Korean Favorites and More at Leann's Tea House (Plus a Blog Giveaway!)

It is not a big secret that I love Korean food. Aside from being tasty and usually spicy, Koreans always make sure to include vegetables in their dishes, which is probably why I don’t feel guilty when splurging myself with their good food. I have recently been told about this new place at Quezon City and of course, I got really excited to try it out.

Leann's Tea House

Healthy Eating with Yummy Diet and Goldpress Juicing Co

We live in a fast-paced environment and it's not surprising that most of us are stressed-out with deadlines and pressure from work, traffic and pollution. With this, we compromise our time and effort to make healthy meals for ourselves and our family. Many would resort to fast food, junk food or even not eating at all! Innovations such as healthy food deliveries is a godsend for people who face this struggle, since you can forget the hassle of planning and preparing meals. 5-day diet programs and juicing are gaining popularity nowadays and I was able to try a similar service from Yummy Diet and Goldpress Jucing Co.

Taco Bell Philippines - Live Mas!

Mexican cuisine is one of my favorites (aside from Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Mediterranean, and Indian LOL). There are only a couple of Mexican restaurants nearby the city that I live that’s why it has been difficult to satisfy my cravings for burritos and tacos.

Health and Wellness with Yummy Diet Fitness Party

I've been avoiding something like the plague. Something I had to do years ago, but finally this 2015, I have decided to turn over a new leaf and get it over with. I need to change my eating lifestyle and be a stronger and literally, a "lighter" person this year. I have always been hesitant before to try any diet or exercise programs because I just love to sleep and eat and repeat that routine over and over again. Even though I've seen dramatic results from officemates who followed a strict program, I always just shrugged it off and said "Nah, I would just tire myself off" or "I would just do it next year". Years have passed but I still did nothing, but then I started to feel like I have a body of a 40 years old when I am in fact, still on my early 20s! I hated the fact that I cannot keep up the pace when we hiked to Lake Holon. Nothing will happen if I don't commit and push myself. It was just perfect timing when I was invited to a fitness event, which is the first ever that I have attended!

Buffet 101 Eastwood

If you have been reading this blog for some time now, you will observe that I enjoy going to buffet style restaurants. I just think I get more of what my money is worth every time I eat at those places. A few weeks ago, I was given the chance to dine with my family in one of my favorite buffet restaurant franchise in the metro. Considering I have fully enjoyed my previous dining experience on its other branch at Pasay, I couldn't just resist to say yes to this offer. And even though it was quite far from where I live, we made all our way to Buffet 101 Eastwood to see what the fuss is all about.

even the kids loved it there at Buffet 101 Eastwood!

A Food Trip around DLSU Taft with Avida Land #AvidaFoodHunt

I studied at one of the universities at the northern part of Metro Manila, so Taft Avenue looked like a strange land to me after I graduated. I have always wondered how it would have felt like to study at one of the prominent educational institutions around the Manila area, and I also wondered what gastronomic adventures I would have also experience with a limited budget as a student there. Good thing I was invited to participate at Avida Land's Food Hunt. Together with some of food blogger and enthusiasts, we were taken to some of the best restaurants around Taft that surely to reminded us of our college days. Hayyyy oh college life!

Another Korean Feast at Hwaroro Korean Grill Buffet

It was Father's Day and the parents were suggesting we go out and eat at a Korean restaurant, both of them really have taken a fascination with the Korean cuisine! Since there were a number of relatives also joining us for the day, I decided to go with the buffet, that way it's more sulit and we can eat everything that we want. We've been frequenting Don Day since it's quite close from where we live, but this time a friend suggested that we try a similar restaurant that is also located nearby called Hwaroro Korean Grill Buffet, the place sounded interesting so we opted to try this establishment.

le sister excited to get her food

The Seven Falls of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

South Cotabato has proven to be one of Mindanao's best kept secrets that is now aggressively gaining popularity. After our adventure at Lake Holon at T'boli, we were headed for Lake Sebu to see more of what the province has to offer. The mountain town of Lake Sebu, also famous for its three lakes: Lake Sebu, Lake Seloton and Lake Lahit, is also home to the indigenous T'boli community . Aside from that, it also boasts of various natural treasures: lush forests and plantations, placid lakes, rivers and waterfalls that will surely prove to be worthwhile to visit.

One of the seven waterfalls of Lake Sebu, this lovely sight will greet you after a refreshing zipline ride

Lakes of Lake Sebu: Lake Sebu, Lake Seloton, Lake Lahit

While we were doing our itinerary for this trip in Lake Sebu, we encountered something that utterly confused us, why are other we encountering names of other lakes that are in Lake Sebu? Does it mean there are a number of lakes within Lake Sebu? Lake within a lake? Parang na-Inception lang! :P Turns out, there are actually three lakes in Lake Sebu, and that Lake Sebu is not just a lake, but the name of a town. First off, the biggest one which the town is named after, Lake Sebu, the secoond biggest one, Lake Seloton, and last, Lake Lahit. Even though the rain did not show any signs of stopping on our first day here, we still braved to see these wonderful lakes with our trusted skylab drivers.

Finally, sunny morning at Lake Sebu

#Throwback: Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, Quezon

It was my first summer of being a "corporate slave" last May of 2011 and I was itching to go somewhere. After my first solo out of town trip to witness a passion play of Jesus' crucifixion at San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga, I was psyched to do more solo explorations. Being a loyal lurker at Pinoyexchange forums, I joined a big group of travelers who were planning to head there for a day trip. Since there were almost fifteen joiners of the tour, it turned out I will only need to shell out less than 350 pesos for round trip transportation from Manila to Lucban. There was no way in hell that I could turn down this opportunity.

Welcome to Pahiyas... 2011! (Time travel? lol)

Love at first sight at Lake Holon, T'boli, South Cotabato

Our trip to T'boli was something we planned almost last minute. We only knew about this place while drafting our itinerary for Surigao del Sur and Lake Sebu. We would never have seen this beauty if not for those wonderful blog posts and pictures posted around the Internet so we were actually enticed and dared to travel to the remote community of Sitio Nabol. The trek to Lake Holon would be less special if not for the T'boli locals who made sure we enjoy the whole experience and have also shared their culture, home and smiles with us.

birds eye view of Mt. Parker and Lake Holon - define lovely!!! (photo credit: Len Marcelo Jingco ChoosePhilippines)

Traveling to T'boli, South Cotabato and a treat at Sarse's Paradise Resort

After our trip to Surigao del Sur, we were off to our next destination which was South Cotabato. Frankly, going there wasn't the smartest choice. The distance from Surigao to South Cotabato would take us half to whole day of commute, and distance wise, it would have been better if we went to Davao instead. But after seeing pictures of Lake Sebu and Lake Holon, we were determined to go there before year 2013 ends.

pretty lotus flowers in full bloom

Tonkatsu Goodies at Katsu Café, Banawe, Quezon City

Banawe Street is one of my favorite spots in Quezon City though I have only tried few of the restaurants there as of writing. A friend told me about Katsu Café located along the same street which got me wandering around Banawe again.

my younger sister excited to try out her order

Tinuy-an Falls: Pride of Bislig, Surigao del Sur

Our second day at Surigao del Sur was a bit jam-packed, though we had enough time to appreciate the beauty of Enchanted River of Hinatuan and see the passion for toys and food by the married couple Willimans at Ocean View Park at Bislig, we were soon at a habal-habal ride for our last stop at this province, Tinuy-an Falls. It was a bit bittersweet to have our tour of the province end soon as we were juggling with a tight schedule, but I am glad I was able to fit all the highlights of Surigao del Sur within two days.

Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur

My obsession with Café Monaco, Banawe Branch

Searching for yummy but cheap eats has been one of my goals now ever since I started paying for my family's bill every time we went out for a meal. At the same time, I wanted to share with them my love for international cuisine. So far, a place that we often go to is at Banawe street. Banawe is famous not just for having that strip of car repair shops, but also for having a cheap buffet restaurant called Tramway. However, for those who have gone bored with their dishes already (like me), you can sample the plethora of eateries around the area. Most offer Chinese food due to the large Chinese community also living around the area, but the one that we frequent every so often is a small restaurant called Cafe Monaco.

Le parents at Café Monaco

Surigao del Sur's Britania Group of Islands

It was such a delight of having been able to finally make my Mindanao trip come true. After planning for some trips that did not push through due to work constraints, my 8-day trip to this region this December finally took place. We booked a trip going to Butuan as me and my companions wanted to see Enchanted River, and the easiest way in is via Bancasi Airport. Upon doing some research, I found out that Surigao del Sur has lots to offer other than the pristine river, so I made plans to make our first two days dedicated to Surigao del Sur, and our first stop was at Britania Group of Islands located in Barangay Britania, San Agustin.

Britania, Surigao del Sur

Labor Day Weekend 2013 at Boracay

My first two labor weekends as an office employee has been very menial. I am used to taking long vacations and frankly, one day simply isn't enough. So finally, me and some friends from office booked a four-day trip to the island of Boracay. Everyone on the group admits that it was their first time going to the island so we were all so excited even months before the trip. Labor day = perfect time to get away from the stress from work!

Sunset at Boracay

Jjimjilbang in Manila: Lasema Spa and Sauna

Ever since I posted my jjimjilbang experience in Jeju, I got several inquiries from some Pinoys on how they could see or experience this sauna that has its roots from Korea. I didn’t reply at first because I wasn’t aware if there are jjimjilbangs in Manila, but luckily, one day, as I was browsing on coupon sites for a good deal on Mother’s day, I chanced upon Lasema’s promo in Ensogo priced for 495 pesos that includes massage, jjimjilbang and sauna usage. I snagged a deal for the whole family for a nice relaxation day at this one of a kind sauna.

the jjimjilbang outfit (complete with the "lamb" towel) :)

Korean Food Galore at Don Day Fresh, Timog (Review)

Me and my mom usually love to look for restaurants that offer good food at a cheap price however,  these two don't usually go together. So one time, my mom has heard from a friend about a place that offers Korean food buffet near Caloocan and I got curious when she told me about it. I researched about it and found about the restaurant called Don Day in Quezon City. I invited my family and friends to go there and try, which were soon followed by more and more visits.

source from: Don Day Timo's Facebook

Lia's Cakes for all seasons! - Kapitolyo Foodtrip Chapter 3

I could not live without sweets. Seriously. I love desserts and can not pass off a meal without having one. There is a certain restaurant in Kapitolyo that I frequent for their delicious cakes for a very affordable price. I'll give you a hint: one of their trademark products is Avocado cake. Yes, I am talking about no other than Lia's Cakes in Season!

Yay for Avocado Cake!