If you've been a regular here, you probably have noticed that much of my food posts and recipes talked about the world of Culinary and Savory. Blame it to a decade of work in this field, my taste buds were oriented in the meaty- savory notes to a great deal. Now that I'm beginning to explore the other half of the sensory pie which is Sweet, I'm missing the customary taste of salt and umami. Hence, I found myself one morning stirring a bowl of noodles for a comforting treat. Much to my (and the kids) delight, we even consumed it with the exciting flavour notes of baked goods (shown above). I can only care less whether the dining table carried a perfect breakfast match or not. Ultimately, it's my (and the kids') liking that's chief.On to my exploration of my new interest, I roamed around the city to have a glimpse of the bakery landscape in the Philippines. In general, it's a growing and stirring industry locally. There are so much trends going on. From the typical, traditional pandesal, Pinoys' bread had evolved to abundant forms and novel ways of consumption.
For the Boutique Bakery concept, BREAD TALK leads the way. I particularly like the fusion of "glo-cal" concepts here.
Fortune Bakeshop obviously taps the mainstream market. I know of some previous colleagues who are loyal patrons of this store's "Pianono" (chiffon roll).
For the hotel category, I would rank Shangri-la and Manila Pen as market leaders. These two, have bread stations that showcase various great selections of breads and pastries. I was particularly enticed by Shangri-la's positioning of "Baked Fresh" goodies. The hours of baking for a selected variety of bread is shown at the counter's area. It's a you have it when you expect it kind of thing.
The considered innovator in the field is French Baker. They recently launched the 100% whole grain bread which is being claimed as the first in the country. This is a complete, one stop bread shop for me.
For the chocolates, pastries and desserts, Dusit Thani's glass case is a haven of rich assortments. Don't you think so?!
And for the packaged goods, obviously Gardenia owns the leadership. Their product range is even exclusively shown at the express bread station of SM Makati.
As a whole from what I've noted, bread market today is dictated by eating habits, meal occasions, taste, health and nutrition and balanced price. The consuming public is on a quest to any of these opportunities. Having the right item to put in the shelves is key to marketability.
A tour of animals 
Personal feeding of some animals (baby goats - 2 wks old)
I particularly liked the idea of the instant gravy. At last, something that does not need heating or boiling to make one. All you have to do is add hot water. I just wish for a thicker consistency though, taste wise it's also acceptable. Sold for only Php28 per pack good for 1 kg of meat, this is a value for money grocery pick. 
Similar to the previous home, we settled on an Asian inspired decor / interior. Most of the furnitures came from the old house. New accents were added to make a major facelift. Since we wanted it to be Asian in theme, the dominant hues are earth and wood inspired. The kids have history of asthma and allergies, that's why we settled for wooden sofa. This is a lot easier to clean and maintain relative to the cushion type. 
With the second ber month about to be done, the spirit of merriment has indeed arrived. In our family, the ber season is a period of having fun. Visiting carnivals and festivals is in our to do list. Last year, the kids had a great time in 
“Daddy, kanina nag drawing ako! Ang galing ko na mag-drawing.” “Ako Mommy nag-color ako, ang ganda ng pag-color ko!” “Sarap nito Mommy, luto ka ulit nito hah?” This is how typical conversation at our humble dining table sounds. With such inspiring and heart warming remarks, tell me, how can I resist family meal occasions at home? This is simply the kind of happening we shouldn’t want to be missed. A happy memory we must all partake. That’s why; 
As a working mom, on weekdays, I get to enjoy eating with my family on a single meal occasion only. Though I prepare my kids’ foods before I go to work, I can hardly join them in all their meals. So it really pains me to count how much little time I have for them. However, no matter how challenging it may seem nothing should prevent me in gathering the entire family to the dining table to celebrate God’s bounty. Like all time-strapped parents and homemakers in particular, the desire to give my family yummy treats and scrumptious meal is still ever burning. So when I heard flattering remarks about my cooking and the smile of satisfaction in their palate, it makes all the sacrifice worth it. If dads are considered the foundation of the home and moms are its light, I would say the dining table is its roof. It shelters all of us from the many challenges of family life. Physically, it’s witness to everyone’s food preference and eating habits. But beyond that, it’s our important link to close family ties that could last a lifetime. What could be more rewarding than being with your family as you celebrate your many firsts and milestones? From contagious laughs to serious talks and lamentation, there’s plainly no better way than sharing these with our loved ones. 
