Birthday Getaway: Amarela Resort in Panglao, Bohol

I knew that this year's birthday celebration would be a lot different as I will be tagging along R on his business trip. Though I was expecting that we'd find time to at least have a mini celebration together, it didn't exactly turned out as such given that we had a packed schedule to follow. But just when I was frowning and at the verge of crying, R surprised me with a lovely stay at Amarela Resort in Panglao, Bohol the day after my birthday. 

Hello, Amarela Resort.

First Sip: CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice

My love for milk tea started when I was in my early years in the corporate world. An office mate would always shoot an email asking for our orders, if any. And of course, I'd reply with my favorite complete with sugar and ice level as well as my go to sinkers. Eventually, we all had that health is wealth phase where we all decided to lessen our milk tea runs and stick with healthier beverages. But there are still days when I find myself sipping a sweet drink just because I feel that I deserve one. And a few weeks back, I found a new favorite in CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice. 

Hello, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice. 

I didn't really had plans to drop by this place after my burger run as I already had iced tea and sundae to cap my lunch. But I'm weak when it comes to peer pressure and soon, I found myself in front of CoCo. 

McDonald's National Breakfast Day

I am definitely not a morning person anymore. I had to set my alarm 5 times with 5 minute interval in case I just click "stop" instead of snooze. But there are still things that motivate me to wake up early such as crazy morning flights, sunrise by the beach and of course, breakfast! And last Monday, McDonald's celebrated its 6th National Breakfast Day with a bang by giving away its new Longgadesal to early risers. 

Hello, McDonald's.

I had an early morning shoot at Mall of Asia last Monday so I thought of going earlier so that I could swing by McDonald's and celebrate National Breakfast Day. 

Worth It or Not: The Dessert Museum

Who wouldn't get excited by the idea of a dessert museum? A chocoholic like me went crazy and spammed a lot of friends when I found out that one is opening here in Manila. I got excited too with the idea of feasting on sweets while inside one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city. I was not sure though if it would be worth the entrance fee so I decided to wait for a couple of weeks before I decide to purchase a ticket or not. But dessert gods must be pleased with me and I got an unexpected pass to sweet land. 

Hello, The Dessert Museum.

Located at the ground floor of S'Maison, it would be hard to miss this Instagram heaven with its quirky facade. Strict with reservation schedules, we were in front of the museum 30 minutes before our slot. 

Love at First Bite: Alegria Cozinha Moderna & Sangria Bar

I love sangria! It's one of the drinks I simply could not resist when on a night out with friends. And when I found out that there's a new bar in town that not only offers photogenic dishes but various sangrias as well, I got very excited and giddy to visit! 

Hello, Alegria Cozinha Moderna & Sangria Bar.

Located at the fourth floor of Uniqlo store along 7th Avenue, Alegria offers a lovely and relaxing space perfect for night caps after work or a tiring day doing errands. It also has an al fresco area that gives a nice view of surrounding area. 

First Bite: Va Bene's Business Lunch Menu

We all have love-hate relationship with lunch break. We look forward to that one hour where we could get our fill and be energized to last us the day but at the same time, we never feel that an hour is enough for us to enjoy our meal. Thankfully, several restaurants saw it as a challenge and opportunity to develop menus that are filling, quick and more importantly, delicious, to help us get the most of our limited lunch hour. And a few Saturdays ago, I got to try out some of Va Bene's Business Lunch Menu dishes.

Hello, Va Bene Pasta Deli. 

Va Bene is consistently named as one of the best Italian restaurants in town. Known for its delectable pastas, it has been patronized by foodies all over.

Foodie Alert: National Breakfast Day at McDonald's

I absolutely hate waking up early in the morning. I stopped being a morning person after quitting my job that required me to report to the office so early in the morning. It was as if my body rebelled and could no longer function before 8 A.M. But I think I'll wake up extra early on Monday because it's National Breakfast Day!

Mark your calendars as March 19 is National Breakfast Day and you know what that means... FREE EGG MCMUFFIN. Oh wait. It's even better now. It's Longgadesal!

First Bite: Harlan + Holden

Harlan + Holden instantly charmed me when I saw photos of its picturesque cafe in Rockwell. Call me sucker for Instagram-worthy places but I did my research and read great reviews of this place prompting me to ask R and his parents to a trip here one afternoon.

Hello, Harlan + Holden. 

First Bite: La Mère Poulard

French food is one of the cuisines that remains to be the unpopular choice for the local market. It is perhaps of its fine-dining image or its not so friendly price tag per dish. But when we're talking about fluffy puff omelettes, it somehow changes our perception of how French enjoy their food. It becomes more familiar and inviting. 

Hello, La Mère Poulard.

Restaurant Favorite: Ooma

Ooma has been known as one of the best Japanese fusion restaurants in town. With Chef Bruce Ricketts as its executive chef, it was no surprise how Ooma grew fast and remained one of the most visited restaurants to date. And my latest visit last December made me remember why I dreamt of Ooma for days after my first bite of its mouthwatering dishes. 

Hello, Ooma.

I was greeted by a busy dining scene when I got to Ooma for dinner and there were only a few tables left waiting to be occupied before the place gets fully packed. 

First Sip: Selfie Cafe

We all had our fair share of taking selfies. From that fun trip you had abroad to luckily bumping into your favorite celebrity, we have all mastered the art of taking photos of ourselves. But a cafe took selfies to a whole different level when it made it edible. 

Hello, Selfie Cafe. 

First Bite: Pink Panda

Don't you just love it that traveling the world is becoming more  affordable and easier? There are countless websites and apps that would make exploring a breeze. In fact, with the blossoming Manila restaurant scene, one doesn't even have to leave the country to feast on his or her favorite international cuisine. And I was happy to come across this Asian fusion restaurant that offers local favorites from Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, China and of course, Philippines. 

Hello, Pink Panda.

Located at the former Crisp on 28th, Pink Panda would be hard to miss with its neon pink signage of panda eyes staring at each one that passes by its facade. 

Saying I Love You Sweeter with Cadbury

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite occasions to celebrate. It is the day when I could be super cheesy and not be shy about it. But as I grow older, I learn that overly sharing one's relationship status online could be a bit too much. So I downplayed it this year and gave a simple yet heart-felt gift to R. 

Knowing that R is a big fan of anything sweet, I thought of giving him chocolates. And when I found out that Cadbury came up with a special Valentine's box where your message is creatively hidden, I didn't think twice and got one for R.