Like I always say, filipino food is at the bottom of my favorite food list. If I had my way, it would be japanese or chinese all the way -with the rest of the international cuisines following suit, but filipino food is still last haha. Sorry.

On this occasion though, I didn’t mind it so much because: 1) We were celebrating Erika’s birthday & she LOVES filipino food, according to ate. Naturally we HAVE to make her happy on her birthday! <3 2) We were going to eat in chef Florabel Co’s upscale & sosi Crisostomo restaurant -so the food will definitely have a twist or fusion. 3) I googled it & they have the most imaginative & fantabulous names on the menu -which tugged on my playful side! ;P (Crisostomo, as in Crisostomo Ibarra. The lead in Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere novel.)

Because we are a family who LOVES (nice) surprises -giving & receiving! I got some festive balloons to greet Erika for when we meet up. Erika is from Bohol & it’s her first time in our part of town & I want her to feel our warm NCR-southern hospitality. ;P She’s also one of ate’s very first friends in college so we have a soft place for her in our hearts. And did I mention.. We (o sige na nga.. THEY) are having a SLEEPOVER yay! m/

My babyson is so nice, he carried all 10 balloons for me! <3

The balloon says it all.. Happy 17th Birthday, Erika!!! <3

Waiting excitedly for the dalagas to come..

Obviously, we were the first customers haha. Lagi naman!

Erika finally arrives! m/

Sisig Linares 250 php

Erika’s favorite, Bistek Pelaez 795 php

Garlic Rice 65 php each bowl. (7 bowls -gutom kami haha!)

Don Maximino (spicy crispy pata) 550 php They have a non-spicy version. But this.. THIS I LOVED! <3 The balat was so deliciously thin & crunchy. The laman was soooooo tender. GRABE! <3

Binan (Tuna Belly) 800 grams, 1,400 php! But sooo worth it! -not dry at all!

Gising Gising 220 php

Sinigang ni Kapitan 430 php

Group picture for posterity.

and.. here comes the surprise birthday cake!!!

Happy birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you. Happy birthday, Happy birthday. Happy birthday to you!!!

Don’t forget to make a WISH!!!

Ube Macapuno cake.

Iday (suman with chocolate fondue) 180 php

and look! a bird dropped by to bring my bill haha..

My sobrang gasgas mastercard! :'((

I hope we made you day special, Erika! Happy birthday, may all your dreams & wishes come true!

PS – A stolen shot of their sleepover!

Nag-karaoke ang mga inday! ;))