Thursday, January 30, 2020

Bugana Beach and Dive Resort: A Paradise in Negros Occidental

Negros Island is one of our favorite destinations. Just thinking about enjoying its great food and fresher air makes me want to plan my next visit. I realized though that there aren't a lot of great resort options here as Negros isn't one of the prime tourist spots in the country. But I was glad to have found Bugana Beach and Dive Resort.

Hello, Bugana Beach and Dive Resort.
Bugana is known as one of the best resorts in Negros. With its marvelous view and spacious rooms, it was not surprising for guests to stay here for days or even weeks.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

When in Negros Occidental: Nabulao Beach Resort

Negros island is the fourth largest island in the Philippines and home to great cities, delicacies and travel destinations. Sipalay, a city south of Bacolod is known for its numerous beach resorts. A half an hour drive further down would lead you to a municipality called Hinoba-an where you can find Nabulao Beach Resort.

Hello, Nabulao Beach Resort.
This homey and native resort wasn't our first choice for our quick trip down south of Negros but its high TripAdvisor and Agoda ratings got us curious. Too curious that we ended up staying here for 2 nights.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

When in Bacolod: Got Tea? Crafted Milk Tea

I thought that spending time in Bacolod would help me escape my Manila routine. I guess I could avoid traffic, polluted air and the hustle and bustle but not milk tea. And Soxially's post about Got Tea? Crafted Milk Tea's Oreo Crème Brûlée got me yearning for boba. 

Hello, Got Tea? Crafted Milk Tea.
Got Tea? Crafted Milk Tea is one of the newest addition to the foodie haven Bacolod. 

Monday, January 27, 2020

When in Bacolod: Felicia's

Bacolod is the home to many pastry shops specializing in amazing sweet treats. One of the popular establishments for cakes is Felicia's. I've tried its baked goods a few times already but I had no idea that its ensaymada was fantastic!

Hello, Felicia's.
Felicia's is one of the top must visit restaurants in Bacolod. With its decadent cakes, mouthwatering savory dishes and good selection of beverages, this serves as a one stop shop for many. But I never took notice of its ensaymada which happens to be one of Felicia's bestselling products.

Friday, January 24, 2020

When in Bacolod: Enting's Special of Sagay

Bacolod's one of my favorite cities in the Philippines. It is impossible to lose weight here as almost every restaurant serves great food! And one new favorite of mine is Enting's.
 
Hello, Enting's Special of Sagay.

Enting's has been around for quite a while now and has a strong following too for its delectable roasted chicken and sauce.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Heinz Goes Asian at Tong Yang Plus

Sauces may be considered as an add-on but it plays an important part in making a meal extra scrumptious. And when I heard that the world famous ketchup brand Heinz also carries a wide range of Asian sauces, the foodie in me got very excited. The launch too was just perfect as it was held Tong Yang Plus which had bountiful meats and seafood. The spread definitely helped us better appreciate these amazing pantry staples.
 
Hello, Heinz Asian Sauces x Tong Yang Plus.

We Filipinos like to pair our favorite dishes with sauces and this line of Asian sauces from Heinz will surely make our kitchens and meals more festive.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Holy Cow Sizzlers Launches Meat All You Can

Unlimited or unli is a very appealing word that makes Pinoys forget their 2020 resolutions. After all, how can one resist a bottomless feast for under PHP500? And if you're tired of Korean BBQ, I discovered a restaurant that offers unlimited meats without having to grill or smell like smoke afterwards.

Hello, Holy Cow Sizzlers.

Holy Cow Sizzlers recently launched a mouthwatering Meat All You Can promo for just PHP399 which includes five kinds of meat and 10 side dishes.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Revisited: Cello's Doughnuts

Cello's Doughnuts used to be my go to place for doughnuts. I always go for its Honey Glazed C doughnuts or Pillows with dip. And I was thrilled when I spotted it at Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

Hello, Cello's Doughnuts.
I was a bit bummed that Cello's Doughnuts doesn't seem to carry my favorite Honey Glazed C doughnuts anymore. But they do have the normal shaped one and letter doughnuts (which is the cutest pasalubong idea). 

Monday, January 20, 2020

Minnan-Minnan Kitchen: A Hidden Gem in Banawe

Quezon City is one massive foodie destination. We have Tomas Morato which is a great place for nightcaps, Maginhawa for comfy lunch or dinner with family and friends and Banawe for Asian finds. Home to many great Chinese restaurants, I was happy to come across Minnan-Minnan Kitchen. 

Hello, Minnan-Minnan Kitchen
Walking along Banawe is like going on a treasure hunt. You get to see a bunch of unfamiliar names and dining inside is like betting on the lottery... uncertain if you'll hit the jackpot or end up losing money. One name I've never seen before was Minnan-Minnan Kitchen. 

Friday, January 17, 2020

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Vietnam has been one of the popular travel destinations for Filipinos. With food, accommodation and flights at pocket friendly prices, Vietnam is an ideal vacation spot for big groups and first time travelers. And for my first Vietnam trip, I explored Ho Chi Minh. 

Hello, Ho Chi Minh!
Many of my friends rave about Ho Chi Minh's food scene. With big and small restaurants and street vendors filling the city, one will definitely not get hungry. But my trip here was mostly to see its historical and cultural sites. We didn't have much time to go around outside our planned itinerary as our tour guide packed our days with activities. 

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Kumori's Cookies Made with Meji Chocolate

2019 brought out the cookie monster in everyone. From palm-size to super fudgy, there are several kinds of cookies baked to meet every foodie's fancy. And just when I thought I couldn't love Kumori more, it joined the cookie craze and launched three cookies worth every penny (and calorie).

Hello, Kumori
Kumori has been known for its divine Hanjuku Cheese, premium pastries and delightful beverages. And it made the holiday season merrier when it released three great cookies topped with Meiji Chocolates!

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Gogiya Korean Barbecue Restaurant: A Korean BBQ and Sushi Restaurant

Korean BBQ joints are literally everywhere. And with most offering unlimited meats, choosing a place for a samgyupsal meal could be a daunting task. More often than not, I end up going to one of my favorite Korean restaurants. But I'm also down to try something new, especially if it offers more than your usual Korean fare. So when I heard that Gogiya offers some Japanese classics too, I was in!

Hello, Gogiya Korean Barbecue Restaurant.
Gogiya is a new addition to the long list of Korean restaurants that opened last year. But it is definitely more than just your typical Korean BBQ restaurant.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Bistro Manuel: Bringing back Lolo Dad's Signature Dishes

Lolo Dad's has been one of the most iconic fine dining restaurants in Manila. Tucked inside Malate, this place used to be packed, with most looking forward to the restaurant's signature dishes. And many tears were shed when this well-loved establishment closed its doors in 2014. You'd know too that it was truly missed when people still crave for its delectable foie gras and steak to this day. This is why many were thrilled when the brilliant chefs Ariel Manuel and Mia Ayuyao Manuel decided to make a comeback and opened Bistro Manuel. 

Hello, Bistro Manuel
Bistro Manuel is a contemporary take on Lolo Dad's. With its more modern yet still sophisticated interiors, it serves as a great place for dates or celebrating milestones. 

Monday, January 13, 2020

First Sip: I'Milky

It's 2020 and I still feel that milk tea got me wrapped around its fingers, if it had any. I get so giddy to try new milk tea brands that I automatically free up tummy space even after a very heavy meal. For this week's treat, I tried I'Milky. 

Hello, I'Milky
I'Milky opened its first branch in Trinoma last September 2019. I was planning to try it sooner but I was rarely in Manila during the 'ber' months. It was a good thing too as the hype for this brand somehow dwindled when I visited. 

Saturday, January 11, 2020

When in Kapitolyo: Epic Cafè

Kapitolyo used to be my neighborhood back when it was the hottest foodie spot in Manila. I'd go around the area on weekends and check out the newest shops. And more often than not, I'd be heading back home with a happy tummy and several new favorites. And one of which was Epic Cafè.

Hello, Epic Cafè
Epic Cafè has been around for years now and continue to serve good tasting beverages and comfort dishes. Its warm and inviting space also makes this coffee shop an ideal spot for catching up with friends or work. 

Friday, January 10, 2020

Rakuboss.ph: Bridging Freelancers to Clients Anywhere in the World

With Manila traffic getting worse and transportation becoming too expensive, it has never been so tempting to leave one's 9 to 5-day job and go freelance than today. Though it could be a bit daunting to be your own boss, the changes in society opened many opportunities for freelancers. And one platform made it easier for young bosses to market their skills--Rakuboss.

Hello, Rakuboss.
Rakuboss is a digital marketplace that helps freelancers from various industries in the Philippines match with potential local and international clients. 

Good Good: A Healthier Way to Enjoy Your Drinks

It's a new year and a new decade but the milk tea craze is here to stay. And with several brands opening here and there, there's no way for us to escape its sweet charm! But this 2020, I plan to stick to a healthier lifestyle and diet and it was timely that I discovered Good Good. 

Hello, Good Good!
This Taiwanese brand is no stranger to milk tea fanatics as it has been around for over 6 months now. With branches in Scout Tobias, Corinthian Executive Regency Shaw, Caltex Pioneer-Shaw and Sta. Maria Bulacan, many have already tried its adorable and colorful drinks. And this brand is celebrating the year with a bang as it opens its 5th branch along the foodie haven Banawe

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Popeyes Philippines: Is it really as good as people say?

Popeyes Luisiana Kitchen's store opening was one of the most anticipated food events last year. The crazy queue, rain or shine, was enough to keep everyone curious. And it sure made me wonder too if Popeyes offers way better fried chicken compared to other fast food joints here in Manila. And after a few failed attempts, I finally got to visit its first store in Arcovia City. 

Hello, Popeyes!
I remember having Popeyes in California and it was pretty good. I'd drop by on Tuesdays to avail of its tempting price on its 2-piece dark or white meat chicken at $1.14 for thigh and leg; and $1.99 for breast and wing. However, it didn't really strike me as a superb dish worth lining up for hours. But I might be wrong given all the positive reviews I've read.

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Estancia's New Bites: James & Daughters

Chef Jonas Ang's James & Daughters is like dining in a fancy version of home. With beautifully curated dishes based on Chef Jonas' family's favorite dishes, it was easy for me to fall in love with this restaurant. And its mix of different cuisines will surely delight everyone! 

Hello, James & Daughters.
I was so thrilled when James and Daughter by Le Jardin opened its first restaurant in BGC. It being just a few steps from me made it an ideal place for lunch or dinner. But it had to move out after 11 months due to the developer wanting its space back. Thankfully, its Estancia store is now open and it has a few new favorites waiting to be discovered. 

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Avocadoria: One of the Biggest Food Trends of 2019

From mango float to avocado ice cream, fruity desserts was undeniably one of the biggest food trends last 2019. I had a terrible experience with the mango float craze though that it took me a long while before trying its avocado counterpart. And I'm glad to share that my Avocadoria experience was a lot better. 

Hello, Avocadoria
Avocadoria grew to be one of the hottest brands in 2019 when several media outlets and influencers took notice of this dessert kiosk. And it was not long after for the brand to expand to multiple branches with several copycats in tow. 

Monday, January 6, 2020

Estancia's New Bites: Sigekiya Ramen + Tsukemen

Estancia finally opened its newest wing and it looked really promising! I was so excited to check it out after seeing a few teasers from its Instagram page showcasing new dining concepts. And my first stop: Sigekiya Ramen + Tsukemen.

Hello, Sigekiya.
I usually do a bit of research before visiting a restaurant I'm not familiar. And Sigekiya's 'the ramen loved by Filipinos in Yokohama, Japan' description on its Instagram page sure made me curious. But it was its high 4.3 Zomato rating which convinced me to dine here.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Huangshan: The Most Beautiful Mountain in China

Huangshan is said to be the most beautiful mountain in all of China. Known for its striking sunrise and sunset and jaw dropping scenery, it's not surprising for this mountain to attract a lot of visitors. And when I found out that this was part of our itinerary last March, I was excited to step foot in what bested the other gorgeous mountains in the country. 

Hello, Huangshan
Huangshan or Yellow Mountain has been regarded by many as the prettiest mountain in China. In fact, it was tagged as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Such reputation definitely piqued my interest and made me excited for our quick trip in the area. 

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Dumaguete Favorite: Lord Byron's Back Ribs

Did you know that Dumaguete ranked as one of the best places to retire around the world according to a 2014 Retire Overseas Index? I could definitely vouch that after my trip to the City of Gentle People. From its beautiful corals and fresh breeze to scrumptious and affordable food, I could picture having a wonderful life in Dumaguete. And the idea of feasting on Lord Byron's bang for the buck ribs on a weekly basis sounds great to me!

Hello, Lord Byron's Back Ribs.
Lord Byron's is one of the popular dining destinations in the city. With its falls-off-the-bones ribs paired with pocket friendly prices, it's not surprising for this place to be flocked by locals and tourists alike.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Me Time at Miss Esthe Facial Salon and Skin Care

The chaotic city life is sapping the remaining youth out of me. From getting stuck in traffic to being less productive due to lack of sleep, I always find myself needing a vacation. I don't even get to find time for a trip to the spa. It felt like eons ago when I last had my facial. Thankfully, my schedule cleared up just before Christmas and I got to visit Miss Esthe Facial Salon and Skin Care. 

Hello, Miss Esthe
Miss Esthe Facial Salon and Skin Care is a brand born in Tokyo, Japan. With 30 years of expertise to back it up, it grew from a humble 7 staff member business into a 150 store brand in Japan alone. It also has presence in South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, China, and France.