Saturday, December 31, 2011

Two Zero One Two

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!


Let's leave the grudges, regrets, pain, fear and sadness behind and welcome the new year with enthusiasm and high hopes that our dreams will turn into reality and that new opportunities will come our way. Life is short and beautiful, let's enjoy it!

Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Best Trips of 2011 -- A Retrospect

I am dedicating this post to my friends who are planning their getaways next year (special mention to Deng and Nard). May I remind you that this is free of charge but it wouldn't hurt if you'd include me in your list. *wink*

January ✈ 
Manitoba, Canada


Stopover
It was a Looong Flight
The Town at Night
Routine
Breakfast All Day
A Trip to the Superstore
Polo Park
Cherry Love
Around the Town
Buffet Square
Winter Wonderland
Home Bound



May ✈ 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


Transit in Kuala Lumpur
Taste of Asia
Decanter Restaurant
Marrybrown
Foodtrip in KL
Hotel Sentral Pudu



May ✈ 
Siem Reap, Cambodia


Off to the Kingdom of Wonders
Hello Cambodia.. Finally!
Tara Angkor Hotel
Before Visiting the Temples
Temple Chronicles: Banteay Srei
Restaurant with No Name at East Mebon
Temple Chronicles: East Mebon
Temple Chronicles: Ta Som
Temple Chronicles: Neak Pean
Temple Chronicles: Preah Khan
Scenes at the Old Market
Koulen Restaurant, SR
Temple Chronicles: Angkor Wat
Temple Chronicles: Baphuon & Terrace of the Elephants
Temple Chronicles: Phnom Bakheng
Temple Chronicles: Ta Keo
Streets of Siem Reap
Temple Chronicles: Angkor Thom
Ta Prom Restaurant, SR
Temple Chronicles: Ta Prohm aka Tomb Raider Temple
Khmer Kitchen Restaurant, SR
Night Market at Siem Reap



June ✈ 
Singapore


Changi Airport, SG
Robertson Quay Hotel, SG
Mondo Mio, SG
Eye Candy at Universal Studios, SG
Universal Studios, SG
Bugis Street, SG
Weekend at Singapore-lah!



August ✈
El Nido, Philippines


Enchanting El Nido
El Nido Beach Hotel
Squido's Restaurant
Seaslug's Bar and Restaurant
A Day in Paradise Known as El Nido




September ✈
Davao, Philippines


Davao City -- A Rundown
Pearl Farm Marina
Pearl Farm Resort -- Day One
Pearl Farm Resort -- Day Two
Maranao Restaurant at Pearl Farm Resort
Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee
Eden Nature Park and Resort
Eden Nature Park Buffet
Marina Tuna Seafood Market Restaurant



September ✈
Baguio, Philippines


The Manor at Camp John Hay Baguio
The Manor Baguio -- The Sweet (Suite) Room
Philippine Military Academy
Sizzling Plate Baguio
Cafe by the Ruins
Le Chef at The Manor Baguio
Little John's at CJH
Tam-awan Village



December ✈
Macau and Hongkong


Manila ✈ Hong Kong ✈ Manila
Macau in One Day
Hotel Benito, HK
Sky 100, HK
Tim Ho Wan, HK -- The World's Cheapest Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Lamma Island, HK
Maxim's Food, HK
Places I Love in Hongkong



I wonder where my feet will take me in 2012. Hanoi? Another Hongkong trip perhaps? South Korea?
But my mind says, Europe! *wink*

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Texas Roadhouse Grill

Christmas is the most most hectic and stressful time of the year. Not just because of the numerous parties we have to attend to, but more on finding the perfect gifts for friends, family and love ones. I started scouting for gifts in malls and bazaars as early as November but due to lack of  better choices, a week before Christmas and I still have a couple of people left on my list. Last Friday before the 25th, I dragged myself to Bonifacio High Street for the last (thank God!) Christmas shopping that I have to do this year.

Serendra was packed with people doing their last minute shopping (like me) and families and friends having their Christmas dinners/parties. We chose to have dinner at Texas Roadhouse Grill for a change since we've been having Chinese and Japanese food for the last couple of weeks.

Here's what we ordered

Beef and Chicken Kebab

Loaded Wrangler's Pork Steak -- The steak was tender and juicy, can't really see the "loaded" part, which says
bacon, cheese and veggies on top (yes, the cheese and some tomatoes are there but that's it).

One of my New Year's Resolutions: No more cramming! So I'll probably start shopping by September next year.

~o~o~o~

Texas Roadhouse Grill
B1 Bonifacio High Street, Fort Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 856-1547

Saturday, December 24, 2011

A Time of Sharing



Christmas is the season of giving. That's what we've been thought at home and in school. The recent tragedy in the Northern Mindanao area which killed thousands of our fellowmen and left more homeless has been been a living proof that chivalry is not dead. Its really amazing how much help we can give -- monetary, in kind and in service for those who need them the most. For instance, our company has decided to cancel our annual Christmas party and donate the money to GMA Kapuso Foundation instead.

Let us all be thankful for being alive and having the opportunity to be an angel to others. It will take months of rehabilitation before the people of Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro will be able to stand proud once again. Sharing is and will never be too late.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Pig out at Bonchon MOA

Ever since I knew that Bonchon is opening a branch at the Mall of Asia, it became a habit of mine to check it out every time I am in the vicinity. When it finally did last week, we wasted no time and went the following day after its opening. You see, the closest branch to me is at the Ayala Triangle which is always crowded and traffic, not a good combination to go with hunger.

In just a week's time, I already have had lunch and dinner at Bonchon twice.

Here's a rundown of what we ordered in one sitting.

We started of with this simple (just the greens and some croutons) Ceasar Salad with the very yummy garlic dressing.

Ceasar Salad

Any table is incomplete without the perfectly double fried Bonchon chicken. I had 5 pieces of this goodies to go with one and a half rice, another pig out/cheat day.

Bonchon's 6-piece wings with garlic sauce.

Fish box also in garlic sauce for a healthier treat.

I am so happy to share that they have added a lot of great things in the menu including this Kimchi Coleslaw which is spicy and addicting!

Kimchi Coleslaw

I promised to stay away from fried food for a while but after making this post, I don't think I can. Well, just yet. 

See you later at Bonchon!

~o~o~o~

Bonchon
GF South Wing
SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 846-1818

Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Cheese Steak Shop

I apologize for not posting this sooner. Scroll down to know why.



Sometime in November, The Cheese Steak Shop, a US franchise, finally opened its doors to the picky Manila eaters. For three days, they treated us with a Buy-One-Take-One Promo on all 7-inch sandwiches!

Yes, that's why I am all smiles.

On the table


The Cheese Steak Shop only uses Amoroso bread which is shipped all the way from Philadelphia, so we are guaranteed to have the authentic Philly Cheese Steak they enjoy in the US.

Classic Philly with Spinach -- The peppers' really hot so make sure to tell
the server if you don't like it so it won't go to waste.

I had the Classic Philly with Mushrooms -- It was so yummy! The beef was full of flavor.
It certainly exceeded my expectations.

Steak Fries -- Freshly made upon ordering.

Even if the promo was over, I still think its worth checking out. Go call and order now!

~o~o~o~

The Cheese Steak Shop
GF The E-Hotel Makati
906 A. Arnaiz St. (formerly Pasay Road)
Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 555-0235

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Hongkong Roast Food Express

It was one of those rare times when we did not mind driving around Makati City. Since I was craving for Horlicks and Chinese food, I thought it was just the perfect time to finally try this place called HKR Express. Must be my lucky day!




What we ordered

Horlicks -- More powder please!

Roast Pork -- Tastes like the authentic ones we tried in Hongkong, just too much fat.

Sate Beef Hofan

Hainanese Chicken Rice -- No matter how much I try to veer off from this dish,
I just can't! HKR's version was a bit dry though.

Mango with Rice Ball -- Perfect ending to a perfect meal.

~o~o~o~

Hongkong Roast Food Express
7467-C Bagtikan St., San Antonio Village
Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 553-7846

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Kagura Japanese Restaurant





No, I did not go to a museum of the Hanshin Tigers in Japan nor I am a fanatic of the baseball team. The owner of Kagura Japanese Restaurant is.


Serving the best Okonomiyaki or Japanese Pancake in Little Tokyo, Kagura is one of the more famous restaurants in the area. And why not? They only use the freshest ingredients and the chef cooks your order in the open kitchen right before your eyes (best seats are by the counter).


Made up of batter, shredded cabbage, some with noodles and other optional ingredients such as octopus and squid, Okonomiyaki certainly is one full meal at snack price (at least in Little Tokyo standard).

Okonomiyaki with octopus and noodles

It was so filling we can only eat half of each.

Okonomiyaki with squid and bonito shavings on top

The dancing bonito shavings never cease to amaze me everytime.

Overall, it was a very filling and budget-friendly dinner. If only traffic isn't so terrible.


~o~o~o~

Kagura
Little Tokyo, Chino Roces Avenue
Legaspi Village, Makati City
Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 894-3656
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