Tuesday, June 30, 2020

My Pregnancy Journey: The First Trimester

Expecting during a pandemic never paints a rosy picture. Aside from worrying about raising a little human being, paranoia with germs and viruses is at an all-time high. But it's those tiny kicks at night that assure you that things will be okay. 

Hello, Motherhood.
I have to be honest. I was never the type who planned out my life. I wasn't the girl who had a dream wedding or a timeline on when to have a family and raise kids. I want my life to be more spontaneous.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Food Delivery Favorite: Happyfoods' Korean BBQ Feast

Korean BBQ has become a staple in our diet that we couldn't help crave for it during the lockdown. From its mouthwatering premium, a la carte meats to bang-for-the-buck eat all you can deals, just the thought of indulging in this flavorful feast is enough to make many Korean BBQ fans drool. And I'm so glad that my favorite Korean BBQ joint decided to offer its bestselling meats for delivery. 

Hello, Happyfoods!
Happyfoods is the company behind popular Korean BBQ restaurants Sariwon, Soban, and Sibyullee. I have been a fan of these three brands for years. And this is the only restaurant group that made me appreciate kimchi. 

Monday, June 22, 2020

Love at First Bite: Jamie's Kebabs

Growing up in a household not very fond of Meditteranean food made me appreciate this cuisine later in life. I never thought that I'd love kebabs, hummus, pita, and dip almost everything in garlic sauce. It even became one of my constant cravings during Manila's lockdown. And I'm so glad that there's a new place in town that serves superb Middle Eastern food.

Hello, Jamie's Kebabs.
Jamie's Kebabs is the newest food concept by the people behind Main Street. It serves the classic beef, chicken and lamb kebabs as well as other staples like hummus and pita wraps.

Friday, June 19, 2020

One of the Classics: Tropical Hut

I have several fond memories with Tropical Hut. I used to frequent a few branches back when I was young. My grandmother would often bring me there after school for an afternoon snack. We'd share a clubhouse or chicken sandwich, and she'd let me play for a few minutes in its play area. But ever since she stopped picking me up from school, our Tropical Hut visits stopped too. And it took more than two decades for me to rekindle my love with this nostalgic fast food brand.

Long time no see Tropical Hut.
I had this crazy craving for macaroni salad last week. I couldn't stop yearning for it. I used to order from another fast food joint. But the brand recently pulled it out of the menu. And thanks to the Best of the Best Manila, I was reminded that Tropical Hut offers it too.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

ECQ Favorite: Martin Markus' Frozen Apple Crumble and Classic Burnt Cheesecake

A meal is never complete without desserts. I'd always grab some sweets after a meal to end each one in a good note. And when Gina Young of Gold Leaf Tea told me that she revived her dessert business, Martin Markus, I was excited to try it out! After all, how can one resist cheesecake and apple crumble?

Hello, Martin Markus.
Martin Markus opened once again a few weeks ago. It has been steadily gaining patrons with its limited yet mouthwatering selection of desserts. 

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

ECQ Favorite: Matt's Waffles

I'm a big fan of breakfast food. I drool every time I think of good ol' bacon and eggs or garlic rice with bangus. And when I was asked to try some homemade frozen waffles, I quickly said yes. I just didn't expect to be hooked to it!

Hello, Matt's Waffles.
Matt's Waffles is the brainchild of a young kid named Matt who wanted to do something during Manila's lockdown (ECQ). Matt's mom suggested that they make his favorite waffles and open an online shop for it. And it turned out to be a successful venture for the mom and son duo.

Monday, June 15, 2020

Is it Safe to Wear Contact Lenses During a Pandemic?

Wearing eyeglasses has been part of my lifestyle since early 2013 when my vision started to blur. Though I’ve always been curious with contact lenses, the idea of having something foreign on my eyeballs scare me! But hearing and learning about how contact lenses have become a lot better these past years encouraged me to try it out. And there’s no better brands in mind than Freshlook and Air Optix! 

Hello, contact lenses! 
Freshlook and Air Optix have been in the local market for quite some time now. Popular for its extensive selection of colored contact lenses, these brands have quickly gained patrons who seek a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Aside from having a clearer vision, you get a fresh new look too! 

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

First Bite: Big Ben's Gourmet Imus Longganisa

Big Ben's is one of Imus, Cavite's gems when it comes to longganisa. It has been known for its delectable Original Garlic Adobo Longganisa which is packed with bold flavors along with crowd favorites Garlic Hamunado and Gourmet Bottled Longganisa. But this charmer down south has a lot more to offer.

Hello, Big Ben's Gourmet Imus Longganisa.
Big Ben's has been around for a couple of years now but I haven't had the chance to drop by its Cavite restaurant. And I wouldn't have guessed that my first time to try it was during Manila's lockdown. 

Thursday, June 4, 2020

My First Pabili Experience

The Enhanced Community Quarantine made me into an online shopaholic! I get easily influenced to buy whatever I see posted on social media. And when I spotted the seasonal (and rather evasive) star apple on Instagram, I had a sudden strong desire to have some too. After all, summer is never complete without indulging in a few of this delicious fruit. But with our helpers having no access to the market, I had to ask for help online. And here's my kaimito story.

Star Apple or what most Filipinos know as Kaimito is a summer staple. It's so seasonal that it is often out of the market in less than a month. 
I wanted some during the first few weeks of the Manila lockdown and messaged several online fruit stores. Unfortunately, none carry star apple. I got desperate and posted on Let's Eat Pare hoping to get a lead on where to buy. One suggested that I add myself to those pabili Facebook groups. 

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Love at First Bite: Goto Tendon

The Coronavirus pandemic left almost everyone paranoid. We'd freak out at the sound of a soft cough or tiny sneeze and take several steps back with fear plastered on our faces. We got used to sanitizing almost everything and practice social distancing. Yet, we don't know if that's enough. And when R got a fever a few weeks back, we were a bit panicky and had no idea what to do. All I could think of was to feed him good food. Thankfully, Goto Tendon was open for take-out. 

Hello, Goto Tendon.
Goto Tendon has been one of the highly-rated goto/pares places in Manila. It may be a bit new in the goto or pares scene but its mouthwatering offerings and affordable prices made it an instant hit and favorite to many. 

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Food Delivery Favorite: Kopi Roti

Kopi Roti has always been my go-to airport snack whenever I fly from NAIA Terminal 3. I'd grab a couple of its delectable Kopi Buns to munch on as I wait for my flight (which more often than not gets delayed). But the lockdown made traveling impossible and I was already missing my favorite flight snack come May. Thankfully, they opened a few stores to have our Kopi Roti top picks available. 

Hello, Kopi Roti.
Kopi Roti is one of the pioneers in Manila that offer kaya toasts. Though I've had some of its staple Singaporean dishes, including kaya toast, I always go back to its fragrant Kopi Buns

Monday, June 1, 2020

Love at First Bite: Kitchen Corner by Zula Hostel

There's no denying that food delivery is now part of the new normal. As more and more restaurants now offer in-house or through food app deliveries, ordering food for lunch or dinner gets a bit harder each day. I'm not complaining though as this allows me to try new restaurants with just a few clicks and without getting stuck in traffic. And I'm so happy to discover a new favorite-- Kitchen Corner by Zula Hostel.

Hello, Kitchen Corner by Zula Hostel.
Kitchen Corner is a new player in the very busy street of Makati Avenue. It opened primarily to service Zula Hostel's guests. But the ECQ made it shift its attention to cater to a wider market. And I am glad that they did as I got to try its superb dishes!