Cheers to Two Years!

My boyfriend and I just celebrated our 2nd anniversary, yey! But he prefers telling everyone that we've been together for 8 years already because he fell in love daw the moment he saw me (3rd year high school, to be specific). Eh di ako na mahaba ang hair. *smirks*

We weren't able to plan well because he had to go to the States. I remember how we had spreadsheets pa for our itinerary and expenses last year (OC game is strong, haha). This time, we just searched for a hotel that's good for a staycation and a sosyal restaurant with a romantic vibe. 

But before I tell you the deets about our anniv, let me first share the little things he did for me prior to our celebration...

Surprise no. 1: Coming straight from Nueva Ecija, he went to my office to give me my favorite CBTL green tea latte over ice, tapos may blueberry muffin pa. He said he knew that it would be the last time he'll see me before his US trip so dinaanan na niya 'ko. Sweetness overload. 

Haba ng hair level: hanggang EDSA Kamuning

Surprise no. 2: HE SENT ME FLOWERS. I know this is not such a big deal for other girls pero muntik talaga akong gumulong sa clouds na may rainbow sa kilig when I received that box of long-stemmed roses with a very sweet message. He ordered the bouquet from Island Rose (http://ph.islandrose.net/) while he was still in the US. You know what to do now, boys. *winks*

Haba ng hair level: EDSA Ortigas

And now, for the actual anniversary ganap...

BF booked a one-bedroom suite at The Linden Suites in Ortigas, Pasig (http://lindensuites.com/). The rate already included breakfast buffet for two. I've read a lot of good reviews about this hotel, but I was somehow worried about how it is a popular choice for parties. I really didn't want to knock on the neighbor's door and tell them to keep it down. Fortunately, I didn't hear any boisterous laughter or drunk videoke singing during our entire stay. 

I can say that we got more than what we paid for in terms of size and features.

The view from the living room

BF complained about the distance of the TV from the couch. I thought it was actually good for the eyes. 

From the executive desk (sayang, nawala yung lapis)

Aside from what can be seen in this photo, there were also kitchen utensils inside the drawers. You can cook here!

Pillows were soft and fluffy, but the bed was a different story. We were still able to sleep well, though.

They had most hygiene/grooming stuff, except for toothbrushes! Wala ding bidet, which stressed us out a bit, haha!

We ordered (our very, very late) lunch from the in-house restaurant, Mesclun. We had our meals delivered to our room. 

Sisig spaghetti for me

Crispy pork binagoongan for the growing boy, LOL.

Both were REALLY GOOD. The pasta was al dente and the sauce wasn't too creamy or oily (because hello, sisig plus chicharon bits pa naman). The pork binagoongan was the right kind of salty. In short, they passed our foodie standards, hihihi.

By the way, BF's anniv gift even had a photo shoot. 

It's an Anne Klein bag! Lakas maka-yaman, hahaha!

And for the highlight of the day, our dinner date...

I reserved a table for two at Galileo Enoteca Deli in Mandaluyong (http://galileoenoteca.ph/). It's a hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant with murals and wine bottles on display just like Bellini's in Cubao, but this place has a more rustic charm.

The BF who always looks so good

The blogger who seldom looks THIS GOOD

We ordered linguini con gamberetti di mare (pasta with shrimps and garlic; we opted for oil-based) and pizza (a combination of tutta carne or all meat and quattro formaggi or four cheese). The pasta was a winner but the pizza was too salty for our taste.

This one is the sweet kind  (because we can't pretend to be alta snobs who love expensive, bitter-tasting wine)

And of course, we had dessert(s)...

Tartufo

Panacotta

Me in my first communion dress, charot!

After dinner: Expectation vs. REALITY

Guess what comes next? BREAKFAST BUFFET!

Yeah, puro lang kami kain. Hello, District (size) 36.

Mesclun's buffet spread was smaller than Seda Nuvali's (where we spent our first anniv) but they had pretty good food choices for the day.

Happy, hungry kid spotted

BF's first plate

My second plate (naks, may salad)

BF's third plate

BF took some pictures of the hotel before we checked out.

Stairs leading to Mesclun

Artsy

We spent the rest of the day...

Eating (syempre, ano pa ba)

Lunch at Dolce Latte in Megamall
(https://www.zomato.com/manila/dolcelatte-ortigas-mandaluyong-city/info#tabtop)

Spanish Salmon Sardines (so delish I can't stop thinking about it)

Baked Truffle Pasta (creamy and cheesy, good for sharing despite the size)

Playing a game of bowling

Dropped this ball on BF's foot. Good thing he still loves me, hahaha!

In good form

In VERY BAD form (I looked like I didn't know what I was doing)

Of course he won, ugh. 

And eating pa rin

Dinner at Groove Bar & Kitchen, Matalino St., Q.C.
(https://www.facebook.com/groovebarandkitchen/)

Our fave: grilled bacon wrapped shrimps

We're hoping for an out-of-town trip next year. I guess it's going to be months of planning and lots of spreadsheets again. :)