Christmas in the City - Holiday displays around San Francisco

It is truly the best time of the year. The city is all decked up again this year. I've compiled photos of holiday displays around the city.

Enjoy and have a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays to you all!

Landmark in the City - Golden Gate Bridge views

There are two seasons in San Francisco where the sky is fog-less and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay are unobstructed.

The past weekend didn't disappoint. Breathtaking views. It is one of my all time favorite views!

Musical in the City - Aladdin

Aladdin is based on one of my favorite fairy tales when I was a child and Disney turned it into a movie when I was a teenager and then it turned into a Broadway show a couple of years ago. This is why I was very excited when I heard Aladdin The Musical was coming to San Francisco.

It didn't disappoint. It is one of my all time favorite Broadway shows!

Creamery in the City - Smitten Creamery

Mijo and I recently found an innovative and good ice cream place with an urban vibe. We started going to Smitten Ice Cream on Valencia St.

Summer may be over but this place is definitely one of our go to ice cream places near the neighborhood.

Cafe south of the City - Mint and Honey in San Carlos

I went for a volunteer job at Habitat For Humanity in San Carlos and decided to go to Mint and Honey afterward.

I rarely venture out of the City for cafes. Mint and Honey was a great find in San Carlos. Quiet nook, friendly service and they serve good coffee. I'd go there again.

Race in the City - JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge

Thanks to my employer, I was able to join and run the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge with my colleagues at work. 

This year, the route is longer a little over 3.5 miles and I still beat my record from 2014, 2015, and 2016 and I still had time to take pictures of the picturesque route.

Musical in the City - Something Rotten

Mijo and I took our friend Dinah's advice to see the musical Something Rotten. After a long time of not seeing a musical, we were so happy that Something Rotten did not fail to entertain.

We absolutely enjoyed seeing it and totally recommend it to anyone to go see it.

Filipino Film in the City - The New Filipino Cinema at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

For the 3rd time in a row, Mijo and I saw several Filipino film at the New Filipino Cinema at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

As always, it does not disappoint. We love the carefully curated line up of film. We can't wait for next year's selections.

Wine Tasting in Sonoma - Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery

For our last wine tasting that day, Mijo, B and B and I went to Gary Farrell Winery.  We hadn't had a lot of Pinot Noir tastings that day so it was great to finally tasting some.

Great service, great location with tasty Pinot Noir. I enjoyed tasting at Gary Farrell.

Desserts in Sonoma - Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pies

After our lunch at Barndiva, we walked around the corner and found Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie. We were craving for something sweet so it was a lucky that we chanced upon this ice cream and pie place.

It was a great addition to our day trip to Sonoma Wine Country.

Lunch in Sonoma - Barndiva

As for our break from wine tasting in Sonoma, we went to Barndiva located in Healdsburg Plaza. The food was good combined with the relaxed atmosphere and great location.

Going there was a good addition to our Sonoma day trip.

Wine Tasting in Sonoma - Back at Rodney Strong Vineyards

We went back to Rodney Strong Vineyards to wine taste. We were here for the first time four years ago and we loved it. 

Same great wines, same friendly and attentive service. We love Rodney Strong Vineyards.

Wine Tasting in Sonoma - Jordan Vineyard and Winery

We went for their Library Tasting and it was such a treat. Not only are their wines elegant, the entire wine tasting experience was absolutely enjoyable and one of a kind.

Thank you Jordan Vineyard and Winery for the unforgettable hospitality!

Arts in the City - Murals of Clarion Alley

I was walking on Valencia St. during one of the city's Sunday Streets when I chanced upon the murals of Clarion Alley. 

It was like stumbling into a gold mine, there are so many murals to take in and also take a picture of. I love the Mission District, I love the city!

Everyday Coffee in the City - Blue Bottle Coffee Single Origin

While Mijo was out of the country, I got a little creative and decided to open one of the coffee bags that Mijo and I bought a week before he left for his trip.

The Single Origin is from El Salvador Aida Battle Finca Tanzania. I love this coffee and the pairings were absolutely wonderful.

Marathon in the City - 5k run in San Francisco Marathon

Mijo and I were out of town when Sunday Streets went to the Mission District a year ago. I got lucky that I was in town and available two weeks ago during Sunday Streets on Valencia St. 

Lots of culture, music, dancing and fun activities! This is probably one of my favorite Sunday Streets in the city!

Sunday Streets in the City - Valencia St. in the Mission District

Mijo and I were out of town when Sunday Streets went to the Mission District a year ago. I got lucky that I was in town and available two weeks ago during Sunday Streets on Valencia St. 

Lots of culture, music, dancing and fun activities! This is probably one of my favorite Sunday Streets in the city!

Ice Cream in the City - Garden Creamery

Mijo and I stumbled upon this delightful little ice cream place in San Francisco's Mission District called Garden Creamery.

It not only serve ice creams with tropical flavors, we also liked the laid back vibe, the location and the friendly service.

Lotus Live in the City - Largest Human Flower by the Asian Art Museum

The Asian Art Museum organized Lotus Live as part of its celebration of Flower Power and at the same time broke the Guinness World Records™ title for Largest Human flower.

I am so happy and honored to have been part of this title that now belongs to the Asian Art Museum. 

Street Fair in the City - Fillmore Street Jazz Festival

Summer in the city is going great so far. Lots of street fairs and free music events happening almost every weekend and I am glad that we've stayed in the town most of June and July. 

On 4th of July weekend, we found ourselves on the other side of the city enjoying free music and great crowd at the Fillmore Street Jazz Festival. Fun times!

Library in the City - Kodakan at the San Francisco Public Library

I went to the Main Library to volunteer at a photo archiving event to document the evolution of the Filipino community in San Francisco.

During that process, I rediscovered the beautiful architecture and interior of the city's Main Library. It is truly one of the gems in the city.

Pride Parade in the City - Tech companies galore

It has been years since I haven't walked in a contingent at the SF Pride Parade. So when the opportunity at work came, I took it.

The Pride parade was huge. Lots of contingents especially representing companies around the SF Bay Area. Tech companies galore!

Film Night in the Park - Dolores Park and Austin Powers

Summer in the city is busy with activities especially during the weekend and a lot of them are for free. One of our favorites is the Film Night. 

We saw ustin Powers: International Man Of Mystery  in June and enjoyed both the movie and the setting. Thank you SFNTF!

Cocktail in the City - One Waan Thai

Mijo and I recently had an enjoyable happy hour at this Thai Cafe in the city's Glen Park neighborhood called One Waan. 

Their cocktails are refreshing, innovative and the appetizers went perfectly with them. We'll definitely be back.

Summer of Love - Music and Light at the Conservatory of Flowers

Summer is upon us. Summer of Love is also celebrating its 50th anniversary. And no better place to spend the Summer of Love than in San Francisco.

Mijo and I decided to check it out and relive the magic of The Summer of Love 50 years ago. We enjoyed the good food, great music and awesome light show at the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.

Street Fair in the City - North Beach Festival

North Beach Festival happened last week during one of the warmest weekends of the year.  Great music, good food, friendly crowd, and great view. 

This is one of my favorite street fairs in one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city.

Sunday Street in the City - Stroll through the Great Highway

I love Sunday Streets. This is the time I get to explore a part of the city while getting our walking and exercise. A couple of Sundays ago, Sunday Streets went to the Great Highway and Golden Gate Park.

The weather was great and we got to know a part of the city that I have not been to on foot. Thank you Sunday Streets.

Parade in the City - Golden State Warriors victory parade

The entire Dubnation is rejoicing once again. The Golden State Warriors are 2017 champions!

Eventhough I personally didn't win, it felt like I did. I feel so lucky to be living in the San Francisco Bay Area and to experience several championships, in baseball and basketball, in a decade. This place is truly a city of Champions. Congratulations Dubs!

Cafe in the City - Vive La Tarte

San Francisco is truly a place with plenty of cafe choices. Mijo and I stumbled into Vive La Tarte just because we had time to kill before going to see the musical Finding Neverland.

We loved Vive La Tarte. I went back the other day and finally tried one of their tarts. Love it!

Cocktails in the City - Tap 415

After having a long day at work, both Mijo and I decided to meet up at Tap 415 under the dome of the SF Mall. 

This place has been our go to place for a quick bite and cocktails because of their creative cocktails and central location.

Race in the City - Presidio Trail Run

I joined again in this year's Presidio Trail Run as part of my employer's volunteer event. 

I like this race not only because of their community and social awareness but also the picturesque views along the race. I've posted the views in this blog. Enjoy!

Everyday Coffee in the City - Chit's Coffee

I just came back from a trip to the Philippines and my sister gave me a good Philippine made coffee as a souvenir called Chit's Coffee.

I had extra time yesterday so I did a little experiment. I did a coffee side by side tasting at home using this coffee as drip, pour over, french press and espresso. I had so much fun!

Everyday Coffee in the City - Major Dickason's Blend Dark Roast by Peet's Coffee and Tea

It has been a while since the last time we bought a bag of coffee that we really enjoy. This week, we are drinking a blend called Major Dickason's Blend Dark Roast by Peet's Coffee and Tea. 

We have paired this coffee with different snacks and its flavor is layered differently depending on the sweets and pastries we paired it with. We truly love this coffee.

Cirque in the City - Luzia by Cirque du Soleil

It was Auntie Glo's idea to go see Luzia by Cirque du Soleil.  With another aunt Auntie Madz, Auntie Glo and I went to finally see it a week ago.

Eventhough this I've seen several Cirque du Soleil's shows, Luzia is refreshing and entertaining as if it was my first time seeing one.