO,

AVI

Laag Time: Felcris Centrale

Mark and I decided to check out what's inside Felcris Centrale a day after it opened last February 18 and the day after happened to be Chinese New Year so we had no work and had a whole free day to ourselves (well we ran a few errands but that's another story). Anyway, I think that was just a soft opening as it's still looks empty inside and there aren't that many stores yet.

Some Pictures that I took inside Felcris Centrale.

So there was this mini museum downstairs that showcased a few artifacts (?)

ground floor view. still a bit empty 

CD-R King at the second floor. Why am I not surprised? They are everywhere and in demand =)

Second Floor - still looks a bit empty but they have a few shops and I even saw a dental clinic somewhere too

Where's the letter "N"?

This elevator has two doors. Both doors of this elevator can actually open simultaneously if somebody also pressed the button on the other side. 

more on the mini museum

what's downstairs at the outdoor atrium. I saw Aling Fopings halo halo being sold there along with other satellite shops

I told Mark that this was my new favorite go-to place. I like the ambiance - kinda reminds me of Ayala Cebu but of course, Ayala Cebu was much bigger. I also like the fact that they have Mandarin Tea Garden there (one of my favorite restos, btw). Although there aren't many stores yet, I'm sure this place would really click among Davaoeños. So don't be surprised if you see more of me in this place. Hahahaha. 

Felcris Centrale is located at Ecoland, Davao City - almost right in front of LTO Davao.

XOXO,

AVI

Search for the Perfect Vday Gift

This is not a tip post but rather, I am writing this because I have absolutely no idea what to get my super dooper amazing (In case you read this, which he does sometimes. haha!) boyfriend, MARK, for Valentines Day!!!

So Valentines Day is just around the corner and my head is totally blank as to what to give him. I remember two years ago I got him a Purple Shirt that was a bit big for him. Last year I got him a... wait a sec... I forgot what I gave him last year! Uhmmm.... ahhhhh... Yeah now I remember, I bought a small jar, filled it with peanuts and nips, typed and placed a sticker that said "I'm nuts about you, Mark". I got this idea from my friend, Iris. I asked permission, of course. So yeah, I do have my cheesy moments sometimes. 

February 14, 2014

Aaaaand it's that time of the year once again and I am clueless as to what to give him. I actually thought of baking him something... but the last time I tried baking, it was no good! Even my dog wouldn't dare eat it and my dog wasn't the type of dog that was picky (He's an Aspin, by the way). He would eat anything except that so-called "butterscotch" that I baked. So that's a no-go for baking.

Buy baked sweets instead? I saw a bunch of people selling sweets online. Now these are the real bakers. However, some of the sellers are just way overboard! I don't get it. They aren't even paying taxes and yet their prices are sometimes even more expensive that the ones in the malls. After this silent rant, I remembered that Mark isn't really a fan of sweets like me. So "x" to sweets.

A scrapbook full of pictures? hmmm it would be a nice idea. But honestly, I just don't have the time. Plus, I'm not really an artsy type of person. 

Flowers? A girl giving a boy flowers. Not bad... but I don't think guys appreciate getting flowers the same way as girls do. So... meh...


Couple stuff? Like matching watches or what? Uhm... I think I can consider this one. But the problem is pulling off the NINJA MOVES. Whenever I go to malls or where-ever, he would always come with me. So surprising him would be a problem. Shop online? Hmmm... *wink*. One ninja move that could be done!

Somebody... anybody... please throw me some ideas! I'm trying to win Perfect Girlfriend Ever award here! Hahaha kidding aside... ideas are welcome.


Mark, if you're reading this (which I know you do, sometimes. haha!), I'm really having a hard time with your gift. Can you accept a lifetime of unlimited hugs and kisses instead? Pretty please?! Haha!

And if he says hugs and kisses would be fine, what's it gonna be for next year? I guess I'll cross the bridge when I get there.

Advance Happy Valentines Day!

XOXO,

AVI

Random Act of Kindness (RAOK) - 02/04/2015

I have a perfect excuse as to why I barely touched my food today. I have an annoying mouth ulcer (singaw) and it hurts every time I chew something. Argh! I really wanted to eat the delicious BIHON I ordered from my officemate's mom.

I decided to give it again to someone who hasn't eaten yet. When I went outside the office, lo and behold! I saw the same guy that I gave my palabok to a couple of days ago. 

Where is this guy's family? My heart aches every time I see him sleeping on the sidewalk :(

XOXO,

AVI

Food Trip: ESPETADA (House of the Hanging Chicken) at Obrero, Davao City

Last Saturday, my sister, Kezia, Mark and I decided to eat at Espetada after Mark's training. We discovered ESPETADA - House of the Hanging Chicken when it was featured in one of the episodes of KAPUSO MO, JESSICA SOHO in GMA. Mark and I immediately included it on our list of restaurants to try. We were, however, quite curious with this one so we allowed it to overtake the other restaurants that came first on our list. Haha!

Just to give you a brief description of what an ESPETADA is, an ESPETADA is a Portuguese dish usually made of large beef chunks rubbed in garlic and salt, skewered (barbecued) onto sticks and then cooked over hot coals. The one here in Davao made a little deviation and used chicken instead.

THE PLACE

This is what the place looks like from the outside

Part of the Menu posted on the wall

He's the one who cooks the skewers. Nice guy, by the way.

Menu. Not so clear picture.

Drinks. Funny names though. Haha.

This is the whole place. Small but cozy.

I love how their mirrors give fun compliments :) Fabulous? Me? Oh Stop ;)

THE FOOD

Appetizer: The staff suggested we try their appetizer called Cheesy Cheesy - Php 70 - Good thing we did! Aside from cheese, it had sort of garlic and cream flave in it. It was yummy and one order was good for 2 to 3 people

This is what my sister ordered: Beef Kebab (2 pieces) - Php 75. I also took a bite and it was pretty good as well.

The rice has butter on top of it to add flavor to the whole meal.

AND OF COURSE... DRUM ROLL PLSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.....

CHICKEN ESPETADAAAHHHHHH

THE CHICKEN ESPETADA (Php 100) comes with rice already - this can be ordered spicy or just regular. Ours was spicy and boy was it GOOD!!!! Also had a few sides on the plate like potatoes, corn, carrots, etc... to add oomph to the meal.

Did I like it? YES! Am I coming back? YES! Would I recommend it to others? That's why I'm blogging it. I definitely recommend this place. Now just take note that the place isn't airconditioned and it is quite small but I guarantee that it is definitely worth it. Food? EXCELLENT! Loved the foodie experience here.

Oh and the place isn't open 24/7...

SEE YOU!!! =)

ESPETADA - HOUSE OF THE HANGING CHICKEN is located at Sobrecarey Street, Obrero (along Blue Carabao Eatery)

So Espetada, expect that you'll be seeing more of us. ;)

XOXO,

AVI