Thursday, February 28, 2019

Long Weekend at One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites

Tagaytay has been one of the top picks of Manila dwellers for quick getaway. With it being just an hour or two away from the city, this place has been favored by many for weekend road trips and staycations. Though most prefer to go on day trips, staying for the night is also a great idea. And last weekend, R and I visited One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites. 

Hello, One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites
One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites has been operating for over a decade now and it continues to be packed with tourists. In fact, it was almost fully booked last Sunday. 

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

When in Tagaytay: Aozora Japanese Restaurant

It has been a long while since R and I drove to Tagaytay. As much as we would like to have a quick getaway, the horrific traffic discourages us from heading anywhere on weekends. But this long weekend's festivities sure made us change our minds. Our first stop, Aozora Japanese Restaurant.

Hello, Aozora
Aozora has been one of the popular dining options in Tagaytay that it finally expanded and opened a second branch, across One Tagaytay Place.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Swimming with Sea Turtles: Apo Island, Dumaguete

Exploring the different islands of the Philippines make me want to live the simple life. Just thinking about how great it is to wake up at the sound of the waves hitting the shore or frolicking around the river makes me want to pack my bags and head out for a long adventure. But leaving the city life is a big decision to make. So for now, I'd settle with having memorable getaways. And speaking of unforgettable, I just had a fantastic trip in Apo Island a few weeks back! 

Hello, Apo Island!
If you're an adventure junkie or just love to see the beauty of what's under the sea, you must have heard of Apo Island. Considered as one of the best places for diving or even just snorkeling, this spot in Dumaguete has been attracting flock after flock of tourists each day. 

Monday, February 25, 2019

First Bite: Katherine's Café

Homey restaurants never fail to get my attention. I'd often find myself approaching it and checking its menu. Such was the case with Katherine's Café when I passed by it on my way to Mama Lou's. 

Hello, Katherine's Café
Brightly lit with a bit of Julia Child vibe, Katherine's Café was bustling with hungry guests when I dropped by for lunch last Thursday. 

Friday, February 22, 2019

Eco-Luxury at its Finest: Pangulasian Island Resort

El Nido is one of my favorite places in the Philippines. Just thinking about basking in the majestic beauty of the limestone rock formations surrounding its islands makes me want to book the next possible flight. And just when I thought I had a great time at El Nido, a resort showed me how to best enjoy this wonderful vacation spot.

Hello, Pangulasian Island Resort.
Hailed as one of the most luxurious resorts in El Nido (with rates at par or slightly higher compared to the more popular Lagen Island Resort), Pangulasian is managed by El Nido Resorts.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Beat the Heat 101: Honey Lemon

Living in the city could take a toll on the body. With traffic seemingly getting worse each day, I often find myself going for the short route when it comes to grabbing meals. Fast food, canned goods, you name it. As long as it's just a call or few clicks away, you got my attention. But I end up compromising health with convenience. However, not everything off the shelf is bad. In fact, a new product found its way to our shores and would make summer extra fun and healthy.

Hello, Honey Lemon.
R and I are big fans of honey. We'd often drink honey water to start up our day and to help boost our immune system. Though we'd enjoy honey with a wide variety of beverages (even food), we hardly have it with lemon. But who knew it is a winning combination and a very healthy one at that? 

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Restaurant Love: Lugang Cafe

Lugang has been one of my favorite restaurants in Manila. It fired up my love for xiao long bao made me head over heels crazy with other dishes it has perfected. And when R's parents invited us to join them for dinner at Lugang, we couldn't say no.

Hello, Lugang.
You know that a restaurant is doing remarkably well when it is at an inconvenient location yet packed on a weekday night. Dining at Lugang O'Square branch without reservation is near impossible with its many loyal patrons.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

First Bite: East Ocean

Chinese cuisine is no stranger with us Filipinos. We were exposed to several of its dishes ever since we could eat solid food. But only a few could be named worthy to be called great. And recently, several taste makers claim that a ginormous Chinese restaurant at the golden Entertainment City is a real deal.

Hello, East Ocean.

This multi-level Chinese restaurant has been the talk of town since it opened. With several private rooms and massive luxurious dining hall, it is no surprise why this is favored by socialites. 
R's parents decided to treat everyone to dinner here after our Pangulasian trip since it's just a few minutes away from the airport.

Monday, February 18, 2019

A Berry Yummy Cake: Cara Mia's Strawberry Shortcake

Cakes symbolize celebrations and all kinds of occasions. But we don't need to wait for something to celebrate to grab a slice. In fact, I wouldn't mind having it every day especially if it's Cara Mia's latest limited flavor!

Hello, Cara Mia.
If its Ube Cake was not enough to impress us all, Cara Mia launched another easy favorite with its Strawberry Shortcake.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Sebastian's Month of Love Flavors

Valentine's Day is always one of the most celebrated occasions. We see the town turn red and adorned with hearts, flowers and what-have-yous. But expect the unexpected with one of the most creative food concepts in town.

Hello, Sebastian's Ice Cream!
Our favorite unpredictable ice cream shop launched four new flavors to celebrate the month of love and as always, Sebastian's never fail to surprise us with innovative flavors. 

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Restaurant Love: Cocina Peruvia's Newest Dishes this 2019

Cocina Peruvia is like wine of the restaurant industry. It just keeps getting better and better with time. And its newest dishes definitely made this colorful restaurant stand out even more.

Hello again, Cocina Peruvia.
My relationship with Cocina Peruvia could be described as a drama show on television. It didn't start right but after giving it a few more chances... I think I'm now in love.

Monday, February 11, 2019

Back To Basics: Savage

Savage has been one of the most talked about restaurants in town. Raved about by taste makers, I was excited to try its grilled pulpo. However, our frequent out of town trips pushed back my plan to dine at Arya Plaza's crowd favorite restaurant. Thankfully, R's sisters made plans to have a get together here and we were in town for it. 

Hello, Savage
With all the frills and complexities of cooking in this modern age, Chef Josh Boutwood went back to how cooking all started, with flame and smoke. And this is how Savage was born. 

Friday, February 8, 2019

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: Snake River Farms (SRF) Gift Box

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and many are stressing out on what to give their significant other. Thankfully, R and I are not too big on buying each other gifts and prefer to spend time with each other. And there is no better way to spend quality time than over a good home cooked meal. 

Hello again, Snake River Farms
My favorite steak brand came up with the perfect Valentine's Day gift idea. It bundled several favorites--Wagyu Strip Loin, Wagyu C. Cut Sirloin, Wagyu Flapmeat, Wagyu Ground Beef and Wagyu Frankfurter. Each pack weighs 330 grams with the exception of Wagyu Ground Beef which weighs 500 grams and Wagyu Frankfurter with 454 grams. 

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Yellow Cab Celebrates 3rd World Pizza Week

February is my favorite month of the year for several reasons. Aside from it being the month of Love and my birth month, it is also when Yellow Cab celebrates World Pizza Week

Hello, Yellow Cab!
Yellow Cab has been one of the brands that I know would never fail me. 

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Tokyo Tokyo Launches Sisig Ramen

Tokyo Tokyo is one of my go to places for affordable Japanese food. I still recall my college days when I'd grab an order of its tempura and pair it with its refreshing red iced tea. And Tokyo Tokyo continues to remain relevant in the food industry by innovating and offering new products to the ever growing demanding market. This time, this popular Japanese restaurant chain came up with something quite Filipino

Hello, Tokyo Tokyo
We all know Tokyo Tokyo for its crisp tempura and bang for the buck bento meals. It recently launched its Nori Tempura which tickled seaweed lovers' taste buds. And just a few weeks later, it launched a new dish that would pique the interest of ramen lovers. 

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Restaurant Favorite: Dulcelin Gourmet

Dulcelin is no stranger in the food industry. Known for its scrumptious Mango Torte and Wagyu Tri-tip, it has gained patrons all over the metro. And when I came across Dulcelin's restaurant along West Triangle, I knew where to eat next. 

Hello, Dulcelin Gourmet.
Contrary to its name, Dulcelin Gourmet's restaurant doesn't have that fancy or snooty vibe. And surprisingly, the place was still packed at 1:30 p.m. on a weekday.

Monday, February 4, 2019

Restaurant Favorite: Mama Lou's

Dining out could be overwhelming these days with the crazy number of restaurants to choose from. But when I'm tasked to choose a place to host our office guests, I stick with the ones I love or highly recommend. And last week, I picked one of my favorites for dinner. 

Hello, Mama Lou's.
Mama Lou's has been one of my favorites since 2017. Just one bite of its delectable Mushroom Chicharon would win anyone over! 

Friday, February 1, 2019

Staycation Chronicles: Bayleaf Cavite

I hardly consider Cavite as a location for a quick getaway. In fact, I couldn't think of a single thing to do in the area. But who would have thought that there's a gem waiting to be found along the long Governor's Drive? 

Hello, Bayleaf Cavite.
Bayleaf may not be exactly a new name in the hospitality industry as its Intramuros branch has been around for over five years. Built as an extension to Lyceum of the Philippines, Bayleaf served as the culinary arm of the university. And it was not long after the success of Bayleaf Intramuros when the Laurel family decided to open another one, this time in Cavite.