Anyone in the family starts craving food when they hear about what someone else has recently eaten. The next day, after a productive day, we wanted to get some cheesesteak sandwiches and were referred to someone to check out  Charley's Cheesesteak  which was in the same shopping complex we're currently located. Upon entering, you can check out the menu and decide what size sandwich you want or opt for a meal that includes a beverage and your choice of French fries. There are plenty of options if you prefer something other than a sandwich, so you can satisfy whatever cravings you have. I was impressed by the variety of cheesesteaks available—something not many restaurants offer to this extent. The service is fast, and you can enjoy your meal in the seating area, which is clean along with the restrooms. Parking is available outside. Carmina ordered a regular-sized Steak Philly Cheesesteak, without bell peppers and mushrooms, topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayo, along with Fren...

Carmina is traveling to the United States to spend time with her family. My dad planned a family gathering for Mother's Day at their favorite Pinoy restaurant . Since reservations aren’t possible, we arrived an hour early to ensure we could get a table for twelve before everyone else showed up. As my dad approached Isla Grand , the branch we visited in Pleasant Hills, California , the host at the door said they could prepare a table for twelve at five o'clock. Later, the server called my dad's name and guided us to our table. The place was bustling with people enjoying meals and celebrating Mother's Day. On our first visit to Isla Grand, I was captivated by the décor, noticing many native items that gave the place a fancy yet authentic Filipino feel. They usually have a live band, but unfortunately, there was no entertainment the night we went. My family had spoken highly of Isla Grand and encouraged us to try the Filipino dishes we’ve been missing from back home. Lech...

Last year my dad had informed me he will be getting married in Tacloban the place his wife grew up in the Philippines . My dad said he would like all of his family members to attend since they couldn't go to the one in the United States. Carmina booked her flight during Philippine Airlines ’ year-end sale at the start of 2026. I told my dad about my travel plans for a short trip from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19. My cousins also asked for my flight details so they could book the same flight. My dad said he will book my room for me sharing with two family members at  Summit Hotel in Tacloban . Sending me the confirmation booking information for my reference.  As the months went by, before I knew it, the big day had finally arrived—a rare event that doesn’t happen too often. Everything had been carefully planned by my dad and his wife, Tita Cielo. When we arrived, the check-in time was 2 PM, but there was a mix-up with the rooms. Some were ready for check-in, but the one...

It’s not often we get to spend time with relatives visiting from the Philippines for a family member’s wedding. Carmina's father was getting married in Tacloban , and everyone flew miles to attend the big day. On the first day of our arrival, before the event began, my cousin Mariles suggested we have dinner together. Mariles asked if we enjoy eating seafood, and I told her we do. Carmina messaged all the family members Mariles wanted to invite and asked if they were free for dinner. Mariles had informed everyone we'll be having dinner at  Ocho Seafood & Grill  located in Tacloban. My dad arranged for a driver so we could all ride together in a van. Upon entering, Mariles informed all the family members that she had already preordered our meals. The only thing we had to order was our beverages. Crispy Kangkong with dipping sauce Calamaries with dipping sauce Sisig Pork Nilaga   Fish Chicken Inasal   Crab Shrimp Grilled Squid We also enjoyed pinakbet , though I ...

Family was informed by their friends to try  Blackbird at the Nielson Tower  and asked Mom Violy if she has ever been there before. Mom Violy had no clue what it was asked Carmina to look it up and see what kind of food they serve.  Carmina gave the phone number to Mom Violy make a reservation for a family lunch. On the day of the reservation, we arrived early and were allowed to enter before the official opening time of eleven o’clock in the morning. We decided to stay in the lobby, where we were asked if we wanted anything to drink. Carmina took videos inside and learned about the history by talking to the staff. One hour later, people started coming into the restaurant and took their seats at the reservation table, browsing the menu to decide what to order. Our family members were running late, but we didn’t get bored thanks to the friendly staff. More customers kept arriving and placing their orders, and we couldn’t help but glance at their dishes, curious about what ...

Carmina was craving shrimp ala king, but instead of buying it at a restaurant, decided to make her own at home since she already had some ingredients. I normally make bacon carbonara decided to change the recipe around since my main ingredient is shrimp. Shrimp Ali King Recipe Ingredient: 1/2 Kilo - Fresh Shrimp (peel shrimp, remove intestine and head) 1 - Nestle Cream 2 - Tbsp Butter  2 - Tbsp Minced Garlic 1 - Cup Canned Corn (drain liquid) 1 - Knorr Shrimp Cube Black Pepper Salt Garlic Powder MSG (optional) Spaghetti noodles Parsley Flakes (optional) Marinate the Shrimp by season it with black pepper, salt, garlic powder and msg set aside. Cooking instructions: Follow the instructions on the spaghetti package to cook the amount you plan to eat. Sauce Cooking instructions: In a pot, melt the butter over low heat, then add the shrimp. Once the shrimp turn pink, add the corn and garlic, and sauté. Pour in the Nestle cream and mix until it begins to simmer, then add the shrimp cube ...

Carmina will be traveling for the summer, and many people who haven’t been to the Philippines have asked for dried mangoes. Since we live here, we already know which brands taste just right, so the fun part is exploring to find the best deals. Carmina discovered  EM Shop  TikTok online shopping, 7D Dried Mango is being sold for 99.00 pesos per 100-gram pack. I asked about the expiration date and was told it would be in 2027. I purchased ten pieces, which arrived in a box secured with bubble wrap. Most of us prefer shopping online to save on gasoline costs, and the reasonable shipping fees make it easy on the wallet. Details from the back of the 7D Dried Mangoes package from Cebu City, Philippines, including the expiration date. NOT SPONSORED. Check out my channel @ Carmina Lifestyle YouTube  and click on the subscribe button for more videos. Thank you for the support.