Let's Go to the Mall!
"Show Me a Mall and I'm Happy" Julia Roberts
Now I am no strangers to malls. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley with a Filipino mom. I went to every mall known to existence within a 15-20-30-60 mile perimeter. Northridge Fashion Center, Topanga, Sherman Oaks Galleria, Sherman Oaks Fashion Square, Glendale Galleria, the Americana, Beverly Center, The Grove, South Bay Pavilion, Del Amo, Lakewood Town Center, Ontario Mills, South Coast Plaza. I know my way around a mall.
But malls in the Philippines are built different. And frankly…they’re the best. On our way to one of several mall trips, Mike and I sat in the jump seats of the van Tito Alan rented.
Leave it to Asian sizing to make a weight loss journey feel like it isn’t enough. I knew this going to the Philippines. Sizing in Japan showed Mike and I that our American bodies do not fit in most Asian clothes.
That being said, trips to Uniqlo were a must. Mike and I like to get city/country specific merch at Uniqlo. It makes for unique pasalubong for friends and souvenirs for us. I also picked up Filipinana pieces at Kultura, a chain of stores that specializes in items made by local brands. It was definitely a goal of mine to pick up interesting Filipinana pieces that I could incorporate into my wardrobe.
Getting steps in means we need to replace calories. Luckily the mall has several dining options. Tito Alan suggested Majestic Chinese. The food did not disappoint. Mango shakes, lechon kawali, isda, and one of the best dishes I had on the trip, patatim, were had. Patatim is braised ham hock paired with this soft bread that is amazing. There was so much food, but according to Mike there is always room for dessert, so halo halo was ordered.
Papa Dodge had a folder called “Yum Yum moments” which is simply pictures of my family eating at family parties. I tried to capture a few yum yum moments on this trip thanks to my cousin Vince reminding me about them!
More malls were to come on this trip. I’m happy that the Philippines solidified my status as an international mall rat.