Get Buffaloed!

Buffalo and chicken wings are the talk of the town these days. There are many wings' restaurant that sprung out all over the Metro, from low to very expensive prices. But among all of those old and new wings' store, Buffalo's Wings N' Things is and will always be my all-time favorite. This restaurant offers a variety of flavors for their chicken wings and tenders from the not spicy to the spiciest wings. It gives the customers the option to pick their level of spiciness for their wings which made this restaurant clicked.

It was my best friend, Louise, who introduced me to this restaurant and since then I always come back and recommend it to the people I know. I really never knew that there is a place where I can devour yummy buffalo wings at an affordable price and big servings in Glorietta so a really big thanks to my best friend. The place though is a bit hidden but people keep on going here because of the appetizing taste and great experience that the restaurant provides to their customers.

The Glorietta 5 branch is just not spacious inside but they have a veranda with tables and chairs that customers can choose to seat but of course, the weather these days is scorching hot therefore people want to dine inside so I believe that their small store space is a disadvantage since many people want to eat here especially during peak hours. They have an American interior, all have touches of red, yellow and white. I like the lights on their ceilings, they are very hipster. They have a big menu posted on their wall as well as the level of spiciness that customers can choose from. They also have trivias posted on their walls about chickens and about spicy flavor. Their kitchen can clearly be seen, customers can see how their orders are made which was fun to watch.  The place is clean and the ambiance is good because of the music played but the the temperature is a bit hot which is an off for me. Their staff is accommodating and the waiting time is just quick.

They do not only offer buffalo wings in their menu, they also have appetizers such as nachos, quesadillas, burrito, fries, hotdogs and burgers. They have sides such as NY dirty rice and buffalo ranch. Also included in their menu are desserts like NY cheesecake and ice cream. There are also beverages such as soft drinks, iced tea and beers offered.

With regards with their buffalo wings menu, customers can choose if they will have the Champion Buffalo Wings or No Bones Fun which is just buffalo tenders. Then after, the size of the chosen buffalo type will be asked. For the wings, there is a half pound worth P149.00, one pound worth P284.00 and the triple sampler which costs P409.00. No Bones Fun is cheaper with their half pound which amounts to P139.00, double worth P274.00 and their triple which is P399.00. After this, customer will be asked what signature sauces of the restaurant they want for their wings. It ranges from mild to extremely hot sauces. Of course for starters, the recommendable sauces are Garlic Parmesan, Honey BBQ, Basil Sauce and the Jalapeño Cheddar. But if you are really up for the challenge of trying out their hot and spicy flavors such as their New York's Finest and Firehouse Classic which are still bearable then order it. But if you want to take it onto the highest level, try their Ultimate Wingsanity, which is the spiciest of all as well as the K-Bomb, Armageddon and Nuclear which are next to Wingsanity and get ready to get so insane of hotness. Lots of water will really be needed because of the sweat that will come out from your body.

For the nth time that I have ate here, my favorite flavor is the Jalapeño Cheddar because its flavor is not that bland and not that spicy. It is just balanced so for starters and for those who are not a fan of spiciness then this is the flavor for you. It is really delicious, I swear! Just like your favorite Jalapeño Cheetos but a sweeter version. I also tried their Garlic Parmesan flavor but I kind of not like it because it is too plain for my taste buds. The hottest flavors I tried and will not ever try again are their Armageddon and Nuclear flavor. For goodness! It was very spicy especially the Armageddon. I could literally not eat anymore because it was bringing too much hotness in my stomach. It felt like it was going to explode anytime. I could not anymore enjoy my wings and tenders because all I could think about was the spiciness and hotness all over of me. But it was a fun and challenging experience but again, I will not do it again. It was death-defying! *laughs*


This place has always been my go-to restaurant ever since I have been introduced to it. I am really a chicken lover and given that their prices are absolutely affordable and their servings are big even if you just order a half pound, you will feel so stuffed even without a rice. (well for me) They have lunch specials from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm wherein their wings are priced for P129.00 only. It is already a half pound wings with your chosen flavor and an NY dirty rice. Buffalo tenders are also available for only P99.00 for a half pound with the chosen flavor and an NY dirty rice. It is really affordable! And the serving, oh goodness! It's really huge! Believe me, I just ate last May 2 availing these promo. Try it now! It is worth everything.

Reliving My Childhood

Last October 2016, Joma and I had a spontaneous getaway to Tagaytay. We just commuted going there but it was not a problem because it was accessible because it was only one bus away. We rode at a bus in  Lawton which cost at around P70-P80 pesos or lower, I am not anymore sure. Tagaytay is a go-to place of my family when I was a child. Well, I believe almost all of us have always been in Tagaytay during our childhood years having picnics, horse back riding, and being mesmerized by the beauty of the Taal Volcano. Tagaytay has played a big part of my childhood and I was very happy when I got to go back again.

Our first stop was the famous Picnic Grove. This is still one of the best places to visit when you are in Tagaytay. Those pine trees, horses, picnic areas, recreational activities such as zip line and rappelling and the overlooking of the Taal Volcano make this place really a place best fitted for families who want to bond and to have a quality time with one another. The weather's very fine when we got there. We definitely felt the cold breeze of the air and we were very elated because being in this place was nostalgic for the both of us. It was like we were children again just roaming and having fun around the place. We took pictures of ourselves and the place wanting to remember every moment that we had here. We walked and climbed stairs around the area just enjoying the view and one another's company. We also felt like we did not belong here because all were families having picnic and we did not even have food in the first place. But it was fun watching these people having quality time with their love ones. When we got tired of exploring the place, we sat and relax and bought food for us to eat. Looking at this place, it seemed like nothing had changed especially with the picnic area. It was so fun reminiscing!

Our second stop was the People's Park. It was much more farther than the Picnic Grove and it was really up on the top. We rode a jeepney going there and when we got there, there was a P20.00 fee for every person. I felt so much rejuvenated being in this place. We were actually on top seeing the whole city. It was too cold! We walked up the park and even though it was tiring, the happiness in my heart replaced it. The place was not anymore maintained and it was small. It was basically already like a ruin or a place that was left underdeveloped but people still go here because of the majestic view and for picture purposes. There was a statue of the Virgin Mary where we prayed and there were also souvenir shops. So there was not much to see except for the view unlike with People's Park.

Because we were already starving, we decided to eat Bulalo since this is the famous dish in Tagaytay. We chose Mahogany Market because they say that it has wide selection of Bulalo stores and indeed it had! There was a long Bulalo stalls and we did not know what store to pick because basically they are all the same. So we just picked the one near us because we were hungry. We bought the large Bulalo which cost for about P250.00. It was too big! And it was very yummy. It was worth our money. They even have unlimited "senyorita" bananas.

After that sumptuous bulalo meal, we went to Cliffhouse Tagaytay. It was a place where there are restaurants and coffee shops that you can try. But what makes it special is that there is an overlooking of the Taal Volcano. You can really see the volcano most especially during daytime. And there are rocking chairs and benches in front of the terrace where you can chill and just feel the view. We sat there for about two hours I suppose, just talking about anything and everything. It was one of my favorite moments of the day.

It was already dark so we decided to finally go home even though we did not want it yet. It was a very unforgettable and special day for the both of us. I truly enjoyed Joma's company and I believe that this is one of the many travels that we will still have together. It was a day just full of joy. It was a day of temporarily forgetting all the stress we had been feeling. It was definitely one of my most favorite day in my life. 

Hey Jude

Last April 20, 2016, we watched a play entitled “Ang Favorite Book Ni Jude”, a Bob Ong novel, performed by the Teatro Tomasino at the Education Auditorium.  The story was about  Jude, who was the main character, who turned his back from God because of all the struggles he faced in his life that he taught that God left him all by himself. He was given another chance to bring back his faith and to realize all his mistakes in the afterlife with God.

When we reached the auditorium, we were asked to sign up and wait for about 15-20 minutes before we could go inside the venue which made me feel a little bit off because of the long waiting time given that it was really hot and already congested outside. When we finally entered, the temperature of the auditorium was bearably cold which compensated the heat outside. With regards to lighting and color schemes from the start to finish of the play, I definitely love it because it was pleasing to the eyes and the transition of lighting and colors on stage was done well. It was really like I was watching a professionally done play like the ones from Ballet Manila because of Teatro Tomasino’s great and appropriate presentation of their lighting and color effects at every scene. I think that their sound system was not that loud that it could not go as fully as far at the back where we were located therefore some of the words in the script could not be heard and thus could not be understood by us. The size and shape of the auditorium was fine because it fitted all of us and the stage was big allowing the actors to move freely and confidently. 

The spatial layout of the venue was just balanced; it was not too big nor too small. I believe it could accommodate the ten sections of Marketing so it was just exact for all of us. With regards to the functionality of the furniture or equipment used, I think that everything had done its purpose like the stage, props, microphones, audio visuals, chairs and the like. But the chairs are really a little bit tall and I feel uncomfortable seating on it. 

           

In terms of the signs, symbols and artifacts dimension, there was no sign pertaining to the signing of attendance and the lining up of students before entering so there was clogging and those who arrived earlier were the ones who were seated at the back because students were reserving seats for their late classmates which was not fair. We were the earliest there and when we entered the auditorium and was hoping to seat near the front, students said that the whole row was reserved and stuff so it was really annoying because we actually paid and our section was early but of course, there were student "representatives" who were earlier who reserved the whole place for their section that was why we ended up seating at the back. It was even more annoying when we see latecomers occupying those seats that we asked if we could have. But that is life tho.  

           

On the other hand, the play made me excited to watch out for every scenes because I have not read the book so I was just depending on what I was seeing but honestly there were scenes that got me bored. Also, I felt distressed during Melchor and Lena's intimate scene because it was too long and it was really awkward. *laughs at loud* As a whole, the play was entertaining and enjoying because the actors made sure that even though the theme of the story was sensitive and of course should be taken very seriously, they still managed to lighten up the mood and made us relate to it in a very positive way like for instance when they blurted out jokes, when they were dancing, and when they keep some heavy scenes still calm to watch.It was not only absolutely fun to watch but I had many realizations about life and my faith. It was a great show indeed and thumbs up to all who made the play, backstage and front stage. 

Here Comes The Sun

"Everyday is beautiful if you choose to see it."

It was a one fine morning in Barangay Dipaculao in Baler, Aurora. We woke up at around five-thirty in the morning, ate our breakfast, drank our coffees and just appreciated the atmosphere and the cool breeze of the place we were at. Tita Flor and her husband, the owners of the house we were staying, asked us if we wanted to go to the beach just near their house and we quickly agreed to that excellent idea. I readied my camera so that I can clearly capture each moment because our brains of course do not exactly and completely remember everything that what we have experienced so it is better to have a souvenir of each of it. It was only a five-minute walk going to the sea and I was really elated to see it, to enjoy the scenery and to take as many photos as I can since I am really into bodies of water. I was really hoping that our house would have a sea near it because I totally adore and love going to uncommercialized beaches. When we reached the place, we took the shortcut going to sea by going down through the rocks and crossed a heel deep water.

I don't know what these are called but they looked like mangroves ☺

Taking photos of Daddy while he was crossing the water

Two amazing creations I love looking at: My Dad and Mr. Sun 

The place was such a beauty. It felt like it was an escape from the busy and crowded cities of Manila. I never had to worry of all the things I was required to do. I did not have to stress myself from the pile of work I need to finish. Everything here was simple and having less time was not an issue. The peacefulness and calmness of the sea in the morning was incredibly relaxing. We were also lucky because it was low tide during that time so it was safe to go near the water. According to Tita Flor's husband, this sea is where most of the people in their Barangay get their source of income through fishing. They catch fishes and other seafood very early in the morning and we saw some of the fishermen who just came back from fishing and it was really cool to see all those many seafood that they caught. Indeed, it was a tough job and I always have big respect for fishermen.

The life here is very simple and quiet.There is no need for anything grand. It was really a breath of fresh air for me. Sharing with you some of the photos I captured and I know that words are not enough to describe the beauty and peacefulness of this place. The pictures already speak for themselves.

More photos of the place:

"Abandoned"

There is something about the sea that is so calming.

The whole  walk beside the sea  and the waiting for the sun to finally set up was a breathtaking experience because it  is not like everyday that you encounter things like this especially at a place that is extremely wonderful.  The breezy shore was invigorating that I just want to be stuck there. I also cherished this moment because I got to bond with my Dad not that we are not close but it is rarely that we travel together and just chill and relax. I considered it as a perfect quality time with him and I know there are many more places that we are still going to go together. I enjoyed capturing photos of him during this time because my Dad is really a serious, reserved and quiet person maybe a factor to this is him being a police officer so it really makes me giddy whenever I see him excited, in awe and very happy. It was priceless and forever this moment is going to be remembered in my heart. I am writing this to remember all the feelings I had during this day and I realized that truly the best things in life cannot be bought by money alone. The most simple things truly bring the most happiness.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." - Robert Brault

Night Market

There are already many night food markets that are present around Metro Manila and people embrace these very warmly because of its convenience since all kinds of food that you can think about of eating are there and its affordability makes it more appealing to people to go and try the place. 

If there is one thing that I love about living in Fort Bonifacio is that I am near this night market called Mercato Centrale located at the corner of 25th Street and 7th Avenue, in front of The Forum, South Global in BGC. It is open during Friday to Saturday, from 6:00 pm to 3:00 am. The Mercato night market comprises a wide array of food stalls offering different variety of foods to cater to the different taste buds that customers who visit the place have. It also has a live band playing all throughout its open hours to entertain and boost the crowd while they are eating. So basically, this night market is not solely for buying food but to have a chill and quality time with your love ones and friends while pigging out those delicious food that you have ordered.

Mercato is newly situated in an open area in front of a building where a big mural of an astronaut can be found. Its former location was near the BGC Football field and it was bigger than the new one. Despite this, they still have many chairs and tables which customers can use but I can say that their former location was more comfortable, spacious and could accommodate double the people compared to their new area.  The ambiance of the place was of course loud because it was open and people are parading and looking out at the different food stalls so it was a bit stressing when you go here at peak hours for instance between 7:00 - 9:00 pm because it is really hard to get a seat and a table and sometimes, it will really take such a long time before a customer can comfortably find a place. 

Of the many times that I have been here, I still have a lot of food to try because believe me, the food selection is completely overwhelming. Given that there are already many stalls but each stall has a wide assortment of the food it sells. Mercato offers different kinds of meat, chicken, pasta, pizza, shawarma, street food, cakes and pastries, ice cream, fresh fruit juices and many more different cuisines. They also sell beers in case the customer wants to relax and unwind. For a budget of 300-500 pesos, you can already try many food and your stomach can be very stuffed. I also suggest to go there in group if you really want to pig-out as many food as you can.

One of my favorite sections here is the food meals section because not only that the foods are at a very reasonable cost but they have generous servings for only P100 to P150 pesos. The street food section is another favorite because everytime I look at that stall, I cannot help but be persuaded to buy because it really looks appetizing with all those big barbeque, isaw, kwek-kwek, calamares and the like together in just one big table. But its price is a little bit pricey compared to those just sold in the street. They usually have this 3 for 100 maybe it in isaw, kwek-kwek and others but they are very yummy that is why I keep on buying them when I am here. I also like the shawarma section. It was a goodness from heaven. It is so meaty and flavorful. I have also tried their churros section, which is P120 for three I think, which was just ordinary - there was nothing special. Their hydrogen ice cream is just okay and expensive for a really small serving. And of course, their chicken wings are the best! This is the highly recommend for you to try and never go home from Mercato without trying it. Its price from P100-P200 is worth it. You can choose from their flavors. I suggest the Black Mamba which has a spicy sauce and has a cocoa combined. I know it appears unusual but this combination really work. It tastes amazing! A very must try!


As a general, Mercato Centrale in BGC will always give me a sense of happiness and a feeling of being full but still wanting to try out other food. This is one of my happy places especially when I want to be comforted. It just make me feel relaxed seeing all those food laid down on me at each and every stall. It is always the best time especially for my tummy whenever I visit this place. I am always contented going home from Mercato because it always gives me the best pig-out experience. 

MERCATO CENTRALE

25th St. corner 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

Mobile: +63 917 840-1152 

Telephone: +632 624-4557

Email: admin@mercatocentrale.ph

Website: Mercato Centrale PH

Facebook: mercatocentrale

When In Baler

The province of Baler is famously known for its beaches that are perfect spots for surfing. But there is still more that this province has to offer and we were blessed to have gone further to the more peaceful and magnificent side of it, away from the commercialized and congested surfing spot areas. 

The place is called Diguisit Beach which known as the rocky paradise of Baler, Aurora. It was a long travel going to this place given that we passed by a winding road but getting to the place was worth everything. The scenery around us was simply amazing and very beautiful. When we arrived at the place, we did not pay anything because Tita Flor, the owner of the house we were staying at, knew the owner of the resort. 

It was low tide when we got there. That was the result. 

There were no people when we got there so we were much excited to explore the place and to take pictures of the breath-taking view that we were seeing. The water was crystal clear blue and the rock formations were really majestically created. Its white sand was really solid. There was also a small swimming pool where tourists can dip and swim. Well, one problem of this beach was that it was rocky so people will have a hard time on swimming for a long period of time but the place as a whole will absolutely compensate everything. The place made me feel very rejuvenated and at peace. It was definitely a paradise that I want to go back to over and over again. I felt really happy that I  got to see one of the hidden gems that our country has. I had fun going up and down the rock formations even though it was kinda painful and made my sandals broken. Also, this trip was special because I spent it with my family. We really had fun swimming, eating, talking about funny things, reminiscing the past, and taking so much photos because of course, we want every memory in this place to be always clearly remembered. 

It was a day just full of happiness and gratefulness with my family together with the paradise that welcomed us so warmly. And I wish that we just stay there and never go home. It was a place that I felt so attached because of its beauty and I tremendously want to go back to given another chance. There are definitely a lot of beaches like this that are not crowded and away from those polluted and dirty ones that are always worth the travel despite how far they are because nothing but a taste of paradise awaits me.

It's that time of the year again

It was my first time to celebrate my birthday on a school day and I was really looking forward for it because it would be a first experience. And the thought of swiping my ID upon entering our college building wherein it would say "happy birthday" gave me excitement. And I did it! I swiped my ID! And the machine greeted me. I was so happy! Simple joys like this in life really matters to me. When I entered our classroom, my classmates greeted me and it was really overwhelming. My heart was just containing of pure happiness and thankfulness for another year that the Lord has provided me. 

Joma and my classmates surprised me in the classroom wherein they sang "happy birthday to you" together with Marla playing the violin. They gave me a cake and they let me blow the candle on it and there was also flowers. I felt very special during that day and I could not really ask for more. I am just too blessed to be surrounded with these thoughtful and loving people in my life. They also gave me letters and gifts which I appreciated so much. My heart is melting right now remembering that moment.

After class, Joma and I went to Yakimix SM Mall of Asia branch to have lunch. We got vouchers from Metro Deal which was a hundred peso less from the original buffet lunch amount. So we just paid P462.00 each. It was actually my first time in Yakimix so I was having high expectation because of the good reviews that I read about it. The SM MOA branch was one of the biggest among their branches. The ambiance was not that noisy and everyone was having fun of cooking their food and that was I like about it, the grilling part even though it kinda takes time before you completely finish cooking. They have wide selections of raw food from seafoods and meats. They also have cooked food like dimsum, makis, tempuras, soups, and other appetizers like salads, pizza, and fries. And of course, they have drinks and dessert section. Their dessert section was my favorite! They have gummies, ice cream, cakes, halo-halo, cookies and many more sweets that definitely caught me.

Most of what we got was meat, appetizers and desserts. We really enjoyed grilling, cooking and of course eating! We were there for about two hours just trying and consuming every food that they have. And even though we were already bloated, we just kept on eating and eating. It was really fun and one for the books experience. 

Pyromusical 2016

I am really a fan of fireworks despite the pollution it brings to the environment. Do not get me wrong, I just love seeing their colorful lights up above the sky. There is just something comforting about seeing lights, all kinds of it, especially when they are glowing brightly. 

Last February 13, 2015 was the first day of the annual PyroMusical held in the Mall of Asia Seaside had begun and I was eager to see this event since last year so now that I have an available time, I asked Joma to go with me. We bought the lowest price ticket (P150.00) because believe me, you could really see the fireworks wherever location you are even outside the vicinity of the event's area and even without purchasing a ticket but of course, you will feel more belong if you are inside of the place.

The Philippine International PyroMusical Competition 2016 comprises of eleven competing countries such as Portugal, China, USA, UK and of course the Philippine's very own, the Platinum Fireworks Inc. The competition would be from February 13 to March 19, 2016 which are all Saturday wherein each country would show their unique and magnificent fireworks display through their chosen theme. The 2016 PyroMusical was opened by the defending champion which was the Philippines' Platinum Fireworks Inc. followed by the first contestant which is the Portugal's Luso Pirotecnica.

The show was set to start at 7 o'clock in the evening but Joma and I arrived there earlier because we knew that there would be a lot of people who would see the show and we also wanted to be in front so that we could really see the fireworks display. There were no seats provided except for the VIP section but it was fine because we don't get tired so easily. There were bands who entertained the crowd as well as a taste of fireworks display once in a while to make the people feel excited and for us not to get bored. When the show was finally going to start, the crowd started to feel hyped, all heads tilted up, eyes towards the night sky and phones were up readying its camera's capture button to be clicked. And the most awaited show then began and colorful light lit up all over the sky.

The Philippines' fireworks display presentation was incredibly heart-warming and breathtaking. Their theme was loving and appreciating once's country. This could be seen through all the Filipino songs that they have used throughout the 30-minute presentation. They have exemplary done well their fireworks routine. My favorite parts were the heart-shaped fireworks, the slow-mo fireworks where it was like I was catching stars when I looked up the sky and the continuous popping of the fireworks like there was no tomorrow. It was very magical and definitely, my eyes were full of those colorful and brilliant colors up above the sky! I was just smiling the whole time and just feeling so amazed by what I was seeing up there. It was like a 3D experience, but this time in real life. It was worth the wait! They had absolutely proved that they deserved being a champion last year.

After the Philippines' presentation, there was a 10-15 minute break given so that the next country could be able to prepare and ready. The band started to play again energizing the crowd. When the host announced that the show would continue again, the people felt excited once again. The first contestant this year was Portugal's Luso Pirotecnica. Discolights was their theme this year. Their fireworks display were paired with different disco songs that would really make the crowd dance and enjoy. I believe that they have good technology compared with the Philippines that was why there fireworks was more advanced but of course, it was all about the delivery and the theme used. Their fireworks display was also very beautiful and majestic. I could not know who did better between the two, all I knew was this was a very magical night and I was just happy seeing those so many fireworks up above the sky.

This experience was incredibly unforgettable and undeniably stunning. I really enjoyed every second of the show despite the long waiting time before it started. It was beyond every words that I can put into a sentence because I was really in awe all throughout the show. My heart contained all the happiness and butterflies and this event was another one for the books! 

Gastro Food Park

Kapitolyo has always been my go-to place to pig-out because as I said from my former blog post about this place, it has many variety of restaurants. Left and right there are lots of food spots to decide from so you really would not go home disappointed because of the plenty of choices this place is offering you. 

One of the newest gems of this place is the Gastro Food Park. Food parks are becoming famous today just like the StrEat in Maginhawa, Calle Lila in Marikina and Mercato in BGC and Ayala. So when I read about this place on the Internet, I really want to try it out but I am pretty much waiting for the perfect timing to visit it. So it came when Anna and I are talking about catching up and of course, what will be the best pair of bonding with a friend? Definitely, it is EATING! I showed her the link of Gastro Food Park and asked her if she wants to try it with me and hurray she said yes. And so the adventure for great food has then again began.

We met at around 4:00 pm at the Pasig Church and then we rode a jeepney going to Kapitolyo. When we arrived at Kapitolyo, we asked the guard where Gastro Park is and then he told us the directions. It was only a quick walk and as we reached it, we were excited because it was a cute and artsy place. Since there were few people just yet in the place, we took pictures of the surroundings. Its size was just right, its not too congested, it is clean and it really has a great ambience for dining. It has ample wooden tables and chairs for their customers. The place is well-decorated thus making it picture perfect. It is full of food stalls each exhibiting different cultures through the designs of their stalls. 

(picture of the place)

The decision of what to order is really overwhelming because you have many choices from Singaporean, Mexican, Japanese, Filipino and so much more. We really like to try everything but of course, we have limited budget. Anna and I decided that we would pay half each in every food we would order so that we could try many. We roamed around the place like lots of times because we could not really come up on what to buy. We were scrutinizing every menu of the stalls, asking the staff what is their best-sellers. We were also observing the customers on what they were buying and we saw that most of them have tempura on their tables. So we looked where they got it and we thought that it was from the Japanese stall so we asked the stuff for it but then he said that it was not theirs and pointed the other stall. It was really embarrassing! Haha. So just like others, we bought tempura. It only cost P105 for 9 pieces and each piece was huge. We also wanted to buy Chicken Tikka Quesadilla for P120 from the Masala but they said that it was not available yet and they would just inform us. We also wanted some fries and the large brewed raspberry from Surfries but at first, they told us that we did not have ice yet which made us disappointed because we did not want to eat without a drink and we really like to order their drink because its the best-seller among all the stalls so we just postponed our purchase and just bought Pulled Pork Pizza first which cost P170 from Brick ____. The good thing about this food park is that all the stalls will serve your food on your table so it has a restaurant vibe. It was about fifteen minutes that we waited for the ice so that they could brew our drink. And when the wait was over, we went at their counter again and picked their best-seller Pickaboo fries for P1(explain fries and then price)___________ and of course their raspberry juice which cost P80 and it was already good for 2-4 persons. 

(pict of stalls)

Finally, we completed all our food which all in all amounted to P500. It was definitely worth it because all what we have bought were delicious especially the raspberry juice. The pizza was just ordinary but its price was reasonable. The fries was divine! Its bacon and cheese was put generously on the fries. Its taste was really perfect! There was nothing special with the tempura only that the pieces were big and its affordable price.

(pic of food, pic with anna)

Anna and I stayed here for four hours. We really had a very great conversation full of laughter, story telling, teasing, advising, and reminiscing. I really missed having a time like this again with her and I am very happy that God made this day happen. It was a day only  full of  happiness with the person whom I consider as my college best friend. 

 (pic of anna)

If you truly want good food at prices that are within your budget then this place is recommendable for you. I also suggest that you go together with your group of friends so that you will be able to try many variety of food they are offering. We enjoyed and are very much contented with our stay and dining here. This now became one of favorite places to go when I want to eat a lot.

Address: #12 1st Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig (Landmark: Chinabank, Kanto Freestyle Breakfast) Operating Hours: Monday - 4:00 pm -12 mn, Tuesday to Saturday, 12nn-12mn / Sunday, 5pm-11pm Instagram: @gastropark_ph

Pig-out Night

My best friend, Allye, and I decided to hang out because I messaged her that I was already stress in school and it was great that she did not have anything to do during this day. We originally planned to go to Mercato in BGC but when we arrived at the place, it was not open so we were really disappointed. We thought of other places that we could eat and chill and thanks to Zomato, we found this restaurant called Recovery Food also located in BGC. 

Recovery Food offers Filipino dishes that will surely capture their customers' taste buds. They call their meal offerings as Filipino comfort in a bowl and they have this positioning of "Eat, Recover, Leave." The restaurant offers dishes that you can mostly find everywhere just like Tapa, Sisig, Lechong Kawali and the like but they put the quality of every meal very high that will surely make the customers feel very satisfied despite its quite high prices.

The restaurant was small and it can accommodate few people only so when we went at around 7 PM, it was already full that we have to wait for about 20 minutes for us to have a seat. There was nothing special with their interior and furniture. Their kitchen was open so customers can see how they prepare and cook the food. While waiting, they already gave us the menu so we could choose what to order. Looking at the menu, I felt like everything was just ordinary and I could buy their food at a lower price at some other places but well, I want to know what was really special with the place that a lot of people keep on recommending it. I ordered a regular Tapa De Morning which is their best-seller that cost P180.00. On the other hand, Allye chose their full recovery Doc Sisig priced at P235.00.

The waiting time until our order had arrived was kinda long so we were kinda irritated. When our orders were already delivered, the servings were really at a generous amount and the way they presented these ordinary dishes were different from what I expected. It was like a high standard and high quality ordinary Filipino dishes so we were excited to devour what we ordered. My Tapa De Morning was fantastically delicious. It was by far the best tapa I have ever tasted in my life. Their tapa was in small pieces and it was not greasy which what I like it about it very much. It tasted great and this is a very must try! Allye's Doc Sisig was also appetizing but it was a normal sisig and I find that there was nothing extraordinary with it aside from its price was was way lower than the other food in the menu. Their food whether you order the regular or full recovery size if you are fond of eating a lot will really bloat your stomach. We were really full and our tummies were like exploding from these yummy food that we have tasted.

But one thing I did not like about the place was that their service was a bit slow like when we were asking for water and it took for so long that it ended up that they did not gave us water but when it was about the payment, they were so fast at getting it. And also, the ambiance of the place felt that we need to eat fast and right after we eat, we must leave the restaurant immediately. That was what I felt well I think that was because of the staff's not very accommodating. But regardless of all of these, I will surely go back because of their food. I am going to try their other dishes and I will see to it that I'll go back not during peak hours. Overall, I love their food even though it was pricey. Still, it was a good dining experience.

Good place, great company

It was holy week break and this was my chance to catch up with my high school friends therefore I invited Allye and Denise to have coffee with me at a newly-opened cafe which is called CCTB in Pateros which is currently making a buzz. Denise and I met at around 3:00 pm at the patio of our former school. It was pretty much a nostalgia to be there again - to be in the place where I spent 11 years of my schooling. It was definitely my second home where I made so many memories, where I met a lot of wonderful people including my best friends, where I learned and where a big part of me was molded. Pateros is definitely a small town (well now it is already a city but I am not quite used to it) but the people living here are very kind and accommodating. And life here is just simple. It is like a taste of the rural life that is very different from the other busy cities of Metro Manila. The people are very traditional and you can really see it from their houses, their culture, the personalities of the people and the fiestas of their patron saints which they are always preparing for every year. So every time I go back in this place, it is always a happy feeling. This place is really improving because there are already lots of establishments that were not there during my school years here including the coffee shop that I was talking about earlier. Time flies really fast! I already feel so old. *laughs*

Back to my story, Denise and I met Allye in the coffee shop already because we told her to go straight to the place so she could reserve seats for the three of us since the cafe was really small. When we arrived, luckily there were no customers and I was really surprised that there was already a place like this in Pateros. The coffee shop was really cute despite its small size which can only fit I supposed less than 10 people so I really suggest that they must expand soon because it is really a hit in the area since it is the first coffee shop in Pateros. The interior and furniture were colorful and attractive. The colors of the store was perfectly fine that really made the ambiance cool and relaxing.

The prices of the beverages and cakes of CCTB are surprisingly cheap compared to the other coffee shops that I have been to regardless if it is famous or not. We ordered their coffee based frappuccino to beat the heat of the day. I picked their Dark Chocolate Frappe in 20 oz for only P140. Denise chose Mocha Caramel also in 20 oz for P130 and Allye tried their Vanilla Caramel in 20 oz for P120. With those said prices, you already have their tallest size available so it is really within the budget for students like us. They have more beverages offerings from hot to cold that customers can choose from. We also ordered their cakes which are again too affordable because it ranges from P50 - P110. We tried their Mocha Chiffon Cake for P55 and their Chocolate Watilla for P65.

CCTB's Menu:

sizes of their beverages and their cupcakes and cakes

Their service is fast and the presentation of the frappes were enticing. The cakes looked delectable as well. They gave generous servings to their customers which was a thumbs up for me because it is so rarely these days that food service gives big amount of servings. So first things first, we took a snap of what we ordered. The taste of my Dark Chocolate Frappe was just ordinary and to be honest, it actually tasted like Milo so I quite did not like it. I also tried Denise's Mocha Vanilla and there was nothing special and it was very sweet so I also did not like it. But when I tasted Allye's Vanilla Caramel, it was really good! Its sweetness was just balanced and the fact that it was the cheapest among the three frappes that we ordered. So for me, the Vanilla Caramel is the most recommendable if you happen to visit this place. But still, it depends on your taste buds.  On the other hand, the Mocha Chiffon Cake was also an ordinary cake that you could buy anywhere maybe because of its cheap price. Their Chocolate Watilla was my favorite because it was not too sweet and you could really taste its flavor. It was also at a very reasonable price despite it being delicious so this is another must try!  

(L-R) Allye, Me, Denise

My best friend that I rarely see these days but still whenever we meet, it is always one for our friendship book!

                                                                                                                    

We were satisfied with the overall service of CCTB because not only they have affordable menu but also we got to spend a very nice quality time with each other without any limit. We stayed there for about three hours and having the place all to ourselves. It was a place that is perfect if you want to talk and bond with your friends that you miss dearly because the ambience was really rejuvenating. We really enjoyed our stay here and we will definitely go back if we have free time again.