FOOD BLOG: For the Love of Cupcakes!

What's more unique than eating a delicious Red Velvet cupcake in a glass jar? Here it is! The famous Red Velvet cupcake in a jar by Stephanie Chu: For the Love of Cupcakes!

I just remembered last Friday night that Mother's Day was coming up and I was a bit school-occupied so I had no time to go to the malls and cram on what to give for my Madam Alicia. Good thing online shopping came in handy and I accidentally tumbled on the lovely Ms. Chu and an uploaded photo of her red velvet cupcakes on my Facebook newsfeed.

I know, I know... no more troubles of guiltily throwing those wrappers with really cute designs wrapped on the mouthful red velvet cupcakes that are now probably having their roller coaster ride in your tummies! The jars could be recycled to however you want to use them and it's up to you if you could keep the stickers and use them for future use (on an artsy project, maybe?).

 I ordered four cupcakes and had the stickers personalized especially for Mother's day (Except one: I had to order one for myself! I mean look at these! Who could resist? I can't just give a jar to my mom and drool as she eats the cupcake! Or worse, steal the jar and have it all to myself and probably tell her she should stick to her no-sugar diet. Nope, I don't think I'm not that cruel............. or maybe I am.....

I had to spread the white creamy frosting on top to even out the sweetness on the top layer

The color contrast of the white frosting and the cake just makes it more visually gorgeous (as always for red velvet cakes) and the texture is fairly light. The sweetness of the cream is just right! The sponge has an ample density as well. Overall this is totally yummy!

Order up!! :)

Contact: 0932 849 2357

For the health-conscious: This cupcake has about less than 250 calories per serving.

FOOD BLOG: Friday at Manna!

What better way to end your Friday night with Korean food? 

I always find Korean food to be healthier than other country dishes, that is why I have this theory that eating as many Korean food as I can won't make me much of a less healthier person... right? Haha. I've always loved eating korean food! The humble ingredients, condiments, materials, and techniques used by cooking Korean cuisines just makes every dish sophisticated and complex that every time I eat Korean food, I always know my teeth are lusciously grinding in an orchestrated manner, relishing every taste. 

1: Samgyeopsal: The subtle flavor of the vegetable compliments the delicious pork meat that served as its filling. Dipping it in either of the sauces (on the bottom right of the photo) is what makes this dish stand out. This is my new favorite korean dish!

2: Pork Bibimbap: The best bi-bim-bap I've tried! I'm not the biggest fan of this signature korean dish, so I was actually surprised I finished two plates of this one. This mixed dish of white rice, sauteed and seasoned vegetables, sauce and pork meat altogether creates a harmonious flavor that makes me want to eat everything straight from the bowl!

3: ?? I forgot what this one was, but it looked so appetizing I just had to grab a section of it from across the table (I was sitting on the far left haha)! The meat was so tender and flavorful that there was no need for me to slice it as it easily fell off and was readily waiting for my fork to stab it and put it inside my anticipating mouth! *Update: This dish is called Galbi Jjim.

PS: A big thanks to kuya JP for this treat! xoxo

Leyte-venture

Two weeks ago, I went past the borders of Davao City and ventured towards the Visayas! I wasn't alone though. I joined my friend Camila and her family on a road trip to Leyte. It was the longest road trip for me so far... sitting in the car for two and a half days with nothing much to do but either listen to whatever Camila's dad played on the radio to eating whatever whenever to reading a book to finally dozing off using Camila's shoulder as my pillow. Nevertheless, it was still fun! The plan was to basically just have a road trip, with a bit of stopping by to look at a few breathtaking views, eating at local restaurants and looking for hotels to spend the rest of the night in.

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR ROAD TRIP!

SANTO NINO SHRINE AND HERITAGE MUSEUM: You would think this is just a typical heritage museum, because that was what we thought at first as we entered the building. All there was to offer was a historical chapel with ceilings made of "banig" or the famous philippine handwoven mats... or so we thought. We never expected what awaited us behind the humble chapel: the mansion the late Ferdinand Marcos had built for his wife Imelda. It was so SO huge!! Really!! like !!!!!!!!!!! My exclamation points won't even make up for the impression of just how big the place is. It was was so legit and it literally gave justice to the dictionary meaning of a mansion. There was so much to see inside: paintings, iron couches, mirrors from countries like Egypt and Austria, jars from China and so much more.

This is the view inside the Santo Nino Shrine. The doors on the side served as guest rooms (all in all there are 13) with different themes. One thing common in all guest rooms is a "signed picture of Ferdinand and a diarama of Imelda showing some beneficial act."

Andrew (at the back), Dr. Yamas, Camila, and I in one of the guest rooms

One of the living rooms with jaw-dropping furnitures and paintings

Under the gigantic wooden chandelier in one of the Marcos' huge living rooms

 Imelda Marcos' bedroom. This was the grand finale of the tour. We missed to take a photo of her bathroom but I could definitely tell you it was much more grand. I could honestly say the size of her bedroom alone is equivalent to my entire house!

Handmade souvenirs near the exit door of the museum

For more deets on the Santo Nino Shine & Heritage Museum, you could visit this website:

Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

SAN JUANICO BRIDGE: The longest bridge in the Philippines! This bridge has a length of 2 km and connects the islands of Samar and Leyte.

For more deets on the San Juanico Bridge you could visit this website:

San Juanico Bridge

LEYTE LANDING MEMORIAL: Finally! I had my photo taken with Douglas MacArthur, Sergio Osmena Jr. and his men- or rather, I had my photo taken with their statues, at least. You could have a photo with the statues or in my case, pay a hundred pesos and have your photo taken by a local photographer together with a few props and a hard copy of the shot later.

For more deets on this historical park, you could visit this website:

Leyte Landing Memorial

Wait! Let's not forget my tasty highlights too! :)

Fresh Buffalo milk from the Visayas State University

Seafood at a local carenderia in Leyte

Wine and seafood at Ocho Seafood and Grill in Tacloban city!

I recommend you to try this restaurant when you visit Tacloban! It's no wonder the place was jammed with tourists and residents. Every dish was beyond savory!