March 2022 – Page 2 – Jellybeans in the City

Enjoy some #IndulgingComfort with Cinnabon’s Cranberry Biscoff Minibon

If you love decadent desserts as much as I do, then I’m sure Cinnabon cinnamon buns ranks highly among your go-to baked goods.

After all, what’s not to love? From their creamy and gooey frosting to the soft and fluffy buns rolled between layers of sweet cinnamon, you’d be hard-pressed to resist this kind of temptation.

Thank heavens that back in 1985, father-and-son duo Rich and Greg Komen of Seattle, together with master baker Jerilyn Brusseau, took it upon themselves to craft the most delectable cinnamon bun. Their efforts resulted in the recipe that drove the Cinnabon brand from its Seattle mall roots to global cinnamon bun domination.

Cinnabon made its way to Asia by way of the Philippines in 1999 when it opened its first bakery at Robinsons Place Manila. Today, the country has twenty Cinnabon bakeries, all committed to churning out these dreamy sweets using the finest quality ingredients and serving them, hot, irresistibly fragrant and fresh from the oven.

From the one that started it all, the Classic Cinnabon Roll, to variants such as the Caramel Pecanbon and Chocobon, Cinnabon’s mouth-watering desserts have carved their place in the local foodie scene, giving dessert lovers a dose of indulgent comfort that can only come from a decadently gooey and sticky baked good.

Enter a newest variant that’s all set to become a new favorite: the Cranberry Biscoff Minibon. It combines the crunch and sweet spice of Lotus Biscoff Crunchy Spread and the fruity tanginess of cranberry bits integrated into a compact minibon.

You can grab a sweetness-packed Cranberry Biscoff Minibon for just Php100 per piece or you can get a box of four for Php300.

Don’t hesitate to get a box or two to bring home some delicious and indulging comfort for the fam.

And don’t worry about finishing the entire box all at once. Store your buns at room temperature for up to two days and then re-heat in the microwave oven for 15-20 seconds (add 5 seconds per additional bun).

This scrumptious variant is available only for a limited time so be sure to drop by your nearest Cinnabon outlet stat!

Cinnabon stores are located at:

SM Aura Premiere, SM Baguio, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA and SM North EDSA North Towers, SM City Clark, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Fairview, SM Mindpro
Estancia Mall
Trinoma Mall
Festival Mall
Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Galleria
Alabang Town Center
SLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Main, SLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Deli2Go, SLEX Shell Mamplasan
Petron Travel Plaza
Caltex San Pedro Travel Plaza
NLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Deli2Go, NLEX Drive & Dine
NAIA Terminal 3, NAIA Terminal 4

Can’t go to a Cinnabon bakery? Order your Cinnabons for delivery right to your doorstep via GrabFood, FoodPanda and G-Life.

For the latest news on its products and offers, follow Cinnabon on Facebook and Instagram.

The “Nature Park in the City’s Heart”: the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife in Quezon City

With the sweltering heat of the summer permeating the drab and grey streets of metro, it would be nice to go somewhere cool, fresh and green.

Well, wouldn’t you know it! Right in the heart of Quezon City is a place where you can escape to enjoy a bit of nature: the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center.

This 22.7 hectare area located in Diliman, Quezon City is a zoological and botanical garden, named after Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. It is one of the ninety-four legislated Protected Areas in the Philippines under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018.

It is also dubbed as the “Nature Park in the City’s Heart” being the home of various species of flora and fauna while still situated in a busy metropolis.

Here, park visitors can go exploring on pathways that weave through the park’s trees and open grassy areas, perfect places to jog or stroll while enjoying the peace and quiet.

With over 3,000 species of trees, some of which are endemic to the country, the park is also one of Metro Manila’s last remaining green spaces, which serve to mitigate urban air pollution and help counter the emergence of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs), metropolitan areas that are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to the daily activities of urban populations concentrated in a small area.

Aside from enjoying the lush greenery, park visitors can view animals as well. As a wildlife rescue and research center, it serves as a quarantine area and rehabilitation center for wild animals captured while lingering in residential areas, or undomesticated animals confiscated from people involved in the illegal wildlife trade or exotic pet owners who are abusive to their animals.

The center also serves as a training ground for practitioners and students or veterinary medicine, zoology, botany, biology and natural science.

For park visitors who want to do a bit of sight-seeing or picture-taking, the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center also contains a manmade lagoon which houses various fishes. Within its vicinity is a picturesque Fishing Village which consist of five houses on stilts along the edge of the lagoon. These structures are patterned after fishing villages in Mindanao.

The park also houses other attractions which may be rented out:

A Tea House that may serve as a venue for workshops, meetings and other small parties
A 250-seater Amphitheater for larger gatherings
Picnic sheds to shelter people during their visit

For plantitos and plantitas, the Bernie Dizon Botanic Fruit and Techno-Demo Center is also located within the park. Owned and managed by the country’s leading pomologist the garden offers high-quality cuttings and seedlings that will grow into fruit trees for home gardens or farmlands.

So if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you won’t have to travel far. Simply visit the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center to enjoy that precious bit of nature.

The Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center is located along Elliptical Road and North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 5pm.

The following entrance fees apply:

Adults: Php30
Students: Php15
Foreigners: Php100
Senior citizens, PWDs and children below seven years old: FREE

For inquiries, call +63 2 89246031 local 236. For more details, visit its website or follow Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center on Facebook.

Why not, ChocNut? Check out the limited edition #SMChocNutTuron

What was your favorite time of day back when you were young?

Mine was the late afternoon when I get home from school, I can finally watch cartoons for a while and my meryenda is waiting for me at the table.

One of the highlights of meryenda time is when I have hot freshly fried turon laid out before me. This classic Pinoy sweet snack is made with slices of local sweet plantain bananas – more commonly called saging na saba bananas – and slivers of jackfruit flesh – also known as nangka – encased in lumpia wrappers with brown sugar that crystalizes upon frying.

With these simple ingredients, our genius forebears were able to create an irresistible dessert that has not lost its appeal to generations of Pinoys.

No wonder, then, that its version of the Turon is among the best-selling products at SM stores. Shoppers wanting to munch on something after a bout of retail therapy, or on their way to restock their pantry at the supermarket can easily purchase one or two of these freshly made desserts for just Php25 apiece.

Well, guess what! A new variant of the famed SM Turon is now available and is making some buzz among the metro’s foodies: the limited edition ChocNut Turon.

With each bite, you get the same crunch from the fried lumpia wrapper, sweetness from the banana and the smokey caramelization from the brown sugar, but this time, these flavors are accentuated by the nutty milk chocolate goodness from another childhood favorite, the ChocNut.

Who says you can’t get the best of both worlds, eh?

You can even opt to bring this new meryenda home to enjoy it with your loved ones. Buy one (or two pieces, who’s judgin’?) for each family member, pop them in your oven toaster two to three minutes in medium heat, and voila! You’ve got a delicious treat for the entire family!

You can even pair them with vanilla ice cream for a decadent ChocNut Turon Ala Mode!

Well, nuttin‘ should stop you and your fam from enjoying your SM ChocNut Turon. Grab them at over 100 SM Supermarket, Savemore and Hypermarket outlets nationwide.

For more updates, follow SM Markets on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided for this feature.

MAX original limited series DMZ debuts March 17 only on HBO GO

Based on Brian Wood’s acclaimed DC graphic novel of the same name, brand new four-part Max Original limited series DMZ premieres with all episodes the same day as the U.S on Thursday, March 17 only on HBO GO. This adrenalised drama is executive produced by Emmy® nominee Roberto Patino, Emmy® winner/Oscar® nominee Ava DuVernay, and Paul Garnes, and stars Rosario Dawson as a woman who navigates a demilitarized zone in a harrowing quest.

Leaping off the pages of the popular DC graphic novel into the visual landscape of a dangerous and distorted Manhattan, DMZfollows intrepid medic Alma Ortega (Rosario Dawson) on her tireless, eight-year search for her missing son in a near-future America embroiled in a bitter civil war. With no other options, Alma negotiates her way into the only place she hasn’t been able to look: Manhattan – now a lawless demilitarised zone overrun by rival factions vying for power as a race for control plays out between ruthless community leaders Parco Delgado (Benjamin Bratt) and Wilson Lin (Hoon Lee). While Alma’s harrowing quest thrusts her into the middle of this dangerous no man’s land, she unexpectedly emerges as a vital source of something needed most in the DMZ, which is hope.

Other cast members include Freddy Miyares, Jordan Preston Carter and Venus Ariel. The series also stars guest cast Rutina Wesley, Nora Dunn, Jade Wu, Rey Gallegos, Mamie Gummer, Agam Darshi, Juani Feliz and Henry G. Sanders.

DMZ was created for television by Patino, based on the comic book series published by DC written by Wood and illustrated by Riccardo Burchielli. Patino also serves as showrunner and wrote the first episode, which was directed by DuVernay. Acclaimed filmmaker Ernest Dickerson directs and executive produces three episodes. Emmy® winner Carly Wray is co-executive producer. Filipino DC fans can stream or download DMZ from March 17 only on HBO GO.

HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month.

SKYcable subscribers can activate HBO GO via Lazada

CLICK HERE

Not yet on SKYcable? Subscribe now. Get your priority pass.

CLICK HERE

Details, video and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

This post contains affiliate links.

Share #WomenAtWork photo and win cash from Lumina Homes

In celebration of Women’s Month, Lumina Homes is proud to honor the modern superwomen at the workplace. Whether working from home while donning the multitasking mommy hat or taking the risk to go out and serve the clients in their chosen industry, these women deserve a pat on the back, and more!

Lumina Homes Woman at Work Online Contest

Lumina Homes invites everyone to share on social media a photo of an inspiring woman at work and get a chance to win as much as P5,000 cash!

Here are the steps:

Share a photo on your Facebook or Instagram account of a “woman in action” (not limited to women in the workplace) who inspires you the most. If on Facebook, make sure to set your post to Public so we can view your entry. If on Instagram, set your account to Public also.
In the caption, tell us in a maximum of 3 sentences what inspires you most about this person. Add the official contest hashtags: #LuminaHomes #LevelUp2022 #WomenAtWork
Go to https://www.lumina.com.ph/public-event-upload and select “Women at Work: Online Contest” on the event dropdown. Fill-in the required fields, and on the Message Box, place the link of your entry.

You may submit your entries until March 28, 2022.

Winners will be scored according to Reacts (50%) and Narrative (50%) so make your entries as compelling and heartwarming as the inspiring stories of our superwomen. The Top 3 entries will take home the following prizes:

1st place – P5,000
2nd place – P3,000
3rd place – P1,000

From the nurses and medical doctors braving the pandemic, to teachers navigating the distance education, to your female boss who continues to balance the health and safety of the workforce while keeping the business intact—all these women have the same core values toward their work, and we celebrate them not only every March but all year round.

Happy Women’s Month!

For more information and announcements, follow @luminahomesofficial on Facebook or visit Lumina Homes’ official website at www.lumina.com.ph.

Photo Credit: Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels

#BakaNaman it’s time for Andok’s Litson Baka

I’m one of those folks who make a beeline for the carving station at hotel buffets. My quest was usually centered on roast beef being served – a few slivers at a time – by a server who I sometimes think secretly judges me for coming for seconds.

While I can overcome my self-consciousness for my second (or third) plate of roast beef from the carving station, what I couldn’t overcome is the dearth of buffet options during the pandemic.

This is why I was excited last year when Andok’s launched its Litson Baka.

Andok’s has been around since the 1980s, serving up Pinoy-style roasted chicken – litson manok – in a way that’s easily accessible to everyone, being so affordable and present in practically every street corner.

Which is why I was more than a little miffed when its litson baka was made available only in a limited number of stores (and none near my home!) during its initial launch.

I had to get Hubby to drive some distance just to get our hands on a box (or two!) for my daughter #ExhibitA’s birthday lunch a few months ago.

Well, no more, because Andok’s litson baka is now more widely available. And at Php429 per box, quite affordable, too! (In my case, #BakaNaman became #BakaNaTalaga!)

Whenever I get a craving for this kind of roast beef, or I need a quick, fuss-free and delicious contribution to a family potluck, all I have to do is grab my phone and open the Grab app to order from the nearest branch.

Within a few minutes, the fam and I will be enjoying tender and flavorful slices of Pinoy-style roast beef. (Definitely with lots and lots of rice!)

I keep meaning to make roast beef sandwiches from leftovers. However, despite always ordering two boxes at a time, I never seem to get any of this delicious litson baka left over once it has been laid out on our dinner table.

Oh, well. That’s what future orders are for.

And at least I won’t have to worry about any server judging me as I go for my second or third serving.

#BakaNaman it’s time to get your own taste of Andok’s litson baka. Drop by your nearest Andok’s outlet or order for delivery via Grabfood.

To know more about Andok’s products and promos, follow it on Facebook or Instagram.

Happy weekend at Molly’s Donuts & Brunch Cafe

I always look forward to the weekend (who doesn’t?). Aside from giving me a welcome break from the daily grind, it’s also a chance to take things slow and spend time with my loved ones.

This particular Saturday, I decided to indulge my daughter #ExhibitA once again when she said she wanted some donuts from Molly’s Donuts & Brunch Cafe.

And being the indulgent mom that I am (as well as a foodie who loves discovering new places to eat in), I decided to treat her to brunch there as well.

I was happy to discover that this new cafe located in Pioneer Centre is managed by the same group that runs Mad Mark’s Creamery, one of my favorite haunts for steak and ice cream.

Molly’s Donuts & Brunch Cafe offers quite a different gustatory experience to the metro’s foodies: artisanal fluffy brioche donuts and specialty coffee created in “pursuit of the noblest art of making people happy.” Plus, with a well-curated selection of pasta dishes and sandwiches and a quaint, industrial yet neat and comfy decor, it’s all set to become a favorite brunch venue for the titas of the city (like me!).

On my brunch date with #ExhibitA, we tried out tasty selections from its menu such as:

Chick ‘n Pops (Php185). A mixture of crispy chicken skin and juicy bits of buttermilk fried chicken served with barbecue sauce and Molly’s Special Sauce.

Guanciale & Mushroom Pasta (Php245). Al dente linguini tossed in a cream sauce with bacon bits and shiitake mushrooms.

Yangnyeom Chicken Bun (Php215). Buttermilk fried chicken coated in homemade yangnyeom sauce encased with onions, tomatoes and lettuce in fluffy brioche buns.

Fluffy Donut Ala Mode (Php165). Our choice of fluffy donut (Roasted Brown Butter) and homemade ice cream (Madagascar Vanilla Bean).

We partnered these dishes with our orders of refreshing handcrafted beverage: Iced Spanish Latte (Php125), made with an espresso shot, homemade spice blend, homemade scratch caramel and steamed milk, and Iced Uji Matcha Latte (Php135), made with whisked matcha from Uji, Japan and steamed milk.

This delish brunch date gave me and #ExhibitA the opportunity to have some time to ourselves, a bit of very welcome mother-daughter bonding.

The great thing is that the happy time didn’t stop when we left the cafe; we actually brought it home with us in the form of a dozen fluffy brioche donuts!

We decided to surprise our boys – Hubby and my son #ExhibitB – as well as our yaya with some delicious donut creations for merienda or even breakfast the next morning.

Molly’s Donuts — Uji Matcha Morihan (Php75).

While these goodies are best consumed immediately, they can be refrigerated and then heated in the microwave right before eating for that “fresh from the oven” taste and feel.

So, get ready to give yourself and your loved ones some happiness with these treats!

Molly’s Donuts & Brunch Cafe is located at Ground Floor, Pioneer Centre Supermarket, Pioneer Street corner United, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City, open for dine-in, takeout or delivery daily from 10am to 8pm. For delivery and pre-order, visit mollys.pickup.ph.

PAUL Boulangerie et Pattiserie, SM Mega Fashion Hall

I had to accompany my daughter #ExhibitA as she got her booster shot last Sunday, and I thought “Why not make an outing of it?”

Given my work schedule and her classes, we hardly get any opportunity for some mother-daughter bonding.

So we took the opportunity to have brunch at PAUL Boulangerie et Pattiserie at SM Mega Fashion Hall.

This cafe is a spot of understated luxury inside a busy mall. Here, handmade bread are freshly baked throughout the day as has been done in various PAUL bakeries for over 120 years.

The cafe also offers menu items that combines the pleasures of eating with well-being. These dishes are characterized by authenticity, the use of natural ingredients and being attentive to the need for a balanced diet. These include:

Croque Salmon (Php420). Smoked salmon, cream and ementhal cheese enveloped in soft butter-toasted pain de mie and served with crisp greens drizzled with a tangy-sweet vinaigrette.

Pesto & Cream Pasta (Php295). Al dente fusili tossed in basil pesto cream sauce and garnished with sundried tomatoes, parmesan cheese and bread stick.

Creme Brulee (Php175). Rich and creamy vanilla flavored custard topped with caramelized sugar.

Drinks. Freshly steeped Earl Grey Tea (Php115) and Salted Caramel Flavored Latte (Php215).

A lovely meal and a relaxing atmosphere made for an enjoyable time!

This PAUL Boulangerie et Pattiserie branch is located at Ground Floor Al Fresco 1, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, call +63 995 2525279.

To know more about its products and offers, visit PAUL’s website or follow it on Facebook or Instagram.

Middle Eastern classics at OK Bob

If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, here’s something that’s sure to catch your fancy.

OK Bob, the newest stall in The Grid Food Market, recently launched new menu items crafted by Chefs Decker Gokioco and Jorge Mendez, giving the metro’s foodies more chances to sate their cravings for kebabs, curries and more.

Middle Eastern food is comprised of a variety of cuisines from a long list of countries, it is generally characterized by the frequent use fragrant spices, olive oil, nuts and creamy elements.

The resulting flavors and textures from this culinary tradition come into play with OK Bob’s newest dishes.

Crab Biryani (Php2,500).

Indulge yourself with the flavors of the sea and spices with OK Bob’s Crab Biryani. Fresh 500g crab is braised in curry-spiced yogurt and served on a bed of spiced Basmati rice with fried onion, cilantro, papadum and coriander cream.

OK Bob Plate Meat Combo (Php450).

Grilled chicken and beef served on a bed of spiced Basmati rice accompanied by fresh tomatoes, onions, lettuce, buttered Naan bread with garlic sauce and Tikka spiced hot sauce.

Beef Kabab Roll (Php320).

Grilled marinated ground beef skewer on top of romaine lettuce and cilantro encased in a bread roll and served with Persian-spiced fries, cucumber raita and sumac salad.

Don’t miss this chance to expand your food horizons with these exciting dishes from OK Bob!

OK Bob is open for pickup and delivery at thegridfoodmarket.com. It is also available for dine-in at Stall 2 at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati. It also delivers via GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick-A-Roo.

For more details on its menu items and offers, follow OK Bob on Facebook and Instagram.

The Grid Food Market is the resident food hall of Powerplant Mall which offers a wide range of flavors to cater to various cravings.

Check out my previous posts on other cuisines available at The Grid Food Market:

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Nokia Personal Audio updates E-series wireless earphones range

Nokia Personal Audio updates its Essential Series (E-series) with new products and new retail pricing that allows every Juan to choose what matches their need and budget. Nokia fans can now take home a new pair of True Wireless earphones for as low as Php999.

The Fan-Favorite, Nokia E3100 more affordable at Php999

Nokia E3100, the brand’s fast-selling wireless earphones gets a massive price update! From Php1,499, the entry-level offer of Nokia is now priced at Php999. This enables individuals who prefer wired-earphones and first time Bluetooth earphones users to switch and try True Wireless technology without breaking the bank. With its fun colorways and affordable price tag, the E3100 became an instant hit in the market.

See actual battery level on-the-go with E3102’s LED Display

The new Nokia E3102 (Php2,199) are Bluetooth 5.1 in-ear true wireless earphones that delivers immersive sound, with up to 20hrs of battery life. It is designed with a comfortable in-ear structure that provides excellent noise isolation for full music immersion. E3102’s charging case comes with a Digital LED display which allows users to check battery consumption anytime.

ANC technology now accessible at Php4,199

Nokia E3511 (Php4,199) offers pure audio bliss through Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with enhanced voice pick-up. The newest addition in the E-Series have a battery case that comes with a lightweight halogen-free alloy construction and carries power of up to 25 hours. It has a Smart EQ that delivers an adaptive level of noise cancellation when answering calls, allowing users to focus on what matters.

The Nokia E-Series is now available in all Nokia Personal Audio online stores, nationwide!

To know more about Nokia Personal Audio products, visit:

Facebook and Instagram: @NokiaAudioRichGo | https://www.facebook.com/NokiaAudioRichGo/ Facebook Shop: https://www.facebook.com/nokiaaudiorichgo/shop
Lazada: https://www.lazada.com.ph/Nokia-Personal-Audio
Shopee: https://www.shopee.ph/nokiapersonalaudio

Details and images provided in a recent press release.