Back in Winter Wonderland

Hello! I actually can't believe it, we've been back for three weeks already -- and I only got to blog now!

Picture taken last December 12, 2015

As expected, we are still in the adjustment phase. Nathan and I stayed in the Philippines for four and a half months so we kinda got used to life there.

Nathan is very difficult to handle now. Ever since we came back, he's been extra clingy to 'momma.' He only wants to be with me to the point that I can no longer do anything aside from taking care of him. And although he's already close again to 'dadda,' he still couldn't go anywhere nor sleep without me. Haist!

Oh well, enough of my "complaints." Basta super happy na rin ako because at least I am back in winter wonderland. Promise, I love love love the cold! Ayoko na talaga ng weather sa Pilipinas.

O siya, basta I will find time to blog -- that's one of my new year's resolutions. Please bear with me.

One week to go!

Whoaah! I couldn't believe it, Nathan's barnyard bash will be happening in a week!

As usual, I am in cramming mode. I've sort of lost my momentum in party preparation the past days because Nathan got diarrhea. Thankfully, he's fine now.

Ford is arriving next Friday and I am so excited. My Superman is coming and I'll get rescued! Kung alam nyo lang ang pinagdaanan ko the most months, you'll surely understand why I badly need my husband by my side now.

Anyway, I am choosing to forego all the negativity (at least for now) and concentrate on Nathan's party. Wish me luck!

Death of a brother

I only have one brother, a kuya. I've loved him so dearly.

But he died today.

Not literally though.

I hate any negativity on this blog. But I just have to post this to remember the day that I am now without a sibling.

Sadness envelopes my life at this point. But I am choosing to move forward.

Hello from the Philippines!

Hello! Hello! We're still alive!

Sorry if it appears that I neglected this blog. You see, my greatest mistake in coming here in Pinas for a long vacation is not bringing my own laptop. I thought I could use the old one that I left here but for some reason, it's just not here anymore. Right now, I am just using Ford's old netbook (that he dumped onto me in 2012) and it's sooooo slow!

Anyway, I'll be back in Edmonton in less than a month and I am hoping that I could blog often again (is that possible if you have a very active toddler?)

Whew, Nathan's first birthday is fast-approaching and I am in toxic mode. But we are very excited of course!

Oh, here he is now! So cute, I know!

Oops, I've got to go back to party preps.You'll hear from me again soon!

Random Chika # 3

1. Dinner at Pinoy Grill. We went to Walmart yesterday to buy some more stuff that we need in the Philippines. Then we had dinner at Pinoy Grill because Ford was craving for bulalo and crispy pata. As expected, the food was so-so and we paid $35 I think. The husband didn't give a tip anymore, hindi naman masyadong ok ang service eh.

2. Benadryl for Nathan. Please do not judge us, but after so much contemplation, nag-decide na kaming painumin si Nathan ng Benadryl para sa flight namin sa Pinas (pumayag din naman ang pedia niya). At 7 3/4 months, our son is overly active. Hindi ko talaga kakayanin kung hindi siya matutulog nang maayos kahit ilang oras lang. Vancouver to Manila alone is already 14 hours, eh yung Edmonton to Vancouver pa plus yung layover?

We had a test run last night and effective siya! Around 40 minutes after taking it, tulog na.

By the way, I am happy because I got to use my Benadryl coupon! From $8.99, naging $6.99 na lang (plus 5% tax).

NOTE: Sorry, Nathan. We will try not to do this again. Ngayong uwi lang talaga natin kasi hindi kaya ng Mommy. =(

3.  A Retirement Home in Pinas. I was surprised when I saw my aunt's new house in Pinas. Whoaah, it's so big! She and her husband are US citizens and have been living there for decades now. They retired last year and decided to build a house in Pinas, para raw may matutuluyan sila kapag umuuwi sila.

They must really have lots of money! Hmm, ano kaya ang gagawin nila sa napakalaking bahay na ito? Their four children are busy with their lives at hindi naman bumibisita sa Pinas. Wala na rin kaming kamag-anak sa Malolos because almost everybody's in North America na. Oh well, it's their money to spend hehe!

Picture taken from a relative's Facebook account 

4. Little Ceasars Pizza. Pod and I were hungry last Saturday (late) night at wala na kaming maisip kainin kundi pizza. He wanted to buy cheese-stuffed crust pizza sana from Pizza Hut but I objected. $22+ kasi at namamahalan ako. Sa Little Ceasars kami bumagsak. First time kong makakain nito, very ordinary lang ang lasa. Sabagay, what can you expect from $8+ lol! 

5.  Dresses for Girls. It's so exciting to buy gifts for girls, ang dami kasing choices! Sa damit pa lang, nakakaaliw ng mamili. Since it's summer, I chose some florals (mahilig naman talaga ako sa flowery things hehe). 

I always buy at Gap Outlet. Super mura kasi talaga. 

6. Sofia Paper Bag. I found this super cute paper bag at Dollarama. Pero tama ang instinct ko, dapat hindi na ito ang binili ko. Kasi naman may kapareho sa pinagbigyan ko. Nakakahiya tuloy! =(

An update from Nathan

Hello! Hello! Just to update you, guys... I can now stand up!

Philippines, here I come!!!

Happy Canada Day 2015!

A very happy Canada Day from our little Canadian!

Oh how time flies! Last year, my little boy was still on my tummy. And now, ayan sobrang kulit na!

Thank you, Canada! You've given me the best care when I was pregnant with my little boy and I'll be forever grateful!

I am proud to have a Canadian for a son! =)

Random Chika # 2

1. Cecil's 34th Birthday. Napilit namin si Cecilia na magpa-pancit sa birthday niya. Wala talagang plano because her husband's still in Fort McMurray working (20 days work, 10 days off). Pero dahil bored kami, kailangan may kainan.

Joy and I ordered a chocolate cake from Julie's Bakeshop. It costs $20.99 + 5% tax. Ayaw namin ng ibang cake kasi masasayang lang. Iba talaga ang cake ng Pinoy eh.

Gusto kong himatayin when I saw the writing! Ang pangit ng sulat kalurkey! Too bad it was an impromptu celebration kaya wala akong time mag-customize ng decor. Buti na lang may candles akong stock.

I was so full! Simple ang handa pero ang sarap! We had mais con hielo too because it was too hot.

Happy happy birthday, Cecilia!

2. Cooking Pancit. I promised myself that I will learn how to cook pancit in the Philippines. I think it's a must. Masyadong mahal ang pancit kung palaging oorderin lalo na kung may celebration.

Obet's pancit canton

3. Canada knocked out by England at FIFA Women's World Cup. Not that I am interested on this sport but Ford was watching this early tonight. I felt sad for Canada. Little by little, nagiging Canadian at heart na rin ako.

4. It's so hot! Today is Saturday and I never had an inkling to go out. I stayed in our airconditioned bedroom and just went out to cook, eat, and clean the dishes.

I made lambing to Ford, sabi ko nagke-crave ako sa Starbucks frappucino. He went out and bought a venti for me. Thanks, dear!

5. It'll be hotter tomorrow! Oh my! We'll fetch Ate June pa naman from the airport tomorrow noon (she vacationed in Toronto) and we'll have lunch. Then we're going to a barbeque party in the park in the afternoon. Allan, one of the Noralta pips, invited us eh. Goodluck samin sa init!

Random Chika # 1

1. Ligo Sardines. I never expected that one day I will get addicted to Ligo Sardines! Never nga akong kumain nito sa Pinas dati (except when we had a retreat in high school and they served it for breakfast, tinikman ko lang).

But because wala na akong maisip kainin dito, dagdag pa ang sobrang pagkamiss kong kumain ng isda, sinubukan kong tikman uli. Ayun, nagustuhan ko naman!

I've been eating sardines for several days now. Ako kasi yung taong ayaw ng isang ulam lang kaya perfect ito na second viand haha! I will try other variations next time (masarap daw ang fried sardines sabi ni Joy). By the way, a small can of Ligo Sardines costs $0.78 at T&T Supermarket. Mura na by Edmontonian standards.

2. Ice Cold Water. I am back to water huhu! Sad to say, may UTI na naman ako and the cause is my addiction to pop (pop ang tawag dito sa soda o softdrinks).

I couldn't drink water that's not super cold. That's why I am thankful that our refrigerator has an icemaker. Sahod lang ng sahod sa dispenser hehe. Hay, super init pa naman ngayon dito!

3. Pinoy Grill's Crispy Pata. The husband had no ulam last night so we ordered crispy pata from Pinoy Grill. Medyo sunog siya at hindi gaanong masarap. It's $14.95 + 5% tax.

Hay, if only I can imitate mamoosh's delicious crispy pata. Kaso wala ring mabilhan dito ng harapang pata ng baboy. Siguro pinapakyaw na ng mga Filipino restaurants.

4.  A UP graduate with 1.004 GWA. It's all over the internet -- a UP student with a near perfect grade average. I am not surprised though. I've studied and taught in UP Diliman for so many years, nothing surprises me anymore.

Anyway, I graduated with a "laude" title too (hindi nga lang summa kasi bobing ako sa math and natural sciences). And where am I now? Eto yaya ni Nathan haha!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy Ford!

As posted in my Facebook and Instagram:

This is the first of the many many father's days that Nathan will honor you as his dad. We couldn't thank you enough for being such a good provider and loving, patient, and responsible father and husband. You are indeed our superman! If our boy grows up to be even just half the man you are, I'll already be grateful!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy the Pooh! We love you to the moon and back! 

Sorry, veggies!

We recently attended a children's party in an indoor playground. Only the kids had snacks while we adults were to head at the nearby buffet restaurant after the party.

It was almost 7pm and we were naturally starving. There was this one platter (priced at $35, I think) that we oldies feasted on as pamatid-gutom.

Here's the BEFORE picture.

And the AFTER:

Haha, poor veggies! We Filipinos really are not into this raw vegetable thing! Akala ko ako lang ang may ayaw nito, marami rin pala.

Lesson learned. Next time, if you have Filipino guests, just order a meat platter.

Lucky Me Baked Mac in Edmonton!

I am a self-confessed 'instant noodles' addict. I know it's not healthy but now that I am living here in Edmonton, mas grumabe. Cheapest and easiest to prepare na hot merienda kasi.

Anyway, I've long been craving for Lucky Me Baked Mac. It's one of my favorites in Pinas (super sarap naman kasi talaga) kaya talagang malungkot na wala nito sa Edmonton. Nalibot ko na ang mga Filipino/Asian stores dito sa Edmonton, wala talaga.

Until recently.

We were in the South area two weeks ago and I asked Ford to drop me off at 3J Variety Store because I wanted to buy a bottle of efficascent oil. I knew na meron sila because whenever I am on a store, I mentally check on all their products para alam ko kung saan bibili just in case mangailangan ako.

I told Ford (who was left in the car with Nathan) I'll only buy the efficascent oil but of course I couldn't leave the store without checking on all the shelves first. Baka may bagong product eh. And lucky me, I my eyes spotted the shiny yellow pack of Mac & Cheez! Naisip ko agad, kung may Mac & Cheez, may Baked Mac tiyak! And yebaaah, meron nga!

Grabe, I was so happy! Sabi ko sa cashier na palagi sana silang magtinda nito haha!

I only bought 8 packs (at $0.80) because I am already going back to Pinas for a long vacation. Pero kung hindi, iho-hoard ko talaga. That's what I learned here eh, kapag may gusto kang Filipino grocery item, bumili ka na ng medyo marami kasi baka kapag kailangan mo ay walang available (malamang wala pang shipment) or kailanganin mo pang mag-ikot sa mga Filipino stores para makahanap.

Hay, it felt like heaven when I tasted that familiar instant baked mac again (although napansin ko na nag-iba na ang shape ng noodles). Ang huling kain ko pa nito ay last year, when Ford went home to the Philippines for the burial of his grandmother. I was pregnant then and I asked my mother to send me ten packs. Ten packs lang dahil masama nga ang mga ganitong pagkain sa buntis. I regretted it so badly, really. I should have requested for 100 packs!

As I have said in this post, I am happy whenever a new Filipino product becomes available here in Edmonton because it gives me hope. Who knows, baka Purefoods sizzling sisig naman next time o Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs (sana i-allow na ng Canada na makapasok ang mga canned meat products natin dito)! #asapa

Hello Kitty Surprise =)

June has been good for me so far. Why, I already received two unexpected hello kitty gifts! And yeah, no occasion! Just pure thoughtfulness from a cousin-in-law and a friend!

June 3, 2015. I was surprised when Pod handed this to me after he checked our mail box. The package is from his cousin Marjo (the sweetest Marjo!) who lives in California. She got this for me when she went to Hello Kitty Cafe. Grabe, sobrang touched ako! Would you believe that I haven't met her in person yet?

The shirt fits perfectly! I love it! Thanks so muchie, Marjo! You always send me nice stuff!

June 18, 2015. Just tonight, Ford went to our friend Joy's house for some embutido. Joy experimented with embutido and asked me if I want some. Syempre, sino ba naman ang tatanggi sa libreng chibog? Hahaha!

But ayan, aside from embutido, may hello kitty na pamprito pa! Awww, sobrang happy ako! Joy is so sweet, she remembered me raw when she saw this. Super thank you talaga!

Again, I am the type of person who always appreciates kindness. That's why I want to post every goodness that I (and my family) receive to show my gratitude.

Thankful for the friendship

I miss my girls and I am so excited to be reunited with them again next month. You see, we've been friends since college and up until now, we consider our group as our "primary barkada." If I am to describe us, we are like the SATC (Sex and the City) girls - always talking/discussing, always eating lol!

It was so hard leaving them. I was already 34 when I immigrated here in Canada. I was skeptic kung makakahanap pa ako ng magiging malalapit na kaibigan. I prepared myself for a 'friendless existence.' I have to content myself with Ford, I convinced myself.

And then these ladies came into my life.

Joy, Mylene, and Cecil

I've actually known Cecil since college, She's my bestfriend Raxie's best cousin. Raxie lived with them (Cecil's family) for so many years so we would occasionally see each other. I was really happy na dito rin siya sa Edmonton napadpad dahil din sa asawa niya.

Through Cecil, I met Mylene. Cecil and Mylene's family temporarily share an apartment (Mylene and Cecil's husband Bal are relatives) so I would always see her whenever we would drop by their house. Mylene is super nice, pero syempre nagkakahiyaan pa.

And then one time, Mylene and her husband invited us to their baby's 7th month birthday. That's when I met Joy. She and Mylene are mag-kumares. All their husbands work in the same company in Fort McMurray nga pala.

Of course, closeness is a process. It took several get-togethers before we became really comfortable with each other.

But for me, the start of my meaningful friendship with them started when they visited us at the hospital a day after I gave birth to Nathan. Noon ko talaga sila na-appreciate. Noon ko na-realize na hindi na ako "mag-isa" sa Edmonton, na may karamay na ako. Cecil was already 8 months pregnant that time and Mylene just got back from Pinas. Joy took time to bake a banana cake for me (because she promised to do so after I commented on her FB that I'd love to taste that cake kaso may gestational diabetes ako). It was cold and snowing, yet they visited us.

I was really thankful. When you are in an alienating hospital at kayong dalawa lang ng asawa mo ang nandoon (and tired and exhausted because of the new baby), mata-touch ka talaga kapag may dumalaw sa inyo. I don't easily forget other people's kindness to me. Maaalala ko siguro iyon habambuhay.

Hay, enough of the drama! My point for this blog is: MAMI-MISS KO ANG TATLONG ITO!

I know na medyo sad din sila because I'll be away for four and a half months. Ngayon kasi mas masayang magkainan, magpicnic at gumala-gala kasi summer. Pagbalik namin, "winter" na. Medyo ma-stuck na naman kami sa bahay because of snow.

Di bale na, marami pa namang summer na susunod. Plus we'd probably be stuck with each other for as long as we're here in Edmonton hahaha!

I don't think these three girls will ever read this post (my family and friends are oblivious of this blog haha!) but someday if they do, I want them to know that I will treasure our friendship. Salamat talaga kasi pinasaya nila ang stay ko dito sa Canada. =)

#Grateful

I will be going home in the Philippines next month and I am taking Nathan with me (Ford only has two weeks vacation so he'll just follow us in November).  But I am glad that we're be taking him back with us when we return here in Canada.

Nasabi ko ito kasi may kakilala akong taga-dito (she's a receptionist in a clinic who eventually became my FB friend) na nasa Pilipinas ngayon dala ang dalawang anak (ages 3 and 11 months). I really thought umuwi lang sila para magbakasyon. But then I saw in FB this morning na nag-start ng mag-aral ang panganay niya sa daycare. She told me iiwan muna niya ang mga bata temporarily. Oo nga pala, kasi her one-year maternity leave is almost over and she has to go back to work. Walang mag-aalaga sa mga anak niya kasi may trabaho rin ang asawa niya.

It's a common situation actually sa mga nasa Canada. The cost of daycare or having a nanny is so high that only high-paying people could afford it. Kung average lang ang salary mo, better to just quit your job and personally take full time care of your children.

But then again, mahirap mabuhay sa Canada ang isang pamilya na isa lang ang nagtatrabaho. Kaya normal na na iniiwan muna sa Pilipinas ng ilang magulang ang mga anak nila para makapagtrabaho. Kukunin na lang uli kapag medyo malaki na at hindi na gaanong alagain.

Just after I gave birth, my brother in the Philippines suggested na iwanan na lang muna namin sa kanila si Nathan so that I can work here. They know me, they know that I am not domesticated (and motherly?) enough to survive here given na may anak na ako. They know that I want to work, na ayaw kong matali lang sa bahay.

Syempre hindi papayag si Ford. Kahit ako din naman. The moment I learned that I am pregnant, I began to condition myself na sa bahay lang ako in the next few years. No choice eh.

I admit that every now and then, nabuburyo rin ako. I never dreamt of being a stay-at-home wife and mom. Modesty aside, I was an academic achiever. I always saw myself working and earning.

But this day, I am choosing to be grateful. Grateful that I have a husband who provides well for us, na hindi na namin kailangan pang iuwi sa Pinas si Nathan.

I am thankful because I won't miss any milestone in my child's life. Just last Saturday, Nathan began sitting on his own. I wanted to cry. Kung nagtatrabaho ako, hindi ko maeexperience ang kakaibang saya na naramdaman ko nung araw na yun.

My cousin and her husband, who works in UAE, are also in the Philippines now. Umuwi sila para iwanan din ang dalawang anak nila. They reasoned that they want to save up and they couldn't do that when their children are with them. Sa taas ba naman ng cost of living. School age na yung panganay nila at sobrang mahal ng tuition fee. I am not sure kung makakayanan ng pinsan ko na mawalay sa mga anak niya. I myself couldn't imagine being away from my son. Ikamamatay ko yata.

We are living a very simple life here in Edmonton. Simple yet comfortable. Again, I want to thank my husband for giving us a good life. For giving me the chance to be always there for Nathan. Not every one is as privileged as me.

One month to go!

At around this time next month, nasa Pinas (hopefully) na kami ni Nathan!

Photo taken from the net (credits to the owner)

To be honest, I am having mixed feelings. Of course, what prevails is happiness and excitement. Yet there's a part of me that's sad. Nathan and I will be in the Philippines for 4 1/2 months so maiiwan si Daddy Pod nang matagal-tagal. He will just be following us on November 13 (for Nathan's binyag and first birthday) and then sabay na kaming babalik dito sa Canada.

Ford and I have been literally inseparable since November 2013 at parang di ko na yata alam ang buhay without him haha! So ironic actually because we've been in LDR for eleven years before we lived in together.

Also, I am specifically worried about Nathan. He's so attached to his dad, parang kawawa siya kung hindi niya makikita ang daddy niya for four months. Ford will also miss a lot of his milestones. Hay!

Oh well, I don't want to dwell on the negative anymore. I'd like to be fully happy kasi after 1 year at 8 months, makakasama ko na uli ang nanay ko. I miss her so much! Looking back, parang hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nabuhay ako nang wala siya sa tabi ko. I am so excited din na makita at mayakap niya si Nathan.

Ahh! One more month!

Makikita ko na uli ang pamilya at mga kaibigan ko.
Matitikman ko na uli ang luto ng nanay ko.
Makakakain na ako nang hindi nagluluto at naghuhugas ng pinggan.
Makakatulog na uli ako sa kuwarto ko (miss na miss ko na ang walk-in closet ko!).
Makakapag-drive na uli ako.
Makakapag-motor na uli ako.
Makakatambay na uli ako sa SM Marilao.
Makakakain na uli ako ng Jollibee at sa iba pang favorite fast food restos ko.
Makakapagshopping na uli ako on my own.

But unlike before, may limitations na ako because of Nathan. When I left the Philippines last November 2013, I was literally a 'free gal.' Kaso ngayong may baby na, mahirap ng lumabas. Nathan is afraid of people eh, talagang kami lang ni Ford ang kilala niya. I can't just leave him to any one, iiyak talaga.

Hay, saka ko na nga iisipin. Basta ang importante, makakauwi na ako. I badly need to recharge na talaga eh.

See you next month, Pilipinas kong mahal!

Free baby food at Ikea

Ford and I are self-confessed Ikea addicts and we are not ashamed to admit that most of our house stuff came from this Swedish furniture retailer. We like that their items are "modern" and perfectly fit for our small town home. We also love to eat there as their meals are relatively cheap.

Now that we have a son, we are now experiencing and enjoying Ikea's "love for families" mantra (which we used to take for granted pre-Nathan times). Aside from the family parking spots and play area, I also noticed that they give free meals to children.

And then last week, we saw these Heinz baby food. Yebaah, we have another reason to visit Ikea often!

We were so thrilled! Ford and I are such shallow people (in short, mababaw lang ang kaligayahan), happy na talaga kami sa freebie na ito. We specifically like it when we get something for our baby, nakakatuwa lang talaga. We really appreciate it.

To avail of the free baby food, you just have to show them that you have a baby haha! Kailangan talaga kasama siya sa pagpila.

And then my husband thought of something:

FORD -- Next time, dalawang pila ang gawin natin. Una muna ikaw, dalin mo si Nathan. Tapos ako naman. Para dalawang baby food ang makuha natin.

CES -- Kaloka, dahil sa Heinz manggagantso tayo? Pinoy na pinoy ang diskarte ha! Haha!

Of course, the husband was just kidding.

I hope this free baby food is a permanent Ikea Restaurant offering. Nathan love the Heinz brand so masusulit namin ito. Sayang din noh, $0.80 ang worth niyan sa Walmart haha!

My first Mother's Day Pandora charm

Oh, I can't believe May is almost over! Time flies so fast!

I have to admit something. I am so tempted to abandon this blog already. I am now very busy taking care of my 6-month-old makulit na baby and I feel na ang dami ko ng na-miss isulat. Ang mga recent events ng buhay namin, sa Instagram ko na lang nado-document. To be honest, finding time to write is so difficult now.

But I realized that I was sad the past weeks that I am not blogging. Feeling ko kasi ito na lang ang private space ko talaga, iyong akin talaga. I don't care if nobody reads my entries. Masaya lang talaga ako na may "online journal" ako.

Anyway, I promise to write more for myself. Para marami akong balikan later on.

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Oops, I have a new Pandora charm nga pala. I now love the month of May -- kasi may another occasion na na dedicated for me. MOTHER'S DAY!

To commemorate my first ever Mother's Day, my husband told me to get a new charm. My husband is not the type who will personally go to the store and choose something for me. He'll ask me exactly what I want then he'll buy it. He's so afraid na ma-okray ko, wala raw kasi siyang taste. Medyo totoo naman haha! Now that we're living together (we used to be in LDR), he would just tell me to buy whatever I want (using his money, of course). Ang praktikal noh? Where did romance go? Hahaha!

I wanted a different "mom" charm pero hindi available sa Pandora West Edmonton Mall. I just settled for this one. Thank you, dear husband!

This is my 7th Pandora charm. I wonder kung kelan kaya mapupuno ang bracelet ko.

The New Empanada Convenience Store

I have to admit that we don't frequently shop at Filipino stores here in Edmonton. We get most of our Pinoy products stash in either Lucky Supermarket or T&T Supermarket because it's a lot cheaper there. Ang usual na binibili lang namin sa Filipino stores ay yung mga wala doon. But if budget is not an issue, I of course will patronize Filipino stores all the time.

I was actually surprised when I learned late last year that Empanada Convenience Store had temporarily closed down and would relocate. Sayang, I wanted to buy leche flan pa naman for media noche. Someone told me that they left their previous location because of the higher rent being imposed on them, I am just not sure how true it is.

But anyway, Empanada re-opened this year and we got to visit it again two weeks ago. Sa "likod" lang pala ng dating store nila ang bago nilang puwesto (just across McDonald's).

Business Hours

The first thing I noticed was mas maaliwalas siya than the previous store. I liked it.

I was so happy being surrounded by familiar Filipino grocery items. I've been to several Filipino stores here in Edmonton and Empanada so far is the "biggest."

Glad to have found this chicken sopas! First time kong makakita nito dito sa Edmonton. Perfect because Ford and I (and Nathan) were stricken with cough and cold.

They have lutong ulam and other pastries/desserts, too. 

I heard though that they don't sell empanada yet because they still don't have a kitchen.

Oh well, with or without empanada, I am glad that Empanada Convenience Store is back!