Family, Food Finds, and Friendly Business Chat at IFEX 2024

The last day of IFEX 2024 turned into a delightful family affair (with a dash of business thrown in)! After a big family event at the Marriott Hotel's Grand Ballroom, my brother Yummytales and I decided to squeeze in a visit to the World Trade Center. What a good decision that was!

IFEX, for those who haven't been, is a treasure trove of all things food and ingredients. It's a chance to discover new favorites and stock up on old ones. And guess what? We stumbled upon a small world moment right there at a booth!

We were waiting for our change after buying 6 Camalig pinangat (we missed this dish so much!). As fate would have it, my cousin-in-law (wife of my first cousin, whom we'd just seen at the Marriott) arrived with my nephew! Turns out, his wife is the seller at the booth!

They sell these unique, well-packaged pinangat for a very reasonable price. They even had a promo: buy 5, get 1 free! I ended up paying only Php 415 for 6 pieces. Bonus: these pinangat have a shelf life of a year if frozen! Needless to say, our 6-pack lasted a mere 3 days. Wish I'd bought more! Yum!!

Their recipe is fantastic. Not just because they're family (although that doesn't hurt!), but because it's truly delicious and super convenient. It can be steamed using a rice cooker or even microwaved (just add some water!).

Next stop? A booth from Aklan selling a variety of baked goodies for Php 499! And guess what? I even got my Php1 change back! ( Some vendors don't give change anymore) This delightful assortment included 1 pack of broas, 1 pack of garlic bread, 1 pack of egg cracklings, 1 pack of otap, 1 pack of biscocho, and small plastic of half barquillos filled with polvoron. They even have a distributor in Metro Manila – perfect for future cravings!

The day wasn't just about shopping, though. We were also treated to some delicious samples from a lovely couple from Tiaong, Quezon. They offered me a small VCO bottle and one sachet of coconut oil, and it seems they were giving them out to other customers who passed by their booth as well. What a generous couple! Thank you ma'am and sir!

Now, onto a different topic related to my business. While at IFEX, I had the opportunity to discuss a situation with Aice Philippines. They had a new reseller right across from our store, and I wanted to ensure fair competition considering our long-standing loyalty since their launch back in 2018. The conversation was friendly and informative, and hopefully, they'll consider the situation.

Finally, a quick shout-out to Ms. Luz Soriano. Unfortunately, it was closing time when we reached her booth, so we missed a chance to say hello. Here's hoping for an invitation to the next CITEM event, Ms. Soriano!

Overall, IFEX 2024 was a whirlwind of family, food finds, and a productive business discussion. It's definitely an event I wouldn't want to miss next year!

The Little Flower Retreat House in Baguio

Baguio's magic lies in its ability to surprise you around every corner. This past trip, I found myself captivated by the Little Flower Retreat House – a stunning piece of architecture that whispered of a bygone era. The day started off peaceful, almost eerily so. On the way to Vanilla Cafe, we passed by an old retreat house. We find the gate open but the compound strangely quiet. We ventured inside, snapping photos of the beautiful facade bathed in the cool mountain air.

The silence was almost eerie, with the grand facade standing tall against the backdrop of towering pines. The lack of people added to the quietude, making the atmosphere feel almost mystical. We captured photos of the building's intricate details, its beauty undeniable.

A statue of St. Francis of Assisi stands tall at the corner. So we'd had some photos taken with the statue as well. His gentle gaze and outstretched hand offering a sense of calm amidst the quietude. In hindsight, the statue's presence might have even subconsciously influenced the atmosphere of our visit.

St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology and animals, is known for his message of peace and love for all creation. His presence at the retreat house feels deeply significant. Perhaps it serves as a silent reminder of serenity, a counterpoint to the initial unsettling feeling.

The Little Flower Retreat House continues to surprise me. It's a place of captivating architecture, a touch of mystery, and now, a connection to St. Francis of Assisi. This unexpected detail serves as a reminder to be present in the moment, to appreciate the hidden stories waiting to be discovered in the places we visit. So next time you're in Baguio, keep your eyes peeled for the Little Flower Retreat House, and who knows, you might just find yourself on a little adventure of your own.

Yearning for the Summer Capital's Chill

NCR heat got you down? Me too. As someone currently residing here, all I can think about lately is the crisp, refreshing air of Baguio. Ugh, how I miss those cool mountain breezes!

Baguio always holds a special place in my heart. It's the perfect escape from the scorching Philippine sun. Just stepping off the bus and being greeted by that cool air instantly washes away the stress and sweat.

Don't even get me started on those cozy nights! Bundling up in a sweater, sipping hot chocolate with a view of the twinkling city lights - pure bliss. NCR just doesn't offer that kind of atmosphere. Here in NCR, it's just aircon all day long, which dries out your skin! 

I miss strolling through the strawberry fields of La Trinidad, the scent of those sweet berries filling the air. And who can forget the amazing selection of local crafts and Ukay at the night market in Baguio? Here in NCR, the ukay shopping options just fail in comparison.

Okay, maybe I'm romanticizing it a bit, but the truth is, Baguio offers a unique experience you just can't find down here in the lowlands. It's a place that rejuvenates the soul and makes you appreciate the beauty of cooler climates 💯 percent!

Anyone else out there dreaming of a Baguio escape? Please comment below and share your favorite memories of the Summer Capital! Maybe we can even plan a virtual trip down memory lane. In the meantime, I'll be here searching for the strongest fan and coldest drinks I can find.