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Genki Sushi and their Interactive Ordering System

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Japanese cuisine is not new to us, it has been part of the Filipino culture ever since a long time. I have been into different Japanese restaurants recently and so far each of them didn’t disappoint me. One of the Japanese restaurants that I have been to is Genki Sushi.



It was one Thursday afternoon when I went to a bank appointment in BGC to process some paper works. I was dead hungry after the appointment so I looked for a place to eat. I was strolling around Bonifacio Stopover in BGC and I was surprised to see Genki Sushi. I really wanted to visit the place ever since I read an article about it at spot.ph…….finally!

Genki Sushi is a well-known restaurant in Japan not only because of their dishes but also of their interactive ordering system and the way how they serve the orders. Located at the 2nd level, Bonifacio Stopover Pavilion in BGC, Genki Sushi opened their first branch here in the Philippines last 2015.


“Irasshaimase!” a word that you will hear from the staff upon entering the place with a wide smile on their faces. The place looks neat and clean, I like the minimalist and simple environment. The staffs were accommodating and even asked me if it was my first time and of course I said yes! He explained how to order and how are the orders going to be served. He also suggested their best sellers that I could try.




Each table is equipped with an iPad which contains the menu and where you can place your order. Yes, there is no ordering counter or staff that will take your order, cool huh. A bill viewer is also available in the iPad so you can track your orders and avoid getting over your budget. Customers are allowed to place 4 orders at a time. Once your orders are ready it will be served via a mini bullet train (food conveyor). The bullet train coming from the kitchen will stop right in front of your table and after getting your order from the mini trains, just press the yellow button and the bullet train will automatically make its way back to the kitchen..cute! 






A hot tap water and powdered matcha is also available on each table and it’s free! So you can have your own unlimited matcha tea. As per the staff who assisted me, when preparing matcha tea it is best that you don’t stir the water, just put the matcha powder in a cup of hot water and let it dissolve for a few minute. I’m not a tea person so it was kinda new to me, haha, I only drink chamomile tea (the usual tea from the store), when i’m having a hard time sleeping. Anyway, the matcha tea tastes as it is, nothing extra ordinary, tastes good.


Genki Sushi offers an array of choices in their menu. From the appetizers to different kinds of sushi, sashimi, rice meals and noodles. They also serve deserts but are very limited same goes with their drinks. Side orders are also being served such as cheese fries, french fries, butter corn and many more. For the food price I think it’s above average, if you’re going to ask me, honestly the food were kinda pricey, but what do you expect, you’re in BGC :). The food tastes good though and the mini bullet trains are cute so I guess, somehow it compensates the price, lol. 






So, I ordered one serving of California Roll (Php160), Salmon Belly (Php90) and Fresh Tuna (Php90). I enjoyed the California Roll but not the latter orders. I just actually tried the Salmon Belly and Fresh Tuna but those aren’t really my kind of Japanese food and since they were Php90 each I just chewed a little and swallowed everything, haha. Next time I will try their Rice Meals and Noodles. They don’t have much choices for the drinks so I just ordered Iced-cold Coffee (in a can) and water. I would say that if you want to eat here budget at least Php500 per person. 

Overall, I enjoyed the place, interactive ordering system and of course the mini bullet train! Hopefully, I can go back so I can try other dishes from their menu. 


Update: They just recently open their 2nd branch in UP Town Center, Quezon City.


Genki Sushi
Address: Bonifacio Stop Over, Rizal Drive BGC, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Phone #: (02)753-6248
Operating Hours: 11AM-10PM 


Address: Ground Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Phone: (02)958-5010



Tokyo Power Rice : The Famous Tokyo Chikara Meshi (Beef Bowl)

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Tokyo Power Rice



The famous
Tokyo Chikara Meshi (Beef Bowl) is finally in the country! Tokyo Power Rice, a
famous restaurant in Japan, successfully opened its first branch in the
Philippines last July 2016. It is a new addition to the growing family of
Japanese restaurants in the country. Located at Tao Corporate Center in Makati,
Tokyo Power Rice offers affordable and quality authentic Japanese food in the
area.



Tokyo Power
Rice currently operates 12 branches in Japan and Philippines is the first country
aside from Japan to have experienced the famous Tokyo Chikara Meshi (Beef
Bowl). As per its owner, Mr. Remigio V. Tan, they chose the Philippines because
among the Asian countries, Philippines has the fastest growing economy and has
the best potential in the future. Its not only bringing Japanese food closer to
us but it also creates more job and I think that is something positive as far
as economy is concerned. Now don’t worry, I’m not going to dig further into
discussing about the economy as it is a very complex topic (at least for me)
and my brain cells aren’t yet ready for it. 

Tokyo Power Rice


In this article,
I’m going to be sharing with you my experience during my visit in Tokyo Power
Rice. Basically, about the place; its location, the food of course, the staff
and other good to know information. So, if you haven’t been there yet, read
through and pay Tokyo Power Rice a visit. Without further ado, here’s my humble
review about Tokyo Power Rice.

LOCATION

Tokyo Power
Rice is in Tao Corporate Center in Makati, 2291 Chino Roses Avenue Extension,
Makati City, Philippines, to be exact. The area is accessible through different
types of transportation however you may take a cab if you prefer the easy way.
It is situated near business establishments which makes it an ideal location,
if your office or you work near the area. Though if you’re not working in the
area and not familiar with the place you would not immediately notice it since
there is no signage on the street.


Tao Corporate Center



How to Get to Tokyo Power Rice

  • If you are commuting from the airport
    (Ninoy Aquino International Airport, NAIA) you would most likely take a bus to
    EDSA (main road in Manila) and alight at Magallanes Train Station. From there,
    take a jeepney going to Pasong Tamo and alight at Tokyo Power Rice.
  • If you are not coming from the airport,
    make your way to the EDSA and take either a bus or a train and follow the
    instructions above.

THE PLACE (INTERIOR AND CLEANLINESS)

The place
looks like the usual fast food set up though I must say that it’s more spacious
and comfortable than any other fast-food. The entire area is air-conditioned,
clean and well lighted. They a have a comfort/powder room and it is also clean
and well maintained. I like how they separate the order and pick up stations
from the main dining area.


Tokyo Power Rice




THE STAFF

“Irasshaimase!”, the word that you will first hear from the staff as you enter the place with
a wide smile on their faces. Irasshaimase is an honorific expression welcoming
someone somewhere, you would usually hear this whenever you are dining in a
Japanese restaurant. The staff are neatly dressed and are very accommodating.


Tokyo Power Rice

MENU

Tokyo Power
Rice offers a selective list of Japans flavorful dishes on their menu. From
Sauté Set Meals, Grilled Bowls and Curry, they bring affordable and money-worth
dishes to everyone. According to the staff, most of the ingredients are
imported from Japan to the Philippines, which makes it literally more of a
Japanese food, though some of the ingredients are from the Philippines to
ensure the quality and freshness of the food they serve.


Tokyo Power Rice


Tokyo Power Rice

FOOD

I bet this is
the part that you are all most interested in, right? Well, as I have said,
the food is worth the money. They are affordable and are served generously. We
ordered two of their best sellers, Regular Grilled Beef & Vegetable Bowl
and Large Grilled Pork Bowl. The food was served in less than 10 or 15 minutes,
I guess because we came after lunch time so there wasn’t much customers that
time. The food was served with miso soup which is usual in almost all Japanese
restaurants that I’ve been to. It wasn’t elegantly plated but it looks flavorful
and enticing and was served generously, seriously, I even had a hard time
finishing my regular Grilled Beef & Vegetable Bowl. It was very flavorful
from the beef to the rice. I like how they put flavorings on the rice which
added an extra taste to the dish. Overall, I had a sumptuous meal for a super
affordable price.


Tokyo Power Rice





Tokyo Power Rice



Tokyo Power Rice



I got the
chance to ask one of the customers about his thoughts on Tokyo Power Rice, Ivan said: “The food was
fantastic and unlike other Japanese restaurants, their meals aren’t greasy. The
Grilled Pork Bowl is superb and really tasty. I think even those who are not
into Japanese cuisine would like the food. I also like that they give options
for those who would want more by offering 250gms and 280gms for just an
additional 50 pesos! For someone who loves to eat this is two thumbs up! As for
the staffs and their service, everyone is very friendly and very accommodating!”

I wish they
have a branch in BGC, I think I would eat there more often. Good news though, according
to the staff, they will be opening a 2nd branch in SM Mall Of Asia hopefully
by December 2016. The management is also planning to open another branch in BGC
and Alabang which I am looking forward to. Craving for a Japanese food yet you’re
not in the mood to go out? No worries, Tokyo Power Rice will deliver it right
in your doorstep, though they are only delivering within Makati and BGC area.
You may call 986-0485 for delivery.





Tokyo Power Rice

Japanese
cuisine is not new to the Filipino’s and it has been part of our culture ever
since a long time. Bringing the famous Tokyo Chikara Meshi (Beef Bowl) here in
the Philippines is a great idea. You don’t need to fly to Japan to have a taste
of authentic Japanese dishes, Tokyo Power Rice brings it closer to you.



Tokyo Power Rice





UPDATE!! December 28 2016: Tokyo Power Rice MOA Branch is now open! Located at the Ground Floor, Entertainment Mall of Asia (Across Ace Hardware).


NOTE: This review has been submitted to be published in a book in Comic Market in Japan. 




Freezer Burn PH || Ice Cream with a Twist!!

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ALERT! Summer/Winter is coming! This caught my attention while I was scrolling on my news feed and nope! this isn’t a Game of Thrones  teaser…….it’s an ice cream parlor!

Freezer burn is a newly opened sweet spot in BGC. Located at G/F Q3, Bonifacio High Street, BGC, it started serving its uniquely conceptualized ice creams last July 2. It’s a result of Chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla’s dessert experiment and a new addition to their babies. It’s not just your regular ice cream stop, it’s a combination of a cold one-of-a-kind ice cream and hot fried sweets. Last tuesday, Ivan and I visited this place and tried their sweeties.

The place was small but I loved it. I liked the pastel colored wall and decorations. It brings out the kiddie-side in me and adds to the feel good vibes of the place. There are 7 rounded chairs inside and 2 4-sitter tables outside. Even the chairs and buzzing light numbers are pastel colored. I also liked the hospitality of the crews. Just right after we entered the door one of the crew energetically greeted us and asked us if it was our first time. She then began suggesting their best sellers enthusiastically and patiently waited until we gave our orders.

Lazada Philippines

They have 8 ice cream flavors; Butter, Brown Butter Pecan, Maple Bacon, Corn and Cheese, Cookies and Junk Food, Chocolate, The Best Mint Stracciatella, Ketchup and Mayo. Originally they have 45 flavors but they chose 8 strong ones for their opening. They’ll be introducing a new flavor every month.

Ketchup and Mayo as an ice cream flavor? Wondering how does it taste? I didn’t order it so I don’t know the taste but for sure it does taste good. You can either order it as it is (in scoop) or tandem it with their freshly fried fries. Will surely try this one on my next visit. I was also intrigued by their Maple Bacon and Corn and Cheese ice creams. Something to look forward plus the new flavor that they’ll introduce every month.

We ordered their Composed Desserts (P295 each) which I really loved. Composed Dessert is a combination of ice cream and your fave hot dessert in one box.  I highly recommend that you try these too. I ordered Junkie – Cookies and Junk Food Ice cream + Nutelladonuts and caramel sauce, while Ivan ordered Ola! – Chocolate ice cream + Churros.

Cookies and Junk Food ice cream really tastes good, though it’s too sweet but I liked it. I also loved the Nutelladonuts, I felt like I could eat a bunch of those. Wondering what’s the syringe doing in the box? it’s the caramel sauce.You can either top in on the donuts or on the ice cream or both. There is really no right way to eat it. You can dump the donuts on the melted ice cream or just eat them the usual way.

Of course I tasted Ivan’s Chocolate ice cream and Churros. Though the churros tastes like the usual I loved how they served it hot freshly fried. The chocolate ice cream tastes like no other (I love chocolates so I think i’m kinda bias on this, lol). It’s super chocolate rich, bitter at first then it gets sweet once melted.

They also have ice cream scoops with cone, worth P150 for no toppings, P180 for two topppings, P190 for three toppings and a Sampler Bowl (four scoops of ice cream) worth P395. Milkshakes, hot chocolate and ice cream float are also available for P250.

I really enjoyed the place and the ice cream experience. Though it’s a bit pricey, maybe because it’s in BGC and almost everything there is pricey. But I wouldn’t mind paying a lil bit extra for an extra-ordinary ice cream flavor. I’m planning to go back and try their other flavors.

PS: I heard that they will be releasing an ice cream flavor inspired by the Game of Thrones characters. Something that we all need to watch out. 

Freezer Burn PH
Address: G/F, Q3, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Facebook: Freezer Burn PH
Contact#: 0927 387 2703
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00AM – 12:00AM

Le-Burgeria || A New Addition to the burger houses in taguig || Review

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https://www.facebook.com/LeBurgeria/?fref=ts

A lot of Burger Cafe’s are popping out like mushrooms these days. I’m not complaining,  in fact I love it coz I get to have a lot of cafes to dine and blog with haha. More business means good economy, good economy means happy people, happy people means world peace? (corny, haha) . Before you roll your eyeballs, this isn’t an economy-status-like or a 9gag-you-must-laugh post, so chill and continue reading. 😀

Le Burgeria is a newly opened Burger Cafe which started their operations some time around June this year. Located at No. 9 Pag-asa Street (Kamias St.), Barangay North Signal Village, 1632 Taguig, Philippines, it is a new addition to the growing family of Burger Houses (Burger Cafe as what I call it) in Signal Village. Le Burgeria serves Burgers, Pastas, Fried Chickens and Milkshakes.


Lazada Philippines

Two weeks ago on a rainy Friday afternoon, me, Ivan and friends visited this place. We arrived just few minutes after they open and the crowd was jam packed. Good thing there were two available tables when we arrived. Let me start my review with the location.
LOCATION
Located at North Signal Village in Taguig, the place is easy to find and accessible via public transpo. The street where it is located is just a small one so avoid bringing a car as there is no parking space. Better go there by commuting.
PLACE (The Cafe itself)
Let’s start first with the good stuff. The place is decorated nicely, I like how they painted the wall which looked like bricks. I also like the idea of using chalkboards for their frame designs on the wall, it’s creatively colorful in a pocket-friendly way. Their menus are also written on a chalkboard though some letters are too small or erased making it hard to read.

Menu written on a chalkboard. Too small and letters are erased, very hard to read. 

Now let’s go to the not-so-good stuff. The place is very small, though somehow I understand coz they’ve just started their operations recently. But I would really love it if they will expand the area just a little bit more. Since the area is small, it is not well ventilated, there were ceiling fans but not enough to at least provide a little comfort. The entrance of the cafe is open (no wall/door) so there were a lot of flies . Hindi sa nag iinarte ako but how can you eat and enjoy your burger and milkshake if you’re busy shooing the flies. Worst is, there’s a high change that they will land on your chocolaty milkshake. One more thing is that, street kids are freely roaming inside the cafe. It’s perfectly fine with me if they will ask for some money or food but what I don’t like is they’ll keep on bugging you even after giving them what they want (kuya pahingi pera. kuya pahingi tubig, kuya akin na lang yang fries, kuya akin na lang yang donut). We even gave them a mocha frappe but just right after they finish drinking it they went back and asked for more.

They have i think 8 or 9 4 seater tables, 

FOOD

Here comes the most awaited part, the highlight of this review :). As mentioned above they serve Burgers, Pastas, Fried Chickens and Milkshakes. We want to try their burgers so we ordered Bacon-Mushroom Cheeseburger, Regular Junior Stacker with Fries and for the Milkshake we ordered Chocofudge Donuts.

Their Menu. Better than the chalkboard one. 
Bacon-Mushroom Cheeseburger with Fries and your choice of drink. P110
Regular Junior Stacker with fries and your choice of drink. P230

Burger: Let’s start with the price, I must say that it is worth of it’s price. I liked how the burgers were plated- in a wooden box. The size of the bread is same as with what the usual fast food have but it is generously stuffed with home-made patties, cheese, mushrooms and bacon and flooded with dressings. Totally not bad for a P120 burger, though it tastes like……..a burger, nothing’s so surprising, nothing different but it taste good. Instagram worthy? YES!!

They also provide plastic hand gloves so it’ll be easier for you to eat the burger

Milkshake: Le Milkshake as what they call it. It looks cute and mouthwatering. I liked the way it was served – in a mason jar. Though the only thing that I don’t like about it is the whip cream which is kind of overpowering the taste of the milkshake. The chocolate donut also tastes good. Overall it was a worth it 90 peso milkshake.  Instagram worthy? YES!!

Chocofudge Donut. P90
Chocofudge Quadruple Donuts. P120

Fries: Much better than the ones in the fast food (except for Mcdonalds-my fav fries :p ). Nothing’s special but tastes good. Again, not bad for a P45. It also comes with your choice of drink – iced tea or lemonade.

Fries with your choice of drink. P45
Cute writings/quotes in their mugs. 

WAIT TIME

Ok, so…..there’s really nothing good that I can say about the wait time. For crying out loud the wait time before orders were served was HORRIBLE. We ordered Burger, Fries and Milkshakes and we waited for more than an hour. Does it really take more than an hour to prepare those?

VERDICT

The food tastes good, affordable (sulit na sulit) and instagram worthy.
Will I go back? 5% MAYBE || 90% NO.
Why? Because of the wait time.

Le Burgeria
Address: No. 9 Pag-asa Street (Kamias St.), Barangay North Signal Village, 1632 Taguig, Philippines
Hours: Mon-Sun 3:30 – 11:00
Contact#: 0915 748 4889
Facebook: Le Burgeria

Choco-Late de Batirol : A Bittersweet Filipino Tradition

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I first saw this restaurant featured in Umagang Kay Ganda last year and since then I really wanted to visit it. I’ve been to Baguio multiple times but I haven’t really heard of this place, not until I saw it on the Television. Last June 23,  I had the chance to go back to Baguio to celebrate my 25th birthday, so I never let that Baguio moment pass without visiting Choco-Late de Batirol.

From Golden Pine Hotel-where we stayed, we took a cab to Camp John Hay. Choco-Late Baterol is a garden restaurant located in Igorot Park, Camp John Hay. Choco-late de Batirol is a garden-restaurant with a relaxing and cool ambiance. It’s like having a good hot thick chocolate drink in the middle of a forest in a fairyland. The rustic furniture complements with it’s ambiance – wooden chairs and tables and the roofing are made of recyclable materials.

They are known for their famous hot, thick, bittersweet tsokolate drink made from the local cacao beans traditionally blended using a pot and a batirol (wooded whisk with spiky end). They also serve different Pinoy food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and different pinoy meriendas.

I ordered hot Cinnamon Choco-late de Batirol and Bibingka. I was supposed to order Suman sa Lihiya but it was not available so I ordered Bibingka instead. Ivan ordered Strawberry Choco-late de Batirol and Langka Turon.

I was very excited to taste their famous tsokolate and it was indeed one of a kind. It reminds me of the hot chocolate that my lola used to prepare for me when I was a kid. It has a balanced taste of bitterness and sweetness, pleasing to the tongue, very thick and creamy, perfect for the cold weather of Baguio.  Plus the cinnamon and strawberry complements well with the taste of chocolate.

Their Bibingka was good too though it tastes like the usual bibingka for me. The texture is not too dry, it’s fluffy and generously topped with grated coconut. Still, nothing beats the Bibingka that I used to eat when I was still in the province (I grew up in Negros, iba talaga ang Bibingkang gawa sa Negros 🙂 ). Their Langka Turon also tastes good. I guess what makes it tastes different is the thick chocolate drizzled on top.

Nonetheless, we really enjoyed the food and it was worth of its price. Sad though coz we were not able to witness how the hot chocolate is being prepared traditionally which is one of the main reasons why we went there. I asked one of the crew and she said that they are only doing the demo if there’re few people and there were quite a lot of customers that day.

They also sell different locally made pasalubong products such as Pili Nuts, Cashew Nuts, Ga

rlic chips and the famous Baguio jams such as Strawberry Jam, Mango Jam and Ube Jam.

This cute cat was with us the whole time and he slept on our laps 🙂 

It was indeed one of the super relaxed birthday that I had so far. 🙂 Will definitely visit this place again.

NOTE: Its a challenge to hail a cab in the area. Kinda hard to use Grab either.


Choco-Late de Batirol
Address: Igorot Garden, Cam John Hay, Baguio City
Store Hours
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Website: www.chocolatedebatirol.com
Facebook: Choco-Late de Batirol
Email: chocolatedebatirol@yahoo.com
Contact Numbers:
0917-877-1427 or
0917-877-1428

Antiteasis : Books and Brews

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I’ve been in Maginhawa street before when I visited The Nook and since then I really wanted to go back and try some other cafe’s in the area but I just didn’t have the time (I guess) and it’s far from my place (I live in Makati and QC is already far for me). That’s why when I got the chance to go to QC last Friday (to visit my partner’s grandma) I took that opportunity to go to Maginhawa since it’s only one ride away from my partner’s grandma’s house.

We went there around 3:00 PM and we didn’t have any idea on where to go or what cafe to visit since it was more of a biglaang lakad thing. So we just decided to go there and walk along the street and choose a cafe that will  caught our attention first.

While walking along the street, Antiteasis Books and Brews caught our attention because of it’s cozy ambiance and there was nobody inside, haha. We decided to check it and we liked the place so we stayed. The area was small with 5 tables  inside and 3 tables outside and it was like a mini library because there were a lot of books. At first we thought that it’s close because we were not greeted by someone and there really was nobody inside. After almost a minute of saying “hello” a girl came out of the door and asked us our orders (quite weird).

The choices from their menu board was quite limited and we just wanted to drink something refreshing so we ordered Strawberry Yakult Smoothie and Banana Cinnamon Smoothie. The smoothies tastes good, worth of it’s price and it looks cute as it was served in a mason jar.

We stayed there for quite a while and read some books. Board games are also available. We played monopoly and t’was fun. A socket is also available for charging.

Though the only thing that I kinda don’t like about the place was the girl who took and served our orders. I think she could have been more accommodating but it was not really a big deal. I guess I was just expecting much courtesy like what we’ve experienced when we visited The Nook.

Overall, we liked the place. It was small but cozy and if one is looking for a place to just relax, read or study Antiteasis Books and Brews is one of those.

Antiteasis Books and Brews 
Address: Unit C, 154 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, 1100 Quezon City, Philippines

Open during: Mon-Sun: 1:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Contact #: +63 906 342 4599

Cafe Travel

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I was strolling around the net in my quest to look for a unique, cozy and feel good-vibes cafe around the Metro when suddenly this cafe caught my attention. Cafe Travel, from the name itself one will obviously assume that it is a travel themed cafe decorated with different things that represents different places on earth or stuff such as passport, plane, luggage, backpack and other usual traveler things. But it’s kinda not like it.



Cafe Travel is a Korean themed cafe located along Taft Avenue in Malate Manila. Yes! it is a Korean Cafe! 🙂 It first started in Korea and the owner thought of bringing it here in the Philippines which is something new for the Filipino customers. They currently have two branches here in the Philippines, one in Manila and the other one is in Cebu.

It is not the usual cafe with tables and chairs. The area is divided into cubicles with one table, pillows and no chairs. Since it is Korean-themed the set-up is of a Korean way. I kinda like this idea as it provides privacy to each customers. One can enjoy a somehow private area while chilling with your friends or loved ones :). Remember to always take your shoes off when you enter the cubicle or use the stairs.

They serve different iced and hot beverages and cakes. The food are kind of pricey but very worth it-large servings and it really tastes good. I wouldn’t mind paying 190 pesos for a slice or dark chocolate cake which is almost good for 2 persons.

Menu

Different Cakes at the counter area.

We tried their Tuna Pie, Dark Chocolate Cake, Travel Green Tea and Travel Caramel





They don’t have Wi-Fi which is good, so one can really have quality time with each other. Each cubicle has an electrical outlet so you can charge your phones or laptops if it runs out of battery.

The only things that I don’t like about the cafe are the writings on the wall and the loud sound of music. The walls are crowded with a lot of messages from those who has been there which makes the place looks dirty, not to mention those messages that contains foul words. I think it could have been better if those messages are written on a post it and pinned on the wall. I think it’ll add more color and “cute-effect” to the place. Hopefully the owner will have the wall repainted and strictly forbid the customers to write on the wall.

Look how dirty the wall is. 

But overall, I enjoyed our stay in the Cafe. The food are worth it and the staff are courteous. When we entered the place the guard politely smiled, handed the menu and asked us to choose a table first before ordering.

If you are looking for a cafe that offers privacy, Cafe Travel is worth a visit.

Cafe Travel
Unit 3 2464 Archer’s Nook Center Taft Avenue Malate, City of Manila, 1004 Manila, Philippines
Schedule: Monday-Sunday 9am – 12am
Contact Numbers: 09052248003 / 09291559770 / 02)242-5871
Email: ctlp.taft@gmail.com
Facebook: Cafe. Travel



Ball Pit Manila : A Playground-Themed Cafe Exclusively for Adults

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Ball Pit Manila, a playground-themed Cafe exclusively for kid-dults (adults) is surely a place for relaxation and de-stressing, just in the heart of the city. One can dive and swim in a pool filled with 80,000 white plastic balls, drown all worries and stress and leave it there.

This adult playground-themed cafe is a 20 square meter pop-up installation inspired by an art installation popular in the US and London. Located just in the heart of Makati, this cafe will only run for a limited time (March 1st till the first week of May). Exclusively for adults only (16 years old and above), an ideal escape for those who are exhausted from their works and stress brought by the busy life in the city.

We found this place while strolling around the net looking for a cool place to visit on our rest day. There is a Php349 fee for those who wants to swim in the pool of balls good for an hour but if there are no guests waiting I guess it’s ok to stay as long as you want. The fee also includes two rounds of regular coffee or iced tea. You have to book your visit in advance as they don’t allow walk-ins. You can book through their website at www.ballpitmanila.com. They currently have a promo, Php299/pax for an hour of swimming in the pool of balls with free coffee or iced tea.

Shoes are strictly not allowed in the cafe and in the pit. You have to take it off and store in the cabinet provided. You also need to bring and use fresh socks (meaning not yet worn). They also have an available socks if you forgot to bring one (I believe it is for sale, I forgot to ask).

Our cute and colorful socks! ^_^ 
If you get tired playing or your 1 hour play time in the pit is over you can stay in the cafe for as long as you want and try the food available in the menu. You can also play selected card and board games.

Look how cozy it is!
Cupcakes and pasta

An electrical outlet is also available for those who want to charge their phones if it gets empty of taking a lot of Instagram-worthy pictures and videos.

They are also open for pre-nup / shoots, conferences, parties, team buildings and other events. Please check their website for the packages and the costs.

Overall, it was such a refreshing and fun cafe experience. Believe it or not, it was my first time playing in a ball pit. I grew up in the province and we had no Malls back then, no playgrounds filled with these balls. I really enjoyed it a lot and it I felt like I was a kid again. Ball Pit Manila unleashed the kiddie force that has long been sleeping inside of me 🙂 .



Ball Pit Manila’s Location and other info

Address: Unit 202, Campos Rueda Bldg., 101 Urban Ave., Makati (Near Makati Med and just right beside Red Planet Hotel)
Website: www.ballpitmanila.com
Facebook: ballpitmanila
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The Nook Cafe : Muggles Hogwarts Experience

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Ever heard of a Harry Potter-Themed Cafe? Cool right! When i first

saw it on my facebook wall i got very excited and immediately

marked a date on my calendar for a magical (yeah i know I’m a bit exaggerated

) trip to this cafe in the north called The Nook Cafe. I’m such a

Harry Potter fan and i can’t forgive myself if i miss this place.


Chalkboard Menu Standee
Located in Maginhawa Street Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, the

Nook Cafe is only one of the numerous food places along the said

street. They are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 7:00PM


Our original plan was to go there early (before they open) but we got stuck in the traffic jam in EDSA (we came from Makati) so we arrived at

around 1:30 PM and the place was already full so we waited for like

more than an hour. Despite of the long wait we were still

quite lucky because a lot of muggles arrived after us and a heavy rain came. But to my surprise, even if it was raining there were still a lot of people patiently waiting outside. For real!

The Leaky Cauldron
old-box

The place looks like a typical cafe outside and has a small area. But once you go inside that’s where the magic happens. It’s like passing through platform 9 3/4 in the Harry Potter Series, only this one is a Philippine version ^_^. It can only accommodate limited number

of customers but the Harry Potter ambiance makes it comfortable

and cozy. The ground floor has 5 tables including the ones outside

and 3 small tables on the second floor that can accommodate

roughly around 7-10 people. There were no chairs on the second floor

so you have to sit like of a Korean and you have to

take your shoes off. The place is full of harry potter stuff, like, owl, portraits, medals, books and many other. There’s a broom stick hanging from the second floor and a hammock which also hangs from the second floor (yes, kind of scary at first but t’was comfortable).


They have plenty of choices from their menu and ButterBeer is the most famous one which is also famous in the Harry Potter

series. We ordered Iced Caramel Macchiato (110), Hot Cafe Latte

(95), Pesto (140), Bacon Wrapped chicken (140) and Red Velvet Cake (i forgot the price). The food were heavenly delicious (for us) but we fell in love with Bacon Wrapped Chicken. We wanted to try everything that was listed in their menu but our tummy can’t accommodate anymore additions. Well at least we still have reason to go back some other time.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Hot Cafe Latte

Another interesting and fun thing about this cafe is that you can play different board or card games while enjoying your food. It’s a perfect total barkada, family, lovers bonding! Not only that, if you get tired playing you can also wear  a Gryffindor cloak, round-shape eye glasses, hold a wand, strike a pose like you’re casting a spell and take some selfies! You can look-like and feel-like a real Gryffindor nerd in Hogwarts! Haha. Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff cloaks are also available. Different books are also available to read for the book lovers. All off these stuff can be borrowed at the counter.

Me wearing a Gryffindor cloak and holding Dumbledore’s wand and Ivan wearing a Slytherin cloak and just a regular wand. lol
Wingardium Leviosa!

One last thing that got me so impressed about this place is the hospitality of the owner. We were not able to get her name but she was so accommodating. She visits us from time to time asking if we’re okay or enjoying our food and she even teaches us how to play some card games. She didn’t rush us even if a lot of people are waiting outside and even told us to take our time and enjoy. Very impressive!


The Nook Cafe is really one of a kind cafe experience. Highly recommended. At least for a day a muggle like me experienced the life of a Wizard! Might be exage for you but what can i do, I’m such a Potterhead! ^_^




HOW TO GET THERE:

  1. The easiest way is to take a cab (which we did)
  2. If you’re from the South, take a bus going to SM Fairview. Go down in Kamias then ride a jeepney bound to Project 2&3 and tell the driver to drop you off at Sikatuna Village. From there, you can walk or take a pedicab or tricycle and tell the driver to drop you off at The Nook in Maginhawa Street.
So far these are the routes that i know. If you know any other route please feel free to share it.


Sorry i only have few pictures. This blog was not yet active when we went there and I already deleted some photos on my phone. I will update the pictures once i get back there. 





The Nook Cafe
164-A Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
Phone Number: +63 9159743660
Open during:
Tue-Sat: 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sun: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm


Ivan and Jayson

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