Gel Jose

#SweetDelight: Red Ribbon’s Caramel Crunch Cake is back!

One of my most treasured early foodie memories is discovering Red Ribbon’s Caramel Crunch Cake.

During my summer break from grade school, my mom and I dropped by a Red Ribbon branch along Shaw Boulevard where beautifully crafted cakes were on display.

I remember us taking home this exquisite confection which was a far cry from the usual cakes we bought for family celebrations.

It is quite a visual wonder: a round cake made of layers of delicate chiffon, cream and caramel jelly, topped with cubes of honeycomb crunch. Each bite leads to a complex explosion of creamy, crunchy, and caramel-y delight in my mouth.

So that’s my first encounter with Red Ribbon’s Caramel Crunch Cake.

Over the years, it has joined various celebrations of my family, from birthdays, baptisms, anniversaries to graduations, always enjoying pride of place on our banquet table.

Years passed, and I expanded my repertoire of confectioneries, but I always remember that my first love was this Caramel Crunch Cake.

Imagine my dismay when I tried to have one delivered for a home celebration during lockdown and I couldn’t find it in any branch!

I thought then that I might not be able to taste my first favorite cake again but lo and behold: it’s back!

Red Ribbon is now re-offering the Caramel Crunch Cake at Php690 for a regular-sized cake. Now, my family’s celebrations will be complete and my kiddos can discover why I love this cake so much.

So go ahead and enjoy an old favorite or rediscover a sweet delight with Red Ribbon’s Caramel Crunch Cake!

Order today at your nearest Red Ribbon store, or through the Red Ribbon app, the Red Ribbon delivery website, Red Ribbon on Facebook Messenger, or by calling the #87777 hotline. You may also place your order via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

Disclosure: A product sample was provided to facilitate this feature.

The Prince returns… and rolls out the red carpet for guests

The Manila Prince Hotel by The Manila Hotel is delighted to officially announce its highly anticipated reopening on June 1, 2022. This heralds an exciting new chapter in the property’s history as it establishes itself as a perfect staycation place in the heart of the city.

The newly reopened Manila Prince Hotel offers guest affordable luxury with a reopening rate of only P1,999 nett for an overnight stay in a Deluxe room. This royal treatment can be enjoyed by two (2) adults and two (2) kids 12 years old and below, along with set breakfast for two.

Staycation seekers, weary urban warriors, working folk, and even guests from outside Metro Manila can expect unrivalled comfort and inimitable service while enjoying the hotel’s facilities and spaces. The hotel boasts of a pool where you can take your kids to enjoy an afternoon of fun, while the rest of the day can be spent having a hearty meal at the hotel’s Marcelino Street Café, which serves a la carte dishes for now. Eventually, Manila Prince Hotel’s amazingly decorated Chinese restaurant, Dragon Court, will reopen at a later date.

Guests are also within walking distance to malls and commercial establishments—the closest being UN Square, which has an array of fast-food choices on the ground floor like Tim Horton’s, Café France, Karate Kid, and many others. The hotel is in the center of everything, and convenient enough to be near banks, hospitals, schools, and convenience stores, churches, and many others.

But Manila Prince Hotel is not just welcoming stay-in guests but also those who are looking for the perfect venue for events that have been postponed or re-scheduled because of the pandemic. With the return of social events and gatherings, Manila Prince Hotel gives guests an option of an affordable but grand venue for conferences, meetings, and even gatherings like wedding receptions, anniversaries, and more.

Manila Prince Hotel is a multi-use establishment that welcomes both staycation/leisure guests, and even guests who need mandatory stay bookings for a few days. Strict safety guidelines will be implemented.

With the reinforcement of cleaning and disinfection procedures implemented in rooms, common areas, function halls, dining outlets, and kitchen and employee areas, Manila Prince Hotel has adapted to current guidelines from the government to ensure guest safety and comfort.

Reservation for staycations as well as function rooms for meetings/conventions, launches and other occasions are now accepted. For enquiries and reservations, guests may call 0998-591-1912; visit https://www.manilaprince.com; or email info@themanilaprince.com.

You may also book your stay at Manila Prince Hotel via Klook.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

#ChinoyComfortFood at White Flower Tea House

The mark of a good Chinese restaurant is a is a widely varied menu. This recognizes the myriad of gustatory possibilities in Chinese cuisine.

Personally, I love its localized variant, Chinese food that has been adapted to suit the Pinoy palate. Called Chinoy cuisine, its dishes are both flavorful and filling.

Foodies can get a taste of Chinoy comfort food crafted and curated by Chef Decker Gokioco at White Flower Tea House, one of the eclectic culinary stalls in Powerplant Mall’s The Grid Food Market.

Here, Chef Gokioco showcases his unique Chinoy heritage, and also calls back to his treasured childhood memories of going on Sunday visits with his family to the celebrated home of Chinese cuisine in Manila: the Binondo. By combining both traditional and modern approaches, the chef produced a menu that features both favorite flavors and fresh forays into Asian cuisine.

Recently, White Flower Tea House unveiled its new appetizers which include:

Mapo Tofu Dip (Php220). A new spin on the famous Mapo Tofu dish which has been turned into a dip made with braised ground pork and silken tofu, served with crispy fried wanton chips.

Prawn Toast (Php350). A snackable treat made with deep-fried prawn paste served on top of dense savory bread along sweet mayonnaise and a serving of sweet-and-sour sauce.

Egg Floss Shrimp (Php550). A Singaporean-inspired dish made with deep-fried battered shrimp tossed in curry leaves, chilies and egg floss.

With such delicious appetizers, we can definitely look forward to tasty meals from White Flower Tea House.

Dine in at The Grid Food Market to taste these Chinoy comfort food creations hot and fresh, or order them for delivery to enjoy them wherever you are.

White Flower Tea House is open for pickup and delivery at thegridfoodmarket.com. It is also available for dine-in at Stall 9 at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati. It also delivers via GrabFood, FoodPanda, RiderKo and Pick-A-Roo.

For more details on its menu items and offers, follow White Flower Tea House 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: I attended a food tasting held at this establishment. Food items mentioned here were served at no cost to the attendees.

Lumina Homes showers 10% reservation discount at Shopee 6.6

It’s halfway through the year and Lumina’s promos are getting better for online shoppers! Missed the 5% discount last Shopee 5.5? Fret not because Lumina Homes is doubling the fun with 10% off your reservation free via Shopee from June 1 to June 8.

Grab this promo price using this link: http://www.shopee.ph/luminahomesofficial, and choose from the following Lumina Homes house models exclusively available at the Shopee 6.6 Promo:

Here’s the step-by-step guide to claim you discounted e-voucher:

Proceed to Lumina Homes Shopee Mall store at www.shopee.ph/luminahomesofficial.
Browse through the available or featured home reservation e-vouchers
Read the e-voucher description and chat with the seller to inquire about Lumina Homes projects location where you can use the e-voucher
Choose your preferred e-voucher and click “Buy Now” or “Add to Cart” and pay for the e- voucher through Shopee Pay, GCash, or credit card.
The Lumina Homes Expert will receive a notification of the sale, then he/she will contact you to schedule an online appointment for marketing briefing and completion of documents.

This exclusive discount only runs until June 8 so decide on your dream house now and don’t forget to claim your discount voucher!

LUMINA HOMES X SHOPEE 6.6 PROMO
DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-143933 Series of 2022.

Lumina Homes is available in over 50 key cities and municipalities in the Philippines, such as Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Albay, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, and Davao del Norte.

Here’s how to get Php500 off when reserve your own Lumina home online:

Visit Lumina Homes’ website.
Click “E-Services” and “Reserve Online” then fill out your details.
Fill out the project name, phase, block and lot of your preferred Lumina project.
Proceed to payment and use my code JLBLMN500. Payments via GCash or debit/credit cards are accepted.

Details provided by Lumina Homes in a recent press release.

#LifeHack: De-stressing with Solitaire

Back when I was in my teens, one of the beliefs I held together with my peers was that we won’t be able to get married when we reach our adulthood unless we win a game of Solitaire.

Thus, for the whole summer when I was sixteen years old, I set about learning and trying to win this game using a set of playing cards I found lying around and the family’s desktop computer at home.

If you guessed that I eventually won, you would be right, thankfully so! (I’m now in my forties, by the way, and I’ve been married for fifteen years, whew!)

Just a little patience…

Solitaire is a genre of card games which involve arranging the cards in a systematic order, and most often played by a single player. It is known in Europe as Patience, because playing it is an exercise in patience.

It is both a game of skill and a game of chance, with the aim of building sequences of cards by number and by suit.

The most well-known variation of the game, and the one I always play, is called Klondike. This was the game included in the Microsoft Windows operating system back in the 90’s, coinciding with the time when I was trying to learn the game. With this computerized version, Solitaire has provided untold numbers of computer users hours of entertainment as well as taught them how to use a computer mouse. (See how much my age is showing here?) 😜

Perfect for an introvert like me

People are often surprised when I inform them that I’m an introvert. At first glance, I may seem friendly, at ease with other people and loud-spoken.

However, I do often feel the need to take a break from external stimulation and be more introspective, getting lost in my thoughts, imagination or plans.

This is most likely the reason why I enjoy blogging so much. It’s something I can do on my own and at my own pace.

In a similar vein, playing Solitaire is highly enjoyable for me. It helps me to stave off boredom by stimulating my mind without stressing me out.

Other ways that playing Solitaire helps me to de-stress include:

Giving me a sense of goal-setting and accomplishment. Since the object of the game is pretty simple, I can focus my attention towards achieving it. Once I win a round, it helps to bolster my confidence and gives me the push to apply myself to my other tasks.
Giving my mind a break. Playing solitaire gives me something simple and concrete to focus on. One could say that it can even bring me to a calmer and more meditative state, which does wonders for relaxing, getting rid of anxiety and making sound decisions.
Helping me to think more strategically. While it is simpler (and considerably quieter) than most games, solitaire requires the application of a well thought out strategy, as opposed to just laying cards willy-nilly. Playing this game allowed me to notice patterns, be patient and think a few steps ahead.
Making my “alone-time” a lot more enjoyable. I often feel the need to take a break from other people, or from overly stimulating situations so I would usually hie myself off to a quiet corner or a separate room to be by myself. Playing solitaire affords me with an enjoyable way to pass the time while I savor my solitude.

Now, I don’t go around carrying a pack of cards nor a whole desktop computer setup with me so luckily, I can play Solitaire anytime I want so long as I have internet access and a device with a web browser, thanks to Solitaire.org.

Solitaire.org is a website that offers hundreds of browser-based games which can be accessed through both desktop or mobile gadgets, absolutely for free. We don’t need to sign-up or register so there’s no need to keep track of login credentials. It does not require us to download any apps, thus saving precious storage space in our devices. It also does not serve in-game ads, allowing us to enjoy our chosen games without distracting or annoying interruptions.

Aside from Solitaire, my favorite games in this site include Tetra Blocks (a Tetris-inspired game which is very inspiring when trying to figure out how to fit things in my closet) and Word Search (quite fitting for someone who loves words as much as I do).

So whether I’m passing the time between Zoom meetings, giving my brain a break from a complex problem at work or just getting ready to go to sleep, I can just go online and play my favorite games for a bit while keeping stress at bay.

How about you? What’s your go-to life hack when battling stress? Do share your tips in the comments section!

4 things to expect at the #PMC2MillionStrong celebration

Power Mac Center (PMC) recently hit another milestone after its online community on Facebook reached two million followers. To celebrate, the premier Apple partner is hosting a fun shopping weekend in gratitude to its patrons and loyal Apple enthusiasts in the country.

“The community we’ve built on Facebook has been instrumental in helping Power Mac Center grow into what it is today. With every engagement and interaction that we get on our social media pages, we are inspired to push harder in our mission of bringing world-class technology to Filipinos. This celebration is also our way of letting our patrons know how we’re thankful for our online community, as they help us improve how we serve their Apple needs. We look forward to more years of touching lives, sharing joy, and connecting with more people through technology and innovation,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director of Product Management, Marketing, and Space Planning.

PMC’s Facebook community serves as an avenue to inspire Apple users to showcase their creativity, simply have fun, and also work together for worthy causes. To celebrate its monumental growth, PMC prepared special surprises for customers and lucky fans.

…but first, a trip down memory lane

PMC joined Facebook on January 4, 2009. Back then, it was cool to “poke” your friends and status updates can only begin with “is.”

Over the years, it has built a lot of moments that led to the 2-million-strong PMC online community today. Among the most notable memories are the 20th anniversary celebration, which also coincided with the launch of 1 Infinite Access (then 1 Infinite Card) – PMC’s loyalty program; the successful blasting off into cyberspace of the Power Mac Center Web Store in 2019; and the much-anticipated annual launch of the latest iPhone series, particularly the “Journey to iPhone 13” livestream last year – PMC’s first-ever full online iPhone launch event. In all of these initiatives, fans generously shared their thoughts and their time to connect with fellow Apple lovers.

See some of PMC’s monumental Facebook memories at Power Mac Center’s official Facebook page.

Let’s take 5 (percent off)

Now, this is the fun part! As a simple treat to all customers and Facebook followers, ALL devices and accessories can be purchased at any Power Mac Center store nationwide at 5% off from May 27 to 29, 2022. Take home the latest iPhone 13 in 256GB for only P56,990.50 from the original price of P59,990, or get as much as P10,000 off on the 16-inch MacBook Pro Apple M1 max chip 1TB Space Gray.

The promotion is valid for cash and straight transactions, including straight credit card, debit card, bank transfer, check, HomeCredit, GCash, GrabPay, WeChat, AliPay, PayMaya, Hello Money, UnionPay, BDO Pay, ShopeePay, QRPH, Power Mac Center gift certificate, and trade-in value. No vaccination card or 1 Infinite Access membership required, but other terms and conditions will apply.

That shipping has sailed

Should you prefer to do your shopping online, PMC is also offering FREE shipping nationwide for a minimum purchase worth P2,500 on its official Web Store and Viber Store from May 27 to 29, 2022. Choose from a wide variety of devices and accessories, including iPhone, iPad, Watch, and Mac in a few clicks or taps on your device.

Join the fun online!

Stay updated on the latest announcements on deals, discounts, promos, and keep on visiting Power Mac Center’s Facebook page for more surprises in the coming weeks! Invite your family and friends to also like and follow PMC on Facebook so they can join the #PMC2MillionStrong celebration.

Established in 1994, PMC was born at a time when people didn’t think it was wise to invest in the Apple business. PMC’s founders embraced Steve Jobs’ “Think Different” mentality and built today’s largest network of Apple authorized retail stores, repair and service centers, and education resellers in the Philippines. It carries the entire Apple line in its stores, as well as a variety of premium products from partner brands.

Even better, PMC allows payments via installments with zero interest and no down payment to partner major banks and non-credit card installment options such as Home Credit to cater to all customers and enable them to invest in the quality of Apple devices that are easy on the pocket.

Join the growing community and be updated on the latest announcements, deals, and discounts! Follow Power Mac Center on Facebook,Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-143655 Series of 2022

About Power Mac Center

Power Mac Center is a recognized Apple Premium Reseller, Apple Authorized Education Reseller, Apple Authorized Training Provider, and Apple Authorized Service Provider in the Philippines. Power Mac Center has become a reliable retail shop and service provider of Apple products to the Filipino consumer.

The company has grown to over 80 branches nationwide, with stores located in Greenbelt 3, Glorietta 5, The Annex at SM City North EDSA, SM City Fairview, TriNoma, Robinsons Magnolia, SM Megamall, The Podium, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, Festival Supermall, Cash and Carry Mall, Abreeza Mall, SM Lanang Premier, SM City Marikina, Power Plant Mall, SM City BF Parañaque, Harbor Point, SM City Southmall, SM City Pampanga, SM City Bacoor, SM City Lipa, SM City Sta. Rosa, SM City Batangas, SM City Dasmariñas, Circuit Makati, Vista Mall Sta. Rosa, SM East Ortigas, KCC Mall de Zamboanga, Vista Mall Bataan, SM City San Pablo, SM City Trece Martires, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Ayala Malls Vertis North, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Clark, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Telabastagan, SM CDO Downtown Premier, SM City Legazpi, Fora Tagaytay, Festive Walk Mall Iloilo, Robinsons Place Butuan, SM City Lucena, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Olongapo Central, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Robinsons Place Tuguegarao, Eastwood City, Neo Plaza Bldg. Ongpin, SM City Grand Central, and SM City Butuan.

The Loop by Power Mac Center stores are located in Ayala Malls Feliz, U.P. Town Center, Ayala Malls the 30^th, Uptown Mall, Venice Grand Canal Mall, Lucky Chinatown Mall, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde, SM Mall of Asia, Xentro Mall Vigan, SM Center Dagupan, Southwoods Mall, SM City Calamba, SM City San Mateo, D’Mall Boracay, Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, SM City CDO, SM City Davao, and SM City General Santos.

Visit a Power Mac Center store near you and find more online:

powermaccenter.com Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube TikTok

The Loop Ph Facebook The Loop Ph Instagram

Super8 Grocery Warehouse joins MetroMart

Popular supermarket chain Super8 Grocery Warehouse now available for delivery with MetroMart mobile app and website

Online grocery shopping is made even more convenient and affordable, as MetroMart – the #1 online grocery delivery platform in the Philippines – adds Super8 Grocery Warehouse (Super8) to its leading supermarket partners.

Starting this May 2022, customers may shop from Super8 Grocery Warehouse on the MetroMart mobile app and website for a wide range of grocery needs like frozen and dry goods. Shoppers can enjoy the same, affordable in-store prices on groceries from Super8, and avail of convenient online delivery from MetroMart, making it conducive for retail traders, resellers, or budget-savvy buyers.

The Super8 branches available this month include Makati Square, Masinag, Sucat, Muntinlupa, and Ortigas Extension, with more locations coming soon.

New and Existing Users of MetroMart can also get an exclusive discount when shopping and ordering from Super8 Grocery Warehouse. Use the code SUPERFREE to get FREE Delivery for a minimum spend of ₱2,500. Promo runs from May 23 to June 26, 2022, and valid for one-time use only.

All customers of MetroMart also have a wide selection for modes of payment on their online shopping. These include Cash on Delivery, via e-wallet through GCash, or via Debit/Credit cards with leading banks nationwide. Even more promos and discounts will be available through the different modes of payment availed by the customer!

“With the addition of Super8 Grocery Warehouse to our platform, so many more Filipino families now have access to convenient, affordable, and a wider variety of options in their online grocery shopping from the MetroMart mobile app and website. We are pleased to announce this new partnership with a great brand, joining our ever-expanding MetroMart family.” Stefano Fazzini, CEO and co-founder of MetroMart, said. “Watch out for more updates on even more new supermarket partners and specialty stores, new locations throughout the Philippines, and lots more discount deals from MetroMart this 2022.”

“We’re happy and excited to join the MetroMart network, and make Super8 Grocery Warehouse even more accessible for Filipino communities and entrepreneurs.” Armand Mendoza, Business Group Head of Super8 Grocery Warehouse, said. “We are able to serve our customers better and further with an online delivery service like MetroMart, that also believes in giving exceptional service for our amazing customers.”

MetroMart is the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines. Our grocery partners include Super8 Grocery Warehouse, Robinsons Supermarket, S&R Membership Shopping (with or without membership card), Landmark, The Marketplace, Shopwise, AllDay Supermarket, MerryMart and over 500+ specialty store retailers like PetExpress, Baby Company, Toy Kingdom, Toys”R”Us, National Book Store, Office Warehouse, Southstar Drug, and Marks and Spencer. Customers can order from their favorite stores on the MetroMart app and have it delivered to their door in less than 2 hours! For more updates on MetroMart, like and follow it on Facebook.

MetroMart Philippines is the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines. Our grocery partners include Super8 Grocery Warehouse, Robinsons Supermarket, S&R Membership Shopping (with or without membership card), Landmark, The Marketplace, Shopwise, All Day Supermarket, MerryMart and over 500+ specialty store retailers like Pet Express, Baby Company, Toy Kingdom, Toys”R”Us, National Book Store, Office Warehouse, Southstar Drug, and Marks and Spencer. Customers can order from their favorite stores on the MetroMart app and have it delivered to their door in less than 2 hours! Over 160,000 products are available with our 500+ partner supermarkets and partner specialty stores. Order your groceries through www.metromart.com, or download the app on iOS or Android app store.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Koomi’s #GuiltlessGoodness now in Ayala Malls Feliz!

Why do we love Koomi’s yogurt drinks so much?

Is it because these refreshing drinks are a perfect foil to our hot and sweltering climate?

Is it the fact that their base ingredient – natural probiotic yogurt – is so good for us as it aids in digestion and is rich in calcium?

Or is it the sheer variety in options for flavors and add-ons that allow us to enjoy these drink in a myriad of ways?

Whatever the reason, we thankfully have a new outlet where we can get our yogurt drink fix: Koomi’s newly opened store in Ayala Malls Feliz!

Here, I was able to check out new and classic Koomi flavors to enjoy, such as:

KitKat You Outta My Head (Php175). Natural drinking yogurt made with bits of KitKat chocolate.

Tropic Like It’s Hot (Php160). Natural drinking yogurt blended with dragonfruit, apple and orange.

It Takes Passion to Mango (Php150). Natural drinking yogurt blended with mango and passionfruit.

Mango Cracker Rocker (Php160). Natural drinking yogurt blended with mango and graham cracker crumbs.

These drinks were all made with Koomi’s were made fresh using natural probiotic drinking yogurt and sweetened with fruit honey as well as fresh fruits and other add-ons.

The drinks I got for my daughter, my husband and myself were all made using Koomi’s Aussie yogurt blend which has a more pronounced tanginess that complemented the fruity add-ons’ natural sweetness. My son’s drink however, was made with a Filipino yogurt blend which has cream added to the mixture, making it a great complement to candy add-ons.

This Koomi branch is located at Ground Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Amang Rodriguez corner JP Rizal Street, Pasig City.

You may also drop by any of these Koomi outlets:

Pasig: The Podium, Unimart Capitol Commons
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Quezon City: Robinsons Magnolia, SM North EDSA, Robinsons Galleria, Z Square Mall, Ali Mall, Ayala Malls Vertis North, SM Fairview, Timog Avenue, Mezza Residences, Fisher Mall, Hemady Square, White Plains, UP Town Center, Maginhawa
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia, Double Dragon
Taguig: SM Aura, Uptown Mall
Manila: SM San Lazaro, SM Manila, Lucky Chinatown
San Juan: VMall Greenhills
Alabang: Festival Mall
Makati: SM Jazz, Glorietta 4, Salcedo Village
Malabon: Fisher Mall
Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Paranaque: SM Bicutan, BF Homes
Rizal: SM Taytay, Robinsons Place Antipolo

Koomi also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Stay updated on Koomi’s offers and promos, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Koomi:

Koomi Tagaytay — Guiltless goodness in Tagaytay: Koomi

Koomi New Branch — Koomi’s #GuiltlessGoodness now in my neighborhood!

#HandsDownGoodFood at Hanako, Estancia

Are you a fan of Japanese food too?

Thanks to its focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients, simple yet methodical preparation as well as its artful presentation, Japanese food continues to be among the most popular cuisines in the metro.

One of the premier destinations for Japanese cuisine is Hanako. With its “bang for the buck authentic Japanese food” proposition, it makes delicious Japanese dishes more accessible to foodies in the metro.

It recently opened a branch in Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, adding a cozy space for Japanese food lovers to discover and enjoy their favorites.

Sushi

California Maki (Php219). Maki made with kani, mango, cucumber and ebiko.

Salmon Cream Cheese (Php269). Maki made with salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, sesame and tempura flakes.

Ultimate Dynamite Roll (Php269). Maki made with salmon, tuna, kani, togarashi and tempura flakes.

Torched Cheese & Salmon (Php304). Sushi rice topped with marinated salmon and torched cheese.

Salmon Sashimi (Php249/5pcs | Php319/8pcs).

Tuna Sashimi (Php209/5pcs | Php294/8pcs).

Snacks

Creamy Mushroom Udon (Php249). Thick udon noodles doused in a savory and creamy mushroom sauce.

Gyoza Sampler (Php179/6pcs | Php619/18pcs). Combination of classic pork, beef and chicken Japanese potstickers.

Starters

Beef Sukiyaki (Php249). A hearty nabemono (“hot pot dish”) made with sliced beef slowly simmered along with vegetables in a broth of soy sauce, sugar and mirin.

Tuna Tartare (Php249). Sushi-grade tuna chopped into tiny pieces and tossed in Japanese mayo with togarashi, tempura flakes and chopped scallion.

Mains

Ebi Tempura (Php209/3pcs | Php309/5pcs). Battered and deep-fried shrimp served with special sauce.

If you’re an avid fan of Ebi Tempura, I suggest you take advantage of its dine-in promo wherein you can enjoy unlimited tempura with a serving of gohan (steamed rice) for only Php499/person. This offer is available Mondays to Thursdays (2 hours maximum), thankfully extended until June 9, 2022.

Yasai Itame (Php154). Fresh and crisp vegetables stir-fried in a flavorful sauce.

Karaage (Php259). Marinated and lightly-floured chicken pieces and deep-fried then served with special sauce.

Chicken Teriyaki (Php294). Rice bowl topped with grilled chicken glazed with teriyaki sauce.

Gyudon (Php299). Rice bowl topped with finely sliced beef simmered in a sweet sauce with onions.

Tonkatsu (Php284). Breaded pork cutlet that’s been deep-fried then served rice and katsu sauce.

Craving for great-tasting Japanese food? Well, now you know where to go to sate your craving without having to burn a hole through your wallet.

It may be time to hie yourself over to any of these Hanako branches in the metro:

4th Floor, East Wing, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City
30 Doña Soledad Ave., Better Living Subd., Brgy. Don Bosco, Parañaque City
83 B Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City, Bagong Pag-asa,, Quezon City (beside Car Doctor)
131-C Armstrong Ave., Brgy. Moonwalk, Parañaque City
GF, SM Center Pasig, Ortigas East, Pasig City
2nd Floor, The Rock, Holy Spirit Drive, Brgy. Don Antonio, Quezon City
Robinsons Townville Regalado Ext Ciudad Verde, Quezon City

You may also order online at cravehanako.ph.

To stay updated on Hanako’s offers and promos, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant where food items were served at no cost to the attendees.

Check out my previous posts on Hanako:

Hanako, Katipunan — Sate your Japanese food cravings at Hanako, Regis Katipunan

Eggs-perience eggs-tasy with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ new Salted Egg Chicken line

Guess what, foodies? Kenny Rogers Roasters has new menu items that will give a truly egg-ceptional eggs-perience: the Salted Egg Roast, the Unfried Fried Chicken and the Unfried Fried Chicken Bun.

Our all-time favorite Kenny Rogers Roasters dishes were given an egg-citing makeover, elevating them with salted egg flavors to bring about eggs-tasy with every bite!

Egg puns aside, this new line incorporates one of our well-loved ingredients: the salted egg!

From the time it was introduced into our shores when our ancient forebears traded with the Chinese, the salted egg has become a staple addition in many of our much-loved native dishes, adding a rich and exotic flavor to our cuisine.

Today, fast-food chain Kenny Rogers Roasters incorporates this ingredient into its healthy chicken variants, such as:

Salted Egg Roast.

Generous chicken pieces marinated in special herbs and spices, roasted to juicy and smokey perfection, then garnished with salted egg powder and salted egg sauce. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice, your favorite Kenny Rogers Roasters side dishes and corn muffin.

Salted Egg Unfried Fried Chicken.

A healthier and more exotic alternative to fried chicken, this consist of chicken pieces cooked through an oven with circulating hot air instead of being deep-fried, cooking the meat in its natural oil. The resulting juicy and crispy chicken pieces are then given an generous coating of salted egg powder and served with salted egg sauce. Partner this tasty viand with steamed rice, your favorite Kenny Rogers Roasters side dishes and corn muffin.

Salted Egg Unfried Fried Chicken Bun.

Perfect for a snack or a light lunch, this sandwich consists of an oven-cooked chicken fillet tossed with salted egg powder and salted egg sauce, then packed with tomato, lettuce and onion in between two wheat buns.

Isn’t it egg-cellent that we can readily enjoy our Kenny Rogers Roasters faves flavored with salted egg just by dropping by the nearest outlet or by calling +63 2 85559000?