Today’s your last chance to celebrate Chuseok with Ball Katsu’s Pick A Prize Promo!

As September draws to a close, so does the vibrant celebration of Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival. This annual event is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and indulgence in delectable Korean cuisine. If you haven’t seized the opportunity yet, there’s no better time than now to immerse yourself in the festivities and make the most of Ball Katsu’s Pick A Prize Promo.

Ball Katsu, a brainchild of the esteemed Korean chef Paik Jong Won, adds an exciting twist to the classic katsu by transforming it into delightful katsu balls. Before this month concludes, dive into the world of Korean flavors and savor the chance to win amazing prizes at Ball Katsu.

Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok

The Korean Twist: Explore Ball Katsu’s Innovative Katsu Balls

Visualize the traditional katsu – a succulent, crispy-on-the-outside yet juicy-on-the-inside pork cutlet. Now, imagine that same katsu, expertly shaped into charming, flavorful balls. That’s the magic of Ball Katsu.

Korean chef Paik Jong Won, renowned for his culinary ingenuity, took the beloved katsu and transformed it into delightful balls. Each ball encapsulates the flavors of katsu within a convenient, bite-sized form. It’s a fusion of textures and tastes that’s both unique and appetizing, adding a Korean twist to a well-loved classic.

A Delicious Korean Foodie Adventure at Ball Katsu

Located in Mega Fashion Hall’s Food Hall, Ball Katsu is your gateway to a yummy adventure. The unassuming setup might belie the gastronomic delights that await you, but don’t you worry, you’ll find a tantalizing array of options, including katsu balls, rice bowls, and curry rice dishes.

The katsu balls, of course, steal the spotlight. Each bite-sized sphere is a burst of flavor, showcasing the perfect harmony of tender meat and crispy coating. Ball Katsu launched its hottest flavor, the Hot Pepper Ball Katsu (Php159/pc), proving the versatility of these bite-sized delights!

Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok

For those seeking a heartier meal, the Regular Ball Katsu Rice Bowl (Php189) presents an equally satisfying experience.

Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok

The Cheese Ball Curry Rice (Php269), on the other hand, offer a comforting and aromatic journey through Korean flavors.

Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok

The Pick A Prize Promo: Seize the Last Moments of Excitement!

As the clock ticks towards midnight on September 30, 2023, seize the last chance to be part of the Pick A Prize Promo at Ball Katsu. Celebrate Chuseok as you savor the delectable katsu balls and potentially win incredible prizes.

Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok

Here’s how to join:

  1. Make a minimum purchase of 350 pesos in a single transaction to qualify for the promo.
  2. Like and follow Ball Katsu’s Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Pages, and share the promo post.
  3. Present a screenshot showing that you’ve followed and shared Ball Katsu’s social media pages.
  4. Show the receipt as proof of purchase to the Ball Katsu staff.
  5. After verification, pick a prize from the Ball Katsu Box/Bowl.
  6. Each customer can avail of the promo once during the entire promo period.
  7. Instant prizes can be redeemed on the same day or at the end of the promo period. Prizes are transferable but not convertible to cash.
  8. Fill up the acknowledgment form for your prizes.
  9. Staff will stamp the receipt to verify the promotion.

Make the Most of Chuseok: Hurry and Join Ball Katsu’s Celebration!

For Korean pop culture enthusiasts and food lovers alike, the last day of September is the last call to partake in this unique celebration. Chuseok is a time to immerse yourself in Korean traditions, and Ball Katsu offers not only a delightful gastronomic journey but also a chance to win exciting prizes through their Pick A Prize Promo. Don’t let this opportunity slip away; be part of the Chuseok festivities at Ball Katsu.

Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok
Ball Katsu Chuseok

Ball Katsu is located at 5th Floor SM Mega Food Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting event held at this restaurant. Food items were served at no cost in exchange for honest feedback and to facilitate this feature.

Taiwanese Culinary Bliss at Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Are you on the hunt for a taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine that will leave your taste buds singing? Well, look no further than Din Tai Fung. This award-winning Taiwanese restaurant, renowned for its exquisite Xiaolongbao, has found its way to the heart of the Philippines, and it’s not just a restaurant – it’s an experience!

The Moment Group brought the magic of Din Tai Fung to the Philippines in 2015, opening its first branch at the ever-vibrant SM Megamall. Since then, this food haven has expanded to other locations, including BGC, Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, SM North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia, delighting the metro’s foodies.

During a recent shopping trip with my Hubby and son at SM Megamall, we treated ourselves to a Taiwanese feast for lunch at Din Tai Fung.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
The Meaning Behind the Name

Ever wondered about the meaning behind Din Tai Fung’s name? Each character holds significance that aligns perfectly with the restaurant’s vision. “鼎” (Din) stands for Wok, symbolizing the traditional cooking method used to create some of their delectable dishes. “泰” (Tai) represents Peace, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Din Tai Fung – a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for you to indulge in Taiwanese goodness. Finally, “豐” (Fung) stands for Abundance, promising a dining experience that leaves you fully satisfied and wanting more.

The Concept and Ambiance

Similar to other Din Tai Fung restaurants, the ambiance of its SM branch is marked by simplicity and understated charm.

While waiting for our table, we watched the expert chefs busily crafting the dimsum and rolling noodles from scratch.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

The newly renovated interiors feature light wood walls elegantly adorned with LED screens and anime-style posters, minimalist wooden tables and chairs, and a relaxed dress code which set the stage for a laid-back yet elegant dining experience.

Whether you’re here with friends, family, or just treating yourself, Din Tai Fung promises an atmosphere that allows you to focus on what truly matters – the food.

Efficient Ordering, Serving, and Payment Process

One of the most unique aspects of dining at Din Tai Fung is the efficient and interactive ordering process. As my Hubby, son, and I settled into our seats, we were handed a clipboard with a list of mouthwatering dishes. Excited to explore the menu, we ticked off the dishes we craved, specifying the serving size and quantity we desired. Our choices were swiftly logged into the restaurant’s system, and a printed list was posted on our table to guide the servers in delivering the dishes we ordered.

After our meal, we settled our bill at the counter where payments via cash, credit or debit cards, Maya e-wallet are accepted.

The Mouthwatering Taiwanese Feast

Our lunch feast at Din Tai Fung was a combination of our all-time Taiwanese food faves as well as new dishes we wanted to try. The resulting symphony of flavors whisked us away to the streets of Taiwan.

Din Tai Fung’s iconic Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php375) are delicate parcels of heaven. Thanks to a visual guide shown by the wait staff, we were able to savor the full experience of eating our xiao long bao. This involved dipping our dumpling in a sauce made with made with ginger slivers, soy sauce and vinegar, placing it on a spoon and poking a small home into to release the broth, and then gently biting into it to get the full flavor explosion from the soup and the luscious pork filling.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Hubby couldn’t resist the Hot Sour Soup (Php215). The tangy, spicy, and savory broth filled with vegetables and tofu warmed him up for the rest of the meal.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Apparently, I also couldn’t resist the temptation of the Pork Roasted Garlic Bun (Php175), thanks to the rich, savory flavor of its pork, garlic, and scallions filling combined with the fluffy, steamed bun.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

The Shrimp Shao Mai (Php255), on the other hand, is a treat to the eyes and tastebuds, thanks to its delicate wrapper and the sweetness of shrimp mingled with pork and mushrooms.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

To balance our indulgence, we savored the Organic Spinach (Php285), lightly stir-fried with garlic and scallions. This simple yet delightful dish was a refreshing break, adding a dose of health to our feast.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

The Salted Egg Squid (Php465), made with crispy, tender squid slices coated in a salty, savory egg batter, is an old favorite that we can always go for.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

The 3 Cups Chicken (Php305), on the other hand, was a delicious viand cooked to perfection in a soy sauce, ginger, and scallion sauce; the chicken was tender and juicy, complemented by the rich sauce.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Of course, we couldn’t skip the Shrimp Fried Rice (Php275), a delightful combination of shrimp, chicken, and vegetables tossed in a fragrant soy sauce, ginger, and scallion base. The crispy rice and the medley of flavors complemented the other dishes in our meal.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Din Tai Fung at SM Megamall is quite worth a visit, with every dish is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. The ambiance is inviting, the service impeccable, and the flavors unforgettable.

So, foodies, if you’re looking for an authentic Taiwanese dining experience that’s full of peace and abundance, Din Tai Fung is the place to be. Head over to their branches across Metro Manila and embark on a culinary adventure with your loved ones while savoring some of the finest Taiwanese cuisine around.

Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall
Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

This Din Tai Fung branch is located at Level 2, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 89971935 or +63 919 0845376.

Other branches in Metro Manila are located at:

CityAddressOperation HoursContact Number
Pasay CityLevel 1 South Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia10 AM-10 PM (Mon-Sun)+63 2 85271364 / +63 928 5124433 / +63 928 5181466
Quezon City 2nd floor, City Center, SM North EDSA10 AM-10 PM (Mon-Sun)+63 2 84590292
TaguigLG/C1, Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City11 AM-11 PM (Mon-Thu)
10 AM-1 AM (Fri-Sat)
11 AM-1 AM (Sun)
+63 2 88091865 / +63 919 0785209
Makati CityR1 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center11 AM-9 PM (Mon-Thu)
11 AM-10 PM (Fri)
10 AM-10 PM (Sat)
10 AM-9 PM (Sat)
+63 2 88382344 / +63 919 0845732 / +63 960 4383830
Makati CityLevel 2, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center11 AM-9 PM (Sun-Thu)
11 AM-10 PM (Fri-Sat)
+63 2 71211933 / +63 919 0845370

Stay updated on Din Tai Fung’s menu and offers by visiting The Moment Group’s website or by following Din Tai Fung on Facebook and Instagram.

A flavorful family experience at Yabu House of Katsu, SM Megamall

Every Sunday is Family Day. Part of my family’s Sunday routine is to have lunch together after attending mass. We usually opt for either old favorites or new restaurants we want to try. For this instance, we opted for Yabu House of Katsu since we already know that we love the food there.

Yabu’s Unique Katsu Experience

Yabu House of Katsu stands out among other restaurants for several reasons, making it a unique and beloved destination for katsu enthusiasts. The first thing that struck us was their commitment to authenticity. Yabu prides itself on offering an authentic Japanese katsu experience. They adhere to traditional Japanese cooking techniques and use high-quality ingredients to ensure the utmost authenticity in their dishes. From the breading to the frying method, Yabu pays attention to every detail to create a truly authentic katsu. One ritual that we particularly enjoyed was preparing the katsu sauce by grinding the toasted sesame seeds in a textured bowl before pouring and mixing in the prepared katsu sauce.

Yabu Family Sunday Lunch
Yabu Family Sunday Lunch

Customization and variety are also key features of Yabu’s menu. They offer a wide range of katsu options to cater to various tastes. Whether you prefer pork, chicken, seafood, or even vegetarian katsu, Yabu has got you covered. This level of customization allows diners to enjoy their favorite type of katsu in their preferred style. The attention to detail is evident in the little extras they provide, such as unlimited servings of cabbage salad and various dipping sauces to complement the katsu. The miso soup is carefully crafted, and the rice is perfectly cooked, further enhancing the overall meal.

Delicious Katsu Selections at Yabu

We know that we couldn’t go wrong with the katsu sets, which consist of a special cut of katsu served with refillable soup, rice, cabbage, and fruit. I opted for the Rosu (Pork Loin) Set (P390/80g | P430/120g | P490/180g) since the fat trimming adds a lot of flavor to the meat.

Yabu Family Sunday Lunch
Yabu Family Sunday Lunch

My husband and daughter, both more fitness-conscious, opted for the Hire (Pork Tenderloin) Set (P415/80g | P450/120g), which has no fat.

Yabu Family Sunday Lunch
Yabu Family Sunday Lunch

My son, being a cheese-lover, went for the Menchi Katsu Set (P430) made with a mixture of minced beef and pork mixed together with Yabu’s special spices and stuffed with creamy cheese.

Yabu Family Sunday Lunch
Yabu Family Sunday Lunch

Of course, the kids insisted on an order of Mozzarella Katsu Sticks (P320), sticks of mozzarella coated in golden panko tossed with Yabu’s special furikake blend and served with spicy aioli dip.

Yabu Family Sunday Lunch
Yabu Family Sunday Lunch

Meanwhile, my husband wanted to munch on an order of Agedashi Tofu (P265), panko-crusted Japanese tofu topped with shredded bonito flakes and grated radish, and served on a bed of soy-dashi sauce, while waiting for our katsu sets.

Yabu Family Sunday Lunch
Yabu Family Sunday Lunch

The pricing of these items is just right for a weekend family meal. It feels like something special and tasty that we can look forward to without breaking the bank.

Inviting Ambiance at Yabu SM Megamall

The ambiance at the SM Megamall branch of Yabu is inviting and comfortable, creating a pleasant dining experience for guests. The modern and stylish decor with sleek lines and contemporary furniture adds a touch of sophistication to the restaurant’s overall atmosphere. The warm lighting, with its soft and warm-toned lights, sets a relaxed and intimate mood, making it a perfect place to enjoy a meal with family and loved ones.

Yabu Family Sunday Lunch
Yabu Family Sunday Lunch

The seating arrangements at Yabu SM Megamall are thoughtfully designed to accommodate both small and large groups comfortably. Whether you’re dining as a couple or with a larger party, you’ll find seating arrangements that cater to your needs. The staff at Yabu SM Megamall are very welcoming and attentive, and quite prompt when we needed rice and cabbage refills. From the moment we entered the restaurant, we were greeted with a warm welcome and provided with any assistance or guidance we needed throughout our dining experience.

The vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the SM Megamall branch adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall dining experience. The restaurant is often bustling with activity, creating a lively ambiance that makes it a great place for friends and families to gather and enjoy a meal together.

Yabu Family Sunday Lunch
Yabu Family Sunday Lunch

I can say that Yabu House of Katsu does deserve its position as one of the fam’s favorite restaurants

This Yabu branch is located at Bldg B, SM Mega Mall, 202 EDSA corner Dona Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 9pm.

Yabu Family Sunday Lunch
Yabu Family Sunday Lunch

Other Yabu branches are located at:

  • Las Pinas: SM Southmall
  • Makati: Glorietta 2, Rockwell Powerplant
  • Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
  • Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
  • Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
  • Pasig: Ayala Malls the 30th, Ayala Malls Feliz
  • Quezon City: UP Town Center, SM North EDSA, Robinsons Magnolia, Ayala Vertis North, Robinsons Galleria
  • Taguig: SM Aura

Yabu House of Katsu also delivers via GrabFood.

Know more about its menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Yabu House of Katsu:

Chinese family meal at Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

For many of us Filipinos, Chinese food has become one of our go-to cuisines when dining out.

Not only has Chinese culinary influences permeated our own cuisine, its sheer variety and rich traditions have made fans of all sorts of food lovers.

The same is true with my family. Most of the time, when craving for a break from our usual lutong-bahay, we would hie ourselves to our local Chinese restaurant.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Since my childhood, Luk Yuen has been a family favorite. After attending Mass at SM Megamall, my parents usually took my brothers and me to dinner at the Luk Yuen outlet at the basement.

Now that I have a family of my own, with each of us having our own individual preferences when it comes to food. I’m happy to rediscover my faves at the same Luk Yuen outlet that my parents used to take me to, and that, despite our widely disparate gastronomic preferences, my husbands, kids and I can all happily enjoy a meal at this restaurant.

We started our meal with complimentary Hot Chinese Tea, traditionally used by Chinese diners to help ease digestion, boost metabolism and prevent overeating, among other health benefits.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

We can’t have a meal at a Chinese restaurant without ordering a platter of Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php265). This dish consists of cooked rice sauteed in a wok together with bits or char siu pork, cooked shrimp, scrambled egg yolks, along with chopped scallions, carrots and peas. While flavorful as it is, it goes so well with other Chinese dishes.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Another staple of Chinese cuisine is dim sum, and my family members are all fans of the Steamed Shrimp Dumpling (Php210). Also known as hakaw, it is made of plump shrimp and cooked pork wrapped together with aromatics in a transparent wrapper with its signature pleats. Its Cantonese name

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Deep-fried Bean Curd (Php175). A tasty appetizer also known as Crispy Tofu, it is made with cubes of soybean curd, deep fried and tossed in salt, pepper and chilis.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Birthday Noodles (Php465). Also known as Long-Life Noodles, this dish is the forebear of our own pancit and is traditionally served during one’s birthday with noodles consumed without breaking to signify a wish for a long life.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Boneless Chicken in Lemon Sauce (Php345). Marinated chicken thigh fillets, breaded and deep-fried, then drizzled with a tangy lemon sauce.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

Peppercorn Spareribs (Php395). Bite-sized pork spare-ribs deep-fried to crispy juiciness and topped with garlic and served with chilled vinegar.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

With these dishes, the fam’s combined appetites were sated and we were able to revisit some of my favorite dishes from my childhood visits at Luk Yuen.

All the dishes were flavorful, satisfying and affordable, certainly a great choice for a family meal during a bout of shopping.

Luk Yuen, SM Megamall
Luk Yuen, SM Megamall

This Luk Yuen branch is located at the Lower Ground Floor, SM Megamall Building B, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 86334396 or +63 956 7366816.

Other branches are located at Cash & Carry, Alabang, Greenhills, Glorietta and Capitol Commons.

Tong Yang Shabu Shabu Express, SM Megamall

If you think that treating your fam to a delicious shabu-shabu meal would be a costly and difficult endeavor, think again.

Especially as we are now in the midst of rainy season, a steaming bowl of soup can be quite a source of comfort.

The good news is that y’all can enjoy a tasty hotpot meal, quick and easy at Tong Yang Shabu Shabu Express at SM Megamall’s Eatogether Food Hall.

Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall

Choosing from these tasty selections, family members can build their own shabu-shabu experience:

  • Meats (120g): chicken fillet (Php140), pork belly (Php150), beef karubi (Php150), beef chuck eye (Php180), Australian lamb (Php250), striploin (Php250), Angus beef (Php420), Wagyu Beef (Php520)
  • Seafood (100g): squidflower (Php60), half-shell mussel (Php60), shrimp (Php120), cream dory (Php60)
  • Shabu-shabu balls: fish ball (Php80), fish cake (Php80), squid ball (Php80), crabsticks (Php80), mushroom ball (Php85), lobster ball (Php110), cheese ball (Php120)
  • Vegetables (50g): native pechay (Php25), Taiwan pechay (Php50), cabbage (Php25), corn (Php40), enoki mushroom (Php120)
  • Soup bases: chicken and pork (Php50), spicy mala (Php60), sinigang (Php55), laksa (Php60)m sate (Php60), pickled vegetable (Php50), Chinese herb (Php60)
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall

Or they can select from the affordably priced individual sets the one that best suits their shabu-shabu preference:

  • dumpling set (Php200 solo | Php320 regular)
  • vegetarian set (Php190 solo | Php300 regular)
  • pork set (Php200 solo | Php340 regular)
  • chicken set (Php220 solo | Php350 regular)
  • beef karubi set (Php230 solo | Php350 regular)
  • seafood set (Php250 solo | Php590 regular)
  • beef chuck eye set (Php420)
  • lamb set (Php480)
  • beef striploin set (Php480)
  • Angus beef set (Php650)
  • Wagyu set (Php800)
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall

But for a hassle-free group meal, a hotpot for sharing option would be the fam’s best bet:

Couple Sets:

  • mixed seafood and beef (Php350 solo| Php750 regular)
  • mixed seafood and pork (Php350 solo| Php750 regular)
  • premium meats (Php1,390)

Family Sets:

  • seafood feast (Php1,590)
  • premium meats for 4 (Php1,620)
  • combination set (Php2,150)
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall

We opted for a premium meats for 4 set where each family member got a personal soup pot (with our individual choice of soup base – mine was laksa, Hubby’s was spicy mala and the kids opted for chicken and pork), a sizeable selection of premium meats, seafood, vegetables and shabu-shabu balls, as well as a conduction stove in which to cook their own hotpot, we each basically had full control of our delicious and very filling shabu-shabu experience.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced shabu-shabu meal for the fam, Tong Yang Express is a great choice.

Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall
Tong Yang Express, SM Megamall

This Tong Yang Shabu Shabu Express branch is located at Eatogether Food Hall, Second Floor, SM Megamall Building A, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Other branches are located at:

  • SM Center Pasig, Frontera Drive, Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Avenue corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig
  • SM Light Mall, EDSA corner Madison Street, Mandaluyong
  • SM Cherry Shaw, 514 Shaw Blvd, Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong
  • The Rise Makati, 7248 Malugay Street, Makati
  • Eatogether Food Hall, 2/F Unimart at Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue corner Shaw Boulevard, Pasig

Check out my previous posts about Eatogether Food Hall in SM Megamall:

Great finds to #TreatYourself with at SM Markets

And just like that, we’re already in the BER months…

Can you already feel the difference?

In contrast to the general mood for the past two-and-a-half years wherein temperance and abstinence were the order of the day, we are now entering a period where we can feel right in rewarding ourselves for having pulled through.

SM Treat Yourself Live
SM Treat Yourself Live
SM Treat Yourself Live
SM Treat Yourself Live

Now is a time for a little bit of self-love, wouldn’t you agree?

That’s what SM Markets, specifically SM Supermarket and Savemore, brings to you through its Treat Yourself activations. There are different ways to treat yourself – such as indulging in delicious food, engaging in calming or creative hobbies such as cooking or baking or pampering yourself with bath and body products to nourish your body and build confidence.

These are embodied by SM Markets Ambassadors who graced SM’s Treat Yourself Day held last August 20 at SM Megamall with their presence, raffled off some items from their own collections, as well as shared their stories on how they treat themselves:

  • Travel vlogger Angel Dei splurges on hair care products
  • Food influencer Hazel Cheffy likes grocery shopping, even when she has already restocked her pantry
  • Star volleyball athlete Rachel Daquis makes sure to nourish her body with recovery food, especially after a hard day of games and practices
SM Treat Yourself Live
Me with Angel Dei, travel vloggger
SM Treat Yourself Live
Me with Hazel Cheffy, food influencer
SM Treat Yourself Live
Me with Rachel Daquis, star athlete
SM Treat Yourself Live
SM Markets Ambassadors with SM Mascots

The event also showcased practical and budget-friendly food items from Australian supermarket brand Coles. (More deets on Coles products here.)

SM Treat Yourself Live
SM Treat Yourself Live
SM Treat Yourself Live
SM Treat Yourself Live

The event also featured exciting bundles that bring freebies or savings from participating brands that visitors could avail of using their SM Advantage Card. These included:

SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 2 AMIGO SEGURADO SPAGHETTI 850G +
SWEET SAUCE 850G, get FREE AMIGO SEGURADO SPAGHETTI
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy ANGEL KREMDENSADA 410ML AND 1 ANGEL ALL PURPOSE CREAMER 370ML, save Php10
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 3 LUCKY ME KASALO PACK KALAMANSI 120g, get FREE LUCKY ME KASALO PACK
KALAMANSI 120g
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 1 BARILLA SAUCES BOLOGNESE 400G, get GET FREE BARILLA SPAGHETTI-500g
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 1 UFC GOLDEN FIESTA CANOLA OIL 1LX2 DUO PACK, get FREE UFC CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP 70G
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 2 CENTURY TUNA-FLAKES VEGETABLE OIL 180G AND 1 CENTURY TUNA FLAKES IN
CALAMANSI-155G, save Php5
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy KNORR-SINIGANG SAMPALOK ORIGINAL-44G, get FREE KNORR-SINIGANG SAMPALOK
ORIG 44G, or buy 3 KNORR-SOUP CRAB & CORN-60G, get GET FREE KNORR-SOUP CRAB & CORN-60G
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 3 ALASKA UHT_FRESH-1L, get FREE SM BONUS MARSHMALLOWS 200G
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 3 MEGA TUNA FLAKES IN OIL EASY OPEN CAN 180G, get FREE MEGA TUNA SPANISH STYLE 155G
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 1 JOLLY COCONUT CREAM 400ML AND 1
PINEAPPLE CHUNKS 567G, get FREE JOLLY WHOLE MUSHROOM 284G
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy JACK ‘n JILL NOVA COUNTRY CHEDDAR PARTY PACK 160G, save P5
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 1 ENSURE GOLD COFFEE 850G, get FREE SM BONUS FRUIT COCKTAIL 3.06KG
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 2 NIDO 5+ GROWING UP MILK 2KG, get FREE SM BONUS PURE HONEY 455g
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 2 COLGATE ADVANCED WHITE 160g X 2, get FREE PALMOLIVE SOAP PINK PINKISH &
GLOW 115g
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 2 HEAD & SHOULDERS SHAMPOO COOL MENTHOL 170ML, get
SM Treat Yourself Live
Buy 2 CREAMSILK TREATMENT KERATIN DAMAGE REPAIR 650ML, get FREE DOVE WHITE BEAUTY BAR SOAP 135G

You can look forward to similar fun activities and awesome bundles in upcoming mall activations and road shows:

  • Sep 3-4: SM Fairview mall activation
  • Sep 9-23: roadshow stores in SM Supermarket Sta. Mesa, Manila, Southmall, Novaliches, & Savemore Angono2
  • Sep 17-18: SM San Lazaro mall activation
SM Treat Yourself Live
SM Treat Yourself Live
SM Treat Yourself Live

So go ahead and #TreatYourselfInSM to enjoy all these awesome deals and reward yourself for all you’ve been through and accomplished for the past years.

Check out my previous posts about SM Markets:

Winner winner, chicken dinner at Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Just when you thought fried chicken is already “gasgas” (tired) as a food concept, here comes Bad Bird with its own bold statement: the umami fried chicken.

While many restos would tout the absence of MSG (monosodium glutamate) in their dishes, Bad Bird goes all out with it, using this ingredient in its natural and processed forms: dashi, mushroom powder, furikake, miso, and more!

Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Through trial and error, it has developed its proprietary fried chicken seasoning, the one that produces that umami taste, the inherent savoriness of fried chicken brought about to tickle and delight our taste buds.

On our way to another food adventure, fellow foodies Jen of SandUnderMyFeet, Nix of IEatAndIWander and I decided to sate our hunger at Bad Bird by pooling our GCs (the currency of the blogger microeconomy, hehehe). Our winning repast included:

Torched Corn & Cheese Chicken Plate (Php375). A huge piece of Bad Bird’s badass umami fried chicken – all crispy and juicy ready for our tummies – with our new favorite side dish, the torched corn kernels in cream cheese.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall
Bad Bird, SM Megamall

We added Bad Bird’s refreshing citrusy Homebrew Iced Tea to this meal set for just Php69 and upgraded the set’s original steamed rice to Dirty Rice (fried rice with bits of bacon, kimchi, liver and tamago) for just Php89.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Mango Rice Milk (Php170). A sweet and slightly tart shake made with fresh mango and Korean rice milk.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Garlic and Butter Crispy 2-Fry Wings (Php275). Six pieces of chicken wings tossed in the fragrant and flavorful garlic and butter sauce.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Rich Pork Noodles (Php265). One of Bad Bird’s filling noodle dishes where every noodle is bursting with umami.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall

By introducing new flavors to the classic fried chicken, Bad Bird has certainly revived the dish and remade it into something new to enjoy.

Bad Bird, SM Megamall
Bad Bird, SM Megamall

Did you know that if you and a friend ordered two drinks at Bad Bird, you can get the same two drinks free when you unlock your Zomato Gold privilege?

This Bad Bird branch is located at Third Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 77539729.

Other branches may be found at:

  • Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
  • Hole in the Wall, Fourth Floor, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City
  • Ground Floor, Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila