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Peking Garden Serves the Best Peking Duck in the City

By on December 13, 2023

At Peking Garden Greenbelt 5 Ayala Center Makati city, we celebrated the 90th birthday of my aunt Conchita with family, relatives and close friends. The fine dining hosted for more than 50 people, we all occupied 5 round tables leaving one table for food platform. The food was served at 7:30 as guests began to arrive as early as 7 in the evening allowing time for conversation and getting to know each other.

Prayers before meals was offered to thank God for our blessings.The birthday music (Chinese version) playing in the background to match the birthday celebration.The celebration brings family members, relatives and special friends closer together on the table, not only on this occasion but to every event. All the guests elegantly dressed in red and that includes me.This kind of gathering serves as a good bonding for us, helps us to strengthen relationship and connections especially to the business group.

For family celebrations, we normally had dinner in a closed-door room to ensure our own privacy. Scent of good food surrounds us, we are surrounded by the aroma of delicious cuisine throughout the evening. No significant Chinese occasion would be considered complete without an abundance of delectable cuisine involved. There was enough food served and mouthwatering. Awesome! It was an evening with a well balanced meal that contains all necessary nutrients. It not a fatty dishes, not even hot or spicy.

The birthday menu checklist, best selection of favorites are rare treats, variety of Chinese dishes contains low in calories and fats. Obviously, an expensive choices. The soothing effect of all seafood is irresistible so with the signature dish, the ”Peking Duck” How else to explain the sight of good food that gives such a burst of appetite.The presence of more favorites gives more excitement to eat. It’a an oriental feast!

Elegant and beautiful setting

Peking Garden Restaurant

The 90th birthday of my aunt is a significant milestone in one’s life, it is frequently marked by a grand celebration. In general, the older the person the larger the celebration.

The beautiful celebrant, Aunt Conchita cutting her birthday cake.

Birthday cheers and singing the birthday song. While the guests were enjoying, the menu goes a long way creating a good mood. The assortment of food becomes the focal point here. The 12 courses meal, a selection of Chinese specialties. You can see from the menu itself. Yum! I love this food, some are my favorites…

Lively look on the table,sparkling and superb! Everything was arranged oriental style. It’s a 12 courses meal for the celebration. Lets get started,this is such a long list of courses up to 12 and one vegetable salad not on list, that makes it 13-course meal all in all!

Vegetable salad complimented the meal. The best starter going to the main course.

Birthday Misua with Shrimp and Mushroom

In Chinese culture, the custom of eating noodles are thought to bring luck and long life so, everybody must eat noodles served for longer life. My appreciation for all courses, I was trying to get a picture perfect for the first course. The first course, it’s a Birthday Misua with Shrimp and Mushroom.

The 2nd course is a Doubled-boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood. It is clear and tasty. Why clear? well, you don’t see any tiny floating particles, totally clean and clear! Winter melon was considered to be healthy, nourishing and cleansing to the body.

For me, a delicious soup is when you bring up the total hotness of natural flavor of seafood and vegetables.

Each round table is good for 12 guests and to every table, one Broiled-Winter Melon Soup bowl each. What a huge and heavy shell. It’s just perfect enough for 12 people. You can see the assorted seafood individual bowl down there, nourishing and full of flavor. The 4 empty wintermelon shell which serves as a serving dish for the soup.

In a small bowl, it is hot and delicious.It gives specific taste as it is appealing.

The 3rd course is Peking Duck, the restaurant signature dish. Peking duck can be prepared in a number of ways. In spite of the variety of specialties, the Peking duck still remains the favorite dish of the night.

In here, it is served two-ways, you can see below as details shown on photos and the other one is Minced duck with Fresh Lettuce.

The crispy skin of Peking Duck with a stalk of spring onion. How to wrap a Peking Duck? Click this link

Cutting the Peking duck breast in thin slices

The clever way of dividing into pieces. Thin flesh of Peking duck carefully arranged in a circular shape following the edge of the plate.

The duck flesh at the center and the crispy skin on the edge of the plate or vice versa.

Strips of Peking duck served with tortilla, stalks of spring onions and Hoisin sauce.

The whole Peking Duck is a special treat for all of us, full of flavor and deliciously fragrant. It’s addicting, once you start eating it, you just can’t stop, you want more and soon craving to eat again.

The 4th course is Deep Fried Almond Prawns.

Prawns breaded with thin almonds.The perfect match.

The 5th course is Braised Sliced Abalone with Vegetables

Pretty Oh so good! The sparkling abalone is tender and tasty. The fresh green color of the vegetables was completely preserved maintaining vegetables green color and nutritive value.

The 6th course is Whole Lapu-lapu with Scramble Egg White

Whole Lapu-lapu with Scramble Egg White served on a big oval platter, looks deliciously elegant.

The 7th course is Sauteed French Bean with Minced Garlic. The only vegetable being served aside from the salad, preserving the fresh green color, it is sweet and crisp.

The 8th course is Golden Crabs with Salted Egg

The 9th course is Minced Duck with Fresh Lettuce

The Minced duck serves with iceberg lettuce cup and Hoisin sauce. It’s an iceberg lettuce wrap.

The 10th course is Steamed Supreme Soup and Pork Dumpling.

Steamed Supreme Soup and Pork Dumpling, something that will suit your taste.

Champagne Moët & Chandon, French champagne appropriate for the event. The world’s most loved French champagne.

Cheers! Happiness and good health for everyone! Long life for aunt Conchita!

The 11th and 12th  courses are desserts; Birthday Bun and Chilled Mango Shake with Sago. I’ve missed to photographed the last one.

Sweet dessert, the Birthday Bun, What’s inside the Birthday Bun? A sweet bean paste.

This is my plate. How good is that? Always on the go for my favorite choice! My appetite grows stronger for food, after the first bite and another bite leads to another bite, there seem to be more…

Bravo ! Highlight of the evening’s entertainment was a special number,violin solo rendition by Jason Gan.( one of Aunt Conchita’s grandchildren) The audience were all quiet as excited to hear the musical piece. Jason’s twin sister a lovely girl, Daniela, check photo above beside Aunt Conchita.

Other photos taken during the celebration. You will see here all the guests who flocked to the elegant and fabulous evening gathering; family members, relatives and special friends. It was a celebration full of laughter and excitement. The birthday treat is a blessing and sign of thoughtfulness. Thank you so much aunt Conchita!

Peking Garden Restaurant  specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine. When we have celebrations, we usually host them here, we are frequent customers at this restaurant, whatever dish was ordered, it was always excellent and the ambiance made you feel comfortable while dining.

I’d like to give a round of applause to all foods served on the list item. I would like to thank the chefs for all the dishes that are offered. Congratulations and Best wishes!

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A Time and Space to Grieve

By on March 22, 2022

The lengthy voyage of battle ended with the appearance of the morning star in the eastern sky, signaling the beginning of a new day free of tremendous anguish and suffering. He didn’t say a word as dawn broke around him. At long last, he knew the way to his final resting place. His death occurred at first light on February 12. It’s been over a month and the pain is still unbearable.

Gene passed away a year after being diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 prostate cancer. His final wishes and requests on his deathbed were spoken with such love and respect for his family that remembering them now is the most sad and hardest thing anyone has ever done. He was aware of his surroundings until the end; it was painful to watch a loved one in this state of decline; I can feel his growing exhaustion; despite our best efforts, I’m not yet ready to let him go; he passed away just two days before Valentine’s Day; we had big plans for the holiday; it’s difficult to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. Saying farewell is the worst.

Dealing with grief is difficult since it brings up terrible memories and recollections over and over again. I constantly feel the need to cry. Whether it takes a year or a lifetime, I will never forget the pain of losing someone close to me. I can’t help but think about the good times we had together in the past, the travels we took as a family both domestically and abroad, his compassion and generosity, his commitment to and love for his family, and the routines of our daily lives. I can feel his gentle touch and his closeness to me, and it makes it difficult to take the next step. I will never get over missing him till the day we are together.

nearby bedside in those final days

This is how devastating the loss of a loved one can be: my entire world feels empty and sorrowful. Going through a rough patch right now, trying to get back to normal while dealing with the pain of loss and other emotions stemming from shock and disbelief. The inability to eat and sleep has wreaked havoc on my health. It’s difficult to start over after losing him; in all likelihood, it will take many years of hard work to get back on your feet.

As time goes by, hopefully the hurt will lessen. God is our source of hope and love, and in Him I put all my trust. God is with us always, even at our darkest hours. To live is to be alive… To properly grieve, I require more time alone. Please give me the strength to carry on, it’s tough to let go. In the middle of my sorrow, I need words of COMFORT and ENCOURAGEMENT to help me regain my footing.

Note:

Sharing my story to raise prostate cancer awareness.

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Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz

By on December 18, 2021

What’s going on here? Day of Love? The baby shower? An extraordinary birthday, or any other day? It will make a beautiful addition to any kind of party. The holidays are right around the corner, making it the ideal time to start new, heartwarming rituals. Commence your own by honoring the people who mean the most to you in this world. The greatest gift you can give does more than you expect it to, and sometimes it happens.

Welcome to the world of Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz

Tempting flavors, smooth treats, and mouthwatering baked goods made just for you. More people enjoy Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz than any other, that fact alone will solve your gift-giving problem this holiday season.

Customizing holiday greeting cakes is an easy way to make your party more memorable. Indulge in the comfort of your own home while shopping for candy and sweets from Ninz. You must pre-order. You can do your shopping online, and then either pick it up or have it delivered to you. Tuguegarao, Philippines

Creative Cake Designs

Kid’s Birthday Cakes

The best custom cakes comes out to compliment your birthday celebration.

Gardeners birthday cake

For the Green thumb, gardening themed cakes is also available. It’s a hearty warm cake for your own passion. So creamy, love at first bite.

Burnt Basque Cake

For fruit lovers, fresh strawberries in the middle of the cake is equally worthy.

Blooming flowers cake

Classic cake with medley of flavors, exciting new treats for family and friends.

Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz

Senior citizen birthday cake

When you’re about to blow the whistle on… the cake that’s noticeably more luscious and velvety in texture. Try it out!

Elegant cakes

Lovely baby cake

Unicorn cake

I just recently discovered her bakeshop on social media, which is also available to anyone and serves as a useful platform for commercial endeavors. I was really impressed by the unique flavor and color combinations that she came up with for the specialized cakes. Every one of us naturally wants to share these happy times with family and friends because it is something special that was meant to be shared, and the holiday season really catches flavor at its peak. The warmth and glow of this season brings forth feelings of goodwill.

Pastries & Desserts

Cakesicles

  Doughnuts 

Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz will remain in the minds of people for a very long time. Inexpensive and flexible! They are able to accept and fulfill orders immediately. All the best to you and yours during this holiday season!

Go cashless, online cake delivery

Inspired by: Sweets and Confectionery

By Nina Cagat

Contact number:  0916 524 0121

Address: Pallua Norte, Tuguegarao City

Visit Facebook Page> Sweets and Confectionery by Ninz

I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. Following the article is a space for readers to leave comments.

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Welcome ”BER” Months!

By on September 1, 2021

It’s the first day of September and the start of what is known as ”BER Months” it marks the beginning of the yuletide season. ”BER” simply means the four months of the year September, October, November and December, Take note > BER at the end of the suffix. The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word ”BER” is Christmas. Philippines holds the longest festive season in the world starting from September to December of each year. what is so special about it? It might be your favorite months of the year, it makes us happy and excited to think of the merriment it brings and the start to create Christmas holiday spirit into your home.

”BER Months” under Pandemic

The 2nd year of the pandemic has been very difficult for all of us, we are still experiencing a global battle facing a common enemy and the blues about cold season approaching. While everyone is at risk to be infected by COVID-19, it’s the time to be more alert and cautious, rainfall varies much more and bit colder than usual, it is considered as health threat as the virus deepens.

Living through a global pandemic and preoccupied with guidelines, How does one celebrate Christmas this year amidst pandemic? Stay safely at home, we might as well celebrate Christmas with only family members as Christmas is always in our hearts so, Cheer up! Let us pray together, spread more love and hope. Stay safe and healthy everyone and May God bless us all!

Wishing you all a COVID-FREE Christmas!

Be a HERO for HEALTH, Get Vaccinated!

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Winter Melon Bowl

By on August 23, 2021

Winter melon Bowl is a vegetable shell and an excellent serving dish for soup. The good thing about the shell, it’s quiet thick and good enough to hold the heat of the soup.

Double-Boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood

This is the internal part, wide and clear white. I don’t see any damage parts.

Complete example of Winter melon shell, Four Winter melon Bowl on the table, wrapped in plastic Cling wrap to support  the whole shell. It’s heavy that needs a support to stand but no signs of swelling at the base.

Two servers carefully ladled in assorted seafood inside the shell and scraped the flesh of winter melon using a long-handed cup-shaped spoon followed by the clear soup to fill each bowl. For our finale, picking a piece of shrimps over the edge of the winter melon bowl.

Peking Garden 4/L Greenbelt 5 Makati Phase 2 Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila serves the best Double-Boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood

You may want also to see the complete set of Double-Boiled Winter Melon with Seafood Soup << Click link above

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Take care and Stay Safe

Goodnight..

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The Biggest Lights and Music Show

By on August 9, 2021

The 9th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

An annual competition among fireworks manufacturers from different countries, it is the most spectacular and prestigious fireworks competition completely choreographed with lights and sound features. The first World Pyro Olympic took place in 2005, keeping the same venue year after year for 8 years and lasted 2018, their final fireworks show at Seaside Blvd. SM Mall of Asia. A sudden change of location the following year, venue was moved to Clark, Pampanga in support of Manila Bay Rehabilitation program.

The host country, Philippines didn’t participate in the competition but performs fireworks vibrant display on the last night. The competition started at 7:30 PM when spectacular explosion of colors and figures shot off from the floating barge and light up the night sky over Manila Bay.

Some pictures captured from different viewing spots, its hard to do proper shoot, it was crowded around my area. Polaris fireworks of China was truly good. So far, it was a night favorite, the best fireworks that I’ve ever watched live.

Seaside Blvd. SM Mall of Asia

March 24, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Note: I really thought I had lost these pictures which I had taken 3 years ago, I found it on my desktop folders hence, my late publishing…

Ok Folks see you next posts.. Stay Safe and Healthy

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Sweet Love and Good Luck 2021

By on February 14, 2021

This year 2021 is a double festive event the ”Chinese New Year” (February 12) and ”Valentine’s day” (February 14), merging altogether sweet love and good fortune to start the year right although this year is a different one because of the existing economic crisis brought by the pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions. The opening to normal life is very slow and uncertain, we don’t celebrate it the way we used to do in the past but It’s safe to celebrate at home with sweet and delicious simplicity.

 If you prefer indoors at least you can move and enjoy more, you can serve at-home delicious dinner or just order out, you can also arrange DIY Valentine craft decors. Safety and health our prime responsibility. When you won’t be able to get-together in all ways, it would be better to send best greetings online and meaningful chat on screen, this would be more meaningful for both parties to be safe.

Wishing you all Happiness and Prosperity, Give Love and be  Loved, ”Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Chinese New Year”

February 12, 2021 is Chinese New Year, the ‘’Year of the Ox’’ it signifies the hardworking trait, this is a good symbol that will help us through the pandemic season, it is also a symbol of spring and agriculture in Chinese art. Ox is compatible with people of rat, snake and rooster zodiac signs.

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Stay Safe and Healthy!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Happy Halloween 2020

By on October 30, 2020

Halloween may not look quiet the same this year for the kids, it would be a different one. It’s a NO NO to a party, NO spooky costume and NO pumpkin carols but still we can celebrate it at home with some spooky ideas.

This year’s theme goes well with a greater sense of purpose in connection with nature, I love gardening, my most pleasurable activity, the most relaxing during quarantine. For my Halloween accent, not so creepy as you think, it’s miniature garden props.  

It’s about time to take a look into my spooky and creepy skull pots, a Halloween indoor planter.

My skull pots are cute decorative pots that can become plants new home, it is good for cactus, succulents and other mini plants.

I don’t like the creepy outdoor decorations like the white ghost, skeletons, zombies and witches that keeps me up at night, it scares me!

How about you? How do you celebrate the spookiest time of the year?

Anyway, Enjoy the fright night!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

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Mid-Autumn Festival / Mooncake Festival 2020

By on October 1, 2020

My greetings to all Chinese worldwide

”Happy Mid-Autumn Festival”

It’s time again to celebrate the brightest full moon of the year, the ”Mooncake Festival also known as Mid-Autumn Festival” it falls on this day Thursday October 1, 2020. In Hongkong and Singapore it is also referred to as a celebration of harvest and ”Lantern festival” Every year on the 15th day of the 8th month of Lunar calendar Chinese countries such as China, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia and all countries throughout East and Southeast Asia celebrated this important event.

Today, fellow Chinese families will gather to celebrate the moon fest with good luck food, family reunion, moon gazing and it is already a tradition to go out in the evening to admire the brightest full moon of the year while partaking their favorite mooncake and it is usually accompanied by a tea. This is also a romantic time for lovers, they usually stay up late to view the dramatic full moon outdoors.

This year 2020 would be a different celebration because of travel restrictions and to practice social distancing, not to gather in groups but still celebration will go on as long as you ‘ll legally take safety measures.

Wishing you all good health and safety!

Mooncake is a sweet Chinese delicacy usually rounded in form contains a thin or thick pastry including the yolk of salted duck eggs to symbolize the moon. The sweet filling is made from red bean paste, mung bean paste, lotus paste to name a few..

Versions of Mooncakes

Mooncake with sesame

Other versions depends on the Chinese country you’re in.

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Hoping for a COVID-Free Christmas

By on September 2, 2020

It’s now the 2nd day of ‘’Ber Months’’ it is running from September-December, it reminds us of the coming of holiday season and countdown to Christmas. What to expect? Is it a spirit to get us even more? We’ll come to that later. At least we now experience a bit cooler weather, we hear Christmas songs on the radio, we usually see Christmas trees and delightful decorations in shopping malls and the fun preparation and excitement to decorate starts but what is Christmas in the year of COVID-19? It is hard to imagine that we will celebrate Christmas differently this year 2020.

Given the concern and restrictions about the Coronavirus pandemic, the reduction of air travelers, it is impossible to think restrictions would be lifted by Christmas. What Christmas Year 2020 would look like? I think, there’s no more holiday shopping, no lucky find in the department store, no more New Year Countdown. At the present time, people are scared to go out into crowds and closed spaces. It is also weird to think that Santa will also wear mask and face shield (personal protective equipment) Can you guess what’s inside Santa’s bag? Is it hand sanitizers, alcohol, liquid gel to destroy the Coronavirus that causes COVID-19? Will Santa have to social distance too? it might be a COVID Christmas and I’m super worried Santa’s ‘’Ho Ho Ho’’ would be Hu Hu Hu…

Expectations from people like me, as an optimist, I’m naturally delighted to what people believe in, it’s a COVID-free Christmas but when you look at your life, something different we look through, the greatest happiness this holiday season is for Santa to deliver vaccine in advance. I think that’s pretty special! Things might not be completely good until there is vaccine.

I’m reviewing my memory list, I’m a memory keeper, I have had a list of old notes from past years, the names of my close friends, colleagues and cousins to share simple pleasures with. I never forget wonderful friends no matter if its COVID or not…

It’s too early to think about Christmas, forget first the frosty decors and the festive tree trimmings, no more planning ahead, no more advance booking to travel, no more Christmas holidays abroad for the family. Other friends, they have to spend Christmas apart because of the coronavirus. Anyway, planning is underway to ensure a safe yuletide season to all. Our presidential spokesperson, Harry Roque said’’ it is still possible to enjoy holiday season in the Philippines. We’ll see, lets pray and hope for the best to come.

Goodnight everyone. Take care. Stay safe and healthy.

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