Zomato Says Hello to Cebu

Zomato, the world’s fastest growing food and restaurant discovery platform, will be expanding services to Cebu and its wide array of dining options by the end of May.

“Cebu is a world-famous travel and food destination, not just for Manila dwellers, but also for international travellers. Based on recurring customer feedback, we jumped on board, explored the city, and began collecting data to provide better food and restaurant search information for the hungry public,” shared Zomato Philippines Country Manager Anton Ojeda.

Win Against Summer Acne with Proactiv

I’m summoning the summer-goddess in me as we head on the beach and feel the sand on our sun-scorched flip flops.  Notwithstanding the heat and what  summer  can do to our skin, it would be just dandy to meet some tips and tricks in maintaining that healthy glow and blemish-free skin.  We can’t deny the fact bring several complications to the skin and many poor unfortunate souls succumb to these.

I have this love hate relationship with summer you know, I do love how it brings out every beauty in the beaches and wherever the sunshine strike it is gorgeous but sweating, of dear Lord, sweating early in the morning without even moving or carrying something, that’s what I hate.  To make it worse, sweating can actually lead to acne. Sweat when mixed with excessive oil, dirt and bacteria on skin clog pores and lead to breakouts.  Though your overactive oil glands going on overdrive this summer, you can still have fun in the sun with your most potent anti-pimple helper:  Proactiv Solution, the leading anti-acne treatment product.

Inipit Dirt Cake Into Ice Cream Cake

My daughter and I have been fascinated with dirt cakes- you know, cake crumbs made to look like dirt, sand most of the time placed inside a pot and topped with eatable plant.

Also, I had to mention that it's been a long, long time that I had not posted any recipe here, though I had shared some photos of my kitchen creations at Instagram.  I'd love it if you can pay my IG account a visit and follow my epicurean gallery. 

Going back to the business with dirt cakes. there are many variations to making a dirt cake, so it's called.  My daughter who learned her way out in our kitchen with my supervision showed how easy it was to make dirt out of Lemon Square's Inipit Chocolate Cake.

DepEd launches the first T'boli Senior High School

After extensive consultations and planning with the indigenous peoples’ community, local government, and education partners, the Department of Education (DepEd) established the first Tboli Senior High School.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said, “This is the first of its kind. We endeavored to make sure that the curriculum as well as its [senior high school] offerings are in line with Indigenous Peoples culture and language. Ang eskwelahan dapat ang link between culture and development.”

He said, “Ito po ang kauna-unahang Senior High School na sinikap ng DepEd—kasama ang Ateneo de Davao—na kunsultahin at pakinggan ang mga hinaing at mga pangarap ng ating mga katutubo.”

Educating my Thai Palate at THAIPAN

Have you ever had those times when everything doesn't seem to fall into place and what you've planned didn't materialize for some out-of-this-world reasons?  I'm sure you all would be raising your hands and some would even have their feet up.  Well this is one of those days, but dare not to succumb to disappointments, rather I turn to food for some comforts.  Though I really wouldn't categorize my doing as emotional eating, or do I? 

Though this time, I turned to writing about food and well, eating a child-made gourmet-looking spring roll at the same time.  Also, I need to forgive myself for sharing you about this wonderful discovery, yet again at Tomas Morato, after I had tried it for about two weeks ago.  I know, I know, I should have blogged about this gem of an epicurean place the minute I've stepped out of the resto.  Everyone has to know about this and be enlightened about what Thai cuisine is all about.

A Jolt of Wonder at Cafe Alezon

If I could write a song or a sonnet maybe, it would be about food and home decorating...

Most artists have written lyrics of heartbreaks, love and intimacy but nothing could be compared more than writing about food...food that nourishes not only the body but the soul as well, well for me maybe.  When it comes to home decorating, both my husband and I love the mix of the old and the new, the rustic chic and vibrant vintage intertwined with simple modern leisurely living.  

But I'm not a song writer, not even a poet but I know for sure, I can write about what I ate or where we've been too that says about moments of wonders.

A couple of days ago, a friend of mine in the publishing business introduced me to someone affiliated to a cafe inside BF Resorts, in Las Pinas.  I was a bit adamant at first, for I'm guessing it's another run-of-the-mill cafe inside the infamous foodie-spot.  However, this came really quite a surprise for me and Bhogs when we got to visit the place. 

Our Sugarbabe's Birthday Treat at Dreamplay and Coldstone Creamery

After having read from a blog about Dreamwork's Dreamplay, I knew my girls would love to explore it.  So  Bhogs and I surprised Dana and Danica by telling them about Dreamplay, but of course it's someone's special day so we needed to have her consent on this and the decision was to be upon her.  

As her mom, I knew she'd say yes and delight on the gift.

Officially referred to as an education-based, interactive entertainment concept, DreamPlay contains plenty of physical challenges that will test the balance, bravery and creativity of kids while utilizing modern safety equipment to keep the nerves of watching parents under control. All experiences were designed exclusively for City of Dreams Manila by the artistic and creative forces of DreamWorks Animation and iP2 Entertainment, and this is the first attraction of its kind in the world.

Century Park Hotel, Where Mothers are Deared

It's time to show mom how loved she is. Why don't you spoil her and make her experience an indulgent Mother’s Day celebration on May 10 with Century Park Hotel's special treats in her honor.

If my mom would be here I would surprise her with an ultimate feast at the Café in the Park with the whole family over a lunch or dinner buffet for only P 1,430+ for adults, while kids eat for half the price with ages 6 to 12 years old and free for children 5 years old and below. This is already inclusive of unlimited iced tea or one glass of house wine or local beer.

Auntie Anne’s Pull-A-Parts with Nutella

My fellow Nutella-lovers  and Auntie Anne’s pretzel fanatics, it's high time to rejoice!

A limited edition snack worthy to be raved is now available - Pull-A-Parts with Nutella.

This sumptuous new snack is made from Auntie Anne's freshly baked dough, and gloriously slathered with Nutella (said in a high-pitched voice) and topped with Auntie Anne’s signature almond crunch.

No!  This is not exactly your average pretzel. Why? Because for one, it's uniquely-shaped in zig zag , thus it helps you to share the pretzel-love all because it is easier to tear and share to your family and friends!

From the combination of roasted hazelnuts, skim milk and a hint of cocoa, the unique taste of Nutella hazelnut spread compliments the soft Auntie Anne’s pretzels that are made from scratch with delicious dough, hand-rolled, twisted and baked to a golden brown.

Well-loved by kids and kids at heart around the world, Auntie Anne’s Pull-A-Parts with Nutella is surely a delicious treat that you don’t want to miss. Get your perfect snack treat in all Auntie Anne’s branches nationwide: Mckinley Science Hub BGC, Festival Mall, Sm Southmall, Greenbelt 1, Sm Mall of Asia, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, Cash and Carry Mall, Robinson’s Ermita, Greenhills Mall and Robinson’s Metroeast.

To get the latest updates about Auntie Anne’s and new baked goods, follow Auntie Anne’s Philippines on Facebook, @AuntieAnnesPHL on Instagram and Twitter.

Mood Food is the New Good Food

We are on the second quarter of 2015 and since I last checked I haven't written something about food trends.  Do I need to remind myself I'm writing about food?  Hmm...So let's see, first there was the rise of fusion culinary, then came the hybrids, the farm-to-table concept (one of my fave by far) then the ever increasing popularity of  comfort food indulgence.  However, I'm not going to push for more restaurant trends finding ways to change your dining habits here.  Though being gastro-aware can complement you to be better foodies right?

Enough with the babbling, as I was saying, there is a new culinary term linked to food and it rhymes..Sweet!  

Mood Food.

If at some point, eating out weighs you down, or something bad happened in your life that needed some boosting up without going out the confines of your dwelling, in other words, you're not in the mood for something, but let's face it, you still gotta eat.  Will you, 

A-starve till your bad mood pass away,

B- Open the fridge and eat whatever you find in it, or 

C- do something creatively healthy in the kitchen, dawning that bad mood.

If you answer A or B, you're hopeless and you don't need to read further.  On one hand, if you chose C then you're on the right track, "congrats!"  

Recent studies have discovered that there are certain foods to boost your moods.  Yes, there is a clear connection between mood and food.  I just found that out at the launch of Russell Hobbs Mood Food Cookbook last April 29 at Top Shelf Fully Booked, in BGC.  This cookbook shows the strong tie up between Russell Hobbs and Chef JP Anglo.

Russell Hobbs is a UK brand that is the global leader in stylish small kitchen appliances proven to be kitchen worthy in over 30 countries.  TOCOMS, the exclusive distributor of Russell Hobbs in the Philippines aims to bring the comforts of a modern, compact kitchen to every household.  With the cookbook in mind plus these kitchen appliances, "Everyone can be an expert in the kitchen preparing scrumptious dishes in the comfort of their own homes," says Clarence Cu, President and CEO of TOCOMS.

The cover of the cookbook