Konnichiwa! A food trip to Japan at Festival Mall

From neon-lit Shibuya district to the serene Kyoto temples, Japan offers plenty of reasons to be loved. It’s the place to go to explore a colorful culture, and try fantastic food!

So here’s good news for foodies If you can’t go to Japan, Festival Mall brings Japan to you! A Filinvest Lifemall, Festival Mall is home to several Japanese restaurants to cater to the South Metro community. Check out these five restaurants that will surely make you go, “Oishii desu!”

Best Thai Food in Tagaytay: Lime and Basil

Another Asian cuisine that I truly enjoy eating is Thai food. Thai food is known to be mostly strong and spicy, but more than that, it also serves you with an accord of flavors. Most Thai dishes have complex flavors and each hits all four corners of your taste buds: sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. I think it’s one of the most distinct and refined among the Asian cuisines. This can probably stem from the fact that Thailand it is the only country in South East Asia which was not colonized by Europeans.

Sure, it has influences by neighboring countries due to trading during ancient times. But Thai food is unique and innate. Unlike Filipino cuisine that can be defined as a fusion of all sorts because of so many influences from all around Asia and the Western world. It is only in recent years that Thai cuisine has evolved but unquestionably it still stays true to its roots.

K-Pub BBQ Restaurant: KPop Meets Buffet

K-Pop, Koreanovela, Korean BBQ and buffets -- a few of the things Filipinos are going crazy about. By now it is not surprising anymore if we Filipinos fall for these kinds of things, may they be just fads or not. I wouldn't be surprise because whether we like and admit or not, KPop groups and Korean actors are talented, Korean food is good and quite healthy and buffets are money-saving way to get our tummies full.

When I was still with my past job, we changed our way of doing our Christmas party and for 2017 we went for a restaurant buffet instead of the usual potluck or renting a function or hotel room. I'll just say our last Christmas party went crazy, and I mean crazy like The Hangover movie that everyone in the team agreed we go for a toned down and wholesome party that year.

Watami Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar - Uptown Place Mall BGC

I will always love Japanese cuisine. I’ve never went to a Japanese restaurant that I didn’t like, whether it’s high-end or fast food. It’s always a gastronomic experience for me. Every time I eat Japanese food, I know I’m always all set for an enjoyable encounter, and more often than not, I walk away satisfied and with a smile on my face.

What’s not to love about Japanese food? I don’t know, I have no answer for that. But this is what I’m going to tell you, I have so many reasons why I love it. First of all, everything is so yummy. Well at least for the many Japanese food I’ve tried. Japanese food is also a very creative art; a lot of thought is put into preparing, cooking and presenting them. Japanese people take food very seriously.

Dubai Travel Diaries - 3 Days Of Adventure, Luxury And Desert!

If there is luxury anywhere in this world, then it is in Dubai! If you are done with the chic boutiques and majestic buildings of Europe and experienced how fast America is in New York, then it is time you get a taste of real luxury in Dubai! No other city does opulence and extravagance like Dubai, we bet!

Dubai is the epitome of human creation! In the midst of desert, you will get to see masterpieces of architecture and engineering! Some of the most beautiful buildings of the world touch the skyline of this flamboyant city! Whilst most of the tourist attractions in the world are bejeweled with historical remains or natural beauty, Dubai is one place that has some of the most iconic man made structures that are recent, which has turned Dubai into a hotspot on the map of world tourism. 

Authentic and Affordable: Menya Noodle & Bento Bar - Greenhills

Ahhhh, ramen… it took the world by storm and it is here to stay forever. Ramen, perhaps is an ever-evolving Japanese favorite food; it has taken many forms from a convenient instant noodle college dorm food to being a hybrid artisanal fare. It is one of those ever-present comfort food that almost everyone seeks in times of when the soul needs some soothing.

Ramen was developed in the late 17th century Japan and is thought to have originated in China. It’s worldwide success came about after World War II. Now there are a hundreds of thousands of different kinds of ramen restaurants around the globe. Some claim to be authentic, some claim that they are serving fusion or something that would fit the local palate to which they are located. 

Travel the Philippines Through Food: Siglo Modern Filipino - Tagaytay

“There's no better way to understand a culture than through food”. I think I’ve said this several times already in a couple of my blog posts, and it can never so true enough. We associate a certain taste to a region or a country. Say for example in the Philippines, Bicol Region is easily a place where cuisine is known, most often than not, spicy. Mediterranean food is packed-full of spices; Japan is known for raw food; South East Asia has rice as its staple fare. There is more of a connection between food and culture than we may think; it operates as an expression of cultural identity.

Specific cuisines in specific countries or region may have evolved but what stays the same is the extent to which each place’s unique cuisine can reflect its unique history, lifestyle, values, and beliefs. The Philippines is no exception for that. Being a country colonized by several other countries for years and have made trade relations with other neighboring Asian countries, some can’t put their finger as to what Philippine cuisine really is. I would say our cuisine is a fusion and relatively congruent with the livelihood of a region. But what excites me is that it is that it is the next cuisine the world is going to rave about. 

Mozu at Ming's Tagaytay: Dining Amidst Greens and Cool Breeze

I’ve always loved going to Tagaytay, I’ve went up there one too many times already. Tagaytay is still one of the best places to go to if you want to have a quick getaway and a change of scenery from the everyday city life. All the green surroundings, the soothing sceneries and the crisp cool breeze is just one to two hours’ drive away from Metro Manila, which is one of the reasons why a lot of people go to this mountain retreat.

The last time I was in Tagaytay, it made me realized that there’s so many changes that already happened in that mountain getaway and that it is continuously being developed and establishments continuously sprouting everywhere. You can do a lot of things there for relaxation and fun. As to dining options, you will never run out of choices in Tagaytay. There’s so many new and old restaurants and cafes that you can find in that area. 

Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew Kapitolyo

People say that millennials like me are ruining friendships and that we are going through a friendship crisis as a generation because we only connect through social media. Millennials have been known to favor favoring convenience over authenticity. But as a millennial who witnessed both the good and the bad of simple old times and the advent of technology, I can say, at least for myself, that that belief is a generalization. Growing apart with your friends is inevitable and also a personal choice. 

I have hundreds of acquaintances but I only keep a handful of close friends. And when I mean close, we go way back, have shared so many memories together and have the confidence to confide to one another about just anything. I have friends who despite distance, time differences or not talking for months on end, whenever I reach out to them or whenever we see each other, it’s as if those former hindrances of friendship never even happened. We always find ways to have a good time in a short span of time that we meet and reminisce.

Wear Silk for a Good Night’s Sleep

Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things one can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We all know that being sleep-deprived will and can lead to several medical problems, so as much as possible we should make sure we get enough zzzzzzzz’s as much as we can. Sleep is so fundamentally linked to our physical and emotional health, so it's never been more important to wear the right kind of attire to bed each night. It can’t be a surprise to know that that your bedtime clothing choices are actually helpful in making your sleep comfortably. 

I for one, cannot sleep with the clothes that I wore from the day. I make sure to take a quick shower and put on something ultra-comfy before hitting the sack. Are you the type who will wear what you wore the entire day to sleep? Or change into PJs or an old oversized shirt? Well I am guilty of the latter, sometimes I just used an old-worn-out-oversized shirt to use as my sleeping clothes but most of the time I changed into a tank top and shorts before I go to sleep. They are not the most comfortable sleepwear, I guess, because I always wake up during the time that I am supposed to get a good night sleep.

Coffee Project: Prettiest Coffee Shop Ever!

Like a lot of people nowadays, coffee is the life blood that fuels my life. I can’t imagine my day without beginning with a cup coffee. Every time I wake up, my body is like a rusty machine which asks: insert coffee to begin. When I was working the night-shift, it was the only thing that could keep me awake so I can perform my duties and me last for the day. 

But to be honest, I have a love-hate relationship with coffee. I’ve tried several times to break up with coffee since stress, mixed with caffeine, isn’t a good combination for as it cause me to have acid reflux. But no... I can’t and I probably won’t break up with coffee. No matter how much it is sometimes bad for me or it hurts me. It’s like a drug, you know it’s bad for you, but you can’t give it up. 

Your Next Special Event at La Huerta Estate

Built in 1969 as a weekend family getaway by our parents, Jovino and Luz Lorenzo, La Huerta had always served as a place for Anton Lorenzo’s family and friends to come together for rest and relaxation. It was also a frequent venue for parties and reunions. A lot of fond memories from Anton’s childhood come from this place. 

Relatives would spend weekends here, enjoying food and the surroundings. When Anton’s father was alive and active in business, he would frequently have associates over for cocktails and dinner. La Huerta Estate became their permanent home in 1972.

The Belle and Dragon: Where East Meets Pub

Gastropub is the term used for restaurants and bars that pair food with beer. This trend began in Ireland and the UK in the early 1900s. Public houses or “pubs” for short, used to only care about serving up the perfect pint of beer, but now a good number of them are creating gourmet menus that go above and beyond your basic fish and chips. Gastropubs are fairly new to the Manila food and nightlife scene and there are only a few of the around.

One of them is The Belle and Dragon, which I’ve been wanting to visit ever since I’ve heard of it. It is tucked away in the heart of Makati CBD. Almost any night of the week, you'll find expats and locals packing the tables and bar of this neighborhood gem, both after work and long into the noisy evening of the weekends. It is also a place hosting sports-viewing, live music and quiz night events. B&D’s tag line and concept is “East Meets Pub”.

SheIn.com: Always on Vacation

Always on Vacation

up to 85% off

Get $10 off orders $90+      CODE:TMC10

Get $25 off orders $140+    CODE:TMC25

Get $35 off orders $210+    CODE:TMC35

New season new fashion

Shop your best outfit with the strongest discount

A Story In Every Bite: Vanderlust Bistro + Patisserie, Now Open at The Podium

Food and travel always go together. There is always an inherent interest in food which affects travelers. Food will always be an antecedent of attention or curiousity with regards to travel motivation, destination choice, satisfaction and overall holiday experience. This notion speaks the truth for me. Everytime I travel, I always come away from a trip with a new-found appreciation for the power of food from a certain place. Because if you want to learn more of the locale and its culture, there’s nothing best to explore that through food.

There's something about the cuisine of a specific place that increases the intensity of the memories we build while traveling. The faint aroma of something I ate on a vacation instantly takes me back to the moment I experienced it. Say for example that moment I first ate mango sticky rice in Bangkok, it was so good I gushed so hard and got teary-eyed. That is no joke.

Asian Flavors at Spice Cafe - City Garden Grand Hotel

We Filipinos love to eat and unquestionably food is the basis of our social life. I don’t know for sure if it is only Filipinos who eat three full meals a day with snacking in between. Filipino would go to extreme measures just to satisfy their craving and tummies. We are well-known also for some legendary feasting.

And then there’s the buffet culture. More often than not, eating out at a buffet is synonymous to celebration for us. I’m not surprised at all, we revel about almost anything just to have an excuse to go to a buffet. After all, where else can you try something without committing to a full dish? Buffets, in addition is a great way to be able to sample a wide variety of items from international cuisines.

Special Occassions from What's Cookin' Kitchenette

A wonderful, memorable wedding - this is what What’s Cookin Kitchenette promises any couple about to start a life together. What’s Cookin Kitchenette can provide delicious food, dreamy table set-ups, gorgeous floral arrangements, romantic wedding cakes, professional wait service plus more depending on the need and budget of each client.

The lady behind it all is Diana Ang-Uy who has been in the catering and restaurant business for over 20 years. “I just love weddings,’ gushes Diana. “And yes, debut as well, “she added. It feels so good to make someone’s special day so unforgettable. Diana believes that everyone deserve the best no matter the requirements and budget. They have several packages and they can easily come up with custom-made arrangements. 

Fely J's Kitchen: Filipino & Asian Home Cooking

How was your family’s cooking when you were growing up? Mine was spectacular, even though home-cooked dishes were not as spectacular but they were always tasty, satisfying and always done with so much heart. The women on my father’s side were all great cooks, especially my grandma. This trait she was able to pass to my mother and all of my siblings. I’m an OK cook though, but I  can make one the meanest Sinigangs you've ever tasted, no joke! Hahahaha!

I often miss my grandma’s cooking and when she vacationed here in the Philippines, I really requested for her to cook for us Igado (Ilocano dish). It was glorious to say the least. And when she left, I always craved for it and wishing for the day that I can be with her again so I can eat all the wonderful dishes that she makes. Good thing my mom, my aunt and my siblings can replicate that for me for now. 

Pepeton's Bar and Grill: A Family’s Love For Get-Togethers

Food has always been a huge part of Filipino culture and eating in the Philippines is treated as a social affair. Whether it is a regular meal or an event, each is treated like a celebration and a way to catch up on the life events of family members or friends. You would notice that even if means are lacking, in any Filipino celebration, Filipinos make a point to serve a feast always. This is because food in my motherland and culture truly brings people together.

People would debate what region in the Philippines brings and cooks the best regional cuisine in the country, but as part-Ilocana (my father’s side is Ilocano from Tarlac and my mother’s side is Ilonggo from Iloilo), I must say that this region is in the top three of the best cuisines in the Philippines. I may be sound biased, but having brought up in an Ilocano household, especially with my grandmother’s cooking, I could say despite its salt-happy artery-clogging meat dishes, Ilocano and Ibanag cuisine is so adored because of its flavorful dishes.

Tom N Tom's: Korean Wave of Coffee

I love coffee, it’s the blood that runs through my veins. I have measured out my life with coffee spoons. I function after I have had my coffee. But when it comes to coffee, I’m not at all picky. I can devour 3-in-1s for hours on end and I also know how to enjoy some artisanal third wave coffee. 

A few weeks back, I got to try one of the newest coffee shop players in the country: Tom N Tom’s. It is Korean coffee brand that opened its first store in Apgujeong-dong in the beginning of 2001 which is where Korean coffee house culture was born and keep pride as local coffee shop brand until now. 

Motorino Pizza New York Slice at SM Mall of Asia

They say Pizza is the perfect meal. An open-faced pie using tomato sauce, cheese, and any manner of toppings. Tastes like heaven and is sometimes stated to be better than a relationship. I don’t know for sure if that stands true for everyone or even for myself, but what I do know though is everyone loves pizza. I’m not someone who loves pizza so much. If it’s there I would eat it but it’s not my top choice if I’m hungry. Either way, I would eat any time for sure.

A few weeks ago, I visited Motorino Pizza New York Slice at SM Mall of Asia with some fellow foodies. We got to try several of their offerings and learned about their background and what are their latest deals and promos. Motorino NY Slice is the fast-food counterpart of Motorino Pizzeria Napoletana which is a Neapolitan pizzeria that originated in New York City and has branches at East Village Williamsburg and Upper West Side. 

How To Look Hot With A Red Colored Prom Dress

There’s an uncanny power of wearing clothing with a red hue. A lot of research has shown that wearing red clothes can make women more attractive to men probably because he color red is strongly linked to desire and attraction. Science says men are more attracted to women who wear red and it looks like women who want to attract men do so by wearing red.  

But should women take advantage of this fact by wearing red when they want to attract a man’s attention? Maybe yes, maybe not. But I would say that you should wear something red because you want to and because it makes you feel good and confident about yourself.