Pan de Manila: Taste of Yesteryears

Pan de Manila, with over 30 branches nationwide. (Website: http://www.pandemanila.com.ph)

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Ever since my dad bought us our first ever pandesal from Pan de Manila, I’ve always craved for it. It was love at first sight, first sniff, first touch, and first taste. I’ve always been amazed by how large and chewy every pandesal is, and although my first encounter with this awesome bread was so long ago, I can still remember the satisfaction I got when I took my first bite.

And recently (uhm, late 2012?), I discovered something as amazing as the bread itself: their Spanish style chocolate mix, the Chocolate con Leche.

Ever since I had my first authentic hot cocoa drink in 2011, I’ve always adored hot chocolate drinks, especially the bitter ones. When I tasted my first Tsoko.Nut Batirol drink, it strengthened my desire for cocoa. And now that I’ve discovered this, my pandesal moments will surely be more awesome!

As you can see, it has another variant: the Chocolate Blanco or the Spanish style white chocolate mix. I’ve tried it, and it’s just as good as the Chocolate con Leche. 🙂 *thumbs up*

But the star of the show (or post) here is the pure chocolate drink. 🙂  I’m just a sucker for smoking hot chocolate drinks. I’ve loved Milo as a kid (until now, actually), and my favorites as of the present time are Starbucks’ Signature Hot Chocolate (with lots and lots of chocolate sprinkles on top), Beanhoppers Coffee’s Hot Chocolate with marshmallows (looooove!), Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s Hot Double Chocolate, of course Tsoko.Nut Batirol’s Tsokolate Ah, and Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate & Dark Chocolate mixes. My quest for my next favorite hot choco drink is not over, though. 😉

Guys, try Pan de Manila’s Chocolate on Leche now and I guarantee you, you will be transported to the awesome era of 1800s to 1900s! 🙂  Its rich aroma and authentic flavor are enough reasons for you to fall in love with it, too.

And oh, for those who are always on-the-go, they have it in cups! Just add hot water and voila! You now have yourself a really classic chocolate-y drink while in your car or everywhere!

If you want to take a break from your usual coffee beverage, give Chocolate con Leche a sip and let’s see if you don’t buy another one afterwards. 😉

P.S.: Pan de Manila also has a 3-in-1 coffee mix! Check out one of their branches to discover more of their offerings!)

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This blog entry can also be seen on meekalexyproject.wordpress.com. Follow us there! 🙂

Outbreak EK: Just Like Zombieland

(Photo: juice.ph)

Date: October 31, 2012

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I’m so glad to share my 2nd experience with “zombies” with you, people. 🙂  Last time, I was able to run for my life because I won a free race kit from Gala magazine. This time, I sort of covered the whole event. Pretty awesome, huh? Thanks so much, Gala!

As you can remember, I donned my comfiest pair of pajamas (complete with hair rollers and a pillow) in the last Outbreak. Well, this time, I dressed up as a newscaster “who was doing a coverage when the zombies suddenly showed up.”

Why? I don’t know. Hahaha! No seriously, I was running out of ideas for my costume and the reporter thing seemed like a pretty neat idea, since I’m a Journalism student, after all. 😉

(Just us, doing an “interview”  Meet my very good friend, Cindy!)

Anyway, the 5K zombie-infested run was super cool, like my past Outbreak experience. I got to escape some zombies with my friend Cindy and her high school buddies Ken, Pauli, and Razaele, who won the Best in Costume award for Wave 15 with his attention-grabbing Slenderman getup. (He was practically one of the most famous runners that night, lol.)

(Me and Cindy posing with her HS friends Pauli, Razaele and Ken)

Adding up to the awesomeness of the zombie run was the fact that it was held at Enchanted Kingdom, which is probably one of the most-loved amusement park in the country. I mean, who could’ve thought of holding a 5K sprint inside a park full of ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and other rides? It was just like the movie Zombieland… and it was so lifelike because when zombies get the chance conquer the world, no place will be spared.

(With the super creepy and silent zombie nun   Photo: Kenneth Velasquez)

(Just us, taking a quick break from all the running and posing for a photo op! Photo: Kenneth Velasquez)

(Yay! We’re “Champion Survivors!” LOL. Photo: Booster C)

All in all, it was just mind-blowing. I didn’t mind the wounds and bruises that I got when a group of people behind me got excited and accidentally pushed me to the ground (those wounds lasted for weeks and left some scars, ugh!). I also didn’t care about the fact that, because of my injury, I wasn’t able to run and protect my flags… so when I came across a bunch of zombies near Harry Houdini’s shop, these ruthless rotting humans gladly took all my flags. I was left with zero flags, two bruises and three wounds.

But, even though I came out of EK “dead,” I still emerged sweaty and energetic, which were more important to me than having my flags intact. Because this is, after all, a 5K run.

And oh, let’s not forget the medal!

Yea, I know they’re just for finishers and were given to ALL runners (with flags or no flags), but it’s still a symbol that I was part of this historic run and something to remind me that “I survived the Outbreak— again!”

(Yours truly with Cindy and Pauli (and Slenderman creeping from behind, haha)… and our medals, of course!   Photo: Kenneth Velasquez)

I would love to survive another zombie apocalypse soon! 🙂  Well, after they’re done with Cebu, I hope they can conduct another night run here in Manila… or somewhere nearer. Great job, organizers of Outbreak Manila! You’ve done it again! 😉

P.S.: Please grab a copy of Gala magazine’s December-January 2013 ish, with Vice Ganda on the cover. If you want tips on how to survive the next zombie run, read the article (Outbreak EK: Survival of the Fastest, the Fittest, the Most Vigilant… and the Most Creative) written by yours truly. 😉  Thanks!

(Photo: Gala magazine)

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This blog entry can also be seen on meekalexyproject.wordpress.com. Follow us there! 🙂

Bugkyoung Korean and Chinese Restaurant: Authentic Wonders of the Hidden Resto

(Photo: ph.openrice.com)

Bugkyoung Korean & Chinese Restaurant, located at Unit 107 Dakota Mansion, 555 Gen. Malvar st., cor. Adriatico, Malate, Manila

Date: October 29, 2012

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It’s one heck of a Korean food tripping once again. Well honestly, this wasn’t really planned. My big sister just invited us (my lil sis and me) because her Korean friend is in town and, well, willing to treat us for lots of grub. Can you imagine: free food at a very unexpected time! Awesome!

Okay, enough chitchat about that. As I’ve observed, Adriatico houses many authentic Korean restos in the metro. You can tell that they’re really owned by Koreans just by looking at the store’s exterior (it’s hard to explain, so if you have time, I suggest you visit the area), and when the resto’s somewhat “original,” rest assured that your taste buds will experience a different kind of satisfaction that you don’t get when you eat in “influenced” ones (you know what I mean).

Bugkyoung Restaurant is somehow unnoticed by most people because of its location and uninviting exterior, but give this place a try and you’ll definitely come back for more.

(Look, there’s even a TV that displays Korean shows and really nice tables that will make you feel like you’re in Korea!)

Before I share my stories, funny thing: I made my sister’s Korean friend jot down the names of the dishes so I can put them here. Good thing I can understand Korean writings, because he wrote them using Korean characters. (O_O) Fortunately, I was able to translate them well, thanks to my self-teaching practice many years ago. 

(Clockwise from left: Tangsuyuk, Bibimbap, Galbitang, Mul Mandu, and Japchae Bap)

Now for my palate experience!

Of course, we started with the appetizers. There’s kimchi again, the “sweet little fish” (hahaha), and that yellow one that surprisingly tastes good. I forgot what it’s called, but they’re really delicious. Kinda reminded me of our very own atsara the first time I took a bite, sour with a little kick.

Tangsuyuk (탕수육) – I think this was my favorite dish that night. Tangsuyuk is a sweet and sour pork with vegetables like bell pepper, cucumber, etc. It was a hefty serving, and boy was it really delicious! The tangy taste mixed well with the sweetness of the sauce and tenderness of the pork, and as you go on with every bite, you won’t be able to put down your chopsticks anymore. This dish was just so sinful, I swear I could’ve finished the whole thing!

(Bibimbap once again!)

Bibimbap (비빔밥) – Interesting fact: bibimbap actually means “mix mix rice” (that explains the procedure before eating this stuff). Last time, I also ordered bibimbap during Meeks and I’s visit in Kogi Bulgogi, and that dish was terrific. This one, however, is beyond terrific. Aside from the fact that it’s got seaweeds, this one’s definitely much more authentic. Still served in a ceramic stone pot that kept my dish hot and smoking for the next 30 minutes, this complete meal got me smiling and sighing in every bite. The meat, rice, veggies and other ingredients were mixed very well, giving me that “so much satisfaction” look on my face with every lift of my chopsticks. If not for my hurrying companions, I would’ve finished it.

It’s official: my new favorite Korean dish is bibimbap. 

Galbitang (갈비탕) – this was actually my lil sister’s dish, but I got the chance to taste it. In fairness, this beef bone soup is perfect for those who don’t want to part ways with their Filipino taste buds, for this dish is very much like nilagang baka. Very healthy and apt for rainy days.

Japchae Bap (잡채밥) – Japchae is some sort of a stir fried noodles made from sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon). Honestly, I wasn’t able to savor this dish because it was so spicy (I don’t really eat spicy foods), but I can say that it’s not that bad. I think I recall eating this dish before in Yakimix (not sure), so I believe that if I order Japchae sans the zesty taste next time, I’d surely enjoy it.

Mul Mandu (물만두) – Lastly, we had this dish. Also known as boiled dumplings, mul mandu is usually stuffed with pork and green onions, and–basing on the food’s presentation– topped with black sesame seeds. Each bite of these cute little dumplings is surely a treat to every palate, for they’re really chewy and soft. Dip them in soy sauce and you’re good to go (and when I say go, I mean eat them all)!

After trying all these awesome Korean dishes, my long-due desire to go to Adriatico and eat in another Korean resto just got intense. I wonder why these restos don’t get so much publicity and fame like the others. If we have the luxury of time, I will drag (yes, drag) Meeka in one of the many oriental restaurants in Malate and have that different grub experience once again. 

And oh, prices range from P100-P500!

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InsuRUNce 2012: Sunny, Simple Sunday Sprint (4S)

(photo: pinoyfitness.com)

Date: October 14, 2012

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I will just make this post short and simple, okay? Just like the run itself, which was kind of short (yea for me, because I only ran 3K for a change) and super simple… but was still warmly accepted by amateur and professional runners alike, as well as parents who just wanted to bond with their kids under a lovely Sunday sun.

Unfortunately, I participated in this fun run ALONE due to some last minute changes involving my ‘supposed-to-be’ running buddy. But it was still awesome, nonetheless. 🙂  I opted to run 3K this time to see if 5K was really that long… because when I started my “The Running Project” last July 2012 with the Manila Bay Cleanup Run, I signed up for a 5K route and I really thought I made a mistake because it was very long! Well, that was before I got used to running (and walking) 5K distances, and now I feel good. 🙂

(Photos: Vertical Finisher)

Turns out, 3K was super short! I got so bitin that, after the run, I walked from BGC to Glorietta 5… and ended up with really sore legs for 2-3 days. 🙂  But the pain was so worth it! I got to sweat a few more while walking the streets of BGC— and a little sight-seeing didn’t hurt. 😉

Like I said, the run was very simple. The freebies were reasonable (thanks for the hygiene stuff inside a hygiene kit, Pru Like UK!) and hey, we had free Gatorade drinks! 🙂  LOL.

I hope there’ll be more run like this in the future— simple and no fuss at all, also less people and more space to run on.

Meh. But then again, that’s just me. 😉

(This run was organized by Without Limits)

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KXP (Kulinarya Experience): Fair Enough to the Buds

KXP: Kulinarya Experience, located at 2/F Robinson’s Place Manila – Midtown Wing, Ermita, Manila (Contact #: 567-2562)

Date: September 7, 2012

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Wow!

All the stress of being a fourth year college student prevented me to blog. But now I’m back… sort of.

Thank goodness I found some time to share my latest food-venture with Meeks. This eat-out is somehow memorable because, for the first time, I was not fully satisfied with what I ate and experienced.

KXP is a newly-opened resto that has only one branch (yes, in Robinson’s Manila) and serves a variety of good dishes such as steaks, pastas, sandwiches, and pizzas. Some of their well-received specialties are the US Top Blade Steak with Red Wine Sauce, Spicy Tofu, Italian Burger Melt Pasta, Fish Steak Au Gratin, and so much more. They also offer combo meals at a very reasonable price.

Sounds good and classy, right?

Well, this time I have to disagree. Maybe I just ordered the wrong food or it was a bad timing, but I can’t blog good things about a meal that I ate that absolutely didn’t make its way to my heart. So, here we go.

(“The Best Roast Beef In Town”)

I originally ordered a Combo Meal (Crispy Pork Cutlets, Php 99.00) because I was having financial problems at that time, but then I saw a poster on the wall about their current specialty. They call it “The Best Roast Beef In Town,” (Php 195.00) and since I was willing to try anything delicious (not minding the price, since I thought it will be worth it), I ordered that. I even chased the waiter and asked if he could change my order. Fortunately, he did. Unfortunately, I didn’t like it.

It was so far from what I’ve expected. The portions were small, but surprisingly enough to fill your ‘hungry-for-lunch’ tummy.  The veggies were good, but the potato chunks tasted old and overcooked, and the roast beef was, well, not the best in town. I was surprised that it tasted so fish-like (sorry, I don’t know the English term for malansa) and bitter. The more I chewed on it, the more I realized that I should have ordered those pork cutlets. I’m not sure if roast beefs are meant to taste that way, but as far as I’m concerned, I didn’t like my first KXP experience.

(My bad, I forgot this pizza’s name)

On the other hand, the pizza that Meeks ordered wasn’t that bad. For a pizza outside of Greenwich, Pizza Hut and the likes, this one fairly hit the right spot.

My first (and definitely not last… I’ll give this place a second chance) visit in KXP was not one of the most cherished, but surely one of the most unforgettable.

And oh, I found this statement in their website: “Diners at KXP will simply enjoy good food in a bright and cheerful atmosphere that is served fast and unbelievably affordable.” Yes, red is a bright and cheerful color motif for the place, but the atmosphere was not like that at all.

(Yes, I also look at the ambiance/crew service, FYI.)

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Twenties Girl: A ‘Not-Really-Spooky’ Ghost Story

(Photo: examiner.com)

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

Published by Bantam Press (2009)

Synopsis: Lara Lington has always had an overactive imagination, but suddenly that imagination seems to be in overdrive. Normal professional twenty-something young women don’t get visited by ghosts. Or do they?

When the spirit of Lara’s great-aunt Sadie—a feisty, demanding girl with firm ideas about fashion, love, and the right way to dance—mysteriously appears, she has one request: Lara must find a missing necklace that had been in Sadie’s possession for more than seventy-five years, because Sadie cannot rest without it. 

Lara and Sadie make a hilarious sparring duo, and at first it seems as though they have nothing in common. But as the mission to find Sadie’s necklace leads to intrigue and a new romance for Lara, these very different “twenties” girls learn some surprising truths from and about each other. Written with all the irrepressible charm and humor that have made Sophie Kinsella’s books beloved by millions, Twenties Girl is also a deeply moving testament to the transcendent bonds of friendship and family.

– goodreads.com

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At first, I hesitated to borrow this book from a friend. I have a fairly-wide collection of books; from hardbound novels to the paperback ones, from self-help books to Holocaust reads. But, much to my dismay, I haven’t finished a single book in that collection since 2008 or 2009, the time I read Katie.com (by Katharine Tarbox) and finished it within one day. That fact alone made me vow to myself that I will read ALL the books in my shelf first before borrowing from others. But golly, when my friend offered me this book, I just threw my promise away and said yes.

Turns out, I made a really great decision.

(Yeap, that’s the book. 🙂  The owner covered it with cute magazine pages to protect the real cover)

I super love this book because it’s witty, light, and it somehow took me to one of my favorite eras: the 1920s. After watching Singing In The Rain, I’ve always been fascinated with the 20s— the fashion, the entertainment, the people— and, somehow, I wish I was born during that time. I think that was one of the most fabulous periods in history.

I’m not gonna make this review long, though.

All I wanna say is that this book haunted me for, I think, a week after finishing it. The story (minus the ghost) is really close to reality and I felt like I was with Lara the whole time. Her accidental love story with Ed is just too adorable. 🙂

But my favorite character is Sadie, not just because she’s a 1920’s girl, but also because of her humor, “never say never” attitude, and her 105 years of wisdom. She has lived her life with grace and poise, amidst the tragic points of her history. She was abandoned as an old woman, but never felt inferior  nonetheless. She is just amazing.

This is my first Sophie Kinsella novel, and in fairness, I’m looking forward to read her other books. 🙂   This made such an impression to me that I’m thinking of buying my own copy soon! Just in case I felt the urge to reread it, at least I have a paperback of my own. 😉

I’m running out of words to describe this novel. I just love it to bits! Like Katie.com, this story will forever linger in my mind and heart. Surely, I’ll recommend this to others.

And oh, this is not scary at all! Sadie’s appearance as a ghost is more of a funny and entertaining thing than spooky. 😉

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Check out Goodreads.com for other reviews about this book. 😉  And oh, add me! –> http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13103134-jane-castandiello 🙂

Kogi Bulgogi: Simply Mas-issneun

Kogi Bulgogi, located at 3-12 3rd Floor, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Reina Regente, Binondo, Manila (Contact #: +632 547-7164); with main branch at 2nd Level, New Eastwood Mall, E. Rodriguez Ave. (C-5), Bagumbayan Quezon City (Contact #: +632 470-6884 to 85)

Date: August 24, 2012

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Well, I’m not really fond of Asian cuisine (I only like selected dishes such as Yang Chow rice, noodles, pork tonkatsu, shark’s fin siomai, etc.), but when Meeka introduced me to this newly-opened Korean resto in the depths of Binondo (hahaha), I didn’t think twice.

Okay, maybe I did (hahaha!), because my actual plan that time was to eat authentic Chinese food at a not-so-mainstream Chinese resto in Chinatown. After reading some food blogs, I got so curious at how REAL Chinese food tastes (and not some localized versions of oriental dishes). But then again, Meeks right here dragged me to a whole different resto.  But I don’t regret the fact that I didn’t pursue my plan. In fact, I’m grateful. THANK YOU BIG TIME, MEEKS! :*

Okay, for starters: Kogi Bulgogi is the first and only Korean resto in Eastwood City, and they use only Premium US and New Zealand beef in all their beef dishes. “Kogi“ means “meat” in Korean, but in their resto, it actually means “someone who specializes in bulgogi dishes.” (Source: http://www.kogibulgogi.com)

What’s a Bulgogi, anyway?

Seriously, we weren’t able to order any Bulgogi dish (next time, promise!), so we can’t describe it based on what we experienced. But according to our research (nyahaha), a Bulgogi is a dish that usually consists of marinated beef, pork, or chicken. We’ll surely go back there, and we’ll definitely order a Bulgogi!

Since I can’t say anything about Bulgogi anymore, I’ll just share my firsthand experience with the dishes I’ve tasted here. (Yeah, right)

The appetizers were served first. Seriously, I’m impressed. Six yummy appetizers, and they’re all for free! Ahh, awesome.

I actually don’t eat kimchi (top, second from left), so I just snacked on the sweetened fish, bananas and mini corn instead. Boy, I was so engrossed in munching these babies, I barely noticed that we’re just warming up for the main event (dish)! Hahaha!

Next: California Roll. We know that this is a very mainstream type of roll, but we’re a lil’ bit short of funds (hahaha), so we had no choice. We’re planning to have KB’s bestseller rolls soon

Anyway, as always, I’m very pleased with this roll which is, by the way, filled with fresh crabsticks, mango and cucumber strips. I’m not a big fan of Asian dishes, but this surely hits the spot.

(Too bad I didn’t get a bird’s eye shot of this food. Just look at that presentation! Ugh!)

(Jeyuk Bibimbap)

Now, we get to the main point. :9  For lunch, I tried Jeyuk Bibimbap, which is composed of steamed rice, seasoned vegetables, raw egg, and pork. What’s nice is that it’s presented in a “heated stone pot” inside a wooden tray. Very, very cool!

I felt super stuffed with this meal. After some mixing (just like in Pepper Lunch, you have to mix them all before eating, or it’d be just weird to consume it one by one, hahaha), I gladly devoured the bibimbap and all its glory. Trust me, you won’t wish to have a next meal after eating that.  The flavors are just right, the feel in your stomach is heavy enough for a long day, and it’s not that bad at all. In fact, it’s a great palate experience for those who are afraid to get out of their “comfort [food] zone,” because this Korean dish is really taste buds-friendly.

 

(Oh, the gluttons after their super satisfying lunch. Hahaha!)

Every bite was unforgettable and so worth it, indeed.  The dishes are not cheap nor too pricey, thus the amount that you pay definitely reflects on the food: high class and especially for you.

For the nth time, I usually don’t eat Asian food, but with this one? I’ll definitely go back for more.

(For more info about this uber cool Korean resto, like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter)

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Tsoko.Nut Batirol: A Chocoholic’s Native Nirvana

Tsoko.Nut Batirol, located at 2/F SM Makati, East Drive cor. Hotel Drive, Ayala Center, Makati (Contact #: +632 816-4305); with branches at RCBC Plaza Manila, The Eastwood Excelsior, SM Cubao, SM North Edsa, Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong, and Filinvest Muntinlupa.

Date: August 12, 2012

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Most chocoholics I know are very fond of the usual chocolate— uber sweet, milky, fatty… ordinary. I’m a self-confessed choco-addict, but I would like to believe that I’m one of the “different” guys.  I prefer dark chocolates not just because they’re more beneficial, but they also have this distinct taste that just lingers in your mouth.

With that preference in mind (plus my desire to feel something native!), I’ve decided to try this homegrown choco shop famously known as Tsoko.Nut Batirol.  I’ve read about their yummy “Tsokolate Ah” before (like, years ago), but I never got the chance to taste it… even if one of the branches is just a bus ride away. Hahaha.

Just a brief intro about this feel-good shop: Tsoko.Nut Batirol is like any other coffee shops, but with a local touch. It is owned by Marian Romano and started operations in 2004. The company uses tsokolate from Leyte, where a group roasts and grinds cacao for the shop. Simply put, Tsoko.Nut Batirol is the perfect place when you’re feeling all home-y and local and you just want to reminisce the good ol’ days.

And oh, “batirol” (or batidor) is the wooden thing used to make native tsokolate from tablea cacao balls. You can see it in this picture:

Anyway, let’s get to the main point! And that is simple: Tsoko.Nut Batirol surely is a must-try place!

Since it’s situated inside a mall (SM Makati, to be exact), the native vibe is somehow decreased. However, the quality of the products is still guaranteed to bring a person back to the good ol’ times of fresh cacaos and native delicacies.

(Lotsa goodies to choose from! From Napoleons to their Tablea Cake :>)

I ordered Tsokolate Ah Batirol (Php 78.00 for regular, Php 89.00 for large), of course (though at first I was torn between that and a sugar-free one with pinipig… good thing they don’t have pinipig, haha!), along with some pastries such as their Bibingka with Kesong Puti at Itlog na Pula (meant to be shared at Php 85.00!) and Chocolate Cake (Php 88.00).

Now, the verdict. (Haha, as if I’m really serious. But kidding aside, these are my honest comments)

Tsokolate Ah Batirol – This one-of-a-kind drink had me at the smell. Its strong cacao features are very evident in its aroma… I can sniff it all day (haha!). At first sip, I was, like, transported back to the province (specifically Bataan) where I tasted my very first hot chocolate made from pure cocoa balls. It’s just so nostalgic and completely Filipino!  It’s not your usual milky and sweet hot choco. Personally, I like its bitter-ish and bold chocolate flavor, it’s what makes it so special. Best consumed while it’s still hot and smokin’. Hahaha. Seriously, if you’re craving for an authentic and out-of-this-world choco drink, go here. You’ll fall in love with their tsokolate in an instant.

Oh by the way, they have many kinds of Tsokolate Ah. If you want it with nuts, cashew or pinipig, go ahead. I think you’ll be begging for more.

Bibingka with Kesong Puti at Itlog na Pula – It’s actually my first time to taste a bibingka, and I’m glad my first wasn’t bad at all!  This native delicacy’s awesome! Served on a banana leaf and with coconut shavings, this dish won’t disappoint your taste buds. It’s chewy, yummy, and goes well with Tsokolate Ah. Though it can be sticky sometimes, it’s tolerable and you won’t forsake your bibingka happiness just because of this.  A perfect pair for a native merienda!

Chocolate Cake – Now this is surprising: unlike mainstream chocolate cakes, this one is not too sweet and not too bland. In short, the taste’s just right to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth!  It’s so irresistable, you won’t mind pairing it with another chocolate such as Tsokolate Ah. Hahaha. But seriously people, this cake is a thumbs up for not being the umay type.

Tsoko.Nut Batirol also serves coffee, salabat, ice-blended drinks, rice meals, and more. To get a full idea of what I’m talking about (hahaha), click here.

So there, my first journey to this very cool choco/coffee shop. I’m not done with this place.  Next time, I’ll try their Tablea Cake (I’ve read from other food blogs that it’s really good) and the Tsokolate Ah with pinipig… and more! The possibilities are endless! (But for now, the cash is limited. Hahaha!)

(A super happy Janey with her Tsokolate Ahhhhhhh :>)

Will definitely go back here… wait for me Tsoko.Nut Batirol! 🙂

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8065 Bagnet (Malate): Sinful Delight Inside a Tricky Exterior

8065 Bagnet, located at Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila (Contact #: +632 519-6511) and at 8065 Estrella St., San Antonio Village, Makati City (Contact #: +632 519-6511)

Date: August 3, 2012

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For our second “Calorie Friday,” Meeks and I decided to try some of the “delicious meals” of this simple eatery known as 8065 Bagnet. There’s one branch near my place (Estrella st., SAV Makati) but we opted for the other branch (Leon Guinto st., Malate) since we’re currently on our “Taft Invasion.” (Well, okay this is not really within Taft but… never mind. ^_^)

I’ve been hearing (and reading!) a lot of positive reviews about their main star (which is Bagnet, of course), and when Meeks suggested this place, I didn’t hesitate. I was very curious by how their “double-fried crispy pork specialty of Ilocos” tastes like, and so our adventure began.

(Oh BTW, this cozy resto is owned by Alain Nadal, brother of singer Kitchie Nadal ^_^)

Okay, I’ll go straight to the point: I didn’t notice the resto at first. It looks just like a simple house with chairs and tables outside. But good thing there’s a big sign on top that says “8065 Bagnet.” If you’re weak and picky, its exterior can really deceive you. So a piece of advice: explore and take the risk

When we opened the door, we were kinda surprised by the ambiance: super laid-back, chillax, and very artsy. There are so many artworks hanging on the walls and other knickknacks that are just too cute to be true. The place is kinda dark, but the small light is enough to make decent photographs (and to see everything). One more thing: the resto made me feel like I’m in an acoustic bar.

(Some of the displays and paintings inside the Malate branch. Cool!)

Aaaand… here comes the food.

(Sisig Bagnet! )

I ordered Sisig Bagnet (Php 110) for a challenge. (Meeks tried the original and we slightly shared the Kare-Kare Bagnet) Well, it was good, in fairness.  The crispiness of the pork is just right, the sauce is good (though kinda spicy), and the whole viand is just so satisfying ))  Really, it made me so full that I wasn’t able to eat half of the Kare-Kare Bagnet. Hahaha!

But I must say, I tasted a little bit of the latter dish, and it was really good too!  Take it from me guys; I don’t eat Kare-Kare but if  this is the dish, I’ll put my plate down very neat! The peanut hints of the sauce is just right, perfect for those who don’t want their Kare-Kare strong in flavor. It’s just subtle and taste buds-friendly, I could eat it all day.

(Kare-Kare Bagnet! :>)

It was a great bargain all in all  The super yummy and tummy-filling viand with rice and a very delicious soup– swear I can come back there as many times as I can. Hahaha!  Though I’m still watching my weight and knowing that oily fried pork is a very deadly food… oh, who needs diet? Life is too short to deprive myself of good things! (Nah, just kidding. Of course it’s bad to indulge on cholesterol-packed foods.)

Feeling your mouth water? Why don’t you go ahead and give this “hole in the wall” resto a try? Swear, you and your taste buds won’t regret it.

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This blog entry can also be seen here: meekalexyproject.wordpress.com. Follow us there! 🙂

Outbreak BGC: Survival of the Fittest, the Fastest, and the Sneakiest

(Photo: angkulet.com)

Outbreak BGC, held at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila

Date: July 28, 2012

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This is not my first time to chip in a running event (I joined the Manila Bay Cleanup Run 2012 last July 15), but I’m a real newbie to this “zombie apocalypse” run thing. And what does a newbie has to say about it?

Simple: mind-blowing, super exhausting, very unique, intense, and a total killer.

Just a little info about this zombie run: Outbreak Manila was inspired by “Run For Your Lives” and its first ever race was held last April 14 at Nuvali, Laguna. (I was there but wasn’t able to participate) Now, following the colossal success of the first leg, the brains behind Outbreak made the 2nd one a “night run” and took the suspense and adventure at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. And oh, they have this famous tagline that says, “Don’t think, just run.”

(With my running buddies (Gala mag friends) Cindy and Ate Airiz ;>)

Basically, this was my first time to experience being chased by hordes of flag-stealing (not flesh-eating) zombies, and I really enjoyed it!   Though I nearly gave up after just a kilometer (the route was 5K) because of leg soreness, blurry eyeglass vision, lack of oxygen, and the heavy rain (yes it rained moments after our wave’s gun start!), I still found the event very amusing. Yes, I was so nervous at first, but then I started to enjoy it, like I’m really part of an actual zombie apocalypse.

(My get-up: a comfy sleepwear, complete with a pillow and some unattended rollers on my hair. Hahaha!)

Okay, so now based on my experience (yes!), I will share some important tips to beat the outbreak.

Survival of the FITTEST: In order to emerge victorious at the end of the race, you must have a healthy heart and strong muscles to back you up. In short, you need some cardio exercises, man!   When you’re fit, you’re sort of immune to long runs and heavy breathings, so your chances of survival will automatically increase. I’ve had my share of oxygen shortage because I don’t do my aerobics session every day, but I noticed that I can actually run farther without having to stop to catch my breath. So get your body moving and your heart pumping– it’ll do you good.

Survival of the FASTEST: Of course, if you’re aware that a bunch of zombies are already running after you, what would you do? Run fast… faster… and, yeah, fastest (lol). To get past the creepy zombies, you must run like the wind, because if you’ll just walk and goof around, these after-life creatures will devour on your brai– oops– flags. These flags are important in Outbreak Manila because it signifies your life– when you run out of flags, you’ll be pronounced “dead” and you won’t have any bragging rights anymore (haha!). And really, if there will be a true zombie invasion, would you just walk past them? NO. Value your “life” and run for it.

Survival of the SNEAKIEST: Yes, this is so true (hihi). This is just a mock zombie apocalypse, so the “zombies” won’t really hurt you (physical violence is not allowed in Outbreak Manila). In that case, you can find a way to sneak past them just so they won’t get your flags. How? It’s up to you. Runners are unintentionally advised to think fast and be wise, so I really don’t know about your sneaky plans. But to tell you the truth, I’ve had my share of effective tricks to beat the zombies.   I’m not going to tell you (secret!), but they’re really foolproof, because even though I’m actually within reach, they didn’t get my flags. Yeap, I can be that sneaky!

(Me and the Gala team before reaching the finish line… wet look! Photo: Outbreak Manila)

(Wet and tired after the 5K run!)

To sum this whole thing up, I emerged with ONE flag (haha, so much for the tips lol) and the bragging right to say that I really survived the outbreak. Cool enough? Yes. But add the awesome freebies and the experience itself and you can actually say “super mega cool!”

To top it all off, I will never forget this running event. The experience was just so amazing that I’m planning to join the 3rd leg– as a zombie.   So freakin’ radical!

(Cool “I Came. I Ran. I Survived.” shirt ;>)

Special thanks to the Gala Magazine team for providing me my race kit and for being my official buddies during the race. It was really nice to see all of you again.

To know more about Outbreak Manila, click here and here.

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This blog entry can also be seen here: meekalexyproject.wordpress.com. Follow us there! 🙂