Merry Cremas Festival 2014 by Alaska Crema- Eastwood Food Bazaar

It's the time of the year again when Alaska Crema brings us the creamiest food festival at the Eastwood Mall Open Park- Merry Cremas Festival 2014! I was able to experience the food bazaar last year and I can say that it just keeps getting better and creamier. While I arrived at a much later time compared last year, I was still able to sample most of the participating concessionaires' featured products especially made with Alaska Crema All-Purpose Cream. 

SumoSam 9th Anniversary Promo- P9 Ebi Tempura, 9th Birthday Treat, Capture It To Win It!

SumoSam, one of the leading Japanese chain restaurants in the Philippines, is celebrating its 9th year anniversary on December 23, 2014. In line with this joyous celebration and milestone, they are coming out with not just one, not two, but three exciting promos that will surely make all SumoSam lovers happy this season. 

1. 9th Anniversary P9 Ebi Tempura

On SumoSam's birthday (December 23, 2014) you can get your shrimp tempura fix for only P9 each from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Diners who avail of the P9 tempura also get a chance to win one year supply of Ebi Tempura. Check out the mechanics below:

Made In Candy Philippines- Customized Rock Candies + Giveaway!

Looking for the perfect giveaway this Christmas? You might want check out Made in Candy- the first candy-kitchen in the country that makes contemporary hand-made candies from scratch. Their stores have this open-kitchen setup, that will make you want to stop and watch their candymen in action. I chanced upon their first store in Rockwell a few years back, and after seeing the effort and passion their candymen exert in making their candies, I decided to buy a pack. Ok, I'll admit, we bought some after stuffing ourselves with some free samples.

Nest MNL Modern Table and Bar- Roofdeck Dining at the W Fifth Building in BGC

Heading to Fort on a weekend night? There's a new dining destination that gives diners a romantic view of the BGC skyline while enjoying sumptuous food and drinks with friends and loved ones. Located at the roofdeck level of W Fifth Building, Nest Modern Table and Bar offers an upscale yet laid back alfresco setting above the city lights. 

Nest MNL is brought to us by the same people behind Relik, URBN, Salo, and Raven, with Chef Benjo Tuason at the kitchen helm. 

Jergens Skincare Chronicles 7-Day Challenge + Giveaway!

Are you ready to take the Jergens 7-day challenge?

Jergens Skincare invites everyone to participate in a one week mission, to test how Jergens SkinCare can make a difference to your skin in just 7 days. 

I just had to see the results for myself, so.. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!!

My welcome kit finally arrived to mark the start of my Jergens chronicles. 

Trinoma Food Crawl Co-Presentated by Yummy Magazine- Ginza Bairin, Hanamaruken Ramen, Mango Tree Bistro, Wee Nam Kee, Pearl Rive Cafe

One mall, five restaurants, ten dishes, all in just one day. A food crawl featuring 5 restaurants in Trinoma was organized by the Yummy team (Yummy Magazine and Yummy.ph), wherein selected bloggers sampled 2 signature dishes from each restaurant.

Are you ready for the Trinoma Food Crawl? Check out these gastronomic destinations in Trinoma where you can enjoy sumptuous Asian delights. 

Gillian Gail Dessert Buffet- Eat All You Can Desserts in Katipunan Ave. Quezon City

Remember my post about an eat-all-you-can-dessert place before? Love Desserts is definitely the perfect place for dessert lovers out there! For just P199, enjoy unlimited cookies, cakes, halo-halo, pastries, ice cream, and many more. It's been a long time since my last visit, and every time we pass by, the place is jam-packed with customers. They even set more tables outside to accommodate all their guests.

Good news to all! There's another dessert buffet in Quezon City called Gillian Gail Dessert Buffet. Who would have thought that there's a sweet haven found on the 3rd floor of Oracle Building in Katipunan. 

Saboten Philippines- Authentic Japanese Cutlet in Glorietta 5

Saboten Philippines is brought to us by Raintree Restaurants, the group responsible for Mr. Jones, Momo Cafe, Museum Cafe, Chelsea Market Cafe, Kabila, Stella, Rocket Room and Terraz. While I enjoy satisfying my katsu cravings from my favorite katsu place, it was only recently that I got my katsu fix from Saboten at their newer branch in Glorietta 5.

It was a katsu party featuring Saboten's specialty katsu sets.

Nuat Thai Foot and Body Massage in Banawe- Body Srcub + Aromatherapy Package

Looking for a nice relaxing massage in Quezon City? Good news to all spa enthusiasts! Nuat Thai opens another branch in the newly built commercial center 238 Banawe. We usually frequent the place for late night dimsum at King Chef, but this time, we were in for a pure rest and relaxation at Nuat Thai Foot and Body Massage. 

Leann's Tea House- Homestyle Korean Grill and Restaurant at Mother Ignacia, QC

Leann's Tea House- sounds Chinese right? You would probably expect some dimsum and other Chinese specialties upon hearing its name. But actually, it's a Korean restaurant that serves authentic Korean dishes in a family-style setting. Unlike most Korean restaurants in the Metro that gear towards the concept of Korean buffet, Leann's Tea House deviates from the eat-all-you-can setup to focus on serving their customers quality yet affordable dishes. 

The N.E.W. Fashion and Beauty Fair Year 2- SM MegaTrade Hall 3

Network for Enterprising Women (N.E.W.) is a local organization that empowers Filipinas through entrepreneurship. Since 2006, they have been guiding entrepreneurial Filipinas through workshops and seminars held by some of the country’s notable business gurus, that provide them with the right mindset to develop, start, and sustain a business. 

Meshwe- Authentic Lebanese Shawarma in The Z Compound at Malingap Street

When we first visited the famous Zone Compound or the Z Compound in Malingap Street, we were able to discover two great places that offer delicious and budget-friendly eats. First was Me Love You Long Time- a small eatery serving Southeast Asian cuisine particularly Thai and Vietnamese, where we enjoyed some Pad Thai, Fresh Spring Rolls, and a refreshing Thai Iced Tea. 

Our second stop was one of the more popular concessionaires in the compound- Meshwe.

Meshwe Authentic Lebanese Shawarma, as the name suggests, specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine particularly shawarma. They have shawarma wraps, shawarma plates, shawarma rice and other middle eastern specialities like falafel, samosas, pita chips, and hummus. 

Me Love You Long Time- Asian Street Food at The Z Compound in Malingap Street

A visit to Maginhawa in Teacher's Village, Quezon City brought us to The Zone Compound located along Malingap Street. The Z Compound, as most people call it, is a small neighborhood of food stalls offering delicious food items at very affordable prices. The compound caters mainly to students and residents within the area, but it has also been drawing attention from several foodies around the Metro. 

Our first stop: Me Love You Long Time

Located at the far end of the compound, Me Love You Long Time is one of the concessionaires that open as early as 3pm. We arrived around 2:30pm and they gladly accommodated our orders. 

Me Love You Long Time specializes in Southeast Asian dishes particularly Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. 

Pad Thai (P109)

F All Day Dining Buffet Restaurant at F1 Hotel Manila- Bonifacio Global City

During our recent weekend staycation at F1 Hotel Manila, we had our lunch at F1's all-day-dining buffet/ala carte restaurant F. We were there to sample F's Christmas Buffet featuring some of the holiday dishes that Sous Chef Pierre Tan and his team prepared. The spread may not be as extensive as other hotel buffets, but expect to see a few mouthwatering appetizers, main course, and desserts. 

F1 Manila Hotel Weekend Staycation- Home of Happy Experiences at BGC

F1 Hotel Manila, the first hotel to open at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig invited a few bloggers to a relaxing and enjoyable weekend staycation last week. It is conveniently located across S&R Membership Shopping Center and St. Luke's Medical Center along 32nd St. A short itinerary was prepared to make sure we enjoy most of the hotel's services, facilities and amenities available to all in-house guests. 

The hotel's lobby is located at the 5th floor where guests check-in/check-out. The Premier Lounge is also located at the same floor where we met up with other bloggers for the welcoming remarks. 

Crystal Jade Dining In- Weekend Dimsum Buffet in Bonifacio High Street Central

Dimsum lovers rejoice!! Crystal Jade Dining In in BGC still offers their Weekend Dimsum Buffet. When I learned about their dimsum promo, I went all nuts and drooled over photos of their Siomai, Hakaw, Dumplings, Pork Ribs etc.. I was even more ecstatic when I learned that their Baked Bo Lo Bbq Pork Bun and Custard Bun with Salted Egg Yolk, which I was able to try during BGC Eats 2013, were included in the promo! 

If you are a dimsum lover like us, and you haven't heard of Crystal Jade Dining In's Weekend Dimsum Buffet yet, I suggest you read on for the details and check out all dimsum choices included in their promo. 

What: Crystal Jade Dining In Weekend Dimsum Buffet Promo

Where: Crystal Jade Dining In - Bonifacio High Street Central, BGC, Taguig

When: Weekends (Saturday and Sunday)

Time: 3pm-5:30pm

Price: P688++ (P840 net)

 *free-flowing iced tea included

Linguini Fini 100% Homemade Fresh Pasta- SM Mega Fashion Hall

Linguini Fini is one of the new restaurants that opened in SM Mega Fashion Hall recently. It originated from Hong Kong and brought to Manila by The Moment Group ( Burger Bar, Cue Modern Barbecue, Manam, 8 Cuts Burger Blends, Phat Pho, Q-Daddy). Honestly, I haven't heard about Linguini Fini until it went abuzz on my social media feeds earlier this month. 

D decided to celebrate his birthday at Linguini Fini a week after it opened last September 8. It wasn't as packed as we thought it would be, but reservations were made nevertheless. 

Complimentary bread was served together with balsamic and olive oil. 

We ordered some of their best-sellers starting with The Bronx (P785)

Ecru Nail Spa- CND Marine SpaPedicure® and Gelish® Gel Polish in Banawe

I love to eat, I love trying out new restaurants, checking out the latest food craze, and discovering new food finds. I enjoy documenting these things to remind me of the experiences and memories of the things I love to do. But once in a while, I also write about things I love other than food. If you're following me on Instagram, you'll see that majority of my posts are food shots of what I've eaten, or where I've been eating. At the same time, you'll also catch some snippets of my everyday life other than eating out. 

Just recently, I was invited to try this new nail spa located just a few blocks away from the office.

ECRU Nail Spa in Banawe is one of the few salons in the Metro that offer CND spa services. They offer both CND SPAMANICURE® and CND SPAPEDICURE® to clients who want a complete premium nail spa service from fingers to toes.

I tried Ecru's Signature Manicure (P230) for my hands, and Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish (P800) was also applied to my nails.

Their gel nail polish is priced higher than regular nail polish, but it was definitely one of the best and shiniest polish my nails ever had. It was also convenient how gel polish dries up fast so you don't have to worry about reapplying I never liked gel polishes before, because aside from the fact that it's more expensive, it also needs skill and expertise to apply it.

Slammin' Mini Burgers + Fries + Dips- Greenhills Promenade New Wing

Slammin' Mini Burgers may not be as visible as the new establishments in the new wing of Greenhills Promenade, but they surely get a lot of visits especially from moviegoers who are tired of the usual popcorn and chips from the cinema's snack bar.

Slammin Mini Burgers reminds me of White Castle sliders from S&R, only this time, the burgers are cooked fresh rather than microwaved out of the box. 

Being not much a huge eater of burgers, I appreciate sliders that let me taste different flavors without stuffing myself. And that's why I really enjoyed our recent visit to Slammin' Mini Burgers earlier this month. 

As much as we were eager to try their classic mini burgers, it was Slammin's Exclusive Black Box Series that made us excited.

Thanks to their Black Box Triple (P265), we were able to sample all three limited edition flavors.

One Dim Sum 一點心 - One Michelin Star Restaurant in Hong Kong

After our Hong Kong Disneyland Resort adventure, we checked out Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung for a while, then headed to One Dim Sum Chinese Restaurant in Prince Edward Station. One Dim Sum is another One Michelin Star dimsum place in Hong Kong, aside from the famous Tim Ho Wan.

A line was already building up outside the restaurant when we arrived, but fortunately, our friends came early and were able to get a table for the group.

Being a dimsum lover, I was pretty excited to finally try One Dimsum. Too bad my dimsum buddy D wasn't with me during this trip.. He would have enjoyed this dinner as much as I did.

Steamed Siomai (HKD 22/ P126)

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort- Where The Magic Begins!

It was a tough decision between Hong Kong's Disneyland and Ocean Park while we were planning our 3-day Hong Kong trip. I was told that if we were all for the rides, then we should choose Ocean Park. It's been ages since I last visited Ocean Park and I was looking forward to see the changes for myself. But, the kid in me was pulling me towards Disneyland. Plus, I don't really enjoy extreme rides very much.. Or should I say I am not even brave enough to try. A unanimous decision was made, and so Hong Kong Disneyland it is. 

We rode the MTR going to Sunny Bay Station and then transferred to the Disneyland Resort Line. What I love about Hong Kong's transport system is that you can easily get around the island via the MTR. It's so convenient and accessible to everyone. 

The train to Disneyland Resort Station has these mickey mouse windows and handles. Plus, the seats were extra comfy with some Disney character figures and displays. 

The park opens around 9am so be sure to visit early to avoid long lines and crowded attractions. Imagine having your group photo here with dozens of tourists doing the same at the background..

Ippudo Philippines 一風堂- World Famous Ramen Now in Manila! (SM Megamall)

Ippudo, the world's famous ramen house finally opens in Manila! Located at the 3rd floor of the new SM Mega Fashion Hall, Ippudo took the food scene by storm during its first day last September 10, 2014.

Ippudo Philippines is brought to us by the same group behind Yabu: House of Katsu, the leading katsu house in the Metro. And with that, you'll know Ippudo won't just be another ramen hype in the country.

I was able to try Ippudo in Hong Kong last June, just hours before our flight back to Manila. I remember enjoying a hot bowl of their limited edition Tokushima Ramen in Silvercord, Tsim Sha Tsui. Since Butao/Ramen Nagi was already in Manila, we decided to try Ippudo instead. Not knowing 3 months later, I would have my second Ippudo experience without leaving the country.

Tokushima Ramen in Ippudo HK

I was fortunate to attend a pre-opening dinner at Ippudo 2 days before its opening.

If there's a Yabu ritual, Ippudo has Zuzutto!- the slurping sound to signify maximum enjoyment of your ramen. All it takes is Sip, Slurp, Top.

We were treated to Ippudo's signature ramen dishes, but we sampled some of Ippudo's side dishes first.

Goma Q (P140)- sliced Japanese cucumber with sesame dressing

Honestly, I wasn't expecting a lot from this appetizer. But just one bite of these cool and crunchy cucumbers, and I can't seem to stop myself from eating more.

Dashimaki Tamago w/ Mentaiko Mayo (P150)- Japanese omelette roll served with mentaiko mayo dip

Instead of the usual sweet-style tamago in Japanese restaurants, Ippudo's version is a simple soft and fluffy omelette roll. It was nothing extraordinary but I found the spicy cod roe mayo interesting.

Curry Cheese Harumaki (P190)- deep fried spring rolls stuffed with curry, minced pork and cheese

If you're a fan of curry like me, then you'll love this! I wish it was cheesier though.

Ippudo Hakata-Style Gyoza (P195)- original pan-fried dumplings. An Ippudo classic! 

Classic gyoza done the right way.. thin chewy wrapper, juicy meat fillings, pan-fried to perfection.

Ippudo Pork Bun (P100)- steamed bun with juicy braised pork belly and Ippudo's original sauce

Everybody was raving about how good Ippudo's Pork Bun was. I found the pork too fatty but decided to indulge nevertheless. The bun was a cuapao pocket, but it was the pork belly that made this dish special. It was flavorful with juicy pork fat trimmings bursting into my mouth. Indeed it was a guilty pleasure! 

Moving on with the night's highlight, I got myself a bowl of Ippudo's  Akamaru Shinaji (P390)

"Ippudo's original tontotsu broth, enhanced with special blended miso paste, and fragrant garlic oil. Served with thin noodles, pork belly, kikurage and spring onions. A refined modern-style ramen. "

Now this is my kind of ramen. It is not too light as the classic Shiromaru Motoaji, yet not too rich as the spicy Karaka-Men. A well-balanced ramen with creamy tonkotsu broth and savory miso paste, topped with aromatic garlic oil. Ippudo uses thin ramen noodles and serves it in different levels of hardness depending on your preference- Soft/ Medium/ Hard/ Very Hard.

I have yet to try Ippudo's other signature ramen dishes.

Shiromaru Matoaji (P375)

"Ippudo's original tonkotsu broth served with ultra thin noodles, pork loin, bean sprouts, kikurage, and spring onions. Classic Hakata-style ramen."

Karaka-Men (P390)

"Ippudo's original tonkotsu broth served with thin wavy noodles, pork belly, and spring onions. The special spicy minced meat, miso paste, and fragrant garlic oil add a kick to the senses."

You can also request for an additional order of noodles or Kae-Dama (P70) as long as there is enough soup left in your bowl. Kae-Dama is a Japanese system offered in some restaurants wherein customers can have a noodle refill for a minimal fee. I don't think I'll be needing that since Ippudo's serving of noodles is already more than enough for me.

They have these cute pink and blue ramen bowl set for kids too!

Ippudo Philippines may not be one of the pioneering ramen houses in the country, but the Standard Hospitality Group surely knows how to save the best for last. Being one of the firsts is an advantage, but what's more important is ensuring the ultimate customer dining experience. And that is what Ippudo Philippines promises- to bring "Smiles" and "Arigatou" through bowls of ramen. 

Congratulations for finally bringing Ippudo in the Philippines!! 

Ippudo Philippines

3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong

Tel Num: 470-1837

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ippudoPH
Website: www.ippudoph.com