Adventures of the Happy Tummy

A hole in the wall along Malate's University belt hides a quaint gem of the Korean kind. Tucked close to Lein Guinto, this joint has steadily increased its patrons due to word-of-mouth, and people tend to forget the name just because it's so long! These dishes are food for two: Platter slices of Pork belly Platter slices of Beef belly 2 bowls of steamed rice Comes with: 5 types of appetizers A basket of lettuce ... 1 bowl of hot, kimchi soup A pitcher of water Total bill is P560 for two!  And here's the masterpiece! Love the thin slices of meat, especially if it's "tostado"! (toasted to crunchiness). Happy happy tummy! How to find it?

Dulcelin! Finally a cafe in the heart of QC to showcase more than just their popular desserts! Me and my girlfriends wanted to try something new anyways so here goes: SALAD: Interesting. Have to commend our server for recommending this rather than the usual house salad. Alrhough we were shocked that the serving is just 4pcs. That means there's just one for each. Haha.  Lovingly presented individually on Shiso(?) leaves, it was topped with some creamy rice, seared meat (shrimp, beef or tuna) and a mushroom-looking quail egg. It was a surprisingly good dish, actually. You grab one piece and shove it all in your mouth... the leaves give a crunchy, minty feel... rice and meat soft, and the flavors well put-together. Will definitely go back for this. PASTA:  Meatball fettucine. Unremarkable. I'd put chilli flakes to kick some edge to this. RIBS: Looks really dark here but it's due to the sauce and photo filter. Not so tender but the peppery taste is good. Rice with corn on the s...

Brunching at U.P. Town... thank you, WAZE! You're so smart now! Quick drive from Quezon Ave to Katipunan... u-turn near Rustan's Supermarket, go past the church and keep right! Then go past the compound to park. Papermache installations greeted us... and so did a slew of new restaurant concepts... Bakeshop... Cupcakes... Tonkatsu... Pancakes... + a few more upscale ones upstairs but we were famished so... We headed for Cafe Shibuya because it looks more brunch-friendly. (Food review to follow) Then off to Cotton On to shop. They'll add more shops soon! Bitin for now. Cheap thrills for dessert! Php25 twirl-all-you-can green tea soft ice cream!  Better ask the server for help if you want it perfect like so:

"Are these macarons made of gold?!?" haha! I was aghast at the pricetag after he posted his find on Instagram. Still, my friend granted this delightful indulgence as my pasalubong. Sweet. From the famous streets of Paris to the vibrant city of Singapore: Laduree! French macarons at its finest (so they say). Kinda love purple too... Haha, no surprise  after being subjected to a weekend in Singapore + a night in an airconditioned relief ops center... Colors are still candy-licious and ooooooh.... melts in your mouth! ☺️ A tiny bite on each gives such pleasure! But my, the calories! So I gladly shared, ok?  Never will I buy for myself with that pricetag but then again... Thanks to my super friend, H, for bringing a taste of France home!

Caleruega Church grounds, Batulao, Batangas. If you're looking for a sanctuary, a place of reprieve from the busyness of the metropolis, Tagaytay is where Manilenos usually head to. Now if you've fone to all the known places, here's a different one that's just a little past Tagaytay. It's been a lovation for school and company retreats and weddings too. A few hundred meters from Nasugbu/Tagaytay arc, turn left towards the (defunct) Evercrest Golf Club rotunda. Use the road in the right and go straight. You'll pass the Chapel on the Hill by the left. Slow down as you approach the wooden signage prompting you to turn right to Caleruega. Drive towards the wnd of the road and ask if your car can park inside the xompound. If not, then park by the road near the entrance. Php30/pax for the upkeep/donation. Walk in the bldg or walk along the paths... Go up for the church and gardens or fo down rowards the greenhouse, hanging bridge, koi ponds and stationa of the cross. ...