Mommy Pehpot, Author at Mommy Pehpot

Pork Steak with Mushroom Bits Recipe From GMA’s Sarap Diva with Regine Velasquez-Alcasid

As promised, here is the Pork Steak with Mushroom Bits Recipe prepared by Regine Velasquez-Alcasid from GMA’s Sarap Diva episode.

PORK STEAK WITH MUSHROOM BITS

INGREDIENTS:

1 kg pork steak, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup soy sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp ground paprika
2 tbsps Jolly Canola Oil
2-3 tbsps chopped garlic
2 cans Jolly Button Mushroom Whole, cut in half
1/2 cup red wine
2 tbsps butter
garnish with some toasted garlic and chopped parsley
PROCEDURE:

Season pork steak in soy sauce, salt and pepper, set aside.
Preheat a pan with some Jolly Canola Oil and cookthe pork cubes until slightly brown in color.
Remove from pan. Toss in the chopped garlic and Jolly Button Mushrooms. Saute then season with some salt, pepper and ground paprika.
Deglaze with the red wine then simmer until sauce is slightly thick.
Mix in the cooked pork and cold butter.
Transfer to a plate then garnish with some toasted garlic and chopped parsley.

Now that everyone is trying to get back in shape after the holidays, the easiest way to start is to be mindful of how daily dishes are prepared. Start the year right by using Heart Mate Jolly Canola Oil that’s “Better for the Heart, and Better for the Budget!”

Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil is exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corporation. It is available in all major supermarkets nationwide. Learn more about Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil at www.flyacecorp.com.

Fly Ace Corporation is one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the country today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of the world closer to Filipino homes, Fly Ace Corporation’s portfolio of food and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands. Learn more at www.flyacecorp.com.

Who loves mushroom on their dishes? Share your favorite mushroom dish! Will you give recipe a try?

That Year Ender Experience At Widus Hotel And Casino

Yes, this one takes the cake..

Of all the calendars I received, this one takes the cake. It is where it should be, to always remind me the year that was and how awesome it has been.
A photo posted by @mommypehpot on Jan 20, 2015 at 1:03am PST

The year that was.. amidst some disappointments, a loss and some downs, 2014 was an awesome year. We got our 2nd car.. our dream car nonetheless.. and another dream came true (which will materialize mid this year.. or earlier! hopefully!) Also, that year was all about travel. We’ve been to many places.. explored Laguna, braved the Bataan mountains, and even drove as far as Vigan!! But as I said, this one takes the cake: A night at Widus Hotel And Casino arranged by one of the agencies that I really love (OK, hashtag bloggingperks).. it really is a perk, I got to bring my whole family.. that’s not always the case when it comes to “travel blogging”. Most of the times, you’re only allowed a bed (or a small room) but not a family junior suite. Did I just mentioned suite? Yes, one that boasts of a 43.5 square meters floor area room (it’s even bigger that the first floor of the house we’re renting! woohooo!). A Family junior suite that was perfect for us, a king sized bed, one single bed, trundle bed in the living room (yes it has one) and a mini kitchen! I must have been very kind the whole year (not bashing the copy paste bloggers and not bashing the people who’s not aware of the BCC) that I got this kind of reward.. nyehehe Actually, I was a bit worried the Mister would not agree with the trip.. but since it’s way down North (the magic word is NLEX!) he willingly obliged!

Checking in like a real bakasyunista. #satimoments for Widus Hotel A photo posted by @mommypehpot on Dec 16, 2014 at 11:59pm PST

After a long drive, a very warm reception area greeted us.. it would seem like it was Baguio (the abundance of Pine Tree and the warmth in the hotel) but naaah this heaven is nearer, Widus Hotel And Casino is located in Pampanga, 5400 Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone, to be exact. Please indulge with our #SatiMoments photo

Excitement builds up when we passed by the pool area on our way to our room (located at Tower 1). As of the moment, Widus Hotel has two towers for accommodation (function halls not included) and they’re expanding! Also heard, they’ll add more amenities aside from Gym, Spa and Sundry Shop that’s already in the hotel.

Oh! Our room! Really big.. and cozy.. and I’m out of words.. let the photos do the talking:

And to excite my kids more, our room is right in front of the swimming pool, few floors up, actually..

As soon we’re settled in our room, we changed clothes and excitedly head on to the pool (while the husband plays at the casino, yes Widus have a casino!)

There were two pools, the big one (first swimming pool photo) and the smaller one (second swimming pool photo). The pool was only 4 feet deep so, I was relaxed the whole time.. that is a big statement from me. RELAXED (so thank you again Widus Hotel for that experience).

Our food during our stay was superb! Dinner was prepared by Salt’s Executive Chef Johnny Rodriguez. Salt Restaurant is home to Widus’ culinary adventure offerings. And the name sits perfectly, a seasoning used in all kinds of cuisine, Salt offers all these kinds of dishes; Asian, Korean, Hongkong dimsum, Japanese, Italian, Western and Filipino.

This is what we had for dinner:

I am not a wine drinker, but with the many kinds of wine presented to us, I can’t help but taste a few. And the wine compliments well with the food! But my fave is the Lychee Martini!

It’s a five course meal (if I am not mistaken) and it’s a dream come true for my two older boys.. nyay! not the wine.. this kind of dining. They’ve been asking me to treat them to a fine dinning restaurant… and here we are! Yey!!

After dinner, we had a few laughs (and them drinks.. moments like this, I question my DNA for not being that alcohol resistant! HMP!) at Prism Lounge. Every night, local bands perform at Prism Lounge.

Then me and husband had our “moment” at the casino. It’s a first for us..the casino and leaving the kids at the room. It’s a sign, we’re aging and they’re growing. You’re curious no? Yes, we won a few bucks.

Which reminds me, Widus Hotel’s Sundry Shop offers some basic necessities (toothbrush, soap, shampoo and the likes) and basic luxury.. that won’t let you sleep at night. Like the Michael Kors Cynthia Logo Satchel I saw. That night, I said, if the will win again, I’d buy that bag.. and he did the next day.. exact amount as the price of the bag. I chickened out. Now, I feel so sorry for myself.. I should have bought that bag! There’ll be next time, I have faith.

If dinner was sosyal, breakfast was relaxed.. al fresco dining!

Please notice my collage and how big the part where the bacon is.. because that breakfast is all about the bacon! Baked bacon! This is by far, the best bacon I had!

Our Widus Hotel And Casino experience ended with a gastronomic delight.. authentic Kapampangan cuisine! That sisig, that’s the best!

Bloggers For Hotel Widus (with Salt’s Executive Chef Johnny Rodriguez)

FYI: WIDUS is pronounced at WITH US.. kinda something like Stay Widus.. Have Fun Widus.. Play Widus and so on..

Another FYI, Widus Hotel And Casino is rated Deluxe Class by the Philippines Department of Tourism. As per TripAdvisor.com, Widus Hotel & Casino is chosen as one of Top 10 Hotels for Families (Philippines) 2014.. See? This hotel is everything a family can wish for a stay-cation!

FYI #3 Widus Hotel And Casino dedicates a place for events called Widus Convention Center. It offers room for meetings, conferences, seminars and weddings and any party that you can think of. They have a mini theater like conference room, a room that can accommodate a lot of guests (as in a lot!) . The convention center is equipped with state of the art facilities. Function rooms have specialized mood lighting, motorized projector screens and LCD digital display signage.

FYI #4 WIDUS HOTEL AND CASINO (go check the site for more photos) Info:

Address: 5400 Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines 2023

Telephone Number: (+63 45) 499 1000 Trunkline: (+632) 584 4091 Fax Number: (+6345) 499.0979

MANILA SALES OFFICE:

Address: Unit 2311 Cityland Herrera Tower, 98 V.A Rufino corner Valero St, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines

Telephone Number: (+632) 840.1430 Fax Number: (+632) 840.1429

5 #FunBrushingTip For Hapee Tooth-brushing!

It would have been easier if she goes to school everyday, brushing was a part of her morning routine. The recent “vacation” put us out of track again… yes, another vacation just a few days after the long Christmas vacation. Tell me, I am not the only one who’s still picking up the pieces (or getting back on track and on shape haha). It was never an issue but recently, we’re having a hard time with brushing. Sati’s the kind of girl that you cannot push, no amount of angry tone or bribing can make her brush if she does not like doing it. And she’s only 5! She already knows how to trick me, keeping me entertained until I forgot that she hasn’t brushed her teeth yet. Witty Girl!

But this mom is smarter than she is! Thanks to Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste’s fun and exciting dental tips, brushing would be more exciting for her!

The first tip I got from Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste Facebook Page is this:

GIVE HIM A CHOICE – Allow him or her to choose his or her own toothbrush, and toothpaste flavor. A colourful toothbrush, an attractive packaging and a fruity flavor for toothpaste like Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste will add excitement to every brushing time.

Bakit hindi ko naiisip to? Yes! Give her a choice! This little girl likes that so much. She finds peace knowing she have a say on things. Remember how she meticulously planned her 4th and 5th birthday party? As Hapee puts it, an attractive packaging and a fruity flavor can seal the deal.

And from the seven flavors Hapee has to offer, she asked for Strawberry Bloom with Dora Design. Anything with Dora! Sorry Elmo!

Tip number 2 (still from Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste): Sing along!

Brushing should be 2 minutes, we already know that and singing along makes that 2 minute a little shorter and more fun.

Some nursery rhymes for brushing teeth:

Row, Row, Row Your Boat (repeat 10x)

Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream.
Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream. If you see a crocodile, you have to scream.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star ( repeat 4x)

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Twinkle, twinkle, little star How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky
Twinkle, twinkle little star, How I wonder what you are

Rain, Rain, Go Away (this song is really short, like 10 seconds only, so you need to repeat it for 20 times! TIP>>>think of 20 people that wants to play!)

Rain, rain go away Come again another day. Rain, rain go away Little (name of the child) wants to play.

Itsy Bitsy Spider (repeat 10 times

Itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout Down came the rain
And washed the spider out Out came the sun and dried up all the rain
And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again

5 Little Monkeys (Just finish the song until no more monkeys are jumping on the bed and you’re done with the 2 minutes!0

Five little monkeys jumping on the bed One fell off and bumped his head
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said: “No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”
Jumping on the bed! Jumping on the bed! And falling of the bed!
Jumping on the bed! Jumping on the bed! And falling of the bed!

But for those who can’t sing like me.. tip number 3 is more appropriate: Brush with her

because for her, everything we do together is FUN! #funbrushing #dentalhealth
A photo posted by @mommypehpot on Jan 20, 2015 at 12:18am PST

This little girl is obsessed with me. It’s best to tell that part in person, and show how she makes gigil to me. And she’d do anything I would.. one of the reason why I am wearing dressy clothes lately and being girly more than I used to be.. and the excessive skin care routine that I am obsessing (yes, partly, it was to set a good example to her.. and partly, I am planning to stop the time). I am losing track, yes? Ah back to brushing. It would help if I brush with her. Moms with daughters, have you tried that technique? How effective it was?

#FunBrushingTip number 4: Don’t be too hard on them. If they missed a spot, do not make a big deal out of it. Yes… sometimes I pushed her too hard… must stop doing that. I am not like this with my boys.

As expected, your child won’t be as good as you when it comes to brushing. Don’t stress over when he misses some spot. The more important thing at this stage is to make brushing a fun habit with Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste and its cute cartoon characters. With practice, he’ll improve sooner

Lastly, Encourage them, praise them and make a big deal out of brushing.. dental care is big deal! Hence the lengthy post LOL (ang mahal ng dental fee no!)

They say it takes 2 months to form a habit.. but even after 2 months, I would still be checking on her from time to time (just like I did with her older brothers). I know that with the right brushing tools like Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste, she’ll be saying hello to “Hapee-ier” smile and say goodbye to cavities. I can’t wait for the moment na sya na ang mag papaalala sa akin na it’s brushing time.