Wordless Wednesday #97 | Make A Wish!

My husband turned a year older last Friday,
and though he may be miles away from us, the little man and I
still celebrated his special day.
My son took the honorof blowing the candle in his Dad's behalf. :)

Foodie Goodie | Mer-Nel's Chocolate Cake.

Best. 

Chocolate cake. 

Ever.

If you're  from Los Banos, or a UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Banos) student/alumni, or a resident of Laguna, I'm pretty sure you're familiar with this heart-shaped cake. I know, too, that my claim of Mer-Nel's being the best chocolate ever would go uncontested.

What began in 1996 as a small business to support their family's needs has flourished to become a household name and a very popular brand of cakes and pastries. From a humble little bakeshop, this business of Ms. Merle and Mr. Nelson Balicao (guess where the name Mer-Nel's came from, haha) has grown big, and continues to grow bigger.

Aside from the original store along Lopez St., in Los Banos, Mer-Nel's now has a restaurant and function hall located along South Superhighway, and a branch at SM City Calamba.

Mer-Nel's Place
#65 National Highway, Brgy. Maahas, Los Banos, Laguna. 
+63495361145 +63495364544
mernelsplace@gmail.com

Shared with Food Friday, Food Trip Friday, Heavenly Treats, Yummy Sunday, i Heart macro, Pink Saturday, Blue Monday. 

VDay 2012 | Fly Me to Seoul?

The little man and I were supposed to go on an early Valentines date today, but the weather totally spoiled our plan. It's been raining nonstop since yesterday, and the rainfall is showing no sign of giving up. Good luck to all the lovebirds tomorrow, lol.

Within the next 24 hours, business will be booming for flower shops, cake shops, and courier services. Hotels will be fully booked, and restaurants will be buzzing with dating/married/soon-to-be couples.

I won't be part of the Valentine crowd tomorrow, though. Come to think of it, if my husband was here, we wouldn't be joining the bandwagon, either. My husband doesn't like crowded restaurants, and just the thought of having to wait for seats ticks him off.

For the past nine years (wow, we've really been together this long?!), Valentines for us would be dinner at home (pizza delivery or Chinese takeout) plus chocolate cake from Mer-nel's (home of the best chocolate cake ever!) for dessert. Then perhaps a DVD movie, an NBA game, or a UFC match on the telly after.

Vday 2007, with my favorite chocolate cake. And LOL at my bangs. :)

My husband isn't the kind who gives roses or writes love letters. Roses wither, so he buys practical gifts instead. Last year, for instance, he gave me a 13-piece cookware set as a present. The domesticated wife that I am, was more than thrilled to receive his gift. (Happiness with Teflon pans = signs of growing old, lol.)
And instead of wasting paper on a love letter, he'd rather send me a text message or profess his undying love via email. How's that for being a techie and an environmentalist in one? Haha!

Needless to say, I love my husband like crazy, and I still have a huge crush on him, lol. And yes, I miss him to bits. If only flying to Seoul (you land at Incheon airport, of course) was as easy as getting on a plane to Jeju, I'd be there before you could even say Skin 79 Hot Pink Super Plus Triple Function Beblesh Balm.

If you're reading this Daddy, I know you're smiling in giddiness, bwahahaha! I love you!
Sarangheyo! Nomu nomu nomu bogoshippu!
(That's 'I love you' and 'I miss you very very very much in Korean. No, my husband is not Korean. Haha!)

Sharing with the 366, Mommy Moments, and Wednesday Whites.