Midnight Owl

Hap Chan with Bong

Last Wednesday after doing yoga I found myself craving for comfort food and good company (I spend most of my time alone because of bar review).

It was a good thing my friend Bong was available. I picked him up in UP and then we thought about where we wanted to go. We had a hard time because both of us were starving. We ended up driving to Tomas looking for a place where they serve soup. 

While driving, I remembered Hap Chan, a Chinese restaurant my family used to visit often. I liked their jumbo siopao so much that my Tita would order it for me for take out many a night during exams.

I knew they had a branch somewhere in Tomas but because of deficient brain functions due to starvation, Bong and I got lost. Foursquare however led us to their E. Rodriguez branch.

Hap Chan had been expanding recently and had re-fashioned their restaurant image. As compared to before, their restaurants are now more posh:

Fancy furniture and lanterns

This is just me, but I preferred the overall feel of the old Hap Chan, which was more down-to earth and busy (I miss 'em dimsum carts!).

Both Bong and I ended up ordering their beef brisket mami (P120 for solo serving). Serving size was good, and the soup was good with that comforting umami taste. I like that it was served hot enough. However, the beef was tough and wasn't as tendon-rich as I hoped. Considering that this dish was supposed to be a best seller, I was disappointed.

Bong putting pepper in his soup

We also both ordered their bola-bola siopao (P80) (We're two peas, I know!). I'd have to say, although the taste was still there (Hap Chan siopaos have that distinct taste that I love) It seems like Hap Chan is now scrimping on its ingredients. The meat was not as siksik  as it used to be. Same for the bun texture. The sauce is also more malabnaw now.

Bola-bola siopao

Me and my siopao 

Lastly, I ordered their hakaw (P85). Bong ordered siomai instead. I'm afraid that their hakaw also suffered from their scrimping. There were more extenders than shrimp in 'em. So sad. :( Still tasty though.

Hakaw

In spite of Hap Chan betraying my fond memories of it, Bong and i still had a good time. You can't beat good company :). Also, we were super starving and "Masarap kumain pag gutom". Haha.

Best. Babies. Ever.

My babies are the best. I just had the most pleasant Friday night :). 

Ashley and Patch surprised me with a care package

We had dinner in Zark's where Abbi and Yanna followed

My Triple Threat Burger

Patch and myself

Thank you sooo much babies! You made my week :)

Happy Sta. Rosa Day!

Look who paid me a visit today...

Me and my two best friends, Lovely and Deniece

They drove all the way from Laguna to visit me in Starbucks Katipunan. They didn't have work today because it's Sta. Rosa day. I love these girls! We had a nice time catching up. I super missed them. 

I don't have much time for blogging these days because I'm on double time with my review, but I just had to post this one.

Here's to hoping I'll have time to post the many other pictures in my phone.

Now back to studying.

P.S.

You can follow me on Instagram @missyvalle. Hehe.

I made pancakes today! ^_^

I got a little restless earlier while I was studying Corpo. I just couldn't concentrate. When I would get restless I would usually play a game on my iPad or maybe watch an episode of one of my comedy series, but this time I wanted to do something a little bit more productive. It was around 3:00 pm and I haven't eaten lunch so I decided to cook something.

For some reason, I wanted pancakes and coffee. I thought this would be a perfect match to my study session. I remember we bought a big box of Bisquick pancake mix so I got that out of the cupboard.

Bisquick, milk, an egg, and butter to line the pan

The recipe on the box was for a big serving so I made half of what was instructed. 1 cup of mix, 1/2 cup of milk, and an egg. I used butter instead of oil to line the pan.

One thing I learned while cooking is that butter burns pretty fast. I put the flame on its lowest setting and yet the butter still turned brown fast! I just threw the burnt butter in the sink..

Thankfully, the pan was lined with butter enough so that the pancakes didn't stick. It took me a while to make round-ish pancakes..

 My reject pile :(

I was able to make a pretty pancake on my third try. The key is to not put too muck batter so you can flip it easily. Also, in flipping pancakes, confidence is key! :))

My pretty pile :D

I was so relieved that I didn't burn any on the pancakes. I decided to put Nutella and bananas on them.

I think I did a good job plating this thing, don't you? :D

 Using my camera's "food shot" mode

Mmmmm pancakes with coffee! The perfect study food on a rainy day!

Now back to studying. :)

I finished Tax today!!! :D

Sorry. I'm just so happy I finally finished my first reading on Tax! Wah! SO HAPPY.

To celebrate this moment, I took some time to do my nails:

Happy Missy!

I'm so proud of myself. I can do my own nails now. Also, I can now do my own make up, and even dye my hair! Hooray for DIY stuff! The things I learn during bar review. Haha. 

Okay, back to studying. I have mock bar on Saturday! Also, I now have a JOB waiting for me! :D :D :D

CRUNCH TIME!!!

I'm a spoiled barrister :)

I just wanted to take a break and use the time to express how much I appreciate the support I've been getting from everyone lately.

Bar review is very difficult, and I'm so lucky and blessed that my family and friends make that extra effort to cheer me up or help me out during this time.

Two days ago I talked to my Kuya about how I found it difficult to study in my room because of the poor lighting and my red walls. When I went home after studying that day, this was waiting in my room:

A study light! :D

 Can you tell that it's a bottle split in two? Haha improvised light shade.

Just last night I was studying in Starbucks studying Tax. Ugh. Tax. Oyie was there and he bought me a pastry to cheer me up! Yey!

 Cinnamon Swirl aka Cinnamon keme :D

Paula also dropped by to give me this special playlist she made for me :)

Archs Missy's awesome barrister's study playlist!!!

These are just a few examples of the nice things my family and friends have been doing. I'm so blessed.

You guys, from the bottom of my coffee-pumping heart (because I have coffee blood now), thank youuuuu <3 nbsp="" p="">

Now back to studying. :) 

Lucky day! :)

I try to balance my life this review season, but I can't really spend much energy on anything other than reviewing. As much as I love studying law, it does get tiring because it's all I do all day every day. Fortunately, the monotony of bar review made me appreciate more the little pleasant surprises in my life. Take this day for instance:

I have been lamenting over the loss of my UP ID for the past few months. I have lost my ID twice before (the first one was taken from me by some guy and the second one was snatched along with my bag) but this time, I can't get a new one anymore, because I've graduated already. I was really bummed about it especially because I couldn't get into the special "No ID No Entry" gates.

Imagine how happy I was when I found this baby tucked inside one of my backpacks:

My UP ID

(Song) Reunited and it feels so gooooood... Oh yeah I have my UP ID back! I can get through any gate I want! 

I decided to go out and study today. I went to Starbucks Katipunan. I ordered a tall green tea latte and the barista gave me a FREE upgrade to grande! Yey :D :D :D. I'm not sure if they had a promo or if the barista was just feeling generous this morning. Also, He got my name right1 :D Yey.

My grande green tea latte 

 Free upgrade!

Cris is my law school soulmate. We studied for LAE together, we studied for exams together, and now we are reviewing together. We were studying together earlier when she asked about how to enroll in Music Extension Classes. I was so happy about this because I too wanted to enroll, but my friend who was supposed to enroll with me (Bong) got sent to Davao. I thought I won't be able to this anymore but now I have a new Music buddy! :D Can't wait for next sem!

Baka raw magkapalit na kami ng mukha sa dami ng activities namin together

I feel so blessed today. Thank you Lord. 5 months to go until the bar! :)

Ra Men Oh! with Bong

April 30, 2013

I was having a Japanese craving but I couldn't go far because I had to study. I googled "Ramen Katipunan" and Ra Men Oh! showed up.

The reviews I read were all praises for the joint, so I decided to check it out. I invited Bong to come along with  me.

The place is conveniently located in Rosa Alvero St., the one in the middle of Mcdo and Shakey's. It's at the building where Drew's is. I came there at about 8:30 pm and was worried that they might be closed already, but they weren't. Afterwards I found out that they close at 9:00, but they didn't close until 10:00 that night because customers were still enjoying their meals. Nice.

The place had a mix of modern and traditional Japanese vibes. It was neat, clean, and bright, and I liked it.

The view from where I was seated

They had traditional Japanese tables, I decided to sit here.

You could also opt for their bar (that's what the waiter called it) which has a view of the street outside.

True to all the raves I read, the service here was excellent. The waiters were super friendly and accommodating. When I dropped my spoon, they readily brought me a replacement without me even asking. They evens served free hot tea.

Condiments - Soy sauce, chili oil, salt, and pepper

For my appetizer, I ordered their tofu steak. For Php99, this one is a steal. The silken tofu was perfectly fried and was not oily at all. They didn't scrimp on the tasty toppings. You get three pieces of tofu, which I think is generous enough.

Tofu Steak

For my main meal I ordered the Master's Mix Ramen, which consists of beef strips and leeks and half an egg in shoyu soup. I loved the flavor of the soup - a little sweet, and a lot of umami. For Php99, this one is super sulit. It had generous helpings of beef and leeks. I loved how the egg was boiled. I just wish they served it hotter. Also, I wish it had a whole egg instead of just half. 

Master's Mix

I'm a happy ramen eater!

The perfectly cooked egg

Bong arrived late, Tat around 9:00 p, (closing time) but he was still allowed to order. He had the same type of ramen I had, and he ordered their tempura. He said he didn't like the tempura batter as it was too heavy. 

Bong and his food

All in all though we had a nice time here. Definitely try this place out if you're looking for a budget Jap fix. :D

Thanks Ra Men Oh!

Graduation!