The Third Overdue: World Cup Fever and the Unexpected Manila Visit

* This is the third part of the Overdue series and focuses on the World Cup and unplanned visit to Manila. All events happened last July 2014*

I'd say we are casual football fans. I've been following Real Madrid F.C. since their Galactico days (Zidane, Beckham, Figo, Roberto Carlos, Raul, the true Ronaldo) while she has been avidly cheering for her goalie boyfriends (San Iker, Courtois, Lloris). It wasn't a big surprise then that when the World Cup rolled around last July, midnight viewing and group standings updates were the common theme on our Twitter and Viber conversations.

And we certainly had a healthy supply of topics: the one-man Cristiano Ronaldo show, Suarez's degustation expedition, the James Rodriguez revelation, La Furia Roja's epic collapse, the devastating Neymar injury, Messi, the show pony, falling short (no pun intended), and the Germans hoisting the World Cup trophy.

Since I'm more familiar with La Liga, I was inclined to root for the Spanish football team. Her team, on the other hand, was a bit more obvious.
Someone's giddy to root for Le Blue!
Yet another highlight of this year's World Cup involved catching a game live at Euro Hub Cafe and Bar and reveling in the football craze together with other frenzied football fans. The match for that particular night was between Belgium and Argentina. While she spazzed over a particular Red Devil, I think I had the last laugh on this one.
Or not!
Maybe next time we see it for real? Or Euro 2016 first! *winks*

* * * * *
SIDEQUESTS. As you know, we're always on the hunt for good food! Here are some selected noms  from that trip.

The heavenly Chili Con Carne Y Queso at Maya Taqueria and Tequila Lounge.
Mouth-watering. Aaaaaahhhh.
The simple milk teas and cup cakes at the very accessible Tea O'Clock Bubble Tea House.
Value for money!
Plus points to their colorful interior too!
Such a playful background.
And the creative options and ingredients at Pizza Republic.
Mine was a little bit spicy!
Not included in the photos: A blueberry Yakult drink (from Bubble Tea Station) and shawarma rice topped with chorizo (from Jafar's Shawarma Station), both mainstays at Banilad Town Centre.

* * * * *
I like surprises and while it was not really on the realm of the unexpected, C's unplanned trip to Manila for work was highly appreciated. It was a quick visit but we were able to squeeze in some quality time together, and of course, amazing eats as always.

Lovely brunch at our favorite tea place, TWG Tea Salon and Boutique.
We couldn't hide our smiles.
And here's a close-up shot of my chicken and pasta plate!
Too much goodness happening at the same time.
The sweet and majestic cupcakes at The Royal Touch.
Sweeeeeets!
Finally, enjoying the oriental cuisine at Johnny Chow.
This looks like an awkward pose.
It was indeed a belly happy day for the both of us!

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