Food Delivery: Food Tray 2 Go

With the community quarantine still in place, occasions are never like it used to be. Gone are the days of big and merry gatherings. But it doesn't mean that we can't have a sumptuous feast. And with Food Tray 2 Go, things are so much more convenient.

Hello, Food Tray 2 Go.

Food Tray 2 Go has been around for years offering delicious party dishes good for groups of five, ten, or even twenty! Its extensive menu also guarantees that there's something for everybody. Yes, even for the pickiest guest. 

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.

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.

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. 

Promo Alert: Seascape Village's 1 Peso Flash Sale

Seascape Village is probably the fanciest paluto compound in the country. With its massive space housing some of the best restaurants in town, it's not surprising to know someone who'd brave the traffic just to get here. And this seaside foodie community has something up its sleeves to motivate you to join them make the holiday season merrier... with its 1 Peso Flash Sale!

Hello, Seascape Village. 

Seascape Village gets a head start with this year's holiday season with its 1 Peso Flash Sale. And getting this awesome deal is as easy as 1-2... actually, it stops at 2. 

First Bite: Catch of the Day by Cold Storage

I could never say no to salmon. I love this seafood a lot that I'm willing to give up steak for it. And when I spotted it one at Catch of the Day, it attracted me like fly to light. 

Hello, Catch of the Day by Cold Storage.

Catch of the Day is Cold Storage's paluto-type stall at The Corner Market.  

When in El Nido: The Red Crab Alimango House

After days of swimming, snorkeling and climbing in Apulit and Miniloc, R and I were looking forward to finally relax at Lio, El Nido. Just thinking about lounging on its long shore and enjoying the area's chill vibe made us excited. But another thing made us giddy to spend a few days in this newly developed area... and that was to feast on good seafood.

Hello, The Red Crab Alimango House.

The Red Crab Alimango House opened in Lio Estate just last April and it's one of the best places to dine in the area.

Cheap Bites: Above Sea Level

Above Sea Level has been one of the most successful concepts that started in food parks. It started in January 2017 and grew to over a hundred branches and franchises nationwide. And last April, it found a new home at Pobstacion. Its fragrant dishes made it hard for us to ignore its famous battered butterfly squid. 

Hello, Above Sea Level.

Consistent with its vision to be identified as the first seafood fast food brand in the country, our crunchy treats were served within 10 minutes.

When in Baler: Costa Pacifica

I was never a beach person. In fact, I was the typical Asian who avoids the sun as much as I could. And no, it's not because I fear getting dark. I was quite sensitive when I was younger and a short exposure to the sun leaves me with a bloody nose. Thank goodness though that I'm out of that phase as frolicking by the beach is fun! And when R's mom wanted to go to the beach, we decided to drive to Baler and stay in Costa Pacifica as we chase the last days of summer. 

Hello, Costa Pacifica. 

Costa Pacifica is regarded as one of the premier resorts in the surfing destination Baler. Located right in front of Sabang Beach, this resort is surrounded by several small resorts and inns. 

Restaurant Love: Sentro 1771

Filipino food always have a special place in my heart and tummy. I'd often find myself craving for bulalo, sinigang or adobo. And one of the best places I know that offers good sinigang is Sentro 1771. But this Filipino restaurant offers more than just Sinigang na Corned Beef.

Hello, Sentro 1771.

It has been a while since I last visited Sentro 1771 and I was glad that the dishes I love are still available and there are a few new items worth checking out. 

A Festive Meal at Shangri-La at the Fort's High Street Cafe

Shangri-La at the Fort is one of my favorite places in BGC. I'd often stay at its lounge cafe to have some work done while sipping my favorite tea. The hotel's other restaurants--Samba, Raging Bull and Canton Road--all serve excellent food as well! And a couple of months back, I was invited to try High Street Cafe.

Hello, High Street Cafe.

High Street Cafe is Shangri-La at the Fort's buffet restaurant and it has been known for its fresh seafood spread! If you're lucky, you might be able to see a huge whole tuna on display.

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.

First Bite: The Red Crab

I've been away most of the time these past weeks that I hardly get to see my family. But I make sure that I block at least a day in a month to see them over lunch or dinner. And a few weeks back, we decided to head to Eastwood and have lunch at The Red Crab. 

Hello, The Red Crab.

The stylized signage of The Red Crab never fails to catch my attention. But its fancy facade doesn't match its worn out interiors. 

Holiday Hacks: Empacho's Party Trays

You know you're in the Philippines when the holiday season lasts for several weeks or at least until all the leftover and lechon are out of the fridge. And for those who still have potluck parties to attend to, there's this gem in Tomas Morato worth checking out.

Hello, Empacho.

Empacho has been a favorite of mine ever since I had a bite of its kare-kareng bagnet. A mouthful of the crispy pork with thick peanut sauce would bring you to heaven. But Empacho has much more in store for us. Party trays!

When in Thailand: Krabi Island (Day 4 and 5)

Time sure flies fast when you're on a vacation. It felt like days went by as quick as a blink of an eye. Before we even realized it, we were about to leave Krabi and we were just not ready yet. But we tried to maximize our last full day with another island tour and checking out one of the highly rated restaurants in the island. 

Day 4 and 5 at Krabi Island

We decided to spend our last full day at Krabi checking out 4 Islands which is the tour recommended for those who prefer snorkeling over relaxing by the shore. 

When in Thailand: Krabi Island Day 3

August is one of Krabi's lean months due to unpredictable weather. We'd know as we got to experience it on our second day where we thought we were about to get stranded in a different island. Thankfully, Mother Nature cooperated with us on our third day and it was bright and sunny perfect for an island tour!

Day 3 at Krabi Island

R and I decided to book a Hong Island Tour from Aonang Andaman Resort & Tours. For 900 Baht (PHP1,440), we get to ride a speed boat to the island saving us more than an hour compared to taking the long tail boat. Also included in the tour fee are hotel transfer, lunch, beverages, use of snorkeling mask, insurance, and National Park Fee. Be extra careful when confirming with your travel agent if the package you are getting is all-inclusive as some would also offer the tour at the same rate but you still have to pay 300 Baht (PHP480) for National Park Fee. 

It's Back: Mesa Rockwell is Now Open

Complex flavors and different influences make Filipino cuisine very interesting. There are several restaurants that offer great Filipino dishes and one of the best ones in town for me is Mesa Filipino Moderne.

Hello, Mesa Filipino Moderne.

The well-loved Filipino restaurant, Mesa, is back in Power Plant Mall!

Seafood Paradise: Seascape Village

Fresh seafood is one of the things the Philippines is known for. As an archipelago composed of 7107 islands, we never run out of mouthwatering fish, shrimps, crabs, lobsters and what-have-yous. But just when we thought we're fine with good ol' dampa, Seascape Village put seafood feast on a whole different level. 

Hello, Seascape Village.

Sandwiched between Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel and Manila Film Center, this huge compound is divided into four phases. To date, the first Phase is open to the public but there are still a few establishments that are yet to open. The other three areas (that are yet to open) are dedicated to lifestyle and wellness, events and entertainment, and hotel + retail complex.

I was invited to a gastronomic seafood experience a few weeks back and we visited a handful of restaurants and were able to sample its bestsellers.

McDonald's Fish & Fries is back!

Something British is back in Manila and no, I'm not talking about One Direction. I'm talking about something yummy (or yummier if you think those guys are yummy too) and dear ol' Ronald McDonald is the man behind it.

Love at First Bite: Tra Vinh

I've been hearing a lot about this Vietnamese restaurant near Banawe for months. I couldn't find the time to visit this restaurant though given that it's very far from where I live. Thankfully, after several attempts, I finally found myself around the area and decided to do a side trip to Tra Vinh. 

Hello, Tra Vinh. 

Since its opening last year, Tra Vinh has been receiving recognition from several media outlets and food apps listing it as one of the top Vietnamese restaurants in Manila. And I was so giddy when I finally had the chance to try its dishes. 

I got the chance to meet its owner Michael Ang who gave me a brief background of the restaurant. Tra Vinh is a brand that started in Australia and founded by Mr. Van Chien Ho, a native of Vietnam who specializes in Southern Vietnam cuisine. Mr. Ang also told me that the dishes I was about to taste are not the usual flavors I'm used to as the popular Vietnamese dishes here in Manila are mostly from the Northern part of Vietnam.