Nanka Steakhouse

  A night out can start anywhere from a casual dining place to a home cooked dinner but often, especially if it’s a date night or anything celebratory, even just rewarding yourself with an indulgent meal in the middle of the day, a steakhouse would be a good place to start.  Yet with each restaurant… [READ MORE]

La Collina Spanish Restaurant

  La Collina is a modern Spanish bistro in a comfortable lounge setting with a homey feel amidst the quiet neighborhood of Molina and Quintos streets, just at the outskirt of the Poblacion district peppered with grungy bars.   Guests call La Collina as a “suburban oasis” with a warm and inviting atmosphere – its… [READ MORE]

A Weekend Escape at Art-Enthused U Hotels

  My eyes flickered as I felt that the day was calling out to me. I had such a long, deep slumber that a quiet part of me didn’t want to move just yet but the adventurer in me wanted to explore more of the many hidden gems of Poblacion. My body started expanding as… [READ MORE]

Luxury Jewelry Brand Misaki Monaco

  Misaki Monaco has made its name crafting exquisitely innovative and creative interpretation of the classic pearl jewelry – breaking the conventional image that pearls are for an older demography or very one-dimensional. Others say that pearl jewelry take people’s mind off your wrinkles. Misaki Monaco’s line does more than that, its evolving style make… [READ MORE]

Bienvenidos Alba!

  At Alba the mood is romantic yet homey, the room is comfortable, the food is sensational and the service is prompt and gracious. That trademark extends to Alba’s newest branch at Estancia Mall where the painted paelleras are up on the stone walls, coupled with the Spanish plates, and charming Spanish chandeliers interspersed with… [READ MORE]

A Fresh Mango Tree in BGC

  Global Thai Restaurant Mango Tree opened its doors eight years ago under the management of Mother Spice Restaurant Group.  As part of its global strategy, Mango Tree in BGC reopens with a brand refresh and all-new menu concept to appeal to both purists and adventurers as the company eyes accelerated growth across the region,… [READ MORE]

Opulence Revealed With Rémy Martin’s Florian Heriard Dubreuil

  As a tribute to almost three centuries’ worth of heritage carried by the House of Rémy Martin, Legendary Cellar Master André Giraud created Rémy Martin XO in 1981.  Think about the most sought-after vineyards of Grand and Petite Champagne in France—a region collectively referred to as Fine Champagne.  XO is blended from around 400… [READ MORE]

Celebrate Oktoberfest The Brotzeit Way!

Some people say, “I only drink in two occasions, when I’m thirsty and when I’m not.”  Those are the folks who can down a cold one after a cold one after a cold one.  And when are they most thirsty?  That time of the year when all over the world, there is no shame in… [READ MORE]

Ogawa Traditional Japanese Restaurant

    Precision associates with tradition and sophistication when you take that pseudo bridge walking into Ogawa’s doors to its dining interiors.  The centerpiece is the beautiful open kitchen which had each side specific to Teppanyaki, Yakitori, Robatayaki and Kamameshi, where the skilled chefs attend to their section.   The cozy and softly lit dining… [READ MORE]

Sabor the Moment at Novotel Manila

Two Saturdays ago, I saw myself heading out to finally find time to relax.  Novotel Manila Araneta Center uncorks its finest wines for the opening of Sabor Bar de Vinos – the newest addition to the hotel’s exquisite dining and wining experience.  At Sabor Bar de Vinos, the emphasis is on tapas and wines.  The… [READ MORE]

Kam’s Roast Opens in Manila

  Remember before the world wide webs when people ate food and didn’t need to tell everyone about it?  If Kam’s Roast makes its way to Philippine shores, the joy just jumps out of you and it is more than necessary to share the joy and tell everyone about it.     Owing to Filipinos’… [READ MORE]

Pilsner Urquell Night at Nikkei Rockwell

  No working during drinking hours!  A well-extended Happy Hour was right over at Nikkei Rockwell last Wednesday evening as they introduced Pilsner Urquell Night.  How can anyone think about the stresses of work or business when unlimited round of Pilsner Urquell beer is available for less than a bucket.     Last March 14,… [READ MORE]

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Hong Kong-style Roasted Goose by Chef Billy Cheong until November 21!

  I always look forward to my annual business trips to Hong Kong only for one reason: roasted goose.  It’s a shame no restaurant in Manila can come even an inch close to the quality and taste of either roasted goose or duck served in Hong Kong. –   Not until my surefire favorite go-to… [READ MORE]

Charlie’s Pritchon, Memorable Food, Memorable Moments

17 August 2017, I saw myself driving to Open Space in Makati on a Thursday evening braving the traffic to gather with my friends who love good food as much as I do and of course, whenever there is mention of lechon, how can anyone resist?   Them I love to see – – –… [READ MORE]

Mireio Terrace Weekend Brunch

You know why brunch is the most awesome meal of the day?  It’s an indication it’s likely the weekend!  Who’s enjoying a brunch on a Monday?  No one, that’s who.  Of course, Saturdays or Sundays are the classic brunch days, nothing on your mind, no work, you can be stuffing your face all day since… [READ MORE]

Runners Kitchen

I’ve always been curious about Runner’s Kitchen but was kinda intimated to check it out.  Vishal was the very first person who got me to eat here and ended up introducing me to the restaurant.  It’s my fourth time last week to have lunch here and looks like it’s going to be more regular as… [READ MORE]

FOO’D by Chef Davide Oldani at ShangriLa Fort

Chef David Oldani finally opened his first restaurant outside Italy and it is right here in Manila at the Fort.  His restaurant in Milan, Italy is a 40-seater dining area that’s awarded with one Michelin star.  That restaurant has an 8-month wait list.  Getting reservations at FOO’D (pronounced as fu-do) by Chef Davide Oldani here… [READ MORE]

Samba

Pick a good wife, and you’ll die a happy man.  Pick a bad wife, and you become a philosopher.  I don’t think Neo has become a philosopher so am guessing this guy is pretty happy.  He messaged me about wanting to surprise Gina, his wife and my college best friend in DLSU, as post-celebration of… [READ MORE]

Tomatito, BGC Fort

Tomatito hails from the Shanghai original, which is a sexy tapas bar from the El Willy Fun F&B Group (by Chef Willy Trullas Moreno) who in partnership with the Las Flores-Rambla-La Lola-group opened a Manila branch located in BGC Corporate Center at the Fort.  The inspiration comes from traditional Spanish bars of the 80s fused… [READ MORE]

Celebrating Peb’s Birthday at Cru Steakhouse at The Marriott Hotel

Although Pebbles has relocated to Vietnam, she’s been a frequent fixture in the local cable industry scene flying in and out every two weeks working diligently to get the SCRIPPS channels to where they are today – Asian Food Channel is well-distributed in the cabled homes and a brand trusted by media buyers, Food Network… [READ MORE]

The Penthouse 8747

After the dinner at Naxional, we grabbed a few drinks to relax and unwind.  I was bringing them to Bank Bar in BGC, which is my favorite hideout of recent, but they had a private event.  We ended up going to the second one I had in mind, which was The Penthouse 8747. Related Post:… [READ MORE]

Naxional South American Diner

“Saturday night and the feeling is right, oh what a night.”  The evening started off with a dinner at Naxional.  It’s been some time since I last hung out with Eric and good thing the bestie invited me out that Saturday since I had zero plans.  He and Ruzelle picked me up and off we… [READ MORE]

Meeting HGTV’s Property Brothers in Manila

These have been buried in my album for a year. Throwback to the day HGTV brought the Property Brothers to Manila. Scripps’ MD Derek: “Jane closed the HGTV deal in the Philippines. She made it happen.” Twin bros Jonathan and Drew suddenly and simultaneously just motioned to land one on my cheek. Janey: “Hey, can… [READ MORE]

Fitbit Charge HR Review

When life knocks you down, do a burpee!  From a long hiatus, due to very stressful work environments, keeping up with so many changes and heavy workload, I get too mentally tired to have the drive to go to the gym this year.  That changed though when I received the Fitbit Charge HR.  You’d think,… [READ MORE]

Michael Velasco at Mario’s

One of Manila’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants, Mario’s has earned an impeccable reputation for great food and professional service.  The dining room to the right is bright and intimate with plush banquettes, comfortable chairs, contemporary accents and a touch of class, which is what this place is all about.   Everything is made in-house… [READ MORE]

Ho Lee Fook

  Ricky Ow of Turner is one hella food connoisseur (I owe him my 2-Michelin Star Nobu experience some 3 years ago which really blew my mind and I was almost in happy tears while eating).  When we were having a lunch meeting at Vask mid this year, he gave me a short list of… [READ MORE]

Little Bao, Hong Kong

My first attempt to visit Little Bao was back in June but that liquid dream (excuse my language, I do fantasize about food in increasingly indecent levels) was crushed when we got to the place and it was closed.  I’m not certain if that was a Sunday or a Monday but it was surely a… [READ MORE]

Henann Lagoon Resort in Boracay

  They say we travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us.  Instead of being trapped in the confines of every day routine, we must look to travel as far as we can, as much as we can, and for as long as we can.  Life is not meant to be… [READ MORE]

My Shining Moment as a Woman

Gone were the days when women cannot cast a vote, have a strong opinion or hold a high position, whether in political affairs or business.  Women are moving up and taking on more varied roles in society.  The overt male chauvinism has petered out in most countries but it hasn’t completely disappeared.  We still experience… [READ MORE]

Wagyu Japanese Beef in Sunvar Plaza, Makati

Driving to Makati on a whim comes very few and far between, but luckily every time I do, traffic always happens to be not so horrendous. It was a Friday evening and we thought of breaking into the weekend and capping a tiresome week at work with a good dinner. Felt the universe conspired to… [READ MORE]

Mecha Uma with Chef Bruce Ricketts, Fort Bonifacio

Nestled amid the high-rise towers that pepper Bonifacio Global City, Mecha Uma is located in a seemingly quieter corner of 25th Street at the Fort. Almost hidden, it is a cut-stone requiring to be uncovered. The dining room is minimalist with elaborate wood frames hanging from the ceiling and the open kitchen as the focal… [READ MORE]

The Girl + The Bull

As most of us would like to escape the dreary repetition of day-to-day routine, I flee to find great encounters of food as a diversion. After a short trip to Tagaytay for some breath of fresh air, the route back to Manila presented an opportunity to explore what BF Homes restaurants have to offer. I’ve… [READ MORE]

Mayura Wagyu Burger by Pink Egg Episodes

There is no sincerer love than the love of food. If I were the sensible man who said it, I’d be George Bernard Shaw. I have less facial hair (at least that’s what you think) and my sensibilities can only stretch as far as good food is concerned. My responsiveness to human touch is stoic… [READ MORE]

One Friday Afternoon in Anilao

Instead of doing the usual summer trip, we’ve decided to just chill and try to enjoy each other’s company over drinks, good food and music. Rented a boat for 4 hours at a rate of P22,000.   – We left Ortigas around 930am that Friday and drove to Tagaytay to get brunch at Tootsie’s. After lunch,… [READ MORE]

A Home in Paradise at Moevenpick Hotel in Mactan Island Cebu

  I’m a Manila girl.  I envy friends who go home to their provincial town and celebrate regional fiestas since I’ve only known the capital city for most of my life not having relatives to visit elsewhere in the Philippines.  Evident of my countless short and long trips to this place, it is obvious that… [READ MORE]

Nederburg Wines at Vask

After a long day, most people would like to whine.  As for me, I’d like to wine.  Unwind with wine.  With dinner or even past nine.  People become poets because of wine.  Ahem. June 09, 2016.  Tonight’s forecast: 99% chance of wine. Gallery VASK and Future Trade International partnered with Nederburg Wines to celebrate their […]

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Bayani Brew’s New Seasonal Concoctions

Thank you Bayani Brew Team for sending over a box of your new seasonal concoctions.  I’m sure you have seen and tasted Bayani Brew as shelves in groceries and restaurant chillers have lined up bottles of these.  The great thing about Bayani Brew is its advocacy to promote the use of indigenous ingredients like lemongrass, […]

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Shawarma Snack Center

Set a date with my not-so-little brother, James, and asked him what he is craving for to shortlist the restaurants we could possibly try.  Unlike my not-so-little sister Joanne, planning lunch with Shoti James was a lot easier since he gave me an answer.  Shobe Joanne would just say “any” or “up to you.”  Well, […]

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FOO’D by Chef Davide Oldani at ShangriLa Fort

Chef David Oldani finally opened his first restaurant outside Italy and it is right here in Manila at the Fort.  His restaurant in Milan, Italy is a 40-seater dining area that’s awarded with one Michelin star.  That restaurant has an 8-month wait list.  Getting reservations at FOO’D (pronounced as fu-do) by Chef Davide Oldani here […]

{READ MORE…}

Samba

Pick a good wife, and you’ll die a happy man.  Pick a bad wife, and you become a philosopher.  I don’t think Neo has become a philosopher so am guessing this guy is pretty happy.  He messaged me about wanting to surprise Gina, his wife and my college best friend in DLSU, as post-celebration of […]

{READ MORE…}

Tomatito, BGC Fort

Tomatito hails from the Shanghai original, which is a sexy tapas bar from the El Willy Fun F&B Group (by Chef Willy Trullas Moreno) who in partnership with the Las Flores-Rambla-La Lola-group opened a Manila branch located in BGC Corporate Center at the Fort.  The inspiration comes from traditional Spanish bars of the 80s fused […]

{READ MORE…}

Celebrating Peb’s Birthday at Cru Steakhouse at The Marriott Hotel

Although Pebbles has relocated to Vietnam, she’s been a frequent fixture in the local cable industry scene flying in and out every two weeks working diligently to get the SCRIPPS channels to where they are today – Asian Food Channel is well-distributed in the cabled homes and a brand trusted by media buyers, Food Network […]

{READ MORE…}

Peb’s Birthday Surprise at Long Bar

Following Peb’s birthday dinner at Cru Steakhouse, we had another surprise celebration for her.  This time, it was Happy Hour time at Fairmont Hotel’s Long Bar.  It was not hard to gather everyone as schedules were blocked as early as 3 weeks prior to the night of reckoning.   I don’t know what happened.  Pebbles […]

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Oriental Palace Seafood Restaurant

It’s the Happy Year of the Fried Chicken!!!  I mean, the Happy Year of the Fire Rooster.  Kinda close right?  Leave it up to me to still keep thinking about food even if it’s about Chinese zodiacs, fortune and auspicious predictions.  Chinese New Year is upon us and if you hit the ground running this […]

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Buddha Bar Manila’s 5th Anniversary in Cabaret Night Style

Buddha-Bar Manila, a world-class bar that offers fine dining and entertainment experience, will celebrate its 5th anniversary with an evening of spectacular entertainment, heart-stopping music, exquisite wine, and non-stop dancing on Saturday, January 28, 2017. The event dubbed “Cabaret Night” will feature live performances by the Silk Band, Can-Can Dancers, and Buddha-Bar’s Resident DJ Joseph […]

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Stretch the Season to be Merry with Casa Italia’s New Gelati Flavors

True gelato lovers are in for a treat as Casa Italia introduces flavors that capture the essence of Christmas. Made with only the most premium and natural ingredients, Casa Italia’s Christmas concoctions are a perfect complement to their current range of authentic Italian gelati which have enticed even the most discriminating palate since its launch […]

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Hotel Jen Manila Celebrates The Year of the Fire Rooster

Thinking about Chinese New Year celebrations?  Think Hotel Jen.  Feel the luck and auspicious vibes as Hotel Jen Manila ushers in the year of the fire rooster in style. Catering to urban adventurers, the Hotel Jen brand delivers quality, comfort and value with a playful twist and friendly service. Hotel Jen embraces the love for […]

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Celebrate Your Holidays at Discovery Primea

The Christmas season in Makati has always been known for the lights, the shine, and the pomp that comes around this time of the year.  This December, Discovery Primea invites you to share in the joyous celebrations all season long.  With an abundance of food, drink, and merriment, hotel guests can indulge in the best […]

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A Household with Alaska

Moooooooo!  I can go mooing like a cow with how much milk my body has consumed ever since I was a tot.  Yea, we’ve all heard milk as the best source of calcium and all of its other health benefits like increased bone strength, smoother skin, stronger immune system, prevention of hypertension, dental decay, dehydration, […]

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Other than November 1 and Nov 30, October 31, 2016 is a Non Working Holiday

  The following dates have been declared as holiday throughout the country as per Presidential Proclamation 1105. October 31, 2016, Monday Additional Special Non-Working Holiday   November 1, 2016, Tuesday All Saints Day Special Non-Working Holiday   November 30, Wednesday Bonifacio Day Regular Holiday Employees who will be assigned to work on this day will […]

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Marco Polo’s Cucina Presents Chef Guiseppe’s Specialties

Marco Polo Ortigas has been that welcome transformation to the Ortigas skyline.  Nestled in the vibrant commercial business district of Ortigas is the first purpose-built 5-star Marco Polo hotel in the country offering distinguished guests 316 large and well-designed rooms and suites, including two Continental Club floors that accord unrivaled privileges and benefits. The main […]

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The Penthouse 8747

After the dinner at Naxional, we grabbed a few drinks to relax and unwind.  I was bringing them to Bank Bar in BGC, which is my favorite hideout of recent, but they had a private event.  We ended up going to the second one I had in mind, which was The Penthouse 8747. Related Post: […]

{READ MORE…}

Naxional South American Diner

“Saturday night and the feeling is right, oh what a night.”  The evening started off with a dinner at Naxional.  It’s been some time since I last hung out with Eric and good thing the bestie invited me out that Saturday since I had zero plans.  He and Ruzelle picked me up and off we […]

{READ MORE…}

September 12, 2016 is Eid al Adha or Feast of Sacrifice Special Non Working Philippine Holiday

  The day of Eid al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice will fall on September 12, 2016, Tuesday. A Presidential Proclamation apparently will be signed for September 12, 2016 declaring the national non-working holiday in observance of Eid al Adha or Feast of Sacrifice. Celebrated annually by Muslims around the world, Eid al-Adha starts after the […]

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Food Therapy and Capturing via Huawei P9’s Leica Lens

Plagued with many major projects I’m leading at work, I haven’t found a quiet time to write leisurely lately.  But you and I both know that that doesn’t mean I have slowed down in my eating.  Enjoying the pleasures of good food by big volumes is imprinted in my genetic coding.  It’s been my escape, […]

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