affordable – Jellybeans in the City

Delicious delights and family fun at Shakey’s newest store in SM Cherry Antipolo

Foodies and families east of Manila have something delicious to look forward to!

Shakey’s, the beloved American pizza restaurant chain, has just opened its newest branch in SM Cherry Antipolo so get ready to indulge in mouthwatering dishes and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Shakey’s – A Beloved Pizza Chain

The name Shakey’s calls to mind memories of delectable pizzas, crispy fried chicken, and those oh-so-addictive Mojos. Did you know that Shakey’s was founded in Sacramento, California, way back in 1954? Over the years, it has become a global sensation, and luckily, we Pinoys have over 300 Shakey’s locations across the country.

Shakey’s stands out because of its focus on creating a warm and inviting environment for families and groups. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply having a casual get-together, Shakey’s has got you covered.

A Convenient Location for Families

Located at SM Cherry Antipolo, along Marcos Highway, the new Shakey’s branch couldn’t be easier to find, making it a perfect destination for families in the area. Whether you’re driving or taking public transportation, you’ll have no trouble reaching this food haven.

The ambiance at here is nothing short of delightful. The restaurant is adorned with colorful murals that add a cheerful touch to the dining experience. Nostalgic posters take us back to Shakey’s rich history, where family traditions and great food are celebrated.

The space is designed to make families feel right at home. With comfortable tables and booths, you can relax and enjoy your meal without a worry. But that’s not all – the open kitchen concept adds a dash of excitement. Watch as the staff prepare your favorite dishes right before your eyes. It’s a culinary spectacle that’ll leave you eager to dig in!

It is also located just across the street from St. John Mary Vianney Parish Church, giving Sunday mass attendees a perfect venue to carry on the spirit of togetherness and celebration.

You can also hold large parties and events at this branch where the restaurant’s versatility shines through its catering options. Be sure to include Shakey’s iconic 32″ Giant Pizza in your party package to give your shindig that show-stopping centerpiece.

Exciting Promotions and Meal Deals

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: Shakey’s Flavorful Family Feast Classic Meal Deal! For just P2,299, five to six people can indulge in a filling and flavorful feast.

It includes your choice of any of Shakey’s 12″ Large Thin Crust Pizza, such as its newest pizza variant, the Texas Chicken BBQ. Sweet, smoky, and sensational, it’s topped with cheese, onions, and drizzled with Shakey’s very own BBQ sauce – a flavor explosion in every bite!

The meal deal also includes a family-sized Skilletti, such as this Carbonara Supreme. Imagine creamy white sauce pasta with bacon, ham, and button mushrooms, sprinkled generously with premium parmesan cheese, and served with garlic bread.

Of course, a visit to Shakey’s wouldn’t be complete without its famous Chicken ‘N’ Mojos. The meal deal includes six pieces of these delightful chicken pieces and a serving of flavorfully crisp battered potato slices.

And to wash it all down, you’ll get a pitcher of iced tea to keep the whole family refreshed.

Flash your Supercard, and you’ll receive a FREE Welcome Pizza – such as the Manager’s Choice! Packed with ham, beef, Italian sausage, green bell pepper, and onions, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.

And as if that’s not enough, you’ll also get a Basket of Flavored Mojos, thanks to the restaurant’s partnership with Potato Corner. It’s a flavor extravaganza that’s too good to miss!

Irresistible Additions

When it comes to family dining, variety is the spice of life, so why not elevate your meal with delectable additions?

Take the classic Caesar Salad (Php279), for example. Its fresh lettuce, premium bacon bits, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons tossed in Caesar dressing is the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

On the other hand, the Tender Crrrunch Chicken Fingers (Php249 | 6pcs), made from tender chicken breast meat, coated in flavorful breading, and fried to a golden crunch, adds a new exciting texture to your repast.

Solo diners can relish the best deal with the Bunch Of Lunch (Php229), offering a slice of Hawaiian Delight Hand Tossed Pizza, Chicken ‘n’ Mojos, Skilletti, and Garlic Bread, all of their Shakey’s faves in one plate.

So if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a delicious family meal (or a solo foodie trip!), head over to Shakey’s SM Cherry Antipolo!

This Shakey’s branch is located at Ground Floor, SM Cherry Antipolo, Marcos Highway, Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City, open daily from 10am to 10pm for dine-in and takeout.

Enjoy your Shakey’s meal at home by calling its delivery hotline +63 2 77777777, or ordering online through its website or the Shakey’s Super App (available on the App Store and Google Play) .

Keep updated on Shakey’s promos and offers by following it on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Check out my previous post on Shakey’s at:

2020 Meet Up Meal Deal at Shakeys, Tomas Morato

Home improvement on a budget: 5 affordable ways to spruce up your living space

As the year progresses, maintaining a welcoming and enjoyable home for your family and guests can become challenging. However, costly remodeling and renovations are not the only options. You can start by implementing small and inexpensive changes to spruce up your living space. Here are some cost-efficient ideas to improve your home without breaking the bank.

Optimize Your Monthly Subscriptions

Ensure that your home caters to your needs without straining your budget. Review your monthly subscriptions for cable, internet, or streaming services and evaluate if they provide value for money. Consider consolidating your subscriptions or switching to a more cost-effective option.

For instance, when selecting an internet subscription, prioritize finding the right speed for your daily requirements. SKY Fiber offers affordable plans tailored for casual browsing, streaming, or remote work. As an added benefit, their Super Speed Plans are currently enhanced until December 31 due to a free speed boost promotion. For example, you can subscribe to the 20Mbps Plan for only P999/month and enjoy speeds of up to 30Mbps until year-end. Alternatively, the Plan 30Mbps, priced at P1,299/month, provides speeds of up to 75Mbps at no additional cost until the end of the year.

Rearrange and Refresh Your Living Spaces

A simple rearrangement of furniture and reorganization of your living and work areas can make a significant impact on the overall atmosphere of your home. Experiment with different layouts and placements to create a fresh and inviting environment. Consider relocating your workspace to an area with ample sunlight and minimal noise, as this can enhance your productivity.

Declutter and Sell Unwanted Items Online

Avoid accumulating clutter, as it can make your home appear untidy. Identify items, appliances, or devices that you rarely use and assess their condition. Discard broken or unusable items, and consider giving away or selling functional ones to generate some extra income.

With a reliable internet connection, you can easily sell your preloved items on various secondhand buy-and-sell platforms or social media. Numerous apps are available to assist you in managing inquiries from potential buyers and coordinating deliveries.

Invest in Durable Furniture, Appliances, and Storage Solutions

When considering new purchases for your home, opt for durable and multipurpose furniture, appliances, and storage solutions. These investments will provide long-term value while helping you maintain an organized living space. Look for items such as couches that can double as additional beds or ottomans that offer extra storage. By utilizing multifunctional pieces, you not only maximize utility but also save space for your family.

DIY Home Improvement Projects

Engage in simple do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to enhance your home. Small tasks like replacing dim light bulbs, creating a hanging garden, or applying a fresh coat of paint to walls and furniture can instantly brighten up your living space. DIY projects not only save money but also offer an opportunity to personalize your home. You can find numerous online resources and tutorial videos to guide you through the process.

By implementing these cost-efficient ideas, you can transform your home without incurring substantial expenses. Remember that a reliable internet connection can be instrumental in facilitating several of these improvements. Take advantage of the ongoing promotions for SKY Fiber Super Speed Plans, which offer boosted speeds until December 31 and free installation until July 31 with the presentation of a valid ID. To subscribe, visit the official website (mysky.com.ph/skyfiber) or utilize SKY’s 24/7 assistant, KYLA (mysky.com.ph/aboutkyla). Stay updated by following SKY on Facebook (fb.com/myskyupdates), Twitter (@myskyupdates).

Details provided in a recent press release.

Header image by Freepik

#YouButterBelieveIt: Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls are your new favorite treat!

If you’re a fan of Pinoy-style pastries, you’ve probably heard of Cheese Rolls. These soft and fluffy bread rolls stuffed with cheese have been a favorite among Filipinos for years.

These yummy pastries are made using basically the same dough as another Filipino bakery classic: the ensaymada. The dough is soft, fluffy, and buttery, providing the perfect canvas for the sweet and salty combination of flavors that Cheese Rolls are known for. The cheese filling brings a pop of richness and saltiness in the middle of the sweet and pillowy bread.

The good news is that you may now get your cravings for Cheese Rolls satisfied at Butter Grill.

A perfect complement to Butter Grill’s hotplate specials

Butter Grill has become a trending food court destination, thanks to its delicious Pinoy Hotplate Specials. After enjoying its Butter Sliced Pork, Butter Sliced Beef, Mixed Seafood, Peppered Bangus, Beef Tendon, or Angus Burger Steak, finish off your meal with one of Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls. The sweetness of the pastry and the savory flavors of the hotplate specials complement each other perfectly.

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Take home a sweet treat

Don’t have time to dine in? No problem. Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls are also perfect for takeout. Grab a few pieces to enjoy for breakfast, merienda, or as a snack while binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix. Pair them with a mug of brewed coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.

Affordable and accessible

Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls are also affordable, making them a great option for budget-conscious dessert lovers. Each piece costs only Php54.50, so you can indulge without breaking the bank.

Where to find Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls

Ready to try Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls for yourself? Head to the Butter Grill stall at The Landmark’s Supermart Foodcenter along Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City. Grab a few pieces and see what makes these Pinoy-style pastries so special. #YouDeserveButter when it comes to sweet treats, so go ahead and indulge yourself with Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Butter Grill on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous post about Butter Grill:

Enjoy delish Filipino hotplate your way at Butter Grill, The Landmark

Shop guilt-free: Home Credit ties up with SM Store to offer 0% interest and ₱300 Discount

Shopping has become a beloved pastime for many Filipinos. From buying birthday gifts to preparing for a new school year, Filipinos love to shop for various reasons. And of course, they love to get a good deal. This is where Home Credit Philippines and SM Store come in to provide Filipinos with the most affordable option in making their dream purchases come true.

The Partnership: Home Credit Philippines and SM Store

Home Credit Philippines, the shopping partner of every Filipino, has partnered with SM Store, the country’s largest department store chain. This partnership provides customers with a 0% interest offer, allowing them to enjoy ₱300 off their purchase with no processing fee when paying through Home Credit. With this partnership, Home Credit and SM Store have taken away the guilt from shopping through their buy now, pay later magic.

Shop in Four Easy Payments

Do you have something that you have always wanted to buy? Home Credit’s partnership with SM Store now allows you to buy the products you want in four easy payments with a discount of ₱300 and no processing fee. This is certainly an affordable option to achieve your ultimate shopping goals!

Shop for All Seasons

Shopping is not only made affordable, but also flexible. With SM Store’s 0% interest offer and no processing fee through Home Credit, you can get a variety of products anytime at any season. From cosmetics to apparel, stationeries, travel essentials, home improvements, and a whole lot more, you can now be a trendsetter guilt-free!

Shop Now and Worry Less!

Drop by the nearest SM Store in your area and achieve your ultimate shopping goals guilt-free through Home Credit. Shop now and worry less with Home Credit Philippines and SM Store.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Don’t miss out on updates from Home Credit Philippines. Visit their official website www.homecredit.ph and Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. You can download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to catch the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Affordable lunch at Komoro Japanese Dining, SM Megamall

While securing school supplies at SM Megamall last weekend, Hubby and I decided to have lunch at one of our old haunts here: Komoro Soba, now renamed to Komoro Japanese Dining.

Five years ago, when our offices are both located in the Ortigas area, this Japanese restaurant was our go-to place for affordable teishoku.

These are Japanese meal sets comprised of white rice, miso soup, tsukemono (pickled fruit or vegetable) and your choice of viand. While the rice serves the purpose of being filling, the miso soup provides the comforts of umami, while the tsukemono helps to cleanse the palate and counterbalance flavorful viand.

Komoro’s version of the teishoku is adapted to Filipino taste by replacing the tsukemono with seasonal fruit which almost serves the same function.

Mixed Tempura Teishoku (Php139). Shrimp, chicken and vegetable pieces dipped in batter and served with tempura sauce.

Tonkatsu Teishoku (Php147). A juicy piece of pork cutlet breaded and deep-fried to a golden brown and served with shredded cabbage, a salad and tart katsu sauce.

Prior to eating our teishoku, we shared a serving of Zaru Soba (Php98), chilled buckwheat noodles served with a light dipping sauce called tsuyu to whet our appetite.

It was a quick tasty meal to fuel us for a bout quarantine shopping.

This Komoro Japanese Dining branch is located at Upper Ground Floor, Building A, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City,

Another mall-based branchbia located at Lower Ground Floor, SM City Southmall, Alabang-Zapote Road, Almanza, Las Piñas City.

Komoro also delivers Japanese Bento meal sets in Makati and BGC. To order, call +63 2 9858240 or +63 917 5870809 or message Komoro Bento on Facebook.

Comfort-snackin’ with 616 Burger

If the past few months of quarantine has taught me anything, it is that we need every bit of comfort we can get.

These are not normal times and we are not operating at our usual capacity. Therefore, we need to treasure what sources of joy or contentment we have.

Personally, I take comfort in good food. When I feel overwhelmed during a busy workday or in the midst of mounting house chores, a bite into something delicious will soon set me – and the world – to rights.

To you, my dear foodies, I’m happy to share my discovery of a new source of comfort: 616 Burger.

This passion project of twenty-two-year-old recent UST grad Alyanna Manuel started off as her quarantine pastime and side hustle. Building on her family’s experiences in running food businesses, and her own love for cooking, she started whipping up her favorite comfort food and offering them online at affordable prices. Her menu items consist of familiar snack items that are leveled up by way of ingredients and preparation to satisfy the palate of discriminating foodies.

The Crunchy Bacon Burger (Php160), for instance, is made with pure beef burger patty flavored by six spices and well complemented by the smokey bacon, slices of fresh veggies and its garlic mayo sauce inside a freshly baked bun. Crunchy bits of Piknik add some interesting texture to every bite of this juicy burger.

The burger’s trusty sidekick, the Cheesy Overload Fries (Php85), on the other hand, has a crispier texture than other fries due to its light breading. The sauteed ground beef and cheese sauce added some heartiness to this side dish.

If you still can’t get enough of cheese, then grab a Cheese Quesadilla (Php110), buttery toasted soft tortillas encasing high quality cheese.

Snacking on these gave me and the kiddos a happy respite in an otherwise crazy day.

To get your hands on these comforting snack items, message 616 Burger on Facebook or Instagram or fill out the online order form. Cashless payments via GCash, Paymaya and BPI are accepted. 616 Burger’s snack items can be delivered from Don Enrique Heights in Quezon City to anywhere in Metro Manila.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate an honest review.

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

Family’s Intro to Fat Fook at Robinsons Galleria

When you’re planning where to eat for the family’s Saturdate, and you consider the varied tastes and preferences of your family members, sometimes you just need to put your foot down, dictate where you want to eat and hope it pays off.

And sometimes, it does.

The fam’s lunch took place at the newly opened Fat Fook at Robinsons Galleria. It’s one of two existing branches in the Metro Manila, with the other one located in SM City North EDSA.

This branch is situated in the recently renovated wing of Robinsons Galleria, where a lot of new and trendy restos are expected to open.

The place is quite spacious, warmly lit and can accommodate 40 or so people. Similar to its SM North branch, it features porcelain bowls as part of its decor: this time, the bowls cover one wall, adding a quirky yet elegant Asian element to the resto’s interior.

Fat Fook offers authentic Taiwanese food. The dishes we sampled include:

Tofu with Century Egg and Pork Floss (Php198). The soft-chilled tofu was creamy and mild, and together with the century egg, the pork floss and the sweet-salty sauce, it brings a nice contrast of flavors and textures.

Taiwan Style Fried Rice (Php258). Served in a small pan, the rice is fried with a salty brown sauce and accompanied by bits of green onion and lots of savory-sweet chorizo pieces. It provides an interesting complement to the other dishes we ordered.

Taiwan Beef Noodles (Php258). Tender braised beef slices accompanied by hand-pulled noodles in a sour-and-slightly-spicy broth.

Fat Fook Chicken Chop (Php238). Juicy and tender chicken breasts coated with batter and breading, a quick hit with my baby boy!

Garlic Pork Spare Ribs (Php298). A safe bet, given that the fam has tasted this before in Chinese restos.

With all our orders, the bill amounted to just a little over Php1,500, so our Fat Fook sojourn is definitely among the more affordable of our food adventures.

I found this experience a good way to introduce the kids to new cuisines and food influences, which helps them develop a more adventurous yet discerning palate. For myself, I welcome any opportunity to go off the beaten path when it comes to food choices.

Given its affordability and fresh tastes offered, Fat Fook is among the restaurants I won’t mind returning to.

Check out my review of Fat Fook’s other branch at SM North EDSA.

Budget-friendly Rice Toppings at Hong Kong Roasting, Tomas Morato

My officemate and I were looking for somewhere to have a quick lunch so we could get on with the rest of our tasks for the day.

After scouring the lunch options at nearby M Place, we decided upon Hong Kong Roasting, attracted by the budget-friendly rice topping options and the assurance of the restaurant manager that the food will be served immediately.

We ordered:

Soy Chicken Rice Topping (Php155).

Cantonese Chicken Rice Topping (Php155).

Both are versions of the Chinese steamed chicken dish, one just features darker skin than the other due to addition of soy sauce. They were accompanied by chili and ginger sauces which we found a bit too mild.

Still, it was a quick, affordable and fuss-free lunch, and another item was added to our group’s lunch options.

This Hong Kong Roasting branch is located at M Place, Panay Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Other branches are located at:

Tower C, Sea Residences, Sunrise Corner Pearl Drive, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City (open daily from 8am to 12:30am)
SM Mezza Residences, Aurora Boulevard Corner Araneta Avenue, Santa Mesa, Quezon City (open daily from 10am to 9pm)

Affordable Asian flavors Hainanese Delights, Eastwood

Hainan cuisine is derived from the cooking styles of the people of the Hainan Province in China which is lighter, less oily and more mildly seasoned than those of mainland China.

Hainanese Chicken Rice, in particular, is based on the well-known Hainan dish Wenchang Chicken, but has been adopted and considered the national dish in Singapore. It is traditionally prepared by poaching a whole chicken at sub-boiling temperatures , with some of the resulting stock combined with ginger, garlic and other aromatics used to cook the accompanying rice, producing a yellowish, flavorful and oily rice. It is usually served with three dipping sauces: a spicy red chili sauce, a dark soy sauce, and freshly ground ginger.

While out shopping with Hubby in Eastwood Citywalk, we decided to have lunch at Hainanese Delights.

We eschewed the more traditional preparation of Hainanese Chicken and instead opted to each get a Hainan Fried Chicken (Php149) since we favor its crisper and more flavorful skin which we think goes better with the refillable Hainanese rice. We also shared an order of Eat the Heat (Php190), the spicy fried squid adding some kick to our meal.

It was pretty much a no-frills and no-fuss meal, with servers just prompt to serve the orders and nothing else. The restaurant itself is quite plain and bare, not a place you would think to linger in after finishing your meal.

Still, if all you’re after is an affordable taste of Asian flavors, then drop by this store and satisfy your craving.

This Hainanese Delights branch is located at the 2nd Floor, Eastwood Citywalk 2, Libis, Quezon City. Other branches may be found at:

Manila: Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita, Robinsons Otis in Paco
Quezon City: Robinsons Magnolia in New Manila, SM City Fairview in Novaliches, Waltermat North EDSA in Project 7, Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, Robinsons Nova Market in Novaliches
Mandaluyong: Robinsons Forum along Pioneer, Starmall Asia along Shaw Boulevard
Las Pinas: Robinsons Las Pinas in Talon Uno

This post contains affiliate links.

Want to whip up Asian dishes at home? Check out these recipe books on Amazon.com.

101 Asian Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die: Discover a New World of Flavors in Authentic Recipes

The Everything Easy Asian Cookbook: Includes Crab Rangoon, Pad Thai Shrimp, Quick and Easy Hot and Sour Soup, Beef with Broccoli, Coconut Rice…and Hundreds More!

Asian Kitchen

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