Jellybeans in the City

Garden Dining by Whitemoon Bar

It’s been more than a year into the quarantine, and while we have gone back to less stringent restrictions, there are many of our life’s former pleasures that some of us still can’t enjoy.

One of these is dining out, isn’t it?

The excitement of venturing outside our home, discovering a new place to try or a new dish to enjoy, and hanging out with our friends – all these and more make up the experience of dining out that we used to take for granted.

Thankfully, more of our favorite haunts are re-opening, albeit while adopting new ways to operate so that they could keep us, the dining public, as well as their staff safe from the still present threat of pandemic.

One of these pivoted but still very welcome returns to the local food scene is Manila Ocean Park’s Whitemoon Bar which recently launched its Garden Dining.

Situated in The Barnyard, Garden Dining by Whitemoon Bar offers a delectable array of Asian fusion dishes that can be enjoyed in a relaxing al fresco setting.

Here, diners can take a brief escape into the outdoors, surrounded by greenery and interesting bric-a-bracs, while they enjoy their meal amidst the gentle breeze from Manila Bay and chirping birds from the aviary.

Sri Lankan Chef Ranuka Hettiarachchi brought his considerable skill sets to bear in whipping up dishes for Garden Dining’s refreshed menu using just a griddle and a stove in The Barnyard’s recently converted kitchen.

Safely served in to-go containers yet still retaining the visual appeal of gourmet food, these dishes put a fresh spin on our old favorites. Together with fellow food, bloggers Jen of sandundermyfeet.com, Anj of anjcolumna.com and Nix of ieatandiwander.com, I was able to check out samples of Garden Dining’s offerings such as:

Onion Rings (Php120). Large slices of onions battered and deep-fried for an appetizing start to the meal.

Corned Beef and Cheese Toast (Php140). Truth be told: I’m not a fan of corned beef sandwiches but this made me change my mind. The combination of grilled cheese and corned beef is a highly snackable treat.

Kimchi Fried Rice (Php190). A blend of tangy and spicy flavors, this fragrant rice complements the viands served.

Pork Satay (Php180) and Chicken Satay (Php160). Seasoned meats grilled to smoky deliciousness and served on skewers with sauce on the side.

Pineapple Glazed Pork Liempo (Php190). Tangy pineapple tidbits complement the savory grilled pork belly.

Spicy Asian-Style Seafood Spaghetti (Php250). A hearty and delicious taste of the sea with loads of seafood and noodles tossed in a slightly spicy sauce.

Whether you’re looking for refreshments or in the mood to imbibe, Garden Dining by Whitemoon Bar also has a great selection of drinks for you, such as:

Watermelon Shake (Php130).

Pineapple Shake (Php120).

Ginger Honey and Citrus Immune Booster (Php100).

A variety of red and white wines from its wine list such as this 2014 Elfo Salento Negroamaro from Italy (Php230/glass).

We’re still a long way from enjoying everything we used to enjoy before the pandemic, but with places such as Garden Dining by Whitemoon Bar, we can recreate those experience we look back on so fondly and even make new memories to cherish.

Garden Dining by Whitemoon Bar is located at The Barnyard, Manila Ocean Park, Luneta, Manila, open for outdoor dining Thursdays to Sundays from 3pm to 9pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 85677777.

To know more about its latest promos and offers, follow Manila Ocean Park on Facebook or Instagram.

Disclosure: Together with fellow food bloggers, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to facilitate this feature article

Friends: The Reunion premieres on May 27 on HBO and HBO GO

Could we BE any more excited?

Friends: The Reunion special will debut same time as the U.S. on Thursday, May 27 at 3.01pm exclusively on HBO GO, with a same-day broadcast on HBO at 9pm. Friends stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer return to the iconic comedy’s original soundstage, Stage 24, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank for a real-life unscripted celebration of the beloved show.

For the first time in 17 years, the cast of Friends reunites for a special celebration of the smash-hit comedy series. Taped on the original soundstage, Friends: The Reunion finds the cast joined by moderator James Corden and a star-studded roster of special guests as they relive the show’s fan-favourite and unforgettable moments. This once-in-a-lifetime special event honours the iconic series, which continues to permeate the zeitgeist today, with a hilarious and heartfelt night full of laughter and tears.

Friends: The Reunion, an HBO Max Original, will feature a variety of special guests including David Beckham, Justin Bieber, BTS, James Corden, Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Lady Gaga, Elliott Gould, Kit Harington, Larry Hankin, Mindy Kaling, Thomas Lennon, Christina Pickles, Tom Selleck, James Michael Tyler, Maggie Wheeler, Reese Witherspoon and Malala Yousafzai.

Ben Winston directed the special and executive produced along with “Friends” executive producers Kevin Bright, Marta Kauffman, and David Crane. The special hails from Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon, Fulwell 73 Productions and Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions. Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, Perry, and Schwimmer executive produced the special. Emma Conway, James Longman and Stacey Thomas-Muir co-executive produced.

“Friends” remains one of television’s most beloved series. One of the highest-rated shows on television in its original network run, the series still remains a perennial go-to in syndication and on streaming services, where it continues to be a smash hit worldwide. A favorite among critics and fans alike throughout its 10-season run, “Friends” not only won the Emmy® for Outstanding Comedy series, but also garnered Emmy® Awards for series stars Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow. From Warner Bros. Television, Friends follows the lives and loves of a close-knit group of friends living in New York City: siblings Ross (David Schwimmer) and Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), along with friends Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) and Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston). “Friends” was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, who executive produced the series with Kevin Bright through Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

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 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

Beauty Inclusivity: Inspiring Stories of Women who Embraced their Individuality through Livestreaming

Coming to terms with yourself, flaws and all—and in the age of social media, no less—can be difficult. When unrealistic beauty standards are reinforced everywhere you look, self-acceptance doesn’t always come easy.

As a top beauty and personal care company in the country, Unilever acknowledges its role in championing a new era of beauty. Through projects such as Dove My Hair, My Say and Real Beauty, Unilever resolves to make beauty a positive and inclusive experience for all. As its next step towards celebrating the beauty in diversity, Unilever launches Yes to Positive Beauty on Shopee this May 17-19. The campaign aims to encourage Filipinos to embrace their unique beauty, support inclusivity, and say “Yes” to Positive Beauty.

Need a little inspiration saying “Yes” to Positive Beauty yourself? Follow two Shopee livestreamers’ journeys to self-love below:

Bianca Umali

Bianca Umali calls her foray into livestreaming ‘a leap of faith.’ A year later after taking the plunge, however, Bianca shares that pushing the boundaries of her capabilities was one of the best things she’s ever done for herself. “Embracing yourself, I’ve realized, is not about staying in one place. It’s also about branching out to the different facets of your being.”

Bianca admits that she used to hate her chinita eyes and longed for double eyelid surgery. Now that she recognizes that she does not have to follow unrealistic beauty standards, Bianca is determined to create authentic content as a public figure. She frequently goes live sans makeup. “My viewers can see me raw and unedited, and in turn, they get to see me as a real human being. They’ve seen me with dark circles, blemishes, and puffiness.”

One simple step towards embracing yourself, according to Bianca, is to filter your media consumption. “Our self-image only gets shattered when we are made to believe we do not measure up. Fight this belief by being in command of what you take in, and you will always see yourself as beautiful.”

Mary Grace Khu

Mary Grace Khu used to believe that only people with model-esque features could land jobs as on-cam talents. She eventually realized that her shape, size, and skin tone shouldn’t hinder her from going after her dreams, and thereafter snagged a job in the industry.

As a public figure, MG still feels self-conscious from time to time about strangers’ opinions, but for the most part she has found a supportive community in her viewers. She credits this to her authenticity and drive to advocate self-love online. “I am taking this as an opportunity to share my experiences and stories. I will always be real about it, as it would be hard to sustain if you’re trying to pretend or be like someone else.”

MG also believes that beauty isn’t one dimensional. “I see beauty in a holistic manner: being healthy, having a positive mindset, and being confident in my own skin.” She adds that it is through one’s personality that true beauty radiates, and so she endeavors to bring sunshine to others by spreading positivity through her content.

Yes to Positive Beauty Sale on Shopee

For beauty and personal care products catering to all kinds of beauty, visit the Yes to Positive Beauty Sale on Shopee this May 17-19. Enjoy discounts up to 70% off on Dove, TRESemmé, Cream Silk, Pond’s, St. Ives, Love Beauty & Planet, and more. Get additional 15% off with the code POSITIVEBEAUTY. Buy five or more items from the sale to receive the products in sustainable paper eco-wrap packaging. As part of Unilever’s goal to provide equal opportunities to all, a portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting small businesses in partnership with Mano Amiga.

Say yes to a new era of beauty and join Unilever in saying Yes to Positive Beauty. Add to cart and check out at https://shopee.ph/m/unilever-super-brand-day/.

Don’t forget to top up your ShopeePay for more deals on skincare! Use ShopeePay at checkout to enjoy free shipping with a minimum spend of ₱199 and 8% cashback sitewide with a minimum spend of ₱1,000.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Photo Credit: Lesly Juarez on Unsplash

Mix-and-match your food faves via new GrabKitchens in Malate and Paranaque

Don’t you sometimes get those really intense cravings for your favorite dishes from your go-to restaurants but you’re stuck at home in an area where the restos have no branch?

Doesn’t that make you long for the pre-pandemic days when you can freely wander around the metro and dine where you wish?

Well, take heart, dear foodie! Your prayers have been answered, especially if you live in the boroughs of Malate or Paranaque because a GrabKitchen has opened in your area!

GrabKitchen Paranaque; Kyoto Sushi Bake and Omakase

You can expect the GrabKitchen in your area to greatly expand the number of excellent food options in your community, available for takeout or delivery. For true-blue foodies stuck at home, this means a wider selection of gastronomic adventures are just a few phone taps away!

Plus, we can now mix and match our favorite dishes by cross-ordering from GrabKitchen’s partner restaurants, all with just one delivery fee!

Take my fam’s totally Japanese meal today, for instance. By ordering from GrabKitchen Paranaque, I was able to grab my favorite Japanese dishes from two different restaurants: Kyoto Sushi Bake and Omakase!

Kyoto Sushi Bake

Kyoto Sushi Bake built on the sushi bake craze at the start of the pandemic and made its mark on this quarantine food trend by offering gourmet variants such as Unagi, Cream Cheese Tuna and Baked Kani with Sweet Corn.

Today, I treated the fam (especially my sushi bake-loving daughter) to a Crazy Maki Sushi Bake (Php500). This tribute to the California Maki is made with sushi rice topped with a delectable combination of sliced mango and kani finished with masago (roe), Japanese mayo, nori and crunchy tempura flakes.

It is best enjoyed with a glass of refreshing Kraver’s house-blend Iced Tea (Php59).

Omakase

Since 2002, Omakase has been satisfying the tastebuds of Japanese food lovers with authentic and fusion dishes.

Its name is actually a phrase used when ordering sushi in restaurants – Omakase which means “I’ll leave it up to you” – when customers leaves the selection of food up to the chef.

Here in the metro, Omakase is the home of imaginatively crafted sushi, made by combining textures and flavors of various ingredients into a cohesively tasty dish as exemplified by my orders of Omakase Roll (Php315), made with torched salmon, crabstick and cucumber, and Dynamite Roll (Php345), made with unagi tempura and tuna.

To complete our Japanese meal, I also ordered the fam’s faves such as:

Kyuri Kani Salad (Php230)

Japanese Fried Rice (Php95 cup | Php335 bowl)

Pork Gyoza (Php230)

Tonkatsu (Php235)

Beef Teppanyaki (Php445)

The fam and I absolutely love the flexibility and the sheer number of food options that GrabKitchen makes available.

Aside from Kyoto Sushi Bake and Omakase, food lovers in the South may also order from the other restaurants housed in GrabKitchen Paranaque which include: 24 Chicken, Alishan at the Alley, Army Navy, Cara Mia, La Titas MNL, El Nacho Libre, Sheikh’s Kebab, Breakfast for 2, Black Kimchi! and Dapo at Tisa.

Order fromGrabKitchen Paranaque.

Foodies near Manila can order from GrabKitchen Malate to grab their faves from Omakase, Frankie’s, Recovery Food, Paper Moon, Yogorino, Pepi Cubano, Dapo at Tisa, King Chef, La Tita, Selecta, So Mot, Blu Kouzina, Coco Fresh Tea and Juice, Merienda by Pan De Manila, and Go! Salads.

Order fromGrabKitchen Malate.

So the next time your food craving hits, my dear foodies, just look up the GrabKitchen in your area and order away!

Disclosure: A gift voucher was provided to facilitate the order experience.

Halal-certified food for takeout and delivery from Cafe Ilang-Ilang of The Manila Hotel

Muslims around the world celebrate the end of the fasting period of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast this May 12, 2021. It is celebrated through prayer, gifts, and lavish feast. While the country is predominantly Catholic, Islam is the second largest religion in the country. No wonder, Filipinos have become fond of Halal foods.

Halal food is prepared following a set of Islamic dietary laws and regulations that determine what is permissible, lawful and clean. Any dish can be halal, as long as the meat used is religiously slaughtered and no pork or alcohol is involved.

The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang Ilang has a Halal kitchen certified by the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board. This kitchen dedicated to Halal food preparation serves Indian and Middle Eastern-inspired halal dishes will whet your appetite and pay homage to its traditional roots.

Designed for proper breaking of the fast, The Manila Hotel’s Ramadan Special Halal Home Buffet set comes with dried dates and juice, chickpeas hummus, Fatoush mixed salad, roti and naan bread, vegetable biryani, tandoori chicken, lamb rogan josh, vegetable samosa,and baklava. The set is just one of the three choices for the Halal Certified Home Buffet.

“Our Lamb Rogan Josh is a must-try. It’s imported from Australia and it has the spices and sharpness that will surely be enjoyed by everyone. We can also customize the food according to our customer’s request. Say you don’t like chili, we can make it milder. We can tweak a dish to please your palate while still being true to its authentic taste,” says Chef Kiran Singh, the hotel’s Halal trained chef.

Celebrate Eid Al Fitr by ordering any of The Manila Hotel’s Halal Home Buffet sets or dishes, available for Takeout and delivery. Visit https://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/takeout for the full menu; or call 8527-0011 or 0998-9501912.

Mother’s Day feast from Buddy’s

Ooh! It’s Mother’s Day once again!

And I just have to say: I’m feeling quite loved and appreciated with a rare and very welcome treat: a feast of my favorite Filipino food that I didn’t have to prepare myself nor plan for!

These delectable dishes were delivered by Buddy’s, a home-grown chain of restaurants hailing from Lucban, Quezon, home of the Pahiyas Festival. During this vibrant celebration, held on the 15th of May, all the houses and the streets are decorated (hence the term “pahiyas“) with colorful kiping, leaf-shaped wafers made from glutinous rice as well as local harvest goods.

Festival visitors are invited to partake in every household’s sumptuous array of Lucban’s delicacies, some of which are included in the Mother’s Day spread that Buddy’s provided for me:

Pancit Lucban (Php240 | good for up to 3 persons). Also known as Pancit Habhab, it is Lucban’s version of pancit which makes use of Lucban miki noodles and usually eaten without utensils but is served on a banana leaf. It is also seasoned with some Lucban vinegar for added flavor but I prefer it without. Given how filling and affordable this dish was, I used to celebrate my kids’ monthly develop milestones by bringing home an order of Buddy’s Pancit Lucban for dinner.

Lucban Longganisa (Php220 small | Php356 large | 1 dozen). Lucban’s version of the pork sausage which is characterized by its garlicky and sour taste. Back when my office was located near a Buddy’s branch, I used to make it a point have breakfast there with Lucban longganisa, garlic fried rice and fried egg.

Hardinera (Php185 small | Php220 medium | Php315 large). A type of Filipino meatloaf that combines the ingredients of menudo and the cooking style of embutido, resulting in a meaty dish with a savory and tomato-ey flavor.

Chicken BBQ (Php220). Pinoys love chicken and grilled food, so this grilled chicken dish served with atchara and usually paired with Java rice is a sure hit among diners.

Spaghetti (Php90 small | Php110 large | Php330 family). The Pinoy-style spaghetti (sweet and cheesy) is also available at Buddy’s!

Cassava Cake (Php85). A moist pudding made of grated cassava, coconut milk and condensed milk and topped with a custard layer. A sweet end to a fabulous meal.

With all of these dishes, it made my family’s Mother’s Day lunch seem like a fiesta!

So if you want to have a festive Pinoy meal for the family to enjoy, Buddy’s is your best bet!

Buddy’s branches in Metro Manila are located at:

Makati: Kakarong Olympia, The Link, Kalayaan Avenue
Quezon City: Eastwood, Fisher Mall, Araneta Center, Timog Avenue
Taguig: Market! Market!, Venice Grand Canal

Course your orders for delivery via GrabFood, FoodPanda or Buddy’s on Facebook Messenger.

To know more about its latest promos and offers, visit its website or follow Buddy’s on Facebook or Instagram.

Check out my reviews of other Filipino restaurants:

No need to suffer through pain with Tiger Balm

I admit: I’m not as young as I used to be, nor as indestructible as I thought I was.

Given that I’m no longer a sprightly spring chicken, some aches and pains are to be expected… which can be kind of a drag.

After all, there is so much for me to do and so much I want to accomplish. Between juggling my responsibilities at home and at work, and squeezing in activities to broaden my mind and slim down my waistline (hopefully!), I really have so little time to waste just wallowing in my pain.

I also can’t ignore it either. Chronic pain can be quite detrimental to anyone’s physical, mental and even emotional well-being. It can lead to lethargy, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, increased anxiety and even depression.

It’s a good thing, then, that for small aches and pains, quick relief can be provided by Tiger Balm.

For more than a century, Tiger Balm is the recognized topical medication for pain relief against swelling, backaches, muscle and joint strains and sprains. It products are made with powerful blends of medicinal herbs known for their curative effects such as camphor, menthol and other essential oils which soothe pains away.

Ointments. For shoulder and neck pains, or to help ease tension headaches or muscle soreness after physical activity, the Extra Strength Ointment, characterized by its warm reddish-brown color and cinnamon-infused scent, is the go-to medication. For an intensified pain relief against backaches, stiff muscles and joint strains, the non-staining and light-hued Ultra Strength Ointment is the way to go. The penetrating heat from these ointments helps open up blood vessels and increase circulation that assist out body in repairing damaged tissues.

Just rub the ointment onto the affected area until it’s fully absorbed and wait for the soothing heat to work its magic.

Tiger Balm ointments can also be used to alleviate cold symptoms, free up nasal congestion and treat mosquito bites.

Pain-Relieving Patches. For strong, targeted and more convenient relief from post workout pain, Tiger Balm’s Pain-Relieving Patch is your best bet. Combining the soothing effects of Tiger Balm’s medicinal ingredients with the handy and mess-free application of a patch, it is a practical and hassle-free solution to muscle and joint aches. The warm plaster is best for strong pain relief, especially from chronic pains at the thigh, back and shoulders, while the cool plaster is effective for relief from sprains nd strains, and also aids in recovery from sports injuries especially at the wrist, elbow and ankle.

Tiger Balm also produces Mosquito Repellants, perfect for those living in a tropical country like ours where pesky mosquitoes abound, especially during summertime. To prevent the irritating insects from getting near and biting your kids when they play outside or even indoors, spray the citronella-scented scented solution around the area or attach the patch on your little one’s clothes.

I’m glad that with my Tiger Balm stash, these aches and pains can remain minor inconveniences that I can easily eliminate. That way, I can go on with my day and get back to all I need to accomplish.

You, too, can stock up on Tiger Balm products by ordering from Shopee or Lazada.

Stay updated on Tiger Balm’s products and promos by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Warnings: Use Tiger Balm products as directed. Do not ingest or apply to sunburned, irritated or chapped skin. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth or any open wounds.

Disclosures: Product samples were provided.

Lumina Homes presents “It’s Prima Weekend!”

‘It’s Prima Weekend’ this May 8 and May 9, 2021!

Stay tuned on Lumina Official Facebook Page and know more about PRIMA — the newest development from Lumina Homes that takes you to new heights!

To step up to the challenge, Lumina Homes explores all possibilities. It recognizes that building upward is a reasonable means of helping the many Filipino families have a home to call their own.

An integrated vertical community allows the housing of countless people while conserving land and resources. It is a win-win deal with homeowners.

Prima Tanza — a condominium property at the heart of a provincial city south of Metro Manila that will make you redefine Metro living! It is an exclusive condominium with complete amenities and the primary factors of buying a property: affordability, practicality, and accessibility.

New home means new beginning. Live in comfort in your newest address where everything you need is at your doorsteps!

With its proximity to Vistamall Tanza, you will have a wide range of the best daily leisure and lifestyle necessities. Vista Mall Tanza also has a transport terminal for MetroExpress Point to Point Modernized Jeep from Vista Mall Tanza to PITX (Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange). You can easily travel to Metro Manila because your new home can be easily accessible through major thoroughfares!

Feel safe and secure with your future condominium community because it is designed with a guarded entrance and exits with a CCTV camera for the safety and security of its residents.

Most of all, with its affordable price and value-for-money, this home investment does not break your bank yet suitable for your lifestyle needs. The right time to invest in a real estate property will always be yesterday. So please take advantage of the Prima Weekend as they offer condo unit reservation fees for as low as Php5,000 only!

Think about it, future developments in the area include BPO offices, Transport Hub, and Economic Zones.

This weekend, celebrate Mother’s day by having a good investment and make your mama proud with your wise decision of owning a condominium property!

Brunchmate Premium Tapa for a quick and easy family meal

Being a working mom myself, I know the struggles of juggling the demands of family and work responsibilities.

Despite the many freedoms that working from home has allowed me, I still sometimes feel like I’m falling short in my duties at home.

Take our family meals, for example. I always want to make sure that my little brood enjoys our mealtimes: tasty comfort food, therefore, is always the order of the day.

Sometimes, though, my Zoom meeting would go overtime, or I would be too engrossed in my work that I find myself pressed for time in preparing the family’s meal.I’m sure a lot of other moms out there have the same problem.

If only there was a way to quickly and easily whip up a wholesome and delicious meal for our family, yes?

Well, that’s what the couple behind Brunchmate Premium Beef Tapa – AR and Jam Periquet – set out to do.

Both love to eat out, but with the pandemic and the quarantine strictures, their dining adventures were curtailed and they were forced to spend more time at home.

Being a foodie himself and beef tapa connoisseur, AR sought to elevate this Pinoy comfort viand by using premium Angus beef and incorporating some secret ingredients.

The result? Strips of tender Angus beef strips, marinated to perfection, packaged into 350 gram packs.

All we need to do is thaw out the packet, pour its contents into a pan and cook over low heat (no need to add oil). Spread the strips evenly across the pan and allow to fry in own juices until, flipping occasionally, until the beef strips are tender and brown. These are best served hot.

Brunchmate’s Premium Beef Tapa come in four variants – Original (Sweet), Garlic, Seeet & Spicy and Spicy Garlic – all at Php280 per pack. My Original tapa was juicy and flavorful, and went well with rice and fried eggs, much to the fam’s delight!

Too bad there were none left to make into tapa flakes the next day.

Fortunately, ordering my Brunchmate Premium Beef Tapa is a breeze with this online form. Payments via BPI, BDO, GCash and COD are accepted. Brunchmate delivers from Las Pinas to anywhere in the metro.

To know more about Brunchmate Premium Beef Tapa, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

So to stop yourself from stressing over mealtimes, momshie, order your Brunchmate now!

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

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

Express your love for Mom with a Stories & Blossoms gift basket

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we should be on the lookout for the perfect gift to express our love and bring delight to our moms on their special day.

While Mother’s Day has been celebrated since the early twentieth century to honor mothers and how they influence society through their love and sacrifices for the family, there have been many age-old traditions giving tribute to motherhood. For instance, ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals in honor of mother-goddesses such as Rhea and Cybele while early Christians celebrated “Mothering Sunday” by returning to their mother church, spending time at home and presenting their moms with flowers and tokens of appreciation.

Over the years, Mother’s Day, or iterations of this holiday, are celebrated by various countries according to their local customs. In Thailand, for instance, it is celebrated during the birthday of Queen Sirikit, with ceremonies and parades to mark the occasion.

Mother’s Day is notably the busiest time for restaurants as families give their moms a break from kitchen duties and treat her to delicious meals throughout the day that she didn’t have to prepare herself.

Some would even treat their mothers to a rejuvenating time at the spa, a welcome respite from their usual deluge of duties and chores.

However, with stricter quarantine protocols in place due to the pandemic, bringing Mom out to dine in style or to have a “me time” at the spa may not be the best choice.

Why not treat Mom to a relaxing day off at home on Mother’s Day?

With Stories & Blossoms’ Mom’s Day Off Floral Care Basket (Php3,500), the most important woman in your life will be able to enjoy a beautiful arrangement of preserved flowers, customizable according to her favorite colors and blooms, in an attractively rustic 14-inch basket. Nestled among the blooms is a carefully curated package of locally made yet luxurious self-care items she can enjoy at home.

To help chase away tensions and lull her to a state of ease, artisanal scent-maker Favori contributes a carbon-neutral and eco-friendly Soy Aroma Candle, a calming Lavender Massage Oil and a soothing Sleep and Relaxation Salve.

Mabula PH, on the other hand, provides lovingly handcrafted, all-natural and organic multi-bars from the farmers of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur such as a set of five mini multi-purpose bars in papaya, turmeric, calamansi, turmeric and cucumber variants which can be used as facial cleansers, body soap or shampoo, as well as a conditioner bar to revitalize her locks.

Your mom might be stuck at home during Mother’s Day but you can make it a deluxe pamparing experience for her with this special floral care basket.

With this thoughtful and heart-warming gift, you can bring Mom a patch of sunny sky and summer blooms without having to leave home.

Other sets your mom would love from Stories & Blossoms include:

Stories in a Bag (Php1,300 to Php1,500). A tasteful curation of assorted preserved flowers in a transparent box with a gold chain handle, and comes with a 100-gram bar of Belgian chocolate. Treat her to an overload of sweetness with this arrangement.

Farmhouse Stories (Php1,800). Hydrangeas represent gratitude, grace and beauty. Gift your mom with a lavish hydrangea arrangement in a pretty farmhouse box to usher in bright and cheery feelings even during these uncertain times.

Take your pick from the many arrangements available at storiesandblossoms.com. Order your preferred sets now so that Mom can receive her pleasant surprise for Mother’s Day.

To know more about its newest arrangement creations and offers, like and follow Stories & Blossoms on Facebook or Instagram or call +63 967 5099050.

Disclosure: A product sample was provided to facilitate this feature article. Photos of Stories in a Bag and Farmhouse Stories used with permission from Stories & Blossoms.