keeping it simple..

I was born in Manila and stayed here until I was in the fourth grade. During my elementary days, I kept waiting for summer to come because it would mean that I could spend vacation in our home in Cavite.

From our home, I can see a fantastic farm setting complete with the carabaos on procession when clock strikes 5 in the afternoon. I also remember that there used to be ‘rolling stores’ sort of caravan, only with carabaos as their means to get around. They sell native products, from brooms to mats to yantok baby walkers.

What I like most about vacationing in Cavite is it’s fresh air (back then) and my grandma’s cooking. I really enjoyed all of her meals.

But I hate it when they ask me to sleep after lunch because of this typical rural folklore that little children need to sleep in the afternoons to grow taller and faster. I would always pretend to be asleep until my grandma wouldn’t see from the kitchen that I sneak out of the bedroom.

But whenever she catches me, she won’t ask me go back to sleep but would prepare some merienda (afternoon snack) which is usually composed of a staple pandesal (reheated from our breakfast) and salty red eggs, or sometimes, my favorite plain, sugared donuts.

Yes, Krispy Kreme’s original glazed doughnut is to die for but this is the real thing.

Nowadays, we have loads of selection of donuts.

Dunkin Donuts is available almost all over the country or the popular Krispy Kreme. But nothing beats the local rubbery and sugar-laden donut that local bakery offers.

I was surprised when I saw some bakery here in Manila still makes this simple yet memorable donut, which brings back a LOT of my childhood memories.

I bought some of the sweet babies and while eating them, I suddenly wished I could also have my grandma’s homemade choco where I dip it, let it soak for a second or two and finally dunk it in my mouth.

Oh, I can only drool at the thought of it.

White Typhoon

I hate going home to my hometown in Cavite because I hate being stuck in traffic for hours. I live in Imus which is the second town in Cavite, IF your coming from Manila.

But today is a different thing. People are going gaga over the typhoon and as witty as I am, I know road congestion will not hinder my travel today.

I packed a weekend’s worth of things and rode a bus at Lawton. On my way to Cavite, I asked my mom if she and my beloved grandma were at home. She sent me an sms telling that they’re at home and asked for a cake as pasalubong. Well, this is new for me since my mom and I are not that close, but I’m closer with my Nanay Apeng.

I said alright, and she specified that she wants a slice of White Forest, the new red ribbon cake.

I went to red ribbon after I got off the bus. The service crew were really nice and accommodating which is very unusual here in Red Ribbon Imus. I am not gonna bore you guys with experience I had here last Christmas (I might just create a separate post for it). Anyways. So I bought the big White Forest cake for my mom and palabok for my grandma, Then finally headed home.

When I got home, I went directly to the kitchen, opened the box, and took some pictures of the cake. My mom saw me taking pictures and asked why. I smirked and said that I just need it for some thingamajiggy online. She then asked my cousins to grab their plates and dig in.

I took a slice and carefully dissected each part of it like a frog, like I’m from some Biology class way back. White Forest is like a brother from a white mother of the usual Red Ribbon favorite which is the Black Forest. Teehee. I really enjoyed the softness of the chiffon cake, but my taste buds were overwhelmed by the sweetness of the white icing, cream and the white chocolate shredding. It’s really sweet, and when I say it’s really sweet, I mean REALLY SWEET.

I think a cup of coffee will complement this cake’s sweetness. As for the cherries, well, my grandma ate it all

After experiencing Red Ribbon’s White Forest, I think I’ll shy away from any sweets for a week.
However, as I type, I am now craving for my all-time favorite from Red Ribbon, Tiramisu Meltdown