Friday, November 30, 2018

Northern Chronicles: Hawker Chan SM North Edsa is now open

Hawker Chan has been one of the most anticipated brand openings this year. It has received so much love since it opened its first store in SM Mall of Asia. Its winning and unbeatable bang for the buck Soya Chicken and the lovable Chef Chan Hong Meng have been just two of the main reasons why Hawker Chan became an instant hit with us. And for those from the North dreading to fight the Manila traffic just to get a bite of Hawker Chan's succulent chicken, this is for you... Hawker Chan is now open at SM North Edsa!

Hello again, Hawker Chan!
Hawker Chan finally opened its second branch at SM North Edsa Main Mall last November 29, 2018. 

Thursday, November 29, 2018

First Bite: Jin Joo Korean Grill

Korean BBQ is one of the hottest concepts in Manila to date. With several barbecue joints opening here and there, competition has been very tough that simply offering the classics won't do. Jin Joo knew this and brought its A game by offering not just one or two flavors of samgyupsal but eight which was something new in the Korean BBQ food scene, at least in Manila. And Jin Joo has a few more up its sleeves, or grill for that matter.

Hello, Jin Joo Korean Grill.
Jin Joo has been making buzz with its wide selection of Korean BBQ and 8 Flavors Samgyupsal which piqued the interest of many.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

A Not So Typical Day: The Medium MNL

Living in Manila sometimes make me sad with its limited choices on things to do. With barely any park to consider, we usually spend our days strolling around the mall or catching the latest movie. Hence, I always get excited when something new comes along. And when an acquaintance offered me some tickets to watch The Medium, an opera written by Gian Carlo  Menotti, I quickly said yes. 
I read a bit about The Medium before heading to the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall and was intrigued when it was described as an eerie tale of a woman who pretends to be a medium of the dead and eventually experienced something paranormal herself. As dark and rather horror themes are rarely used in plays, more so for opera, I was looking forward to the show.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

A New Favorite at Greenwich

It's so hard to keep up with the number of new restaurants opening here and there. I find myself confused whenever I eat out as I get bombarded with ads and all sorts of hypes and gimmicks. And when I'm not in the mood to do a bit of research to know if the new restaurant that opened around the corner is worth my money, I stick with the classics. And one afternoon, I found myself craving for Greenwich Lasagna.

Hello, Greenwich.
It has been several months since I've visited Greenwich. It has been my go to place for simple, no frills lasagna and it never fails to delight my taste buds.

Monday, November 19, 2018

Just in Time for Christmas: Midsummer Manila Christmas Creations Pop-Up Bazaar

Midsummer is back and just in time for the holiday! With over 50 merchants offering unique fashion pieces, scrumptious treats, striking statement pieces and about anything and everything for you and your loved ones, this is one bazaar you shouldn't miss.

Hello, Midsummer Manila.

I had the pleasure to attend its bazaar a few months ago held at Arya and my eyes feasted on the beautiful items brought by the wonderfully curated merchants of Midsummer Manila. Though it is not as big as bazaar giants, one of the things I love about Midsummer Manila is how it made shopping a lot easier by handpicking its merchants and just offering some of the best in town. 
Save November 20 and 21, 2018, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as Midsummer Manila has more in store for you in this season of gift giving!

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Restaurant Favorite: Mister Kabab

Mister Kabab has been one of my go to restaurants back in college. Its mouthwatering and affordable kebabs are just too good to resist. And when it became available via food panda, I regularly order some for dinner. But nothing beats dining in. 

Hello, Mister Kabab
I used to frequent its air conditioned Pearl Drive branch and order my favorite Chicken Kabab. But gone are the days when driving to my alma mater University of Asia and the Pacific would only take a few minutes.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Staycation Chronicles: Crowne Plaza Galleria

Living in Manila could be very toxic. The insane city traffic, never ending heat and busy lifestyle could easily drive one nuts! I myself have been on the edge these past days due to tight deadlines, shoots and upcoming trip that needs a detailed itinerary. And a staycation at Crowne Plaza Galleria was just what I needed to de-stress. 

Hello, Crowne Plaza Galleria
Managed by the prestigious Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Crowne Plaza Galleria is the hotel of choice of several business travelers. Its premiere location of being at the heart of Ortigas and right beside Robinsons Galleria gives it a strong advantage against its competitors in the area. 

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

First Sip: M&S Café

Marks & Spencer has been known as one of the major British multinational retailers offering quality garments, body care and snacks. But it was during my random hunt for a cold drink when I discovered that Marks & Spencer also has a café.

Hello, M&S Café.
I got excited when I found out that Marks & Spencer is no longer just a bakery but a café with a wide selection of beverages.

Thursday, November 8, 2018

My Cup of Tea: Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's Tea Appreciation Workshop

I've attended a few wine pairing sessions but tea pairing is definitely something new to me. And when I got an invite to attend Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's tea appreciation event with its Tea Master David de Candia, I quickly said yes.

Hello, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has established itself as a brand that serves great selection of beverages and dishes making it an ideal place for a quick drink or meal. Though coffee tends to take center stage, CBTL's tea selection is also worth checking out. And I had a fantastic time learning which sweet treat would go best with different teas.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

New Favorite: Kumori's Premium Cheese Loaf

Kumori is my default store when it comes to Hanjuku Cheese, dinner rolls and krones. The brand definitely lives to its tagline "bite into clouds" with its soft and fluffy baked goods. And its Premium Cheese Loaf was just as heavenly. 

Hello, Kumori
I find fluffy bread irresistible and Kumori's Premium Cheese Loaf (PHP160) is a dream come true. Each bite was indeed soft and flavorful with its buttery taste and cheese bits. 

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

New Bites at Tsuta

Christmas is fast approaching and its cool night breeze never fails to make me crave for a hot bowl of soup or ramen. And I sure am glad that Tsuta was our last stop for our FOODEE Crawl.

Hello again, Tsuta.
Tsuta has been one of the most talked about ramen joints since it opened last December. It was hard not to be curious about this place given it is the first ever ramen shop to earn a prestigious Michelin star. 

Friday, November 2, 2018

New Bites at Sunnies Café

Sunnies Café has been known to be one of the best places for Instagram-worthy snapshots. But more than those pastel colored pictures, its bang for the buck dishes will tickle you pink. And same is true for its new dishes.

Hello, Sunnies Café
I still remember the first time I visited Sunnies Café. It was during its opening day and the famous gals behind the successful brand Sunnies were there too for a shoot. Fast forward to two years later, Sunnies Café still remains as one of the favorite spots of millennials (and surprisingly titas of Manila as well). 

Thursday, November 1, 2018

New Favorites at Bench Café

Bench is one amazing brand. From a humble retail store, it has expanded to more than just selling clothes. Now seen as a lifestyle brand, it now has spin off brands like Bench Fix and one of its more recent ventures, Bench Café. Its festive and flavorful dishes were instant hit to the BGC market that even those not within the area brave the traffic just to have a taste of the famous Tinapa Cones, Sisig and to die for Halo-Halo. And its newest dishes charmed us as easy as counting 1-2-3. 

Hello again, Bench Café
Bench Café recently revamped its menu and added some stellar new favorites in its menu. Now offering more a la carte dishes perfect for sharing, Bench Café becomes a family destination.