Home of Quirky Flavors: Black Scoop

Black Scoop is known as the home for quirky and one of a kind milk tea and ice cream flavors. Starting off with the well-loved Yakult, this milk tea shop became extra experimental when it launched Pei Pa Koa flavored tea! Though I may not be as adventurous as those who would like to have Chinese herbal cough syrup in their drinks, I discovered new favorites. 

Hello, Black Scoop.

Black Scoop started out as a humble milk tea shop along the foodie Maginhawa and grew into several branches in just months! With stores in big malls such as SM North Edsa and Eastwood and prime spots like Tomas Morato, it wasn't surprising that this relatively new player quickly took a big chunk of the boba market. 

First Bite: Hakata Ton-ichi

Ramen never fails to brighten up the gloomiest day. Just thinking about slurping tonkotsu broth and munching on thin noodles topped with chasiu is enough to motivate me to get out of bed and head to the nearest ramen joint. And last weekend was the perfect day to check out the newest ramen shop in town--Hakata Ton-ichi. 

Hello, Hakata Ton-ichi. 

Bright and fresh out of a manga book, this is what I felt when I stepped inside Hakata Ton-ichi. Neon signs, wooden furniture and colorful graphics ornate this ramen shop's massive space at SM North Edsa's newest wing.

First Bite: Boa Kitchen + Socials

Breakfast spread never fail to make my eyes sparkle and mouth drool. And when I got word that Boa Kitchen + Socials offers some of my favorites, I made sure to visit this new foodie haven along Scout Rallos. 

Hello, Boa Kitchen + Socials.

Boa is one of the newest establishments in Quezon City's foodie district. Located on the mezzanine floor of ABDC building, make sure to look for a purple signage when you get to the corner of Scout Rallos and Scout Tuazon. 

Worth it or Not: Kenny Rogers Now Offers Milk Tea

The modern Filipino anatomy now consists of at least 20% milk tea with all the boba shops out there. With an average of four cups per month splurge on this sweet beverage, it is not surprising that bigger brands are now offering it too. Recently, Kenny Rogers joined the milk tea bandwagon. And I couldn't help myself find out if it is worth it or not.

Hello, Kenny Rogers. 

I was strolling around Trinoma the other day and was on the mission to grab a bowl or two of salad for dinner. But instead of heading back home after buying my meal, I ended up going to Kenny Rogers. That signage of its milk tea by the escalator sure was effective as it made me take a detour! 

When in Puerto Princesa: Dos Palmas

Dos Palmas has been one of the most popular spots in Puerto Princesa for decades. Just the idea of basking under the sun in a rather secluded island makes anyone smile from ear to ear. It grew into an international headline when a kidnapping incident happened in 2001 which led to the abduction of 20 guests and staff. Though it has been a long while since the unfortunate event, many are still scared to stay here and question the island's security. I was uneasy too but we pushed through with our reservation and spent a few days here. And I was so happy that we did.

Hello, Dos Palmas. 

We spotted Dos Palmas while searching Agoda for resorts in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The aerial view of the island won us over as we like the idea of being far from the city proper. And it didn't take long before we clicked the book button. 

Is FRNK Milk Bar More Than Just A Pretty Shop?

Instagrammable. That word has been the focus of most food and drink establishments and sadly, fail to deliver what's really important... taste. This is the reason why I often avoid pretty food and colorful drinks. I'm always scared of getting duped by its beautiful appearance and leave my taste buds miserable. But when most of my friends say that this new hipster drink brand offers nothing but goodness, I just have to give in to try FRNK Milk Bar. 

Hello, FRNK Milk Bar. 

FRNK Milk Bar is one of celebrity Isabelle Daza's business ventures. And just like all the other brands she's involved with, FRNK is a beauty in all aspects of marketing. All of FRNK's drinks are worthy to be part of anyone's Instagram with its sleek presentation. 

What Mary Loves: Amorita's New Saffron Dishes

Bohol is one of my favorite islands in the Philippines. Aside from its chill vibe and beautiful beaches, I love that this place is a gold mine for sea urchin. But I found another reason to like Bohol. And that's Amorita and its scrumptious new dishes at Saffron.

Hello, Amorita. 

Amorita is one of the luxury resorts situated in the famous Alona Beach in Panglao. It sits on top of a cliff giving its guests a wonderful view of the beach and sea. 

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's Mondays Made Better is Back

Monday is the least favorite or most dreaded day of many. It marks the end of weekends and it always feel like it was the longest day as we have to drag ourselves back to work (or reality). But Monday isn't so bad when your favorite drinks are at prices as sweet as its taste at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf! And yes, Mondays Made Better is back!

Hello, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. 

Mondays Made Better is one of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's popular promotions that would make anyone look forward to Mondays. With different drinks highlighted every Monday, one would be left excited for work week to start. 

Air Asia: Redefining Airline Food

Air Asia has been known and named as the World's Best Low-Cost Airline for eleven years in a row. And it doesn't stop at just providing pocket friendly airfares! With most of its in-flight menu priced below PHP200, it makes dining in the air more attractive. But Air Asia has another reason to convince you why you should click that add a meal button before paying for your next flight. 

Hello, Air Asia!

Air Asia welcomes the end of Summer with a new Santan menu. Aside from the usual favorites like Pak Nasser's Nasi Lemak and Uncle Chin's Chicken Rice, this well-loved airline came up with new dishes to spice things up. 

One of the Best: Ba Noi's

Ba Noi's has been known as one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Manila. It never fails to delight the taste buds which always yearn for Vietnam's clean flavors. This led to the humble hole in the wall restaurant in Makati to expand to other areas, particularly Pasig. And when my sister suggested that we have lunch there a few weekends ago, it was an easy yes. 

Hello, Ba Noi's.

It has been quite a while since I've last dined in Ba Noi's. I remember that I would usually grab a bowl of phở and its tender stir-fried beef. 

First Bite: New Hatchin Grocerant

Japan is a happy place for me. I always look forward to supermarket runs where I get to grab all my favorite Japanese goodies and more. And when R's parents asked if we'd like to go to Hatchin, a Japanese grocerant, I quickly said yes!

Hello, New Hatchin Grocerant. 

New Hatchin Japanese Grocerant is a grocery store and restaurant in one. It has been around for quite a while in Makati and it finally opened a store along Katipunan last April.