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Car Accident: Why we need better transportation?

#wewantubergrab, Read my Uber car accident and my two cents on the LTFRB new orders

On my way to work this morning, I was involved in a car accident. I was sleeping when suddenly I fell off my seat. The driver was cursing, when I gained my orientation, I saw a white sedan had hit us. The impact was strong, from the looks of it, the car was severely damaged.

The driver even have to crawl to the passenger seat cause he couldn’t open his door. I was lucky I was not sitting on that��

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Salted Caramel Mini Pancakes - My new favorite If you follow my Instagram or this blog, you will know how much I love breakfast. When I had a quick meeting at Caravan Black, we ordered these two sets of mini pancakes -- Salted Caramel Dip and Nutella Banana.

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Hooray for a restaurant/diner post. I am in the middle of contemplating whether I should still keep this little space alive because I cannot longer maintain it. But the main purpose of this blog was really to capture my memories, the digital version of my diary.

Enough drama! It is my third time in Denny’s the first two was in BGC when my first visit was only a glass of Mojito and the second one was a dinner with friends (photo below)

My third visit was in Trinoma for a dinner celebration with the husband. From my previous post you will see that we celebrated his birthday with a staycation and we went out to get a bath bomb and dinner.

He ordered this Bourbon Burger which I snatch some bacon, my closeup cannot justify how huge it is.

As for me, I got myself a Bistek Terderloin. I also ordered their lemonade (cause I love lemonade) and then husband got his beer.

I love Denny’s because they offer all day breakfast, not to mention Filipino Breakfast, yay! And then pancakes, lots of varieties. Their establishment has screens hanging around the area with sports shows on it, I figured out, that’s the purpose of the burgers, beers, skillets, and nachos in the menu. They have more offerings than I could type in this entry. By the way, they are part of the Bistro group so if you have the Bistro card you can enjoy member perks and discounts.

Since they are 24/7 in BGC, most likely, I will see myself going back for another round of Mojito!

Cheers!

BGC: Uptown Parade, 38th Street Trinoma: Level 4, Garden Restaurants

Love all day breakfast like me? Check out Denny's Diner to satify your cravings Hooray for a restaurant/diner post. I am in the middle of contemplating whether I should still keep this little space alive because I cannot longer maintain it.

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I was looking for an affordable hotel with a pool and spa to stay over the weekend for hubby’s birthday. Mr. Google gave me Cocoon as one of the options. Cocoon is the sister hotel of Hive Hotel & Convention Center, luckily we had an event there twice and I was able to call our account manager to book a room.

Cocoon Boutique Hotel is an eco-friendly hotel. From the lobby, you will see reclaimed wood accent which made the hotel cozy.

The room has the same reclaimed wood accents. It feels like a house of your grand mother in the province plus luxury.

It has a cable TV and WiFi for you to be still engaged in your digital world.

A nice bathroom with organic toiletries and Egyptian towels.

From the papers, menu, pens, twigs, they really are promoting a green business. Instead of replenishing PET bottles of water everyday, they refill your water in a mason jar.

And for the trash can, you have the most common practice of segregation.

This room also comes with breakfast – main dish ala carte and buffet side dishes (egg, fruit, bread, salad, and drinks)

Look how lovely the plate is, I ordered Tapa in over easy egg because I love Tapa.

I am impressed how a business could care to our environment. Even if they are just one establishment, it surely contributes to the rehabilitation of our nature. I hope more businesses will start doing small acts to save our environment for our future generation.

Will I come back? Definitely. I am starting to love staycations now.

And oh, Happy Birthday to my husband.

Price Range: PHP 4,200 – PHP 6,500 Location: Sct. Tobias corner Sct. Rallos, Diliman, Quezon City.

*Not a sponsored post

Take a peek of an eco friendly hotel in Quezon City I was looking for an affordable hotel with a pool and spa to stay over the weekend for hubby's birthday.

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It’s been a long time since I attended a blogger event. My startup events life has always been busy lately. I got an invite from Aldous to celebrate his birthday at Solstice in Rockwell.

I’ll be with Eyah, so I said yes. It was raining that night and when we arrived at the venue a trio was playing.

Solstice By Illustrado is formerly known as Solstice Bistro and Boulangerie offering modern continental and heritage Filipino-Spanish cuisine.

As they unveiled new items in the menu they have also revamped the dining area to cater festivities. The main dining room can seat up to 120 guests while the room upstairs is perfect for small functions not more than 25 guests.

I get to eat with Chef Bernice, while she passionately explain the twist she brought in each dishes.

Let me show you some of their best sellers and new items that we all going to look forward to.

Baked Eggplant in Filo

At first glance I thought these were samosas but when you dig into it, your grilled eggplant taste memory will come back to life and satisfy your palette. If you prefer something light this can be your go to lunch.

Truffled Hummus

I love hummus and this version with truffle oil? Heavens! Must try for appetizers.

Salmon Ceviche Poke

If you are looking for something refreshing, I am highly recommending this Poke with Salmon Ceviche. It has fresh veggies from crunch, brown rice, teriyaki sauce, nori, and the ceviche. This for me is another satisfying healthy choice from the menu.

Sisig Kapampangan

Not the usual mayonnaise based sisig that we all see in commercial places. This is cooked in home made liver spread gravy topped by red and green chilis with of course crispy pig ears, skin, and mascara.

Adobong Bagnet with Crab Fat

This for me was the star of the night. Why? Because adobo is my jam. The crab fat made the sauce richer and the crispy bagnet? Perfection. The atsara also caught my attention as it has a distinct flavor from bay leaves. It was sweet, tangy, and refreshing if you find the bagnet too overwhelming.

Aligue Pasta with Soft Shell Crab

Better to have a detox after cause this dish is irresistbly delicious. The crunch from the soft shell crab gave this pasta a character. It is not too rich if you will ask. The sauce is just right and the pasta – aldente!

Callos Madrileña

Gooey Ox goodness just the way you like it. If you really love Spanish dishes this is perfect for your cold rainy dinner.

Moving on to another signature dish — Paella, I shall say I don’t even have to order viand because this one full of all your favorite toppings. They used annato oil instead of saffron and its taste is not too strong which is why it goes well with other dishes.

  This one for me was one of the best that night. I love thin slices pizza because I get more flavor than bread. Shroom Pizza, one of their best sellers (left photo) connected our conversation when we tried to unfold where to get truffles and where to use truffle oil. While the Chorizo pizza became my instant favorite.

My plate was full of food samples that made my dinner, but of course, I left room for dessert. This dessert is so epic I forgot my name. *laughs*

Behold — Mango Jubilee with Sampaguita Ice Cream and toasted almonds. I was telling my co-bloggers that night that it tastes familiar. I cannot sleep thinking about it, and after a day I realized I am referring to Guyabano. On the other hand, the Matcha Cookies and Cream modernized the concept of milk and cookies, so yes, you may dunk or perhaps spread the cream to your cookies.

It was raining really hard that night, but the Solstice team was really accommodating to wait for us until we can get a ride. I am recommending for you to pay a visit to rekindle or even boost your love for Filipino food.

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For reservations, you may call (+632) 802 1891, from 11 AM to 11 PM daily. Follow @solsticebyillustrado on Instagram and like facebook.com/SolsticebyIllustrado for more updates.

Try the Adobong Bagnet with Crab Fat, you are welcome! It's been a long time since I attended a blogger event. My startup events life has always been busy lately.

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Man's Best Friend

Man’s Best Friend

Before I get back to my crazy job world, I went home to Laguna to spend time with my family. Aside from seeing my siblings and parents, I look forward seeing my (our) dog, Chichay. I met her as a puppy and I am glad that even though I don’t go home as often as I would , she stills remember me. 

She is even calm with my husband now. I wish I could have a dog in QC but I can’t.

Just the other day…

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New from Coffee Bean: Pure Hazelnut Drink

I’ve been in and out of Coffee Bean for our event last Saturday and during our final meeting, their store manager, Corrine let me try their newest drink. It is the Ice Blend Non-Coffee Pure Hazelnut Drink. 

At first sip, I have forgotten my name. If you love nutella you will surely love this one too. If I am correct they have a coffee version too. This drink is now one of my guilty pleasures. 

(…

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Open Letter: Bye, Nang

“Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one’s head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no to-morrow. To forget time, to forget life, to be at peace.”—Oscar Wilde, The Canterville Ghost

Nang,

I am sorry cannot look at you lying in your wooden bed when we heard the sad news, I don’t want to see you like that. I also do not want to see…

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Stunning 37th floor view

My last early event went nuts when my team arrived late at the venue. Of course, you cannot blame the lack of sleep and heavy traffic because you’re the one who needs to adjust. So for the next event, we decided to book a place to stay so we won’t be late again. Looking around BGC, hotels could be really expensive, so I tried my luck on airbnb.com.

I’ve seen my friends chose airbnb and my former head do have his own listing too, so I give it a shot.

Since his unit was not available, we searched for another and we found one on Mckinley Parkway (click the link for the airbnb listing). We were thrilled when we saw the place, it was so cozy and complete with amenities. When we say amenities, it is more than the amenities of some five-star suites in the metro.

Aside from the appliances, the bathroom is pretty much stuffed with the toiletries you will need.

They even have some perfume testers which guests can enjoy.

We checked in around 5pm then went back to work, our office was in the 34th street, in  BGC you can walk to place, but that was far. lol

We went to Mercato for dinner.

We could have stayed over the weekend to rest, but hey, I am a newly wed gal and I must go home. haha

I will definitely use airbnnb again for future travels.

xx

Tried airbnb for the first time. Check out where I stayed. My last early event went nuts when my team arrived late at the venue. Of course, you cannot blame the lack of sleep and heavy traffic because you're the one who needs to adjust.

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Uptown Cinema Experience

Work is crazy as usual. As the meme would say it “Akala ko magaling na ako… Marunong lang pala” (I thought I am good but I just know how to do it). There is always a room for improvement. I would not regret every second of my work day as it leads to something greater. New lessons every sunrise. With a mantra from my grand mom “for greater glory of God”, I know things would better.

Anyway, I…

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My July in spreads

Hello, August! 

Inside my head the people there is pancking because wedding preps is around 60% I guess. What can I do? I might just roll my eyes and laugh. 

What happened in July? I ate, watched movies, and worked. I am slowly disconnecting myself from people I know who will not do good in my life. 

Anyway, here’s an overview of my July.

Week 28: Work + Bills + Wedding

As much as I want to…

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Dinner at Gringo, SM The Block

Ever since SM The Block has been renovated, new restaurants came alive. I told myself I will check them one by one. I craved for some baby back ribs and my feet brought me to Gringo. 

If my judgement is right, their concept is a backyard barbecue party with a mexican vibe. Wood palettes, succulents, and metal, what could go wrong?

I ordered the baby back ribs, half rack, with two side dishes…

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Weekend Roundabout | Estancia Mall

I enjoyed the Lechon Kawali from Florabel with Ferry

I worked in Ortigas for seven years and yet I have not gotten the chance to visit Estancia Mall. Luckily (if I am really lucky, huh?) we participated in a weekend bazaar there. The bazaar is something you want to look forward too if, you want to get one of the kind items. I also went there for food.

So when my bff Ferry paid a visit, we decided to try Florabel because of the royal velvet violet…

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Brand New Kind of Me

June is almost over and my spread is still May. A lot of changes happened in my life that I have not annouced, I was in denial, thinking if I made the right choice. 

I left my first job of seven years with no clear reason. Things happened so quickly, all at the same time. I received a call, I said yes, I received a contract, I signed it. I am going two months with my new company.

What is it…

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It’s been months since I am practicing the art of calligraphy. Our drafting course way back in high school lingered and until now my handwriting is ugly. *laughs* It is understandable, but it is not as pretty as I dreamed it to be. When my friend Ferry sent me the link to this workshop. I said yes right away.  I thought I was never going to make it, but I did.

We started doing the basic stroke until we’ve reached the letters. They say practice makes permanent, and though nibs do not like me as of the moment, I’ll exert the much-needed effort to master this craft.

This is going to be expensive though. *laughs*

I am going to hit two birds with this post as the venue of this workshop is adorable. If I will be in Hogwarts, I guess it’s their casual cafe.

I asked the owner of the concept, she said she wanted to serve hearty food for book lovers (Oh that’s me).

There are books at the corner of the place where you can borrow and read while enjoying your butter beer.

Oh yeah, you read it right, BUTTER BEER with a shot of whisky. Actually, Ferry  and I stayed for some planner lovin’ session.

As for the food? HEAVENS.

It’s a modern Filipino cross border cuisine, which we enjoyed a lot. Take note of reasonable pricing too.

Ferry and I will definitely be back for some quiet moment (and whisky).

Tweedle Book Cafe is located at Sct. Gandia, Tomas Morato, Quezon City. It’s a quiet street so watch out for the teal gate so you won’t miss it.

Do you like Calligraphy or concept cafes? Share it with me, please.

      Tweedle Book Cafe x Calligraphy Workshop It's been months since I am practicing the art of calligraphy. Our drafting course way back in high school lingered and until now my handwriting is ugly.

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I feel like writing tonight while I watch London has fallen. I have this feeling of guilt looking at my media library full of images waiting to be shared.

If you are from the north, you will notice that SM The Block had a renovation and although one of my restaurant bid goodbye, Chef;s Noodles, more restaurant choices came to life. One of which is Mr. Pizza.

It’s a Korean Pizza Parlor with daily promos you cannot resist. We happened to avail the buy one get one promo and we ordered their best seller – Beef Bulgogi.

Taste wise, yes, the Bulgogi toppings brought joy to my palette, it is like east meets west kind of fusion.

For the get one promo, we availed the Spicy Pork which, unfortunately, not for me. It is just a subtle hotness for the pork, but it didn’t go well with the crust.  Well, that is only me, spicy lovers might appreciate it more.

What I like the most about this place is the radio booth inspired kitchen. You will see the Korean Chef’s hand tossing your dough upon ordering. You can actually watch their mini show.

Another interesting item they have is the menu. It’s like a pizza, creative indeed. As for the pricing, I believe when we tried it, it costs around P375 for the large pizza, but now I heard they have increased a little bit. Better see the promo and pricing first before dining in but with the size and taste, it is worth giving it  a try.

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For pizza slash Korean lovers out there, give Mr. Pizza a shot.

Have you tried this?

  Must try Beef Bulgogi Pizza at Mr. Pizza. I feel like writing tonight while I watch London has fallen. I have this feeling of guilt looking at my media library full of images waiting to be shared.

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I am always on the look out for places that I am the only customer – rustic, cozy, shabby. Name it, if it is quiet and they serve coffee, I am in. When we were in Wilcon Center, Visayas Avenue in Quezon City, we are looking for a place to lounge and chat. We saw this at the corner of the place.

I like the look and feel of the place, it has coffee beans, deli counter for pastries, cacti as centerpiece, and a wood/brick, open ceiling aesthetic.

I actually do not have an idea that this is a crocodile cafe, they serve croc meat in wide variety sumptuous dishes. They have their own farm where they breed and farm crocodiles. At first I am frightened to eat croc meat but after learning that it is healthy I gave it a try.

Croc Burger with French Fries

Pasta Arrabbiata with Croc Sausage

It is bland like chicken meat but it compliments the flavors you add. There is no overpowering meat taste like beef or pork. But I don’t think I am going to crave for it as I pity crocodiles being serve on our table. I just feel that crocs are not the meal type meat we would normally eat, but yeah, it is delicious.

They even sells ready to cook croc meat like tocino and others for a reasonable price. You can buy it and cook your own dish.

Verdict

Ambiance 5/5

Taste 4/5

Price 4/5

Urban Cafe @ Wilcon Center, Visayas Avenue I am always on the look out for places that I am the only customer - rustic, cozy, shabby.