Love Local: Crows Brewery

Beer may be one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the Philippines but craft beer is relatively new for many. Known to be brewed in small batches and in a more traditional way, it is often perceived to be better than the commercially produced beer given the brewer's closer attention to detail. I've had my first taste of craft beer in 2015 when I went to Baguio. But there's another brewery in the south that has been around a few years earlier. And yes, I'm referring to Crows Brewery.

Hello, Crows Brewery.

Crows Brewery was born in 2010 and started to commercially brew in 2013. With a very hop-centered influence, expect strong bitter notes in every sip.

First Bite: Lugaw Manila

A trip to Poblacion is not complete without dropping by a bar or two for drinks. And though this bustling night scene is packed with the trendiest restaurants and bars, it runs a bit short of spots where one can recover from all the cocktails and beer consumed. Thankfully, there's a new shop in town that offers the crowd favorite lugaw. 

Hello, Lugaw Manila. 

Lugaw Manila may be a new kid in the block but it has been around longer than most of Poblacion's frequent guests. 

Established in 1989, Lugaw Manila started out as a small family restaurant in one of the streets of Malolos, Bulacan. For decades, this nameless store attracts locals for its bang for the buck goto and other comfort dishes. It took a bit of courage and perfect timing for it to find the opportunity to finally bring its delectable dishes to Manila.

First Sip: Bang! Bang! Bar

Poblacion has transformed from a quiet neighborhood into a bustling community these past years. With innovative restaurants and some of the hippest bars found here, it's not surprising for this part of Makati to be very busy at night. And we discovered a new bar you definitely have to add to your next bar crawl to end your night with a bang!

Hello, Bang! Bang! Bar.

Bang! Bang! is the slightly hidden bar of VBQ Vietnamese Barbeque & Hotpot. 

First Bite: VBQ Vietnamese Barbeque & Hotpot

Korean barbecue is one of the hottest food trends these past few years. We’ve seen so many shops open here and there. I had no idea though that Vietnam also has something similar to this till I visited VBQ.

Hello, VBQ Vietnamese Barbeque & Hotpot.

VBQ is one of the newest spots to check out in Poblacion.

First Bite: Sundays by Merry Moo

Summer may have been long over but the intense Manila heat is here to stay. And there's no better way to keep cool than with a scoop or two of ice cream. But why stop there when you can have three and a yummy waffle bowl to eat it with?

Hello, Sundays by Merry Moo.

Merry Moo is one of the homegrown ice cream brands I love. Its fun and innovative flavors keep it relevant especially with today's discerning market.

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.  

Midsummer Manila is Back this September

The insane Manila traffic is just about to get even crazier as we move closer to Christmas. With a supposed 30 minute drive turning into a grueling 2 hour trip, we should start crossing out some of the items on our shopping list as early as now! And one of the best places to make that happen is at Midsummer Manila. 

Hello again, Midsummer Manila. 

Midsummer Manila is back this September with three pop up schedules!

Choi Garden Feast at 50% Off

Choi Garden is one of the best Chinese restaurants in town. Known for its superb roast duck and pork, scrumptious abalone and fresh seafood, its Annapolis branch is often packed with hungry guests. And it gets even busier when it partners with banks for bang for the buck deals. For this September, your favorites are at 50% off!

Hello, Choi Garden. 

We dropped by Choi Garden last Thursday to grab a few dishes for dinner. But we were surprised to know that we can't order roast pork to go. 

When in El Nido: Huni Lio

El Nido Resorts never fail to deliver exceptional service and gift us with great memories to cherish. This is why we opted to book Huni Lio after finding out that it is also part of the same group. 

Hello, Huni Lio.

Huni is the newest addition to the Lio Estate Resorts group. Knowing that it opened just last June made it so easy for us to confirm our reservation. 

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.

Now Open: The Empress Dining Palace

I used to dislike Chinese food. I had no appreciation for it till I was in middle school. But it turned out that it wasn't the cuisine that I did not like, I was just eating at the wrong places. And when I got to have a taste of the real deal, a space in my heart (and tummy) opened up for this cuisine with rich history. Now hooked with dumplings, bird's nest soup and so much more, I was excited to visit The Empress Dining Palace.

Hello, The Empress Dining Palace.