weekendswithmnp

[weekendswithmnp]

Weekend 7 - The Camp N Experience

While our friends and I knew that Camp N is not for the faint-hearted, we still went for it and availed their “Infinity” package (Zipline, High Ropes, Aerial Walk, Freefall, Rappel Wall, Obstacle course, etc.), because we’re always game to try new things (and we’re cool like that) but I think after this "experience”, we all realised what we’re capable of and what our limitations are. 

My favourite activity were the rollercoaster zip lines, but it kept raining so I didn’t take photos. I had so much fun with that I tried multiple times. Pepe was unlucky because he kept getting stuck in the middle and they had to pull him so he can reach the finish line. Boy, it was scary, but for me, it was better than the free fall jump (which we both didn’t try, I chickened out, f***ed me up for sure).

But, I think the most fulfilling moment was finishing the Aerial Walk Level 3. The hardest part for me was getting to the top, because you’re in charge of setting up your harness, and 1 mistake can be dangerous. The level 1 area didn’t help either, because of the rope activities that will make you regret not working out your upper body strength everyday.

All in all, it was a great weekend because we’re all still friends in the end. Haha!

To know more about Camp N, visit www.nuvali.ph and follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Nuvaliofficial) and Twitter (@Nuvaliofficial)

xo, Maria

[weekendswithmnp]

Weekend 6 - First Year, First Time in La Union

It was our first year anniversary, and of course we wanted to do something special, we wanted to go somewhere we both haven’t been to before without sacrificing too much from our pockets, so we decided to go to La Union!

Our original plan was to spend our first year in Boracay, or El Nido, but due to difficult circumstances (hirap magbook, bes), we opted to go somewhere north and travel by land. Our original plan was to book a tour to Ilocos, but we felt it was too pricey if we go with just the two of us (maybe next time with friends). Also, he really wanted to go surfing, and we’ve been to Baler already.

We travelled via Partas Bus Terminal (Cubao) which took about 8 hours, 5:30AM-1:30PM (It was a Friday). I was also feeling really sick which was the worst timing in the world, but I survived (nilaban ko, bes).

We stayed at La Roca Villa Resort Hotel, and booked a Standard Room (P2000/night; good for 2). Personally, I felt that we really got what we paid for, they have a pool, wi-fi, unli-water, delicious breakfast, and cool owners. But what really sold me was the aesthetic of this place. It just looks really simple and pretty.

Since I was really sick and incapable of doing fun things, I just tried to chill and enjoy every moment I have spent with him, and I think I was able to achieve this, I can still honestly say that this trip will still be one for the books!  

Ok, enough of the cheese. It’s food porn time!

Overall, we really enjoyed our time here, and we really can’t wait to go back.

See you next time, La Union!

xo, Maria

[weekendswithmnp]

Weekend 5 - Saturday Night at The Yard

It’s one of those weekends when we try something new around the city. We got invited by our friends to join them in this cool place in Xavierville. It’s basically a “yard” packed with food stalls like those in StrEAT: Maginhawa Food Park and Gastro Park in Kapitolyo, Pasig. It’s basically a food heaven for a matakaw like me.

The place is packed during weekends so it had been quite difficult to get a table, but you can sit in one place and buy anything in the area then eat as much as you would like. The interior was different than others because they have 2nd floors or even roof decks with steel ladders and bridges which reminds me of Home Along the riles, to be honest. 

Pepe and I were still a bit hungover from his birthday celebration so we looked for some comfort food and found it at Little Wondang. We ordered Bibimbap. We also tried the Epicure lemonade.

Here are some of our The Yard Favorites!

Little Wondang (Bibimbap)

The Prawnstar (Prawns!)

Milkshake Lab (PB& Nutella brownie milkshake)

Hong Kong Foodie (Lobster balls!)

Takami (Gyoza & okonomiyaki)

Yet another fulfilling date it was! Hopefully we could go back and try all the other dishes they have.

See you on the next one!

xo, Maria

[weekendswithmnp]

Happy birthday, Pepe! Pepe's birthday fell on a weekday so unfortunately, we were not able to see each other on his day. I've been planning on doing something special for him but I also didn't want to spend too much money on it since we still have a lot to save up for this year. And so, I decided to draw a portrait of him! Initially, I thought about writing him a love letter but I think it would be too cheesy so I guess, the portrait will do. The only problem now would be the portrait's outcome. I haven't drawn anything for more than a year, and my skills aren't that great so I was not optimistic. But then, what's important is the intention right? So I started practicing a week before his day. Weekend came and I still wasn't able to come up with a decent portrait, and the fact that we were together during the weekend made it harder to practice. To cut the long story short, I didn't have the time to practice some more so I gave him what I had, the unfinished practice piece. He made it his profile picture anyways, so I guess he liked it. What do you think? A for effort, yes?

[weekendswithmnp]

Weekend 3 - Holiday Weekends

This is a late post, and as much as I would like to share our Christmas and NYE weekend, it wasn’t as festive as I thought it would be.

I got sick during Christmas eve, and after, which is the worst timing ever, so I wasn’t able to get as much photos and do as much stuff as I normally would during Christmas. Thankfully, Pepe was there for me the whole time alongside my family and we spent it at my hometown in Laguna.

NYE, we weren’t together. We decided we should spend it with our family. Start the year right, eh? We went home to Bulacan on Friday and he went back to Manila right before the fireworks started, and then he went back the next day after.

I went to church, dined with my parents, watched fireworks, sang a little bit at the neighbor’s karaoke, and that was it. I can’t say I didn’t have fun but I think it would’ve been better if we we’re together.

In the end, it’s okay. During these times I learned that there will be moments that you’ll want to be together but the circumstance will not allow it. You’ll have to make a conscious effort to think about your partner’s well-being, and be okay with it because it’s not the end of the world! There’s always tomorrow, there's always next weekend.

We’re just beginning.

xo, Maria

[weekendswithmnp]

Weekend 2 - AUDYO Anniversary at Malate

AUDYO (Adamson University Drummers and Yellers On-line) is Pepe’s cherished brotherhood back in college. They had their anniversary last weekend and he invited me to join in on their simple celebration.

We visited Erra’s Ramen, I think anyone who’s been to Malate should know this place as it is quite famous and it’s always filled with people. We were literally out on the streets with just our tables and chairs! The ramen is super affordable and still delicious for its price range. (MUST TRY: Tantanmen Ramen, with egg. Make it extra spicy!)

Later, we transferred to SuperSix Grille House, another famous stop in Malate (I think it’s been featured in one of Anthony Bourdain’s shows when he visited the Philippines). The owner of the place was really accommodating and even drank a shot with us. Cool guy. (MUST TRY: Spicy Tilapia for pulutan!)

More photos ahead!

Pepe looks so happy with his calendar!

Overall, our weekend had been a bit unpredictable and I didn’t expect things to happen the way they did. I’m not sure if that’s really the way it is with these guys but what I know is that they’ll never leave without having fun!

That’s it! See you next weekend!

xo, Maria

P.S. The next day, Pepe gave me his advanced Christmas present! <3 Can’t wait for the holidays!

[weekendswithmnp]

Weekend 1 - Going Home

I couldn’t think of a better kick-off post than this one. Nothing beats home anyway, so they say. So here goes nothing!

One of our favourite weekends to spend is when we go home to my parents’ house (SO to everyone from SJDM, Bulacan!). We usually just stay at home, watch movies, and eat food until we die, but last weekend was slightly different.

We had to stop by to a nearby Starbucks to get my planner! YAY! We also met with my good friend, Marvin, because we borrowed his bass guitar for Pepe’s Christmas Party. He tagged along for lunch and we also went shopping for a little bit.

We ate at Gerry’s Grill. The food was so good, I got hungry while typing this.

The next day, we decided to cook! We tried out the Hamburger Cup Rice recipe from my favourite Mukbang YouTuber, Keemi! If you haven’t watched any of her mukbangs yet, then you’re clearly missing out!

Finished product! YAY \o/! I think we did a pretty good job despite having little to Z-E-R-O experience in cooking this and also, cooking in general! The sweet soy sauce turned out fine!

After that crazy cooking session, we headed back to our apartment to celebrate our 2nd Christmas party! We had so much fun, we played the classic Pinoy Henyo with my roommates, exchanged gifts and ate lots of food, of course!

… and that was it! This weekend definitely went by fast.

See you on the next one.

XO, Maria~