Jellybeans in the City

Sketch comedy series A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW debuts 3 August, exclusively on HBO GO

A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW, debuting same time as the U.S. on Saturday 3 August at 11am exclusively on HBO GO, is a narrative series set in a limitless magical reality full of dynamic, hilarious characters and celebrity guests.

The show presents sketches performed by a core cast of black women, including creator Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis and Quinta Brunson. Thede executive produces, writes and stars and Issa Rae (Emmy and Golden Globe nominee for HBO’s “Insecure”) executive produces.

Upcoming episodes

Season 1, episode 1: “Angela Bassett Is the Baddest B***h”

Premiere: SATURDAY, 3 AUG 11:00-11:30AM

Two women seek an escape from an ominous fog. 1960s soul group Claude and The Boppers perform their hit song “Ice Cream Shop.” A world-renowned author and “philosophizer” promotes her latest masterclass. Maya’s confession in a support group gets a less-than-supportive response. Trinity, the Invisible Spy, meets a formidable adversary. Drea confronts a mysterious woman stealing her dance moves at a club. Fun and games lead to tension, as Robin, Ashley, Quinta and Gabrielle are stuck in a house after an end-of-the-world event.

Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Season 1, episode 2: “Your Boss Knows You Don’t Have Eyebrows”

Premiere: SATURDAY, 10 AUG 11:00-11:30AM

A perpetually-late-to-work Shayla decides to forgo her morning makeup routine, to her coworker Toni’s dismay. Trinity the Invisible Spy hunts down The Recluse, an elusive villain with a surprising identity. An array of average, awkward contestants perform before a panel of judges at the Basic Ball. Security guard Fatimah helps an office worker investigate who stole her missing mug. Robin, Quinta and Gabrielle uncover a shocking truth about Ashley’s night time ritual.
Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Season 1, episode 3: “3rd & Bonaparte Is Always in the Shade”

Premiere: SATURDAY, 17 AUG 11:00-11:30AM

Asia is shocked by a very public, very unexpected marriage proposal from her new boyfriend Dewayne. New recruits talk about their goals and expectations at a gang orientation. A church service devolves when congregants take to the mic with self-centered motivations. Dr. Haddassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman turns a toast at her sister’s wedding into a teachable moment. Gabrielle, Ashley, Quinta and Robin bond while discussing their ideal men and some of their worst dates.

Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Season 1, episode 4: “Where Are My Background Singers?”

Premiere: SATURDAY, 24 AUG 11:00-11:30AM

A divorce party spirals out of control following Eboni’s bad mushroom trip. The tragic tale of star-crossed lovers, Rome & Julissa. A 1930s groupie, Feather Atwood, sets her sights on Negro League baseball player Satchel Paige. A frustrated airline passenger seeks a like-minded customer service representative. Denise tries to prevent yet another breakup and its typical, unusual side effect. “Taskmaster,” “Insecurity” and “Turnt” help Krystal navigate a possible cat-calling situation. Quinta, Gabrielle, Robin and Ashley lay down odd rules while playing cards to pass the time.

Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Season 1, episode 5: “Why Are Her Pies Wet, Lord?”

Premiere: SATURDAY, 31 AUG 11:00-11:30AM

Four friends on a camping trip unknowingly disprove a stereotype. A pastor tries to take back control of his church potluck. A flight attendant struggles to get compliance from newlyweds Chris and Lachel in the exit row. Elementary school students notice a change in their teacher Ms. Miller. Jackie receives a less-than-warm welcome when she returns to her hometown high school. Robin, Quinta, Ashley and Gabrielle discuss their weird turn-ons and stage an intervention.

Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Season 1, episode 6: “Born at Night, But Not Last Night” (season finale)

Premiere: SATURDAY, 7 SEPT 11:00-11:30AM

Two friends come to regret their decision to visit a new black-owned restaurant. A mother and daughter go toe-to-toe in the latest episode of “Get the Belt.” “Taskmaster,” “Turnt” and “Insecurity” help Krystal through a surprise hot-air balloon ride. Carl and Lori’s “special guest” has very specific boundaries. A judge, bailiff, court reporter and attorneys celebrate their first ever all-black lady courtroom. Tensions rise between Ashley, Gabrielle, Quinta and Robin as the reality of their situation sinks in.

Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Creator/executive producer/writer/star, Robin Thede; executive producer, Issa Rae for Issa Rae Productions; executive producers, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry for 3 Arts Entertainment; executive producers, Tony Hernandez, Brooke Posch for JAX Media; head writer/co-executive producer: Lauren Ashley Smith; producers, Deniese Davis, Montrel McKay for Issa Rae Productions; producer, John Skidmore for JAX Media.

HBO Original Series as well as live channels are available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or visit www.mysky.com.ph.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

Catherine the Great

The Righteous Gemstones

New HBO Original Series THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES, starring Danny McBride and John Goodman to premiere August 19

THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES, starring Danny McBride, Golden Globe® winner John Goodman, Edi Patterson and Adam Devine, kicks off its nine-episode season with an hour-long episode same time as the U.S. on Monday, 19 August at 10am, followed by half-hour episodes on subsequent Mondays, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. The episode encores on the same day at 11pm on HBO. Telling the story of a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed and charitable work, the series was created by McBride (HBO’s “Vice Principals” and “Eastbound & Down”), who is an executive producer, director and writer. McBride collaborators Jody Hill and David Gordon Green also serve as executive producers and directors.

Well into the second generation of a grand televangelist tradition, the renowned Gemstone family is living proof that worship pays dividends in all sizes, including their megachurch. Danny McBride stars as Jesse Gemstone, the eldest of three grown Gemstone offspring, who looks to lead in his father’s footsteps, but finds his past sins jeopardising the family ministry.

Playing Jesse’s siblings are Adam Devine (“Pitch Perfect”) as pseudo-hipster Kelvin, the youngest of the trio and a thorn in Jesse’s side, and Edi Patterson (HBO’s “Vice Principals”) as Judy, who is secretly living with her fiancé and dreams of escaping the Gemstone compound. John Goodman (HBO’s “Treme”, “The Connors”) is Eli Gemstone, the family’s patriarch, who finds himself at a crisis point as he mourns the loss of his wife, Aimee-Leigh (Jennifer Nettles), and questions the Gemstones’ mission.

Also starring are Walton Goggins (Critics’ Choice Award-winner for HBO’s “Vice Principals”) as Baby Billy, a former child star who clogged and sang for Jesus. As an aging man, he has fallen on hard times and comes to the Gemstones for salvation; Cassidy Freeman (“Longmire”) as Jesse’s wife, Amber, a former journalist now devoted to the church; Tony Cavalero (“School of Rock”) as ex-Satanist Keefe Chambers; Tim Baltz (“Drunk History”) as Judy’s finance, BJ; and Greg Alan Williams (“Greenleaf”) as Martin Imari, Eli’s right-hand man.

THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES marks the third HBO series for the Rough House Pictures team of McBride, Hill and Green, following “Eastbound & Down” and “Vice Principals.” McBride wrote and directed the pilot, with Green and Hill splitting directing duties on the other eight episodes. Green directed last year’s hit “Halloween” instalment, starring Jamie Lee Curtis, as well as 2017’s “Stronger,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Hill directed 2018’s “The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter,” starring Josh Brolin. McBride collaborated as writer and executive producer on “Halloween” and as writer, executive producer and actor in “The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter.”

Episodes include:

Episode 1: “The Righteous Gemstones”(Premieres Monday, 19 August at 10am)

Upon returning from a baptism marathon overseas with his father Eli (John Goodman) and brother Kelvin (Adam Devine), Jesse Gemstone (Danny McBride) receives a video from blackmailers seeking to sully his reputation. Eli moves forward with plans to expand the Gemstone empire as he continues to mourn his late wife Aimee-Leigh (Jennifer Nettles). Written by Danny McBride; directed by Danny McBride.

Episode 2: “Is This the Man Who Made the Earth Tremble” (Premieres Monday, 26 August at 10am)

After discovering Amber (Cassidy Freeman), Pontius (Kelton DuMont) and Abraham (Gavin Munn) reminiscing about an estranged family member, Jesse (Danny McBride) tasks his friends with acquiring surveillance footage that could explain the strange events of the night before. Written by Danny McBride; directed by David Gordon Green.

Episode 3: “They Are Weak, But He Is Strong” (Premieres Monday, 2 September at 10am)

Aimee-Leigh’s (Jennifer Nettles) elderly brother Baby Billy (Walton Goggins) returns to the Gemstone ministry, bringing along his much younger wife Tiffany (Valyn Hall). Jesse closes ranks on his co-conspirators to root out the identity of his blackmailers. Written by Danny McBride & John Carcieri; directed by David Gordon Green.

THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES is created and written by Danny McBride; directed and executive produced by Danny McBride, Jody Hill and David Gordon Green; executive produced by John Carcieri, Jeff Fradley and Brandon James; produced by David Brightbill; co-produced by Justin Bourret and Melissa DeMino; consulting produced by Grant DeKernion, Jared Hess, Kevin Barnett, Chris Pappas and Edi Patterson.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (For Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (For Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or visit www.mysky.com.ph.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

Unli Japanese fusion dishes at Hodai, West Triangle

Considering I work in Quezon City, it’s a wonder I’ve only explored a fraction of the gastronomic choices the other side of Quezon Avenue has to offer.

This is why I grabbed at the chance to dine at Hodai together with my foodie friends.

Located in a sprawling renovated two-storey house along Examiner Street which was originall built in the 1960s, Hodai offers a cozy and comfortable atmosphere for its diners, perfect for group get-togethers and family outings. The decor is minimalist with bits of Asian accents while windows throughout the dining area let in a lot of natural light.

“Hodai” translates to “all you can” in Nihongo, and really, you can eat to your heart’s (and tummy’s) content of Japanese cuisine (with some Korean food thrown in) in this resto.

Curious on what you can enjoy at Hodai? Feast your eyes on these!

Fish Teriyaki

Japchae

Rose Cream Pasta

Tempura

Sushi Rolls

Korean Fried Chicken

Kani Salad

Kimchi Gyoza

Tonkatsu

Cheese Cream Spicy BBQ Bowl

To get your fill of these delicious dishes, choose from two value-packed meal sets:

Silver Set (Php499). Includes Teriyaki, Japchae or Rose Cream Pasta, Tempura, Sushi Rolls, Korean Fried Chicken, Kani Salad, Kimchi Gyoza and Tonkatsu.

Gold Set (Php599). Includes everything in the Silver Set plus Cheese Cream Spicy BBQ Bowl.

Note: Unli rice and miso soup are also provided on a self-service basis. Guests are also given Korean frozen sweets as desserts after the meal.

The sheer number and variety of these sumptuous dishes may be daunting at first. However, for hungry foodies and fans of unli servings, Hodai’s meal sets present quite a good deal.

And to sweeten the deal further, Hodai has irresistible Lucky 7 promo offers this July:

On weekdays, get 1+1 on the Gold Set. That means two people can dine on all these food for only Php599.
On weekends, get discounted rates on the Silver set (now at Php349) and the Gold Set (now at Php419).

So, really, there’s no better time to gather up your family and friends to feast on all-you-can-eat Japanese food at Hodai!

Thanks to Clarissa of Clarisays.com and Carlo of EatsCMT.Food.Blog for extending their invites!

Hodai is located at 14 Examiner Street, West Triangle, Quezon City, open daily for lunch from 10am to 3pm and for dinner from 5pm to 10pm. For reservations, call +63 956 4605848.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I attended a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Crispy Pata for Php133 at TRES

For every single-receipt transaction of P2,300, get a whole Crispy Pata for only Php133 from the regular menu price of Php753 at TRES. The offering runs whole day, everyday at TRES on the 2nd floor of SM City North Annex and TRES along Rufino Street near corner Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati.

Crispy Pata, one of the bestsellers of TRES, is soaked in a secret marinade and fried twice for that double delicious crispy crackling goodness. The meat is tender and steeped with flavor. It is served with thinly sliced sweet potato crisps and a sweet and spicy soy sauce and vinegar dip.

TRES is also known for its signature Kare-Kare-Kare that comes in Classic Beef with flank steak and tripe; Seafood with prawns, squid, fish, shellfish, and clams; Crispy Beef Tadyang and Crispy Pata.

The Kare-Kare-Kare tag refers to the restaurant giving patrons three signature condiments to pair with the dish – extra sauce to pour, diced peanuts to top and the famous TRES bagoong guisado as a dip. All three are on tabletops so patrons can even use them on any dish.

The extensive menu also offers Bagnet, Roast Iberian Chicken, Lamb Adobo, Lengua con Setas, Bulalo, Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso, Binagoongang Lechon Kawali, Crispy Sisig, Gising-Gising and more plus appetizers and desserts.

TRES along with M Catering are the last culinary projects of the late Chef Ed Quimzon. A number of the menu offerings are either his original creations or inspired by his initial concepts.

For reservations, catering and other inquiries, visit TRES on the 2nd floor, The Annex, SM City North EDSA or call +63 2 3527032 or +63 917 5290837; and TRES on the ground floor of Keyland Ayala SLC Building, Rufino near the corner of Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati or call +63 927 7915489. You may also visit Facebook. TRES is also available through Food Panda.

Restaurant and menu details as well as product image provided by TRES in a recent press release.

Zilingo teams up with Philippine National Bank to make shopping easier and more rewarding

Zilingo, the leading e-commerce platform for fashion and lifestyle today announced its partnership with Philippine National Bank (PNB) to make online shopping easier and more rewarding for customers. Fashion enthusiasts across the country can now enjoy a site-wide discount of up to 30% when they make purchases on the website or through the mobile app using their PNB credit and debit cards.

“We are very excited to be partnering up with PNB,” says Ryza Dipatuan-Razo, Marketing Director, Zilingo Philippines. “Alongside offering our customers epic discounts and freebies, this also represents a step forward in strengthening the e-commerce industry in the country through partnerships with institutions like PNB to elevate the user experience of our local customers.”

Recognizing the continuous growth and potential of the online retail market and the need to constantly provide its customers with new and exciting options, Zilingo aims to provide a unique shopping experience to its customers and enable brands to expand their reach to customers across the region.

“PNB recognizes that Zilingo, as a fashion and lifestyle e-commerce, is a unique channel that complements existing businesses that link customers to merchants and vice versa. Through this partnership, we not only incentivize the customers of Zilingo and PNB, but also expand the profitability and reach of Zilingo merchants,” says Johann Gan, Philippine National Bank, Senior Assistant Vice President.

Zilingo customers who are using PNB cards can enjoy this exclusive deal from now till September 30 2019 using the promo code ZILINGOPNB, with free delivery nationwide, no minimum purchase, and multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery.

Zilingo is a commerce platform that is making the fashion and beauty supply chain more efficient through technology. With over 33,000 merchants on the platform Zilingo connects businesses across the entire supply chain and empowers them with everything they need to run a business – from design, product development, fabric procurement, manufacturing, cataloguing, marketing, inventory management, distribution, billing, customer service, working capital & trend forecasting. With over two million product listings on Zilingo.com, users can effortlessly shop from a selection of indie labels, local designers, international and celebrity brands – all in one place. Founded by Ankiti Bose and Dhruv Kapoor in 2015, the company has offices in 8 cities globally with over 500 staff representing 20 different nationalities.

Zilingo is available for download for free on the App Store and Google Play across Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand.

For more information, please visit www.zilingo.com

Japan’s taiyaki is now here at Taki Taki, Century City Mall

Do you know what a taiyaki is?

It is a Japanese yaki (baked) dessert which follows the shape of the tai (Japanese red seabream). A classic street vendor fare in Japan, it has now reached our shores when the first store of Taki Taki opened a few weeks ago at Century City Mall in Makati.

Walk around the mall’s Hole in the Wall food hall and you will find a quaint little shop decorated with fish images (the servers even wear cute fish hats), and anime-like drawings. The smell of baking taiyaki might even lead you there, hmm?

So how are taiyaki made?

Waffle batter is poured into hot fish-shaped molds (each side poured separately) with the filling placed in one side. Before the batter is cooked through, the molds are closed for up to three minutes until the batter is golden brown and the filling is sealed inside inside the taiyaki.

The taiyaki is a actually quite versatile in the sense that it can suit almost any filling, whether sweet (Php100) such as red bean, Nutelle/Peanutbutter, apple cinnamon and cream cheese with strawberries, or savory (Php120) such as cheese, tuna/corn/mayo, bacon egg and cheese and curry cheese.

Being a sweet tooth, my choices in taiyaki include one with the traditional filling of anko (sweet red bean paste) and another with cream cheese and strawberries. The red bean taiyaki has that sweet and light taste while the cream cheese taiyaki has a nice contrast of saltiness from the cheese and tart sweetness from the berries.

Taiyaki also make for tasty frozen treats. Soft-serve ice cream made with premium Hokkaido milk is twirled into open taiyaki cones then topped with candies, crunchies, fruits and drizzles.

I got myself an I Love Taki (Php200), made with Vanilla Milk ice cream topped with marshmallows and strawberry sprinkles and strawberry syrup syringe, and a Grizzly’s Chocolate Overload (Php200), made with Chocolate Milk ice cream topped with toast crunch, cinnamon, marshmallows and a milk chocolate lollipop.

Well, this is another case of sugar high for me.

These taiyaki treats are a welcome addition to the dessert and snack choices available in the metro. If you want a taste of this popular Japanese street food, head to Taki Taki today!

Taki Taki is located at the Hole in the Wall, Fourth Floor, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 9pm, Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 10pm and Sundays from 10am to 9pm.

Disclosure: I was invited to visit Taki Taki where I was served food items mentioned here for free for me to sample the fare in exchange for an honest review.

New Trailer of HBO’s CATHERINE THE GREAT Starring Helen Mirren released today

HBO released the official trailer for the HBO Original Miniseries CATHERINE THE GREAT today. The miniseries will premiere in Asia the same time as the U.S. later this year, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO.

Oscar-winner Helen Mirren (“The Queen”) will lead the miniseries CATHERINE THE GREAT as the tumultuous monarch and politician who ruled the Russian empire and transformed its place in the world in the 18th century. The four-part historical drama is written by Nigel Williams (“Elizabeth I”) and directed by multi Award-winning Philip Martin (“The Crown”).

CATHERINE THE GREAT follows the latter years of the Empress’ reign and her passionate affair with Russian General Grigory Potemkin, played by Jason Clarke (“Zero Dark Thirty”), amid a backdrop of scandal, intrigue and immense conflict. Unable to publicly marry and famously promiscuous, Catherine and Potemkin’s story is one of obsessive love for each other and their country as they develop a unique and devoted relationship, overcoming their adversaries to build Russia’s reputation as one of the great European powers of the 18th Century.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

“His Dark Materials” starring James McAvoy and Ruth Wilson to premiere later this year on HBO and HBO GO

HBO released the official trailer for the highly anticipated HBO Original drama series HIS DARK MATERIALS, which will premiere same time as the U.S. this fall, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. The eight-episode series is set for two seasons.

Based on author Philip Pullman’s beloved trilogy of the same name, the first season follows Lyra (Dafne Keen), a seemingly ordinary but brave young woman from another world. Lyra’s search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children, and becomes a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. As she journeys through the worlds, including our own, Lyra meets a determined and courageous boy called Will. Together they encounter extraordinary beings and dangerous secrets, with the fate of both the living — and the dead — in their hands.

Keen (best known for her role in “Logan”) will be joined by Golden Globe® nominee James McAvoy (“Dark Phoenix”, “Split”) as Lyra’s Uncle Asriel; Golden Globe® winner Ruth Wilson (“The Affair”, “Mrs. Wilson”) as socialite Mrs. Coulter; and Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Mary Poppins Returns”, “Moana”) as adventurer Lee Scoresby, to lead a large ensemble cast including Anne-Marie Duff (“Before I Go to Sleep”), Clarke Peters (“An Acceptable Loss”), Will Keen (“The Crown”), Ian Gelder (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”), Georgina Campbell (“Black Mirror”), James Cosmo (HBO’s “Chernobyl”) and more.

Jack Thorne (“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”) adapted the novels for television, with the first two episodes directed by Oscar®-winner Tom Hooper (HBO’s “John Adams”, “The King’s Speech”). Other season one directors include Dawn Shadforth (“Trust”), Otto Bathhurst (“Robin Hood”), Euros Lyn (“National Treasure: Kiri”) and Jamie Childs (“Doctor Who”).

Executive producing the show are Dan McCulloch (“Victoria”), Primetime Emmy®-nominee Jane Tranter (HBO’s The Night Of”) and Julie Gardner (“Doctor Who”) for Bad Wolf; Philip Pullman (“The Golden Compass”); Jack Thorne; Tom Hooper; Deborah Forte (“Mortal Engines”); Toby Emmerich (“It”) and Carolyn Blackwood (“The Hobbit” trilogy) for New Line Cinema; and Ben Irving (HBO’s “Gentleman Jack”) and Piers Wenger (“Coalition”) for BBC One.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

Krispy Kreme rounds up the treats for its birthday month

Did you know that Krispy Kreme is celebrating its 82nd birthday this July?

It opened its first branch in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on July 13, 1937 after founder Vernon Rudolph acquired a secret yeast-raised doughnut recipe from a New Orleans chef and brought about Krispy Kreme’s signature Original Glazed doughnuts.

This month, however, as a special treat to its customers, Krispy Kreme recently launched its limited edition Mini Birthday Cake Doughnuts.

Made of three yummy and festive new flavors – bubblegum, strawberry and white chocolate – all drizzled with melted dark chocolate, studded with rainbow sprinkles and dusted with edible gold dust. It even comes with its own limited-edition happy box so the celebrant can unbox this special treat and get a happy surprise.

Gift someone special with this Mini Birthday Cake for only Php149. Hurry, though! It’s available at Krispy Kreme stores only until July 31.

Still can’t get enough of Krispy Kreme’s sweet treats? How about mix-and-matching these babies up with our favorite candy? Check out Krispy Kreme’s DUOghnuts!

Get yourself a dark chocolate-glazed doughnut topped with Reese’s Peanut Butter Butter Cups and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds or a strawberry-dipped one topped with M&Ms and Skittles. Because you’re never too old or too full to enjoy your childhood treats.

This Krispy Kreme branch is located at SM Hypermarket, Frontera Verde Drive, Ugong, Pasig City.

Dessert lovers’ paradise at Coffee Time Cakes & Pastries, Santolan

Friends and family know that I’m a sweet tooth.

I would scour food halls, parks, malls and shopping centers in search for sugary treats. And sometimes, I would find something that the mere thought of which gives me a sugar high.

How about sweet confections at par with those you can find in a Parisienne cafe or New York hotel, but easily accessible and affordably priced? Think it’s good to be true?

Well, as I’ve discovered together with my East-based foodie friends, Coffee Time Cakes and Pastries, is the place to be in Pasig if you want to indulge in delectable desserts masterfully whipped up by a Paris-trained pastry chef.

Upon her retirement, Chef Amy Carr decided to bring her extensive experience in cakes and pastries by helping her daughter Lucelle and son-in-law Martin Tan set up a cafe along Amang Rodriguez Avenue in Santolan, Pasig.

Enter its doors and you will be ensconced in a cozy haven with a cosmopolitan feel. Comfortable chairs and low tables make for seating that encourages intimate conversations or restful solitude. Tasteful wall and shelf decor give the space an posh yet welcoming atmosphere. And for those who need to be always online, whether for work, study or social media, the place provides many power outlets for gadget charging as well as free WiFi.

For me and my foodie buddies, Coffee Time’s raison d’etre is its well-curated selection of cakes and baked goodies, all made from scratch by Chef Amy using premium ingredients. Check out a sampling of sweets that we were treated to when we visited the cafe:

Blueberry Cheesecake (Php160/slice | Php1,300/whole). New York-style cheesecake topped with sweetened blueberries.

Choco Salted Caramel (Php150/slice | Php1,200/whole). Rich chocolate cake layered with salted caramel and covered with a luscious chocolate frosting.

Tiramisu (Php160/slice | Php1,300/whole). Did you know that the name Italian word tiramisu translates to “cheer me up?” Well, this confection made of espresso-dipped chiffon cake layered with mascarpone cheese-based mixture and topped with powdered cocoa is sure to give your day a boost.

Sans Rival (Php165/slice | Php1,500). A homegrown dessert, this confection made of buttercream, meringue and cashew nuts layered on top of each other really is without rival.

Strawberry Shortcake (Php160/slice | Php1,300/whole). Light sponge cake layered with strawberry and vanilla cream and topped with fresh strawberries, this cake blew us foodies away with its delicious taste and lovely mouthfeel.

French Macarons (Php65/piece | Php320/box). These dainty and colorful meringue-based confections are bigger than the ones you’ll find in other dessert shops. Buy a piece, a box or two, for yourself or to give as a gift.

Cheese Drops (Php45/piece). A kiss-shaped dollop of cheesecake coated with s thick layer of chocolate, it makes for a bite-sized enjoyment!

Ensaimada con Queso de Bola (Php70/piece). Our favorite merienda pastry is given more flavor by the incorporation of Pato queso de bola (Edam Cheese).

Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies (Php60/piece). The classic chocolate chip cookie is made heartier by the addition of oatmeal and chopped walnuts.

Red Velvet Muffin (Php55/piece). Despite its bright red color, red velvet muffins are actually rich in chocolate flavor. Topped with buttercream icing, these are quite filling yet not too sweet, perfect for pairing with black coffee.

Choco Chip Muffin (Php60). Everyone’s favorite cookie now in muffin form.

Partner these sweets with coffee- or non-coffee-based drinks offered at the store such as:

Flavored Lattes: Salted Caramel Mocha (Php90/8 oz | Php100/12oz) and Red Velvet (Php115/8oz | Php125/12oz).

Coffee or Cream Frappes: Salted Caramel Popcorn (Php150/16oz), Matcha (Php150/16oz) and Strawberry Cream (Php170/16oz)

No time to drop by the cafe? If you live in nearby Pasig or Marikina areas, call +63 920 9490391 to have your sweets delivered.

We foodies had such a sweet time which was one big sugar high, thanks to Chef Amy, Lucelle, Martin and the sweet folks of Coffee Time Cakes and Pastries!

Coffee Time Cakes & Pastries is located at 50 Amang Rodriguez Avenue (across South Supermarket), Santolan, Pasig City, open daily from 7am to 9pm. For inquiries and delivery requests, call +63 920 9490391.