European Tour in Vikings of SM Jazz

Vikings is a well known buffet restaurant in the Philippines for great tasting food as well as luxurious design of interiors. It does not only targets the diners taste buds but also delight their eyes using elegant art pieces and fixtures. That's why I feel so honored and privileged when they invited me AGAIN to dine on one of their new branches which is located in SM Jazz, Makati.

The Bike Room of Catimar, Pasay

It has already been 3 months since the last time I went out of Manila and travel. Reason why is because I venture into a new hobby/sport which is kind of money-draining. I am now hook to biking... MTB to be exact. Well, it is my father who has been pushing me for quite some time now to try this activity as he himself is into this hobby (even at his age of 60). So I give in and gave it a try. Then one day, I find myself not travelling anymore because I am always out of money upgrading/purchasing bike parts and stuff.

So why am I telling this? As for this blog post, I am going to feature a shop for those who wanted to build their dream bikes. I want to help my readers who also wanted to try this activity. I think it is somehow relevant to the purpose of this blog... discovering places in PH (this time, helping folks who are bike enthusiasts). The name of the shop where I bought my built bike is "The Bike Room" in Cartimar, Pasay City.

Cafe Mezzanine of Binondo, Manila

Chinatown in Binondo, Manila is renowned as the oldest china town in the world but aside from that, it is also known as one of the best spot if you're looking for some gastronomic adventure. The place is very ideal if you're into food tripping because Binondo, specifically Chinatown, has lots of restaurants in which one will surely delight his or her appetite. One of the restaurant I am referring to is the Cafe Mezzanine.

Located in the heart of Chinatown and on the busy street of Ongpin, Cafe Mezzanine is referred as a Volunteer Fireman's Coffee Shop. The place is a fireman's life inspired restaurant in which you'll see firemen's helmets decorated on the place and images of firefighting actions. But having said that, the place still has the cool and homey vibes that ensures customers' dinning satisfaction. Also, it is said to be that all revenues of Cafe Mezzanine is donated to Binondo Paco Fire Search and Rescue Brigade (as per CNN news). Gee, that's noble!

Eat Like a Viking at Vikings, SM Megamall

Claimed as the largest buffet areas found in the country, Vikings has set standards of dining with style and in class. They are known for serving exquisite and quality dishes, value for money and luxurious interiors that are designed to give their patrons a vibe of class that can't be found on anywhere else. Vikings has uncover the taste of luxury wherein every Juan (Pinoy) can enjoy. And now, to extend their reach on bringing international cuisine and food service, Vikings has open a new branch in SM Megamall!

Cucina Andare @ The Link, Glorietta

CUCINA ANDARE is part of the Mecato Centrale Group in which we know as a food market that is now all over the metro. It has been the birthplace of many fast growing food retailers such as Manang's Chicken, Mochiko, Merry Moo, Mio Gelati, Zen Taclings and many more! Now, to continue on bringing great food, music and art, Cucina Andare has found a new home at Glorietta, Makati - The Link!

We can now bond and hangout with our family, friends and co-workers at the roof deck of Glorietta's The Link Car Park while enjoying our food. The Link building is beside Makati Shangri-La and just in-front of the Landmark Department Store. As what I stated previously, the new place of Cucina Andare is at the roof deck of the building and therefore a grand view of Makati Skyline awaits to all foodies out there who'll visit the place.

Market Basket of River Park, Muntinlupa City

Just last week, I have been invited to a food and drink event for Bloggers at River Park. The so called River Park is the newest attraction and part of the initial upgrading and re-branding of Festival Supermall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City which began in 2013. One of the highlights of River Park is the natural river flowing on the area that enhanced by luscious green landscaping. The said expansion is also set to offer distinct dining concepts from cafe to casual dining options.

That's why I was not surprised why restaurant like Market Basket picked this place to establish their business. Imagine enjoying great food with nice ambiance. Perfect it is!

Binondo, Manila: Where to Go? What to Do? and Where to Eat?

A very rich culture, decades-old Chinese restaurants, and having historical churches and temples...

Well having said that, it is not surprising why Binondo, Manila is now becoming a popular destination for travel bloggers, food bloggers and even to History Buffs (and Historians). People who'll visit the place will not only be feed on the visuals they may see in this place but they'll also make their stomachs full with all the restaurants and food stalls Binondo has to offer. Plus, roaming and eating around Binondo is affordable and budget friendly!

Note: This Binondo tour will require you lots of walking so you better prepare yourself. :)

Modern Filipino Cuisine at Sentro 1771

A few days ago, I received a message on my Facebook wall from Sir Anton, author of pusangkalye.net, inviting me to join them in a food event hosted by Sentro 1771. So who am I to say no? This is a great opportunity plus another write up for me, so right away I said yes without any hesitation (and it was clearly a clever choice).

Sentro 1771 is part of the 1771 Group of Restaurants. The group includes Cafe 1771, Winebar 1771 and Sidebar which is located in El Pueblo Real de Manila Ortigas and Chateau 1771 situated in Greenbelt 5. If you're wondering what's the significance of 1771, well, it is a street number where the first restaurant of this group originated. Going back, Sentro 1771 is known for serving local Filipino cuisine but reinvented them and added a twist of Swiss and French style. Have you heard/tasted Adobo sa Gata? How about Lamb Calderata? Hmmm how about Corned Beef Sinigang? These are just some of the best sellers in Sentro 1771. It's unusual and creative but I assure you great satisfaction. Especially those who are fond of Filipino dishes. By the way, Sentro 1771 is located at Serendra, BGC, Taguig and also in Greenbelt 3.

Food Trip at "Food Truck Park" in Capitol Commons, Pasig City

Food truck is a mobile kitchen or canteen that sells and transport food. Commonly they are in the form of vans and school buses that has an installed kitchen and a large opening or window for food display. These mobiles are also coated with the brand's prints and logos in which I believe is used to have a quick recall to potential customers. In the US, food trucks are now making their way and name in the food and business industry. Food Network channel even produced a show called "Great Food Truck Race" wherein different food truck businesses compete on each other and at the end of every episode, the truck who sold the least will be eliminated. The show is now on its 4th season which also shows how popular are food trucks today and how it is being patronage by people.

Food trucks are not something new in the streets of Manila, but putting 10 or more food trucks in one site is a different argument. Yes, 10 food mobiles that sell from appetizers to main dishes, and even, desserts. An organization called "Metro Manila Food Truck Association" gathered food truck owners and joined forces to an exciting gustative adventure for Pinoy Foodies.

A Chance to Win (1) Roundtrip Ticket with AirAsia Zest: “The Right Way to Fly”

07 November 2013 - I have been invited to a dinner event hosted by AirAsia Zest at New Orleans/Claw Daddy in High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Along with the great foods that were served that night, AirAsia Zest announced 4 great news that everyone needs to know:

1. AirAsia Zest Rebranding
2. AirAsia Zest Cebu Hub Launch
3. AirAsia Zest Miri, Malaysia New Destination
4. AirAsia Zest Macau New Destination

"Zest Air has been re-branded as AirAsia Zest!" Yes, you read it right. Last September 21, 2013, Zest Air were pleased to announce that they are now flying with AirAsia, The World’s Best Low Cost Airline. The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved “AirAsia Zest” as the new brand name of Zest Airways, Inc. CAB also approved the new logo of Zest Airways, Inc., wherein the Zest name has been incorporated into the iconic red hot circle, which is the signature logo of AirAsia.

Manila Ocean Park: Your All Season Holiday Destination

It's been quite a while that my only destination has just been office-house and house-office. This is not doing me any good. I have to go to other place despite the interchanging of super hot - super wet weather that Philippines is experiencing. The extreme hot weather condition and/or the strong rains really makes me lazy to plan on an out of town trip. So, I am looking for a spot inside the Metro and here's where Google takes place.

After searching on the net and several Tabs of Google Chrome, I finally picked the spot for my Metro Manila getaway and I chose The Manila Ocean Park.

Tous les Jours | Waffles & Loyalty Card Launching

Tous Les Jours (pronounced as "Tu-Le-Juru") has already established its name in Metro Manila since the day it started. A sign of this are the store branches that are popping out all around the Metro. Manileños are now learning about the freshness of Tous les Jours products and just yesterday, I have been a part of another Tous Les Jours milestone as they opened their 12th store located in SM Jazz Mall, Makati.

From Korea to the Philippines: Tous Les Jours

Korean craze is pushing to a new level! Aside from the Koreanovelas (Full House, Missing You, Endless Love), Korean bands and groups (KPOPs), photo poses (these are the poses in gwiyomi), dance craze (like gangnam style and gentleman), food and restaurants (kimchi, jampong, bonchon, KBOP) that is so popular in the Philippines, today, Korea has also started to bring-in in the country their Bake shop!

Sweet and Savory crepes of Crepes & Cream

My craving for crepes and ice cream started back when I was still in college. Melodica, a friend, was the one who introduced me to Crepes & Cream after our successful baby thesis defense in S.A.D (reminiscing those days makes me feel old. lol!). Ice cream in crepe has this balance of sweetness (the ice cream part) and blandness (every time I bite the crepe part) which makes it a great dessert and the main reason why I am fond of it. -- I'll be using again my smart phone for the photos of this entry... aw.

Swensen's : where Happiness Never Melts

Are you looking for something refreshing this summer? I suggest to try out these frozen desserts of Swensen's in the Mall of Asia (MOA), Pasay City.

My girlfriend and I were just walking and looking for something to eat  under the scorching hot afternoon in MOA last weekend when we came across Swensen's. The moment I saw the ice cream display and photos from the outside, I immediately ask my girlfriend if we can try it out and thank God she said yes (Yikes, I forgot again to bring my camera... smartphone mode again).

Mad Mark's of Kapitolyo: Man Sandwich and Frozen Desserts

I've heard a lot of stories (mostly foods and "hole in the wall" restaurants stories) about the street of Kapitolyo. Kapitolyo or Brgy. Kapitolyo in Pasig is now renowned as the food haven in Metro Manila in the blogging communities.

Amici - Pasta! Pasta! Pasta! of Mckinley Hill, Taguig

Great pasta and gelato in one place. That's the best way to describe Amici. Me and my officemates visited the Taguig branch (Venice Piazza, Mckinley Hill) of this restaurant after the long and tiring day at the office. Amici is popular for its Italian cuisines which is from pasta to pizza and even their sweet and refreshing gelatos. Just a perfect getaway after work. Please bare with the photos below. I only used my camera phone for this entry (forgot again to bring my camera with me).  =]

8065 Bagnet of Estrella, Makati

Are you a big fan of Bagnet? Well, you don't need to visit Ilocos anymore just to taste this evil invented cuisine. There's this restaurant along Makati that serve not just the the famous deep fried Bagnet instead they give it a twist and flavored it with some of our other local cuisines. Have you heard of Bagnet curry? Bagnet dinuguan? Bagnet binagoongan? and Bagnet kare-kare? Not yet? Then visit 8065 Bagnet.

4th Philippine International PyroMusical Competition

The best light show in the sky has just started as the 4th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition launched yesterday at the bay of SM Mall of Asia (MOA). Six nights of Saturday will lighten up as 11 countries compete with each other and showcase their never-before-seen spectacle of fireworks display.