MeRriEsT ChriSTmAs eVer 2!

Santiagos have this reputation of being outgoing, creative, close-knit, and all out.  This was most visible during the annual Christmas celebration.  This year was done at Kuya Aldrin and Ate Myra's home at Filinvest East.

Tita Beth and Tito Cesar gave everyone matching red shirts, as our official uniform.  It was so nice to see that everyone really wore it!

Food was sumptuous as prepared by the ever reliable nanay Rosie!  She is no chef but she sure can cook up a storm!!! Ang sarap! as in!

My pilyo and makukulit kuyas became our host and emcee.  Laughter filled the place as games were played one after the other.  I won in one of the games!

Joaquin joined in as well and even performed his 'poker-face' routine which earned him giggles, laughter, applauses, and P700! Not bad, and I'm on proud Mama :)  Tito Rc tried imitating Joaquin's dance performance... he got P20! lol lol lol!

Then there was gift-giving and picture taking with Mommy Conse.  Joaquin got tons of gifts!  And after three long years, we get to take a Christmas picture with our dearest Lola :)

Merry Merry Christmas everyone!  Until the next year!  Hip hip hooray for the Santiagos! 

MeRriEsT ChriSTmAs eVer!

This got to be one of my most happiest Christmas ever.  You all know that it has been three years since I last celebrated Christmas with my side of the family, so just imagine how ecstatic I was to learn that I'll get to celebrate it with them this year.

No doubt and no question I was in charge of Noche Buena, so I planned ahead.  This is my family and I'm going to let them feel how happy and blessed I am to have them.  It's a way of saying thank you to them for being there ALWAYS.

I am sucker at keeping a theme (in food that is), so I had to consider what everyone would like... Asian it is.
First, I made Molo or Almondigas soup (don't know which is the correct term though) with hearty sprinkle of Spring Onions and a dash of Sesame oil. Then I made Chicken Terriyaki (yes, I made the sauce from scratch, it was painstakingly laborious but well worth my family).

Since our family friend Bindoy is a caterer, I asked his assistance with the fish, which he steamed with ginger, garlic and in leeks and finished with a light soy sauce. Yummy!  The surprise dish of the night was that of my sister's.  It was the first time she cooked lengua and it was sooooo damn good!!!! It was an instant hit!  I have to ask her how she does it.  It beats all the lengua I've eaten and tasted to far.

For the pork, I made two entries, I made Sweet and Sour Pork and Pork Stew with Mixed Vegetables. Apologies for the lighting in the kitchen, everything seems to be more red or yellow than the usual. hahaha :)

This is not asian, but since I have Asparagus, I wrapped it in bacon and served it as well :) Then Asian, wouldn't be complete without Yang chow (again, apologies for the lighting).

After a hearty Noche Buena, we proceeded with the gift giving

and picture taking :)

Of course it wouldn't be complete without the wacky shots :)

Looking forward to the next Christmas!!!

NOcHe BueNa

After three long years, I finally get to spend Christmas with my side of the family!!! Yey!!! My sister and I will be cooking Noche Buena and I'm quite excited and torn on what will be on the menu.

Menu 1:
-Roasted Bell Pepper Soup with Croutons
-My sister's signature salad
-Deep Fried Cream Dory with Remoulade Sauce
-Slow Roast Beef Shortplate with Peppercorn sauce and Mushroom gravy
-Chicken -- still pondering
-Asparagus wrapped in Bacon
-Potato Gratin
-Steamed Rice

Menu 2:
-Molo Soup
-Thai Beef Salad
-Pan fried Lapu with Lemon Garlic Sauce
-Sweet and Sour Pork
-Salt and Pepper Chicken
-Cauliflower Fritters
-Kimchie Fried Rice

I have 3 more days to think it over. Yikes!!!

HappY 59th biRThday PaPa!

When I was a kid, I really don't understand why most of the grown ups I know hated to have big parties on their birthdays.  I mean that's why it's your birthday.  There should be lots of food, drinks, gifts, and cake!  But as I got older, I realized nothing can make a birthday such a happy day for the celebrant but a complete and healthy family.

We celebrated Papa's 59th birthday starting off by hearing mass at Christ the King Church, (just needed to rant, mass was scheduled at 6:00pm, my dear husband came home at 6:00pm.  I was so upset because I knew my Papa really wanted for the whole family to hear mass together.  We arrived when Holy Communion was about to start), then after which we had a simple dinner at Sushiya Libis.  Papa loves Japanese food, we let him order to his heart's desire, and the three of us working siblings footed the bill.  Just a simple appreciation for all Papa has done for us :)

Happy Happy Birthday Papa!!! Wishing you more, more, and more birthdays to come! You're the best there is and we love you so much :)