November 2021 – Page 2 – Jellybeans in the City

The Jelly List: Order in for your holiday feast from these online food sellers

There’s no doubt that the holidays will be a very busy time.

With all the preparations and trips for gatherings (which, thankfully, we are now allowed to do) and family meals fit for a holiday spread, we moms sure could use all the help we can get to serve our loved ones a fabulous Christmas feast.

So why deny ourselves the convenience of simply tapping our phones to have mouthwatering dishes delivered right to our doorstep?

Check out these online food sellers to get the show-stopping dish on your holiday spread.

Chef Resty’s Roast Beef

If, like me, you’ve been missing the roast beef carving station in the hotel buffets you used to frequent, then Chef Resty’s is your best bet for tender, juicy and, oh so flavorful slices of roast beef for the fam!

Chef Resty’s Roast Beef are priced at:

half kilo (Php950): sliced only, serves four people
1 kilo (Php1,700): whole or sliced, serves eight people

To order, send a text or Viber message to +63 917 4329953 or +63 919 0985448 with your name, mobile number, address (including barangay), date and time of delivery and order quantity.

Fira’s Kitchen

Before, I thought the only way I can get another taste of Chicken Galantina is if I attended a party hosted by a very patient cook. I,m happy to discover that Fira’s Kitchen specializes in this dish.

Chicken Galantina is made with a deboned chicken stuffed with ground pork, hard-boiled egg and sausages with some pickle relish and spices which is then baked until cooked.

A whole Chicken Galantina with gravy can be ordered for Php850 while a Galantina Roll with gravy is priced at Php180.

To order, email firaskitchen29@gmail.com or text +63 927 5192810.

The Happy Kitchen

Want the deliciousness of a good home-cooked meal without having to spend all day in the kitchen?

Call The Happy Kitchen and enjoy flavorful ulams you would be craving for again and again such as Beef Caldereta (Php650 half tray | Php1,100 whole tray) and Korean Chicken (Php520 half tray | Php880 whole tray).

To order, text +63 917 6510981 your name, contact number, your orders and your preferred delivery date, time and address or your preferred date and time of pickup.

Salmon HQ

Planning a party at home? Grab your centerpiece dish from Salmon HQ and make a lasting impression on your guests and family members.

Imagine serving up shrimps, scallops and salmon in soy butter glaze with a tray of Seafood Wafu Pasta (Php500 small | Php1,000 medium | Php1,200 large) or unveiling an impressive Salmon Sushi Cake (Php1,200) to your guests!

Text your orders to Salmon HQ via +63 922 8943679.

Heavenly Spiced

Comfort food elevated is what you can expect from Heavenly Spiced where Chef Edmond Dannug brings his considerable skills to bear in enhancing the flavors of his all-time favorite dishes.

A tray of Heavenly Spiced’s Hainanese Chicken (Php999) comes with wonderfully flavored Chicken Rice, as well as sweet soy, ginger and chili sauces, while its Bourbon BBQ Pork Ribs (Php1,599) consists of two whole slabs of grilled pork ribs along with umami fries. Both are good for four to five people.

To order, text +63 939 2373383 or Viber +63 929 4514998 your name, contact number, delivery address, list of orders, delivery date/time and mode of payment.

Kuki’s Fudtrip

While most pasta dishes are easy to whip up, lasagna may be a bit of a challenge.

Well, just get a tray of Lasagna Special (Php800) from Kuki’s Fudtrip and you’ll have a hearty and mouthwatering pasta dish for your holiday dinner with none of the hassle.

Text your orders to +63 906 4330991.

Epic Cravings

Every great holiday meal should be capped with a sweet ending.

What sweeter way to end a lovely repast than with a box of Assorted Cream Puffs (Php230) from Epic Cravings. With such delectable flavors – Sugar Glazed, Powdered Sugar, Belgian Dark Chocolate, Butterscotch, Cookies ‘n Cream and Matcha – all family members can find their own special cream puff.

Click here to order from Epic Cravings.

So, mommies, if you find yourself getting harried over your holiday feast preparations, know that help is just a few phone taps away!

Photo credit: Header image by Jed Owen on Unsplash

#QuarantineCookbook: Egg Pie

One of my favorite merienda items back when I was little was the egg pie.

I just love the creamy custard filling that’s perfectly complemented by a buttery and flaky crust.

To this day, I still find myself craving for it from time to time, especially during my coffee break.

While it is readily available in my neighborhood, whether via delivery apps or by dropping by a mom-and-pop bakery, I figured it was best to make it from scratch at home, especially since I got hold of this recipe which seems to easy to make.

Ingredients:

Crust

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
4 tbsp water

Filling

3 whole eggs
1 egg yolk
1 egg white
1 tsp vanilla
1 300ml condensed milk
1 370ml evaporated milk

Procedure:

To make the pie crust:

Combine flour, salt, sugar and butter in a bowl. Mix until fine crumbs form.
Add the water and mix until a dough is formed. Cover it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Roll out the dough on a flour-dusted board until it is 1/8-inch thick.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased 9-inc round pan. Trim the excess dough and press the tines of a fork against the edges to create a design, then set aside.

To make the filling:

In a bowl, whisk together three whole eggs and one egg yolk.
Add the vanilla, condensed milk and evaporated milk, then stir well until thoroughly combined.
Strain the mixture twice, then set aside.
In another bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form, thrn gently fold into the filling mixture.

To bake the pie:

Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
Gently tap the pie pan against your work surface to get rid of air bubbles.
Bake the pie in a pre-heated 180-degree C oven for forty-five to fifty minutes pr until the top turns brown.
Serve and enjoy!

The baking pie filled our home with the sweet scent of vanilla and custard and the fam could hardly wait for it to be fully cooked so we could all dig in.

We polished off the pan in no time at all!

I’ve made this pie for the fam several times already and it’s a hit every time.

Try this recipe yourself and let me know how it goes!

Gear up:

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Antipolo Resto: Yellow Bird Cafe x Kitchen

Up in the suburbs of Antipolo is a refreshing and delicious escape from the urban jungle called Yellow Bird Cafe x Kitchen.

I discovered this when I took my parental units out on an Antipolo joyride (!) as my advanced birthday treat for my dad.

To be honest, I was supposed to take my parents to another cafe in Antipolo but had to make a last-minute change of plans upon finding out that the other cafe’s premises might not be suitable for seniors.

With only minutes to spare, I scanned my Facebook feed for a place where the parental units would be more comfortable and I came upon Yellow Bird Cafe x Kitchen.

So, together with my daughter #ExhibitA, I picked up the seniors and off we went to this Antipolo resto which is luckily a mere twenty-minute drive away from our homes in Pasig.

The cafe is a welcome surprise that will greet your eyes as you turn from the busy highway and take your pick among the available parking spaces around the bend. From outside, the lush greenery surrounding the glass-walled structure looks both picturesque and inviting.

Since the restaurant is operating only on a fraction of its original capacity, there is already a queue of people waiting to be seated by the time we got there, despite the considerable seating spaces in both the ground and upper floors, as well as in the al fresco area.

As I have seniors in my party, we were seated at the al fresco area on the other side of street from the main dining hall. While this dining space may be quite hot during the early afternoon of our visit, the discomfort is somewhat eased by the presence of plants artfully arranged around the place.

Our light and delicious afternoon repast included:

Potato Wedges (Php130). Thick, deep-fried wedges of potatoes lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.

YB Nachos (Php210). Crisp toasted nachos drizzled with melted cheese and topped with sauteed beef, tomatoes, green onions and parmesan.

Club Sandwich (Php195). Two layers of sliced ham and chicken, lettuce and tomato in creamy dressing in between slices of toasted homemade bread, and served with a side of YB Nachos.

Wagyu Cheeseburger (Php365). Thick grilled patty of Wagyu beef topped with melted cheese and sandwiched together with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and burger sauce in between lightly toasted and buttered homemade burger buns, served with a side of YB Nachos.

Grandma’s Chocolate Cake (Php155). Decadent chocolatey treat made with chocolate sponge cake covered in rich milk chocolate icing and topped with dark chocolate shavings with thin layers of caramel filling inside.

Sans Rival (Php165). Alternating layers of buttercream, meringue and chopped cashews made even more special with the addition of white chocolate.

Despite the nearing holiday season, it was quite a hot and humid afternoon, so we ordered these drinks to cool down.

In between delicious bites, my daughter and I were able to catch up with the news from my mom and dad.

Dad also seemed happy with his birthday blowout!

If you want to have a quick escape from the metro for a foodie adventure, do check this place out!

Yellow Bird Cafe x Kitchen is located at Lot 3 Blk 2, Mission Hills Blvd., Mission Hills Subd., San Roque, Antipolo, Rizal. It is open weekdays from 9am to 8pm and weekends from 7am to 8pm.

Call +63 925 7155287 for inquiries, and follow Yellow Bird on Facebook and Instagram to get updates.

Basking in Bali: The Ubud Tour

One of the most popular things to do in Bali is going on a tour of the nearby Ubud area.

During our trip in Bali, Indonesia, Hubby and I decided to take a breather from lounging about at the Nusa Dua Beach and strolling around the enclave surrounding Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort where we were staying.

We hired a van to take us on a day trip to the region widely considered to be the cultural capital of Bali.

About Ubud

The town of Ubud is situated in the uplands of Bali. Surrounding it are rain forests and rice paddies, an area lush with greenery and dotted with temples and shrines.

The place gets its name from the Balinese word ubad which translates to “medicine,” indicative of the area’s first claim to fame as a source of medicinal herbs and plants.

Today, it is the center of Bali’s art and culture scene, being home to a number of museums, artist communities and art markets that we were able to check out during our Ubud Tour.

Barong and Keris Dance

The village of Batubulan has been known for daily performances of the Barong and Keris Dance.

This dance dramatizes the mythical battle between the good spirit Barong and the evil spirit Rangda, and provides a fascinating insight into Balinese culture.

Artists’ Villages

Balinese art takes centerstage in Ubud where local artisans inhabit their own villages where they craft traditional paintings, textiles, jewelry and carvings, many of which are for sale at reasonable prices.

Batuan is also home to awesome temples that feature Balinese architecture and elaborate carvings.

Batuan also prides itself on its traditional paintings which are characterized by detailed designs in sombre colors depicting mythical or religious elements against black or white backgrounds that call to mind the supernatural.

Tohpati, on the other hand, is home to batik, a decorative textile technique involving the use of wax and dyes to create intricate patterns. Aside from clothing, batik is used for a myriad of items including household accessories, furniture fabrics and giftware.

Meanwhile, the silversmiths in Celuk are masters in creating intricate jewelry and luxurious decor.

Lunch at Batur Sari Restaurant

We had our lunch in a restaurant perched on top of the Kintamani. Called the Batur Sari Restaurant, it provides its guests with a traditional Indonesian meal served buffet style meant to be enjoyed while marveling at the view of Mount Batur and its surrounding crater lake.

Unfortunately, the view was covered by a thick fog during our visit. However, the fog did give the effect of dining while surrounded by clouds, which is an experience in itself.

Sebatu Temple

After a long-ish drive from Kintamani, our next stop is the Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, known locally as Pura Tirta Dawa Gunung Kawi Sebatu.

Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu who is said to hold dominion over water, it is one of the least visited temple complexes in Bali, but is also one of the most tranquil and picturesque, marked by spectacular water features (including bathing pools for pilgrims), fountains teeming with carp and lush gardens.

One of its most breathtaking scenery is a sculpture of the Hindu goddess Sarasvati at the center of a large pool.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

A short distance away from the Sebatu Temple is the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a vast expanse of beautifully arranged rice paddies carved from the hillsides by ancient Balinese farmers following the traditional Balinese irrigation system called subak.

It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding to its “must-visit” appeal.

From the viewing deck, one can see the cascade of green crops down the slopes while enjoying the cool mountain breeze.

Given my general avoidance of any physical exertion, we declined the opportunity to traipse down the slopes and walk across to the greenery.

It’s just too bad that I chickened out of having my picture taken at the swing. I guess my acrophobia is stronger than my desire for a good picture!

Coffee and Tea Tasting at Alam Bali Agriculture

Indonesia produces some of the world’s finest coffee and also happens to be fourth largest coffee producer in the world.

Within Tegallalang region is a coffee and tea plantation called Alam Bali Agriculture which houses gardens that grow various kinds of beans, leaves and herbs.

After a short tour of the grounds, we were treated to a flight of freshly brewed coffee and teas which were grown on site such as Arabica, Coconut, Vanilla and Ginseng coffee, as well as Lemongrass, Ginger and Mangosteen tea.

Sunset Seaside Dinner at Ayu Bali Resto

After such a jam-packed itinerary, our day of sight-seeing culminated at Ayu Bali Resto in Badung.

There, I was finally able to find a swing that doesn’t make my fear of heights go haywire.

While getting serenaded by live acoustic music accompanied by the sound of waves, we enjoyed a sumptuous seafood dinner by the beach.

This one-day tour of Ubud gave Hubby and me an interesting glimpse of Balinese life and culture.

And the best part of the day is going back to Nusa Dua to rest in our comfy room at the Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort.

This award-winning hotel is one of Courtyard by Marriott’s 1360 properties across 65 countries. It caters to business and leisure travelers by providing quality comfort.

Aside from our well-appointed room, we also hung out at the hotel’s poolside and beach club.

Read more about my full experience at Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort here.

Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort is located at Kawasan Pariwisata Lot SW1, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363 Indonesia.

Book Your Stay

Disclosure: Our Bali trip happened before the COVID-19 pandemic. Download Indonesia’s protocols for cleanliness, health and safety for its tourism sector here.

Here and there: Shake Shack

Oh yes, burger joints do abound all over the world and diners have their choice of where to get their burger fix.

The challenge, really, is for the burger establishment to have something extra going for it that will drive people to seek it out, try its offerings and (hopefully!) come back for more.

While it started out as a roadside food stall (that didn’t even sell burgers!) in Manhattan, Shake Shack has evolved into a burger eatery with a fine dining mentality, where high quality versions of the usual burger joint offerings are served up in a more upscale setting.

During a family trip to the US nearly three years ago, we decided to have our lunch at ShakeShack’s outlet along Hollywood Boulevard.

It seemed to be a popular joint as we had to line up for a few minutes before getting to the counter.

We tried an assortment of burgers such as the ShackBurger (ShakeShack’s famous cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce), the Shroom Burger (crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melter muenster and cheddar cheese topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce), and the SmokeShack (cheeseburger with Applewood smoked bacon, chopped cherry pepper and ShakeSauce) which we all found to be very tasty and filling enough to fuel us for the rest of our sightseeing that day.

Of course our order wouldn’t have been complete without ShakeShacks crinkle-cut fries and shakes.

It was among the foodie experiences that we had in the States that we wish could be replicated back home in the Philippines.

And wouldn’t you know it: by the time we got back to Manila, Shake Shack was already here!

It opened its first store in Bonifacio Global City in May 2019, a second branch in SM Mega Fashion Hall in December of the same year, a third one in Greenbelt Makati in October 2020, and finally, a fourth outlet in Alabang Town Center in July 2021.

Well, life got in the way so we haven’t been able to visit any of these local outlets from the time we got back, until Hubby and I went on an errand run in SM Megamall recently.

There, we espied Shake Shack’s sprawling premises while we were walking around, and decided to have lunch right then and there.

While I decided to go for a ShackBurger, Hubby went for a Chick’n Shack (crispy-fried chicken breast with lettuce, pickles and buttermilk herb mayo).

To complete our meal, we also got some crinkle-cut fries and softdrinks.

Because of COVID restrictions, there were not a lot of people in the place (only fully vaccinated people can dine in) and just a fraction of the store’s capacity is allowed to be used.

Now that the restrictions are loosening, I hope I can bring the kids over soon so we can relive one of our fun-filled adventures.

Shake Shack’s outlets are located in the following areas:

Central Square, Bonifacio Global City (open daily from 10am to 9pm | Tel +63 2 82553240)
Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall (open daily from 10am to 9pm | Tel +63 2 83664059)
Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati (open daily from 10am to 9pm | Tel +63 2 79336824)
Corte de las Palmas, Alabang Town Center (open daily from 10am to 8pm)

Shake Shack also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

3 ways Mang Ding’s Pinoy BBQ in Marikina is perfect for your family holiday gathering

It’s been a year and a half into the global pandemic, and we are just now feeling some loosening of the many restrictions.

With the Metro Manila recently de-escalated to Alert Level 2, kids are now allowed out of doors, emerging from more than a year of being stuck at home.

With Christmas just around the corner, extended families are surely looking forward to the time they can all gather together and catch up.

I know just the perfect venue for such gatherings: Mang Ding’s Pinoy BBQ in Marikina.

Let me tell you why:

1. Going there is like being welcomed into a family home.

Mang Ding’s is located in a quiet neighborhood in Barangay Sto. Nino, Marikina.

Restaurant owner Dindo Cleofas inherited his father’s (the original Mang Ding) love of grilling and wanted a restaurant where he can continue his father’s legacy as well as have a place where he can relax and chill with friends. Together with his wife, Dotie, he converted their home’s garden area into an outdoor dining space where he can serve customers his specialities, hot and fresh from the grill.

The space is shielded from the elements by a roofed pergola and surrounded by lush greenery, most of which were planted and nurtured by their family.

This open-air dining area is well-ventilated, equipped with fans to keep the air circulating and the surrounding plants adding refreshing color and coolness to space.

Walking into Mang Ding’s feels like visiting your favorite tita’s house; it’s a place where you feel right at home.

2. It can serve as your kids’ introduction to Pinoy comfort and street food.

A few months ago, I brought my parents here for dinner and upon seeing and tasting the familiar Filipino comfort food served to us, both my mom and dad waxed nostalgic about the dishes they grew up with. They regaled my daughter with stories about their foodie adventures back in the day.

If your kiddos are the “just fry me a hotdog, Mommy” type, it may be high time to introduce them to the simple yet sublime joys of good, down-home Pinoy cooking. You can be sure that lolos, lolas, titos and titas will waste no time in telling stories about their own experiences with Pinoy comfort food during your family party, and will help instill among the little ones healthy respect and appreciation for our culinary heritage.

You can count on Mang Ding’s to bring to the table an array of MALINIS, MASARAP at MURA dishes such as:

Ensaladang Talong (Php75).

Sizzling Tokwa Special (Php160).

Quarter Leg Chicken BBQ (Php150).

Boneless Chicken BBQ (Php180).

Isaw Manok (Php20).

BBQ Platter (Php575).

Boneless Bangus Overload (Php265).

Pompano (Php380).

Grilled Pusit (Php425).

Tuna Panga (Php485).

And if the children still want the hotdogs, longganisas and fried chicken that they’re familiar with, you can still accommodate their requests here, and even give them a sweet treat for dessert.

Grilled TJ Jumbo Hotdog (Php50).

Grilled Longganisa (Php55).

McJolly Pakpak (Php225 half kilo | Php400 kilo).

Belgian Chocolate (Php150 slice).

Since good food help spark great conversations and great moments, your fam is in for a memorable experience when you hold your get-together at Mang Ding’s.

3. You can enjoy its tasty dishes at home.

The fun doesn’t have to stop after the get-together. You can bring home the yummy Pinoy BBQ at home with you, thanks to this handy box. For just Php599, you get fifteen sticks of Mang Ding’s signature barbecue and isaw served with grilled corn as well as calamansi and siling labuyo for the dipping sauce.

On the other hand, if your family opted for a virtual reunion, you can still partake of the same meal during your Zoom party by sending them Mang Ding’s Ready-to-Grill Pinoy BBQ packs (basting and dipping sauce included) that they can cook at home in a jiffy.

These include, among others:

Liempo (Php360/500g).

Pork BBQ (Php600/20pcs) and Isaw Manok (Php460/20pcs).

Chicharon Bulaklak (Php325/500g).

So whether your clan decides to have a physical get-together or a virtual party over the holiday season and beyond, Mang Ding’s is surely your best bet!

Mang Ding’s Pinoy BBQ is located at Block 3, Lot 13 C Buenviaje Street, Barangay Santo Nino, Marikina City, open for dine-in, pickup and delivery on Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 9pm and Fridays to Sundays for 11am to 10.30pm.

Reserve the venue now for your clan gathering or book a table for lunch, dinner or drinks by calling +63 916 2853031.

Disclosure: Together with fellow bloggers, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items served were not paid for by the attendees.

6 reasons to bring the fam to Manila Ocean Park

One of the happier news that we received lately is that the metro has moved down its COVID-19 alert level status, resulting to the further loosening of restrictions.

This new alert level has allowed leisure and entertainment businesses such as theaters, theme parks and other tourist attractions to open up and accept visitors once again.

More importantly, this means that after a year and a half of being stuck at home, the kiddos can now venture out and explore a bit of the world outside again.

As parents, you are surely on the lookout for a place to take the kiddos to give them a welcome break from the stress of online classes and the monotony of staying at home, while creating a special moment for the family to spend time together and create special memories outside of home.

Well, here are six reasons why Manila Ocean Park is your best bet for your family outing:

1. The people behind Manila Ocean Park are excited to see you again.

After more than a year of being away from their exhibits, outlets and shows, the staff of country’s first world-class marine theme park and premiere educational entertainment destination are happy to be back doing what they love.

Manila Ocean Park Reopening — MOP VP for Sales and Marketing Mary Joyce Tarroza and Media Relations Manager Reden Ramones join us for a photo opp.

During a chat with me and my fellow bloggers, MOP VP for Sales and Marketing Joyce Tarroza and Media Relations Manager Reden Ramones, relayed how Manila Ocean Park’s personnel have looked forward to the reopening.

“We are incredibly thrilled to finally be able to open Manila Ocean Park to the public again, return team members to work, and welcome guests back to enjoy our amazing and educational attractions,” added Mary Joyce.

2. It has reopened 6 well-loved indoor attractions.

With its return to operations, Manila Ocean Park has reopened six classic and fun-filled indoor attractions that appeal to young and old alike.

Oceanarium, for example, is home to over 270 species of marine creatures. Here, the family can walk through a 25-meter long curved walkway tunnel that gives visitors the feeling of being surrounded by sharks, stingrays, eels and other sea creatures swimming overhead.

The Jellies Exhibit, on the other hand, takes the family away to a wonderland of transparent jellyfishes that gracefully float and glide about accompanied by multimedia effects and music. This fantastic display has earned these creatures the moniker “The Dancing Sea Fairies.”

The more adventurous visitors can explore the World of Creepy Crawlies where they can encounter bugs, frogs, spiders and worms and other creatures not for the faint of heart.

The Penguin Exhibit, the first penguin park in the country, lets visitors get up close and personal with Humboldt penguins (also known as Peruvian penguins or Patranca).

At the Christmas Village, the kids and adults can relive the magic and spirit of the holiday season.

Lastly, at the Super Toy Collection, kids of all ages can view the most extensive display of toys inspired by Pinoy childhood superheroes.

With these fascinating points of interest in the park, the family will have lots to explore and discover.

3. You can catch the South American sea lions in action.

The fun doesn’t stop indoors, either.

Step out to the Sea Lion Show and catch these large but adorable creatures perform breathtaking tricks.

You might even get a kiss from one!

4. The family can enjoy a gastronomic journey al fresco

All that fun and excitement are sure to work up an appetite so plop down at the dining area near the Sea Lion Show and feast on on the newly refreshed Asian fusion menu from Chef Ranuka Hettiarachchi.

You may also opt to head down to Garden Dining by White Moon Bar where the kids can explore the greenery while the grownups relax with a drink or two.

Check out my previous experience here.

Can’t get enough of these culinary creations? You can also have these scrumptious dishes delivered to your home. More on that here.

5. Protocols are still in place to keep your family safe

What welcome news it was to hear that kids 17 years old and below, regardless of their vaccination status, are now allowed inside the park, as long as they’re accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.

Your family can rest easy knowing that your continued well-being is a top priority at Manila Ocean Park.

In line with the guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the regulations from Philippine government, the theme park is operating at 30% capacity.

Enhanced health and safety measures are also being implemented in accordance with the Minimum Public Health Standards to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact.

Of course, these measures can only be effective with the cooperation of guests so please keep these in mind during your visit:

Secure your Safety Pass by scanning the QR code at the entrance.
Submit to health and temperature checks and, for adults, present your vaccination card and ID prior to entering.
Wear your face masks and face shields at all times.
Keep at least one meter apart. Markers and reminders have been placed in several spots to guide you.
Wash and sanitize your hands frequently.

6. You can take advantage of amazing deals

Until November 21, kids below 17 years old accompanied by a fully vaccinated adults are accepted inside the park according to the IATF guidelines.

The city government of Manila also set the age cap for adult visitors at 65 years old.

So now is the best time to bring the whole family to Manila Ocean Park, especially with these amazing limited-time deals exclusively available at the park’s website until December 19, 2021.

Ocean Escapade (Php499 – formerly Php2,300) which provides access to the 6 reopened attractions at almost 80% discount from the original ticket price.
2+1 Flash Sale Promo. Buy 2 Ocean Escapade vouchers priced at Php595 and get 1 for free. That’s Php1,190 for 3 tickets already!

So not only can you bring the whole fam in for a lot of fun and adventure, you get to enjoy great savings, too!

Book your tickets via Klook now, folks!

Manila Ocean Park is located inside Luneta Park in Manila.

For inquiries, call (+632) 7238-6100 or follow Manila Ocean Park on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Complimentary tickets and refreshments were provided by the park in exchange for this feature.

Fave rolled pizzas at home from Pazzo Rollio

I belong to a family of pizza lovers.

My little boy, in particular, is such a pizza monster, he can devour it all day, every day!

My challenge as a mom is how to expand his food horizons (and hopefully incorporate more vegetables into what he eats),

Fortunately, the solution to my problem is just a few phone taps away as Pazzo Rollio delivers via GrabFood!

The name “Pazzo Rollio” translates to “crazy rolls” in Italian, quite fitting for the resto’s crazy good rolled pizzas.

Wafer-thin pizza dough is slathered with cheese sauce and toppings, then baked in a hot oven and served with arugula and alfalfa sprouts, ready for rolling. (The inclusion of these greens, by the way, takes care of my need to incorporate veggies into my son’s food intake.)

Yes, you might find rolled pizzas in other pizza joints in the metro, but Pazzo Rollio’s are among the least expensive and the most varied that I know of.

Check out my go-to orders!

Spinach Artichoke (Php260 solo | Php480 family). Topped with spinach, artichoke, fresh garlic and parmesan over cheese sauce.

Big Bang Supreme (Php270 solo / Php490 family). Topped with bacon, ham, pepperoni, caramelized onion and mushroom over cheese sauce.

Wild Truffled (Php270 solo / Php490 family). Topped with parma ham, mushroom, truffle salsa, honey and caramelized onion.

Whenever I need a tasty snack for the fam (especially for my little boy), or an additional dish to go with my homemade Baked Macaroni to serve to guests, I just bring out my phone and order these rolled pizza faves from Pazzo Rollio.

I think that Pazzo Rollio rolled pizzas may be great additions to my family’s holiday spread this Christmas!

Pazzo Rollio is currently open for takeout and delivery at these branches:

Third Floor, Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City
SM Hypermarket, Frontera Verde Drive, Ugong, Pasig City

Wondering what it would be like to dine in at Pazzo Rollio? Check out my pre-pandemic foodie adventure with my foodie friends at its SM Pasig branch!

Thai BBQ Original Restaurant, Ayala Vertis North

One of the cuisines that I have been missing since the start of the pandemic is Thai food, largely because there are not too many Thai restaurants in my neck of the woods, and a lot of them took a pause in operations during the lockdown.

I do carry some fondness for Thai BBQ Original Restaurant, though, as I was able to meet up over a tasty meal with my friend visiting from Singapore at its Glorietta Branch.

It’s Ayala Vertis North branch was also the setting of one of my last happy lunches with my co-workers, where we took the opportunity to have a break from our usual work and catch up over good food.

This restaurant chain originated in Los Angeles in the late 70s, offering the best flavors of Thailand. It set up shop here in the country in 2016, aiming to reignite the Pinoy’s taste for Thai cuisine.

In recognition for its dedication to serving authentic Thai dishes, it has been awarded with THAI Select, a awarded by Department of International Trade Promotion which certifies not only the food, but also the hospitality and the atmosphere of the restaurant.

Thai food surely made for a welcome break from the normal packed lunches or fast food that I usually have when in the office.

During our pre-pandemic forays into Ayala Vertis North, my officemates and I had one of our happy lunches here where wesaid “Sawadeeka!” to some of the resto’s signature dishes.

Tom Yum Goong.

Traditional sour and spicy soup flavored with herbs and spices with some shrimp added in.

Pad Thai.

Rice noodles, shrimp, peanuts, a scrambled egg, and vegetables are stir-fried in a wok and tossed in Pad Thai sauce, which gives its signature tangy salty flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Thai Original BBQ Pork Belly.

Specially marinated tender pork belly, baked and grilled in a special Thai BBQ sauce.

Thai BBQ Spare Ribs.

Generouse cuts of falling-off-the bone tender marinated pork ribs grilled and served with sweet and spicy Thai BBQ sauce.

Crispy Oyster Cake.

Oyster cakes battered and pan-firend then served on a hot plate with chili sauce.

Massaman Curry.

A fusion of Thai and Indian culinary influences which make use of red curry paste, dry whole spices and peanuts.

It’s been a while since I’ve been here and I’ve also been missing the friends I shared this delicious meal with.

The good news is that Thai BBQ Original Restaurant has reopened several branches for dine-in, takeout and delivery to sate the Thai food cravings of its Pinoy fans.

Makati: G/F Glorietta 4, Main Driveway (next to Ascott Hotel), Makati City (Wed to Sun | 11am to 8pm)
Quezon City: Level 2 Ayala Malls Vertis North (Beside Trinoma), North Avenue, Quezon City
Pasig: Level 1 Food Village Bldg. B Tiendesitas (beside Rico’s Lechon), Ortigas East, Pasig City

So it won’t be too long before I say “Sawadeeka!” again to awesome Thai food. Hopefully, I can say the same to the friends that I miss.

Follow Thai BBQ Original Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated on its latest offers.

Extraordinary sound selections from Nokia Personal Audio, coming this 11.11!

Nokia Personal Audio by RichGo celebrates its first 11.11 campaign in the Philippines with BIG surprises prepared for all Nokia fans and audio enthusiasts! #MyNokia

Surprise 1: Up to 50% OFF on Nokia Favorites

Fans get to choose from a wide variety of True Wireless Audio devices without breaking the bank. Customers can get discounts of up to 50% OFF on Nokia #FanFavorites, which will be available in all Nokia Personal Audio online stores from November 11 to 17, 2021.

Below Php1,500: Nokia E3100 (23% OFF) at Php 1,099 only! (From: Php 1,440), Nokia E3101 (25% OFF) Php 1,499 only! (From: Php 1,999)
30% OFF and Above: Nokia E1200 (32% OFF) Php 1,699 only! (From: Php 2,499), Nokia E3200 (32% OFF) Php 1,699 only! (From: Php 2,449), Nokia E3500 (34% OFF) Php2,299 only! (From: Php 3,449)
50% OFF: Nokia P3802A (50% OFF) Php 3,249 only! (From: Php 6,449)

Shop now!

Buy Now

Surprise 2: Limited Edition – Nokia P3600

True to its promise to bring affordable and quality wireless audio devices, RichGo Philippines will be releasing an addition to its PRO device line, the Nokia P3600 Pro True Wireless Earphones. A LIMITED- EDITION release, this new device aims to bring back the superb aesthetics of legacy Nokia mobile devices with sleek, shiny and curvy chassis for only Php 4,499 (11.11 price).

Targeted to empowered young individuals, the Nokia P3600 sports a sleek metallic charging case (reminiscent to the 2005-released luxury Nokia 8800 phone) that makes it a sure head turner for its striking looks. Aside from its mesmerizing aesthetics, the P3600 boasts a bang-for-the-buck audio configuration. The P3600 earphones is equipped with a Knowles Balanced Armature driver combined with an 8mm dynamic driver to deliver Hi-Fi quality music. One driver handles the mid and high frequencies and another takes care of the bass so users can enjoy a full spectrum of well-balanced sound.

The P3600 also enable users to immerse themselves in the scene with its “Gaming Mode” that reduces delay and delivers sound in sync with the on-screen action, so gamers will never miss a critical sound again.

The Nokia P3600 will be released in LIMITED QUANTITY, and each purchase comes in an impressive Tin Can packaging which makes it a perfect gift idea for those who love style and function at the same time. Truly a collector’s delight!

Product Availability

The Nokia P3600, together with the rest of the Nokia Personal Audio products on sale will be available from November 11 to 17, 2021 in all online shops of Nokia Personal Audio by RichGo on Lazada, Shopee, and its recently launched Facebook Shop that delivers nationwide.

Details and images provided by RichGo in a recent press release.