Went out after six months

Thanks for the update.  I also hardly go out. The recent time I went to Sm Aura to extend the tourist Visa. took a taxi there. It's cheaper than grab.  200peso one way.

Enzyte Bob wrote:

I plan on growing them indoors. (hydroponics & grow lights) I've had experience with hydroponics & grow lights. Way back when I used Medal Halides & High Pressure Sodium. (expensive, heat producing and big electric bill). Now you can use cheap LEDs
.

umm hmm, are you sure you was growing tomatoes back then ?    It's ok, whatever happened in Vegas stays in Vegas right.

on topic - funny enough the last time I ate outside was back in Feb, we ended up eating at SM Aura yesterday as I needed to go to immigration.

The whole experience was rather.. hmm I guess right word would be "new".

Staff all wearing gloves / facemask /  face shields, fill out the usual trace contact form, step on disinfectant mat, nothing abnormal about this anymore.

We went to a Japanese Restaurant, No physical menu, scan a bar code to view a PDF menu on a Google Drive, I even joked around with the waitress asking her what if I don't have Data? The Tempura was mediocre for the price whilst everything else was OK. The plastic partition separating you and the person in front of you was expected. Staff made sure to keep social distancing, saw them disinfecting tables and chairs after guest leaving while wearing elbow length rubber gloves + Apron + facemask and face shield. They gave us each a small paper bag to dispose of our used facemask that we was wearing when entering the establishment.

Social distancing only 4 allowed on elevator so long wait times is expected, most people are well behaved and followed instructions accordingly.

We didn't use Grab or Taxi, so can't comment. Missus wont get into one anyways, she'd rather walk 30 minutes then get into a tricycle.

My missus don't want us going out at all, she complains when I even go to seven-eleven for beer runs so I usually order from Boozy

You can't be too safe now a days, all fine if Covid doesn't hit but if it does, it leaves behind not just a huge ass medical bill, but also a huge trail of damage to yourself and family, both physically, financially and mentally.

Stay Safe - insert emoji icon with face mask

frankanderson wrote:

Enzyte Bob wrote:

I plan on growing them indoors. (hydroponics & grow lights) I've had experience with hydroponics & grow lights. Way back when I used Medal Halides & High Pressure Sodium. (expensive, heat producing and big electric bill). Now you can use cheap LEDs
.

umm hmm, are you sure you was growing tomatoes back then ?    It's ok, whatever happened in Vegas stays in Vegas right.

Actually it was before my Vegas days, it was when I lived in Pittsburgh, PA.  Now that stuff is legal in Nevada. Just like McDonalds, you just go to the drive in line.

In Vegas at the company I worked for had a Xmas Party & Gift exchange. I received an Old Spice Set, I bet it was re-gifted, but too my surprise there was several joints included.

I can tell you one thing, three hits on this was stronger than anything from the 1980's. I took three hits and saw snakes coming out of the TV.

Enzyte Bob wrote:

frankanderson wrote:

Enzyte Bob wrote:

I plan on growing them indoors. (hydroponics & grow lights) I've had experience with hydroponics & grow lights. Way back when I used Medal Halides & High Pressure Sodium. (expensive, heat producing and big electric bill). Now you can use cheap LEDs
.

umm hmm, are you sure you was growing tomatoes back then ?    It's ok, whatever happened in Vegas stays in Vegas right.

Actually it was before my Vegas days, it was when I lived in Pittsburgh, PA.  Now that stuff is legal in Nevada. Just like McDonalds, you just go to the drive in line.

In Vegas at the company I worked for had a Xmas Party & Gift exchange. I received an Old Spice Set, I bet it was re-gifted, but too my surprise there was several joints included.

I can tell you one thing, three hits on this was stronger than anything from the 1980's. I took three hits and saw snakes coming out of the TV.

No joints for me thanks.
Cuban rum, cigars (if any) are just fine & you guys should also buy a pack of disposable plastic gloves that you dispose just before you start washing up once you reach home.

Enzyte Bob wrote:

We've been ordering all our groceries home delivered from S&R and takeouts from various fast food places (Greenwich Pizza, Jollibees, Max's,)

Last few times I ordered S&R Hawaiian pizza from Commonwealth branch, I was disappointed that they replaced ham with bacon.

I wonder if it's just our branch which changed its recipe., or if other branches did the same.

Fil-Am Mom wrote:

[

Last few times I ordered S&R Hawaiian pizza from Commonwealth branch, I was disappointed that they replaced ham with bacon.

I wonder if it's just our branch which changed its recipe., or if other branches did the same.

Yesterday in addition to our normal shopping we brought home their family size New York Combo Pizza, six pieces of Chicken and four Hotdogs. (Try their hotdogs also and if you do dine in try their Savory Fries very good).

I would prefer more meat on their pizzas, I've had in the past the loaded Hawaiian Pizza from Greenwich, the Pineapple does add to the flavor on Pizza's.

You can't beat the price of Pizza's at S&R or Landers. In the states I've paid $25 for a good pizza, much better than S&R, but with the low price at S&R it is a good value allowing us sometimes to order two Pizza's or at least ordering Pizza more often.

I can't help you on the the change to Bacon. I know if you fall in love with the ham, it's a big disappointment to get Bacon.

GRAB in Cebu usually ran about 50% more than using a taxi, paying cash, from what I experienced before the lockdown.  I wish they had an S&R here in Ormoc City.

GRAB in Manila also about 50% more than taxi

No S&R nor Taxi's in Surigao City but we do have lots of ham...prices are a little steep though.

My wife's family got a gas range last year, and they had never used an oven before.  I showed my wife how to make pizza dough, and now, I would not buy a pizza out, her's is so good.

The stores quit carrying pepperoni back in January, but she puts enough bacon, ham, etc.  that I don't miss it.

She now bakes everything from scratch, cakes, pies, cookies, lasagna, Fettuccini Alfredo, baked spaghetti.  Eating out is usually a letdown, at least for me.

She beams with pride when I compliment her on how good a cook she is.  Accepting praise is something that is lost on Western women, who usually deflect it.  Hell, most Western women would starve if they didn't have takeout or prepared foods that go in the microwave.

Well done sir. Most women here can cook.

Well done moonunit. Some good always come out of a crisis.
I agree with Richard (a lot of) women can cook in the Philippines. That may be true for older generations where the public schools had 'Homeroom Economics' class for girls where they teach sewing, cooking, etc. The boys get 'Industrial Arts'. Those classes are no longer in the curriculum for a long time I think.
The newer generation may be more inclined to buy ChickEnjoy from Jolibee.

Richard Yan wrote:

Well done sir. Most women here can cook.

My wife (a senior) has receipts from her mother and then she has her mothers "secret receipts" she will not share with anyone.

A well topped/baked Pizza is a priced possession these days...home made is even more so.
Well Done.

Pizza in our area:

S&R  has an outlet pizza store in the Serin mall in Tagaytay, it's mediocre at best.
Shakey's is greasy and not at all tasty.  The cheese taste is obviously not real cheese and the pepperoni tastes like something made by Shell oil.
Greenwich pizza is good from the SM in Dasmarinas, though horrible from Tagaytay
Yellow Cab, no thanks
Dominos pizza has a fairly new store near our home and their pizza is great, comparable to my wife's homemade.  Our favorite take out by far.

Restarants:

Without a long list, the only two chains we have found worth ordering from are McDonalds and Inasal (great bar b q )

Dine in restaurants in our area are plentiful and we have quite a few favorites with good food, atmosphere and prices.  Many have a great view of Taal Lake and some in country settings with walkways and greenery.

Bag O Beans, Chateau Hestia, Santi's Deli and Ricardos are but a few we frequent.

Home cooking:

My wife is a fantastic cook and we eat a lot of Filipino dishes and they are all good!!!

TeeJay4103 wrote:

Bag O Beans, Chateau Hestia, Santi's Deli and Ricardos are but a few we frequent.

Last December 2019, my family and I went to Bag O Beans store with my balikbayan sister and her son from the states. I bought 2 boxes of instant barako coffee out of curiosity. The brand is Xandro's Instant Kapeng Barako. I was expecting that it would contain coffee grounds in sachets that need to be diluted in water. When we got home and opened the box, I found they were coffee grounds in tea bags, which you need to brew like you would tea. 

It was really delicious. My nephew said it was probably the best coffee he's ever had. I gave him my last box to bring to the states thinking I could easily find it online. Nope. I finally found their facebook page and found out that they're based in Lipa, Batangas.

https://www.facebook.com/Xandros-Instan … Fphotos%2F

I tried contacting them through messenger and text, but they haven't replied. I wonder if they're still around or if Bag O Beans have these in stock.

Enzyte Bob wrote:

This was the first time for me leaving the house since March 19, last time out went to S&R, first time out this time back to S&R. It's like sex, you remember the first time & the last time and nothing in between.

We've been ordering all our groceries home delivered from S&R and takeouts from various fast food places (Greenwich Pizza, Jollibees, Max's,)

Today my son and I went to S&R. We couldn't use Grab because they don't except cash payments and I guess you have to prepay using an app?

So we took a Taxi, now  and in the past the Taxi Cabs were a little shabby & older compared to Grab. The Price was right 200 php including tip. The cab was partitioned so I was able to sit in the front seat.

No check points on the ride.

First thing was to hit the BDO ATM, somethings are a little crazy. For example the touch screen and keyboard were covered with something like Saran Wrap, so they want to keep the keyboard and screen virus free, so the virus (if any) is now on the Saran wrap. Go figure.

We went early to avoid any line, so we went straight in. I observed everyone with wearing face mask &  shield.

This time they had my coffee, but not our normal choice of juices, no Pine Sol, Kraft Cheddar Cheese Blocks, California Navel Oranges and sorry looking tomatoes.

Speaking of Tomatoes, I ordered Beefsteak & Heirloom seeds plus Vidalia Onion seeds. I plan on growing them indoors. (hydroponics & grow lights) I've had experience with hydroponics & grow lights. Way back when I used Medal Halides & High Pressure Sodium. (expensive, heat producing and big electric bill). Now you can use cheap LEDs

I've been dreaming of a good Tomato and sweet, mild Onions. Some people eat Vidalia Onions like Apples, so it is said.

GRAB car now requires you to put funds into GRAB Wallet or link it to a bank account.  I use GRAB all the time so I have mine linked so it auto fills the wallet when I have a low balance.  This is done so they can be "cashless" due to COVID.  It also makes it very difficult to leave a tip.
However,  GRAB TRIKE only takes cash and is cheaper than hailing a trike and no hassle.

Enzyte Bob wrote:

First thing was to hit the BDO ATM, somethings are a little crazy. For example the touch screen and keyboard were covered with something like Saran Wrap, so they want to keep the keyboard and screen virus free, so the virus (if any) is now on the Saran wrap. Go figure.
.

I think the reason behind wrapping the ATM keyboard and touchscreen with Saran Wrap is to protect them from damage, as some customers spray and squirt alcohol and disinfectants directly on the ATM keyboard and.touchscreen to disinfect them instead of using a tissue with alcohol or a disinfecting wipe.

Enzyte Bob wrote:

My wife (a senior) has receipts from her mother and then she has her mothers "secret receipts" she will not share with anyone.

Jack Bauer is coming, suggest she start talking.

S&R, I think mine comes from Santa Lucia, Toys R Us Metro East. Their pizza isn't bad, I have tried different toppings from plain cheese, pepperoni, Hawaiian, garlic shrimp and their supreme (loaded with different meats and vegs). I may have the name wrong, not looking at the menu atm, but I quite enjoyed it and the Pizza is also Huge, I always end up reheating and eating it the next day.

I ordered pizza hut yesterday, even tho you can't select stuffed cheese crust, only sausage and stretch, you can still ask for it in the note section. Order the sausage addon then Make sure you specify Mozzarella or they will give you cream cheese stuffed...    sigh, don't ask.

Food taste really differs from restaurant to restaurant, even if it's the same chain. It really depends how the person is making it and skill.

Also in my area, Grab 90% of the time delivers the food and it's cold, Panda is opposite as most panda drivers have a box and I notice Grab drivers don't. This also impacts the quality of the food delivered.

Fil-Am Mom wrote:

Enzyte Bob wrote:

First thing was to hit the BDO ATM, somethings are a little crazy. For example the touch screen and keyboard were covered with something like Saran Wrap, so they want to keep the keyboard and screen virus free, so the virus (if any) is now on the Saran wrap. Go figure.
.

I think the reason behind wrapping the ATM keyboard and touchscreen with Saran Wrap is to protect them from damage, as some customers spray and squirt alcohol and disinfectants directly on the ATM keyboard and.touchscreen to disinfect them instead of using a tissue with alcohol or a disinfecting wipe.

Can't count the time the 3 ATM machines are down in my area probably because somebody doused it with alcohol, most people use 70%, the other 30 is probably mix of water, perfume, moisturizer, fun stuff to spray on electronics.

I saw one lady literally doused the card reader before inserting her card, I left as I wondered if I used that ATM next, if it's going to eat my card.

same reason they put plastic over the elevator buttons in my bldg, first couple months of outbreak I always saw the elevator tech replacing or fixing the buttons.

does it occur to these people that spraying 70% alcohol on electronics can possibly lead to electrocution at worst ? or maybe even just enough to give you a nasty shock?

I now know about the alcohol from many of you posters, thank you.  Another thing I noticed is the shortage of 500 php bills. When I go to the ATM for a withdrawal I'll select 4900 php or some other number ending in 900 in order to get smaller bills.

You just can't pay everything with 1,000 php bills. I sent my son to the bank to withdraw 10,000 php at the ATM and then go into the bank to get smaller bills. He came home with a big wad of bills, the bank did not have 500 php  bills so he came home with (100) 100 php bills.

Jackson4 wrote:

Well done moonunit. Some good always come out of a crisis.
I agree with Richard (a lot of) women can cook in the Philippines. That may be true for older generations where the public schools had 'Homeroom Economics' class for girls where they teach sewing, cooking, etc. The boys get 'Industrial Arts'. Those classes are no longer in the curriculum for a long time I think.
The newer generation may be more inclined to buy ChickEnjoy from Jolibee.

Filipinos can cook, but 95% only cook with a gas cooktop or use firewood to fry or boil things.  Having an oven adds a whole dimension to cooking.