grand opening – Jellybeans in the City

Serenease Aesthetic and Wellness Studio is your tranquil escape in Quezon City

In the bustling heart of Quezon City, Serenease Aesthetic and Wellness Studio welcomes beauty enthusiasts to a sanctuary of tranquility. The grand opening of its premier branch marks an exciting milestone for those seeking a holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation.

A Haven of Relaxation and Revitalization

The founders of Serenease express their excitement in bringing a touch of tranquility to the city, emphasizing that the spa isn’t merely a place, but an encompassing experience aimed at revitalizing the body, mind, and spirit. Their goal is to offer a range of treatments designed to enhance both inner and outer beauty, inviting everyone to embark on a journey of ultimate relaxation and self-care.

Serenease: Where Serenity Meets Luxury

The studio prides itself on being a destination for a serene escape from the daily hustle and bustle. Its diverse offerings include spa massages, eyelash and nail enhancements, and other beauty and wellness treatments, all provided in an atmosphere meticulously designed for relaxation. Notably, it prioritizes affordability without compromising on the luxury and quality of its services, ensuring accessibility to all while fostering lasting relationships with its clients through exceptional customer service.

Extraordinary Services Tailored for You

From head spa treatments to indulgent massages, nail and eyelash enhancements, as well as waxing/threading services, Serenease offers a range of luxurious treatments curated to pamper the senses. Its team of highly skilled therapists and technicians deliver personalized and nurturing care, leveraging their expertise in the art of wellness. Clients are invited to immerse themselves in a tranquil oasis adorned with calming interiors, ambient lighting, and nature-inspired hues, creating the perfect setting for relaxation.

Celebratory Offer and Contact Details

To celebrate its grand opening, Serenease Aesthetic and Wellness Studio is extending a special offer: the first twenty guests will receive a complimentary membership. Located at #60 Sct. Chuatoco cor. Champaca St. Brgy. Roxas, Quezon City, individuals can reach out to Serenease at (02) 8522 9185 or through email at care@sereneaseph.com. For more information and updates on promotions, the studio’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer a gateway to stay connected with ongoing discounts and upcoming events.

Serenease Aesthetic and Wellness Studio, with its fusion of tranquility and luxury, invites everyone to unwind and indulge in a range of rejuvenating experiences, promising a haven for both the body and soul amidst the vibrant city life.

Details provided in a recent press release.

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

Feeling at home at BOTEJYU, SM City East Ortigas

My fam and I do enjoy being so near what we consider to be our neighborhood mall, SM City East Ortigas.

As it is the site of quite a number of great restaurants, a delicious meal for the family is just a short drive away.

Imagine our excitement when we got word that BOTEJYU is opening a branch here.

This chain traces its roots back to Osaka, Japan where it was established in 1946 as an okonomiyaki restaurant.

Okomiyaki is a dish that emerged in postwar Japan during a food shortage. As American provisions were unloaded at Osaka and Kobe ports, the locals discovered American flour mixed with water results in a pancake that can serve as an alternative staple food.

BOTEJYU’s founder Eikichi Nishino discovered another culinary delight which also makes use of an American provision – mayonnaise – this time, as a topping for okonomiyaki.

The dish is central to the restaurant’s concept that its name was coined after the sounds heard when cooking its signature dish: “BOTE” from the sound made when flipping the okonomiyaki and “JYU” from the sizzling sound it makes as it cooks on the teppan grill.

Being a family of Japanese food lovers, we lost no time in dropping by this newest BOTEJYU branch in SM City East Ortigas to try out delicious selections from its extensive menu, such as:

Edamame (Php121). Lightly salted boiled green beans.

Fresh Salmon Sashimi (Php395).

Seattle Roll (Php315). Sushi roll made with salmon, cream cheese, avocado and mayonnaise.

Spicy Maguro Tuna Roll (Php315). Sushi roll made with spicy tuna, cucumber and lettuce.

Diced Beef Garlic Steak (Php490). Tender beef cubes sauteed with Botejyu’s signature Chaliapin sauce.

Premium Mix Moonlight-Egg Oko (Php495). Okomiyaki made with Botejyu’s original batter, cabbage, beef, pork belly, shrimp, squid and fried egg cooked on the teppan grill and topped with Botejyu’s original tomato sauce, special sauce and white mayonnaise.

We also took advantage of one of BOTEJYU’s Kazukp Tumori (Family Bundles), deliciously curated meal sets meant for sharing that also offer great discounts. Our order of Family Bundle F (Php1,995) already included four sets of rice, miso soup, kimchi and iced tea, as well as:

3pcs Original Mayo Takoyaki. Made from flour-based batter with bits of octopus and spices topped with takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayo and katsuoboshi.

Pork Tonkotsu Ramen. Ramen noodles in tonkotsu broth with char siu pork.

California Roll. Sushi roll made with crab meat, avocado, cucumber, ebiko and mayonnaise.

3pcs Tempura. Crispy prawns fried in special batter and served with tempura dipping sauce.

Grilled Pork Rib Hokkaido Style. Tender pork steak grilled then glazed in umami-flavored sauce.

Teppan Grilled Pork Gyoza. Japanese potstickers served with aromatic soy sauce.

Original Chicken Karaage. Japanese-style crispy fried chicken infused with garlic flavor.

With such a sumptuous array of Japanese dishes so readily available to us, it sure looks like we’ll be spending more time in our neighborhood mall!

This BOTEJYU branch is located at Ground Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Barangay Sta. Lucia, Pasig City, open daily from 10.15am to 7.45pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8524657.

Other BOTEJYU branches in Metro Manila are located in:

Alabang: Festival Mall Expansion Wing
Caloocan: SM City Grand Central
Las Pinas: Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Ayala Greenbelt 3, Ayala North Exchange
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall The Atrium
Manila: SM City Manila
Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay, SM City Bicutan, SM City Sucat, SM Southmall
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia Galileo Wing
Pasig: Ayala Malls Feliz, Estancia Mall Capitol Commons
Quezon City: Ayala Vertis North Mall, Fisher Mall, Robinsons Place Magnolia, SM City Fairview, SM City North EDSA, Trinoma Mall Garden Area
San Juan: O Square 2 Greenhills Shopping Center
Taguig: One Bonifacio High Street Mall

BOTEJYU also accepts orders for delivery through its website and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To know more about its latest offers and promos, follow BOTEJYU on Facebook and Instagram.

A French cafe experience at PAUL le cafe

France has a delicious history with coffee dating back to 17th century when cafes started opening up, offering not just coffee but also a feeling of community. Cafes encouraged the practice of slowing down, lingering and connecting with one’s neighbors and peers; they became focal points for conversation, artistic expression, and, at some point, even revolutionary sentiments.

With the opening of its first Philippine store in Greenbelt 5 in Makati, PAUL le cafe brings the French cafe experience center stage, much to the delight of coffee lovers in the metro.

PAUL le cafe also incorporates classic coffee colors as well as black, the emblematic hue of the original family-owned PAUL bakeries in France, and terra-cotta red, the color of coffee cherries.

Its clean and modern look was developed with the help of interior and set designer Emilie Bonaventure. Its spectacular lighting, gleaming coffee machine and welcoming colors are accented by artfully placed photographs, all set against the PAUL trademark black and white flooring.

In this stylish setting, coffee lovers can enjoy their favorite beverage expertly crafted by PAUL’s baristas, using 100% Arabica coffee sourced from sustainable Rain Forest Alliance producers.

The store also offers and expanded menu of hot coffee drinks that include classics such as espresso, latte and Americano, to gourmet recipes such as flat white, cappuccino, cafe Viennois and mochas, even vegan options made with almond or oat milk.

To cool down on a hot day (which we have a lot of in this country), customers can also opt for iced versions of their coffee favorites.

The store also offers non-coffee beverages such as hot and iced teas, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies.

Customers can also get a taste of the PAUL macaron frappe – a concoction made of milk, cream and a French macaron – blended together with ice, resulting to a sweet and brightly colored drink.

These drinks are best enjoyed with something delicious to nibble on. Luckily, savory lunch items such as freshly prepared sandwiches and salads, quiches and pizzas are on offer.

However, the highlight for a sweet tooth like me has got to be the pattiserie – a collection of French pastries and cakes that appeal to the eyes and tastebuds of every dessert lover.

Among the macarons, fruit tartlets, Napoleons, and more on display, all manner of sweet cravings can be sated.

At PAUL le cafe, coffee lovers can bask in the elegantly relaxed atmosphere of a French cafe while enjoying premium drinks and high quality pastries.

It is a place to relax, unwind and take a precious moment, whether to catch up with friends or enjoy one’s solitude in comfort.

Drop by PAUL le cafe at Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City and say “Bonjour” to a posh yet relaxing coffee shop a la francaise experience.

For more details on its offers, follow PAUL Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended the Grand Opening of this restaurant where food and drink were served for honest feedback.

Hotpot, Yakiniku and Buffet at the re-opened Hosaku, SM North Towers

One of the restaurant openings I was most looking forward to last year was that of Hosaku.

Hosaku – from the Japanese word which translates to “bountiful harvest” – is managed by the Fredley Group of Companies, the same conglomerate behind restaurant brands such as Macao Imperial Tea, Mitasu Yakiniku, Nabe and Liang Crispy Rolls.

Hosaku is characterized by an exciting combination of three all-you-can-eat dining concepts.

Nabemono or Japanese Hotpot. A cooking method wherein raw foods are added to a pot of simmering soup stock to be cooked while at the table.

Yakiniku. Grilling prepared raw ingredients on a grill built into the dining table, and dipped in sauces called “tare” before eaten.

International Buffet. Various cuisines from all over the world are showcased in specified stations for diners to view and select which they want to consume.

I found this combination gastronomically intriguing, its food offerings fresh and tasty (especially the sushi!), and it service crew helpful and accommodating.

Plus, it also incorporated some novel equipment to facilitate its unique food service method such as its conveyor belt that delivers the raw ingredients to the tables, as well as its mechanized hotpot which makes it easy to get items seemingly lost in the broth.

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Having attended its soft-opening with some of my foodie friends almost exactly a year ago, I was excited to see how the restaurant will figure in the local food scene.

However, the pandemic hit the metro and Hosaku had to put its grand opening on hold.

A year later, Hosaku finally opens it doors on Valentine’s Day, giving sweethearts in the metro a novel venue to celebrate the Day of Hearts, with protocols in place to keep everyone safe.

These include:

Temperature checks at the entrance
Health declaration and contact tracing
No facemask, no entry policy
Provision of hand sanitizers and alcohol for hand cleaning and disinfecting

To maintain physical distancing within its premises, it had to re-think some of its operating procedures. For example, hotpot and yakiniku ingredients are no longer delivered via conveyor belt, nor are diners allowed to help themselves to the buffet items at their stations. Instead, these are served directly on their table by the wait staff upon order.

Dining Rates at Hosaku are:

Weekday Lunch: Php699 for adults | Php349 for kids
Weekday Dinner: Php899 for adults | Php449 for kids
Weekends/Holidays Lunch & Dinner: Php899 for adults | Php449 for kids

All prices have an additional 5% service charge and are VAT inclusive. Children below 3 feet in height will eat for free while the adult rate will be applied to kids above 4 feet in height.

For its grand opening on February 14, the first fifty customers in line will eat for free while the rest of the customers for the day will dine at 50% off. (Terms and conditions will apply.)

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Hosaku is located at Ground Floor, North Towers, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City.

MOS Brings Its Most Popular Burgers to PH Market

MOS Burger, one of the leading burger chains in Japan, is about to give Filipinos a different kind of burger dining experience.

“We have brought our well-loved burgers to the Philippines. Now, you don’t have to go all the way to Japan to have your fill of our best-selling yakiniku rice burger and other burger selections,” said MOS Burger Philippines president Araki Masahide.

Among the MOS Burger top-sellers that have been included in its Philippine menu is the MOS Cheeseburger (Php149). This Japanese-style cheeseburger comes with MOS’ special meat sauce poured over a pile of beef patty, tomato, onion, and cheese.

Not to be missed is the yakiniku rice burger (Php169), the burger that has been strongly identified with the brand since it was introduced in its Japanese stores. It comes with perfectly marinated yakiniku beef with green lollo rosso (lettuce) and onions in an equally delicious rice patty. MOS also offers the natsumi yakiniku (Php189), which is yakiniku wrapped in fresh lollo rosso instead of being sandwiched in a bun or rice patty.

Another popular choice among its diners worldwide is its wagyu burger (Php299), which likewise comes in two options—one with the buns and the other with the rice patties or wagyu rice burger (Php309).

For chicken lovers, a must-try is the teriyaki chicken burger (Php189) with its own version of chicken teriyaki sandwiched with green lollo rosso, sliced onion, and mayonnaise. For those who prefer to have it with MOS’ signature rice patty, there’s the teriyaki chicken rice burger (Php209). Diners can likewise have it with just greens as it offers the natsumi teriyaki chicken (Php209) as well.

MOS also has something for seafood lovers—the seafood tempura rice burger (Php169). It consists of delicious seafood tempura drizzled with flavorful kakiage sauce and sandwiched between MOS’ signature rice patties.

“We only want the best for our Filipino diners. We encourage them to try each burger when they visit our store,” Araki said.

Guests at MOS Burger’s VIP Night, an event held prior to its official store opening at Robinsons Galleria, were treated to this sumptuous array of Japanese-style burgers.

Distinguished guests during the event included Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Koji Haneda, and his wife, Madame Ihoko Haneda; MOS Food Services Chairman Atsushi Sakurada; MOS Food Services Inc. Executive Officer and General Manager of International Headquarters Jun Takifuka; MOS Food Services, Inc. General Manager Hironobu Maehara; and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.

They were welcomed by Araki, MOS Burger Philippines CEO Hubert U. Young, and MOS Burger Philippines Vice President Tateishi Hiroshi.

MOS Burger’s first Philippine store is located at Robinsons Galleria (near the ADB Avenue entrance). It is slated to open branches in SM Megamall, Robinsons Magnolia, Greenhills, Midtown, and Eastwood in the coming months.

Japan’s MOS Burger aims to take a bite out of the PH fast food market, opens first store on February 27

In a market dominated by western-style burgers, MOS Burger will introduce a distinctly Japanese flavor to burger-loving Filipinos as it opens its first branch in the Philippines this February 27, 2020 in Robinsons Galleria.

“We heard that Filipinos love burgers as much as they love Japanese food. In introducing MOS Burger to the Philippines, we are giving them two of the things that they most love. We can’t wait for them to try our Japanese-style burgers,” said MOS Burger Philippines president Araki Masahide.

During a pop-up store event last month, MOS Burger introduced its version of a signature cheese burger with meat sauce and the original yakiniku rice burger. Some of the items on the menu for the first Philippine branch are the following: yakiniku rice burger, MOS cheese burger, wagyu burger, seafood tempura rice burger, and natsumi, a lettuce wrap burger.

As a way to welcome the dining public to its first store in the country, MOS Burger will give out gifts to its first 50 customers on opening day. In-store surprises also await customers every hour on February 27. The store’s operating hours will be from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Founded in Tokyo in 1972, MOS Burger is ranked number two in sales among all burger chains in Japan. It has around 1,300 stores in Japan and almost 400 stores overseas.

MOS stands for mountain, ocean, and sun—three elements that symbolize the company’s commitment to good service and how it trains its employees to approach their work. The mountain symbolizes its thrust to “stand tall and firm as a mountain.” The ocean, meanwhile, symbolizes its aim “to have a heart as big and generous as the ocean”, and the sun stands for “undying passion.”

MOS Burger also adheres to the old Japanese proverb “ishoku dogen”, which means food and medicine come from the same source so we could maintain our health through a balanced diet.

MOS Burger Philippines was formed in 2019 to oversee the local operations of MOS Burger. The company is the result of a joint venture agreement between MOS Food Services Inc. of Japan and Tokyo Coffee Holdings of the Young family of General Milling Corporation.

Its aggressive expansion plan in the Philippines will see the opening of several branches in Metro Manila this year. Apart from the one in Robinsons Galleria, MOS Burger stores will be opened in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, One Eastwood Tower 2 and Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City, O-Square in Greenhills, San Juan, and Robinsons Manila.

For more updates about MOS Burger Philippines’ opening, follow its Facebook page and Instagram account.

Image and details provided by MOS Burger in a recent press release.