Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Have You Tried Cara Mia's Gelato Sandwiches?

Cara Mia has been one of my go to brands for desserts. Its superb Mango Cream Pie, Ube Cake and Strawberry Shortcake are just a few of the desserts I'm in love with. And last October, Cara Mia launched a new treat that would make everyone hooked for more. Anyone up for Gelato Sandwiches?

Hello, Cara Mia's Gelato Sandwiches.
Cara Mia is like a dessert fairy godmother with all the wonderful sweets it made for us to indulge in. And when this sweet tooth haven released its gelato sandwiches, I was beyond thrilled. 

Monday, December 30, 2019

5 Ways to See Mount Everest

Mount Everest is undeniably the most popular mountain in the world. With its mighty height of 8,848 meters, many mountaineers aspire to reach its peak and take pride in being one of the very few to do so. But it is definitely no easy climb. Rigorous training is required to even consider taking on Everest. And the average budget of $45,000 to ascend is definitely no joke. Thankfully, there are other ways to get to see Everest. And it won't hurt one's bank account that much. 

Hello, Mount Everest.
A flight to Nepal from Manila usually takes 9 to 12 hours depending on where you plan to take your connecting flight. And considering the long queue for Visa on Arrival, expect to spend an additional hour before officially setting foot on Kathmandu, Nepal. And it would be a total waste if you visit Nepal without even taking a tiny peek of the glorious mountain.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Things to do in Chitwan, Nepal

Nepal has been known for its beautiful mountain peaks. Landlocked between India and China, this small country is the home of the 10 highest peaks of the world, including the famous Mount Everest. But this country has much more to offer. Aside from its scenic landscapes, Nepal is also the home of several majestic species. And we were lucky that the United Nations event we were attending was held in Chitwan which has a national park tagged as UNESCO World Heritage. 

Hello, Chitwan!
Chitwan may not be as popular as Kathmandu, Patan, Bharatpur or Everest Base Camp but this district has some interesting activities in store for visitors too.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

My First Lash Extensions with Ayumi

I've always wanted to have long eyelashes. But my lack of patience to put on falsies or  learn how to properly apply mascara left me with sparse eyelashes for decades! Though I had those moments of being made up with long lashes to boot, I never really considered having lash extensions because of my fear of having my already few lashes fall off. And it took a lot of research for me to finally give in. And the best one that came out was Ayumi. 

Hello, Ayumi.
Ayumi is one of the pioneers in the lash extensions industry in Manila. It has been around for over 5 years and have been known as a reliable fairy godmother in making one extra glam. 

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Restaurant Love: Ippudo

Ippudo has always been my number one ramen joint in Manila. With its light yet umami packed broth, I could easily finish a bowl. And after weeks of not having a decent Japanese meal, I figured that it's time to end it and indulge in my favorite Shiromaru Tamago.

Hello, Ippudo.
One of the things I love about Ippudo is its impressive service. I used to frequent its Uptown Bonifacio branch and the staff never fail to give me a pleasant dining experience. And I'm glad that same is true with its Ayala Malls Vertis North store.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

When in Bacolod: Mambukal Hot Springs

A trip to Bacolod is never complete without a stick or two of inasal from Chicken House and Kansi from Sharyn's. Throw in some Napoleones, Piaya and Half Moon and I'll be one happy kid. But one thing I was not aware of that would make one's trip to Bacolod more memorable is Mambukal Hot Spring.

Hello, Mambukal Hot Spring
Located 45 minutes away from Bacolod's city center, Mambukal Hot Spring has been a destination for locals and tourists alike. 

Monday, December 16, 2019

Exploring Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City

Dapitan is a small city in Zamboanga del Norte and is not your usual popular tourist destination. It is often treated as a port when travelling to Dumaguete or a passageway to Davao. But history buffs would enjoy taking a short visit here as this place was where the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal, was exiled during the Spanish Regime. And the shrine dedicated to him allows everyone to have a glimpse of his life in this humble and quiet city down south. 

Hello, Rizal Shrine, Dapitan
Jose Rizal is no stranger to most of us especially if you did your part in history class. Tagged as a Renaissance Man, Rizal has a lot of titles under his belt aside from being a doctor, writer, entrepreneur and hero. 

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Closeup Shows How Love Rules

Love is said to be a universal language. You don't need words to express and simple acts of love are understood across the world. However, there are so many societal limitations to love. Many say that there are rules to be played for one to win, or at least be accepted. But should love have rules? Perhaps not.
Closeup has always used "unstoppable closeness" as one of its taglines. And it has redefined closeness with its Free to Love campaign. 

Thursday, December 12, 2019

A Taste of Home: Limbaga 77

Being away from home for a month made me miss our local cuisine tenfold. Just thinking about how a single whiff of sinigang would make me drool drives me crazy. And it was an easy decision for us to pick Limbaga 77 for dinner after a long trip abroad. 

Hello, Limbaga 77.
Limbaga 77 is a homey Filipino restaurant tucked inside the semi-residential area of Tomas Morato. It has been one of the highly rated restaurants in the area by Zomato users and it definitely made me excited to try some of its bestsellers. 

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Monday, December 9, 2019

Paradise in Mactan: An Abaca Boutique Resort + Restaurant Review

Abaca is a popular dining destination in Cebu. Known for its superb bakery that serves mouthwatering and picturesque breakfast staples, Abaca eventually grew into a restaurant group that also owns and manages Maya, Tavolata, Red Lizard, Phat Pho and Luncheonette. For years, Abaca has been synonymous to great meals. But not many know that this Cebu gem also manages a boutique resort in Mactan. And it was like discovering paradise.

Hello, Abaca Boutique Resort + Restaurant.
I was so excited to visit Abaca's resort after reading great reviews of this place on TripAdvisor. From butler service to scrumptious food, many guests claim this place to be close to paradise. 

Friday, December 6, 2019

When in Cebu: Shangri-La Mactan

The Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has been synonymous with stellar service. Having it as one's accommodation during a vacation almost equates to a wonderful and memorable trip. However, with boutique resorts offering more personalized service and more attention to detail, can big hotels like Shangri-La compete? 

Hello, Shangri-La Mactan.
Shangri-La Mactan is one of the popular resorts in Mactan. With its massive lot housing two wings, Garden and Ocean, plus numerous restaurants and amenities, it is not surprising for this resort to be packed with guests, local and foreign alike.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

First Sip: Tantea

Phones eat first. What used to be a joke is pretty much a reality now. With aesthetics as one of the factors consumers heavily consider when dining out, most establishments focus on making its offerings as pretty as possible. From pink burgers to heart shaped pizzas and glittery drinks, we've pretty much seen a lot of quirky tweaks just to make dishes more 'Instagrammable'. One relatively new milk tea player, Tantea, has its presentation and packaging on point giving it the much needed edge in this very competitive industry. 

Hello, Tantea
Tantea has been around for a few months now with its first branch in Binondo, Manila. I've been curious with its milk tea offerings but my constant trips out of Manila made it hard for me to pay one of its shops a visit. Luckily, Tantea sent me a message asking if I'd like to have some drinks delivered one afternoon. 

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Restaurant Favorite: Abe

The crazy number of restaurants we have in Manila makes it challenging for most establishments to be relevant. With the market bombarded with so many options, consumers find it hard to stay loyal to a particular restaurant... unless the restaurant's doing something right. And such is true with Abe of the LJC Group of Restaurants. 

Hello, Abe
Abe has been around for several years now yet each branch continues to be flocked by numerous guests every day. And it takes only one bite to understand why.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Singapore's One Michelin Star Putien Now in Manila

Manila's food scene is on fire with the influx of local and foreign brands opening left and right. And with Singapore's One-Michelin Star Putien entering the market, we could definitely say that Christmas came in early this year.

Hello, Putien.

Putien started as a humble coffee shop in Singapore back in 2000. Named after Putian, a suburb of Fujian, China, it was Putien's founder, Mr. Fong Chi Chung's way to pay tribute to his hometown. By serving food made with fresh ingredients and packed with flavors, Putien eventually grew into a full scale restaurant and earned its One-Star Michelin in 2016. Now with several branches worldwide, Putien found a new home in Manila, its 67th worldwide.