Carmina informed Mom Violy that she would visit her home on Saturday, November 8, 2025. She asked if Mom Violy wanted to go out for lunch and mentioned needing to do some grocery shopping due to an upcoming big storm. Mom Violy suggested trying Crisostomo, a Filipino restaurant inside Robinsons Magnolia. Carmina forwarded the menu for her to choose what she wanted to eat, while Carmina already knew her order. I chose pork barbeque served in a set of three pieces with a vinegar dipping sauce. I skipped rice and opted for lumpiang hubad, fresh lumpia without a wrapper, topped with peanut sauce. Mom Violy initially craved the classic Pinoy paella, but when it wasn’t available, she decided on sinigang na baboy with an extra serving of rice. A family member chose sisig with garlic rice. Carmina enjoyed her meal with Mom Violy and particularly liked the lumpiang hubad , though she kept wondering why it had no wrapper. I explained that it’s called "naked" because it’s served witho...
Now, that you have decided to visit the Philippines for vacation or any other purpose. I will give you an advise what pasalubong (gifts) to give back home and what to buy for your family returning back abroad. If, you have relatives who are having a difficult time raising a family or financially. The best gift to give is not just money, but hand me downs. Filipino people love clothes from designer brands, leather goods and shoes. They love anything knowing it came from another country. You can always give your old phones that is no longer under your phone contract. Don't just throw it away. Filipino people can use it here as long you can put the Sim card. As long it doesn't come from the carrier Verizon. It will be useful. They can just unlock the phone and use the Sim card from the Philippines. If, your old phone are damage and has been soak in water. No problem it can be repaired for a lesser price from your country. Filipino also lo...