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. 

Textbook Rentals | Frugal and Practial.

As graduate of a state university (one of the best in my country, if I may just brag), there were certain times during my college years that I opted for textbook rentals instead of buying new ones.

For instance, the first semester during my freshman year. Despite being a Development Communication major, Math 11 (otherwise known as College Algebra) was part of our course curriculum. Unfortunately, this was also a prerequisite to some of my major subjects, and I had no choice but to take it. Math and I never got along, and back then, I had been pretty sure that once I pass my Math 11, I wouldn't even touch Leithold's College Algebra and Trigonometry even with a ten-foot pole.

Ugh, Math!

So instead of spending lots of money on books that I really had no interest in or will be used for just one semester, I rent textbooks instead. The money I saved from not buying new ones were in turn allotted for other school expenses such as transport fares, housing fees, and food allowance

My three year old will be starting with his School Readiness Program next week, and before I know it, he'd be going to college as well. My dream for him is to graduate from the same university that I did; I just hope he'll be far better than me when it comes to Math.

*This post is part of a bloggers campaign sponsored by Cyber Connect Bloggers. Although I was compensated, the opinions expressed here are entirely mine.

Eager Beaver, Stage Mommy, and The Learners Academy.

Yesterday, the little man and I went to The Learners Academy to sign up for the School Readiness Program. Even before Yue was born, I've already made plans to send him to this school. Aileen (one of my best friends from the company I used to work with) has her first-born enrolled here, and seeing how well-rounded and academically excellent her son is, I had no qualms in entrusting my son's education here either. I didn't even make calls or inquiries with other schools.

TLA believes in YOUR child.

I was hell-bent on The Learners Academy, and even my husband knows it.

You can't imagine how excited I was to finally set foot on TLA grounds. At the back of my mind, I was gushing, "I'm sending my son to school! The day has finally come!"

At Miss Aida's office.

Quietly engaged in these toys while Mommy pays for his fees. :)

"Look, Daddy! I'm in school!"

Of course, this isn't the 'actual school program', but since he's going to (formal) school here in June, it's almost the same to me. I beam with pride just by looking at the 'List of School Materials' that Miss Aida gave me.

Who would have thought that ten years after these photos were taken, husband and I would finally be sending an offspring to school?

Surreal isn't it?

Czjai is a proud alumna of the University of the Philippines Los Banos, while Byron graduated from the Laguna College.

Sharing with Memory Lane Monday, Blue Monday, Orange Tuesday, Wednesday Whites, Rednesday, Mommy Moments, and Happiness Is.

UP Los Banos | Bring Back the Peace to my Sweet Home eLBi!

I practically grew up in Los Banos. I studied there for eight years - four years of secondary school in UP Rural High School and four years of college at the University of the Philippines - making eLBi (a colloquial term for Los Banos) my second home.

Panoramic view of the UPLB campus.
Photo credit: Gari23

Whenever I hear the words 'UP Los Banos', 'UPLB', 'eLBi', or 'Los Banos', a wave of nostalgia always hits me. eLBi has stood witness to a lot of momentous events in my life. This is where I've forged lifelong friendships, met my first love, had my first kiss, encountered my first heartbreak, made solid alliances, built my dreams.

Facade of the old UP Rural High School.
Photo credit: Kat Sulit.

This place holds a special spot in my heart. It always has, and always will.

The UP Oblation.
Photo credit: Kat Sulit

Those nippy mornings when I practically had to drag myself to class (because the weather was not conducive for learning or I was still nursing a nasty hangover), those lazy afternoons when my girl friends and I (I call them my evil sisters) would be the first ones to buy pan de sal from Jericho's Bakery, those late nights spent cramming for an exam, working on a group project, meeting with orgmates, enjoying a concert, strolling around the campus...

My turf - the UPLB College of Development Communication building.

I have nothing but fond and happy memories of this wonderful, little town. Of what once was a quiet and peaceful town.

I said once, because it's no longer the serene hometown that it used to be. A string of heinous crimes over the past few months (the latest of which was last Saturday) has caused unrest among students, teachers, eLBi locals, and even alumni like me.

I am saddened that innocent kids died meaningless deaths, enraged that good-for-nothing evil doers took away their dreams. As a mom, I worry for the safety of the present Isko's and Iska's (that's Iskolar ng Bayan, a term for UP students), and I empathize with their parents who are even more worried for them. I am dumbfounded by the kind of security the UP Police and Los Banos Police provide to the community. And I am flabbergasted and disgusted with the town's present administration, and the physical absence thereof.

It breaks my heart knowing that my haven away from home is now shrouded by fear and gripped with indignation. I demand justice for Ray Bernard, Rochel, Given Grace, and all the other victims of these ruthless crimes. I pray for the grounds of the UP campus and the streets of Los Banos to be safe again. That the peace and tranquility be restored to my sweet home eLBi.

Keep eLBi safe!