Frannywanny

Exactly 29 years ago, our family was blessed with a new addition in the form of a bouncing (or perhaps are jumping) baby girl. Months prior to that, I actually thought I was going to have a little brother so when I met her for the first time, the 2 years and eleven month old me somehow couldn't understand why was she wrapped in a pink blanket and instead of having to call her " shoti" as what I was taught to say, everyone was now correcting me to call her... SHOBE . Meet Pannywanny -- my one and only little sister. Today's her birthday so I'm taking a break from all the food talks and I'd like to dedicate this special entry just for her. A lot of people have told me how amazing it is to see that my sister and I are so close to one another. Yes, it's something I'm really proud of and I'm glad that I'm blessed not only with a sister but with someone whom I can bet a gazillion dollars on that she'll be there for me for the rest of ...

This is a continuation of my sister Pan's 10 must-visit places in Tokyo, Japan. In case you missed the first part, please click here . “Sugoi Japan!” Exploring the Rising Sun’s Capital: Tokyo Prefecture #6 Meiji Shrine Stepping out of busy Harajuku station , it surprised me to find the tranquil Meiji Shrine a stone’s throw away from a highly populated shopping district. The shrine is nestled in a forested area in this bustling location and can be accessed through a massive Torii Gate , a usual symbol of a traditional Japanese gate for Shinto shrines. Beyond these gates is like entering straight into nature and away from the city. The shrine itself is found after several minutes a leisure stroll along a graveled path surrounded by trees. During my visit, I chanced upon a Shinto wedding ceremony taking place in the Meiji shrine with the couple and their entourage in elaborate wedding garments, it was like something out of a Discovery Channel episode. Tokyo has two well-...

For the past 5 and a half years, you have been reading my stories predominantly from just one voice -- MINE. Once in a while, Paul would pop in with his own stories but that's about it. I've never had any other guest blogger simply because I keep this blog close to my heart the same way I probably would with a hard-bound diary. It would definitely take a special person to be able to drop in here and to share his/her thoughts as well. Aside from Paul, there's one person who means the world to me. She has been my food/shopping/pamper-me/movie buddy for the past 28 years (and still counting). People may come and go, friends may drop in and out of our lives but one thing is for sure, I know this person will stick to me like glue simply because we love each other unconditionally despite all the imperfections we both may have.  Dear readers, I'd like to introduce you to my little sister Pan . A big travel bug and an adventurous foodie too! She has been traveling to Japan at...

"Sariwon has become synonymous with serving legendary Bulgogi since its beginnings in 1938. The restaurant was established by grandmother Mrs. Bun-Im Koo from the town of Sariwon in North Korea..." Paul and I truly enjoyed our trip to Seoul, South Korea as we were able to enjoy having Korean barbecue and other delicious Korean dishes for 6 full days. We loved it so much that Paul wants to go back to Seoul soon. I couldn't agree with him more. How can we not fall in love with Korea ? The cool weather, the pretty fashionable dresses, the reasonably-priced items and the endless choices of food. Six days truly wasn't enough and we can't wait to go back to explore Korea some more. It then made sense that we took the family out for an intimate Korean lunch to celebrate my sister's birthday a few weeks ago. Located at the rapidly bustling Bonifacio Highstreet Central , we found Sariwon Korean Barbecue . The restaurant has a very modern feel which reminds me of...

I can still remember watching my sister pack for her one-week trip to Egypt almost a month ago. I remember that aside from reminding her to pack in some jacket and long sleeves, I also told her to make me proud and check out the local cuisine. Well, I was also sure she doesn't need much reminding as she is a more adventurous eater than I am and I wouldn't be surprise if she would bravely try out a couple of exotic dishes that Egypt has to offer. She's back now and with lots of stories to tell. Of course, she proudly told me about all the restaurants and dishes that she was able to try while I listen with much envy. Here's her story which she generously shared with the reader of Yummy.ph on her magical food adventure in the land of camels and pyramids: Egypt: A Welcome Surprise to the Palate