Food Delivery: The Pastry Puff's Portuguese Egg Tarts

I still remember my first bite of egg tart. It was when I was strolling along the busy streets of Binondo and spotted one of the famous egg tart brands in Manila. All it took was one bite for me to be addicted to this delectable Portuguese-style egg tarts. I tried several other brands after. But nothing came close to the one I had in Chinatown. That was until I got to try The Pastry Puff.

Hello, The Pastry Puff. 

I have never heard of The Pastry Puff till Jen of Hungry Apron PH introduced it to me.

Pregnancy Journey: My Covid-19 Swab Test Experience at St. Luke's Medical Center QC

Being pregnant during a pandemic could be a blessing and a curse. Though I enjoyed the break I got from the two-month lockdown and skipping the grueling daily commute to and from the office, there are just too many changes and new normal to keep up with. From prenatal check-ups to giving birth, that makes the whole pregnancy journey became not as bright and happy, especially for first-time moms like me. And one of the things I dreaded the most is the hospital policy of pregnant women having swab test prior to giving birth. Hearing and reading about how stressful the experience could be made me worried. But to my surprise, it was actually not that bad thanks to the efficient team behind St. Luke's Medical Center Quezon City's drive-thru team. 

Hello, Covid-19 Swab Test!

My pregnancy journey has been relatively smooth throughout the whole 36 weeks. Though there were minor dizzy spells, weird cravings, and back pains, I never encountered anything serious or problematic. I'm so thankful too as the last thing I want to do is go to the hospital for a series of laboratory tests. My OB-GYNE visits (outside the hospital) alone was enough to make me paranoid. (I refuse to take the lift and climb up five flights of stairs every time I have an appointment.)

Quarantine Favorite: Hungry Apron PH's Hainanese Chicken

Time flies by so fast. I can't believe that I'll be giving birth in a few weeks. And as much as I dread it, I am considering to do ge lai as it is said to help post-partum. But I discovered a dish that I think would make me look forward to eating gingery food!

Hello, Hungry Apron PH. 

I love Hainanese chicken. Sadly, I seldom find good ones here in Manila. More often than not, I'd end up having dry or bland ones that are highly dependent on the ginger spring onion sauce. Thankfully, the brilliant people behind Matt's Waffles decided to share their amazing Hainanese chicken with us.

Quarantine Favorite: Butter and Cheese Creations' Red Velvet Cheesecake

Being pregnant made me crave sweet food all the time. I developed an insatiable appetite for anything chocolate as soon as I hit the second trimester. And my OB-GYNE is not happy about it. I try my best to curb my desire for this sweet treat to no avail. Thankfully, some shops offer cakes and other desserts with less guilt. And one of my current obsessions now is Butter and Cheese Creations' Red Velvet Cheesecake. 

Hello, Butter and Cheese Creations.

Butter and Cheese Creations is an online cake shop owned by Christine Tan, a pilot mommy who has a knack at baking delectable cakes. She decided to pursue her passion for baking during the pandemic. Her current menu of cakes includes red velvet cheesecake, carrot cake, caramel custard cake, super fudge chocolate, mud cake, and ube cake.

Guilt-Free Snack: K-Radish Pickled Radish

I used to think that all kimchis are made and taste the same. My first ever bite of kimchi was beyond appalling that I refused to eat kimchi for almost a decade! Talk about the saying 'first impression lasts'. But after discovering how great ssambaps are, I became open to the idea of having kimchi with my Korean BBQ. I even fell in love with kimchi fried rice to the point of having it for breakfast at least once a week. And one of my favorite snacks now is Kimchi Radish by K-Radish.

Hello, K-Radish.

K-Radish is the brainchild of two doctors who know their way in the kitchen. Drs. Harris and Marie Co came up with the idea of offering pickled radish during the nationwide quarantine and thought that it would be a perfect snack to have while watching our favorite K-Dramas. 

Quarantine Favorite: The Ordinary Sip's White Fungus Dessert

One of the best things we can do for ourselves during this global pandemic is to strengthen our immune system. We could do so by exercising or eating the right food. The first option is becoming too difficult for me when I enter my 9th month of pregnancy, so I try my best to eat nutritious food for me and my baby, Sam. And I'm so happy to discover a delectable treat that not only tastes so good but packed with health benefits perfect for expectant moms like me. 

Hello, The Ordinary Sip.

The Ordinary Sip is the newest brainchild of the talented girls behind Nacho Macho MNL. This time around, they came up with a not so usual dessert that R and I love. 

When in Naples, Italy: Pompeii City

Italy has so much to offer in terms of culture, cuisine, and history. Every city has its charm. And we were so glad that our lack of itinerary led us to visit Naples. This southern city is about an hour away from the famous Pompeii, one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations.

Hello, Pompeii.

Pompeii is not like the posh Milan, busy Rome, or the picturesque Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. It is an ancient city engulfed by beautiful yet deadly Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

My First Longboat Race Experience

One of the best perks of tagging along with R during his work trips is being able to have unique experiences. I've had my knees lit on fire as part of massage treatment, and I got to enjoy freshly harvested sugarcane while walking around a sugarcane field. But one of my favorites was my trip to Guagua in Pampanga where we got to witness a local longboat race and even got to ride it too!

Fast and the Furious, Guagua Edition!

Clark and Angeles are the top of mind places when Pampanga's mentioned. Guagua, though a first-class municipality under the same province, usually takes the back seat. But this town has some quirky happenings too!

Preventive Care: Nude Handmade Essentials' CleanPro Antibacterial Products

It has been months since the global pandemic Covid-19 hit us, and we still know so little about it. One thing is for sure, observance of good hygiene helps lessen the chance of getting it. And one new brand I adore now is Nude Handmade Essentials' CleanPro line. 

Hello, Nude Handmade Essentials.

Nude Handmade Essentials has an ample selection of disinfectants and antibacterial solutions to help shield us from the deadly coronavirus. Its CleanPro line has affordable but quality products that are great for indoor and outdoor use.

Countdown to the Big Day: My Hospital Bag

Time sure flies fast! I can't believe that I'm now on my 8th month of pregnancy and that I'll see my little one in less than two months. I guess I'm too excited as I started packing my hospital bag when I hit my 28th week. It was slow progress as we completed our baby's necessities just recently. But now, it's finally ready!

Countdown to the big day: Our Hospital Bag

With the global pandemic in mind, I wanted to be prepared as much as possible and limit our exposure. I read that most moms who gave birth during the lockdown stayed in the hospital for two to three days maximum instead of the usual three to five days. Some were even discharged within 48 hours from giving birth. I guess this is the hospital's way of limiting the mom's and baby's exposure to coronavirus, and at the same time maximize the use of its rooms. 

Best Sourdough in Manila: Otter Breads' Sourdough Noir

I have a weak spot for bread. I would often grab a loaf or two whenever I go to the supermarket or go crazy every time I pass by a bakeshop. And when Otter Breads offered for me to try its newest sourdough creation, I said yes in a heartbeat!

Hello again, Otter Breads.

I love how Otter Breads' dedication and support for local suppliers. It regularly comes up with new artisanal products made with the finest Filipino produce. And one of its latest creations is its Sourdough Noir.

Food Delivery Favorite: Snack in a Tub's Cheese and Cold Cuts

 I have a weak spot for cheese and cold cuts. I'd always go for some whenever I see a platter in a buffet or party. And thanks to Snack in a Tub, I can have my share of a colorful platter weekly!

Hello, Snack in a Tub.

Snack in a Tub is a local online food delivery that specializes in beautifully packed cheese and cold cuts in a tub. Don't be fooled by its luxurious look as this shop offers pocket-friendly tubs. 

Beat the Heat and Flu with AICE's Milk & Eggs Ice Cream

Living in Manila is like getting used to being roasted daily. And I mean 'roasted' in a literal way as it hardly gets cold here. Hence, many crave cold treats such as halo-halo, bingsu, and other icy desserts almost 24/7. I'm so glad that ice cream is one of the most easily available heat relief products in the market, and it was made even better by AICE.

Hello, AICE.

With its appealing combination of affordable price points, a wide variety of flavors, and quality products, it was not surprising for Filipinos to go gaga over AICE since it launched in the Philippines back in 2018.